Trinity Parish seeks to be fully-alive in Christ.

To do so we need to deepen our sense of togetherness with God and in God. This is why we honor and celebrate the fresh, honest voices of our young people as they discover how they are leaders in the world.

We are bringing our youth into the center of our life and mission.

In the past 5 years, our youth group's size has grown dramatically. Now in 2010, we continue to see that growth but we are also recommitting ourselves to connecting more deeply with our youth, encouraging them to have a louder voice in worship, and more input in planning outreach.

Youth Ministry is not just at 'Youth Group' !

Almost all our young people also participate in other parts of Trinity's life. On Sundays, many sing in our amazing choirs, acolyte, and/or assist church-school classes. During the week, we make food-pantry grocery runs, cook and serve at soup-kitchens, and meet and feed people at the popular 'Midnight Run' in New Haven.

Youth Group Classes (see links to the right for calendars and details)

Our youth groups for grades 6-12 are thriving and growing. Our 6-7th graders and 8-9th grade groups meet on a weekly basis during the school year. Eric leads the two younger classes with the help of mentors. Our 10-12th graders meet with adult mentors (not always Eric) less frequently, focus on service projects, fundraisers, and fun. The following groupings reflect the 2009-2010 year; last year, 2008-2009, the groups were 6-8th grade, 9-10th, 11-12th.

6-7th grade class

Meeting weekly, we spend a lot of time having fun and getting to know each other, doing service projects, and exploring our Christian faith.

At the end of the school year every June, one Sunday morning during our morning worship, we all celebrate and pray with each youth as she/he turns 13. This class prepares them spiritually for that transition from childhood to adolescence.

8-9th grade class

The 8-9th grade class meets weekly while (required) confirmation classes happen about once a month.

Eric's emphasis for our weekly time together is Sabbath-time and community building. Our teens are so busy! Many are heavily involved here already, in choirs, service projects, and CnC, not to mention their sports, homework and family-time.

There's substance too, though. Recent and upcoming topics include: preparing for upcoming activities like a 30-hour Famine and mission trip to NYC, substance abuse and spirituality,

'Confirm not Conform' program for 8-9th graders

Confirmation is unique at Trinity and requires real commitment from teens and adults. Eric has introduced Confirm not Conform (CnC), a brand new Episcopal program and he has fit it into what Trinity already does well. For us, it is a 2-year program culminating in episcopal laying on of hands-very official!-the spring of 2011. CnC includes 16 classes, a few retreats, service projects, worship services, and it pairs each teen with a sponsor. We adds a service requirement with 2 pieces: Sunday worship duties and service to our neighbors who are hungry or in distress.

10-12th grade class (a.k.a. 'Post-Confirmation Squad' or PCS)

Our oldest teens, having gotten through the rigors of confirmation, get more freedom to initiate and organize fun trips and service projects. They helped bring Midnight Run to Trinity and manage a reserve fund for fundraisers and outreach donations.

Typical Weekly Meeting Schedule

Here is a typical* Sunday schedule:

• 4-5:30 pm 6-7th grade class
• 5:30-6 pm Evening worship (for 6-9th graders and adults)
• 6-7:30 pm 8-9th grade class

*PLEASE NOTE: Check the calendar (linked above on the right) for weeks-off and other changes, e.g.:

• The clergy sometimes expand the worship to a full hour and the next class shifts 30 minutes back.
• Sometimes the CnC class starts with a meal together, which might add time to the class.

For more information, please contact Eric Jeuland at (203) 255-0454 ext. 301 or YouthAndOutreach@TrinitySouthport.org . His cell phone is also reliable: (203) 507-4273

Join us on the Path of Christ and Crazy Fun!