Ministry Opportunities At
Trinity
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Trinity Episcopal Church offers many exciting
ministries that are briefly described below. The best way to experience them is
to come and be a part of our community of faith and share in the joyful work of
the gospel. For more information on times and places of meetings and events, you
may contact our church secretary or Fr. Robinson at (207) 284-4852 or the
person designated as the Point Of Contact (POC) for that ministry.
New ministries are being planned and we welcome any suggestions you may
have for new opportunities to share in the love of God.
Mission Statement: To be a Christ centered spiritual home where God’s teachings are the foundation of our worship, Christian education, fellowship, community service and other ministries. We nurture and support a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ in our lives.
Vision
Statement:
To serve Jesus with
actions based on scripture, helping others through fellowship and communication
with a focus on the future (youth).
ALTAR GUILD -
The
Altar Guild is a special ministry whose mission is to care for everything that
relates to the Altar. It is their privilege to prepare the Altar for the
services and to care for the vestments, silver, brass, linens, etc. that are
used in the services. They serve as sacristans for all the services of the
Eucharist as well as baptism, weddings, funerals and special services. Their
work is a devotional one and is open to everyone who wishes to join. They are
always glad to welcome and train new members. If you are interested in joining
the Altar Guild please contact the church office at (207)
284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net.
In the early Church of England
altar care was also the task of lesser priests such as the sacristan and verger
in the cathedral and the clerk (cleric) in the parish. Years later laymen became
the sacristans and eventually, in the nineteenth century, women were included in
this ministry as assistants to sacristans. By the turn of the twentieth century,
women were beginning to organize into "Altar Guilds," and in most
parts of the United States they assumed the sacristan's duties themselves under
the guidance of their priests. Throughout this century women have predominated
in Altar Guild membership. Until the 1970s this channel was the only one through
which they could serve God at the altar. Now, however, men are taking part in
increasing numbers, as once again the decoration of the Church and preparation
for worship is becoming a joint ministry of all the baptized.
CHALICER/ACOLYTES
–
Chalicers assist the clergy in the administration of Holy Communion. They are
licensed by the Bishop for a particular congregation for a period of three
years. Two chalicers are scheduled for each service (8:00 and 10:00) and both
assists the Clergy with communion. ACOLYTES do not assist in the
administration but have their own unique duties. Training for both is provided
and each plays an active role in scheduling by providing dates they can or
cannot serve. Chalicers serve approximately once every 3-4 weeks and acolytes
less often.. Interested persons should contact Gerard Labbe at 646-4553, email
jlabbe1@maine.rr.com
or you may contact the church
office at (207) 284-4852, email
trinitysaco@gwi.net
.
LECTORS -
"Lector" is the name given to those who read the assigned Scriptures
for the day.
The Ministry of
the Lector is to proclaim the Word of God by reading from both the Old and New
Testament
at church services
throughout the year. He/she also
reads the Prayers of the People. Lectors are
scheduled to serve at both services and typically serve about once a month.
Lectors do not require a license and anyone can be a Lector after a
short training session. The scheduler accepts request for days off to avoid
scheduling conflicts.
If you are interested in this ministry, please contact the
church office at (207) 284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net
and they will put you in touch with the leader of this group.
CHOIR -
The
primary responsibility of this important ministry is to provide enrichment to
the services for which they sing. The choir and praise band are an important
part of our spiritual journey, providing leadership as well as inspiration.
Trinity’s Music Ministry operates on the principle that we have been called, not
to perform a concert, but to make a joyful noise to God. It is a dedicated group
of people who enjoy singing, playing instruments and sharing their love of music
with others. All levels of musical ability are invited. The music
program is led by the talented Doug Buzzell and they rehearse weekly. Anyone
who has musical talents and would like to learn more about the commitment and
fulfillment of being a member of this important ministry, please contact
the church office at (207) 284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTRY
-
The Licensed Lay Ministry is formed of people who feel a call to a
more active role in the proclamation of the Word of God and to assist in the
distribution of the Holy Eucharist. The Bishop has licensed several of
Trinity’s parishioners, in accordance with church canons, to carry the Eucharist
to shut-ins and those hospitalized in our parish. Those who would like to
receive the Eucharist at home, or wish to be involved in this ministry, should
contact Fr. David Robinson at 284-4852
or email trinitysaco@gwi.net
GREETERS AND USHERS
-
- Some
larger congregations have both greeters and ushers. We are a small church, so
when worshipers arrive our ushers greet them. Ushers hand out the Sunday service
leaflet, help late arrivals locate seats, and provide additional seating when
the Church is full. Those who participate as Greeters/Ushers serve about once a
month and arrive 15 minutes prior to the church service. To become a part of
this very important ministry,
contact the church office at
(207) 284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net.
Rab St Germaine is the POC who makes out the weekly schedules.
MEALS ON WHEELS (MOW) – Each Saturday morning a team of two cooks arrives around 9:00 at Trinity to heat and package the dinners that are to be delivered locally. The two drivers who will deliver the meals appear at about 10:30. The MOW program reaches out into the local communities of Old Orchard Beach and Saco by providing a hot well balanced meal to shut-ins and those less fortunate. MOW volunteers are scheduled once a month to prepare and deliver the meals that are furnished by the Agency on Aging.. If you are interested in joining this important ministry, please contact Rab St Germaine at 286-0520 or contact the church office at (207) 284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net.
CHURCH
SCHOOL -
Church School
meets from 10:00 to 10:45 AM each Sunday from September to June. Pre K children
up to and including high school are encouraged to attend and learn to know the
love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Age appropriate material that is
lectionary based is presented and is designed to peak one's interest. Church
School does not replace the worship service. Parents are encouraged to make
Church School a family affair. If you are interested in teaching or helping out
with this ministry please contact contact the church office at (207) 284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net.
PASTORAL CARE TEAM
-
This is a new ministry starting up at Trinity.
The duties and responsibilities have not been finalized but here is a
brief snapshot. The ministry of the
pastoral care team is to visit parishioners who are in the hospital or
homebound. They’ll offer assistance to these individuals by running errands,
taking them to appointments or just for a get-out-of-the-house drive to nowhere. Their primary goal is to see that all their needs are being
met. Some times all they really need is a kind face and a friendly smile.
This is a visible and tangible way in which we can extend the loving arms
of Christ to those in need. Members
of this team will receive training and special instructions from Fr. David.
Please contact the church office at (207) 284-4852 or email
trinitysaco@gwi.net
if this sounds like something you would like to be involved in.
EPISCOPAL CHURCH WOMEN (ECW) -
Women of the ECW celebrate their special talents and services to the
church with energy, creativity, and mutual respect for each other and all other
groups that contribute to the life of this parish. The purpose of the ECW is to
assist the women of this diocese to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation,
mission, and ministry in the community, the nation and the world. Their
membership consists of women of all ages and newcomers are always welcome. They
meet the first Monday of each month in the parish hall at 7:00 PM. Every woman
at Trinity is considered a member of the ECW. For more information please
contact the Church office at (207) 284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net
The Trinity
Youth Group is High School teens that meet once a month from 11:30 to 1:30 P.M.
Adults oversee and chaperone all gatherings. A typical meeting consists
of Christian music playing in the background while they enjoy pizza, soft
drinks, popcorn, and have lots of fun as they fellowship with one another. They
discuss and plan future events and how they’re going to raise the money to fund
their projects. We welcome all teens whether they are members of Trinity or
not. anyone interested in this important ministry should contact the
Church office at (207) 284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net
TURKEY SUPPERS -
Three
or four times a year Trinity sponsors a Turkey Supper with all of the
traditional fixings. Volunteers are always needed to assist in baking, cooking
turkeys, buying groceries, serving and delivering the food, clearing tables,
cleaning up and taking money. This is a wonderful time to introduce friends and
neighbors to Trinity in an informal, relaxed atmosphere of fellowship. If you
would like to contribute in any capacity, The coordinators are Darrell (Murch) and Arlene
Murchison. No contribution is ever
too small.
BREAKFAST CREWS - Please join us the first Sunday of the month (Sept – May) for breakfast. Trinity is blessed to have two breakfast crews (Red / Blue Teams) of dedicated men who alternate the preparation and serving of a delicious breakfast. The food is great and it’s a perfect opportunity for 8:00 and 10:00 worshippers to fellowship. Anyone interested in this fellowship should contact the church office at (207) 284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net. Who knows, maybe a White Team is waiting to join the Red and Blue.
PRAYER CIRCLE -
Trinity
Episcopal Church's Prayer Circle is a wonderful ministry for members looking to
participate without the usual constraints. You pray for the people on the
list daily ~ which can be done at any time, anywhere. All of the names are
to be kept confidential, You're notified and updated by by e-mail or phone
if you don't have computer access. Robyn Foss is the POC who communicates and coordinates the specific
prayer needs of both parishioners and non-parishioners. . Prayer is something
everyone can do regardless of health, financial or physical status. If you
would like to become a member to the Prayer Chain or need prayer, please contact
Robyn Foss at rffoss@maine.rr.com
or the church office at (207) 284-4852 or email trinitysaco@gwi.net.
NURSERY –
Trinity offers
childcare for newborns up to the age of four. Four year olds and up are
normally enrolled in the church school program. This provides an opportunity
for parents to enjoy the church service with complete confidence that their
child is being well cared for. This too is a very important ministry that is
always looking for volunteers. Having a child is not a prerequisite for helping
out but all volunteers must attend a safe church training session prior to
acceptance. If you feel this is an area you can contribute, please contact
trinitysaco@gwi.net
.