Rector ’s report

Rector ’s report

Dear Trinity family,

In my report to our last Annual Meeting I wrote about faithfulness and thankfulness, and I ventured to look forward to 2022 with a hope that we would realize many of the things we had so long been looking to achieve. I could not have dared to believe that the year would develop as it did! Just take a look at the timeline which is featured on the back cover of this report, and which highlights just a few of the many exciting things that happened… and there were many, many more that could have been included. Also take a look at the many wonderful photographs included throughout this report, which are a reminder of many of the other very special occasions we shared together.

From the outset it would be remiss of me not to write that thanks for all these great things is due to so many amazing people; countless volunteers (many of you stepping-up and getting involved here at Trinity for the very first time); chairs of committees; conveners of groups; Vestry members and wardens; and last, but by no means least, my great staff team at the Parish Office. Thank you all, from the bottom of my heart.

Of course a busy church is great news! It speaks of life and renewal, and of a vibrant Christian community. A giving church is great, too - It shows something of the incredible generosity of God, and of God at work in our lives. A welcoming church shows something of the love of God -

and so when we say or write “Trinity, there is place for you we really do mean it! All these things are great things I am immensely grateful. However, Jesus calls us to only one thing and there is only one measure when it comes to the work of the church, and you it set out in Matthew 28: 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit them to obey everything that I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age

Primarily we are called to grow the church; to bring new people to faith in Jesus Christ. 2022 has been, above all else, a blessed time of numerical and spiritual growth. It’s been a time of lots of new faces and lots of new names to learn! We’ve welcomed many new young people to Trinity Kids and to First Friday, our relaunched and rescheduled youth group. At the beginning of Lent 2022 we began a new Sunday evening service - “Sanctuary” - a blend of ancient Celtic liturgy and modern hymns and music, and prayerful and reflective in style. Very quickly attendance at this service went from 0 to 40, and it has proved a great addition to the rich diet of liturgy and worship we offer here on a weekly basis and through the church seasons, high days and holy days.

Trinity, there is place for you”, we really do mean it!”

Rector ’s report

Of course growth can (and should) be measured well beyond outside the parameters of attendance at services. Numbers at our many and various regular groups have grown; other groups have regathered for the first time since before the Covid-19 pandemic. Our connections to the wider community have both grown and deepened through the exceptional number of baptisms, weddings, and funerals we conducted in 2022. It is, for me, a privilege and a most humbling part of my ministry, to come alongside people and families at these most significant time of life and death. Through this ministry so many people have come to join the life of the Trinity family, which brings me great joy.

Growth has also demonstrated itself in (to borrow a great phrase from our Treasurer’s Report! - see page 23) in “Moments of Great Giving.” Pledge giving to Trinity is vital to fund our ever-growing ministry programs here - and giving is at an all time high; but, every bit as important, is giving to others, especially those less fortunate than ourselves. A rejuvenated Thrift Shop and a renewed Christmas Auction generated record amounts for our Trinity Outreach Program. As a result 2023 will see a significant increase in our support for partner charities, and aid organizations, locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally. From 2023 we will deepen our working relationship with Tree of Life, for the administration of local grants and individual support.

… and finally, I believe we have grown in confidence. The confidence to take clear and bold decisions about the renewal and repair of our beautiful campus; and so, we will begin 2023 with a $10m Capital Campaign, something which has been long talked about here at Trinity. We look to a future with our beautiful campus renewed and made fit for the purposes of God’s work for years to come. Above all I believe we have grown in faith; faith in a loving God, creator of all, who has a place for each and every one, at Trinity, and in the kingdom of believers. It is my hope and prayer that together we continue to all grow in knowledge and love of God, and of his son, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

“…Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit… And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age”.

Much grace and peace

+ Jonathan

“Above all I believe we have grown in faith; faith in a loving, creator God, who has a place for each and every one, at Trinity, and in the kingdom of believers.”

The Rev. Jonathan V. Adams Rector