Newcomers Guide

You Are Welcome!

No matter who you are - whether a long-time Christian or seeking to know Good in a Christian congregation for the first time - we welcome you. You are a child of God who has gifts and new ideas to offer this community.

We recognize and honour the reality that it can be difficult to go to a new church for the first time. We also assume that God is calling you to deepen your relationship with God – and we take that very seriously. Our aim is to make you as comfortable as possible so that you can have an experience of God during your time in worship.

To help you relax we created a booklet called "Newcomers Guide to Worship". Look for your complimentary copy at the church office on Sunday, or ask an Usher or Greeter for it. The booklet answers the most common questions that newcomers have.

Since you are visiting us through cyberspace right now, and may not have attended Trinity yet, here are a few highlights from the Newcomers Guide:

What is worship?

Worship is what forms as a distinct community. It is a time to gather together to give praise to God. It is also a time to refresh ourselves, to be ready to go back out into the world as followers of Jesus and to make a difference in the world. In part, worship is also the time when we practice living in the kingdom of God (what the world would be like if God were in charge) including putting God into the centre of our lives. 

Who can worship?

Anyone is welcome to participate in worship. It doesn’t matter if this is your first opportunity to explore the Christian faith or if you haven’t been since you were a child. Nor should you feel embarrassed or somehow unworthy. This is a new day and you are already a beloved child of God. 

When you arrive

After parking in our lot behind the building it is easy to come in one of the three entrances. Each is very close to the sanctuary. You will be warmly welcomed by a greeter or usher. Greeters are the ones wearing an extra white nametag saying, “Welcome”. An usher will give you a bulletin with any announcements. Both the greeters and ushers will be pleased to answer any questions you may have. 

Children

First of all, if you have children - stop worrying! Children are very much a part of the life of this church. We are delighted to have them in the worship service. Please remember it isn’t going to bother anyone else if your kids make noise, move around or are just simply being kids. We are quite used to it. We think we have done our job if children are comfortable being themselves in worship.

There are a number of options available for you and your children during worship. We have an excellent Sunday School program for children aged three and up; and we have nursery care for those under three. All of our teachers are experienced and provide a warm, loving environment for the children. They can learn about and experience God in a variety of ways including story, prayer, crafts, service projects, drama and participation in worship.
We try to connect new children with their teacher(s) before the service so that they have a chance to see where they are going and feel more comfortable. However, if that doesn’t happen, usually one of the teachers will come to you and ask about whether your child wishes to come to the class. Children are all different. Some will feel very comfortable going with the teacher, others will want you to come with them and others will want to stay with you throughout the service. Again, it is your call. For those who want to stay with you, there are activity packs (“busy bags”) available to keep them engaged during the worship service. 

Where do I sit?

Anywhere you like – really! We value hospitality here and there are no reserved seats. It is true that folks tend to sit in the same places week after week, but no one’ s nose is going to get out of joint if you happen to sit in their favourite spot. In fact, they will be glad that you have taken the risk of coming to church and more than likely warmly welcome you. 

Depending on what time you arrive, you will likely hear music playing, or if you are really early, you might catch the choir rehearsing. Feel free to sit and relax, wander around and check out the rest of the building, or talk with others. It is up to you. 

What happens during worship?

At Trinity we have a rather unique way of beginning services: a small bell is rung just prior to the start. The ringing announces to musicians, choir and sound room that service is about to begin. It also gives the congregation a moment to find their seat before service begins.

Welcome & Announcements

The Minister will begin the service by welcoming visitors. You will not be singled out nor asked to stand up. There is time for a few announcements that were either not on the screen or not printed in the bulletin.

Projection

We are moving towards a paperless or "heads-up worship at Trinity. Everything you need to know will come up on the big screen as the service progresses, including words to all the songs - and anything else the congregation is supposed to say or do.

The atmosphere

Most newcomers like to know the unwritten rules about what to wear and how to act. Trinity is a pretty laid back place. Some people are more comfortable dressing up in business attire, while others prefer to wear jeans. It’s entirely up to you.

Length of worship

Expect the worship time to last between 75 and 90 minutes; on rare occasions, it may go a little longer. 

Music and singing

Music is a big part of worship. For most, music is a primary way to experience God. Somehow it brings us closer to the God. However, that doesn’t happen every time or for everybody. Once again, we want you to be as comfortable as you can, so if you’d rather listen than sing, that’s fine. Likewise, if you feel self-conscious because you don’t think you can sing, don’t sweat it – no one will likely hear you or think twice about it. Plus, God thinks your singing is great! 

The music during services is accompanied by contemporary instruments, or more traditional piano or organ, and is a blend of traditional Christian hymns and more modern worship songs. All the words are projected on the screen. Hymnbooks are available for those who like to read the music. Hymn numbers are displayed on the screen for all hymns. 

Learning together

This time in the services is also known as the “Children’s Time”. Rev. Brian Burke spends time directly with the children and youth. The children and youth are invited to come to the front, as they are comfortable. 

Bible readings and sermon

Typically there will be 2-3 readings from the Bible each Sunday. These readings usually selected from the lectionary - a three-year cycle of readings chosen by the Christian church as a whole. There are occasions when the Minister will select another scripture such as in a sermon series. 

There are several translations of the Bible into English from its original Hebrew and Greek. We find the most scholarly and inclusive version to be the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

The Offering

The offering is an important act of worship for Christians. It is symbolic of our belief that everything we have comes from the blessings of God. It is also an act of generosity and an important way to make a difference in the world. The money given goes to support the ministry programs at Trinity (including salaries), as well as United Church programs across Canada and throughout the world to help others. Visitors are not expected to participate in the offering. It is perfectly acceptable to let the offering plate pass you by.

If you decide to make Trinity your home, you may want to begin participating in the offering.