Trinity's Worship Style

The constitution of Trinity Church states that worship shall reflect the practices and tradition of the three participating denominations in such a way that newcomers will recognise their own tradition.

The achievement of this gives Worship at Trinity variety and breadth, allowing us to draw on the riches of different Church families - for example Wesley hymns and modern songs and choruses, organ, guitar and band, written congregational prayers and free prayer.

Trinity is also not afraid to draw on traditions outside the three parent denominations such as from the Taize and Iona communities.

The main aim is to enable Christians of different traditions, ages and backgrounds to worship together and to give God the glory.

In achieving this we always hold joint services - never separate denominational services. Remember, our mission:

Not to do separately what can be done together.

That's not to say we have a constant mix. Variety at Trinity is rife, with services often reflecting a denominational style or tradition - or even other styles, such as healing services

Family Service

Family Service on a Sunday morning is always the most lively and well-attended service of the week. We often have the band playing and enjoy a good mixture of music. There is a creche, and Sunday School (the children staying in for the first part of the service). The service is always followed by coffee in the hall. Communion is sometimes, but not always, served at the family service. (see below).

Evening Service

Evening Sunday service is a quieter and more reflective service, sometimes incorporating communion (see below) and sometimes being a healing service or experimental style.

Holy Communion

How do we accommodate the three different denominational styles into the core Christian celebration of Holy Communion?

Well we have worked long and hard at this, and we still are working at it. But we've achieved what we believe is a good balance, which works for us.

What are the hurdles?

The denominations and traditions would lead us towards different answers to these, but the style we have developed manages to keep all the traditions happy whilst maintaining the Church's aim:

Not to do separately what can be done together.

We hold Holy Communion services every Sunday, but once a month it's during the 10.00am service, once a month it's in the evening service, and two Sundays we have an extra 8.00am communion service. On the fifth  Sunday in the month (when there is one) we have a special family communion service, where the children stay in for the whole service.

We have BOTH alcoholic and non-alcoholic wine available, non-alcoholic in individual glasses, and usually the alcoholic wine is in the chalice, but (on a rota basis) we have some services where the Sacraments are brought to the congregation in their seats - in which case the alcoholic (white) wine is also in the small glasses, and the congregation can take communion all together.

We also have a large section of removable communion rail which maintains the open table, except for the few minutes when the section is in place and in use. The rail can be completely removed if required.

Information about about the times of Trinity's services can be found on our regular activities page.

Hymn Books

For an explanation of the hymn books - see our Music page

Order of service

We always have a printed notice sheet with the order of service on.