Trinity United Methodist Church at 351 North Delsea Drive in Clayton, New Jersey, pairs traditional worship with contemporary praise songs and welcomes children, teenagers and adults into the same church life. Its work beyond Sunday includes interactive Bible studies, multigenerational groups, prayer shawl making, fellowship meals, food-bank support, global mission work and Trinity Learning Center.
Sunday Worship on North Delsea Drive
Adult Sunday School meets on most Sundays from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m., with everyone welcome. Morning worship is held every Sunday from 10:00 to 11:15 a.m. All services meet at 351 N Delsea Drive unless otherwise specified. Drivers turn into Church Lane for parking, drop-off and the main entrance.
Trinity is a traditional church pursuing Jesus in a modern age. The morning service includes Call to Worship, Affirmation of Faith, a sermon, hymns led by an organist, pianist and trumpeter, contemporary worship songs and a benediction. The sermon presents the Bible in a way that can be applied to daily life.
Visitors can come as they are. There is an opportunity to give, but no expectation to do so. Attendance at both Adult Sunday School and worship is not required. A newcomer may listen and stand back or step forward to meet people and take a next step, without being singled out.
Making Space for Children and Families
Trinity Kids is the church's elementary-age ministry, presented by KidSpring, with worship, a message, games and fun surprises. Families can take part online or in person. During in-person worship, children may use their own devices and headphones or borrow a church tablet with headphones on a first-come, first-served basis.
A chapel at the back of the sanctuary gives young children a place to play or take a break while parents continue to see and hear the service. A changing table is provided. At the information desk, children can borrow a toy from the toy library; some toys, including fidget spinners and stress balls, are designed for unique sensory needs.
Trinity Kids episodes are typically released on Saturday mornings. Trinity has also created Church Online videos for messages and sermons, while recorded messages and previous services can be viewed through Vimeo, YouTube and Facebook. A connection card offers visitors a way to request follow-up by email, voice call, text or mail.
Small Groups That Welcome Teenagers and Adults
Trinity takes a multigenerational approach to small groups. Teenagers and adults are welcome to join any group, even if they do not regularly attend Trinity. Three interactive Bible studies examine Scripture, truth and the beliefs of the faith.
Three Bible Study Groups
- Women's Bible Study
- Men's Bible Study
- Co-Ed Bible Study, currently discussing Christian Character
United Women in Faith is a community of women that gathers for speakers, crafts, games, Bible study and fellowship. The Walking with God group says Jesus walked 18,000 miles from Nazareth to Jerusalem. Members walk together while enjoying Scripture, praying and sharing fellowship, emphasizing care for the body as the temple of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer Shawls and Fellowship Beyond Sunday
The Prayer Shawl Ministry creates prayer shawls, comfort shawls and lap blankets for people in the community. Members pray for recipients before, during and after making them. The group meets twice a month on Thursday from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the Adult Sunday School room, and beginners are welcome to learn crochet.
Sippin' Sundays brings the congregation together after service several times a year for coffee, juice, goodies and fellowship. Fellowship meals throughout the year include breakfasts, luncheons or dinners. Worshippers can also use the swimming pool and pavilion at Wilson Lake Memorial Park, with pool use registered through the church office.
Serving Clayton and Supporting Global Work
Trinity partners with Clayton Baptist Church to distribute food through the Clayton Food Bank. Food can be left in the lobby at any time for delivery to the Baptist Church. The church also assembles shoeboxes of gifts and encouragement for Operation Christmas Child and partners with global workers, supporting their missions through prayer and giving.
Trinity connects giving to the mission of sharing Jesus' love and salvation message across the globe and to its local community. Donations can be made online or by check. Checks are payable to Trinity United Methodist Church and may be sent to 351 N Delsea Drive, Clayton, NJ 08312.
Trinity Learning Center
Trinity Learning Center is a fun, safe environment where children grow academically and spiritually. Trinity believes children thrive when they are loved and when they are held to a positive standard of obedience. Proverbs 22:6 anchors the approach: a child who starts on the right path will not turn from it.
Pastor Carl Shinn and a Christ-Centered Mission
Trinity's vision is to be a Christ-centered, culturally relevant, dynamic community of believers creating fully devoted followers of Jesus who will change the world. Its mission is to equip people with life skills and tools that strengthen their walk with God, enrich personal relationships, and prepare them for service in the Church and the world. Trinity is a United Methodist Church aligned with the denomination's traditional core beliefs.
Pastor Carl Shinn came to Trinity after a path through technology and lay ministry. After graduating from Pitman High School in 1966, he spent 44 years in information technology and retired from Gloucester County Institute of Technology as director of technology in 2010. He received Christ as his Savior in 1995, entered ministry in 2013 after completing a Certified Lay Minister program, and served as a supply pastor and then local pastor at St. Paul's UMC in New Gretna. He retired for medical reasons in 2018 and returned to ministry in 2022 as a part-time retired local pastor at Weymouth UMC before becoming Trinity's pastor.
Trinity's Sunday worship, family programs, groups, learning center and service work all support one aim: forming fully devoted followers of Jesus who strengthen relationships, serve their neighbors and carry Jesus' love into Clayton and beyond.