Salary negotiable based on experience and diocesan guidelines.

Trinity Church’s liturgical style can be described as “broad,” utilizing Rite II of the 1979 Book of Common Prayer and the 1982 Hymnal. We hold two Holy Eucharist services on Sunday morning: a quiet, meditative, music-free service at 8:00, and a livelier service with organ and choir at 10:00. Children are welcome and participate by giving the dismissal at the end of the late service. Beyond those basics, however, it is important to note that we are a laid-back, come-as-you-are, caring worship community. We don’t assess a newcomer's ability to pledge when welcoming them to the church. Instead, we first seek to ascertain why they have walked through our doors. We are accepting of “kid noise.” We often address our priests by their first names, if they are comfortable with that. Prior to Covid-19, about half of our congregation left their seats in order to greet each other during the peace. Understandably, that has not fully returned, but it speaks to the spirit of our parish that we sought to make everyone feel welcome.

Our community treasures worship and events that inspire. It has been said that we take our faith–but not necessarily ourselves–seriously. We find joy in deep reflection and in fellowship with each other.

Although we rely on a caring, faith-based priest to help identify and encourage ministry, Trinity is not “top-down.” Rather, we work together, letting the needs of our community and congregation, the inspiration of the Spirit, and the gifts of our parishioners guide what should be undertaken. Every member is encouraged to bring their thoughts, hopes, and desires to the table. Parishioners practice their ministries. They are also welcome, within reason, to start and lead new programs. Accommodations are made for those who are physically- or mentally-challenged to participate. Lay leadership is strong at Trinity, with the majority of parishioners taking part in, or responsibility for, at least some aspect of church life.

While we’re not entirely sure what the church of the future will look like, we expect it will be a bit of a hybrid, with some folks holding Sunday worship in the building as a core tenet and others seeking online, home-based, or small group experiences. To that end, we have tried to embrace change, to be open to new ideas, and to recognize when new isn't always better. Trinity is an open-minded and well-rounded faith community that strives to love each other as Jesus loves us.

Conflict occurs naturally in most organizations. But when it goes underground, it can be devastating to a parish. Trinity has a mixed history of dealing with conflict. We have been most successful when the conflict was openly discussed, debated, and settled. When folks felt that they understood the full parameters of the issue and that they had been heard.

Trinity is a good, solid parish with dedicated lay leaders. The church is in a charming seaside village and engages the wider community. They are quite flexible and supportive of clergy.

The mention of conflict was not a recent situation, and they have learned how to handle disagreements constructively from a previous time.

The Rev. Canon Dr. Dena Cleaver-Bartholomew, Canon to the Ordinary

401-27404500 x232 dena@episcopalri.org