Worship in the Episcopal Church is where we are fed in body and in spirit, so that we can be strengthened to go wherever our journey is taking us. We come together to be reminded that we are not alone on this journey.
According to The Book of Common Prayer, Baptism is “Full initiation by water and the Holy Spirit into Christ’s body, the Church” (BCP, p. 298). Baptism, in other words, is the Sacrament through which an individual becomes a part of the faith community. This community, the community of faith, is the means by which and through which we are shaped and formed as children of God. It is the community that promises to support us on our journey. In our baptism, we commit ourselves to following in the footsteps of Jesus, helping to shape a world that is peaceful, compassionate, and respectful.
At Trinity, we baptize both adults and infants in the context of the Sunday morning worship service. Additionally, the Episcopal Church strongly recommends baptisms occur on the Sunday of Pentecost, All Saints’ Day or the Sunday after All Saints’ Day, the Feast of the Baptism of our Lord (the Sunday after Epiphany, January 6), at the Great Vigil of Easter (the night before Easter Sunday), or when the Bishop is present. (BCP, p. 312). We are open to considering other Sundays for baptisms, if circumstances require.
Baptism should be done thoughtfully and prayerfully. Sponsors (Godparents), at least one of whom is a baptized Christian from any denomination, should also be chosen. Sponsors will help the child to be regular in worship, service, and prayer—not only by their teaching, but by example. Both sponsors and parents will take part in a short period of preparation. If you’re interested in baptism for yourself or a member of your family, please speak with a clergy person to schedule a time of conversation and preparation. A short rehearsal will also take place thirty minutes prior to the service at which a baptism takes place.
Thinking about baptism? Talk with us to set up a date. Call (812) 336-4466.
Confirmation is the ritual in which we express a mature commitment to Christ and his teachings and receive strength by the Holy Spirit through prayer and the laying on of hands by a Bishop. Those who have been baptized and seek to affirm the promises they made at their baptism prepare for confirmation by attending our Introduction to the Episcopal Church classes. Confirmation services generally occur once a year at Trinity when the Bishop visits, or in open confirmation services held periodically elsewhere in the Diocese of Indianapolis.
Introduction to the Episcopal Church classes are held monthly, generally on the 4th Sunday of each month. These classes are also available for those who have been confirmed in other Christian denominations and wish to be received into the Episcopal Church.
In a marriage, partners enter into a lifelong union. They make their vows of fidelity before family, friends, and the Church and ask for the strength to keep the promises and vows they make.
The Sacrament of Marriage is available at Trinity for couples of any gender(s) including same-sex/gender weddings, and we can also bless civil marriages.
We perform these services only for those who have been regular, worshiping members of the Trinity community for at least one year. We do not conduct these rituals during the seasons of Advent or Lent. Persons desiring to be married in the Episcopal Church must also sign a Canonical Declaration of Intent (click through link or see below).
A minimum of 30 days notice is required, and in practice, we recommend that you begin discussions with the Rector at least 6 months prior to your planned date. A six-eight week period of preparation is necessary for marriages or the blessing of civil unions.
Prior to calling and setting up an initial appointment, please read the Wedding Policy below. Please also look at the Book of Common Prayer or BCP for the liturgy itself, or at the Same Gender Marriage Service info provided below. We cannot make any major changes to these services, although there are options available. Please note, you cannot write your own vows, and must use the ones provided in the service.
(Photo: Anna Clark Photography)
Considering a lifelong union? Give us a call, we can fill you in on all the details. (812) 336-4466.
Experiencing the death of a loved one is a difficult time in the life of any family. Our pastoral team at Trinity is available to support you during this time of grief and help you plan a Christ-centered funeral service that emphasizes the hope of eternal life found in Jesus.
We recommend calling the parish (812-336-4466) to schedule a funeral before you make any other plans or have friends/relatives plan to attend. Our church and/or clergy are not always available on desired dates.
If you wish to have a clergy person other than the Rector preside, preach, or otherwise assist at the service, the Rector’s permission must be asked before you make any other arrangements.
If you wish to have an organist other than the Trinity Music Director, or have other musicians or singers who are not on Trinity Staff or members of the church, you must also ask for the Rector’s permission must be asked before making any other arrangements.
For other funeral information, costs, and policies please see our policy below.
Our Book of Common Prayer contains a whole section of services collected under the title “Pastoral Offices.” Here we find wedding and funeral services and a short liturgy called “Thanksgiving for the Birth or Adoption of a Child.” While long ago this service related to ritual purification of women, today it is used to welcome newborn infants and adopted children into an Episcopal community. A short version can be used at a hospital or in a home; the full rite takes place at a Sunday morning service at the exchange of the Peace.
The service consists of a brief address to the congregation by the Celebrant, followed by a recitation in unison of a The Song of Mary or a psalm. It concludes with a prayer of thanksgiving by the celebrant and then additional, optional prayers for safe delivery, for parents, for a child not baptized or already baptized, and a blessing of the family. Adopted children old enough to speak for themselves are asked if they take the woman as their mother and the man as their father, and then the adoptive parents make a response.
If you have recently given birth or adopted a child or children and would like to give thanks at Trinity, at home or in the hospital, please call the church office (812-336-4466) so that appropriate plans can be made to do so.
We’re on the corner of Grant and Kirkwood.
Join us for a service or stop by for a visit.
111 S. Grant Street, Bloomington, IN 47408
