Trinity Episcopal Church
371 Delaware Avenue, Buffalo, NY 14202
(716) 852-8314
Position Open: Director of Children’s Ministries
Contact: The Rev. Matt Lincoln,
About Trinity Church
The work of the staff at Trinity is to support the parish community in its ministries by giving members the tools they need to discern their calling and work for spiritual growth, justice, peace, and community, both within the congregation and throughout the Buffalo area. As a parish, we explore Christian spirituality and tradition from a socially and theologically progressive angle, which needs to be reflected in our children’s programing.
Trinity’s Sunday morning worship is built around an absolutely open invitation to communion, with experimental liturgy and eclectic music that is led by both an organist and a jazz pianist. The children lead the gathering procession in church and then go to their own space for Creator Quest, Trinity’s Sunday School program. They return at the mid-point in the service to be present for communion. Creator Quest developed at Trinity over the last 20 years as a values-oriented exploration of the Christian faith and other spiritual traditions. It is always adaptable to new possibilities. A high point of the kids’ year is the Christmas pageant, which has a role for everybody, and includes live animals.
Outside of Sunday mornings, Trinity offers two unique occasions for worship each week. One is based on the 12 Steps of AA, and the other is an opportunity for reflection and meditation based on contemporary poetry, music and silence.
In the Buffalo community, Trinity is known for its advocacy for social justice and its support of the sanctuary movement. Trinity partners with such organizations as VOICE Buffalo, Compass House, Friends of the Night People, Habitat for Humanity, Homespace, and Say Yes Buffalo.
Trinity’s mission statement:
Trinity is a metropolitan house of prayer – a community of worship and spiritual inquiry, welcoming all people. Recognizing our common brokenness, yet rejoicing in the reconciling love of God, we will
•Embody the diversity of the Christian faith as expressed through the Episcopal Church;
•Nurture one another in our spiritual life;
•Proclaim the love of God for all people in the voices of each new generation;
•Gather the wisdom and resources of the community of faith to name and heal the wounds of injustice.
Position Summary
The Director of Children’s Ministries works directly with the children in the church and provides leadership, training and support for leaders of Trinity’s religious Education programing for children. The Director works in collaboration with the Rector, Parish Administrator/Director of Ministry Development, the building staff, parents, and lay leaders, to ensure the success of the weekly religious education programming, facilitate integration of children in other worship activities and church events, plan and execute special events for children.
Reports and Responsible To: Rector
Part time position (approximately 15 hours per week). Sunday mornings, plus flexible office hours during the week, with occasional Saturday or evening work as education activities and events require
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Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Guides and facilitates children’ ministry leaders in selecting and developing curriculum and other program materials for children’s and teens’ programs, in collaboration with Rector.
Recruits and develops community of teachers, while teaching when needed.
Procures and organizes supplies and materials for children’s programs, assuring that materials are in place each week.
Edits website and church social media pages in collaboration with staff and volunteers
Essential Qualifications
Minimum AA degree in childhood education or a minimum of 3 years experience in a childhood education setting.
Valid driver license and reliable automobile
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Ability to multitask, stay organized and attend to details, while always seeing the options for adjusting to changing circumstances
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with volunteer management
Strong commitment to relationship building, pastoral care and ongoing learning
Familiarity with the Episcopal Church
Demonstrated computer skills and proficiency in office/project software, including Mac-based software
Familiarity with database management; willingness to learn RollCall church database software
Skills with social media and websites