About

Trinity Evangelical Church

Rooted in Jesus,

Growing Together,

Serving our Community.

Our Purpose

To be a church rooted in a dynamic relationship with Jesus, growing in relationships with one another, and empowered to serve our community in His love.

 


What Does That Mean?

We want to be like Jesus. We understand that begins with a relationship with Him (rooted in Jesus). As people rooted in Jesus get together, those relationships naturally encourage one another to grow. We learn to love one another as Jesus loves us. But as the love of God works through us, we can’t keep that to ourselves. We have to share it! His love compels us to go beyond our church to the larger community so all people might know the good news about Jesus. 

Our Staff

Kirk Patterson

Kirk Patterson is the Lead Pastor at Trinity. He loves that he gets to guide people toward a vibrant relationship with Jesus, develop a culture where we learn to love one another like Jesus, and equip others to share Jesus with our communities and world.


Kirk currently lives in North Reading, MA with his wife, Shelby, and their three kids. He likes to explore new places with his family, read books that help him grow, go on runs with Shelby, and play guitar. If you hear an accent when he talks, it’s because Kirk grew up in East Tennessee. In the good and not-so-good times, he’s a faithful University of Tennessee fan.


Kirk has been at Trinity since 2014 and has been the lead pastor since 2018. He holds a Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary and a Master of Theology from the University of Edinburgh.

Mat Gansenberg

Mat Gansenberg is the Associate Pastor of Youth and Families at Trinity. He focuses most of his energy on middle schoolers, high schoolers, and young adults – but also gets excited about strategic thinking wherever it’s needed. Mat loves facilitating meaningful conversations, winning youth group games, and helping to build Jesus-centered community. He’s passionate about sharing the heart of God and equipping others to grow to reflect Jesus more and more in the ways they think, feel, and act.


Mat grew up on the North Shore, and he and his wife, Hannah, now live in North Reading with their two daughters. He enjoys spending time with people, reading, watching the Patriots or Celtics, and drinking Arizona Green Tea. 


Mat has been serving at Trinity since 2016 and holds a Master of Divinity degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.

David Anastasi

David Anastasi is the Associate Pastor of Discipleship at Trinity. He is passionate about the mission of Trinity, which is to see people rooted in the saving grace of Jesus, growing with one another in community, and being the hands and feet of Jesus in our community. 


David currently lives in Danvers with his wife, Ashley, and their two daughters. He likes to stay active during all four New England seasons, read, spend time with his family, including their two English Labrador retrievers, and is a passionate Boston sports fan. David also serves as Head of School at Covenant Christian Academy in Peabody. 


David holds a Master of Divinity degree in Christian Apologetics from Liberty University and a Master of Science degree in Finance and Economics from Boston University. 

Erin Friedrich

Erin serves as the Kids' Ministry Director at Trinity, where she is passionate about introducing the Gospel to the next generation in ways that are both accessible and memorable. She considers it an honor to be part of a young person's first encounter with Jesus, and one of her greatest priorities is ensuring that every child who comes through our doors feels seen, valued, and safe.

Growing up as a church kid, Erin brings years of experience in children's ministry from supportive, leadership, and staff roles. She has a heart for encouraging individuals in their strengths, bringing teams together, and believes that those who teach children are doing some of the most beautiful work.

Erin grew up in the Boston area and has a BA in English from the University of Massachusetts. She spent several years running support and marketing for a commercial real estate brokerage team, and there fine-tuned both her people and processes skills. Erin lives in North Reading with her husband, four daughters, and ten chickens. Her family loves the air in the mountains, and they frequent the lakes region where she manages a short term rental property. Erin loves catching the sunrise from the running track, hiking mountains, and completing Spartan races. For years, she has led faith-based health and wellness groups for women, and loves to see the practical truth of Scripture meet today's real-life challenges. In between chauffeuring kids to activities, Erin enjoys reading outside, baking, or playing strategy games with her family.

Hannah Gansenberg

Hannah Gansenberg is the Pastor of Outreach at Trinity. Hannah loves learning, big picture thinking, and dreaming up creative ways for the church to connect with those in our community. She is passionate about service, and loves finding opportunities for people to serve in life-giving ways, using the gifts and passions God has given them. Hannah always has an eye out for populations that might be on the fringes, and she cares deeply about cultivating a church community where everyone feels included and valued. 


Hannah lives in North Reading with her husband Mat and their two little girls. Together, they love opening their home and creating a warm environment where people can spend time together. 

Shelby Patterson

Shelby Patterson is the Worship Pastor at Trinity. She has been actively involved in worship leading since her days in youth ministry, and she loves every opportunity to help people actively engage with Jesus through music. She has also been involved in formal training musical spheres since childhood. 


Shelby enjoys training and worshiping alongside people from children to those who have been around for generations. When she is not leading worship, she enjoys quality time with her husband Kirk and three children. She recharges by being outside, going on long walks or runs with a good sermon or podcast playing in her ears. She loves to write worship songs that share her experiences with the Lord and facilitate others’ connection with Him. She loves to spend time with friends, bake and celebrate people’s birthdays with gusto! 


Shelby grew up in Tennessee and lived there until she and Kirk moved to Massachusetts in the Summer of 2010. New England is a special place to her and she’s honored to live here and love people. 


Shelby holds a Bachelor of Education and a Master of Instructional Leadership from Tennessee Technological University.

Teresa Larkin

As a member of Trinity for over twenty-five years, Teresa loves being part of the past and the present of Trinity and is excited to help shape the future of Women's Ministry.

She is passionate about reading and studying God's Word and equally passionate about sharing that love with the amazing women of Trinity.


Her full-time job is serving as the Executive Director of a life-affirming pregnancy center with multiple locations. 


An avid reader, Teresa also enjoys the beach (all seasons), musical theater, and long walks with friends.

Megg Wenzel

Megg Wenzel is the Administrative Assistant in the Trinity office. She has a passion for hospitality and finds joy in making people feel welcomed and comfortable. She works alongside the Trinity staff and ministries to serve our church family and to ensure that, as a church, we can share the love of Jesus with the community around us.


Originally from Wichita, Kansas, Megg currently lives in Melrose with her husband Ryan and their three daughters. When not working, she enjoys traveling, indulging in a love for cooking and good restaurants, and reading a good book.   

Lauren Siracusa

Lauren Siracusa is the Communications Coordinator at Trinity. Lauren loves to be in the kitchen and hosting events at her home and other places! Creating a warm, inviting space is what she always strives to do, and that extends to her love of Social Media. Over the last few years, Lauren has delved into the dynamic world of Social Media, turning it into a place to connect, engage, and foster a positive space. She is excited to bring her love for communication and genuine connection to the team in a way that glorifies Jesus. 


Lauren grew up in the Boston area, and is currently living in Hampstead, New Hampshire with her husband Robert, son Jaxson, and dog Audrey. Lauren spends any “free” time at the hockey rink watching Jax pursue his love of the game.


Ruth Feins


Elders

Michael Smolinski


Derek Fullerton


David Tetrault


Greg Reeners


Jim Ruszkowski


JJ Trombly


Kevin Gagnon


Mark Ray


History & Beliefs

OUR HISTORY:

For over 200 years this church has been committed to one main thing - pointing people across our region to the life-changing power of Jesus. In 1816, two women were baptized in the Ipswich River. That was the beginning of the First Baptist Church of North Reading. It was a consistent presence in the town for decades, seeking to reflect the goodness of God and tell the good news of Jesus. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, the church began to grow. In the late 90s, the church’s name was changed to Trinity Evangelical Church. This name change reflects the undying commitment to the ‘evangel,’ which means ‘Good News’ of the Gospel. 


ESSENTIAL BELIEFS:

In essential beliefs - we have unity.

“There is one Body and one Spirit… there is one Lord, one faith, one baptism,

and one God and Father of us all.” (Ephesians 4:4-6)

In non-essential beliefs - we have liberty.

“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable

matters…Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To their own master,

servants stand or fall. And they will stand, for the Lord is able to make them

stand… So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.”

(Romans 14:1, 4, 12)

In all our beliefs - we show charity.

“If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge,

and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am

nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:2)


THE ESSENTIALS WE BELIEVE:

  • ABOUT GOD

    God is the Creator and Ruler of the universe. He has eternally existed in three personalities: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. These three are co-equal and are one God.

    Genesis 1:1, 26, 27; 3:22; Psalm 90:2; Matthew 28:19; I Peter 1:2; 2 Corinthians

    13:14

  • ABOUT JESUS CHRIST

    Jesus Christ is the Son of God. He is co-equal with the Father. Jesus lived a sinless human life and offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for the sins of all people by dying on a cross. He arose from the dead after three days to demonstrate His power over sin and death. He ascended to Heaven’s glory and will return again someday to earth to reign as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

    Matthew 1:22, 23; Isaiah 9:6; John 1:1-5, 14:10-30; Hebrews 4:14, 15; Corinthians 15:3, 4; Romans 1:3, 4; Acts 1:9-11; I Timothy 6:14, 15; Titus 2:13

  • ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

    The Holy Spirit is co-equal with the Father and the Son of God. He is present in the world to make men aware of their need for Jesus Christ. He also lives in every Christian from the moment of salvation. He provides the Christian with the power for living, understanding a spiritual truth, and guidance in doing what is right. He gives every believer a spiritual gift when they are saved. As Christians we seek to live under His control daily. 

    II Corinthians 3:17; John 16:7-13, 14:16, 17; Acts 1:8; I Corinthians 2:12, 3:16; Ephesians 1:13; Galatians 5:25; Ephesians 5:18

  • ABOUT THE BIBLE

    The Bible is God’s Word to us. It was written by human authors, under the supernatural guidance of the Holy Spirit. It is the supreme source of truth for Christian beliefs and living. Because it is inspired by God, it is the truth without any mixture of error.

    2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; 2 Timothy 1:13; Psalm 119:105, 160; Psalm

    12:6; Proverbs 30:5

  • ABOUT HUMAN BEINGS

    Every human being is made in the image of God with the potential for great good. From the moment of conception until the final breath, each human being is given eternal value by our Creator. But we are also broken by sin and prone to replace God's ways with our own sinful and selfish ways. This sinful nature separates us from God and causes damage in our individual lives, our relationships with each other, and across society.

    Genesis 1:27; Psalm 8:3-6; Psalm 139:13-15; Isaiah 53:6a; Matthew 7:11;

    Romans 3:23

  • ABOUT SALVATION

    Salvation is God’s free gift to us but we must accept it. We can never make up for our sin by self-improvement or good works. Only by trusting in Jesus Christ as God’s offer of forgiveness can anyone be saved from sin’s penalty. When we turn from our self-ruled life and turn to Jesus in faith we are saved. Eternal life begins the moment one receives Jesus Christ into his life by faith.

    Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8,9; John 14:6, 1:12; Titus 3:5; Galatians 3:26; Romans 5:1

  • ABOUT ETERNITY

    People were created to exist forever. We will either exist eternally separated from God by sin, or eternally with God through forgiveness and salvation. To be eternally separated from God is Hell. To be eternally in union with Him is eternal life. Heaven and Hell are real places of eternal existence.

    John 3:16; John 14:17; Romans 6:23; Romans 8:17-18; Revelation 20:15; 1

    Corinthians 2:7-9

Get Connected

How To Get Involved

CONNECTION

Sunday Services & Events

Join us for our Sunday worship services as we celebrate God’s presence and find encouragement to follow Him through our lives. After the service, be sure to stay and mingle over some refreshments. Head to our I'm New page for information about service times, location, children’s programs, and more!


Download Our App

The Trinity App provides easy access to sermon notes, small group questions, sermons, upcoming events, giving, and much more! Visit the app store for iOS or Android to download.

Community

Join a Small Group

Small Groups offer a community for the people who make up our church and are a great first step toward getting to know others. We have small groups for everyone! Each Small Group meets regularly throughout the month.


Join a Ministry

Serving in ministry, both inside and outside our church, is how we engage in God’s purposes for our lives. It’s also one of the best ways to meet new people who might share common interests and passions. Learn about our ministries and get involved in what God is doing at Trinity!

Groups

Become A Member

Membership

Becoming an official member means making Trinity your spiritual home and committing to our mission and vision. It means higher commitment, but also deeper fellowship and celebration as we follow Christ together and share in his work. Email info@trinitynr.org for information on the next membership class.