YOUTH FORMATION
Grades 6th–12th
Virginia Christian
Director of Youth & Young Adult Formation
New classes will begin Sept. 14, 2025.
6th & 7th Grade Sunday School—10 am
How do we read the Bible? What makes us human, and why are we here? How can we learn from the successes and failures of those who came before us? This two-year cycle of lessons explores these questions and more through the people and the writings of the Old Testament. This vital core of Christian formation helps prepare our youth for Confirmation and the many years beyond.
The 6th–7th grade Sunday school class meets in its own classroom downstairs. Detailed information is available for parents, and classes will be taught by Emma Burgess and Mona Dominguez.
8th Grade Confirmation Class—10 am
Confirmation is a big moment—both within families and as a sacred milestone. During their 8th-grade year, youth prepare for this moment in the heart, mind and spirit. Each week we will explore the nature of God, the foundations of our faith, the history of the church and God’s call.
The 8th-grade Confirmation class also meets downstairs in its own classroom. The months-long process begins in September and concludes with Confirmation Sunday in the spring. More than just learning about scripture and history, this class is meant to help our youth on the journey of laying claim to their faith as their own. Detailed information is available for parents, and classes will be taught by Rev. Pete Burgess and Caroline Garner.
9th–12th Grade Sunday School—10 am
Confirmation is not the end of one’s journey in faith, but rather a new beginning. For our youth it is the beginning of young adulthood in the church, and our Sunday morning formation time reflects a shift in focus toward navigating life’s challenges with greater independence and responsibility. To unpack this many-layered subject, we will learn from the examples of significant Christian figures. How were they different from us, and in what ways were they similar? What were their challenges, and how did they overcome them? Most importantly, what challenges do we see in the world around us, and how might we move through this complex world in faith?
Our 9th–12th grade class meets in the EYC room on Sunday mornings. As they are approaching the independence of young adulthood, conversations and activities will be more fully centered around their own lives, experiences and questions. Detailed information is available for parents, and classes will be led by Virginia Christian, Neally Lewis and Parker Lewis.
EYC will begin Sept. 7, 2025.
EYC Sunday Nights
5–6 pm . . . . . . . . Junior EYC (6th–8th grades)
6–6:30 pm . . . . . .Dinner for ALL
6:30–7:30 pm . . . Senior EYC (9th–12th grades)
The Episcopal Youth Community (EYC) includes, serves and encourages all youth in 6th–12th grades—helping them to grow into compassionate, faithful, committed followers of Christ. EYC Sunday meetings are open to all Holy Trinity youth, as well as their friends. This year we are looking forward to offering separate gatherings for Junior EYC (6th–8th grades) and Senior EYC (9th–12th grades). Both groups will come together for dinner. EYC is focused on community, friendship and fun, rather than specific areas of learning.
EYC activities include games of various kinds, hands-on crafts, movie nights, worship and opportunities to serve others. One of the signatures of EYC is praying the service of Compline together. A favorite of youth and adults alike, this service from the Book of Common Prayer is one of the treasures of our church and a tradition our EYC holds dear.
This Fall we will offer a retreat for the Senior EYC to Lake Martin (Sept. 19–21) and for the Junior EYC to Camp ASCAA (Nov. 14–16). In early 2026, we will offer an opportunity for a limited number of Senior EYC members to take part in the Person2Person Retreat led by the Diocese (Jan. 16–19). Please look out for opportunities to sign up for these, and let Virginia know if you have any questions.
If you have any questions or if you would like to be added to our weekly email list, please contact Virginia Christian.
Happening in Alabama
Nov. 7–9, 2025
Host Parish: St. Johns, Montgomery, Ala.
Happening is a three-day weekend during which 10th–12th graders spend time seriously considering the person and teaching of Jesus Christ in a relaxed, fun, informal and loving atmosphere. The weekends are held each year at a different parish around the Diocese of Alabama. There are opportunities for everyone to share, discuss, learn and live with fellow Christians in an environment of acceptance and understanding and experience a personal encounter with the living Christ, as expressed in the traditions of the Episcopal Church.
