Ministry Handbook

The ABC’s of Trinity

Trinity Episcopal Church Williamsport, PA

Table of Contents Introduction 3

Acolytes 4 Guild 4 Angel Tree 4 5 Baptism 5 Basketball 5 Bell Tower 5 5 Bulletins 5 Caring & Calling Ministers 5 Bearers 6 Chimes 6 Choir 6 Coffee Hour 6 Columbarium 6 6 Diocese 6 Disabilities 7 Docents 7 Episcopal Relief & Development 7 7 Eucharistic Ministers 7 Eucharistic Visitors 7 Finance Committee 8 Flower Deliveries 8 Food Pantry 8 Fundraising 8 Funerals 8 Greeters 8 Handicapped-Accessible Entrance Ramp 8 Healing Services 9 Hearing Aid Devices 9 History Booklet 9 Holy Communion 9 Hospitality 9 Hymnal 9

1 Labyrinth 9 9 Liturgy Committee 10 Marriage 10 Mission of the Month 10 Nursery 10 Outreach 10 Oxford House 10 Pastoral Care 11 Planned Giving 11 Pledge 11 Prayer Chain 11 Property Committee 11 Quiet Baskets 11 Recovery Meetings 12 Sacramental Preparation 12 Small Groups 12 12 Stewardship 12 Sunday School 12 United Thank Offering 12 Ushers 13 Vestry 13 Website 13 Weddings 13 Women’s Group 13 Worship 13 Youth Groups 13

2 We include all in worship… Worship of Jesus Christ is the core of our life together. We have two Holy Communion services each Sunday at 8 & 10 am. We welcome worshippers of any faith to our services. We are gathered around the Holy Communion, which sustains us in our daily lives. All baptized persons who are led by the Holy Spirit to join us in receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to do so. Our worship is liturgical and follows a set pattern of worship using three books: Holy Bible – Lessons are currently read from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV); The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible is in the pews. Book of Common Prayer (BCP) has all service prayers and prayers for many other occasions. Hymnal – Our Choir provides leadership at the weekly 10 am Choral Service throughout the program year. Hymn page numbers are listed in the service bulletin. …to be strengthened and blessed… Educational opportunities are provided for all ages at Trinity. Sunday School is held for children in pre-school through 5th grade. Classes are held at 10 am each Sunday from September through May. Trinity’s Youth Group (grades 6-12) meets on Sundays at noon for fellowship and discussion and has other special events through the year. Children’s Time - During both services, just before the , children are invited to the altar steps for a story or Bible lesson. The Nursery, on the lower level, is available for parents to take their young children. The service can be heard through the sound system. Adult Forum meets on Sundays at 11:30 am in the Parish Hall for group discussion on relevant topics related to spiritual growth. 3

…and to be sent forth to serve Christ. We encourage and support one another in our daily ministries. We are called to daily ministry in service to Christ. We consider our ministry to involve every moment of our lives, through our interactions at home, work, school, and in the world. Trinity actively supports Family Promise, Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD), United Churches Food Pantry, CROP Walk, Souper Bowl, Shepherd of the Streets, and many other ministries. We are devoted to personal visitation and caring ministry. In addition to visits by the Rector, Eucharistic Visitors take Home Communion once a month to those who request it. The Trinity Prayer Chain offers prayer and our Caring & Calling members call or visit parishioners who can no longer come to church.

Ministry List lead the procession into service. They also assist at the altar. We encourage anyone over seven to consider this ministry. Acolytes are generally scheduled to serve once a month. Contact: Amy Lingg 570-327-7406 [email protected] Altar Guild - The members of the Altar Guild prepare the Lord’s Table for the Holy Eucharist. They are also responsible for cleaning and maintaining the church furnishings. Members of the Altar Guild generally work in pairs and prepare the altar on Friday or Saturday for the Sunday services. They also remove, wash and put away the Communion Elements on Sunday after the services. The Altar Guild also performs these duties for special services, including weddings and funerals. One-on-one training is provided to new Altar Guild members. Contact: Daisy Thomas 570-323-8071 [email protected] Angel Tree - Each , we participate in Angel Tree through the Salvation Army. Parishioners choose a child’s tag with gift suggestions for clothes and toys and shop for that child. Contact: Linda Lynn 570-323-9662 [email protected]

4 Anglican Communion are the churches in communion with the Sea of Canterbury throughout the world. Member churches exercise jurisdictional independence but share a common heritage of Anglican identity and commitment to scripture, tradition and reason as sources of authority. Unity and cooperation in the Anglican Communion are encouraged by the assembly of the Anglican every 10 years at Lambeth Conferences. Baptism is foundational to Christian life. The Sacrament of Holy Baptism is offered to persons of all ages. Instruction and preparation for parents and godparents/sponsors of infants and young children is required and of the baptismal candidate if they are older. Basketball - Trinity participates in the John Bower Church Basketball League. Boys and girls in grades K-12 are eligible to play as long as they do not play on a Junior High or High School team. The gym is also used by other area churches for practice times. Bell Tower - Trinity’s Bell Tower contains 9 bells with a combined weight of 8,500 pounds. The large bell weighs 2,300 pounds. They were first played on December 25, 1875. The Cambridge quarters are rung by a mechanism. They are the same as heard in London at the Clock Tower of the Palace of Westminster and are believed to be the first installation of this chime pattern in the U.S. The spire is 210 feet tall and the clock faces measure 9 feet. Book of Common Prayer (BCP) has all service prayers and prayers for many other occasions. There are BCPs in each pew in both the Main Church and Chapel. Large print versions are also available. Parishioners can order personal prayer books for themselves or gifts through the Parish Office. Bulletins - The Order of Service is listed in the weekly bulletin, as well as news about events at Trinity and in the community. The deadline to call in or email information for the bulletin is Wednesday of each week. Caring & Calling Ministers are generally assigned one or two people to visit who may be in a nursing home or not able to attend church. Caring & Calling Ministers may also be asked to provide meals for someone who just had a baby or is recovering from surgery, etc.

5 Chalice Bearers - See Eucharistic Minister

Chimes - Our monthly newsletter is called The Trinity Chimes. In this publication, you will find a calendar of events, a letter from the Rector, worship ministers schedule and other articles. Parishioners are welcome to submit articles of interest. Deadline for publication is the 15th of each month. The newsletter is sent electronically to those who have email and mailed to others. It is also posted on the church website.

Choir - Enthusiasm in worship and the willingness to learn are the important factors in the Choir Ministry. Choir rehearsal is held every Thursday evening and the choir sings at the 10 am Sunday Eucharist and other special services. Anyone who desires to worship through music is welcome. Contact: Ryan Malone 631-786-6150 [email protected]

Coffee Hour after the second service is an important part of life at Trinity. It’s very simple—you provide snacks and make coffee, tea and a drink for the children. Supplies and instructions are in the kitchen. It also works well for two people to do Coffee Hour together. Contact: Cris or Delores Loner 570-322-0831 The Columbarium offers the opportunity to have one’s entire spiritual journey, from birth and baptism through death and interment, in the embrace of their faith community. A tube in which ashes are interred fits securely in each niche. The niche is sealed, and an engraved brass nameplate is attached. An addition was recently added to the Columbarium with 42 niches. The cost per niche is $500.

Confirmation - To be confirmed is to say “yes” to your Baptismal vows. Confirmation occurs every two to three years upon the visit of the , and is preceded by a one-year educational program for youth and personal instruction for adults.

A Diocese is made up of local congregations, in a given geographical area, with a diocesan bishop as its chief and pastor. Trinity is part of the Diocese of Central Pennsylvania.

6 Disabilities ▪ There is a handicapped-accessible entrance ramp at Trinity Place Street (east side of the building). This allows access both to the Chapel and to the Parish Hall. There is a chair lift that allows indoor access from the Chapel and Main Church to the Parish Hall and restrooms. ▪ Wheelchair seating is available on the outer edges of pews 3 & 4 on both sides of the Main Church. ▪ Hearing Aid Devices are available for all services in the Main Church and Chapel. Ask the Ushers to show you how they are used. ▪ There are large print prayer books in both the Chapel and the Main Church. Ask an usher. ▪ Please notify an Usher if you need to have Holy Communion brought to you in your pew for any reason. ▪ We have a small supply of medical equipment that parishioners are welcome to borrow: walkers, toilet seat, shower seat, etc.

Docents are guides who give tours of the church. They answer questions, pass out information, and show people around the church. Docents are needed for special events like the Strawberry and Victorian Christmas. Contact: Nicole English 570-326-0223 [email protected]

Episcopal Relief & Development (ERD) is a worldwide relief agency of the Episcopal Church, which provides money and resources in times of disaster. Eucharist - See Holy Communion Eucharistic Ministers assist the priest in the Holy Eucharist by serving the Eucharistic cup. Training is provided, and any baptized member may be a Eucharistic Minister.

Eucharistic Visitors take Communion directly from our altar during the Sunday service to parishioners who are unable to attend services. They normally go out the third Sunday of the month. Eucharistic Visitors follow a short order of service with the parishioner. Training is provided by clergy and members are commissioned by the Diocese. Contact: Daisy Thomas 570-323-8071 [email protected]

7 The Finance Committee operates under the direction of the Treasurer, and works to maintain responsible financial management in our congregation. Contact: Debbe Sakash 570-323-6213 [email protected]

Flower Delivery - Our altar flowers are delivered to two of our parishioners after church each Sunday. They are sent to celebrate a happy event, to console in troubled times, to thank people for special work in the church, or to welcome new members.

Food Pantry - Please remember the hungry in our neighborhood and include a few items for them in your regular shopping. Donations are collected in the outreach cubbies in the coat area. A volunteer from Trinity takes the food to the United Churches Food Pantry, where it is given to those in need.

Fundraisers include the Strawberry Festival, Lasagna Dinners, Yard Sale, Victorian Christmas Soup Lunch, and others. There are many opportunities for fun participation in these and other events. Currently all fundraisers go to the Operating Fund unless otherwise designated. Contact: Cris or Delores Loner 570-322-0831

Funeral plans are made by the clergy in consultation with family members. Decisions include location of the service (Main Church, Chapel, Cemetery), music, readings and Holy Communion. Trinity’s Parish Hall is available for receptions following a funeral service. Pre-planning is a valuable gift that each of us can give our families to make the provisions for the time of death. Trinity holds last instructions for a number of parishioners, and invites all to make those decisions.

Greeters welcome all to our fellowship, direct new people and visitors, and introduce them to both clergy and other parishioners. They also welcome visitors to join us for Coffee Hour after the second service. Handicapped-Accessible Entrance Ramp on Trinity Place Street (east side of the building). Also, please notify an Usher if you need to have Holy Communion brought to you in your pew.

8 Healing Services - A full Healing Service, including laying on of hands and anointing with holy oil, is held at both Holy Communion Services once a quarter – usually the 4th Sunday of January, April, July and October. Hearing Aid Devices are available for all services both in the Main Church and Chapel. Ask the Ushers to show you how they are used. History Booklets on the Main Church, Chapel and Maynard Chimes are available in the library area. Holy Communion - Through the bread and the wine of the Eucharist, we are fed by Christ’s Body and Blood, and strengthened in our union with Him and one another. All baptized persons who are led by the Holy Spirit to join us in receiving Holy Communion are encouraged to do so. Hospitality - The mission of the Hospitality Committee is to extend hospitality to parishioners and visitors at Coffee Hour and a variety of events throughout the year. The group is responsible for getting food items and paper products, setting tables, preparing drinks, and cleaning up after events. Contact: Cris or Delores Loner 570-322-0831

The Hymnal is the blue book in each pew. All are invited to participate in worship through song, and hymnal page numbers are listed in the service bulletin. Service music is found in the front of the Hymnal, indicated by “S.” Our Choir provides leadership at the weekly 10 am Choral Service. Labyrinth – Trinity’s Labyrinth is a 36-foot canvas replica of the Labyrinth laid in the floor of Chartres Cathedral 800 years ago. The Labyrinth has only one path, which becomes a mirror for where we are in our lives. Walking the Labyrinth is a spiritual journey of love, joy, and healing. Trinity’s labyrinth is normally available to walk in the gym during . It is also available to rent to use at other locations. Lectors are commissioned by the Diocese to share the Word of God. We follow the Revised Common . Lectors read the Old Testament, , Psalm, and Prayers of the People. As we are a lectionary church (that is, we follow a set rotation of Bible readings in our services), the assigned readings are also available at any time for study and preparation. Contact: Miki Rebeck 570-916-7791 [email protected] 9 The Liturgy Committee works with the Rector and the Music Director to provide meaningful worship experiences. The Liturgy Committee welcomes suggestions from all parishioners.

Marriage - We would ask that you contact the Rector at least six months before your wedding date to start pre- marital counseling. You will then receive information about appropriate liturgy, music, flowers, etc. Our Parish Hall is available for receptions and/or rehearsal dinners.

Mission of the Month - The Outreach Committee picks twelve ministries to support each year through our Mission of the Month. One half of the loose offering plus any additional gifts are given to that ministry in the designated month. Contact: Linda Loehr 570-323-2267 [email protected]

Nursery is on the lower level and is available for parents to take their young children. The service can be heard through the sound system.

Outreach - Trinity Church participates in many Outreach Ministries through donations of items and funds and volunteer opportunities. Trinity aims to feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, and provide for the distressed. Contact: Linda Loehr 570-323-2267 [email protected]

The Oxford House is a start-up mission of Trinity Church in which we plan to use the rectory to house women in recovery. Oxford Houses provide self-supported recovery houses where at least 6 to 15 individuals live in a completely alcohol and drug free environment – an environment to which they contribute to paying rent, utilities, and other living expenses. Once established, the residents of the rented property function independently and democratically-- with support if needed. The Oxford House umbrella organization, which began in 1975, has grown nationally since its origin and is now recognized as one of the most effective treatment environments, proven to assure long-term recovery. Contact: Greg Smith 570-326-3073 [email protected]

10 Pastoral Care - Our clergy provides assistance and counsel to those in need. We also have Caring & Calling members who visit shut ins. Referrals are also made to local counselors.

Planned Giving - Trinity's Endowment Fund provides a vehicle for long-term health and preservation of our church. Gifts to the Endowment Fund assure the continuation of our church for future generations and are a way to thank God for the bounty he has provided. Distribution of Interest Income is used for maintenance of the building and capital improvements, outreach to the community and special projects and programs of the parish. If you have not yet prepared a Will, Trinity has resources available for advice on how to begin the process.

Pledge - A pledge is a written commitment to God through the support of one’s home church. Your pledge pays for the operating expenses of the church, and a portion goes to support the Diocese and the National Church. The commitment by name on a pledge card implies a more disciplined level of commitment than occasional giving. In practical terms, the pledging system allows the parish to develop a reasonable budget based on the pledged amounts. Contact: Debbe Sakash 570-323-6213 [email protected]

Prayer Chain -The members of the Prayer Chain commit themselves to pray for those in need. Requests for prayer are always welcome, and participation in the Prayer group requires only a regular prayer habit and the belief in the power of prayer. Prayer requests are listed in the weekly bulletin by name. Contact: Mary Ann Stine 570-494-1894 [email protected]

The Property Committee is responsible for the upkeep of our physical plant. They take care of minor repairs and receive bids for contracts for larger projects. The Vestry is advised by the Property Committee about building matters. Contact: Kevin Drewencki 570-546-8912 [email protected] Quiet Baskets - There are baskets of silent activities for young children to use in the back of the Main Church and Chapel.

11 Recovery Meetings - Trinity is fully supportive of 12- Step Programs of Recovery. Currently, we host Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups.

Sacramental Preparation - Special classes are held as children progress to Confirmation. Adults seeking this sacrament are given private or group instruction. There are also small group preparations for Baptisms, and individual teaching and counseling prior to marriage.

Small Groups have formed to enable parishioners to get to know each other better. The groups provide opportunities for socialization, recreation, or spiritual growth. They are formed by parishioners who have a common interest. Because the groups evolve from within the parish, the types of groups and number of groups vary from year to year. Stations of the Cross - The Stations, or Way of the Cross, are 14 images marked by a cross in the Main Church. They provide a focus for our Lenten devotion as we retrace the journey of our Savior on . The Stewardship Committee is responsible for education and programs relating to the stewardship of our congregation’s time, talent, and treasure. The most visible portion of our duties is the annual Stewardship Campaign, the purpose of which is to raise operating funds through congregational pledges. Sunday School - Our Sunday School Program is from preschool through 5th grade. Teachers and helpers are needed and the curriculum is easy to follow. Contact: Cris or Delores Loner 570-322-0831 United Thank Offering (UTO) is an outreach of the Episcopal Church. The Mission of UTO is to expand the circle of thankful people. To achieve this mission, we encourage daily prayers, offerings and awareness of the abundance of God's blessings. Parish Ingatherings are held in the fall and spring each year. Parishioners are encouraged to their change in a “blue box” throughout the year as they develop the daily habit of thanksgiving. Each year grants are given with the money that has been collected.

12 Ushers seat the congregation, collect the offering, and deliver the offering to the altar. Ushers also help direct the flow of people during Communion. Contact: Geoffrey Knauth 570-326-3822 [email protected] Vestry - In every Episcopal Church, a Vestry is elected from the parish congregation. These leaders serve in many capacities, but as a whole, their main goal is to promote the well-being of the parish. Vestry involves a three-year term of service, with the opportunity to serve on various subcommittees. The Vestry normally meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. Contact: Greg Smith 570-326-3073 [email protected]

Website - Check out our church web site at www.trinity-williamsport.diocpa.org for information on worship, music, education, outreach, history, news and events.

Weddings - See Marriage Women’s Group – The “Church Ladies” is a social group with a mission of fostering friendship and community. Church Lady gatherings usually revolve around a shared meal at someone’s home. We've had picnics in a barn and potluck dinners with craft making or "get to know you" games. We have no set agenda for these gatherings, but smaller groups within the Church Ladies form when common interests arise or a community need is identified. Contact: Suzan McGary 570-772-2162 [email protected] Worship of Jesus Christ is the core of our life together. We are centered on Holy Communion, which sustains us in our daily lives. We welcome worshippers of all faiths to all of our services. Youth Groups - Trinity’s Youth Group (grades 6-12) meets on Sundays at 9 am in the youth room throughout the school year and has other events and service projects throughout the year. Contact: Matt Rebeck 570-321-8632 [email protected]

Update 1/31/19

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14 TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH

PRO-CATHEDRAL OF THE DIOCESE OF CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA The Rt. Rev. Audrey Scanlan, Bishop

A Training Center for Daily Ministry

The Rev. Canon Kenneth Wagner-Pizza, Rector

844 West Fourth Street Williamsport, PA 17701 Phone (570) 322-0126 Fax (570) 322-6508 [email protected] www.trinity-williamsport.diocpa.org

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