Acolytes

Often thought to be a “children’s ministry,” acolyting actually is a position of leadership and responsibility, as the acolytes see to it that every worship service flows smoothly.  Acolytes serve at the 10:00 service and all special services.  By serving as an acolyte, you will know why we do what we do, and help make it happen.  Youth, age 12 and older, and adults are encouraged to try acolyting.

Altar Guild

If you like things neat and orderly, then the Altar Guild is for you!  Serving one week a month, Altar Guild members work in teams doing all the backstage preparation for our worship services.  A side benefit of service is that you will learn much about the Eucharist and its traditions. On-the-job training with an Altar Guild veteran is part of the plan, so you can try something new.

 Flower Guild

Looking for a place to exercise your creativity?  Why not try your hand at arranging flowers for a Sunday Service?  Flower Guild members have a free hand to choose and arrange the flowers for Sunday’s services, as well as for particular special events as well.  While prior experience is not required, this isn’t something Trinity can train you in.  But if you have a sense of what beauty in a vase looks like, this may be the place for you!

Greeters

Just like ushers, Greeters have the job of welcoming all who come to worship at Trinity.  But Greeters are keeping a particular eye out for those who are new in order to assist them with their first encounter with Trinity.  Greeters assist with making connections–introducing newcomers and old timers, introducing parents to the Sunday School–whatever it takes to give a message of welcome and inclusion.

Ushers

Handing out bulletins to everyone they meet, ushers are also equipped to answer questions anyone might have about location and Sunday activities.  Be that first, helpful person our visitors and members meet–ushers are needed to serve once a month at either service (just state your preference).

Worship Leaders

If public speaking is your thing, then leading worship might be just the role for you on a Sunday.  Parishioners read the scripture lessons, lead the Prayers of the People and serve communion.  Teens and adults are welcome to serve, usually once a month, offering their talents and presence at either Sunday service.

Spiritual Growth

Rector’s Forum

Trinity’s Rector’s Forum meets every Sunday (except breakfast Sundays) between worship services at 9:00 a.m. in the parish hall. Topics have included contemporary faith issues, Bible study and more.  This is an open group, so just come and join in!

The Rector’s Forum is suspended at this time.  

Prayer Groups

Prayer groups at Trinity seek to create a Christian lifestyle that is both relevant and sacred.  Groups meet regularly, following a discipline of personal prayer and meditation, hospitality and service.

Daughters of the King

Daughters of the King is part of an international Anglican Order for women. Its members vow to follow a vow of regular prayer, study and service. Trinity’s DOK chapter meets on the first Sunday of the month after the 10:00am service.  Potential Daughters participate in a 12 week study course, after which they take vows of commitment to prayer, study, and service to the church. Classes for new members are usually held in the summer, but interested women can visit anytime to see what the Daughters are all about.

Stewardship

It has been said that anything we do after we say those crucial words, “I believe,” is stewardship.  How we use what we have, whether we mean internal or external resources, is stewardship. Our ministry here seeks to spread that message.  While we work year-round, the financial Pledge drive in the fall, with its accompanying Ministry Fair are important highlights.  Serving on the Stewardship Committee is guaranteed to grow your faith–and isn’t that the point?

Growing in Grace

Join our class for adults of a certain (retired) age.  The group meets weekly, using a book to discuss issues of spirituality for the second half of life.  Programs last for 6-8 weeks at a time–join a series when you can.  Led by the Rev. Carolyn Richardson, the group provides an opportunity for support and fellowship while discussing relevant concerns.

Growing in Grace is not meeting at this time.

Children’s Ministries and Sunday School

Children are a high priority at Trinity, so we dedicate a lot of attention to the ministries that serve them.  From Sunday School to special weekend events to participation in worship, there’s always something for children going on at Trinity.  Learn more about our children’s ministries here:  How can you be a part of it?  Help is always needed with teaching, crafts, decorating, clean-up and more.

Music Ministries

Choir

Do you enjoy singing?  Whether you read music like a pro or simply want to be part of the creative offering, Trinity’s Choir may be for you.   The Choir leads Trinity in song at the 10:00 service and at all special services.  Trinity’s Choir is made up of singers with a wide variety of abilities and experiences in singing.  All you need is the commitment to attend, a desire to make music in a group, and a willingness to grow in musical ability.   Come practice–you may find yourself singing a solo before you know it!  The choir rehearses each Wednesday evening, 7:30-9, September-June. Contact David Lewis, organist@trinityescondido.org,  for more information.

Trinity Bells  (A Bell Choir)

Can you count to four?  If so, then you are ready to join a choir of ringers, not singers!  The bell choir practices weekly and performs almost monthly, playing their many bells as one instrument controlled by many hands.  Not only is it exciting to watch, it’s fun to do, and not all that complicated–lessons are included in the practicing.  Trinity Bells practice on Wednesdays at 6pm, September–June.

Other Musicians

David Lewis
organist@trinityescondido.org

Do you play an instrument?  From saxophone to guitar, there’s a place for you in Trinity’s worship!  Speak to our Organist David Lewis about how your talents might enhance our worship service.

Fellowship Ministries

Coffee Hour

Some say Coffee Hour is the eighth sacrament!  This casual time for socializing after worship is an essential part of each Sunday.  Hosting coffee hour doesn’t have to be a big commitment–just a few snacks will keep the crowds happy.  Sign up on a Sunday for a date in the future, or partner with a friend and host together.  We all enjoy the treats, and those hosts are critical to any Sunday!

Trinity 101

Our introduction to all things Trinity, from basic Christian thought to Episcopal particulars to Trinity Escondido specifics takes place quarterly.  The class ends with dinner, provided by the chefs of our Newcomers’ Ministry.  Volunteers are always welcome.

Trinity 101 is not offered at this time.

Monthly Breakfast

Trinity’s monthly breakfast is every third Sunday at 9 a.m. prior to the worship service. It’s a great time to gather in fellowship and enjoy a fine breakfast together.

Special Events

Look for special social activities taking place as the Holy Seasons change.  Trinity favorites include Mardi Gras, Advent workshop, Epiphany parties, and Trinity Sunday barbeques.

Family Fun Night

What is a family?  We are all part of the Trinity family, regardless of age or household size.  Trinity members young and old gather each month to celebrate that reality.  Family Fun Night consists of a potluck dinner, games, crafts, or even service projects for us all.  You will leave relaxed and renewed because you probably haven’t laughed this much in years!

Covid Update:  This ministry is part of Special Events and is scheduled on an ad-hoc basis..

Service and Community Ministries

Interfaith Community Services (ICS) at Trinity

Interfaith Community Services is an ecumenical service organization serving the needs of the homeless and needy in Escondido. Trinity helped start this important agency, and has contributed to its work for 35 years.  An easy way to be part of making a difference:  bring food (non-perishables) to the collection area by the baptismal font in the church.  We’ll see that the food gets to those in need.

Looking for a little more:  Trinity has a regular date for serving breakfast at Interfaith on the second Sunday of the month.  Volunteers start at 5:30 am, but it’s all done by 7, leaving plenty of time for the day.

Looking for even more:  Watch for regular opportunities to help with Interfaith’s work.  From dinners at the shelter to fix-it projects to making lunches, there are volunteer projects to be found. Read more about ICS here.

Covid Update:  While Trinity is not currently preparing breakfast at Interfaith, Trinity volunteers cook and provide dinner for Haven House, Interfaith’s shelter, twice a month.  Contact jan.mcdaniel@gmail.com for details. 

Haven House

Trinity volunteers cook and serve dinner for Haven House, Interfaith’s shelter, twice a month. It’s a wonderful way to serve our community. There are many jobs, ranging from purchasing food items, helping to transport items to Interfaith, cooking and preparing the meal, and serving the meal.

Community Garden

A cadre of dedicated Trinity volunteers have created one of the finest community gardens in the area. Gardeners may rent plots or even raised platforms according to their needs. Volunteers are needed to keep things running, and you can rent a plot and meet our neighbors as you garden together. You can help by spreading the word throughout the neighborhood, as well as sharing any gardening expertise or enthusiasm. Check out the Community Garden webpage for more info.

African Crafts (African Team Ministry)

African Team Ministry supports missions in Africa through the sale of handmade African crafts.  Trinity usually offers a sale for two Sundays in the fall–for Christmas shopping!  The proceeds sustain livelihoods, provide education and opportunity–what could be better?  Make a note to include African crafts on your next Christmas shopping list!

Covid Update:  Trinity will not be hosting an in-person market, but members are encouraged to shop at the online shop:  https://africanteamstore.square.site/

Pastoral Care

Pastoral Care is how our community cares for its members.  We offer dinner for folks just out of the hospital, rides to the doctor or church events, and prepare receptions following funerals at Trinity.  Parishioners are also available to take communion to those who are not able to be with us on Sunday.  As you can see, all these projects require participants!  These are also on an “as-needed” basis, so if you volunteer you may not be contacted to help until months from now.  Nonetheless, having a list of volunteers is essential for when the work needs to be done.  Recruitment happens at church or you can email us here and let us know what you can do. Read more about the Pastoral Care ministry here.

Covid Update:  Pastoral Care continues, especially by phone.  In-person visits, when possible, are still being made.  For information or to request a visit, contact rector@trinityescondido.org

Prayers & Squares

Prayers & Squares is quilting ministry that extends far beyond Trinity.  The ministry makes small prayer quilts.  Then, during a worship service the quilts are blessed, and as they leave church, parishioners tie a knot in the quilting threads, saying a prayer for the recipient as they do. Prayers & Squares meets the first Saturday of each month in the Parish Hall at 9:00 am.  Quilters are urgently needed, but we also have need for learners and even non-sewers.  Anyone can request a prayer quilt for someone in need.  Contact the ministry for details and read more about Prayers & Squares here.

Covid Update:  Quilters are working from home, making quilts and fulfilling requests.  If you need a prayer quilt or would like to volunteer your quilting skills, contact dru@davedru.org

Rotational Shelter

Currently in our community, the only emergency shelter available for homeless families is one that changes locations. Managed by the Rotational Shelter Network, this shelter moves from church to church, spending two weeks in each location.  Trinity has hosted the Rotational Shelter for over 20 years now, providing meals, overnight hosting, transportation and community for 12-15 homeless individuals and families.  It’s a lot of work needing help from many, but it makes a difference.  Look for details to come:  Trinity’s shelter dates will be in the winter, sometime from January to March.

Covid Update:  We await word on the 2021 Season, and plan to assist Interfaith Community Services in other ways.

Nursing Home Ministry

Trinity takes worship to those who cannot be with us.  Currently, as Trinity has for many years, we offer a monthly communion service at Escondido Care Center. Cheery participants are needed to help with singing, passing out papers and generally being friendly. Making friends is a gift many of us can offer to this place.

Escondido Care Center
421 East Mission Avenue
Escondido, CA 92025
(760) 747-0430

Covid Update:  This ministry is suspended at this time.  

Trinity ToyMakers

This is where the wood meets the road! The Trinity ToyMakers construct wooden Christmas toys which are distributed to needy children in the Escondido area. The ToyMakers do most of their work at Chief ToyMaker Joe Stanford’s workshop in Fallbrook, although some woodworkers are able to work in their own garages.  You don’t have to be an experienced woodworker, however.  From sanding to painting, there are simple jobs, as well.  Toymakers meet most every Saturday in the fall.  Email trinitytoymakers@trinityescondido.org for details and directions. Read more about Trinity ToyMakers…

Covid Update:  Toymakers are working in small groups and in their own homes.  Contact Joe Stanford for details.

Kairos Prison Ministry

Kairos is an ecumenical prison ministry taking place at Donovan State Prison twice a year.  Trinity’s role is supportive. We bake cookies, hundreds of dozens of them, because home-baked cookies represent caring.  Prison ministry is a proven means of putting lives back together.  More active participation in the weekend is possible, with training and security clearances.

Covid Update:  This ministry is suspended at this time.

Bread for the World

Bread for the World is an activist ministry working for policies in the US that combat hunger and poverty.  Each year, the agency chooses one particular piece of legislation on which to concentrate its efforts.  Trinity participates in this “Offering of Letters,” by learning about the issues and writing letters to our representatives.  You can learn more about Bread for the World and its work here.

Community Connections

Trinity is always finding new ways to engage our community and share our message of hope.  Recently we participated in the Escondido Street Fair and the Escondido Peace Day.  We also have an active presence in our neighborhood of Old Escondido, and have held events of our own downtown.  But we are always looking for more ways to be known in our town.  Have an idea or event?  Let us know!

We Clean Escondido

Each month Trinity members gather to serve Escondido by keeping the streets clean.  You will find us on Escondido Boulevard on the third Saturday of the month, working our way from Peterson’s Donuts on 9th to the park on the corner of Felicita.  Help us keep our little corner of Escondido spic and span!

Covid Update:  This ministry is suspended at this time.

Samaritans

How do we best love our neighbors?  That’s what Samaritans want to know.  Our Samaritan ministry engages in education, advocacy and service.  Regular programs keep us informed about community organizations responding to issues from literacy to refugees.  Service and advocacy follow from our learning as Samaritans try to make a difference in the world.

Covid Update:  Samaritans are currently engaged (via Zoom) in the Episcopal Church program Sacred Ground, a film-based discussion series on racism, division, and–ultimately–reconciliation.  Learn more at https://episcopalchurch.org/

Escondido Together: Interfaith Religious Connections

Trinity leads Escondido by providing an interfaith religious witness of cooperation and community support.  For over 40 years, Thanksgiving has been celebrated in Escondido with an interfaith worship service involving a dozen or more congregations and a choir of over 100 voices.  Each May, National Day of Prayer provides an opportunity for interfaith involvement as civic leaders and diverse congregations gather in prayer.  Other interfaith activities include International Day of Peace and various vigils and community witness.  To find out more, follow Escondido Together on Facebook.

Covid Update:  While most activities are continuing via Zoom, an in-person prayer vigil is being held at City Hall on Tuesdays at noon.

Nuts and Bolts (Keeping the Lights on)

Buildings and Grounds

Keeping Trinity neat and functioning requires all sorts of attention. If you’re one of those handy types who likes to fix things–we need you!  But if you’re the sort of person who likes to keep things neat, or if gardening is a passion–we need you, too!  Trinity’s buildings serve many groups and purposes.  Keeping them looking good and in working order is an important gift to our community.

Finance Ministries

How are your math skills? If you enjoy working with numbers, we have with which to work. Budgeting, investment guidance, even auditing the books—all these financial skills keep Trinity organized and faithfully managing our resources.  Come share your talents with us!

Newsletter

Trinity publishes a monthly newsletter, and it doesn’t write itself!  Writing articles, editing and formatting are all part of the process.  Then there’s the job of getting it ready to mail.  Many hands make light work–maybe you can give us a hand?

Office Volunteers

During the week, it’s our office that keeps us together!  Volunteers are needed for small jobs–answering phones, straightening things up, folding bulletins, counting money–that sort of thing.  If you have a few hours during the weekday to share, we can find a job for you.

Covid Update:  The office is currently closed, but we can use help.  Can you fold paper?  Make phone calls?  Then we have a place for you!  Contact office@trinityescondido.org

Web Site and Social Media

Do you know your way around a keyboard?  Like to post, tweet, check-in or like?  Trinity wants to maintain strong social media presence.Help keep Trinity’s light shining online by helping to maintain the website or providing content and assisting with our Facebook and Instagram pages.  And don’t forget to “like” Trinity!