Life Events
For many Christians, the church is where major life events are celebrated. We often think of baptisms, weddings and funerals, but these life events can also include confirmation or reception, the reconciliation of a penitent and anointing for healing. Some churches describe all of these as sacraments. The Episcopal church takes a middle path, focusing on the sacraments of baptism and eucharist (communion) instituted by Jesus, and also honoring and recognizing the Spirit’s work in the significant transitions of our lives.
At Trinity we celebrate all life events with great joy, gathering as a community to recognize significant steps in each person’s journey of faith, and offering love and support in times of joy and grief.
Baptisms
Welcoming people of every age into new life in Christ is one of the great joys of any Christian community. In the Episcopal church baptism is full initiation into the Body of Christ. So we celebrate baptism during our Sunday service, with the whole congregation present to affirm their support of this person’s journey of faith. Baptisms are often celebrated on specific Sundays during the year but can be arranged for other times. Considering baptism for yourself or a child? Contact Pastor Karen at 716-683-6111 or trinitylancaster1@roadrunner.com
Want to know more about baptism in the Episcopal church? Visit https://www.episcopalchurch.org/what-we-believe/baptism/
Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation
Confirmation, Reception and Reaffirmation are all rites during which a person’s mature commitment to Christ is welcomed and affirmed by the laying on of hands of a Bishop. Confirmation is for those affirming their baptism, Reception is for those baptized in another Christian denomination. Reaffirmation is for those desiring to recommit themselves to their baptismal vows. All three require a period of preparation and reflection, which is done at Trinity prior to a service with the bishop.
Weddings
You’re engaged, congratulations! For information on being married at Trinity, contact Pastor Karen at 716-683-6111 or trinitylancaster1@roadrunner.com
Funerals
In the Episcopal church Christian burial is a sacred occasion, where the community gathers to celebrate the life of the deceased and to support all who mourn. The service includes readings, prayers, and remembrances.
Our Book of Common Prayer reminds us The liturgy for the dead is an Easter liturgy. It finds all its meaning in the resurrection. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we, too, shall be raised. The liturgy, therefore, is characterized by joy, in the certainty that “neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Pastor Karen will meet with the family to provide a service which meets the desires of your loved one and the needs of the family. Please contact her on the pastoral care line 716-445-5653.
Healing Prayers and Reconciliation
We offer healing prayers with anointing the first Sunday of every month. To receive anointing at other times or to schedule reconciliation, please contact Pastor Karen.