At one time in the history of the world, the parish church was the center of each village and neighborhood. When the bell called the community of faith to prayer, the time and place of that prayer was evident and accessible. The people could come to the church from their homes, fields and places of business: they could participate in the liturgy and return to their daily schedules for this was the pattern of their lives and their times.

Today's life patterns are different. Communities have become, for many, resting places for those who commute long distances for long periods of time in order to make their livings. The most-asked question in commerce is no longer "How much does it cost?" but rather "How long will it take?". The bell in the parish church can ring all day long but most of the people are not home. The fields and places of business are too far removed to hear the tolling, for this is the pattern of our lives and times.

The call of the faithful to prayer, however, has not changed. Many are still faithful in attendance for Sunday and weekday Eucharist in their church, though many others are kept away by the pressures of time and place for several weeks of each month. For most of us the thought of Morning Prayer and/or Evening Prayer out of The Book of Common Prayer is overcome by the discouragement of the patterns of our lives and times. Yet, the call of the faithful to prayer has not changed. The bell still rings.

These are the issues and pressures of our lives that are being addressed by the Spirituality Task Force of our parish's Mission Commission.

Jesus preached the Kingdom of God and its nearness to the people of God. The Church preaches Jesus and his presence to the people of God. In this sense the people of God live in eternity (time) as well as in The Kingdom (place). The call of the faithful to prayer has not changed; therefore, a dispersed people who pray wherever they are and whenever they can may still be the community of faith. The intent of prayer can be the same for a modern dispersed community as it was for the village of years past.

With all of the above in mind we have developed a "Rule of Life" for the Trinity Community. Trinity Associates in Prayer (TAP) is made up of people who desire to be faithful m prayer no matter where we are and what the demands of time might be. It is our intent to praise God, sanctify each day, and pray for The Church. It is also our intent to pray for each other not only for those things which are necessary for salvation and well-being but, also as surrogates for those who for whatever reason cannot enter into prayer on a given day.

All are invited to join us, not as another group with many meetings and events, but rather as associates striving to be faithful in prayer and in "TAPping" into God's Eternal Kingdom with each other. When the bell calls the community of faith to prayer the time (eternity) and place (Kingdom) of that prayer is evident and accessible. The bell still rings.

Participate in at least one Holy Eucharist on Sunday and one weekday corporate worship if possible.

Sanctify each day with the praying of the Daily Office.

Be faithful in the work of intercession, and remember parish members daily.

Cultivate an awareness of the presence of God at all times through acts of recollection and praise.

Endeavor to be careful in self-examination, honest in penitence, and regular in seeking reconciliation and counsel as needed. Endeavor to observe the Church's feasts and fasts, and to practice such a measure of self-discipline as is indicated by one's circumstances and needs. Provide sufficiently for rest, relaxation, refreshment, and attention to the obligations of family life.

Give a portion of time to the study of the Holy Scriptures, and of the Christian faith and practice, especially as they relate to contemporary thought, circumstances, problems, and opportunities.

Endeavor to be constantly aware that the primary obligation and privilege of our membership in Christ is the exercise of His ministry of reconciliation, hope, and love to all with whom we come in contact. Endeavor to establish and maintain a supportive relationship with others of common mind and spirit.

This is a voluntary association of Trinity members who come together in informal covenant to share in mutual prayer and to support one another in our service to Christ and His Church. The intent is to strengthen our faith and devotion by practicing a Rule of Life as set out in the Guidelines.

These Guidelines offer a discipline which may aid in learning to obey the will of God in the spirit our Lord commands. Each participant may adapt the Rules to individual needs and preferences. The essential component is a mutuality of intention.

In obedience to our Lord's command and following the traditions of the Church, our principal act of worship is the Holy Eucharist. Participation demands sufficient preparation to recognize and meet Christ in His Body the Church, in work and sacrament. We should take the time and use the means that our circumstances require and permit, being careful not to approach the altar in a flurry of last minute arrangements. The privilege of joining in Sacrifice and Communion with Christ should be a source of joy to us, constantly recalled with gratitude and used as the well-spring of our dally living. Corporate worship on other occasions strengthens community, bonds and our individual devotion.

A life of prayer is essential in developing and growing in faith. It is suggested that some time be spent each day in silence as we center our lives in God and prayer.

No particular form of devotion is required, but some may wish to develop familiarity with classical methods. A primary, function of this association is the partnership of intercessory prayer, for one another in particular, and for other parish members in general, being especially attentive to specifically identified needs.

The function of the Daily Office is the sanctification of time. For this purpose The Book of Common Prayer provides the services of Morning and Evening Prayer. They have tradition, authority, and a long history of successful use to commend them.

Our awareness of Christ's consummate presence with us will sharpen our recognition of our sinfulness and move us to penitence and contrition. Each day, briefly but specifically, we should recall the grace bestowed upon us that day and give thanks for it, and also acknowledge prayerfully our specific sins and seek God's mercy, Healthy growth for our personal life is fostered by sharing with spiritual friends.

A regular use of the Sacrament of reconciliation at least annually is recommended. Some may find a face to face encounter more helpful because of the opportunity it gives for discussion. Each person is free to use whatever method is best for them. (See the BCP pages 446-452,)

Specific fasts and feasts are identified in the BCP pages 15-17. Beyond that, those who find the traditional requirements of fasting and abstinence helpful should observe them as individual lifestyles allow or require. Regular quiet days and an annual retreat (minimum two days and one night) are encouraged.

Adequate time for sleep, for relaxation, and for mental and physical refreshment must be included in our schedule. All should be mindful of obligations to family. If we do not provide for these matters, the result can be devastating and can undo all our other disciplines.

We should be especially watchful of discipline in the use of material goods, neither hoarding them in a miserly manner, nor squandering them selfishly, but seeking in thanksgiving to use and enjoy them both for our own needs and for the benefit of all men, finding in the Eucharist the manner in which we should possess the world's gifts. Pledge a percentage of income to the church and support all church functions, attending as many as possible.

The regular reading for Holy Scripture in the Daily Office may be supplemented by a more critical study of the test using commentaries, and reading books on Christian spirituality. It is essential that we have a solid grasp on the Gospel we proclaim. We must also 'know the culture to which we are speaking and should keep aware of significant events in the world around us. Through our association we can informally share resources, and may find opportunities to meet together in more structured learning situations.

Almighty God, we your children at Trinity Church, pray that you will grant us the measure of your Holy Spirit needed to center our common life on your Son Jesus Christ. We pray that not one of us will ever be denied or refuse full devotion to the duty of all Christians, 'to come together week by week for corporate worship; and to work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God." We pray that those called to be your children will be given the grace to serve your people with a love which strives for a shared vision of your will for your world. Open our ears to hear your Word, our mouths to proclaim your Word, our lives to be your Word and our hearts to the guidance of your Holy Spirit. Make us effective administrators of your Word and Sacraments and faithful stewards of the gifts of creation. This we pray in the name of the most blessed Trinity. Amen.