We are formed as Christians when we participate in worship, education, service, and fellowship. Over the past several months Mother Susan has offered opportunities to learn together. Presently she is holding “A Look at Sunday’s Gospel” every Thursday from 9-10 am in the Education Room. We read the gospel together, she offers some context, and then we discuss what it might mean in our lives today. All are welcome to join in the conversation.
Sunday School
Christian education for Trinity’s youngest members is held every Sunday from the second weekend in September to Pentecost. Children gather at 9:45 a.m. to share how their week has been, then class begins with an opening prayer and runs until 10:45 a.m. The lessons run parallel to the Gospel being presented in that Sunday’s church service. Thanks to interactive classes, each session becomes the child’s own, creates a memory, and serves as a daily living lesson that can be carried forth in his or her life as a Christian. Class concludes with a closing prayer. All children are welcome! Contact the Director of Sunday School, Carl Hurtubise for more information.
Education for Ministry
Education for Ministry (EfM) is a unique four-year distance learning certificate program in theological education based upon small-group study and practice. Since its founding in 1975, this international program has assisted more than 120,000 participants in discovering and nurturing their call to Christian service. EfM helps the faithful encounter the breadth and depth of the Christian tradition and bring it into conversation with their experiences of the world as they study, worship, and engage in theological reflection together. Click here to learn all about it!
The program invites participants into small, mentored groups that provide the framework for understanding life and shaping actions as Christian faith is deepened. EfM seminar groups meet in local settings and online, and provide a four-year curriculum that develops a theologically informed, reflective, and articulate laity.
Trinity hosts a group on Monday mornings at 9:30 am mentored by Jeannette Hogan. If you need an evening group St. Barnabas meets on Thursday evenings at 6 pm mentored by Ashley Lee.
The cost is $367.50 for tuition and between $50 and $100 for books. There is scholarship money available through Province I and the Episcopal Church Women, as well as Trinity.
Sunday’s Gospel Exploration
A Look at Sunday’s Gospel on Thursday mornings from 9-10 am with Mother Susan. Explore the context and meaning of these significant stories and how they intersect with our lives today. All are welcome!
Living Stones
This adult group meets once a month to discuss essays written by Vance Morgan, Ph.D, professor of philosophy. Discussions focus on the day-to-day dynamics of trying to live a life of real faith in the middle of a challenging world. All are welcome. Contact Vance Morgan for more information. Vance also maintains a blog at https://www.patheos.com/blogs/freelancechristianity/
Christian Meditation
Begun during our 2013 parish retreat, The Trinity Christian Meditation group meets every Monday evening from 6:00 to 7:00 for silent meditation. In the Christian tradition, meditation practice is a way to discover who we are in the eyes of God, the identity we were born with. In silence we gradually detach from the identity and “formulas for happiness” that we have built up since childhood. In meditation, we enter our “inner room” and open ourselves to the influence and action of God, who knows our every need, in silence. The journey of meditation increases our ability to let God give through us to our neighbors. Our weekly meditation supports individual daily meditation. Each session begins with a prayer, followed by a brief talk on an aspect of meditation, followed by a 20-minute silent meditation and group discussion. All are welcome. Contact Bill Baddeley for more information and materials to help you with an individual practice.
Men’s Group
Founded in 2014, the Trinity Men’s group has evolved into a social, service, and study group. They gather at 6:30 Tuesday mornings and meet officially until 7:30, though it often goes longer. The group is diverse, consisting of active and retired guys from many walks of life. The group reviews the scriptures for the upcoming Sunday and applies them to daily life through lively discussion. None of this happens before breakfast is prepared and eaten. Standard fare consists of sausage and scrambled eggs and more coffee and donuts than anyone needs. Over the years, the men have started a monthly “outreach bag” program, assembling high-calorie food bags for folks living on the street. These bags are blessed on Sunday in church, then given to the parishioners who take them to the needy folks they encounter every day. The guys also help decide topics, prepare and present the Tuesday night five-week Lenten programs for the parish—lining up speakers and community leaders, coordinating the potluck meal before each meeting, and guaranteeing that these evenings are always interesting and compelling. Join us!