NOTE: The full text of this document is presented below.
A PDF version, with cover page and photos, is available by request.
Trinity Matawan Episcopal Church
Parish Profile
Discernment Committee
2010
I. PRAYER, VISION AND MISSION SEARCH COMMITTEE PRAYER
Guide with your Holy Wisdom O Lord, the work of this committee. Give its members a true discernment of the ministry of this church, and steadfastness in their task, so that a new shepherd of souls may have a sound foundation on which to build and direct the ministry of this parish; all of which we ask through Jesus Christ our Lord.
OUR VISION
Trinity is an open, warm and accepting family who enthusiastically work and pray together to show that they care about people and their relationship to Jesus Christ. The members live their message and have joy in doing so.
OUR MISSION
To Live the Faith of Jesus Christ in a community of worship by loving and caring for one another, embracing all and celebrating our diversity.
To nurture and strengthen our spiritual lives through Pastoral Care, Christian Education, Charity and Evangelism.
To be a visible presence in serving Jesus Christ through active worship and ministries.
II. WHO MIGHT ANSWER OUR CALL
In the following pages we will do our best to describe our Church; where we’ve come from; where we are now and where we would like to go. And like all churches in a discernment process we will, with God’s guidance, work to clearly define our needs, known and if possible, unknown, for those who might answer our call.
Trinity Church Matawan was originally “high church”, but as we have grown and changed we have become more broad. We are a welcoming and inclusive parish with a warm and caring atmosphere that is nurturing to families and supportive of the spiritual and religious lives of our parishioners.
One of our parishioners said this of our desires for our next Rector: “No one can be all things to our congregation. However, I hope we can find someone who is warm, open-minded and a very good leader – someone who will be able to galvanize the talents of the parishioners and help us grown individually and as a parish in the community.”
Specifically we are looking for a Rector who has the personality to invigorate our spiritual life, and help us grow our congregation, and one who is as equally effective in pastoral care to the dying as he or she is enthusiastic to pastor and to teach both parish members and those who come as seekers.
III. OUR HISTORY
Today, Trinity Episcopal Church is spiritual home to a truly diverse community of faith, fully representative of our surrounding population. Our involvement in and with the community continues to grow and expand as our service and ministry to others increases. We are a friendly, welcoming parish, proud of our rich heritage of inclusiveness and hospitality.
The current Trinity Episcopal Church building was built in 1968
(original church on Main Street was built in 1850 and still stands).
Trinity was incorporated on May 11, 1850, and consecrated by the bishop a month later.
The church ran largely as an "assisted" parish for the next 100 years, served by students and a succession of ministers and priests assigned by the diocese.
In 1958, Trinity Church started its first fund drive to purchase its own rectory and seek full parish status.
The growth in Matawan and the surrounding area prompted the purchase and construction of the church building at the current site, which was dedicated in June of 1968.
In the decades that followed, various additions were made to Trinity in property and membership under the guidance of The Rev. Charles Ridge, The Rev. Susan Blue and most recently The Rev. Denise Mantell, who served for ten years beginning in 1999, assisted by Deacon Terry Suruda.
( A detailed history is available on this website.)
IV. WORSHIP AND MINISTRIES
LITURGY
Holy Eucharist is celebrated at 8 AM and 10 AM each Sunday. The 10 AM service is sung with the participation of the Director of Music and the Adult Choir. In recent years, it has also been the custom for a children's sermon to be preached, in addition to the adult sermon, at most of the 10 AM services. On all but the first Sunday of the month, the children are treated to children’s chapel that allows them the opportunity to explore the weekly lessons within the confines of the chapel and led by an adult who encourages participation in what the lessons mean to them in their world of schools, and friends. Prior to the sharing of the peace the children join the others and enjoy the participatory sermons that have become tradition. The bidding of the sign of peace is often led by one of them who then has bragging rights the rest of the day. Having available for the younger member’s distracters such as age appropriate children’s worship bulletins, and picture books and quiet activities allows for the children and the parents to enjoy and embrace the worship service. For our very younger members we have two rocking chairs in the rear of the church that allows those parents with infants to continue in service and be a part of the worshipping community from start to finish.
As you can see our Sunday liturgy is familiar and inviting. However, we are equally comfortable using incense during the Holy Days as an example. In our parish survey our congregation identified that the Liturgy was one of the top three most important aspects to church life and they also identified the liturgy as one of our strongest areas.
MUSIC
Trinity has traditionally enjoyed an active and vibrant music program. The Adult Choir serves regularly at the 10 AM service chanting the psalm and singing an anthem during the offertory. A Children's Choir performs special seasonal services. We hope to expand our adult and children’s choirs.
ACOLYTES
A robust acolyte program allows us to have a procession that is led by torchers and crucifer, and then followed by torches and a crucifer. The participants enjoy the learning and progression of tasks and skills as they grow in the program. For the past several years the acolytes have taken a trip to the annual acolyte festival held at Trinity Cathedral in Trenton. The opportunity for fellowship with others is looked forward to by parents and children alike.
ALTAR GUILD
Trinity's Altar Guild is comprised of parishioners who provide a wide range of support for worship services. We have found that as we move through this current time of change, it is the members of the altar guild who have become the “go to” people to provide continuity in our liturgy. From the history of lighting candles at the Christmas Eve service, to where the candles are kept, to when to order the new candles is just examples of the information our altar guild provides.
CHALICE ADMINISTRATORS
Several licensed chalice administrators are scheduled, in rotation, to assist in the Sunday Eucharist. The process of becoming a chalice administrator has for some of our youth been a natural progression through the “ranks” of the acolytes to a deeper spiritual commitment to the liturgy.
LECTORS
Several readers are scheduled, in rotation, to read the lessons at Sunday services.
LAY EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS
A small committed group of parishioners are commissioned to take consecrated bread and wine directly from the Sunday morning Eucharist to infirm or hospitalized parishioners. On almost every Sunday one or two visitors are sent into the community. Our parish clearly identifies pastoral care as an important component of our church life that can be shared by more than just our Rector. Our Deacons played an important role in strengthening this ministry.
USHERS AND GREETERS
Ushers and greeters are assigned to both Sunday services on a rotation basis. These roles are particularly important to the welcoming and inclusive atmosphere of our church. Many of our parishioners still remember the first people who welcomed them to our church. And many of our ushers make their service a family affair by serving with their spouse or child.
COUNTERS
Several pairs of parishioners are scheduled on a rotating basis to count the collections from Sunday services, immediately following the 10 AM Eucharist. They ensure that all donations are properly recorded and deposited in the bank.
V. CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
SUNDAY SCHOOL
Sunday School at Trinity is led by an elected Vestry member. Our classes are taught by volunteering parishioners who elect to cover one or more five or six-week session. They are aided by the strong foundation of an Episcopal-based curriculum. Currently there are 29 students enrolled pre-K through grade 6 and 8 enrolled in grades 7-12.
SENIOR YOUTH
Those parishioners in grades 7-12 are invited to participate in the youth group, which is overseen by two adult parishioners. Some of the group’s activities include an annual car wash, baking goods for younger children during the Christmas season and participation in the annual blessing of the pets and parish picnics. The group also participates in activities on a diocesan level.
VI. OUTREACH
For many years Trinity’s community outreach programs were led and steered by our now retired Deacon. Many parishioners were charged with managing those outreach projects in her absence. For example in the Advent season, we supply gifts to over 30 children through local agencies. We also fill our holiday mitten tree two or three times during the season. We support the Seamen’s Institute in Elizabeth with an annual coat drive. Each month brings charitable activities; blanket drives, Crop Walks, and monthly “meatloaf Mondays” at St. Marks Kitchen. We collect non- perishable food items, as well as pet food for the St. Marks Food Pantry.
Over the last year, we have started to combine fellowship and outreach with a monthly cooking class and meal ministry. A dozen people gather in the kitchen, and led by a professional chef learn to prepare a fresh and healthy meal. After sampling the results, the food is placed into small containers in the freezer for distribution to sick, shut in or otherwise struggling parishioners or friends in the community.
Our parishioners are not shy about bringing to the parish community an outreach or service idea that they are passionate about, and sharing and asking for support. We look forward to our next leader providing guidance and help in keeping the outreach going, and identifying what needs are in our community.
VII. PARISH LIFE
Trinity Church Matawan is a diverse welcoming community. Over the years we have learned to adapt to many changes in our church. We have learned to be a community together to support one another and the church. We are proud of the inclusive nature of our church. Supporting families with children of all ages in our worship service is a draw for many of us.
Another specialty of Trinity is food and large gatherings for communal meals. We offer a monthly “All You Can Eat” Breakfast. While first designed as a fundraiser and a time of fellowship, we have come to see it is an important route to reach out to our neighbors. The church year begins with the greening of the church for Advent, with sub sandwiches for fuel to keep us going. Christmas Eve service is followed by cookies and hot cider. The first Saturday of Epiphany is traditionally our annual pot luck dinner and gift exchange. Shrove Tuesday is pancake night. Lent brings Agape supper with fresh baked breads and home-made soups. The Sunday after Easter may be low Sunday at other churches, but at Trinity we see no drop off from Easter as we feature a warm brunch and the Great Easter Egg Hunt. Summer features two or more parish picnics on the rectory lawn. Spring and fall feature spaghetti nights. Sunday services throughout the year are followed by coffee hour, and provide opportunities for celebrations of church school graduation, acolyte progression, birthdays, anniversaries and other events. For many these events are where the real evangelism of Trinity occurs.
These events are the very opportunities we use as a parish to introduce our friends and acquaintances to church. One of our parishioners said this about her experience:
“I for one attended the Easter egg dying on Good Friday before I ever attended a Sunday worship, you all welcomed me and my kids at the ripe young age of 4 and 6 into your day and festivities. Your warm and comforting nature made a huge impact on me that day.
VIII. FINANCIAL REVIEW
Trinity’s financial condition for recent years has truly been a story of God providing to those in need. Each year has brought unique challenges, but many years have also brought generosity and fortunate financial outcomes.
Our pledge income has varied significantly, based both on the health of the parish and the health of our Rector. In the mid 2000’s, we saw growth in pledge income, with a peak of $126,000 reached in 2007. In the years of Rev. Denise Mantell’s failing health, our pledge income also fell, dropping to $107,000 in 2008 and $94,000 in 2009. 2010 has been a rebound year, with pledge income expected to exceed $110,000.
Our expenditures and other income included a number of unexpected events in recent years, in many cases offsetting the pledge income variances. In 2005, we were pleased to receive a significant bequest from a deceased member, representing $35,000 of unexpected income. Unfortunately, we were forced to expend most of these monies on a new furnace, when our boiler failed and $25,000 of repairs was needed. In 2008 and 2009, we benefitted from almost $30,000 of disability benefits payable due to Rev. Mantell’s illness, and the cost of supply priests was far less than this amount. We used these funds for over $30,000 of needed repairs and insulation enhancements to our building siding and windows.
In 2009, we also received unexpected income of $25,000 from the sale of several thousand cemetery plots that had been donated to the parish in a neighboring cemetery, but which were seldom utilized by parishioners. We retained a small number of plots, and sold the majority back to the cemetery operator. These funds were very useful when we spent $12,000 to remodel the rectory kitchen and make other needed repairs after the departure of Rev. Mantell.
In 2010, pledge revenue represented $125,000 out of our $198,000 revenue budget. Other giving such as loose offerings, seasonal giving, building fund donations and directed campaigns represented $26,000. Day care center rent contributed $36,000, and fundraising the remaining $11,000.
In June 2010, the manager of the day care center chose to retire, and in the face of many years of declining enrollment, the owner of the center made the difficult decision to close. We miss the monthly rent as well as the happy voices of our day care children. This unexpected reduction in income is the primary reason for our decision to seek a part time priest-in-charge in our 2010 search. We recognize that it will take a multiyear effort to rebuild our income sources to support a full time rector, a full time organist and choir director, a strong outreach ministry, and also continue to provide the proper level of maintenance for our church and rectory buildings.
Our 2010 Budgeted Revenue is $198,000.
Our 2010 Forecast Revenue is $178,000.
Our primary expenditure is the salary and benefits of clergy, representing $90,000 in our 2010 budget. Administration expenses include the parish secretary and total $45,000. Property expenses for the church and rectory total $40,000. Program expenses include the cost of our organist, and total $29,000. We budgeted $11,000 for fair share giving to the diocese, and other expenses represent $3000.
We have had complete staff turnover during 2010. Our two part time secretaries both departed, and have been replaced with a single part time secretary. Our organist / choir master departed at the end of August, and a volunteer from our choir has been playing keyboard while we search for a new organist.
Our interim rector departed at the end of September, and we have engaged supply priests for the remainder of the year. As a result of all of these staff changes, we have significantly reduced our spending during the times that each position has been vacant. As a result, we expect our 2010 spending to be almost $30,000 below original budget.
Our 2010 Budgeted Expenses are $218,000.
Our 2010 Forecast Expenses are $190,000.
Our preliminary 2011 budget again shows a deficit of $20,000, assuming that pledge income continues strong, and we fill the positions of 3⁄4 time priest, and full time organist / choir master. We are forecast to end the 2010 year with a surplus of almost $35,000, which allows us to set a deficit budget for the short term.
IX. OUR FACILITIES CHURCH AND RECTORY
Trinity Church is located on approximately four acres of land on Ryers Lane, Matawan, NJ. The property has a rectory, church building, parking lot, playground and meditation garden. The rectory is a four-bedroom ranch built in 1972, assembled from factory-built modular sections. The house has a living room, dining room, family room with fireplace, kitchen, 2 1/2 bathrooms, attached two-car garage and a full basement with interior and exterior access.
The church building, which was completed in 1968, is a load-bearing arch structure, 55 feet wide by 185 feet long. The layout of the building can be envisioned as follows:
The main door, located in the center of the structure leads into the narthex. Straight ahead, there is a full-working kitchen. To the right is the entrance to the sanctuary, beyond which are the offices of the rector and church secretary. Directly opposite the sanctuary entrance from the narthex are doors leading into the "working area" of Trinity. This side of the building includes a vesting/meeting room that can be divided by a folding screen as needed, six Sunday School classrooms, the choir room and the Chapel, which also houses a Columbarium.
At the very end of the hallway, with exterior doors to the parking lot, is a large Parish Hall which has a small bathroom of its own.
A central air-conditioning system cools the sanctuary; the offices and other rooms of the building are equipped with window air-conditioning units.
Extensive renovations of the church building undertaken in recent years include a new furnace, installation of new energy-saving windows and replacement of the building's original cedar shake exterior with vinyl siding over energy-saving insulation panels. Recently, we undertook a "This Little Light of Mine" campaign to replace the buildings’ lighting with energy saving fixtures.
USE OF FACILITIES
Our Parish Hall, when not in use for Trinity activities, is utilized by A.A. and Al Anon for meetings, with donations collected at those meetings given to Trinity. We regard this arrangement as an extension of our outreach to the community.
The Vestry is also exploring the potential of generating revenue by making the Parish Hall available for use by other organizations on a fee basis.
X. WARDENS AND VESTRY
Trinity is governed by two wardens and a vestry of nine members, selected from within the congregation.
We have assigned eight areas of specialization to individual vestry members they are: fundraising, outreach, parish life, finance, Christian Education, pastoral care, stewardship and buildings & grounds. An "at-large" position is held by the ninth vestry member.
The church treasurer is appointed by the vestry and is responsible for maintaining such accounting methods, practices and procedures as required by the Diocese of New Jersey and for presenting a continuous and current financial profile of the congregation.
As of October 15, 2010, the Wardens and Vestry members are:
Hank Ramsey, Warden
Barbara England, Warden
Meredith Twyman (Fundraising)
Linda Kallahan (Outreach)
Lisa Perry (Parish Life)
Robin Martino (Christian Education)
Karen Holder (Pastoral Care)
Erold Hinds (Stewardship)
Dominick Perrotta (Buildings & Grounds)
Paul Zahray (Special Projects)
In the past we have enjoyed working with Rectors who participate as active members of the vestry engaging in all aspects of the parish. Trinity is a family and we believe all members should have a voice and the opportunity to be involved and lead. The new Priest in Charge can expect to be involved in the “running” of the church not as a solo responsibility but as a shared responsibility with our vibrant and committed vestry.
XI. PARISH STATISTICS (From Jan. 1 to Oct. 17, 2010)
Number of pledging units in the congregation: 97 Member
Families: 125
Average Sunday attendance: 100 to 125
Average attendance at mid-week service: 10
Receiving Holy Eucharist off-site (shut-ins, etc.): 79
Baptisms: 2
Marriages: 1
Burials: 2
Other services (anointing, etc.): 26 First Sunday in Lent: 105 Easter Sunday: 214 Pentecost Sunday: 148 First Sunday in Advent: 110
XII. CHURCH STAFF
SECRETARY
The church secretary is responsible for maintaining a parish mailing list (postal and email addresses) and keeping an updated record of members' baptisms, marriages, deaths, etc. Document responsibilities include correspondence for the rector, vestry meeting minutes, weekly service bulletins and announcements and lay ministers' schedules.
As much of this information is now published on our website at www.trinitymatawan.com, the secretary is also responsible for assisting in its posting. Additionally, the secretary must provide phone and voice mail coverage, do routine filing, photocopy Christian Education materials, prepare seasonal materials and handle mail.
Following the retirement of two part-time secretaries who worked a combined total of 30 hours per week, Trinity recently engaged the services of one part-time secretary who staffs the church office for 20 hours per week, Tuesday through Friday, from 9 AM to 2 PM.
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC
This staff position, currently vacant, had been a salaried, part-time post requiring 15 to 20 hours per week in order to cover services and choir rehearsals and had included responsibility for directing an adult choir and a seasonal children's choir. In the absence of a paid director, a member of the adult choir is serving as choir leader and organist.
CUSTODIAL SERVICES
Custodial and cleaning services are provided by a non-parishioner who reports directly to the rector. Duties include cleaning and light maintenance of the church building. These services average 15 to 20 hours per week, paid at an hourly rate.
XIII. PARISH FEEDBACK
As we begin the discernment process the profile committee conducted a survey of the parish members. Sixty-three members completed the survey which can be viewed in Appendix I. In summary collected it is clear that the Trinity Church members care deeply for their church, each other and the future of our children. The Parish is hoping to call a priest who can help our congregation grow and continue the feelings of friendliness and family. As indicated in the survey most members of the congregation are involved with the church in at least one other activity in addition to attending worship services. This speaks volumes to the general commitment of this parish.
Some comments from our parishioners:
▣ I love Trinity Church. Trinity is representative to me as my Heavenly Father's house where I can feel comfortable and safe to bring my vulnerabilities, sufferings and joy; celebrate and rejoice in my Savior; give heartfelt thanks for all His blessings; and to give back to the community.
▣ Trinity is a wonderful, welcoming, loving house of God.
▣ The congregation at Trinity Church for the most part is warm, generous and spiritual.
In writing about the characteristics most important in the new rector our parishioners had this to say:
Someone who knows Christ; is engaged with our congregants; provides us with knowledge of Christ's teachings and His unconditional love for us. Also, someone who has the desire to move Trinity Church forward.
That they inspire and lead children first and foremost (and then adults as a close second) in our faith as good Christians and Episcopalians. To remind us and make us "think" about Christ and our faith every day in all of our activities.
A good "preacher" whose sermons are inspiring, challenging and thought provoking. Someone who is able to connect with the parish and who can connect the parish so that everyone feels a sense of unity and belonging, establishes an
identity for the parish.
Consistency in his or her presence; sermons that are timely, from the heart, and that parishioners can relate to; a rapport with all age groups; and a sense of humor .
Appendix I Parish Survey
Trinity Matawan Church Profile Survey - 62 Respondents
Age:
14 - 40 16%
41 - 65 65%
66+ 19%
I am:
Single 27%
Married/Partnered 63%
Widowed/Divorced 10%
I am:
Male 32%
Female 68%
The following from the 2010 US Survey apply to me:
White 91%
Black 7%
Other 2%
Respondents with children living at home Under 10 years of age 12
11 to 18 years of age 10
Highest level of education:
High School or less 31%
Associates/Bachelors 41%
Graduate degree 28%
Most recent religious affiliation:
Roman Catholic 31%
Lutheran 5%
Methodist 3%
Presbyterian 7%
No Previous 8%
Other 5%
Life-time Episcopal 41%
I have been a member (on the mailing list; receiving weekly envelopes) of Trinity Church for:
5 Years or less 23%
6 - 20 years 53%
More than 20 years 22%
Non-member 2%
I first learned about Trinity from:
Parents or family 46%
Other parishoners 4%
On the Web 10%
Local Newspaper 12%
The Yellow Pages 16%
Driving by the church 12%
Other 9%
I live in:
Matawan/Aberdeen 39%
Other communities within 10 miles 56%
More than 10 miles away 5%
I usually attend Sunday services:
Most every week 79.4%
1 or 2 times per month 19%
A few times a year 1.6%
When I attend church, it is usually the Sunday service at 8 am 11.3%
10am 88.7%
Aside from attending Sunday services, I participate in other Trinity Church activities:
Regularly 59%
Occasionally 34.4%
Rarely 4.9%
Never 1.6%
Percentage of respondents who participated in activities listed:
Parish Picnic 71%
Cookie Walk and Christmas Fair 69%
Low Sunday Brunch 61%
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Dinner 60%
Comedy Night 50%
Spaghetti Dinner 48%
Coffee Hour, Agape Supper, Pet Blessing 45%
Special fundraising projects 38%
Lector, St. Marks Food Kitchen 34%
Vestry and/or Warden 26%
Diocesan Convention or Monmouth Convocation 24%
Usher, choir, Sunday school 22%
Eucharistic Minister 21.0%
Epiphany Party 19.4%
Acolyte 12.9%
Over the years, my attendance at worship services has:
Increased 245.4%
Stayed about the same 65.1%
Declined 9.5%
Identified as most useful sources of information:
Printed Sunday Bulletin, Church 95%
announcements Church emails 73%
Materials in the Narthex 70%
Pledge practices
Pledge 81%
Use envelopes 76%
Electronic Payment 12%
Loose in plate 12%
Determine Support by:
Percentage of Income 9%
Fixed amount 70%
What I can afford on Sunday 21%
Most important aspects of church life and average quality rating
(1 - Excellent, 2 - Good, 3 - Adequate)
Christian formation/education 1.80
Spiritual guidance 1.67
Liturgy 1.61
Preaching 1.40
Church growth/development 2.57
Ministry with Youth 1.52
Pastoral care 1.58
When asked to list the 3 strongest areas of parish life, the 5 strongest and weakest areas were inferred as follows:
5 Strongest:
Preaching 49%
Diversity 39%
Liturgy 34%
Spiritual Guidance 28%
Ministry with youth 27%
5 Weakest
Communications 0%
Evangelism 0%
Multi/Cross Cultural ministry 0%
Buildings and grounds 2%
Ecumenical/Interfaith 2%
Five areas needing improvement identified as:
Church growth/Development 69%
Evangelism 27%
Stewardship 26%
Ministry with youth 22%
Music Ministry 19%
How helpful was Trinity Church to you and/or your family in a time of personal need?
Very helpful 68%
Somewhat helpful 22%
I have not yet needed assistance 10%
At this time, my overall feeling toward Trinity Church is:
Positive/Very Positive 82%
Neutral/Negative 18%
Top Six Capabilities sought in our next rector
1. Approaches God's work with visible enthusiasm
2. Makes us feel we are all children of God
3. Ministers to the sick, dying and bereaved
4. Works closely with wardens, vestry and committees
5. Actively supports parish activities and organizations
6. Visits homebound, hospitalized, and grieving parishoners
Below is a sampling of comments from survey respondents:
No one can be all things to our congregation. However, I hope we can find someone who is warm, open minded, and a very good leader -- someone who will be able to galvanized the talents of the parishioners and help us to grow individually and as a parish in the community.
I think we need a rector who cares about our church and who has the personality to gather new members and keep current members involved- I don't need them to be a strong administrator - but if they aren't they need to be willing to let others organize our church.
For me the homily is the key portion of my worship experience. Through it I am challenged to examine scripture, my life, my actions and provides inspiration for the coming week. It brings me closer to God and to my fellow human beings.
I think the new pastor should be someone who can inspire the respect of people, it’s not so important that he needs to be their buddy.
I hope we can find someone that is looking for a long term commitment and is willing to stay with Trinity and help it grow. We need someone that is going to take a personal interest in our church and our community and help Trinity grow into something even better.
Our new rector needs to be someone who can embrace the diversity we are here at Trinity and foster its growth. They also need to be open to the children and their open and active participation in the service.
