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Dear Friends,
I was baptized at Trinity on May 17, 1942, and at least two of my brothers were baptized here, too. My grandfather is listed in the “Roll of Honour” of members of Trinity who served in the military in WWII. My grandmother used to tell people that if they were looking for her on Sunday she would be in a particular box at Trinity Church. I’ve been at Trinity many times in my times back in RI – 38 years ago when I served at St. Michael’s, Bristol, and since 2012 when I came back to serve at St. Luke’s, East Greenwich, and a couple of other places.
Now I’m living just a mile from Trinity, but I never dreamed that I’d be back here on Staff and serving in this unique and amazing building. If you’ve been coming to Trinity for years and it has become so familiar that you don’t think about it, I suggest coming when tours are happening. You will be surprised, and pleased I hope, at the reactions of folks who’ve never seen a building like this before.
As beautiful and interesting as the building is, it is not the reason that I said yes to staying after a few weeks leading the Wednesday noon healing service. I stayed because of you – the people who worship at Trinity and welcomed me, and do “all such good works as thou hast prepared for us to walk in,” as we say in the Prayer after Communion in Rite 1, or, if you prefer Rite 2, “send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord.”
There are many who serve God and God’s people through agencies in our communities, and many who serve through Trinity – the Monday night suppers, TLC (Trinity Loves and Cares), Prayer Shawl Ministry, and serving in worship, serving on Vestry, teaching Sunday School, providing time to gather after worship with deliciousness at coffee hour.
All these ways of showing hospitality give a special life to the parish and remind us that the church is not the building. Part of the history of “church” is from Middle English “chirche” meaning a place of assemblage for worship” and “the Lord’s House.” When Jesus talked about his followers he used a Greek work, “ekklesia,” meaning a gathering of people “called out” to bring God’s Kingdom to the world.
As we celebrate 300 years of this special building, let us also celebrate and carry on, the “ekklesia” mission and ministries that Trinity parish has been living for more than 300 years. When Trinity celebrates the 400th or 600th anniversary (will they be raising money for a new organ?) may the same worship that welcomes all, the music that enthralls, and the caring for each other and the wider community be what people think of when the think of Trinity.
Blessings, Noël Bailey Robinson, Parish Associate
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