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).

WORSHIP MINISTRIES

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.

ORIGINS OF ALTAR GUILDS - Altar Guilds as the Episcopal Church has known them developed in the late nineteenth century, a natural outgrowth of what had been from the beginning an exclusively male world. In the early days of the Church, when followers of Christ gathered in private homes to break bread together and share their memories of Him, presumably the head of the household provided whatever was required for the meal. As Christians multiplied and needed larger buildings in which to meet, certain people were given the ministry of caring for these places, and the worshipers themselves provided the food for the meal (and for their leaders and the poor besides). By the fourth century, parish ministry as known today had been generally established, and for hundreds of years the lesser clergy (later called sacristans) were responsible for everything that is now considered "Altar Guild work." A sacristan supervised the sacristy and all the paraphernalia of worship, prepared for services, and did the Church housekeeping as well.

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.

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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 .

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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.