Worship @ Trinity

Blended

10:30a.m. Sunday we employ the skeleton of ancient Christian worship as outlined in the BCP but we use the contemporary texts of prayers from all over the world (New Zealand, Tanzania, Kenya, El Salvador, Scotland and Canada to name a few). In addition to two readings from the Bible (an Old Testament and Gospel appointed by The Revised Common Lectionary), we add contemporary and often secular poetry and prose that compliments the theme of the other readings. The soundtrack for worship is every bit as important as the soundtrack to a movie and we feature some of the best musicians in Western New York. Our pipe organ and organist, Paul Cena, are second to none and provide a comfortable sense of continuity with generations past. To the organ we add a piano ensemble that may feature brass, percussion or strings depending on the mood. Krista Seddon, one of Buffalo’s premier jazz and classical pianists, is our ensemble leader. The Trinity choir under the leadership of Barbara Cooper can sing a Negro spiritual, Gospel Rock and a Bach Cantata with the same amazing quality and it is not unusual for the congregation to break out in spontaneous applause when they do. Every season finds a new theme and focus of the worship but it always feels like a deeply authentic expression of 21st century spirituality.

An Encounter with God

7 PM means Trinity @ 7, an encounter with God without all the religion. Trinity @ 7 incorporates readings from the Scriptures and mystics of Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Sufi, Hinduism and Christianity as well as contemporary poetry and prose from all over the world. Syncopating each reading is live jazz featuring Krista Seddon and culminating in a brief reflection from one of our clergy and a participatory candle light meditation. Even those who thought they were allergic to organized religion of any kind discover that the simple eloquence, safety and pervasive peace of Trinity @ 7 is compelling. Trinity @ 7 is truly a distinctive form of encounter with the holy.

Healing Ministries

This is an offering of Laying on of Hands during the 10:30am worship. While recognizing that healing does not equal curing, and that healing is a process and God’s action is a mystery, this group offers prayers recognizing that it is the creation of a sacred moment within a larger sacred space to which the Pray-ers are but witnesses. This group meets monthly to explore healing through readings, meditations, prayers, and discussion. For further information contact Holly Maloney at the church office.

Children & Youth

Children and Youth Programs are listed below and focus on spiritual growth, community building and outreach.  Children of all ages are welcome in worship as an integral part of the community.  Participation in any of Trinity’s programs for children and youth is left to the discretion of the parents and the interest of the child.  All programming is under the supervision of Holly Maloney, Assistant for Congregational Ministries, with worship direction from Deacon Steve Lane and Music Director Barbara Cooper, always in consultation with our Rector, Cam Miller.  If your choice is to keep your children with you in church, please know that the noise of children in worship is part of the noise of a joyous community life.

Infants and pre-K children have the use of the nursery during 10:30am worship as suits the needs of both parents and children. You are welcome to come and go with your little one, leave her or him with the sitters while you worship, play and wander in the red carpet area, or stay with your child in the nursery.  The worship can be heard through the radio speaker system. The nursery staff meets the age appropriate needs of the children with stories, arts and crafts, interactive play and a snack.  They are available from 10:15am until 11:45am.  This age group builds community through Parents and Toddlers Group who meet for a mix of fun, parenting discussions and food.  It is an open and ongoing group that welcomes parents and grandparents of this age group.

Elementary age children are invited to participate in the Creator Quest program during the 10:30am worship.  They gather in the last pews on the pulpit side of the sanctuary before the worship begins.  Children that arrive early have the opportunity to join the procession with the choir and altar party during the opening hymn, carrying streamers and banners.  They will join the rest of the children at the end of the hymn and proceed to the Chapel for God-centered age-appropriate learning; biblical storytelling supported by interactive play and arts and crafts.  The children will return to church in time to share communion with the gathered community.  This age group is encouraged to participate in Trinity @ Buffalo outreach through the Sandwich Ministry.  For the latest dates of special events for our Creator Quest children, please check out our Calendar. 

Middle School age children are invited to assist with the Creator Quest program as processional leaders and liturgy of the word helpers under the supervision of Holly Maloney.  They are invited to participate in the 10:30 AM worship through joining the team of Acolytes under the supervision of Steve Lane, our deacon, and participating in special music opportunities under the supervision of Barbara Cooper.  The outreach opportunities for this age are through Sandwich Ministry as well as other special events with the high school Youth Group.

High School age youth are invited to participate in the Youth Group program and to participate in worship.  The Youth Group meets twice a month after the 10:30am worship and for special events as scheduled.  The focus of this group is community, spirituality and fun in a safe and inclusive environment.  Worship participation opportunities are through leadership roles on the Acolyte team, the music program either as members of Trinity’s Choir or as musicians in special instrumental pieces; and as assistants in the nursery and Creator Quest program. 

If you have any questions about Children & Youth, please contact Holly Maloney.

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