Life & Faith: Holy Trinity Anglican Church, St. George

Baptism is about belonging. Through it we become members of the church family, the body of Christ. Baptism is a sacrament, an outward and visible sign of an inward and spiritual grace given by God. In this sacrament all who are gathered have the opportunity to experience anew the reality of God's love and forgiveness freely given. We are baptized with water in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, and are officially welcomed into the fellowship of believers, the church family.

Confirmation is a sacramental rite in which persons who have been prepared make a public affirmation of their faith and a commitment to the responsibilities of baptism and receive the laying on of hands by a bishop. At our Confirmation Service in April 2009, Bishop Robert Bennett laid hands on four adults and ten children.

Marriage: Christian marriage is sacrament: a powerful means and sign of God's grace for God's people and an expression of commitment between two people. Holy Trinity offers more than a building for your celebration; we offer a community of faith that can provide you with support in the Christian life.

Funeral Services: The history of Holy Trinity is one of a people with a strong desire to reach out in care and compassion to others. We consider it a privilege to help those who experience a death in their family. Funeral services may be held at a funeral chapel or at the church.

Diocese of Huron

Brant Anglican Churches

25 in 5 Network for Poverty Reduction

Revised Common Lexionary Commentary

Whether you are new to the faith or a life-long Anglican, you will be welcomed at Holy Trinity Church.

We gather in worship on Sundays at 10 am and on Thursdays at 9:30 am. All are welcome.

You will find us a centre not only of faith and ritual, but of fellowship, commitment and service.

Please read our FAQs below.

I just moved to St. George. Holy Trinity was recommended to me, but I wasn’t raised Anglican. Is it OK to come?
We welcome all who come to worship at Holy Trinity. Several families from other denomations have made Holy Trinity their home. All baptized Christians are welcome to receive the Holy Eucharist.

I enjoy going to church, but I can’t come very often. Is that OK?
It is absolutely alright to come and worship when you are able. We do not keep a record of your attendance, however we would like to get to know you. Worship takes on a deeper meaning as we come to know one another.

Why do some people (but not all) bow to the altar when entering the church?
Some people bow to the Altar in reverence to the cross which is a symbol of Christ's love for us. In the Anglican tradition it is a personal decision to bow or not to bow.

When I take communion, do I need to hold my hand to receive in a special way? After I receive, should I pause for reflection, or should I get up right away?
To receive communion we normally place our open palms upward with one palm on top of the other. We usually wait until the next person has received the Eucharist in order to be less disruptive during a holy moment.

Some people cross themselves during certain parts of the service. When do I do this? What’s the proper way?
It is not a requirement in the Anglican tradition to make the sign of the cross but it is an ancient and appropriate custom. Often the sign of the cross is made while the priest blesses the people. The sign of the Cross is made by touching the right hand to the forehead, chest, and both shoulders.

During prayer, some people kneel on the prayer benches, while others sit. Is this just a personal preference?
During prayers, you are welcome to stand, sit, or kneel, as you feel comfortable.

The priest walks to the middle of the church to read the gospel. Why?
The priest processes the Bible down the centre aisle of the church to bring the gospel close to the people.

We seem to stand up and sit so many times. For example, sometimes we sit during hymns, and other times we stand. Are there guidelines for this?
During worship you are welcome to stand, sit or kneel, as you feel comfortable. Normally we stand to sing praises, stand or kneel to pray and sit to receive instruction. The hymns during the Eucharist are sometimes sung kneeling, standing or sitting, depending if the hymn is one of prayer or praise.

I don’t want to be cheap. What is a good guideline for the amount given during the offering?
Our offering to the church is a personal decision. For most people what we give is an offering in thanksgiving for blessings received as well as acknowledging our individual responsibility to help meet the financial needs of the church. Just as we have financial commitments in our homes, the church has monthly expenses. Many parishioners use 5% to 10% of their income as a guide line for their offering. Your financial contribution is confidential. A yearly tax receipt is issued.

I notice many different people doing readings and prayers for the people. Do these people get chosen or do they volunteer?
During October volunteer sheets are posted for people who would like to read the scripture lessons during the service and lead prayers of the people. A schedule is drawn up for the year with the volunteers listed on a rotation basis.

How can I help?
Be a server, reader, or a greeter. Sing in the choir, lead the prayers of the people, help with fundraisers, take up collection, work in the garden, join a group, or play bridge. Get involved.