The Episcopal Church uses the Book of Common Prayer to unify and organize worship. However, we welcome and join in prayer with people who have different points of view and encourage open dialog. We share a Christian faith that honors the Bible, the traditions of the Church, and God-given human reason.
We Episcopalians struggle with the same issues that trouble all people of faith: how to interpret an ancient faith for today, how to reach out effectively to those who are in need, how to disagree with respect. Sometimes the struggles seem to be driving us apart, but at the heart of the Church is a welcome for all and tolerance for diversity that keeps the old tradition growing to new light.
Worship is the most important thing that we as Christians do. Canon law states that “all persons within this Church shall celebrate and keep the Lord’s Day, commonly known as Sunday, by regular participation in the public worship of the Church, by hearing the Word of God read and taught, and by other acts of devotion and works of charity. . . .” The Book of Common Prayer (1979 and all previous BCPs) describes the Eucharist as “our bounden duty and service.” (BCP p. 336)
Our services are traditional and dignified, yet are welcoming to all and inclusive of many traditions and styles of worship. We are definitely a Eucharistically-centered parish. At Trinity, we have three distinctly different Sunday services to choose from—an early morning Rite I Eucharist at 7:45 for the quiet and reflective folks, a family-friendly Rite II Eucharist with piano, guitars, and fiddle at 8:45 am, and a music-filled traditional service of Holy Eucharist with organ and choir at 11:00 am (alternating Rite I and Rite II). Weekday services include Taize and Evening Prayer—and Vestry meetings conclude with Compline. In the summer, when we drop back to two Sunday services, we have Wednesday Mass on the Grass at 6:00 pm, an informal outdoor Communion service followed by a cookout.
Of course, we also have special services on high holy days, such as Christmas Day, the Epiphany, Ascension, Independence Day, All Saints Day, and Thanksgiving Day, as well as services on Ash Wednesday, Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and the Great Vigil on Easter Eve. Choral Evensongs are held several times a year.
“Over the years, a few services have been especially memorable for me. Lessons and Carols, with the church aglow in candlelight, is a perennial favorite. Christmas Eve and Easter services always pack the pews, and it is grand to see how many generations are represented. Pomp and glorious formality marked the celebration of Trinity’s 250th anniversary. To me, the most poignant service was Ned Morris’ ordination on the Friday after 9/11 [2001], a beautiful service touched by the sadness and shock we all felt that fateful week. And, I suspect everyone remembers the summer service when a bird flew in the open doors! Somber or joyous, small or large, quiet or resounding with glorious music, services at Trinity have touched us all.” (Sara Battin)
The Seasons at Trinity
The Trinity Church year begins in mid-September with a Parish Picnic and a return to three services on Sunday at 7:45 am, 8:45 am, and 11:00 am. The summer lull is over and the activities of the parish begin a fresh new year. Sunday School for all ages starts at 10:00 am. The choirs begin preparing music. Taize-style services resume on the first Tuesday of each month.
The Blessing of the Animals is the first special service of the season. A new Vestry is chosen. In November on All Saints’ Day we commemorate the beloved dead.
Advent brings special events like the eagerly anticipated service of Advent Lessons and Carols on the first Sunday of Advent. An “Advent Event” brings all ages together to make Advent wreaths, and celebrate the anticipation of the coming of Christ.
The Christmas season features a Pageant presented by the children and youth of the Parish. On Christmas Eve the humble birth of Jesus is joyfully celebrated in music and liturgy. In January or February, a mission trip to Honduras usually takes place.
As the winter wanes, Ash Wednesday introduces the somber season of Lent. A Lenten dinner and study series is planned for the long evenings, usually in conjunction with Emmanuel Church. Holy Week starts with Palm Sunday (and the procession around downtown), and ends with the Great Vigil of Easter and the festival celebrations of the Holy Eucharist on Easter morning. Between these important services are those that are the most somber observances of the church year, Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday.
Spring brings celebrations of the coming of the Holy Spirit and the telling of the word of Jesus Christ by the disciples and the founding of the Christian tradition. Sometimes a Parish Retreat is planned, sometimes a mission trip. In late spring, another picnic is held to usher in the summer.
Mass on the Grass is held in the churchyard on summer Wednesday evenings: an outdoor Eucharist followed by a cookout and fellowship. Sunday services are held at 8:00 am and 10:00. The highlight of the summer is Vacation Bible School, attracting children from the Parish and the neighborhood in July.