Ministry of Vergers

The Vergers of Trinity Episcopal Church are Lay assistants to the rector who serve as “stage managers” of the services. They coordinate the physical aspects of the services. Vergers are responsible for the “customaries” (instruction guides) for the lay worship ministries. They train Lay Eucharistic Ministers and Acolytes and work closely with the Altar Guild. Vergers are also Lay Eucharistic Ministers. Vergers serve at the invitation of the rector.

Acolyte Guild

The word acolyte comes from the Greek word “akolouthos” which means a servant or attendant who waits on another. The acolyte ministry originated in Old Testament times. The Scriptures tell us of the prophet Samuel assisting Eli, and Elijah was assisted by Alisha—good Biblical precedents for what acolytes are doing. The Book of Common Prayer says, “at all celebrations of the Liturgy it is fitting that the principal celebrant, whether bishop or priest, be assisted by other priests, and by deacons and lay persons.” Acolytes are one of the groups of lay persons who assist in the service.

Acolytes at Trinity are dedicated to serving God, our clergy and our church. The Guild of Acolytes is overseen and guided by the rector. The acolyte Master and assistants implement the rector’s instructions concerning the roles and tasks that acolytes perform. The minimum age for becoming an acolyte at Trinity is 10 years old. Orientation and training sessions are held multiple times during the year.

Altar Guild

The members of the Altar Guild serve the Lord and Clergy by preparing the altar for services and cleaning up after services. This includes regular Sunday services, weekday services, funerals and weddings. The Guild maintains items used for services and sees that supplies are available. New members are incorporated into existing teams and each team serves one week a month.

Flower Guild

With great pride, The Flower Guild provides and arranges flowers for Sunday morning services, always following the guidelines and traditions of the Episcopal Church. We especially enjoy coming together and decorating the church for the Christmas and Easter services plus, any event Trinity feels there is a need for flowers. The guild welcomes anyone who wishes to become a part of this wonderful fellowship. No experience is needed except for the love of flowers. During the year, we have luncheons and guest speakers who bring us new ideas for both the church and home.

Lay Eucharistic Ministers

Lay Eucharistic Ministers help the clergy serve the Eucharist at the various church services. They also read the lessons, Psalm and Prayers of the People. Lay Eucharistic Ministers must be confirmed members of the Parish and licensed by the Bishop.

Lay Eucharistic Visitors

The ministry of Lay Eucharistic Visitors is a special ministry to the sick and infirmed. Lay Eucharistic Visitors take bread and wine consecrated during a church service to those who cannot attend because of health reasons. Lay Eucharistic Visitors must be confirmed members of the parish and licensed by the bishop.

The Adult Choir

The Adult Choir sings at the 11:00 AM traditional service in addition to other special occasions throughout the year. This mixed choir is comprised of all ages and abilities and welcomes anyone who is of high school age and up to join. Rehearsals take place on Wednesday nights from 7:30 to 9:00 PM in the choir room. All musical abilities are encouraged to inquire.

Junior Choirs

The Junior Choirs sing at the 9:00 and 11:00 AM Sunday services quarterly. They also provide music for the 5:00 PM Christmas Eve service and present a musical show in the spring. The Junior Choir is for children in grades 3 through 5. Rehearsals are on Sunday afternoons from 3:00 to 4:00 PM.

Taizé Music

Singers and instrumentalists are invited to join the Taizé music group. The group practices at 6:15 PM on the second Sunday of each month and sings at the 7:00 PM service of contemplative prayer and music.

Bell Choir

The Bell Choir presently owns a four-octave set of bells. It plays for the 9:00 and 11:00 AM services about four times a year as well as for special services throughout the year. Rehearsals are held on Monday evenings at 7:00 PM in the Music Suite.

Sound System Ministry

Members assist the Head Sound engineer with running live sound for church services and special events. The Sound Ministry works in close contact with both the Contemporary Music Group and choir for preparations with the special needs for their ministries.

The Sound Ministry also maintains the sound systems and other audio gear used by the Church. Basic audio knowledge is appreciated, and volunteers can be trained.

Contemporary Music Group

The vision of the Contemporary Music Group is to be a spiritually focused community of musicians that engages the congregation at Trinity with vibrant music in support of the liturgy and Eucharist. The Contemporary Music Group provides music for the 9:00 AM service, Vacation Bible School, alternative youth services and various other services and events throughout the year. All members of Trinity (age 15 and older) are welcome to try out for the Contemporary Music Group.

Wedding Coordinators

Come join us as we help to make the wedding day for each bride and groom a happy and memorable one, following the guidelines and traditions of Trinity Episcopal Church.