Family Ministries

Children’s and Family Ministries seek to nurture your child’s relationship with God through opportunities that introduce the life, love, and example of Jesus. Our aim is to partner with families in the parent/child journey of discovery towards a life of discipleship and faith. Children bring gifts of joy and wonder to the church. As they begin their walk with God, we endeavor to nurture this vital relationship with encouragement and guidance. We also understand the significance of fostering meaningful friendships among children and creating faith-filled bonds between parents, leaders, and children. Children’s values and beliefs are first formed within the context of their family and part of our mission is to support parents as they develop and strengthen their own relationship with God. For more information, contact: 



SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY WORSHIP OPTIONS


Children are always welcome at all worship services at Holy Trinity. The 10:30 a.m. service is particularly family friendly. Everyone is encouraged to dress as casually as they wish, and children making a joyful noise are welcomed! Green worship bags in the Narthex contain a variety of ways to occupy small hands. Please return the bags and their reusable contents to the baskets after the service.

 

Nursery Care: The nursery for birth through four-years-old is located on the first floor of the Parish House in Room 105 and is open on Sundays 8:15 – 11:45 a.m. Our paid childcare providers are supplemented as needed by volunteers. Enter from the back parking lot by the door under the breezeway, and the nursery is the first door to your left.


Children’s Chapel: Offered Sundays at the 10:30 a.m. service during the program year for children four-year Pre-K through 3rd grade. Children hear a story, sing songs, and pray. They take turns serving as acolytes, crucifer, and ushers. Please have your children bring money for the offering, which is added to the offering in the church. The Eucharist is a time of discovery and full participation for children. When the alms basins are brought forward at the Offering, the young people from Children’s Chapel and their leaders will follow the ushers to the altar. There, the young people may stand around the altar for the whole eucharistic prayer. Their presence helps remind everyone that the celebration of the Eucharist is our communal feast of eternity. Children will return to their families to receive communion.


Host Families at 10:30 a.m. Worship Service: On the first and third Sundays, there will be a host family who serves as Oblation Bearers (members of the host family bring the bread and wine for Communion to the altar). Members of the host family can also serve as Lectors (reading the scripture lessons for the day) and Intercessor (reading the Prayers of the People), but reading is always optional. If members of the host family are acolytes, they can also serve in this capacity.


Children’s Sunday School Classes: We offer a combination of intergenerational, milestone, and grade level Sunday school classes. We also have a designated monthly Sabbath Sunday. Unless otherwise announced, kindergarten – fifth grade meet 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. on the second floor of the Parish House. Kindergarten – 2nd grade in Room 209, and 3rd - 5th grade in Room 211. Each class is led by two adult volunteers, using a combination of lectionary-based curriculum and Godly Play, a Montessori-based curriculum.

 

Sabbath Sundays – Time to Rest, Reflect, Connect: The following Sundays have been designated as Sabbath Sundays for children, youth, and adults: Oct. 18, Nov. 22, Jan. 10, Feb. 21, March 21, and April 4. Between services on Sabbath Sundays, we will gather informally with our church family from both the 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. services to enjoy a coffee hour and doughnuts. An intergenerational gathering with no agenda or program, simply a time to hang out and talk with old friends and meet new friends.

 

Holy Baptism Milestone for Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders: We are introducing an exciting new milestone this year! Holy Baptism is the primary moment in the life of a Christian person when they become members of the church by water and the Holy Spirit. Children will explore the four essential elements of Holy Baptism: forgiveness of sin, uniting us to our savior, Jesus Christ, being sealed by the Holy Spirit as Christ’s own forever, and finally, making us members of Christ’s church. On Sunday, Sept. 20, we will meet with our Rite 13 milestone buddies in the Youth House for an introduction to the Milestones, doughnuts, and fellowship. On Sunday, Sept. 27 and Oct. 4, the children will have special lessons on Holy Baptism during their regular Sunday school class in Room 211. On Sunday, Oct. 11, at 9:30 a.m., in All Saints Chapel, Fr. David Umphlett and Marjorie Donnelly will lead a family-friendly conversation with the children and their parents about the meaning of Baptism. The preparation culminates on Sunday, Oct. 18 at the 10:30 a.m. service when the children witness a baptism. Our party on Sunday, Oct. 25 with our milestone buddies will be in the Youth House.


SPECIAL EVENTS FALL 2026


Middle School Lock-in: Youth in grades 6-8 are invited to an overnight Lock-In on Friday, Aug. 21-Saturday, Aug. 22. We’ll drop sleeping stuff at the Robert Payne Youth House, then go to TOP GOLF for fun and food. We’ll have games, crafts, a movie, and more!

 

Blessing of Backpacks: We will bless the backpacks or briefcases of students and teachers returning to school, adults returning to the office, and anyone who needs a boost. Sunday, Aug. 23, 10:30 a.m. service. Everyone will receive a Holy Trinity Backpack tag that says, You & Me? We're Neighbors!

 

Family Service Day: Saturday, October 3, details to come.

 

Blessing of the Animals: In commemoration of the Feast of St. Francis, join us to give thanks for the animals in our lives and ask God’s blessing. We will collect pet food and supplies for Red Dog Farm, a local animal rescue. Sunday, Oct. 4, 4 p.m., Labyrinth.


The Great Search Talk with John Philip Newell: Internationally renowned Celtic teacher John Philip Newell will outline the core themes of his book, The Great Search, offering a prophetic message of hope that points toward a path of healing, harmony, and deeper intimacy with the Earth amidst modern religious and political divisions. Friday, Oct. 16, 6:45-8:45 p.m., Christ UMC


Trunk or Treat: All superheroes, magical animals, and spooky faces are welcome at our annual Trunk or Treat celebration. A pizza dinner will be served in Haywood Duke from 5-7 p.m., and Trunk or Treat will begin in the back parking lot at 6 p.m. Parishioners are needed to decorate their trunks and provide treats for children. There are prizes for spookiest, most creative, and best in show trunks and costumes. Wednesday, Oct. 28, back parking lot

 

All Saints’ Day Celebration: At 10:30 a.m. following the Peace, Mr. Riley will lead a parade of children and youth wearing crowns and waving streamers singing the spiritual When the Saints Go Marching In. Children in the Baptism Milestone and youth in the Rite 13 Milestone will march with their “Milestone Buddies” in the parade. All children and youth will meet at 9:30 a.m. in Broome Hall for doughnuts and to prepare for the parade. Sunday, Nov. 1, Nave

 

Advent Wreath Making: The tradition of lighting the candles of the Advent wreath brings new meaning to the waiting and hoping that fills the long December days before Christmas. Young and old, families and singles are invited to gather for a pizza dinner and Advent wreath making. Bring your own live greens and clippers. Other supplies are provided. Wednesday, Dec. 2, 5:30-7 p.m., Haywood Duke

 

Annual Meeting and Vestry Elections: The annual parish meeting to elect new Vestry will be held Sunday, Dec. 6 at 9:30 a.m. While the adults meet, children and youth will gather in the Youth House to kick off our special Advent Sunday school classes.

 

Angel Tree Shopping: Every year, EYC sponsors children and families in need of Christmas cheer. Youth choose an individual from the list and work in groups to shop within a budget provided. December 2026

 

Christmas Caroling to Greensboro Urban Ministry: Join us as we share the joy and hope of the Christmas season through song at Greensboro Urban Ministry, located at 305 West Gate City Blvd. We will be singing Christmas carols with Riley Walker during lunch. All ages welcome to participate - no musical experience necessary, just a joyful heart! Come help us spread Christmas joy and remind our neighbors that they are seen, valued and loved. Saturday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m., Greensboro Urban Ministry

 

Birthday Party for Jesus: Wear your favorite pajamas to our Birthday Party for Jesus during Wednesday Night Supper. Breakfast for Dinner is served from 5:30-7 p.m. in Haywood Duke with Christmas crafts for the children. Youth are invited to earn service hours helping children at the craft tables. The evening culminates with singing “Happy Birthday to Jesus” and everyone enjoying birthday cake! Wednesday, Dec. 16, 5:30-7 p.m., Haywood Duke Room


SPECIAL EVENTS SPRING 2027


The Lord’s Prayer Milestone for Kindergarten, First, and Second Graders: Prayer is the language of the heart. It is a pathway to God. We want our children from an early age to learn the words of the prayer that Jesus taught us so that they can join in praying together when we worship. To prepare, on Sunday, Jan. 17, we will meet with our Confirmation milestone buddies in the Robert Payne Youth House for an introduction to the Milestones, a special Martin Luther King program, doughnuts, and fellowship. On Sunday, Jan. 24 and 31, at 9:30 a.m., the children will have special lessons on the Lord’s Prayer during their regular Sunday school class. On Sunday, Feb. 7 at 9:30 a.m., parents and their children join Fr. David Umphlett and Marjorie Donnelly in All Saints Chapel for a special lesson on prayer. The preparation culminates on Sunday, Feb. 14 at the 10:30 a.m. service when the children lead the congregation in praying the Lord’s Prayer followed by a party in the youth house with their Confirmation milestone buddies.


Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, Burying the Alleluias, & Mardi Gras Carnival: Gather at 5:30 p.m. outside Haywood Duke and process to the Columbarium to bury Alleluias for the season of Lent. A pancake supper and Mardi Gras carnival with pancake races and pancake decorating follows. The supper serves as a fundraiser for EYC’s Glory Ridge mission trip. Tuesday, Feb. 9, 5:30-7 p.m., Columbarium and Haywood Duke

Price Scholarship 2027: Seniors in high school who are confirmed members of Holy Trinity are eligible to apply for the Price scholarship, which provides $16,000 if they attend an accredited four-year college or university as a full-time student for four years. Candidates must demonstrate commitment to achieving success during high school and in future collegiate studies and have financial need. Applications will be available online Tuesday, Jan. 12 with a due date of Thursday, March 11.


Easter Day Nursery, Flowering of the Cross, and Children’s Chapel: We will have nursery care during the 9 a.m. service. A large wooden cross is placed outside the church doors, and parishioners are encouraged to bring flowers from home to flower the cross at all services. After flowering the cross at 9 a.m., parents of children ages kindergarten through third grade should take their children to Broome Hall for a special Easter Children’s Chapel. They will rejoin their families at the Peace.


Easter Coffee & Lemonade and Egg Hunt: After the 9 a.m. Easter Day service, parishioners and guests are invited to the Patterson Terrace for fellowship and the start of the Easter egg hunts.


Vacation Bible School registration opens in February. Open to rising four-year-old Pre-K through rising fifth graders. There is a special service-learning track for fourth and fifth graders with field trips off campus to volunteer at places such as FaithAction International. Rising sixth graders and older can serve as Junior Shepherds. June 14-17.