Lifelong Formation Cohort Leadership
Vestry Liaisons:
Josh Fiala, Niven Narain, Katie Wrisley Shelby
Staff Support:
Abi Moon (Senior Associate) and Katrina Leslie (Minister for Youth & Young Adults)
Cohort Co-Conveners:
Katie Wrisley Shelby and Peter Howe
In our Baptismal Covenant, the very first promise we affirm is to “continue in the apostles’ teaching and fellowship.” Our Women’s & Men’s Bible Studies are one of the many ways parishioners at Trinity Church fulfill this promise, as we gather each Wednesday morning, taught and led by our clergy, to engage with the upcoming Sunday’s Gospel lesson and to learn from it and from each other in a fellowship. As Episcopalians, we understand the Bible to be “the Word of God, because God inspired [its] human authors and because God still speaks to us through the Bible.” For our weekly Bible studies, women gather with our female clergy, men with our male clergy, and for all who do not identify with a single gender, we invite you to attend the study most comfortable for you.
The Adult Formation Committee serves the parishioners of Trinity Church by supporting the clergy in the implementation of Trinity’s adult education and spiritual formation programs throughout the program year (September—May). We aim to help Trinity’s parishioners, visitors, and our neighbors in the city of Boston to grow in love of God and one another through these programs.
Members of the AFC serve these programs in several ways: i.e., we meet regularly to ascertain and serve the needs of the clergy and parish within those programs; we help plan and implement some of the Sunday forums in accordance with the program year theme; we attend and take attendance at Sunday forums; we participate in and give feedback regarding specific formation opportunities; and we assist with the planning and execution of the annual Anne Berry Bonnyman Symposium. These responsibilities will necessarily evolve according to the specific demands of each new program year.
The Anne Berry Bonnyman Symposium is an annual event honoring the Rev. Anne Berry Bonnyman, Trinity’s 19th Rector (2006-2011), for her commitment to social justice and the eradication of racism, and for her vision in making “the Church in the city a place of hope and possibility, a source of God’s healing and vision for all people” [quoted from the announcement of her call as Rector]. The Symposium’s Mission is to give Trinity Church a living platform for addressing systemic racism in our church and community. Past speakers and panelists at this event have included the Most Rev. Michael Curry, the Rt. Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows, the Very Rev. Dr. Michael Battle, and Alison Mariella Désir, among other distinguished guests.
To that end, a planning team is assembled each year to help host this event. This team works closely with the Rector’s Office on various tasks related to the Symposium, duties which might include: researching and selecting themes and speakers, organizing logistics, and promoting the event to the parish and the city.
Jesus said, “Let the children come to me, and do not stop them, for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” (Matthew 19:14)
Children are central to Trinity’s life and vitality as a parish family. Early Childhood Ministry partners with families, walking alongside and guiding children as they learn about God, strive to emulate Christ’s life of service, explore the Bible, and understand the Church.
Children belong at the center of our collective worship. They thrive as we lovingly accept them as partners on our families’ shared journey of faith. Each member of Trinity’s community shares responsibility for nurturing children’s faith and honoring their spiritual gifts. We support parents as they nurture the spiritual growth of their children.
Sunday School operates from September-May, offering classes from preschool to 3rd grade. The Nursery is open year-round to children four and under.
Children’s homily offers age-appropriate activities and teaching centered on the lectionary during worship, and a variety of family-focused events outside of services build community while celebrating children’s contributions to our parish.
The Acolyte Ministry at Trinity Church Boston provides an opportunity for our 6th through 12th graders to serve the congregation, grow their understanding of our sacred practices and increase their engagement with the church. This ministry is important to help the overall functionality of our worship services. The acolytes are responsible for leading the worship procession, setting the table for communion, and receiving the offerings from the church. Acolytes are trained every year regardless of how many years they have been serving. This purposeful role of youth serving the church up front provides a new space to deepen their faith and increase youth engagement.
The 20s & 30s Ministry is a vibrant community of young adults at Trinity Church Boston. We are a diverse group of university students, international students, young professionals, young families and everything in between. 20s & 30s Ministry meets regularly for monthly meals and fellowship events, and weekly peer-led Sunday Bible Study. Some past favorites have been our Fall Kickoff Dinner, a Boston Duck Boat Tour, Book Club, Bagel Brunches and volunteering with Pine Street Inn. Our purpose is to create a Christian community for young adults to find friendships and closeness with God. We strive to make the 20s & 30s Ministry a place in a big city that knows you by name and helps you feel known and loved at Trinity Church.
The Youth Ministry at Trinity Church Boston includes three cohorts of ages: Club 45 (4th and 5th grades), Middle School (6th – 8th grades) and High School (9th – 12th grades). The Youth meet every Sunday during the Program Year for Youth Formation – a time to learn more about God’s love through fun games and inclusive conversations. Throughout the year, fellowship opportunities are offered for further community building. Some past favorites have been our Donut Sundays, Lock-Ins, Scavenger Hunts, and Ice-Skating afternoon. We value each youth as the unique individual God has created them to be. We strive to provide a space where youth can ask big questions, meaningfully contribute to our beloved church community and grow their faith in God.
