Trinity Episcopal Church on the Green

About Us

An Episcopal parish in the heart of Downtown New Haven since 1752

Founded as a parish in 1723, with the first wooden church built in 1752-3 and the second in 1814-1816, we are an historical parish in the heart of downtown New Haven, but we are also a living and vibrant community that is connected to an even wider community. Our community draws from downtown New Haven and largely from the surrounding suburbs.

We are a diverse parish that strives to welcome all people into our community of faith. Our diverse backgrounds, ethnicities and ages all draw us together into a community centered on God’s radical love.

We want to serve God by the way we live every day of the week in the world.

We are blessed to have a tapestry of active members that enrich our life together as a parish.

We all may not agree on many issues; but as we pray, sing, serve others and learn together we realize that what is really important is what we do agree on and that is our mission together.

We are a congregation filled with joy, and we share that joy with others. We also share each other's sorrows and difficult times.

We are made up of people who are longtime Episcopalians and those new to the Christian faith. We are a community of single people, partnered/married people and families.

Wherever you are in your journey, we invite you to join us. We invite you to be open to the possibility that God loves you and created you for a purpose, and that you might discover that purpose here with us.

Vibe: Traditional Liturgy, Downtown, Friendly, Inclusive, Historic, Multigenerational, Young families

Programs: Young Adults, Choir, Nursery, Adult Education, Children's Ministry

Music: Traditional Hymns, Contemporary, Organ

Denomination: Episcopal

Networks

Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut

Size: Medium

Language: English

Founded: 1752

Contact Information

Phone

(203) 624-3101

Website

http://www.trinitynewhaven.org

Social

Our Services

Service Times

Sunday

07:45am: Holy Eucharist, Rite 1
09:00am: Holy Eucharist, Rite 2
11:00am: Holy Eucharist, Rite 1 or Morning Prayer, Rite 1
02:00pm: Chapel on the Green, Outdoor Service on the Upper Green

What to Expect

What are services like?
7:45 a.m. - Quiet Eucharist: "Be Still and Know that I Am" In the quiet of early Sunday morning we celebrate Holy Eucharist in our side chapel. Guided by the traditional liturgical language of Rite One, we listen to a sermon and take time for silent contemplation. This brief, peaceful service closes with a single hymn collectively sung a cappella. 9:00 a.m. - Family Eucharist: "Where two or three are gathered I am among them" In this relaxed, intimate service we celebrate God’s friendship through Jesus Christ and raise our prayers and praise through the contemporary liturgical language of Rite Two. While breaking Bread and drinking Wine together we encounter and thank God who walks with us through this life. Our worship is enhanced by accessible hymns led by one of our choirs. In addition to a sermon, a message is given specifically for the children present who also gather around the table during the Eucharistic prayers. This service expresses our wonder and thanks for a God who draws close to us in tender care. 11:00 a.m. - Holy Eucharist or Morning Prayer: "Glory to God and Peace on Earth" In this reverent service we celebrate God’s majesty and express our praise through the beauty of our traditional hymns, anthems, prayers and rituals. Alternating each Sunday between Morning Prayer and Holy Eucharist, we express our supplication and exalt God through the solemn language and ritual of Rite One. The music of the service, lead by one of our choirs, infuses our prayers with dignity, beauty, and splendor. 2:00 p.m. - Chapel on the Green: "Whatever you did for the least of my people, you did for me" This brief, informal, outdoor service gives special attention to the poor and the destitute of our community. Breaking bread together using the contemporary language of Rite Two and singing familiar songs accompanied by bucket and African drums, we lift our prayers to the God of hope. Sharing peace and blessings with one another, the service is followed by the distribution of lunch to all those in need. This service takes place on the Upper Green behind Trinity in all weather conditions. All are welcome to attend. 5:00 p.m. Choral Evensong (usually offered once per month September - May) Since the late middle-ages, “evensong” has been the popular name for evening prayer. This beautiful choral service uses the traditional, exalting language of Rite One. Occasionally one of the Trinity Choirs will sing evensong deepening the aesthetic experience of the prayer.

Leadership

Luk De Volder

The Rev. Dr. Luk De Volder came to New Haven from Clermont-Ferrand, France, where he was Rector at Christ Church, having earlier served there since 2005 as Vicar. Christ Church is a parish in the Convocation of Episcopal Churches in Europe, and ministers to expatriate Americans working and living in France. Born and educated in Brussels, Belgium, Luk (pronounced “Luke”) is fluent in English, Dutch and French. Luk served as an ordained priest in the Roman Catholic Church for six years before being received into the Episcopal Church in 2005. He is an eager learner. His study in Theology, spirituality and church leadership has been especially rewarding to him. He earned his Ph.D. in Theology and Liturgy from Catholic University in Louvain, Belgium in 2003. Luk is married to Tiffany Israel, a doctoral candidate in theology, who comes from Boston, Mass. Luk and Tiffany are happy to be part of the Trinity family and the greater New Haven community. Reflecting on his recent work at Christ Church, Luk writes: “I have learned to be flexible and understand that we are becoming and are not a finished product. This frame of reference has allowed me to see the joy and humor in the process and to be certain that anything I as the Rector or we as a community accomplish is only possible through the beating wings of the Holy Spirit. I have learned to work with passion and strategy, but not to take myself too seriously. There is a great God after all. And the parish grows.”