What We Believe
MISSION AND VISION
Mission: The mission of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, under Jesus Christ, is to further the spiritual growth of all by loving, ministering to, and affirming one another; and to be a force for God in our community.
Vision: At Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, Tiverton, we embody the good news of the Gospel, our liturgy and worship, and our lives by welcoming and serving all people. We believe God emboldens us to be a force for love, justice, and mercy in our community. With God's help, we strive to foster belonging and inclusivity by inviting everyone to participate in our common life and liturgical practice of worship, service, and prayer. We are a community formed by the ever-widening love of Christ and the Holy Spirit, who empowers everyone to minister and affirm all people with God's help.
VALUES
- Worship and Tradition
Emphasizing communal worship, sacraments, and a connection to Episcopal tradition through the Book of Common Prayer.
- Inclusive Community and Hospitality
Creating a family-like atmosphere that warmly welcomes new faces, values diverse perspectives, and fosters authentic relationships that are life-affirming and sustaining.
- Service and Outreach
Encouraging parishioners to serve others, whether through outreach programs, such as volunteering at the Salvation Army or supporting the local food pantry, or by sharing their unique gifts and experiences.
- Spiritual Formation and Education
Providing opportunities for lifelong learning about scripture, tradition, and reason, including deepening our inner lives through music, reading, quiet days, and contemplative prayer; strengthening theological muscles through book groups, Bible studies, and common worship; and investing in the future life of the church through education and support for children and family education, young adults, and aging adults.
FOUNDATIONS
What we believe centers on three grounding and interlocking elements of the Episcopal Church: scripture, tradition, and reason. Scripture and common prayer root our faith, guiding us in our journey with God and living our faith in the world. Through Scripture, Tradition, and Reason, we seek understanding and wisdom so that we can deepen our relationship with God, ourselves, and one another. At Holy Trinity Church, we see the Scripture as a living text to be engaged; it is true in the fullest sense and, as such, worthy of exploration and discovery.
We also affirm our God-given reason and intellect, trusting that each of us is called to discern God’s will in the world. This understanding shapes our lives and inspires us to act with compassion, humility, and grace. In the Episcopal tradition, we embrace thoughtful reflection and welcome questions and different perspectives as we journey together in faith.
At Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, we see ourselves and those who have come before us as potters, molding the clay of the tradition we have received. With respect for the past and openness to the future, we honor the sacred practices of worship and the sacraments, believing that each generation contributes to the unfolding story of God’s love and presence in the world.
