Program & Activities

Each one of us has a vital role to play in the life of the church. Many people are needed for all aspects of parish life, whether assisting with Sunday worship and other services, or participating in any of a variety of activities that help to build, nourish and sustain our community. We offer many opportunities to discover what your particular role may be.

Altar Guild

The Altar Guild of Trinity Parish Church is composed of a diverse group of men and women dedicated to serving God in His house by preparing the altar for all services, for all occasions. Members do this by polishing the brass and silver, changing the candles, cleaning and ironing the linens, and arranging the flowers; making sure the proper vestments are used for each service; and assuring that the altar is vested for the occasion.

Altar Guild work is a labor of love offered to God, a sacred duty where each member is called on to handle the Reserve Sacrament and sacred vessels. This calls for a unique frame of mind and a sense of the way in which the trivial meshes with the divine. It is an honor and privilege to be an Altar Guild member and to serve God in his Church.

All members of the Altar Guild are appointed by the Rector. He would be delighted to speak with anyone who feels called to serve our Lord in this manner, and who comes with a sense of dedication and a willingness to be trained in the proper procedures.

Acolytes

"I am among you as
He that serveth." 

"Speak, Lord, for your
servant heareth."

Trinity Parish Church is steeped in tradition-traditions emanating both from its own long history, as well as those of the Anglican Church. One such tradition is the ministry of acolytes. Acolytes have served at Trinity since its founding in 1865, just as they have served the Christian Church since antiquity, beginning in Rome in about 250 A.D.

According to Church legend, the patron saint of acolytes is St. Vincent. Vincent was both dependable and courageous in his service to the Lord, and those qualities of his character are today associated with the acolyte. An acolyte, from the Greek word meaning, "follower" or "one who serves," is formally known as an attendant of the fourth clerical level in the Church, its roots extending back to the 3rd century.

Being an acolyte is a ministry of being called by God to fulfill the sacred duties at or near the altar in the celebration of the Mass, in addition to other services of the Church-baptism, confirmation, marriage, funeral, etc. Acolytes also perform such duties as leading the processional as crucifer (cross bearer), lighting candles, and carrying torches in procession for the proclamation of the Gospel.

Trinity embraces and gives thanks for its acolyte ministers. If you are interested in serving as an acolyte, please contact either John Steers or Deacon Judy Mullin at (206) 624-5337 or at the Church Office.

Ushers & Greeters

"Good morning! Welcome to Trinity." Said with a smile, this is one of the simplest forms of evangelism. The primary role of Ushers and Greeters at Trinity Parish Church is hospitality. They greet members and visitors as they enter the church for worship, and they assist during the Eucharist by receiving the Offering. Usher-Greeters typically serve one Sunday per month, normally in teams of 2-3 persons.

If you would like to participate in this important ministry, please contact Paul Hannah at the Church Office or (206) 365-0429.

Coffee Hour Hosts

The time-honored Episcopal tradition of "coffee hour" is when the Parish family gathers after worship to socialize, greet new members and welcome visitors. Hosting a coffee hour is a great service to the congregation, and can be a wonderful way to celebrate a special event in one's family life. Coffee Hour Hosts provide refreshments-cookies, muffins, fruit, special breads, and the like-which accompany the beverages prepared by the church sexton.

If you are interested in hosting a Coffee Hour after either the 8:00 A.M. or 10:30 A.M. service, sign up in advance on the chart posted on the bulletin board next to the Church Office. If you have any questions, contact Corinne Miller at (360) 297-2490 or e-mail the Church Office.

Art for Everyone

Experiencing the creativity of God's spirit through the visual arts is the focus of the Art for Everyone Committee (AFE). Through docent-led tours of art museums and galleries, the placement of prints of well-known paintings, and the acquisition of donated art, the Art for Everyone Committee endeavors to enrich and develop the visual and aesthetic experience at Trinity Parish Church. The Committee also makes recommendations to enhance and improve specified areas of the Parish campus. Since 2004, Art for Everyone has operated and maintained The Little Gallery, located in the Parish Hall, which presents monthly shows of local, state and Trinity artists.

Membership in Art for Everyone is open to all who love the visual arts, artist and non-artist alike. Interested persons can learn more by contacting Don Holz at (206) 784-2435.