To paraphrase Mark Twain, “The rumors of Episcopal churches shutting down for the summer have been greatly exaggerated!”
The life, programs, and ministries of Trinity shift slightly during the months of June, July, and August, but they don’t cease. Not by any means.
In fact, there are new ways to participate in the life of Trinity that can both enrich your spiritual life as well as deepen our communal life.
Mass on the Grass
For instance, each Wednesday, beginning June 1st, through Wednesday, July 27th, we celebrate a weekly “Mass on the Grass.” This casual, outdoor, and pet-friendly service is a beloved way to worship God in the middle of the week and in the midst of the beauty of the outdoors in our beautiful, shady churchyard.
Music at Mass on the Grass is provided by an intergenerational group of violins, cellos, and guitars. After the service, we light the grills and share a meal.
The service begins at 6 pm on the “Church Street lawn,” (or inside in the event of rain). If you’re staying for dinner, bring something to grill and a side dish to share.
While the kids build friendships on the playground, the adults build relationships around the table. All are welcome!
Pentecost and The Parish Picnic
The Parish Picnic is another way to gather the Trinity family.
This summer the picnic falls on the Feast of Pentecost, Sunday, June 5th immediately following the 10:15am Eucharist.
In addition to the soulful sounds of Rhythm Road, we’ll also have a tent to provide cooling shade (Thanks Staunton Steam Laundry!). Come celebrate the birth of the Church and stay for the feeding of the church afterwards. Trinity provides burgers and hot dogs (meat and vegetarian). Please bring a side dish to share.
Lemonade on the Labyrinth
Every Sunday during the summer we’ll also share “Lemonade on the Labyrinth.” Enjoy a cup of cool lemonade as you leave the 10:15am Eucharist to visit with friends and make some new ones! (And if you’re willing to serve as “host” for a Sunday, look for the sign up sheet in the back of the church.)
Worship, Visitors, and Nursery Childcare
Our Sunday worship times will remain unchanged during the summer: 8am for Rite I and 10:15am for Rite II.
As always, all are welcome at Trinity! And since we’re so walkable to so many downtown hotels, inns, B & Bs, and Airbnbs, I want to remind all visitors to Staunton that we’d love to have you stop by Trinity for worship and fellowship any time you’re in town.
And for parents wanting a break during worship, please remember that Nursery Childcare in the summer runs from 10am-Noon for children from birth to three years.
There’s definitely a different rhythm in the Summer, but still plenty of ways to live out your faith.
See you in church….all summer long!
Peace,
— Fr. AJ Heine, Rector, Trinity Episcopal Church of Staunton
