Why I Pledge to Trinity Church

Comments by  Eleanor Q. Tignor on October 25, 2009
Trinity on the Green, New Haven, CT

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Why do I pledge? This is the question that Jim has asked me to answer. In one sentence: I pledge because I love Trinity.

First, I cannot imagine that anyone can walk into this sanctuary and not feel the presence of God. But Trinity is of course more than this historic neo-Gothic building, with its stained glass windows, ornate chancel, and two beautiful altars. This is a church that welcomes everyone, for as we affirm in our mission prayer: "Gracious God, by your love you have called us to proclaim with joy the good news of your Son: So build us up in the knowledge and love of him that we may welcome all people into the community of faith..." When I arrived on the steps of Trinity 38 years ago and was warmly welcomed by the rector The Reverend Craig Biddle and the assistant rector The Reverend Andrew Fiddler, I knew that I had found my new church home--a church that would provide for me the same sense of comfort, spiritual nurturing, and belonging that I had experienced in the Methodist church of my growing up years and the Episcopal church in which I had been confirmed before moving to the New Haven area. In 1971, I was one of three African American members--the other two were a mother and her young child. Did that matter? No! For Trinity is a church that practices inclusion and believes in diversity.

Also, I like it that we are dedicated to the spiritual growth of children and youth, something I know firsthand, for my son Jeff was baptized here, attended church school, was confirmed here, played numerous characters in the Christmas pageant, and was active with the youth group. Those years made such an indelible impression that recently his Trinity priest, the Reverend Andrew Fiddler (Andy), officiated at his wedding.

Another reason that I pledge and I love Trinity is the choice of three services. This is the one I attend most frequently, but over the years, each one has been my primary service; now also, there are some Sundays that I must have more music, to hear one or more of our outstanding choirs, or to be present for the drumming, the gospels, the spirituals of a 9:00 am service. Special services such as 11:00 am on Easter and the 10:30 pm Christmas Eve service, I must attend.

Regarding service to Trinity, I like it that we are all called to serve in ways that are comfortable for each of us and to serve in ways that express our interests and talents. For years, I had wanted to serve on the Vestry but could not run because of my commute from New Haven to my college in New York. Immediately when I made the retirement decision, I let my interest and availability be known and was happily elected. Being on the Vestry is a fulfilling commitment. When I asked if I could introduce the National African American Read-In to Trinity five years ago, it was welcomed and each year there have been a number of participants across all services, ethnicities, and ages, as well as from the community. What I do here that is most fulfilling for me spiritually is serving as lector and chalice bearer, most especially chalice bearer, which as you know I do regularly at this service but also at this same altar on Christmas Eve.

I cannot imagine not having Trinity as my church home. I pledge because I love Trinity. In other words, I love Trinity; therefore, I pledge.