TRINITY'S 2030 VISION

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What follows is a vision for Trinity in the year 2030. This work began in the spring of 2019 and was finished and approved in 2021.

Written by a faithful community striving to discern God’s will, it paints a clear and compelling picture of a preferred future. The work evolved over two years, during which more and more people were invited into the process This final document is the product of more than 30 meetings, workshops, writing sessions, and parish-wide feedback.

We look to this final document to chart our course for ministry in the years ahead. We will use this vision on a regular basis to set annual goals, create strategic plans, and keep us accountable to God and each other.

We thank all who invested so much. May this narrative be the compelling story we work toward together with God’s help in the months and years to come

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Introduction: Following a Radical Way of Love

Congregational Vitality: Building up the Body of Christ

Worship: Reverence and rejoicing through radical welcome

Music: Making a joyful noise

Spiritual Formation:

Growing a community of learners and disciples

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6 Children & Youth: All are welcome and wanted

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Social Justice/Social Service:

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Respecting the dignity of every human being

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8 Community Partnerships: Changing the world together

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9 Community Engagement: Being the church in and outside of our walls

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INTRODUCTION: FOLLOWING A RADICAL WAY OF LOVE

It is 2030. Trinity is alive with energy, purpose, and passion We honor our long-held identity as a progressive, inclusive, creative faith community Accessibility and relevance have been incorporated into that identity, as we welcome those who have yet to discover the love of God we have found together in this community

Acknowledging that we are all both broken and blessed, we sustain one another living out Jesus’ Way of Love –through worship, prayer, study, giving, service, and advocacy – extending God’s revolutionary love in all that we say and do in every aspect of our lives. We welcome questions and doubts as much as we appreciate deeply held convictions and faith perspectives; we believe God’s love has no limitations.

We are a beacon of hope, healing, encouragement, and inclusion in Toledo and beyond We stand in both a beautifully restored and reimagined building, and in a loving, liberating, and life-giving online presence We live into our radical welcome and seek and serve God in all people and respond to our neighbors’ changing needs.

Ten years ago, we embraced the idea of Trinity becoming a Christian community committed to radical transformation That transformation is clear within our church, the broader community, social structures, and most importantly, in our lives.

As an intergenerational, multiethnic community, we remain committed to the work we began many years ago Today we see our on-site and online communities have more than doubled, reflecting the diversity of our neighborhood and city We have learned how to best support people on their spiritual journeys More than three quarters of our community is integrated into one or more ministries or small groups, with more than half of the community involved as servant leaders for ministry, groups, projects, and service. Choosing courage over comfort, we remain active in the work of racial reconciliation and economic justice, collaborating with community partners while affirming one of our five baptismal promises:

To strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being

Through God’s action in our lives and in our community, deep connections transform our lives.

CONGREGATIONAL VITALITY: BUILDING UP THE BODY OF CHRIST

Within the Trinity community, God shows us we are better together: supporting the challenges of living a life of love in a world with hate; glimpsing clarity in a chaotic culture, and witnessing the wonder and joy of God’s presence in both the ordinary and the eventful Trinity truly is Christian community committed to radical transformation We live from a place of gratitude for God’s work in our lives and in our community, in and outside our walls, moving forward together ever hopeful Walk into Trinity any day of the week and find signs of life everywhere Whether people are coming for worship, a concert or art exhibit, or to volunteer with one of our community partners, they find inviting spaces and radical welcome We are intentional in our hospitality, seeking to offer the same care and concern for each stranger who walks through our doors as we do for one another

Our welcoming spirit includes attention to accessibility. Our signage helps visitors navigate our historic building, now accessible with a new elevator Sign-language interpreters aid worship and live performances. Accessibility is also vital throughout our expansive digital presence, Trinity@Home, with all online events closed captioned

The vitality of the community is reflected in growth in numbers and in spirit Our worshipping community has doubled, and an ever-growing “softborders” community join us for activities beyond worship.

Relationships are enriched through movie nights, public forums, and popup dinners Our church culture encourages members to naturally support one another, with prayers, meals, and rides We show up for each other in times of tragedy and joy In response to the experience of the extravagance of our Loving God, we give out of a sense of abundance. Acknowledging the financial gifts of our spiritual ancestors, we share our own financial gifts with the church Our planned giving program provides opportunities to serve the Trinity community well into the future We measure our community’s vitality in many ways - qualitative and quantitative. Today we find ourselves overflowing with joy, compassion, generosity, and radical love - evidence that God’s Spirit is at work among and within us