When we finally arrived, we could not help but comment on the limited parking availability. As I tested my parallel parking skills, I thought of today’s trend to incorporate sufficient parking when planting new churches. Yet, in spite of the contrast to this new trend, Trinity, with limited parking, is growing. So, again we ask, what is happening here? What is bringing joy and growth to this inner city parish? The answer, definitely, was to be found inside.

As we entered the doors of Trinity, appropriately painted red in true Episcopalian tradition, we were immediately greeted by several individuals who gave us a quick tour which provided us some “bearings”. As we had arrived approximately an hour prior to the start of the Eucharist, we were able to observe the many activities that take place before the Service. We had time to attend the Adult Bible study, led by Trinity’s parish priest, The Rev’d Martin “Marty” Wendell. Adult Bible Study at Trinity is held in the nearby parish hall, 45 minutes before each Sunday Service. An average of 30 adults attend this Bible study, but, it is only one of three Bible Studies held each Sunday. While adults meet in the parish hall, teens meet in the lounge, and the children, the nave. There is Bible study for everyone, regardless of age or gender.

Since this was Epiphany Sunday, the Annual Christmas pageant was scheduled to be presented during the Service. As we watched the “actors” donn their costumes, we were struck by some of the costumes’ uniqueness and fine detail. The cast proudly informed us that many of the costumes were over 50 years old and had illustrious histories.

The Service began a little after 10 a.m. with almost 90 people in attendance. They prayed with great adoration to the Lord and sang joyfully. As a cradle born Episcopalian, accustomed to traditional music, even the 1940 Hymnal, I could not resist joining in the jubilant singing. Oh, how pleasing it had to be for God’s Holy Angels to hear the faithful singing in praise of the Lord. Everyone in the pageant was delightful, complete with a baby Jesus. Everyone played his/her part well and the presentation was obviously enjoyed by all. For us, it brought memories of pageants past. Truly, God was present at Trinity this day.

Following the Eucharist, the congregation moved on to the parish hall for the coffee and a wide assortment of delicious pastry and treats. As enjoyable the food was, this was more than a coffee hour. It was an opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and rekindle relationships. For me, it provided the opportunity to spend some personal time with Trinity’s parish priest, Fr. Marty.

Fr. Marty showed excitement when telling of Trinity’s turnaround that began shortly before the new millennium. “In 1998 Trinity was a parish on the brink of having to close its doors. Attendance was very low, the church building was in need of repair, the parish was operating in the “red” and served by a supply priest.” Fr. Marty went on to say, “the few parishioners who remained had a strong belief that the parish should not close and instead should focus on discerning what its purpose and mission could be. There were a few active members with a strong belief that God had a purpose for this small faith community and the decision was made to work to renew the parish.” So began the process to turn the tide of decline.

Trinity had to first recognize a number of obstacles in its path, among them a church that was on a “one way” street in a residential neighborhood. Parking would be a never-ending challenge; there was also a lack of financial resources and an equally lacking number of parishioners. In effect, there was no “critical mass”. Once these obstacles were recognized, a plan would be developed to overcome them.

“Rather than dwell on the negatives, it was determined to identify and stress Trinity’s strengths: a strong commitment to making Trinity a viable parish, no Real Property debt and a positive attitude. A small group of elderly ladies gathered each week to pray for the parish. The first decision was to begin fixing the church building itself. They had no money to hire others to do this, but were able to buy paint and plaster, borrow scaffolding, and do extensive cleaning.”

“Several months into this process, the Lay Leaders made a faith-filled decision to give away 10% of the money that came in through plate and pledge. If the parish was truly going to be able to survive and serve others, then it could not only focus inward. Outreach had to be a vital part of our common life. After a year of giving away the 10% taken off the top, for the first time in many years the parish was in the black and had its first balanced budget. God has continued to bless this giving which is now 15% off the top and our Average Sunday Attendance has grown from 12-15 in 1998 to a current ASA of 60-70.” (I suspect, however, that the ASA is now greater than 60-70 after observing the almost 90 highly motivated congregants that were present this day.)

Despite not having any significant financial reserves, the parish is now financially stable. One may find this particularly surprising in light of the fact that money is seldom discussed at Trinity. When Fr. Marty is asked about his role in the turnaround, he sternly denies being the reason for the church’s success. He credits the importance of Lay Ministry as the most effective method of parish growth and invites anyone to come and see for themselves.

He believes the core to growth is a “one to one faith sharing and invitation; make a friend, be a friend, share Christ with your friend. This is the approach to bring new people to Trinity.” Fr. Marty describes this approach as “relational evangelism.” He goes on to add, “the role of the priest is to facilitate, encourage and provide resources for the laity to live out their call to ministry that they received at their Baptism.”

In spite of its still modest size when compared to other parishes, Trinity made an ambitious move to offer a number of highly effective ministries, too many to list in this article, but, to note a few:

Liturgical Ministry - comprised of Eucharistic Ministers, Altar Servers, Readers, Ushers, Greeters and Altar Guild.

Healing Team - Beginning with one person, the Healing Team now has as many as ten parishioners who minister to those who desire prayer for healing or other personal needs during Communion

Music Ministry - a group of talented musicians and vocalists that lead the congregation in vibrant songs of praise each Sunday.

Prison Ministry - an ecumenical jail ministry at Rensselaer County Jail where Scripture, Song, Prayer and Fellowship are shared with the inmates.

Prayer Ministry - prayer needs are shared in Sunday bulletins, as well as a telephone/internet notification system which can be activated for immediate needs.

Faith Community Nursing Ministry - led by a group of health professionals in the parish who seek to improve the health and wellness of its members. Their duties include monthly blood pressure clinics, programs on medication, diet and exercise. This ministry is a national program administered locally through the Seton Health system.

Community Supper & Clothing Ministry - comprised of 8-10 members that provide free meals and clothing to anyone in need. These suppers are attended by 60-100 people each month.

Outreach Lay Committee (not the Vestry) - takes care of the distribution of outreach funds. As the parish grows, so does the money available that is given away outside the parish walls.

All ministries at Trinity function with a collaborative model and all members are encouraged to participate in whatever ministries they feel called. No one is excluded.

Assisting Fr. Marty and the parish to meet the ever growing needs of the congregation are two Deacons, Deacon William Tatem and Deacon Nick Hernandez. As the clergy team and laity work together with a common vision and mission, the parish continues to grow and prosper.

As to Trinity’s vision and purpose, its Mission Statement projects a clear and direct tone, as well as an appealing simplicity. It states, “…to be a community that Worships God joyfully, Shares the Gospel of Jesus Christ faithfully; and Serves ALL in need, lovingly.” To ensure that the vision does not become stagnant, a Parish Review meeting is held each yearly to set Goals & Objectives and evaluate their effectiveness, This same meeting is also an opportunity for laity the to evaluate the clergy.

For those who aspire to take a leadership role on the eight-member Vestry that includes two Wardens, they are reminded of Trinity’s list of expectations, among them, being a spiritual leader in the faith community, participation in Adult Christian Education, and praying daily for all the parishioners and the common mission.

Trinity does not cling to the “we’ve always done it that way” ideas. Its focus is on being a community, a family of faith, and not simply a group of people who share the same building for an hour each week. A Welcome Booklet was created and has since evolved into a Website: www.trinityep.org. Within a two year period important principles were adopted to enhance the community’s common life:

1. Transparency – Vestry Meetings are open to all members and can have access to the Financial Reports

2. Experimentation - a willingness to try new things and new approaches. Ex: A Rummage Sale and a no longer used Teen Drop In Program were phased out and replaced by the now highly successful Community Meal and Clothing Giveaway program, also a “Mass on the Grass” in a city park and Direct Mailing projects

3. Development - a vital and inviting Liturgy with “user friendly” leaflets and the formation of a Music Ministry to lead lively and easy to sing music

While parish membership has grown, so has its lay ministry. In addition to the ministries noted earlier are Hospitality, Daughters of the King, Christian Education and Hudson Shores Ministry.

Trinity continues to focus on a number of efforts:
Inviting and welcoming new people into the community
Providing new people with opportunities for ministry
Developing committed and caring disciples
Requiring that leaders meet established expectations
Avoiding “turf issues” with servant ministry as the model
Continuing to utilize yearly goals and objectives
Understanding the Gospel as lived Faith, a “Way of Life”
Sharing a common life grounded on the Baptismal vows
Being a community where God’s love can be experienced.

If all the above is not enough, Trinity operates with three basic values:

1. An open approach that utilizes new ideas and experimentation in the ongoing effort to live out the parish mission statement

2. The criteria for anything that is done is whether or not it serves the mission of the parish

3. The clergy and laity share in the parish ministry united by a common vision that values everyone’s gifts

Trinity takes special pride in owning a Meneely bell in its tower. The Meneely family, once members of the parish, owned the Meneely West Troy Foundry that made quality bells for many churches. When the church building was destroyed by fire on December 29, 1900, the Meneelys recast and enlarged the bell from the old church as a gift to the new church. This famous bell is rung before each Eucharist, inviting everyone to “come to the table”.

In a world of isolation and alienation, Trinity has become an oasis of community. Their parishioners include all age groups, come from diverse backgrounds, but are united by a strong common desire to live as disciples of Jesus Christ who go out and serve the world in his name. The members of Trinity live daily by their words, “Trinity Church… Reaching Out To God’s People”. These past 15 years, Trinity has touched - and continues to touch - many lives both within and outside the parish.

As Pat and I prepared to leave, we realized that there was much for us – and anyone who visits Trinity in the future - to reflect on, especially the opportunity to witness so much genuine love for the Lord. We left, having made a few new friends and reunite with others. The invitation that once was, “come to Trinity” has now become “come back to Trinity”.

Canon George Marshal is a lay canon in the Diocese of Albany. He is the Editor of the Albany Episcopalian. This story is republished with permission