TRINITY ST.

PAUL’S UNITED CHURCH IS LOOKING FOR A NEW TEACHER TO LEAD OUR YOUNG
CHILDREN’S SUNDAY CLASS

Late August 2020 - June 2021 (​Initial Appointment​)

Are you excited about creating theatre collaboratively with youth? Are you curious about or looking for a
supportive spiritual community? Do you want to contribute to the growth of a youth program?

Who we are:
Trinity St. Paul’s is a progressive and inclusive United Church at Bloor and Spadina. We are an affirming
congregation that is welcome to all regardless of faith, gender identity, sexual orientation, class, race or ability.
The youth program at TSP uses drama and the arts to create community, build confidence, and explore the
themes of Christianity in a thoughtful and open way. Our congregation is led by former NDP MPP Cheri Dinovo
who emphasizes social justice and equality - elements that are mirrored in our Youth Program.

We are looking for a Children’s Leader to join the Children’s Church team at TSP. The youth program at TSP
uses drama and the arts to create community, build confidence, and explore the themes of Christianity in a
thoughtful and open way. We produce two plays each term with the participation of the entire community. This
leader would be responsible for the children aged 4-8, and would partner with the other leader, responsible for
ages 8-12, to engage the group in games, improv, and discussions about spirituality. The applicant must have
experience working with youth, and collaborate well with the other leaders when designing programming.
Being a youth leader at TSP is an opportunity to contribute to the growth of a new program, and to belong to a
vibrant and supportive community.

Position:
Co-lead the Children’s Church programming:
● Responsible for designing and delivering programming in collaboration with the rest of the Children’s
Church team
● Weekly hours every Sunday 10:00 - 12:30, which includes set-up and clean up
● Co-lead the children’s program from 10:30-12:00
● Attend weekly staff meetings in person or remotely
● Attend Children’s Church Circle meetings every 6 weeks
● Interact with parents and other congregants on an occasional basis, to answer questions, take
suggestions, etc. (Note: the primary job of liaising with parents, congregation and other parties lies
with the Children’s Church Coordinator.)

Purpose:
Creatively implement TSP’s vision for children, as a community of faith that:
● Encourages confidence and community through structured and thoughtful programming
● Uses drama as a tool to explore themes of spirituality, social justice, climate justice, etc.
● Provides a space, outside of school and home, where children feel supported and seen
● Reflects TSP’s identity as a Centre for Faith, Justice and the Arts.
Qualifications:
The successful applicant will need:
● Experience working with children aged 4-8 in a collaborative rather than top-down way
● Experience with facilitating and nurturing group dynamics; a background in theatre, improv or the arts is
an asset
● A sensitivity to how children develop and learn differently, at different stages
● A warm and respectful approach to children and teens - the capacity to interact with both younger and
older age groups before and after sessions
● An ability or interest in engaging youth over remote communication platforms
● Familiarity with Christianity or other faith traditions - interest and experience in theology and philosophy
an asset but not a necessity
● The ability to be well-organized, prepared and responsive. Punctuality is a must.
● Must not have a problem working Sunday mornings and sometimes into the afternoon.

Accountability:
The Children’s Leader is accountable to the Children’s Church Circle, and the Children’s Church Coordinator.
There will be mid-term and end-of-term reviews (Jan and June 2021), with a view to improving together. ​All
Children’s Church staff and volunteers are required to submit a police records check.

Dates and Times:

The position will begin in late August 2020 or early September with a Kickoff Workshop (with the Children’s
Church Circle, Coordinator, parents and others) so that preparations for the church year can take place. The
program runs from September 13th, 2020 to June 13, 2021. ​If the restrictions of COVID-19 continue into
September, we will have online programming.​ The time on Sunday is from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
including set up, teaching, and clean-up. Applicants must be able to commit to each Sunday - days off can be
accommodated if the Coordinator is alerted at least one month before. Your schedule should allow for
occasional extra programming on Friday evenings or Sunday afternoons, with plenty of notice (exact timing to
be negotiated with eligible candidates). Each staff member is responsible for recording their own hours.

Compensation:
The honorarium will be $300 per month from September, 2020 through to June, 2021. Staff will be
compensated for half of June as programming ends mid-month. The honorarium represents 3 hours per week
(on average) of work at $25/hour. 2.5 hours at the church each Sunday, and half an hour weekly of prep or
meetings. Extra payment for Pageant rehearsals, prep, and other programming will be added.

Application Process
Please send an email indicating your interest in this position by ​Monday, June 8 2020​ to The Selection
Committee at ​trinitystpauls.lornacraig@gmail.com​, Subject: TSP Children’s Leader. Please include a cover
letter explaining why you’d like to work at TSP, and your resumé or LinkedIn profile. Interviews are tentatively
scheduled for ​Friday, June 12th and Saturday, June 13th 2020​.​ Interviews will be conducted via Zoom.

Thank you for your interest in this position.