Rector's Message

Several years ago our vestry spent a productive weekend coming up with this mission statement for Trinity which continues to describe our purpose as a congregation: "God's love calls us to proclaim with joy the Good News of Jesus Christ, to welcome all people into the community of faith, and to serve Christ through serving others."

No part of that statement is complete without the rest. We can only proclaim Jesus if we live out his message by welcoming and serving others in his name.

On Sunday mornings, we make a joyful noise unto the Lord at 7:45, 9:00, and 11:00. The 7:45 service is small and intimate; the 9:00 is relaxed and contemporary. The 11:00 service uses the traditional language of the Book of Common Prayer, Rite One, and is a bit more formal without being inflexible.

The congregation we attract at all three services is extremely diverse: all ages, all races, all lifestyles. But we add up to one family called together by God's love.

I came to Trinity in June of 1970 as Assistant to the Rector. I have been the Rector since 1978 - a long time! During those years I have seen Trinity go through many changes, but one truth has remained constant. This is a congregation that is filled with joy and wants to share that joy with others. It is also a congregation that wants to serve God by the way we live every day of the week in the real world.

If you live in or near New Haven, or are just passing through, come visit us on a Sunday morning. If you can't join us for worship, you might be interested in reading one of the sermons posted on this web site. If you want to know more, drop me a line at rector@trinitynewhaven.org, or call us at 203-624-3101. In the meantime, I invite you to explore the rest of this web site so that you can get a better glimpse of who we are and what we proclaim.

                                                     Faithfully,

                                                           (The Rev.) Andy Fiddler


When do I need to call a priest?

The clergy of Trinity want to be there for you and share your times of joy and help you through your times of sorrow.

Below is a list of a few instances where it is appropriate for you to call a member of the clergy:

You or a family member is in the hospital. Due to new privacy laws you must notify the clergy when you are admitted to the hospital. We will do our best to see them in the hospital as soon as possible.

Someone in your family dies. We would really like to be involved as your loved one approaches death. We want to be available to you in the midst of your grief. If needed, we would be happy to visit your home.

You want to plan your funeral. It is never too early to plan for your funeral. A priest can help make the necessary arrangements before your family has to worry about such issues.

Someone in your family is going to have surgery. Please call in advance. We are happy to bring Eucharist to the hospital, or to say prayers with those awaiting sur- gery.

You or someone in your family is having a crisis of faith. Call to make an appointment to come and sit down for a conversation.

Planning a wedding. Call to make an appointment to come in and meet the priest who will perform the service.

Someone in your family loses a job, or loses a friend to death. The clergy do not offer regular counseling, because they are not trained for such instances, but we can talk to you about ways to help deal with the above instances.

A child is born. It is great to get a call even before the birth. We would like the opportunity to make a visit to bless both parents and child.

Your or your child is ready for baptism or confirmation. There is a lot of advance planning needed, so please try to give us at least six months warning.