New to Trinity?

Worship at Church of the Trinity is a celebration. Our members and friends come from a variety of spiritual backgrounds, which is reflected in our worship life.

We offer two convenient Sunday services at 9:15am  and 11am. The 9:15am service offers a blend of favorite hymns, contemporary praise music, and a traditional communion litany. The 11am service is less formal with a focus on contemporary praise music.  Children’s church is also offered at the 11am service.

Worship at Church of the Trinity follows the cycles of the Christian liturgical year. From Advent to Lent, Easter to Pentecost, our community seeks to cultivate a spirituality which is thoughtful and engaged in our community and world. Read more about our beliefs and core values.

An open communion table is offered at every Sunday service. Community fellowship hour with coffee and light refrehsments is hosted in our courtyard every Sunday at 10:15-11:00 am (between Sunday services).

We look forward to welcoming you.

Click here to view directions.

How long is the average service? The average length of Sunday morning worship is approximately 1 hour.

What should I wear? Please wear comfortable clothing  to services.  Most of our members and friends dress Sunday casual for services and events.

Will communion/ eucharist be served? Communion is served at all Sunday worship services. Most people participate, but it is certainly not required and you are welcome simply to remain seated during this part of the service. Some of our members and friends chose to receive communion in groups of friends and family. You are welcome to receive communion alone or with a friend or loved one.

I am not sure I am ready for Sunday worship.  What other opportunities are there for me to be involved?  We offer a weekly Wednesday night community dinner and weekly programming.  You are welcome to connect with us in the ways you feel most comfortable.  Link here for a listing of programs and events.

Is Church of the Trinity a gay church? Church of the Trinity began as a safe spiritual home for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender people (LGBT) and our allies.  Today our congregation reaches beyond the LGBT community to welcome anyone seeking spirituality and community. Church of the Trinity welcomes all people to worship and fellowship.

I would like to set up an appointment to speak with a pastor. Please call the church office at 941-355-0847 or e-mail info@trinitymcc.com to set up an appointment.

Church of the Trinity is part of Metropolitan Community Churches, an international denomination representing 230 congregations.

Our denomination was founded in 1968 by Rev. Troy Perry.  The church began as a safe spiritual home for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender people and our allies.  Today MCC reaches beyond the GLBT community to welcome anyone seeking spirituality and community. We seek to provide a home for you to discover and express your unique spiritual path.

Read more about the history of Church of the Trinity in Sarasota/Bradenton.

Read more about our beliefs and core values.

Communion is served at all Sunday worship services. Most people participate, but it is certainly not required and you are welcome simply to remain seated during this part of the service. Some of our members and friends choose to receive communion in groups of friends and family.  You are welcome to receive communion alone or with a friend or loved one.

At Church of the Trinity, communion serves as a reminder of God’s loving nourishment available to all. At each service you will hear this affirmation and invitation: “At Church of the Trinity and at MCCs around the world we celebrate an open communion. That means you do not have to be a member of this church or of any church to receive this meal. These are the gifts of God for all the people of God, so come just as you are and receive this gift.”

During communion,  a trained deacon is available for anointing with oil and  prayer for healing in mind, body and spirit.

We are a movement that faithfully proclaims God’s inclusive love for all people and proudly bears witness to the holy integration of spirituality and sexuality.

Sexuality and the Bible Resources for Study

The Bible and Homosexuality
Author: Rev. Dr. Mona West
“The word ‘homosexuality’ is a modern term and did not exist during biblical times. Biblical writers had no concept of sexual orientation or sexual development as we understand those today.” ~Rev. Dr. Mona West, The Bible and Homosexuality

The Power of the Bible
Author: Rev. Dr. Mona West
In this essay, Rev. Dr. West examines the influential nature of the Bible and Biblical interpretation. She offers a clear, concise analysis of the powerful effects of current culture on the uses of scripture…especially regarding minorities and GLBT people of faith.

Our Story Too: Reading the Bible with “New Eyes”
Author: Rev. Elder Nancy Wilson
From evaluating cultural influences on Biblical thought, to analyzing the cultural influences on the original texts, to seeking the proof of same-sex relationships in scripture, Rev. Elder Wilson calls on the GLBT communities to reclaim the Bible! First released in 1992, this resource has been re-edited and re-released for today’s (2005) audience.

Not a Sin, Not a Sickness
Author: Rev. Elder Don Eastman
A classic essay on homosexuality in the Bible, Rev. Elder Eastman’s concise and affirming wisdom is a staple for anyone desiring deeper understanding of what the Bible really says. Originally released in 1990, this resource has been re-edited and re-released for the 2005 audience.

Selected Bibliography on LGBT Issues/ Spirituality/ and the Church<

Growing with Church of the Trinity

Read more about our History, Vision, and Beliefs

At Church of the Trinity we give prime importance to the quality of our relationships with God and each other.

The greater your depth of relationship, and the greater your commitment to the vision of Church of the Trinity, the greater your involvement will be. Standing on the outside, however, it can look quite intimidating to build relationships and get involved. Here is a process we have set up that should aid you in this.

Step One – Getting To Know Each Other

Relationship is foundational to becoming part of our church. Without it we feel alone and not “part of things.” So the first step to becoming a member is to build relationships. This is done through attending services Sunday mornings regularly, staying after services on Sunday mornings to meet and talk to people, and attending small groups and program events as you are able. You will find that Church of the Trinity is a welcoming community and a easy place to make new friends.

If you are new to our congregation, please RSVP info@trinitymcc.com  for our quarterly newcomers brunch.  Our vistors brunch is a perfect way to meet our leaders, pastors, and other visitors to Church of the Trinity.

Step Two – Meet With A Pastor

Once you have gotten to know us, then we invite you to get together with a pastor to talk more thoroughly about membership, the church, and any other questions you may have. This time gives us a chance to get to know you better as well, and prepare you for next steps in your committment.

Step Three – Membership

Membership classes are offered quarterly.  Anyone who is interested in learning more about Church of the Trinity is invited to attend.  Membership at Church of the Trinity is a covenant.  As your church community we convenant with you to partner in your spiritual growth, to be with you in times of joy and hardship.  You covenant with us to give your regular attendance, financial support, and gifts of time and talent.  Members are part of our decision making process at the annual meeting and election of members of the Board of Directors.

Step Four – Building up the Body of Christ

When you are ready to make the membership commitment we will receive you during a morning worship service and welcome you into membership.

Step Five – Finding Your Place of Ministry

At your meeting with a pastor, you will receive a packet of spiritual gifts assessment materials. These will help you work with a pastor to find a place of ministry/service in the body that is fulfilling to you and meaningful to others. It will help you define where your passion is and we will work with you to find or create a place in this body.

Life Ceremonies

Baptisms

Church of the Trinity makes this sacrament available to individuals who have never been baptized or to those who want to reaffirm the commitment of their original baptism.

Marriages/ Holy Unions

Relationships are important, and we deeply value the desire of many to acknowledge their relationship before God, family, and friends.

If you are interested in having your commitment ceremony at Church of the Trinity or at another location of your choosing, our staff would be happy to speak with you.

Please feel free to contact us via phone any time during normal business hours to discuss how we might help you plan your special day! To review the Commitment Ceremony/ Holy Union/ Wedding process and complete the application form, please link here.

Funeral & Celebration of Life Services

Memorial Celebrations and Funeral Services can be performed for members and non-members upon request.  Our clergy are available to plan services before or after a death.   Services can be conducted at Church of the Trinity or another location.  Please contact the church office for more information. An information packet to assist the planning process is available through the church office and by linking here.

For more information about any of our Life Ceremonies, please contact the church office
at 941-355-0847 info@trinitymcc.com

Church of the Trinity MCC
info@trinitymcc.com
941-355-0847

Link here for Staff Directory

Link here for Team Directory

7225 N. Lockwood Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34243