Christian Formation
One Church, Many Stories
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Welcomed as a Stranger

Fourteen years ago, I first came to Trinity Church at the invitation of a close friend. For the first time in my adult life, I was faced with finding a new church home. At Trinity, I was completely unprepared to be so swept into the experience that Sunday morning—the physical beauty of the sanctuary, the music, the excellent preaching, and the palpable warmth as we gathered to be fed at the altar. I wanted to come back for more! After attending for several weeks, I read about the Inquirer's class being offered and I decided to sign up. Not only did I have the opportunity to learn more about my personal faith, but I embarked on the journey with others who, like me, were new to the church. Through this experience, I was inspired to reaffirm my baptismal vows, an incredibly moving moment, and promised myself to take an active role with my membership.

I became involved with the Inquirer's class as a facilitator, and for the past several years, as one of the lay coordinators. By my participation, I have the opportunity of sharing my experience with others. I was welcomed as a stranger and the best way I can express my gratitude is to welcome others into our midst, whether it is through registering new Inquirers, chatting with visitors at coffee hour, knitting a prayer shawl, working in the kitchen or sharing the chalice at the communion rail. The journey is ever changing and I am so blessed by those I meet along the way. The Holy Spirit is truly at work in the family that I call Trinity Church and I am so privileged to be a part of it.

—Ruth Knopf

 

Trinity Stories Archive

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