Re-Introducing: Trinity Backyard Church Groups
Re-Introducing:
Trinity Backyard Church Groups
While we are looking forward to resuming in-person church in the very near future, some of us may not be ready for that but would still like to meet with a small group of Trinity folks. Last summer we formed several Backyard Church groups that met in backyards, patios, and even at the beach! This is a great way to meet new people, renew connections, and join in fellowship with others.
These will be groups of 8-10 people, invited to meet in outdoor spaces for fellowship several times throughout the spring and summer. We hope to arrange the groups before the end of May. The guidelines below are for group meetings with adults. Meetings with children and for children have different needs and standards, which we will explore later.
We are also excited to reach out to students from the Episcopal Church at Yale (ECY) and other young adults to see if those remaining in the area this summer would like to attend gatherings and get to know Trinity parishioners in a safe and convivial environment. You may check the box on the form linked to below if you would like to invite young adults to your gatherings.
If you are interested in being a part of a “Backyard Church,” please express your interest by filling out the following form https://forms.gle/9t51ZZzFiwwvqmoi8
Please also let us know if you are interested in hosting one of these gatherings in your outdoor space or coordinating when groups meet electronically. Consider your own vulnerability and risk level when deciding whether to join a Backyard Church Group. If you are not comfortable meeting in person at this time, we encourage you to get connected with one of the Zoom fellowship options that are already available, such as Bible Studies or the Thursday evening Prayer Service.
Backyard Church Format Suggestions
How “churchy” is backyard church? That depends on your group! We will provide a resource booklet suggesting different ways to bring faith into your group gathering – with options ranging from a simple prayer opening a time of fellowship, to a time of evening prayer or scripture reading."
The format of each group is up to the members of that group; we offer here some suggestions as a way to get started.
● Opening Prayer – We suggest the following text as a common prayer:
○ Loving God, we ask that you would be present with us today. Be present in our conversation, be present in our laughter, be present in our silence. Help us to remember that wherever two or three are gathered together in Jesus’ name, you are in the midst of them. May this time be full of blessing, instilling deeper connection within ourselves, with one another, and with you. Amen.
● Fellowship through Conversation
○ This doesn’t have to be specifically “religious.” We recognize that God is present in our everyday lives and connections with others.
○ Conversation Starters – we’ll provide hosts with a list of fun, meaningful questions as an option to guide conversation.
● Closing Prayer
○ Ask if there are any specific prayer requests this evening.
○ Lift up those requests in whatever way feels best to the group. Someone can offer to pray, or this can be as simple as concluding with the words, “Thank you, God, for hearing the prayers of your people. Amen.”
Backyard Church Health and Safety
Trinity will continue to keep track of and follow CDC and State guidelines around vaccinations and mask wearing and we ask you to keep in mind the evolving state of public health as you organize or attend Backyard Church gatherings.