Southport, CT

Assistant Rector

Position Description

Trinity Episcopal Church in Southport CT seeks a full-time Assistant Rector to join our vibrant 21st century community as it approaches its 300th year of parish life.

Located in the heart of a village established on Long Island Sound in 1639, we have been the spiritual home to the families of colonial leaders, farmers, sea captains, merchants, early industrialists, educators, health care professionals, financial execs and media celebrities.  As stewards of their legacy, our parish is committed to preserving the best of our traditions while shepherding change.

Our mission is to inspire spiritual growth, nurture genuine connections, and promote service to others in our historic town and across the Fairfield-Bridgeport area. United around our work to go out intentionally into the neighborhood and listen to the needs and context of our neighbors, we choose to respond faithfully with worship and learning, community engagement, and service outreach opportunities. The parish is well-known for its iconic events – such as the Christmas Pageant, the Blessing of the Animals, the Blessing of the Fleet – its sacred music, and is unique educational offerings for adults and youth alike.

Building on this foundation, and following a two-year planning process, our parish is poised to take some ambitious steps in serving current and future generations of spiritual seekers while the Episcopal Church evolves to meet their needs and requirements.  We are investing resources in three major areas a) increasing the vitality of our parish life through generous pastoral care and parish events, b) developing and growing our children and youth ministry to a higher level, and c) creating a spiritual center.

We seek an ordained (or about to be ordained) leader who loves people of all ages; takes joy in worship; has a mature faith and a formational mindset; is highly organized; and who can impart spiritual inspiration to a well-educated congregation of leaders.

Skills:

• Natural leader and planner
• Strong preaching gifts
• Strong EQ skills (compassionate, relationship builder, savvy re: challenges facing all ages from baptism to burial)
• Digitally savvy (has current social media skills to leverage technology to drive ministries)
• Experience working with the needs and interests of youth K-12

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Young Family Ministry Director –Lead the overall children and youth program with collaboration and support of Youth Committee and church staff. Assist Newcomer Ministry with lay leadership, welcoming and integrating newcomers, especially families with children from TPNS-Trinity Parish Nursery School and from the wider community. Have a keen desire to grow the parish and create a meaningful point of difference vs other Churches and youth programs in general.

• Co-Chair Youth Committee with Parent Chair(s)
• Direct Children’s Ministry (Sunday School, Outreach) on Sundays and Weds. afternoons jointly with staff, Youth, Music, and Outreach Committees.
• Build on moral character education curriculum “Wise Lives” across age groups.

• Develop mission trip, outreach opportunities and programs.
• Build signature outreach program for High School youth.

• Create recruiting and retention plan to increase number of participants
• Liaise with Trinity Parish Nursery School Director and Music Director to manage overall data for families with children from birth to college.
• Assist Rector with baptism, communion, and confirmation preparation and record-keeping.
• Lead youth groups for Middle School and High School. Train acolytes.
• Develop and build relationships with families through visits, pastoral support.
• Integrate programming for all ages into parish-wide activities, including Trinity Spiritual Center.

Worship Leader – Collaborate with our staff and clergy to plan and lead liturgy that is both innovative and true to our Anglican tradition. Preside and preach at live and recorded services for Sunday morning and mid-week services, take responsibility for the Sunday evening Twilight service, lead Trinity Parish Nursery School bi-monthly service. Conduct baptisms, weddings, and funerals.

Pastoral Care – Assist rector in pastoral care visits, calls, and other communications with parishioners; provide direct spiritual care. Support and help build out existing lay pastoral care committee.

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Type of Commitment:  Full-time.

Salary – Commensurate with experience and aligned with ECCT (Episcopal Church in CT) canons and guidelines.  2-BR assistant rectory included in benefits.

Application Process:  Please send cover letter and resume to the attention of the Rector at:   trinitysouthport@gmail.com