Trinity Kids - Our Children’s Ministry
Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” ~ Matthew 19:14
In our children’s ministry we desire to create a safe, nurturing, and loving experience for each child. We treasure each and every child that comes through our doors and want them to know how much God loves them!
The goal of our ministry is to teach the children about God’s saving grace and the Gospel of Jesus Christ in an age-appropriate manner through songs, crafts, activities, and lessons that point to Jesus.
Here is the Parent-Child agreement.
HOW DO WE DO THIS?
The Divine Service. We believe that God forgives, instructs, and strengthens His children as they gather around His Word and Sacraments on Sunday morning in the corporate worship service. The Divine Service is not an incidental part of our walk with God, but essential to growing in faith, hope, and love. We believe our children are important participants in this service as a means of their spiritual formation and growth.
Sunday School / Children’s Catechesis. This ongoing class that happens during the Sermon time each Sunday is designed for children Pre-K - 5th grade. During this time we use the Enduring Faith Bible Curriculum which traces God’s plan of salvation throughout the entire Bible—pointing students to Jesus, their Savior. In Year 1 the curriculum provides an overview of the entire Bible, in Year 2 it takes an in-depth study of the Old Testament, and in Year 3 in-depth study of the New Testament.
First Communion Catechesis (Rite of First Communion) - These 12 classes offered before the Divine Service on Sunday mornings prepare students in 2nd grade and above to receive Holy Communion. Contact Pastor Ballmann for details.
Youth Catechesis (Rite of Confirmation) - This is a two year program designed for young people to be instructed in the six major parts of the Catechism (Ten Commandments, Apostles’ Creed, Lord’s Prayer, Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper).
Home Discipleship - We believe that God calls the parents to be the primary disciplers of their children. This disciples happens both formally through prayer, teaching, and Bible reading, and informally through modeling faith in Christ, walking by the Spirit, and engagement in the life of the Church. We seek to equip our parents through encouragement, resources, and equipping.
REQUIREMENTS OF ALL CHILDREN’S MINISTRY VOLUNTEERS:
All volunteers serving in our children’s or youth ministry are required to complete the following:
Application - Each volunteer is required to fill-out an application and email to office@trinitysa.org.
Background Check - All volunteers working with children or youth are required to have a background check and email to kbrandt@knowingthesavior.org.
6-Months Rule - Before volunteers are able to be involved in a nursery or children's ministry they must first be associated with Trinity for at least six months.
Two Adults Rule - On or off premises, we always require at least two, unrelated adults supervising each room, vehicle, or other enclosed space—even if only one or two children need care.
Child Safety and Youth Protection Training - This one hour video training equips child-serving volunteers and leaders to understand how child sexual abuse manifests in ministry contexts. When adults understand the characteristics of a sexual offender and the sexual offender’s ‘grooming process’, they are better equipped to protect children. 70% passing grade is required on quizzes. Once you have completed the application and background check, Trinity will cover the training cost. Contact office@trinitysa.org for more information.
Resources for Identifying, Preventing and Responding to Abuse
The following resources aim to help adults and parents better understand how to talk with children about abuse, and gain insights on sexual abuse (particularly child sexual abuse), grooming, and abuse within a church context.
Please note that the opinions expressed in these resources do not necessarily reflect those of our church. We encourage you to use discernment as you interact with them.
Talking to Your Children About Abuse
The resources below are taken from the organization Darkness to Light and their training curriculum Stewards of Children.
Talking with Children about Safety from Sexual Abuse: This page offers some preliminary resources to help parents talk with their children.
Pre-Teens and Teens Conversation Guide: A concise guide for parents of pre-teens and teens.
Talking to Children about Events in the News: Conversation guides for parents of young and older children.
Talking to Kids about Body Safety and Boundaries: Tips for talking to kids about body safety.
Digital Safety Tips: Tips for talking to kids about digital safety.
Resources for Children:
God Made All of Me: A picture book written to help children protect their bodies.
Good Pictures Bad Pictures Jr: A book to help children ages 3-6 learn to “Turn, Run and Tell” when they are exposed to inappropriate content.
Good Pictures Bad Pictures: A book to help older children understand what pornography is and how to avoid it.
Recognizing Signs of Abuse in Children:
Grooming and Red Flag Behaviors: Helps parents to identify grooming behaviors and the stages of grooming. Lists red flag grooming behaviors and provides simple, straightforward ways for parents to address these problematic behaviors.
If You Suspect a Child is Being Harmed: This article helps identify possible signs of a child that has been abused, and gives specific advice for how to talk with a child about possible abuse and instructions for what to do next.
How to Spot Sexual Abuse in Your Church: This article discusses the dynamics and nature of sexual abuse, and recognizing the signs of grooming or predatory behavior. Please note that this article includes non-detailed descriptions of abuse which may be disturbing to some readers.