Trinitarian Congregational Church’s (TCC) “Spirit Sunday” Service Engages Mind, Faith, and Spirit

Trinitarian Congregational Church and its congregation are preparing an uplifting and engaging homecoming service, “Spirit Sunday,” scheduled for Sunday, September 13, 2026.

Beneath its 145-foot steeple, community members and guests will be serenaded by renowned violinist Mariia Gorkun, whose musical renderings will complement an invigorating sermon delivered by the church’s new pastor, Reverend Janet V. Sandquist. After worship, Broadway actress and lyricist Caren Lyn Manuel-Tackett, will share her inspirational journey to stardom and how raising goats and falcons keeps her grounded.

“I hope that “Spirit Sunday” will reflect the positive energy emanating from a church that is rising,” shared Reverend Sandquist. “Autumn typically signals a return from summer adventure and a reconnection to our home community, and excitement about the season ahead. With the addition of a world-class performer and a special post-worship speaker, we hope community members will see our commitment to enlivening an historic piece of our town."

Featured Guests Perform and Present on Spirit Sunday at TCC

Ukraine-born professional violinist Mariia Gorkun has been invited to perform at TCC’s Spirit Sunday service. Gorkun, a resident of Andover, MA, has traveled the world to play in recitals and concerts, as a soloist and in ensemble and orchestral roles. She has performed at the Lincoln Center, the United Nations, and Carnegie Hall, among others. Apart from playing the violin, Mariia is also a bow maker who apprenticed under respected bow maker David Hawthorne. With a line of bows sold under her own insignia, Mariia currently operates a shop within Somerville’s Luthier Collective.

At the culmination of worship, guest speaker Manuel-Tackett will share how undeniable leaps of faith informed and catapulted a personal journey towards a highly successful and unexpected career on Broadway (Les Miserables, Evita, Rent). She will deliver performance and song snippets from her most beloved productions, and regale guests with an exciting timeline that ultimately brought her back to Massachusetts, where she and her family raise goats and falcons. Caren, who hails from Newburyport, continues her calling to perform through music, songwriting, and production. She is also a wife, mother, figure skater, and pro skating coach.

Reverend Sandquist continued, “Spirit Sunday is shaping up to be a lovely celebration of homecoming. No matter who you are or where you are in your spiritual journey, we want our community members to know that they are welcome here and that should you join us, we’ll make your time with us extra special.”

Since 1865, Trinitarian Congregational Church (TCC) has served as a landmark in North Andover. Situated in the heart of Machine Shop Village, the church’s 145-foot steeple can be seen towering above the treetops from Route 495. With a history steeped in musical tradition, TCC maintains a 24-stop tracker pipe organ and a three-octave set of handbells, played throughout the holiday season, adding a unique flair to Sunday services. The church welcomes all who seek a safe and inviting environment in which to worship, reflect, and engage in active Christian discipleship. Through food drives, outreach at local community meal programs and shelters, personal involvement in the ministry of “Communities Together” in Lawrence, and annual youth mission trips, TCC continually promotes tangible ways to serve and practice faith. To learn more about the church, its history, and its commitment to community, visit www.natrinitarian.org.