A NEW WORK
SUMMER 2027
ABOUT
Trinity is prayerfully preparing to plant a new congregation, Saint Magdalene’s Anglican Church, in Summer 2027, led by our Pastors in Residence, Caroline & Chris Hiler Albert.
Rooted in historic liturgical worship and deep community, we hope to establish a faithful presence in the Smyrna area.
This season is one of discernment, prayer, and gathering. We would love for you to join us — whether by praying, attending interest gatherings, or exploring what it might look like to be part of this new work.
COME AND SEEHere are some key dates and gatherings:
March 22, 2026: Prayer Meeting
April 12-May 17, 2026: Eastertide Evening Services led by Caroline & Chris
May 31, 2026: All Church Update
June Sundays: 14-28, 2026: Book of Common Prayer Class
August 2, 2026: Launch Team Interest Meeting
August 2026: Launch Teams Begin
Summer 2027: Launch Sunday
MEET OUR CO-RECTORSCaroline and Chris will serve together as Co-Rectors — the head pastors of the church — sharing responsibility for stewarding the vision and direction of the congregation. At the heart of their leadership is a commitment to equipping and empowering others; together, they will invest deeply in developing lay ministry leaders and small group leaders, and will work collaboratively to shape and grow the church's discipleship pathways. They will alternate in preaching and leading the liturgy, bringing their distinct gifts and perspectives to the life of worship each week.
Caroline Hiler Albert
Caroline’s faith was shaped from an early age in the United Methodist Church, where she encountered God most deeply through communion liturgy. She went on to earn her B.A. in Biblical and Theological Studies from Liberty University, serve as a missionary in Sweden with CRU, and complete her MDiv at Duke Divinity School. She has a deep passion for the intersection of Biblical Theology, Creation Care, and Ethics, and loves exploring how ancient Scripture speaks into the urgent questions of our world today.
As Co-Rector, Caroline will lead the church’s outreach and partnership ministries and will serve as the lead for the hospitality team, lay teachers, and prayer team.
Chris Hiler Albert
Chris’ faith is inseparable from the complex and beautiful story of his family. Growing up between two households, the church became a constant source of stability and belonging — a foundation that ultimately led him to ministry. He holds a B.A. from Wheaton College and an MDiv from Duke Divinity School. He has ministry experience as a Youth Director and Hospital Chaplain, and is pursuing his DMin at Trinity Anglican Seminary. Chris has a deep passion for the early church fathers and the intersection of catechesis and discipleship.
As Co-Rector, Chris will lead the church’s visual and aesthetic vision, oversee children’s and family ministries, and develop ministry leaders across the Worship and Alpha Teams.
PRAY WITH USHere are a few specific ways to pray with us:
For God to draw people to come with us to begin this new work
Wisdom and discernment in identifying our future home in Smyrna
For the children’s and youth ministry: volunteers and an accessible meeting space
For people with business and financial skills to share their gifts and knowledge as we launch Saint Magdalene’s
For our worship leader, Evan Fricks, and his family
For Chris and Caroline to have wisdom, joy in marriage, and hearts rested in God
STAY IN TOUCH
