Winter Information: Office Hours are Mon-Wed, 8:00am-6pm, Thursday, 8:00am-Noon. If the public library is closed on those days, however, the office is as well.

Spiritual Formation for Adults

Trinity Episcopal Church is committed to empowering its members to know that they are beloved children of God, why that is, and what it means for our lives. We also strive to help each member develop more spiritual resiliency for living in challenging times. 

Our goals are that everyone will be prepared for life’s challenges, have a deeper connection to God and each other, to know scripture, our tradition, and the tools of reason and be able to apply them to questions in life.

Our offerings for adults occur in a number of formats. We strive to offer chances to (1) learn about the ministries we are doing at Trinity and how to participate, (2) to learn about our faith–how to read and study scripture on your own, the teachings of our church and how to understand and apply them (or decide they aren’t helpful), ancient and modern spiritual practices, and how to understand and apply the tools and resources of theology to ethical and other life questions, (3) to learn and practice different forms of spirituality to find what works for you, and (4) to learn from and teach to members of all ages through intergenerational formation activities.

Lenten Opportunities for Spiritual Growth

Traditionally Lent has been a time of self-examination, prayer, study, and alms-giving/charity to purify and prepare ourselves for the remarkable forgiveness of human sin that is Easter.

Simple Sung Evening Prayer

Every Wednesday, February 25 – March 25, 5:30–6:00 pm, in choir area of the sanctuary

A service of prayer right out of the Anglican tradition with simple chanting, Bible readings, and a couple of hymns. Chanting is taught and the music is supported by an organist.

Theologies of Atonement — How did Jesus save?

Sundays during Lent, February 22–March 22, 1:00 pm in the Great Hall

A fundamental Christian proclamation from the earliest days is that Jesus died and rose again to save us from our sins. But what does this mean? How did his death and resurrection save us from our sins? What does it mean to be saved? There are many different theological arguments about this, with names like “substitutionary atonement,” “penal atonement,” “Christus Victor,” “Moral Exemplar,” and many more. You may have been taught one that you find life giving. You may have been taught one that doesn’t make sense to you or that even makes God seem like a very bad God. In this series we will examine these theologies and ask what we might find useful, or not useful, about them. 

Bible Study — The Book of Revelation

Sundays, March 1, 8, 15, and 22, 1:00 pm in the Parish Library

This is a bible study directed by Rev. Matt. While the Book of Revelation has been misunderstood and misused for centuries, it is actually written for Christians trying to live as Christians under the evils of the Roman empire. It truly can help us today. Each class will have a short overview to key topics and then time for reading and group discussion. For the class syllabus, click here. To catch up, prepare in advance, or see a class you missed, click here and navigate through the weeks! To see the video recordings of each class as they are available, click here. See also the short video introduction below!

 

Spiritual Direction Group

Are you curious about the experience of being in spiritual direction? Would you like to spend some time reflecting on your relationship with God and the role that spirituality plays in your life? If so, this group might be for you! We will meet for eight weeks on Sunday afternoons in March and April, and you will have a chance to explore your own spiritual life (whatever that might look like!), and listen and learn from others. If you are interested in being part of this, or have any questions, please email Sheila Taylor (taylorsh@gmail.com).

Faith Sharing Group

Starting this month, we are kicking off a monthly faith sharing group! This will be a relaxed, loosely structured group that will give you a chance to talk about what your faith means to you, and get to know others in the parish. All are welcome, with whatever faith and doubt you might bring. Watch for more details, and email Sheila Taylor (taylorsh9@gmail.com) with any questions.

Confession

If you seek reconciliation and absolution, email Rev. Matt for a time to meet: revmatt@trinitybloomington.org

Ongoing Offerings

 

Lay Preaching

Have you ever felt an urge to stand up in the pulpit and proclaim the Good News in your own words? You can! We offer a program of training for anyone interested in preaching as a lay person. This program leads to formal licensing as a lay preacher by the Diocese of Indianapolis and then you are added to our schedule of preachers. Training consists of small group classes and discussions, and the training is oriented to the skills and needs of each potential lay preacher. If you are interested, please contact Rev. Matt at revmatt@trinitybloomington.org

Formation for College Students

We’re glad to have you at Trinity Episcopal Church. If there is anything we can do for you during your time at IU feel free to contact the church office at (812) 336-4466. We also encourage you to connect with the Episcopal Campus Ministry at IU,  Canterbury House.

 

Resources from Past Offerings

 

 

Small Groups

Women’s Night Out is an opportunity for all ages of women of Trinity to gather with each other for fellowship and mutual support. Occasionally it meets in someone’s home, but more often it meets in a local restaurant at which individuals can purchase food and or beverages as they choose. WNO meets on the second Tuesday of each month.

For more information, contact Judith Garrison at jlsgarrison@gmail.com.

All men of Trinity are invited to Crumble Bakery (1567 S Piazza Dr) in Renwick Village every Tuesday from 7:00 am. – 8:00 am for jovial camaraderie and compassionate support. No RSVP is required – and parking is free!

For more information contact Tom King at thomasroyking@gmail.com.

Sacred Stitchery is open to both men and women who enjoy needle crafts such as knitting, crocheting, quilting and embroidery. Trinity’s Sacred Stitchery meets on the 2nd Thursdays of most months from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Panera Bread. Participants work on their own personal projects; or they make and bless prayer shawls for parishioners who are ill or recovering from surgery or bereaved and also baby blankets for infants born into the Trinity community. For more information contact Margie Taylor at mjtaylor_3@hotmail.com.

Daughters of the King “DOK” is a world-wide religious order founded in 1885 by Episcopal women. Today it includes women from a wide variety of Christian traditions. Members of the DOK are ordinary women who are married and single, live in the world, and dedicate themselves prayer, service and evangelism. Monthly gatherings include educational programs; recent programs at Trinity have highlighted Amish communities of faith, virtual prayer retreats, handling conflict, book reviews, the Lenten season, Mary Magdalene, and many other topics related to Christian faith and life. Members help with church events throughout the year.

Trinity’s chapter usually meets on the 2nd Monday of the month at 5:00 pm in the Church Library; check the announcements in the Sunday worship bulletin for any change in location. All women interested in loving service and spiritual fellowship are welcome. For more information contact the Rev. Virginia Hall at yesvirginia1942@gmail.com or Heather Lake at hr42lake@gmail.com.