"Trinity strives to make a place for anyone who wishes to explore their connection to the divine and to one another. We seek those connections through the lens of Christian faith, though we also come with our questions and share our answers with one another, too. We hope to be a place where the diversity of sexuality, gender, ethnicity and race, cultural heritage, and life experience can come together and share their many gifts. We may not always succeed--but we strive to keep on learning as we also seek to serve others.
In these challenging times of separation and polarization, Trinity also seeks to be a place that builds bridges and creates belonging across our many differences. No matter the news of the world around us, we are confident that listening to one another, seeking justice together, and promoting peace within ourselves and in our communities can help us make new and nourishing connections to one another.
We hope you will join us as we continue our journey together."
Bryan Cones
Priest, Trinity Episcopal Church
Click Above to view the Playlist of Sunday Homilies
Greetings from our new pastor, Eileen Shanley-Ross
Dear People of Trinity,
I am looking forward to being with you as your long term supply priest+ - aren’t these titles and terms descriptive? It might be helpful if I unpack the title a bit and introduce myself. As you probably know, your vestry discussed options with the Bishop’s staff and determined that seamless coverage that allowed Trinity to keep the momentum you have built with Bryan+ was the best option. Professional interims are hard to find, and are usually best for congregations that have a history of conflict that need to work through issues before they can call the next rector. Healthy congregations need clergy coverage for sacraments and pastoral care while they begin the search process. Trinity is solidly in this latter category. You are putting together the search committee, embracing the ministry of the laity, and ready to move forward. You need stability. As long term supply, I have committed to be your regular priest 3 to 4 Sundays per month for the next year, provide pastoral coverage, and consult with the vestry and others as desired. I will also maintain some weekly office hours.
Now that you know what this job is, let me tell you a little about me. I have been an Episcopal priest for over 20 years. I teach full time for Bexley Seabury Seminary, where I am the Director of Contextual Learning and Formation and Associate Professor of the Practice of Ministry (I like a long title). For the last 19 years I have served in the Waukegan Deanery, first as Rector of Christ Church Waukegan, where I met a number of you when the Trinity team provided the community meal, then as long term supply at Saint Paul’s in McHenry. Most recently I have been affiliate clergy at Trinity Parish McHenry County and regular supply at Trinity, Platteville, WI, as well as supply in other congregations throughout the area. For the seminary, I teach and coordinate field education and Anglican Formation, electives in parish administration and community development, as well as a travel class to the Holy Land. In addition to my work in and for the church, I am active in the community and serve on the boards of both Faith in Place and Community Roots for Environmental Justice and am an active member of Sierra Club Woods and Wetlands Chapter.
Through the week, I work from my home on Saint John’s Avenue in Highland Park, where my husband, Ross, and I have lived for the last 8 years. We share our home with our 3 pugs, several cats, and our resident young person who is a student at CLC. Our eldest child lives farther south along Saint Johns/Lincolnwood with her husband and 2 year-old daughter. When I am not working, I continue my woodlands restoration project in our back and side yards, knit, and enjoy live music and theater.
There's plenty more to share about me, and I am really looking forward to getting to know all of you.
Eileen+
Watch here for updates regarding our search for a new priest-in-charge/rector.
After the errands and the rush, come find something deeper—
a place of truth, honesty, and hope in a community that keeps it real
Join us at the Faith Forum led by Pastor Bryan Cones. Sundays 11:30AM in the Guild Hall
All people and all questions welcomed
Plan Your Visit
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Trinity Episcopal Church of Highland Park Illinois Photo and Graphics Records
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