Trinity Episcopal Church
Serving in the Church
There are many opportunities to serve the church family right here on Church Street in Tariffville! People of all ages are called and equipped by God to serve. Please prayerfully consider into which of these ministries is God calling you?
Acolyte Ministry
The Acolyte Ministry has its roots in the ancient church. The word Acolyte comes from the Greek word “akolouthos,” meaning a servant or attendant who waits continually upon another: a follower. Students ages 5th grade and up are invited to serve as Acolytes. Acolytes assist in worship by carrying a processional cross, lighting and holding candles or “torches,” assisting a deacon or priest set up and clean up at the altar, swinging a censer or thurible, handing the offering plates to ushers, and many other tasks as seen fit by the priest or acolyte warden. A training session held after church is provided prior to serving, and new acolytes serve with more experienced ones until they are comfortable.
Call John & Terri for more information 860.651.7002.
Altar Flowers
Flowers are donated weekly to adorn the altar. These flowers both beautify our worship space and remind us of Jesus, the living Lord. Trinity invites you to contribute to the Altar Flower ministry by choosing a Sunday that has special meaning to you. Often, more than one person finds a certain date important; so flowers may be given in more than one name on any given Sunday. Celebrate a variety of moments: “In Memory of” a loved one, “In Celebration of” a marriage, birth, baptism or other special event, or “In Honor of” someone special, or simply to the Glory of God. Altar flowers are also sometimes used in the chapel during the midweek services or are delivered to sick and shut-in.
If you’d like to help with this ministry, please contact Claudia 860.653.0804.
St. Margaret’s Altar Guild
The Altar Guild is a group of deeply committed women and men dedicated to serving our Lord by preparing and tending to the places where we hold worship: the sanctuary, the Howard Chapel, the altar, the priest’s vestments, hangings, vessels and elements for service and worship. We are always ready and prepared to serve. We always welcome those who feel called to this service ministry. We assist the priest so that the worship services proceed smoothly and assure all the necessary items are in place for worship. There is a period of training and apprenticeship as there is a lot to learn. During this time, the one in training is assigned to work with an experienced guild worker until completely comfortable with the tasks. Two guild members are scheduled each weekend to care for the altar, and the group meets yearly (usually before Easter) to clean and polish the vessels and sanctuary. The work is done with a servant’s heart and love for our Savior God. Please prayerfully consider joining in this vitally important, behind-the-scenes ministry.
Call Carole for details 860.653.2455.
Book Table
In the corner of Trinity’s Parish Hall, a devoted group of volunteers maintains a Book Table, featuring books, cards and materials for sale to encourage your faith. Stop by and check out the suggested readings, or pick up a gift. Is there a devotional book you’ve been wanting to read? Make a request and you just might see it at the Book Table soon!
Contacts: Loie & Jim 860.623.1890 and Deb 860.844.0088.
Brotherhood of St. Andrew
The Brotherhood of St. Andrew is the oldest evangelism ministry of the Episcopal Church. This worldwide ministry for men and boys, practices the disciplines of prayer, study and service. Trinity’s “Brotherhood” can often be found serving at parish events, swinging a hammer at a Habitat for Humanity house, building sets for VBS, or repairing the facilities at the Episcopal Diocese summer camp. Trinity’s Brotherhood of St. Andrew also organizes and hosts the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper, the Summer Peach Cobbler Social, the annual men’s dinner and men’s retreat, and does much of the behind the scenes work at the Church and on its grounds. Join the Brotherhood in growing and living your own faith in an active, hands-on way.
Contact Lucian 860.653.6087 for more information.
Coffee Hour
Coffee Hour on Sunday mornings in the Parish Hall is a great time to connect with church friends and meet new people. Volunteers make coffee, clean up after and set up and serve the coffee and treats. Sign up to help once or get on the regular schedule to host a few times during the year.
Contact Sonia 860.658.6735 .
Community Events
Trinity Church has been delighted to accommodate the Tariffville Village Association (TVA) and Tariffville School and other community groups for some of their events over the past decade or so. We’ve hosted the annual TVA PotLuck Dinner, Community Meetings, and we even had the Tariffville School Carnival here for two years when the school was undergoing renovations. Come help make our church a welcoming space for local groups to gather, whether by setting up, cleaning up or just providing a smiling, welcoming face at the door.
Contact Father Tom if you can help 860.651.0201.
Fellowship
Trinity is well-known for its Church Suppers and other events. The Fellowship volunteers help plan events and make them happen. Come with your ideas and helping hands to do your part to strengthen our Church Community through Fellowship events.
Call Judy 860.651.6447 and Kathy 860.331.3262 to offer your help or ideas.
Healing Ministry
(click here to learn more about serving in the Healing Ministry)
Helping Hands
This mercy ministry provides help to those in our church family in need. Meals are cooked and delivered to new mothers, or those who have had recent surgery or a life crisis. Rides are provided to doctors’ appointments. In short, this can be just the helping hand someone needs to really feel God’s love in a difficult time. Please offer your name to be on the list to provide occasional help, and let us know of a parishioner in need of a helping hand.
Contact Jane 860.653.2064.
Keep In Touch
This ministry to recent High School graduates and college-age men and women helps them to know we haven’t forgotten about them, and we still care for them, in Jesus’ name! Cards, Care Packages, Christmas Cookies, Valentines and more are sent to these special members of our church family, and they are warmly embraced when they visit. You can easily be a part of this important ministry to our young adults in many ways.
Contact Geri to offer your help 860.651.4232.
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
These trained volunteers go in pairs to bring the love of Christ and the blessings of Communion to those who are home-bound and cannot attend church. Training is provided for this important ministry to our beloved shut-ins. Jesus does not forget them, and neither do we.
Call Sue with any questions 860.844.8408.
Lay Readers and Chalice Bearers
Teens and adults are invited to assist in weekly Worship through the reading of the Holy Scripture lessons and offering the cup of wine to those who come forward to Holy Communion. Training is provided, and lay ministers are scheduled on a rotating basis during the service they regularly attend.
Call Sue Z. with your questions. 860.727.8436.
Music
(Click here to find out more about serving in the Music Ministry)
Trinity Building and Grounds
Help keep our church home and gardens spruced-up and well-maintained. The tasks we’ve all learned to do around our own homes are necessary at church, too. Come help by giving an hour or two per year to keep our facility at its best.
Contact Steve 860.651.9445 to help.
Sunday School
(click for more information)
Trinity Times Monthly Parish Newsletter
Our monthly newsletter helps us all stay “on the same page” about Trinity Events. It’s like the website, but more old-school (and updated with all fresh content each month!). Come help assemble the Trinity Times or offer other assistance in getting this important mailing out. As always, submitted articles are due no later than the 10th of the month.
Contact Ellen 860.651.0201.
Ushers & Greeters
These friendly folks are the face of Trinity. They meet you at the door, help guide visitors, and make sure you get a bulletin and find a place to sit. They collect the offering and straighten up the church after we’ve all left. Please consider joining this important ministry — this group of volunteers will always have a smile for you!
Contact Bob with your questions 860.651.8137.
Vacation Bible School
(go to our Children’s Ministry Page to find out more about serving at VBS)
Vestry
The vestry is Trinity’s elected leadership, voted upon at the Parish annual meeting in January. It includes the Senior and Junior Wardens, the Parish Clerk and the Treasurer, along with seven members-at-large. The Vestry meets regularly to discuss issues important to the church and provide guidance to the rector.
Contact Senior Warden, Troy McFarlane, with any questions you have about the Vestry. 860.668.5363.
Welcome Ministry
This ministry aims to do exactly what its title says — welcome visitors and newcomers to Trinity! Come join us to create a welcoming atmosphere for those who come through our doors.
Contact Elaine to offer your help or ideas 860.254.5857.
Young Adults Ministry
This ministry aims to meet the particular spiritual and fellowship needs of young adults. Come join us in being a part of this fun group.
Contact Nicole Dalto 203.820.3869 for details.