Trinity United Church

 “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)

Worship Link for January 18, 2026: https://youtu.be/Wav3cqkiLtU

Worship:  Sunday, January 25, 2026: 10:45 a.m. 

Reverend Damber Khadka is currently away. For pastoral emergencies please contact the office. 

Scripture to Ponder & Prayer

Third week after Epiphany

Texts this week: Isaiah 9:1–4; Psalm 27:1, 4–9; 1 Corinthians 1:10–18; Matthew 4:12–23

To Ponder: Psalm 27 | Matthew 4:12–23

A Brief Reflection:

“Arise, shine; for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.” (Isaiah 60:1)

These two passages together form a powerful movement—from promise, to presence, to response.

In Psalm 27, the psalmist declares a deep and steady trust:
“The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear?”

This is faith spoken in the midst of real struggle. The psalm does not pretend that life is easy, but it insists that God’s light is stronger than fear. At its heart is a longing not just for safety, but for communion with God—to dwell in the presence of the Lord. It reminds us that courage grows when we remain rooted in God’s presence.

In Isaiah’s proclamation, we hear God’s invitation to rise from weariness and despair: “Arise, shine.” This is not a command to create our own light, but to receive and reflect the light God has already given. It is a call to hope, to renewal, and to becoming a visible sign of God’s glory in a world that often feels heavy with darkness.

In Matthew 4, that promised light takes flesh in Jesus. He steps into Galilee—into places marked by hardship—and announces that God’s reign is near. Then he calls ordinary people into extraordinary purpose: “Follow me.” The disciples respond not because everything is clear, but because the light of Christ has broken into their ordinary lives and awakened something new.

Together, these scriptures invite us to examine our own calling. Where is God inviting us to rise? Where is Christ calling us to follow? How might we become people who carry God’s light into our homes, our church, and our wider community?

To ponder these texts is to hear the same invitation spoken again today:
Do not remain in fear.
Do not stay seated in comfort.
Arise. Step into the light. Follow the One who leads us into life, justice, and hope.

Let us pray …

Gracious and faithful God,
you are our light and our salvation.
As you call us to arise and follow Christ,
give us courage to step out of fear,
strength to walk in faith,
and hearts open to your transforming love.
May we carry your light into the world,
reflecting your grace, justice, and hope
in all that we do.
Through Jesus Christ, our Light and Guide. Amen.

“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)

Worship: Sunday January 18, 2026 10:45 a.m.; Second Chance Band

We are grateful to Debbie Spindler and Mike Cudjoe for cashiering this Sunday. 

Reverend Damber Khadka will be away attending the P2P Regional Council Executive Meeting at Westworth United Church from January 19–20, 2026. For pastoral care emergencies, please contact the office to make arrangements.

Guess Who’s Coming for Dinner —-6th edition.
Sales of lunches, brunches and dinners start April 19th to May 3rd.
We are looking for 2-3 individuals or families, who would love to be a HOST and make this promotion very successful for Trinity. We have 7 confirmed Hosts, so far. As a host, you get to pick a favorite meal, favorite country, your theme, the number of guests to include 4-6-8  in your home and by mutual agreement with the buyers, the date when the event will be held. It is a flexible date. It is about Fellowship, fun, food and Fund Raising. If you are interested in being a HOST, call Dale Kendel at 204-269-0764

Save the date: Joint Trinity and Good Shepherd Fund Raising Fun and Talent Show Event on Feb 14 at 7.00pm
Please contact Richard Castro if you want to take part.

From Outreach:

A big thank you to all those who generously donated hats and mittens to the Mitten tree this year.  There were a total of 140  items donated – 44 adult neck warmers / hats and 22 adult mittens, plus 28 children’s hats and 46 children’s mittens.  The kids’ things will go to local schools and the adult items will be taken to Pimicikamak Wellness Centre downtown. All will be put to good use on our cold Manitoba days.  Thank you so much! 

A huge thank you to everyone for your generous support of the Christmas hampers that the Outreach committee organized this season. They were delivered on December 22,  just in time for Christmas. Both families were very appreciative! 

In our Prayers:

We hold Sandi and Eunice in prayer as they face the critical health situation of their daughter, Dale. We also pray for Dale’s sister, Sharon, and her partner, Alex; for her own children; and for all relatives during this very difficult time. 

We pray for Richard Ellis who is recovering at home with health issues.
We pray for Milt Muldrew who is dealing with health issues.

We pray for Victor Bryll who is dealing with health issues.

We pray for  Bernice Gregory who is dealing with health issues.

We pray for Connie Fillion who is in hospital dealing with health issues.
We continue to pray for Damber’s family: for Sumi as she continues her recovery; for Sumi’s three nieces, Ameera, Anupaa, and Anuka; and for Damber’s mother, Dhan, who has now been moved to comfort care as her health has become critical. Damber and Sumi are deeply grateful for your prayers and support.

From Prairie to Pine Region: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (January 18-25) 
Please hold in prayer the following communities of faith: Southwest Interlake (Clarkleigh, Eriksdale),  Treherne   

Trinity provides Church Services at the St. Norbert Personal Care Home and the Waverley/Rosewood Retirement Community. We provide a half-hour service at St. Norbert on the first Thursday of every month at 10:30 am and at the Waverley/Rosewood on the second Wednesday of every month at 10 am. If you would like to join us please contact Nancy or Terry DeLong at (204) 254-3450 or nanter1@shaw.ca.

Programs at Trinity: All are welcome to attend

Trinity Yoga on Zoom – Saturday 10:00 a.m.
Worship: Sunday January 18, 2026 10:45 a.m.; Second Chance Band
Bible Study –  Monday 1:30 p.m. at Trinity
Yoga – Southside Community Group – Will resume in February
Trinity Walkers:  From Maryann – Even though the weather has changed I am still walking. Contact me if you are interested in having a walking partner. 

Electronics Recycling – Bring your small electronics for recycling – recycle items that fit into the blue box in the narthex. 

Opportunities to serve: There are many volunteer opportunities in the ministry at Trinity. If you are able to offer the gift of time, please let us know. There are opportunities, to serve on committees, to help with one time special events, help serve at funeral lunches and fellowship coffee, to help with technology, read scripture, offer prayers, sing in the choir, to work at bombers games, help with Sunday School and Youth, etc. Please prayerfully consider these opportunities and be in touch with the office (204 269 1632) tuc@mymts.net.  We are grateful for every gift given and appreciate all you do for Trinity. We’re always grateful for enthusiastic volunteers to help with worship and other ministries at our church. If you feel called to lend a hand, please stop by the News Board in the Narthex and add your name to the sign-up sheet. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

Office Hours at Trinity United Church are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  

The Worship YouTube link is sent out Monday after each service. If you would like a PDF copy of the Reflection emailed to you, please contact the office at tuc@mymts.net

 “Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)

Worship Link for January 11, 2026: https://youtu.be/oK1eC2SC6OA

Worship:  Sunday, January 18, 2026: 10:45 a.m.; Second Chance Band

Scripture to Ponder & Prayer

Second after Epiphany

Texts this week: Isaiah 49:1–7; Psalm 40:1–11; 1 Corinthians 1:1–9; John 1:29–42

To Ponder: Isaiah 49:1–7; John 1:29–42

A Brief Reflection

Isaiah speaks to a people who feel worn down, overlooked, and unsure of their place. Into that uncertainty, God offers a surprising word of assurance: you are called to be a light. Not a spotlight drawing attention to yourself, but a light that helps others find their way—toward justice, healing, and hope. This calling does not depend on strength, success, or confidence. It comes before we speak, before we act, before we feel ready. It is God’s gift, not our achievement.

In John’s Gospel, we see what this calling looks like in everyday faithfulness. John the Baptist does not cling to authority or recognition. He simply points and says, “Here is the one I’ve been telling you about.” His witness is quiet, humble, and honest. He directs others toward Jesus and then steps aside, trusting that relationship and encounter will do the rest. John shows us that faithful witness is not about being impressive, but about being true.

Together, these texts remind us that witnessing is about more than words alone. It is about how we live. We do not only point people toward Jesus; we reflect Jesus in our lives. Through acts of love and kindness, through courage and compassion, through choosing goodness even when it is costly, we embody the way of Christ in the world. The story Say Something! captures this beautifully: the world needs each of our voices—not louder, not perfect, but faithful. Each of us has a unique way of sharing God’s love, and every voice matters.

John’s Gospel adds another dimension: sometimes faith begins not with a command, but with an invitation. Jesus does not demand belief; he simply says, “Come and see.” It is an open door, an experience to be entered into, a choice to be made.

Some of us experience faith as a clear and unmistakable call. Others encounter it as a gentle invitation, unfolding slowly over time. Many of us move between the two throughout our lives. However it comes, God meets us where we are—and then sends us back into the world as light, as witnesses, as love made visible.

Let us pray …

Faithful and calling God,

you know us by name and invite us to come and see.

You have shaped us to be light in this world,

to reflect your love through our words and our actions.

When our voices feel small, remind us that they matter.

When the path ahead feels uncertain, draw us closer to Christ.

Help us to witness with kindness, courage, and grace,

so that others may glimpse your hope through us.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.” Colossians 3:14 (NRSV)

Worship: Sunday January 11, 2026 10:45 a.m.; Coffee Sunday.

We are grateful to Gerta de Jong, Marilyn Loat and Karen Wall for cashiering this Sunday. 

Search Committee Re: Staff Associate Position: As reported in October, we are currently communicating with staff, committees, and the congregation to gather feedback related to needs and responsibilities that have been carried out by our Staff Associate until November 30, 2025. Our committee members, Wynn Ferguson, Elaine Hansen, Dale Kendel and Carolyn Pierson, plan to be be available during Fellowship Coffee Time this coming Sunday, January 11 to hear your views, concerns and/or questions for our data gathering process. Please feel free to connect with us at your convenience in weeks to come be it in person, phone or email.

Save the date: Joint Trinity and Good Shepherd Fund Raising Fun and Talent Show Event on Feb 14 at 7.00pm
Please contact Richard Castro if you want to take part.

From Outreach:

A big thank you to all those who generously donated hats and mittens to the Mitten tree this year.  There were a total of 140  items donated – 44  adult neck warmers / hats and 22 adult mittens, plus 28 children’s hats and 46 children’s mittens.  The kids’ things will go to local schools and the adult items will be taken to Pimicikamak Wellness Centre downtown. All will be put to good use on our cold Manitoba days.  Thank you so much! 

A huge thank you to everyone for your generous support of the Christmas hampers that the Outreach committee organized this season. They were delivered on December 22,  just in time for Christmas. Both families were very appreciative! 

It is with deep gratitude and joy that we are pleased to announce that Susan Delaney and Marilyn Loat have offered to become co-assistant coordinators on the funeral reception team.  THANK YOU to both of them.

In our Prayers:

We hold Sandi and Eunice in prayer as they face the critical health situation of their daughter, Dale. We also pray for Dale’s sister, Sharon, and her partner, Alex; for her own children; and for all relatives during this very difficult time. 

We pray for Richard Ellis who is recovering at home with health issues.
We pray for Milt Muldrew who is dealing with health issues.

We pray for Victor Bryll who is dealing with health issues.

We pray for  Bernice Gregory who is dealing with health issues.

We pray for Connie Fillion who is in hospital dealing with health issues.
We continue to pray for Damber’s family: for Sumi as she continues her recovery; for Sumi’s three nieces, Ameera, Anupaa, and Anuka; and for Damber’s mother, Dhan, who has now been moved to comfort care as her health has become critical. Damber and Sumi are deeply grateful for your prayers and support.

From Prairie to Pine Region: Baptism of Jesus 
Please hold in prayer the following communities of faith: Clandeboye,  Winnipeg Beach,  Deloraine-Melita-Tilston (Deloraine, Melita, Tilston-disbanding)

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Pimicikamak Cree Nation: those whose homes and businesses were directly impacted by the recent power outage and damage to critical infrastructure servicing the community; those who were evacuated for their safety and well-being to other communities and remain there while restoration happens; those assisting with meeting the needs of evacuees and with restoration efforts within the community. We were made aware that Johnston Garrioch Memorial United Church in Cross Lake experienced frozen pipes in the church building and the trailer that acts as a manse.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Venezuela during this time of uncertainty and upheaval.

Trinity provides Church Services at the St. Norbert Personal Care Home and the Waverley/Rosewood Retirement Community. We provide a half-hour service at St. Norbert on the first Thursday of every month at 10:30 am and at the Waverley/Rosewood on the second Wednesday of every month at 10 am. HOWEVER, DUE TO THE FIRST THURSDAY IN JANUARY FALLING ON NEW YEARS DAY, THE ST. NORBERT SERVICE HAS BEEN RE-SCHEDULED TO JAN. 8 AT 10:30. AND WE HAVE HAD TO CHANGE THE WAVERLEY/ROSEWOOD SERVICE TO JAN. 7 AT 10AM INSTEAD OF THE SECOND WEDNESDAY. THE SCHEDULE SHOULD BE BACK TO NORMAL IN FEBRUARY. If you would like to join us please contact Nancy or Terry DeLong at (204) 254-3450 or nanter1@shaw.ca.

Programs at Trinity: All are welcome to attend

Trinity Yoga on Zoom – Saturday 10:00 a.m.

Worship: Sunday January 11, 2026 10:45 a.m. Coffee Sunday

Bible Study –  Monday 1:30 p.m. at Trinity
Yoga – Southside Community Group – Wednesday 10:30 a.m. – at Trinity in person and on Zoom 
Trinity Walkers:  From Maryann – Even though the weather has changed I am still walking. Contact me if you are interested in having a walking partner. 

Electronics Recycling – Bring your small electronics for recycling – recycle items that fit into the blue box in the narthex. 

Opportunities to serve: There are many volunteer opportunities in the ministry at Trinity. If you are able to offer the gift of time, please let us know. There are opportunities, to serve on committees, to help with one time special events, help serve at funeral lunches and fellowship coffee, to help with technology, read scripture, offer prayers, sing in the choir, to work at bombers games, help with Sunday School and Youth, etc. Please prayerfully consider these opportunities and be in touch with the office (204 269 1632) tuc@mymts.net.  We are grateful for every gift given and appreciate all you do for Trinity. We’re always grateful for enthusiastic volunteers to help with worship and other ministries at our church. If you feel called to lend a hand, please stop by the News Board in the Narthex and add your name to the sign-up sheet. Your generosity truly makes a difference.

Office Hours at Trinity United Church are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.  

The Worship YouTube link is sent out Monday after each service. If you would like a PDF copy of the Reflection emailed to you, please contact the office at tuc@mymts.net