Welcome to Trinity United Methodist Church!

We welcome you to share the joy of our Lord through worship and teaching. At Trinity, you will be part of a loving family dedicated to reaching out to all in need of care and healing. Join us as we, by our example, inspire others to love and serve Him. We invite you to explore this website and learn more about Trinity United Methodist Church. If you have further questions, please call the Church office at (845) 223-3152 or e-mail Eileen Hartney, the church secretary at trinitylagrange@aol.com.  

It is not clear just when the church was built at Potter's Corners, but from references alluding to the old Dutchess circuit which was established in 1821, it is probable that the building was constructed about 1827.  "The earliest record of the work of our church is found in the trustee's record book dated Dec. 22, 1821. The last meeting of the church in the Beekman church was held on Nov. 15, 1826. From 1827, the trustees meetings are recorded as being held in Trinity church, Union Vale." In 1832 the Dutchess circuit consisted of thirteen churches or appointments. "Trinity" is mentioned as one of these and it is the writer's belief that this referred to the Methodist church in Union Vale. Apparently, then, Trinity church, Union Vale, was located at Potter's Corners. Sources of information indicate that the church was taken down at Potter's Corners in 1863, moved to its present location, same year and rebuilt. Flagstones for the church were brought from Poughkeepsie on two stoneboats pulled by yokes of oxen. Some of the stone was nearly lost along the way, according to accounts of the undertaking. Rebuilding the church resulted in a structure that had a ceiling four feet higher than in the old church. The ornamental spires on the four corners were fifteen feet high and on the belfry were eight feet high. No mention is made of a bell being installed at this time. In the early 1900s, the church was struck by lightning where a side window and frame were blown out. Around the time that repairs were being made to correct the damage, it was decided to procure a church bell. The church's present bell was then purchased from Sears Roebuck and installed in the belfry.

The church ministry is maintained through the hard work and dedication of many volunteers of the church community. Committees meet at 7:00pm, September - June. Committee meetings will be listed on the TUMC website Upcoming Dates & Events.

ADMINISTRATIVE COUNCIL

The purpose of the church council is to serve as the primary administrative body of the charge conference and oversees the management and programming of the local church. The Ad Council also plans and carries out programs that fulfill the congregation's nurturing, outreaching, and witnessing ministries. It leads the visioning and strategic planning process within the church. The Ad Council fills vacancies in lay leadership positions that occur between meetings of the charge conference and approves the church budget and ensures that the financial needs of the church are met, as well as makes recommendations for the compensation, benefits and housing for the pastor and other church staff.

LAY LEADERSHIP

The Lay Leadership committee recommends to the charge conference officers and members of the church council and other committees as required. The pastor serves as chairperson.

STAFF PARISH RELATIONS

SPR serves as a support group and facilitator of communication between the pastor, the congregation and paid staff. Any and all issues relating to paid staff are addressed through SPR. If you have any issues or concerns, feel free to contact a committee member. Your input will be kept confidential. The SPR Committee is the Personnel Committee for TUMC.

STEWARDSHIP

A critical component of this ministry is recognition of the differences between Christian stewardship and funding ministry. Funding ministry, often called "fund raising," consists of the varied tasks associated with gathering funds to enable ministry to take place. In our tradition, we understand ourselves as stewards who respond to our giftedness. It is this balance between the "what" (fund raising) and the "why" (stewardship) that is the genius of Wesleyan financial leadership.
Tasks and Responsibilities:
1. Provides financial direction for the congregation and regularly reports to the church council and individual members.
2. Recommends an annual budget to support the mission and ministry of the church.
3. Develops plans for the annual funding program to ensure that the financial needs of the church are met.
4. Arranges for the annual audit of church financial records.

TRUSTEES

The Board of Trustees supervises and maintains all property belonging to the congregation so that the ministries of the congregation can be effective. The committee is entrusted to see to the proper keeping of God's house as a way to honor God and to facilitate the ministry of the local church. The primary purpose of the church building and facilities is to enable the vision and ministry of the congregation. Good stewardship, common sense and prudence dictate that the church, parsonage, facilities, property, equipment, furnishings and other physical property be well maintained. We honor God when we care for what has been entrusted to us. Trustee responsibilities include: Oversee, maintain and supervise all local church property, conduct an annual inspection and inventory of all church property including the parsonage, report annually to the charge conference on the state of the church's property, equipment, investments and resources.

The LaGrangeville Cemetery is a non-denominational community cemetery located on the grounds of Trinity United Methodist Church. The annual meeting of the LaGrangeville Cemetery Association, the organization that manages the cemetery, is scheduled during the first week in May for all plot holders and interested members of the community.
Pricing is as follows (effective May 2017):
Single Plot: $850
Full Burial: $750 (+ $100, Nov - Mar)
Cremation Grave: $250 (+ $100, Nov - Mar)
Internment charges include covering and reseeding plot. Burial vaults required for all full burials. Arrangements typically made by the funeral home. Foundations are required for all monuments and flush markers. Charges are dependent upon the size of the monument or marker and are set by the individual laying the foundation - the typical charge being $300-$450. The Cemetery Association can contact a provider for this service. For further information, please contact the church office at (845) 223-3152 or the Cemetery Association President, Marcia Grant at (845) 223-5489.

Trinity Church has sponsored Boy Scout Troop 82 since 1955. Approximately 75 Scouts have been awarded Eagle Scout status over the years while affiliated with Troop 82. The status of Eagle Scout is the highest rank a boy can attain in Scouting. Only about 2% of all Scouts are fortunate enough to attain this goal. A Scout wishing to attain the level of Eagle must complete a community project. Trinity has been fortunate to receive the  benefits of this requirement. Many of the Scouts have chosen to do projects at the church, helping to maintain the church facilities. The Troop constructed a Memorial Garden in memory of one of their Scout leaders. They annually conduct a blood drive and have adopted Cross Road as their "Adopt a Highway" project. The Scouts meet Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. in Fellowship Hall.