New to Trinity? Here's What to Expect

The first thing you should expect when you visit Trinity: that you are greeted and welcomed by a community of new friends! Our church home is your church home! 

Below, we have tried to answer a few questions that most people have before they come to worship.

Where should I park?

  • Main Street - There are a number of parking spaces in front of the church. On Sunday, parking is free; metered parking is not enforced. Enter through the front doors into the Sanctuary.
  • Behind the Church - There are a few parking spaces behind the church. You can enter from the back door and walk through the Fellowship Hall to the Sanctuary. 
  • Disabled Parking - We are wheelchair accessible with marked Disability parking in the rear of the church. 
  • Public Parking - Overflow parking can be found across the street at the rear of the church. Parking is free on Sundays.  

   *Note that you may enter the church building through the back door prior to and after church services. However, during worship services, the back door is locked for the safety of worshippers.
 During  the worship services, you are welcome to enter the church from the front door on Main Street. 



What should I wear?
  • We want you to feel comfortable and we welcome you no matter what you wear. 
  • Most men wear long pants and either a knit polo shirt or a collared shirt.
  • Women typically wear pants/skirt and blouse/sweater. Few wear high heals.
  • Children are encouraged to wear whatever is comfortable. Short pants in the summer are fine.
  • In cooler weather, we have coat racks in the front hallway and in the fellowship hall.


What is available for my children?
  • We are a family friendly congregation so children of all ages are welcome to attend all worship services. We offer activity backpacks for children during the worship service. Just ask an usher for one.
  • A nursery is also available during our 9 AM Sunday worship service for all infants and children through 5 years old. All nursery workers are church members who have undergone a criminal background check and have successfully completed a "safe sanctuaries" training program.
  • Make sure to check out Trinity's children's program Rock Solid which meets two Sundays every month to learn and have fun in Jesus' name.


What type of worship services do you have?
  • Our 9:00 AM service is held in the sanctuary. It is a traditional order of worship which incorporates both traditional hymns and contemporary praise songs. 
  • Each Sunday the Pastor offers a sermon (about 20 minutes in length), the Choir director leads the congregation in hymns, and our Choir (Soul Seekers) provide special music.
  • Holy Communion is offered every other Sunday. 
  • There is often a children's message during the Worship Service that is geared toward our younger worshipers. 


What method of taking communion does Trinity use?
First of all, we believe that ALL are welcome to receive communion, all who seek to know and love God more. Those wishing to receive communion need not have been baptized at Trinity, be a member of Trinity UMC, or be a member of any United Methodist Church to receive communion. 

There are two ways we receive communion at Trinity: 
  • Individual cups: When we use this method, an usher will invite you forward to the altar rail. You are invited to kneel at the altar rail. You will receive a piece of bread and be invited to eat it by the pastor. You will then receive an individual cup and be invited to drink by the pastor. You may leave the individual cup at the altar rail. The pastor will pronounce a blessing over you before you go back to your seat.
  • *Common Cup: When we use one cup, an usher will invite you forward to stand in line and receive communion via the method of  intinction. This is a fancy word for simply receiving a piece of bread and dipping it into the cup, after which you eat it. The altar rail is open for private prayer. *We are not using this method at this time due to COVID-19 safety protocols.


Is your church handicapped accessible?

  • Handicapped parking spaces are available in the lot behind the church.
  • The church's back entrance is fully wheelchair accessible.
  • All of our restrooms are wheelchair accessible. 
  • If you need a wheelchair, we have one for use during worship services and other church activities.
  • Large-print Bibles and Hymnals are available. All words to songs, scripture and congregational prayers are projected on a large screen during the worship service. 
  • Personal listening devices are available for use. They connect directly to our sound system.
  • If you have additional needs or questions, please call the church (301-447-3740) or speak to an usher when you arrive.
  • Trinity also has a defibrillator on the premises with church members trained in how to use it.



What is available at Trinity beyond Sunday morning Worship service?
  • There are lots of ways you can be involved at Trinity beyond worship on Sunday. 
  • Sunday school classes for all ages take place every Sunday morning after the Worship Service (about 10:30 am to 11:30 am, except during the summer).
  • Rock Solid, our growing and fun children's education class for ages 3 -10 years old, meets once a week in the evening.
  • A number of special events like Vacation Bible Schools for children and adults, retreats, missions opportunities, special meals for the congregation and community, as well as special worship services throughout the year.
 

How can I make a difference in the world at Trinity?
  • If you have a heart for making a difference in the world, you've come to the right place! Trinity is involved throughout the year in making a difference in our local community and around the globe! When you attend Trinity for the first time, make sure to inquire about current or upcoming mission projects.


More questions?
  • Please don't hesitate to email the pastor or ask any greeter when you arrive.