Education

The cornerstone of Trinity United Methodist Church is education. Our ministers and teachers work hard to ensure Trinity is available to every individual. The classes listed below represent all ages and stations of life, with members meeting together for fellowship, support, and study.

Questions or points of clarification? Please contact any member of the Education Committee.

Christian Education News

Sunday, February 21st, about ten 1st-5th grade students prepared a delicious meal of lasagna, garlic bread, fresh veggies and cupcakes for the youth.  Carmen Talbott was Menu Planner, Head Chef and Christian educator.  With the assistance of her teenagers, Clara and Eric, she supervised the children as they prepared an entire meal.  It was a “green meal” served on real plates with silverware and glass glasses that generated very little paper or Styrofoam waste.

On a recent Saturday evening more than a dozen women came to the church for a New Moon Valentine party with our middle school girls.  They participated in a challenge game, shared food and made bracelets to take home.  Most who attended could not have cared less about New Moon, the movie, the Twilight saga, or vampires.  Even so, they recognized – and seized – an opportunity to make a connection with some young women in the next generation of United Methodist Women.

Right now more than thirty adults and young people are in the process of planning a Baked Potato Bar to be served on February 28.  Multiple generations of folks with a variety of skills are involved in this dress rehearsal of a potentially large-scale community meal outreach project.

What do youth lunches, vampire valentine parties and baked potatoes have to do with Christian education?   

In each of these situations younger, middle-aged and older people who may have thought they had nothing in common are coming together in Christian community, learning from each other, and enjoying themselves.  The children are eager to develop new skills.  And they are experiencing the joy of serving others – something we talk about in the classroom.

The teens want to stay current, keep moving, use their hands and bodies, and do something that will make a difference in the world.  “Just tell us what to do and we’ll do it” is the message passed on through youth leader Dave.  They, too, are experiencing the joy of serving and supporting their church.

The adults provide myriad skills, gifts, experience, and a willingness to pass these on to younger generations.  While chopping vegetables, making cookies, playing games, and scrubbing potatoes we are making new connections and strengthening relationships that fortify our community of faith.

When we exit the classrooms, end the meetings, and turn off the electronic devices, we finally get to encounter each other as brothers and sisters in Christ.  We get to talk, work, teach, lead, learn, and serve together in Christian love.  We get to experience the Holy Spirit among us. We get to live the lessons we read about in the Bible and hear about in worship. We get to live our faith.

And isn’t living our faith what Christians are called to do?  I say, “Let’s live it up!”

Miss Jacki

 

CHILDREN'S MINISTRY FORUM

Later this month the General Board of Discipleship of the United Methodist church will host a Children’s Ministry Forum in Raleigh-Durham, NC.  I am registered to attend the three-day event that is open to everyone.  If you would like to go, too, please let me know.

Of the thirty workshops that are being offered, I have chosen these six:

• Pastoral Care with Children and Families
• Developing and Equipping Leadership
• Pop Culture and Ministry
• Workable Evangelism in Children’s Ministry
• Teaching Kids Stewardship
• Toward the Future.

The Staff-Parish Committee has asked me to share what I learn with Trinity and other churches in our area – something I am eager to do.

The cost of the trip (estimated at $800.00) is not included in the 2010 budget. A member of the Staff-Parish Committee may already have contacted you with a request for financial support.  The opportunity to contribute is open to all.

If you are able to provide financial assistance, please indicate “Children’s Ministry Forum” on the memo line of your check.  Thank you for your prayers and your support. See you in church!

Jacki

CONTEMPORARY ISSUES CLASS

Our Contemporary Issues class is Trinity's forum for discussion and conversation of current events and issues as they affect the Christian community.

The Contemporary Issues Classis meeting on Sundays at 9:15 am in the Fireside Room.   

The topics for the next few weeks are:

April 18	"Are We Too Close to Israel" - A Look at a Unique Relationship
April 25	Petty Gossip or Protection Conspiracy? An Examination of the Catholic Church's On going Controversy
May 2	Unemployment Benefits--Assistance or Enabling the Unmotivated?
May 9	Tolerance and Faith:  A Collision of Principles
May 16	"Immigration Reforms Through the Eyes of a Secular Christian"
May 23	"Words Matter.  The Responsible Public Discourse on Controversial Topics"
May 30	"The Year in Review and.... Anything Else" (last class before summer break)

Paul Brezinski

PASTOR'S CLASS - 9:30am in Room 202

The last couple of months have seen the “Pastor`s Class” cover a multitude of different parts of the Bible. Those who have attended have taken part in studies of Galatians, James, and a survey of “The Twelve” (Hosea, Joel, Amos, Obadiah, Jonah, Micah, Nahum, Habakkuk, Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi). And we have just concluded with a look at 1 Peter.

We are going to be changing course for the next two months because of the Lenten season. Pastor Dan is coming back to the class for the month of February. He will be taking a look at Jude for the first two weeks, and then will start Three Simple Rules by Ruben P. Job for the final two weeks of the month. Brian will then pick up and conclude the study of Three Simple Rules in April. The book is a great introduction to Wesley and his/our beliefs as United Methodists. We will see that though the rules are “simple”, they are an integral part of our faith. The Bible study will pick back up in April with Pastor Dan. The subject has yet to be determined.

This has been a great experience for us to get a better understanding of our faith and the Bible, and has helped us to grow together as a congregation. Maybe you have wanted to come, but have not had time. We have complete notes that were handed out at the James and 1 Peter studies. If you are interested in attaining copies, please contact Brian at wesley1725@yahoo.com, or via telephone – 847.398.6511. 

Thank you,
Brian Hendricks and Pastor Dan

LENTEN STUDIES

Three simple rules—“Do no harm,” “Do all the good you can,” “Stay in love with God.”
Simple, yet profound.  Wesley used them as headings for his “Rules for the Societies.  We will be using them to guide our Lenten disciple.
Bishop Reuben Job will guide us into a reflection upon the three rules.  However, the emphasis will be on discussion of what it means to do no harm, do all the good you can, and stay in love with God.  This discussion will be geared to practical application.  How do I do no harm now, do good now, love God now. 
The discussion will also lead to sharing about living the rules in our lives.  You may be surprised at how many ways you already live the rules.  You may be challenged about ways that you can live the rules.  You may be pleased with the difference that this intentional approach to living for Christ can make.
The Lenten Discipline is meeting on Sunday mornings at 9:20 a.m. in the Pastor’s Bible Study, either Trinity Hall or room 202 (site to be determined), and on Tuesday evenings at 7:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room.  The class will extend through the Lenten season.

Youth On Sunday will use "Three Simple Rules 24/7" as their focus during Lent at 9:30 in the Loft.

WOMEN’S BIBLE STUDY

Women’s Bible Study is continuing on Mondays at 10:00 AM in Trinity Hall. We will discuss Mary and Martha. Contact Meena Rathod or Jacki Bogolia

 

Whatever your age or interest, you'll find plenty of activities for you and your family to become involved in at Trinity.Each will help you learn how to grow spiritually as you find the most effective way to use your spiritual gifts.

Your ideas are important and your participation is vital to our education ministry.

Please contact Jacki Bogolia,Christian Education Director to ask questions, share ideas, and discuss issues.

Email: jjbogolia@comcast.net or leave a message in the church office.

WHAT ARE THE NUMBERS FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH?

4  = Number of Sunday morning classes for children and youth last year.

6 = Number of classes starting October 2009!

9  =  Number of Classes + Groups + Nursery for children and youth

That’s right... 9 opportunities for children and youth to experience God’s love and develop their Christian faith at Trinity United Methodist Church on Sunday morning: 

• Pre K and Kindergarten may watch movies in the Nursery between 9:30-10:30.
• Pre K and Kindergarten class meets at 10:45 in Room 203.
• 1st through 5th grade hang out in Trinity Hall between 9:15-10:15.
• 1st through 3rd grade class meet at 10:45 in Room 206.
• 4th and 5th grade meets at 10:45 in Room 204.
• Confirmation class is held at 9:15 in Pastor Dan’s study.
• Jr. and Sr. Highs meet in the Loft at 9:15.
• Jr. and Sr. Highs meet in the Loft at 10:45.
• Child care for Toddlers and Infants provided in the Nursery throughout the morning.

Contact Jacki Bogolia, Director of Christian Education for more information.

COMMUNION CLASS - APRIL 18th @ 9:30am

Children in 1st-5th grade and their parents are invited to learn about this holy sacrament in the United Methodist Church.  We will begin at 9:30 and continue until 10:30 when families may sit together for worship, as usual.  After the Children's Message, Communion Class will resume during Sunday school until 11:30 a.m.

Trinity Preschool Book Drive

One of the nice things the preschool does is to have a lending library for the families and since we lost all of our books in the storm two years ago, we do not have enough books for our library.

We are doing a mini book drive to help rebuild our lending library; so if you have old children's books (picture books only please) that you would be willing to donate to us, we would be very appreciative! 

You can leave them in the church office, drop them off at the preschool or call Mary Ristau at 847-357-1513 and we will pick them up. 

Thank you.

LEARN TO USE THE BIBLE

Students in 3rd grade and older are invited to a 6-week Bible Learning Lab. Stations with crafts, snacks, puzzles, codes, music and other activities will introduce students to the Bible and show them how to use it for reference and personal devotions. The Lab will be offered on Sundays and Wednesdays - you choose the session that fits your schedule each week. Start dates are Sunday, February 7 and Wednesday, February 10. Please RSVP by Jan. 24th so that adequate supplies may be provided. Students who complete the Lab will be recognized in a special worship service and receive an "Adventure Bible" of their own. Contact Jacki Bogolia for more information.

Sunday Morning Shepherds Needed

Our Sunday morning "sausage casing" is packed full of activities for young people. The Nursery playroom, Charles Wesley Ringers, Cherub Choir, Shepherd Choir, Computers, Kids and Christ as well as Youth On Sunday provide a variety of music, Christian education and fellowship opportunities for infants, toddlers, children and youth.

With so much going on in so many places, it can get confusing at times for both children and adults. Some folks might call this a "wonderful problem". Others view it as a low-key, casual opportunity to be involved in an important ministry without having to do any advance preparation.

Adults are invited to be available on rotating Sunday mornings between 9:20 - 10:00. You will meet the children in the sanctuary at the end of bell choir and escort them to age-appropriate activities in different rooms. Please contact Jacki Bogolia or leave a message in the church office for more information.

Children in Worship

Young people are an essential part of worship at Trinity UMC. Worship bags with quiet activities for young children are available in the narthex. Each Sunday following the Time for Children, young people may leave the sanctuary for church school, or remain in worship with their parents.

Since communal worship is an integral part of the Christian education experience, services that meet the special needs of young people will be offered throughout the year.

Pre-Kindergarten

• 8:00 am -- Infant and Toddler care in the Nursery until end of 10:30 worship

• Live BIG Sunday school at 10:45 a.m. in the Nursery (Pre K in Room 203)

• Parents, please pick up your children immediately following the worship service and escort them to the Narthex for fellowship time together.

• Kindergartners may join PreK group in Room 203, or, older children in Room 206 based on the parents' decision regarding each child's maturity.

  
  

Elementary (Kindergarten through 5th grade)

• Computers, Kids & Christ at 9:30 am

• Live BIG Sunday School meets at 10:45: K-2nd grade in Room 206; 3rd-5th grade in Room 204

• Parents, please pick up your children immediately following the worship service and escort them to the Narthex for fellowship time together

Computers

1st – 5th grade students are invited to hang out in the Computer Center, Room 101 of the Education Wing between 9:30 – 10:15 every Sunday morning.

 Contact Jacki Bogolia with any questions, ideas, or concerns regarding
Trinity UMC’s Christian Education Ministry for Children.

 

Youth (6th through 12th grade)

beginning in October at these locations throughout the morning:

• 9:15 am -- Meet and eat in Pastor Dan's study and do Confirmation
• 10:00 am -- Activities outside or in Fellowship Hall
• 10:30 am -- Worship (sit with youth or your family)
• 10:45 am -- Meet in Narthex; LinC with Jacki

PADS and Pizza, WINGS and Wings
Service Opportunities for Trinity Youth every Friday

Trinity Youth have responded to the needs of homeless persons in our community by setting up rooms for PADS guests each Friday afternoon.  Other youth groups have responded to this need as well.  They come to Trinity the first Friday of every month to serve.

Youth leader Dave Borum is working with our neighbors across the street at WINGS (Women in Need Growing Stronger) to discover ways our young people might also respond to the needs of homeless and abused women and children who have suffered from domestic violence.

Beginning Feb. 6th, the first Friday of each month will be designated "WINGS and wings" for Trinity Youth.  Young people will meet at 4:00 as usual.  We will walk across the street to provide hands-on service at the WINGS facility before enjoying a meal of chicken wings, buffalo wings, wild wings or any kind of "winged" snacks here at the church.   Youth are asked to bring $3.00 each Friday to cover food costs.  Contact Dave Borum for more information.