Education & Programmes (including Alpha)
Children's Ministry and Sunday School
The Nature of Christian Education
The second most important agency of Christian nurture - after the family - is the church and the teaching ministry of the church is emphasized in the Bible. As the apostles Peter and Paul taught the Good News of Jesus Christ, so, too, we must teach our children the Good News and how they can be responsible members in the fellowship of believers. It is our solemn responsibility as teachers and leaders in all aspects of Little Trinity's Christian Education program, for children and adults to present clearly WHAT we believe, HOW we apply that to life, and HOW WE FUNCTION as part of God's church.
Regarding Children
Christ, Himself delighting in children, exhorts us: "Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me." He follows this with a severe warning about how we are to relate to the children entrusted to us. "If anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to be thrown into the sea..." (Mark 9: 37, 42). Strong words from our Lord!
What Ministries Do We Offer?
We have children of all ages at Little Trinity and take very seriously our call to nurture this next generation of believers. During the 10.30 am morning service there is supervised care for all the following ministries.
Babies
The nursery is located behind the sanctuary is available for infants age 0-12 months. Here you will find cots, cribs, and other supplies.
Toddlers and Twos
A program for all children from the time they begin to walk until they turn three. They meet in the large room behind the sanctuary.
Ages 3 to 6
These children stay in the service with their parents until they are invited to come forward for a short talk and prayer. Then they go to their classes in the Church House at 417 King Street.
Grades 1 to 5
These children stay in the church with their parents until the "Children's Focus" usually done by the clergy. They then go to the Little Trinity House for more worship, fun and classes. Our enrollment at this point in time hovers around 65-90 all told, with half these in Grades 1-6. We are happily using the Life Series, a Biblically based Christian Reformed Curricula (CRC Publication). It provides a solid scriptural basis and helps the student learn how to apply the lessons of the Word of God to their daily lives in a fun AND challenging way.
Youth Ministry
Campaigners and Triniteens We are excited about this year’s Jr. High (Campaigners or CPRs) and High School (Triniteens or TNT's) Youth Ministries! Lisa Vander Leek is the Youth Pastor. Triniteens meet on Friday evenings at 7 pm. Campaigners meet on Sunday mornings. Check out the youth ministry site at https://sites.google.com/site/littletrinitytriniteens, and for grades 6-8, https://sites.google.com/site/littletrinitycampaigners/!
Adult Ministry
Home Groups
The most visible dimension of our fellowship are what we call home groups. It means that we meet in small informal groups in our homes to study the Bible, share concerns in our lives, pray, and mature in Christ. Members of home groups are a cross-section of our parish - young and old, single and married, new and more mature believers. Groups usually meet weekly. Membership in these groups is an integral part of our Church life. Although many people may be hesitant at first, they find home groups vital to their growth in faith. We see this ministry as our primary educational, fellowship, and pastoral work.
ALPHA
The Alpha course is a 10 week course for anyone who wants to investigate the Christian faith in a relaxed, non-threatening manner. Eat, listen, learn, discover...and ask anything. The next ALPHA course begins on October 7th.
Bible Study
On Wednesday evenings, there is a Manthano Study Group (Manthano is a Greek word meaning learning) that meets at Little Trinity Church from 7 to 9 pm. Contact the Rev'd Christine Watt for more information.
Library
There are several hundred books, DVDs and CDS available in the Church library. You can borrow items after services on Sundays. There is also a growing children's book nook!