Trinity Forward
Trinity Parish has entered a period of transition with the well-deserved retirement of our beloved rector, Patty. As we say our farewells, the parish needs to look forward to Trinity’s future, using the process of discernment. In that, we can discover where the parish wants to proceed so that we can find the rector who will help Trinity get there.
A search team has been formed that will help guide the Parish through the discernment process, with the help of a Diocesan consultant. The search team members are Rachel Berninger, Betsy Chapin, Greg Cuprak, Steve Dooley, Brian Embriani, Doug McQuirter, Angelica Morales, Toni Spille, and consultant The Reverend John Pumphrey.
The Search Team has been meeting weekly to plan and implement the tasks ahead of us. The first all-parish meeting will be a Growth and Vitality Workshop with Bishop Brown on Saturday, March 15th. Lunch and childcare will be provided.
Greg Cuprak
I joined Trinity in 2015 after the closure of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church in Brandywine Hundred. My wife, Enie, and I participate in Trinity’s foyer group dinners, which have been a great way to meet and break bread with other Trinity parishioners. We also enjoy attending The Arts at Trinity concerts and the Choir. I have recently started ushering at the 10 AM Service.
Rachel Berninger
I have been a part of Trinity for 32 years, from my baptism to confirmation and beyond. Currently, I serve on the Altar Guild and AV teams, and I am now in my final year on the vestry. Professionally, I have worked as a Graphic Designer since graduating from college in 2014. As a lifelong member of Trinity, I am deeply committed to our parish and eager to help guide us in finding our next rector.
Betsy Chapin
I have been an active member of Trinity/Old Swedes since 2001. I have served twice on the vestry and was also on the search team to hire The Rev. Charles Cowen. I am a professor of literature at Gwynedd Mercy University in Philadelphia, where I primarily publish on the works of Mary Shelley. Over the last two decades, I have been involved in various ministries, including serving as a Eucharistic Visitor, lector, and chalice bearer.
Steve Dooley
I have been a member of Trinity Parish since 1988, when my wife, Sarah, and I started attending Old Swedes in preparation for our wedding there on October 8, 1988. I have served on the Vestry several times under Rev. Louis Leone, Rev. Anne Bonnyman, and Rev. Patty Downing. I was also on the Search Committee that called Patty to be our rector. Sarah and I normally attend the Old Swedes service, where I serve as a chalice bearer/master of ceremonies and usher. When our daughter, Erin, participated in the Christmas pageant, I helped with the little angels calling out to Mary from the Chapel windows. I recently retired from Boeing after a 35-year career as an Engineer. Sarah and I live in Toughkenamon, PA, close to Kennett Square.
Brian Embriani
I joined Trinity/Old Swedes in October 2021. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, I was drawn to Trinity, where I feel welcomed and celebrated. I am a member of Trinity’s choir as well as a sponsor of The Arts at Trinity. In 2024, I retired after a 35-year career with Neiman Marcus.
Doug McQuirter
My name is Doug McQuirter, and I have been coming to Trinity since 2018-19. You may see me with my wife, Leslie, and our two daughters, Eleanor and Frances, at the 10 AM service. About one Sunday per month, you will find me at the AV controls, as I am a member of our AV team. I have been in the Episcopal Church since 2010, and before moving to the Wilmington area in 2018, I was a member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Cathedral in Memphis, TN, my hometown, where I served as an usher. I currently work as the Reference Archivist at Hagley Museum and Library.
Angelica Morales
I attended Trinity for almost 20 years but only a few years ago decided to be part of this Congregation. Trying to be the bridge for the Spanish Community. I am the president of the Latin ministry. I have 5 beautiful children and 3 beautiful grandchildren. All of my grandchildren have been baptized in Trinity. I try my best to contribute in the community as much as I can one step at a time. I lived in Wilmington for a couple years but have spent most of my years in Delaware in the Newcastle area. My family and I try to contribute to the Hispanic community by participating in events, plays and organizing posadas when the season arrives. I have been actively taking additional courses to be able to contribute more in the church community.
Toni Spille
I have been a member of Trinity Parish for almost 20 years and serve as a member of the Altar Guild. I live and work in Wilmington and spend my spare time raising awareness and leading tours at Old Swedes Historic Site, where I serve as President of the Old Swedes Foundation.