Here is the video for the Trinity moment for this week: https://youtu.be/EfR57jv5NEo
We hold in our prayers Norma Daly and her family as she struggles with COVID.
We hold in our prayers Tom Sturdy and his daughter Nicole as she receives treatment for cancer.
Upcoming Service:
Sunday January 30 at 10:45am – Worship by Zoom. Come join your friends in this interactive and participatory worship service. We will have the room open at 10:30am; the regular recorded service will be available on Thursday as usual. If you’re unfamiliar with Zoom and would like some help, please be in touch with Irma or Elizabeth. There will be folks to help you once you’ve signed in. If you’ve never used Zoom, click on the link before Sunday and be sure to download the platform.
This is the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82554522653?pwd=cXl6ZGdDRUd1L2Qzcnp1OXFyRnZDdz09
Meeting ID: 825 5452 2653 – Passcode: 076745
Or dial this local number and connect by phone with the meeting ID and passcode: 204 272 7920 Canada; you (and we) will be able to hear everything and participate.
Last year, a student from Fort Richmond Collegiate came up with an idea to help those who were feeling alone and wanting to talk during COVID. They are bringing “Calls for Comfort” back this year. Supported by the Victoria General Foundation and Victoria Lifeline, supervised by Patti Berube, the Fort Garry Seniors’ Resource Coordinator, Calls for Comfort pairs trained high school students with seniors for a 30 minute phone call, once a week for 6 weeks beginning in February. It’s a confidential, friendly way to connect and be reminded someone cares. If you or someone you know would like to take part, please contact Patti at (204 792 1913) and see the poster attached to this email. Thanks to Stephanie for bringing this great initiative to our attention!
(Poem written by Maya Angelou in 2016 for Oprah) I’ve found this poem to be an inspiration with its bold, brave invitation when I’m feeling confused and unsure of the future:
Into a world which needed you / My wish for you / Is that you continue / Continue / To be who and how you are / To astonish a mean world / With your acts of kindness / Continue / To allow humor to lighten the burden / of your tender heart / Continue / In a society dark with cruelty / To let the people hear the grandeur / Of God in the peals of your laughter / Continue / To let your eloquence / Elevate the people to heights / They had only imagined / Continue / To remind the people that / Each is as good as the other / And that no one is beneath / Nor above you / Continue / To remember your own young years / And look with favor upon the lost / And the least and the lonely / Continue / To put the mantel of your protection / Around the bodies of / The young and defenseless / Continue / To take the hand of the despised / And diseased and walk proudly with them / In the high street / Some might see you and / Be encouraged to do likewise / Continue / To plant a public kiss of concern / On the cheek of the sick / And the aged and infirm / And count that as a / Natural action to be expected / Continue / To let gratitude be the pillow / Upon which you kneel to / Say your nightly prayer / And let faith be the bridge / You build to overcome evil / And welcome good / Continue / To ignore no vision / Which comes to enlarge your range / And increase your spirit / Continue / To dare to love deeply / And risk everything / For the good thing / Continue / To float / Happily in the sea of infinite substance / Which set aside riches for you / Before you had a name / Continue / And by doing so / You and your work / Will be able to continue / Eternally
It’s time to send out the tax receipts from Trinity. They will be sent out by email for those who have an email address and mailed to those without email. If you’d like a paper copy of your receipt, please be in touch with Steve in the office (204 269 1632).
Scripture to ponder for the week: Philippines 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”
Scripture for Sunday January 30, 2022: Jeremiah 1:4-10; Psalm 71:1-6; I Corinthians 13:1-13; Luke 4:21-30As we begin the season after the Epiphany we are reminded we are not alone, we are chosen, and called to listen for God’s voice, for God’s call in our lives. How can we make space to hear the voice of God in our lives this week? Have we ever felt like Jeremiah? Too young? too old? too busy? too tired? where do we look for the prophets of our time?
Programs at Trinity: most programs (Trinity Walkers, SSCFF yoga) will resume in January. Bible Study: resumes Monday January 10th 7-8pm – come join this group of diverse, unique folks as we explore the scriptures for the coming Sunday, lending your voice to the message for the week; contact Elizabeth for the invitation
SSCFF Yoga: resumes Monday January 17 1:30-2:30pm – Incorporates adaptable postures, movement and meditation
Holy Yoga: resumes Saturday January 15 10-11am followed by coffee – Prayer, meditation and movement are incorporated, with a time of fellowship following practice. .
Both practices are “beginner friendly” and offer adaptations to suit all levels. All are welcome. Due to the current Covid situation, all classes will be offered on the Zoom platform until further notice. If you are interested in exploring holy yoga, or SSCFF yoga, contact the Trinity office, or Irma Nadeau to receive the Zoom link. Questions? Contact Wynn Ferguson at wynnferguson@gmail.com.
Sermon by Phone: Listen to the recording of Sunday worship each week by calling a local phone number (204 410 1384); please share this information with your friends who don’t have internet access; the recording is uploaded each week on Thursday and will be available until the following Wednesday.
Prayer: You never hesitate, holy one, to show us your goodness and mercy, your love and grace. You are open to all our prayers, always ready to receive and answer. Touch our hearts, fill us with your light, be with us this day. Amen. (George Allan, adapted)
Know that we are praying for each one of you as you find your way through this time. If you have comments, suggestions, or any thoughts about worship or how you’re doing, please be in touch. Trinity is here for you and we will respond. May you know God’s presence and peace with you as we continue to move through this new reality,
Elizabeth
We need your help! This is the time of year when we search for folks who are willing to serve Trinity in the many volunteer opportunities available. We wonder if you will prayerfully consider where you might offer your gifts of time, talent and skills to enable ministry and mission to happen:
The Nominations committee is looking for folks to serve on the following committees; a short description is provided which is not exhaustive but does give you an idea of what they do:
Deputy Chair of the Board – you would share this position and work with another person to learn to chair the board; meets 8 times a year on the 4th Wednesday evening with an Executive meeting the Wednesday before; is a member of the Executive which usually meets 8 times a year; participates in the discussion and decision making of the board;
Board Secretary: you would attend and take minutes at the board meeting following United Church guidelines and ensure they are properly saved and stored at Trinity; before the meeting, you would receive reports and send out an agenda and any reports.
Following a meeting on December 23, the Board prayerfully decided to cancel all in person worship and have staff work from home except for essential tasks.
Trinity United Church continues to offer weekly YouTube services; Sunday School kits for at-home Sunday School; monthly Zoom gatherings for senior Sunday School/Youth Group, as well as weekly/monthly programs such as walking group, Yoga and Bible Study.
IMPORTANT PROVISO: The above Motion must be in full compliance with current and future provincial Public Health Orders.
Trinity United Church 