Trinity United Church

Christmas is right around the corner. In year’s past, it’s been a happy time as we gather with friends and family to celebrate and exchange gifts and participate in familiar activities. Others find this time of year difficult as we face Christmas without a loved one or are overwhelmed by whatever is happening with our life situation. This year, in particular, is difficult for all of us as we imagine what it will be like with all the changes that seem to occur every day. No matter what you are going through, we want you to know we are thinking of you, particularly at this time of the year. We know this Christmas will be different for you and your family.

Even though our way of worshiping is different this year, we will still mark December 21^st as the Longest Night of the year. We are recording a quieter, intimate service that will be available now at this link: https://youtu.be/tJuuSl7vqkE for you to listen and take part while gathered in your homes. If you are feeling different this year – for whatever reason – this service of song, silence, reflection, candle lighting and prayer may be for you. This service is meant to be a time where you can sit and breathe deeply of God’s peace. It will be a time to discover what it is we wait for during this time, to name our worries and fears, losses and sadness and to be cradled in God’s love and peace as we support one another. It is our prayer for you that you will find your way to the recorded service and take part as you wish. As well, Christmas Eve will be a service of candles, music, and celebration of the familiar story for the whole family. This service will be posted December 23^rd. For those without internet, you may access the services by calling the local number 204 410 1384 and listening to the services. If you have some time on December 24^th at 7pm, you may prefer to attend our in person service at Trinity knowing that all who attend are fully vaccinated. There is no need to pre-register but please arrive a few minutes early so we can view your vaccination card and ensure some distancing in the sanctuary.

Please share this invitation with your family and friends as they too are welcome. Whether you decide these services are something you would like to participate in or not, know we will be thinking of you this season. We appreciate this may be a difficult time for you. If you would find it helpful to speak with us, please call and I will arrange to spend time safely with you. 

You are in our hearts as we remember you and your loved ones this Christmas season. Be well and be safe.

Blessings and peace be with you.

Christmas greetings from Trinity United Church,

Because of the newest health orders that come into effect on Monday December 20 at midnight, we have some important news for you.

The first important note is from Bernie Wiens and his family about the celebration of Bev Wiens life on December 21 at 10am:
To our friends and family,
Please be your own judge of whether to attend the celebration of Bev’s life. We wished that everyone could be there to celebrate, but due to the new health restrictions this will not be possible. The capacity at the church is now 150 people. We have a very large family and many close friends who we would all want to be present, but seats will be very limited. With that being said, we do not want to make the decision of who can or cannot attend to service. Please understand how difficult this time has been already and has now become more difficult with these new restrictions. The celebration will be recorded and will be available for those who are unable to attend or choose to view from home. Please contact any of the family members for a link to the celebration. Thank you and God bless,
Bernie and Family 

The second important note is from the Executive of the Board who met today and decided the following:

Our capacity at church will, on Tuesday, be 150 people. Therefore, there will be TWO services on Christmas Eve (December 24), one at 5pm and one at 7pm along with our regular recorded Christmas Eve service available on December 23. All services will be the same and about half an hour in length. All people who attend worship at Trinity must be fully vaccinated and have their QR code and ID at the door. All children must be with and stay with the adult that brings them. The building will be sanitized between services and there will be volunteers on hand to help.

If you’d like to attend one of the two Christmas services, you must register by calling the church office (204 269 1632), telling us:your name and phone number,how many people will attend (including children),and which service you’d like to attend.

Unless we call you back, you will be registered and able to attend the service you register for. If, after you register, your numbers change or you decide not to come, please notify us right away. Registration is ONLY for the Christmas eve services. 

We know that everyone is trying to figure out how to celebrate Christmas in a way that is safe and meaningful for all your families. We are praying for all of you and want you to know that we take these steps prayerfully and with great care. Thank you for your continued support and love as we make our way through these difficult times. If you need to talk about this or anything that is on your heart, please be in touch with Elizabeth.

blessings of the Christmas season,

The Executive of the Board
Barb Poustie, Terry DeLong, Leah Hes, Susan Delaney, Barb Tallman, Gerta de Jong

Here is the link for Worship for this Sunday: https://youtu.be/F719Enocnuo

This Sunday is recorded and in person worship; we are celebrating communion this week and if you are watching online, please have a piece of cracker or bun and a glass of juice or grapes. For in person, worship at 10:45am, please remember to bring your QR code and ID to present at the door.

We hold Bernie Wiens and their family in our prayers as they mourn the death of his wife Bev. We will celebrate Bev’s life on Tuesday December 21 at 10am at Trinity, followed by a gathering at Howden Hall (1078 Red River Dr.); all must be fully vaccinated. In lieu of flowers, the family will be collecting donations for the Christmas Cheer Board or you can donate in Bev’s memory directly.

We hold Bernice Gregory and her family in our prayers as they mourn the death of her husband Clair. 

For those interested in the celebration of the life of John Daly:  To all those friends of John Daly who would like to register for the memorial service on December 28th, would you please contact his daughter Gerry at  missgdaly@gmail.com . She will then send you the registration form. There will be a limit of 100 fully vaccinated people in the church but we are offering a Zoom link as well. Thank you, Gerry Daly 

Upcoming Services: all service links will be sent out before the dates
December 19 – Advent 4 – communion – recorded and in person (fully vaccinated) at 10:45am
December 21 – Longest Night Service – with Good Shepherd – recorded
December 24 – Christmas Eve – recorded and in person (fully vaccinated) at 7pm
December 26 – recorded
January 2 – recorded and in person (fully vaccinated) at 10:45am

Outreach Committee has sent a letter by e-mail to the congregation with suggestions for Christmas giving this year.

Outreach Request: A special request has been made for volunteers to drive a local mom to and from our neighbourhood to St. Amant Centre to visit her son. There have been a few volunteers but more are needed. They are a newcomer family to Winnipeg. She would like to be able to visit daily. Times are flexible but generally in the morning and returning in the evening. If this is something you could commit to even once a week, it would be greatly appreciated! Please contact the church office or Beth Anderson at 204-275-5829 or by email at bethdaveanderson@gmail.com. Thanks.

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 could 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;
Christian Education: oversees programs offered at Trinity including ongoing (Sunday School and Youth group, Bible Study, The Big Question) and one time events to enable faithful learning opportunities; meets usually 6 times a year
Fellowship: oversees fellowship activities at Trinity including ongoing (fellowship coffee, Candles with Care, Caring Connections, Trinity walkers) and one time events to enable meaningful relationships that reflect God’s love in action; meets usually 8-10 times a year although during COVID, there have been less meetings
Fundraising: oversees activities and events to raise funds for Trinity; these can be ongoing (Bombers, Guess who is coming to dinner, UC calendar sales) and one time events; meets 8 times a year although during COVID there have been less meetings
Property: oversees all aspects of the care of Trinity’s building – inside and out; these can be ongoing (replacing light bulbs, arranging for inspections, monitoring the functioning of appliances, grass cutting, snow removal, parking lot, rentals of space, etc.) and one time events (replacing the furnace); works with the caretaker to ensure the building is clean and ready for all user groups; usually meets 8-10 times a year 
Stewardship: oversees and reviews the finances of Trinity including ongoing (profit and loss, balance sheet) and working with the bookkeeper to ensure the bills are paid and reports submitted; oversees the annual Stewardship Campaign; prepares the annual budget; meets every month (except December)

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 on Thursdays and is available until the following Wednesday.  

All Programs at Trinity (Bible Study, Holy Yoga, Trinity Walkers, SSCFF exercise and yoga) are taking a Christmas break and will resume in January.

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

NEW INFORMATION:
Following a meeting on November 25, 2021 the Board prayerfully decided to begin fully vaccinated worship on December 19th. This motion was passed:

–        All participants (at a service) will have their QR code scanned at the door upon entry (with the appropriate app) and ID will be checked.  The name of each participant will be checked off on the list of congregants.  Any name not on the list will be added and phone number will be recorded.  (As a result of this, all participants, including children, will be noted.)

–        Hand sanitizer to be used upon entry by all persons; and will be used again on departure.

–        All health protocols need to be followed: face masksto be worn properly, covering the nose, mouth and chin all at the same time, by all participants over the age of 5 years; physical distancing between family cohorts to be encouraged; coughing/sneezing to be covered by the arm

–        Singing by congregation/participants will not occur

–        Coats and other outdoor wear to remain with each person, and not hung in the narthex

Children must be accompanied by an adult and must remain with the adult/family/parent for the duration of the service

–        Entry will be via the main (double doors) from the narthex

–        Exit willbe via thedoors at the front of the sanctuary, and congregating/chatting in sanctuary/narthex/entryway is to be avoided

This Proof-of-Vaccination Motion replaces the previous policy of early September 2021.

If you are unable to attend in-person indoor worship, Trinity United Church continues to offer weekly You tube 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. Volunteers will be available to help you at 10:15 am (asking COVID questions, checking QR codes and IDs, hand sanitizing, ushering, etc.). Check out our great new carpeting in the Sanctuary. 

Here is the video for the Trinity moment for this week: https://youtu.be/Il4qk-fZc8A

We hold Bernie Wiens and their family in our prayers as they mourn the death of his wife Bev. We hold Bernice Gregory and her family in our prayers as they mourn the death of her husband Clair. 

For those interested in the celebration of the life of John Daly:  To all those friends of John Daly who would like to register for the memorial service on December 28th, would you please contact his daughter Gerry at  missgdaly@gmail.com . She will then send you the registration form. There will be a limit of 100 fully vaccinated people in the church but we are offering a Zoom link as well. Thank you, Gerry Daly 

Upcoming Services: all service links will be sent out before the dates
December 19 – Advent 4 – communion – recorded and in person at 10:45am – for recorded, please bring a grape and cracker for the service
December 21 – Longest Night Service – with Good Shepherd – recorded and available now – please have an ice cube and piece of yarn for the service – this is the link:  https://youtu.be/tJuuSl7vqkE
December 24 – Christmas Eve – recorded and in person at 7pm
December 26 – recorded
January 2 – recorded and in person at 10:45am

Beginning to think about Christmas gifts? Check out the Gifts with Vision catalogue at: www.giftswithvision.ca or call the office for a printed copy for great ideas that reflect our faith and caring for others. Outreach Request: A special request has been made for volunteers to drive a local mom to and from our neighbourhood to St. Amant Centre to visit her son. There have been a few volunteers but more are needed. They are a newcomer family to Winnipeg. She would like to be able to visit daily. Times are flexible but generally in the morning and returning in the evening. If this is something you could commit to even once a week, it would be greatly appreciated!
Please contact the church office or Beth Anderson at 204-275-5829 or by email at bethdaveanderson@gmail.com. Thanks.

Scripture to ponder for the week: Luke 1:48: “What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others. His mercy flows in wave after wave on those who are in awe before him”

Scripture for Sunday December 19, 2021: Micah 5:2-5; Luke 1:47-55; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45

Thank you! to all who prayerfully filled out their pledge forms and returned them to Trinity. If you’ve lost your form, please contact the office and we’ll record your wishes on the phone or use the attachment provided and fill out page 2. We are grateful for every gift given to the mission and ministry of Trinity.

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;
Christian Education: oversees programs offered at Trinity including ongoing (Sunday School and Youth group, Bible Study, The Big Question) and one time events to enable faithful learning opportunities; meets usually 6 times a year
Fellowship: oversees fellowship activities at Trinity including ongoing (fellowship coffee, Candles with Care, Caring Connections, Trinity walkers) and one time events to enable meaningful relationships that reflect God’s love in action; meets usually 8-10 times a year although during COVID, there have been less meetings
Fundraising: oversees activities and events to raise funds for Trinity; these can be ongoing (Bombers, Guess who is coming to dinner, UC calendar sales) and one time events; meets 8 times a year although during COVID there have been less meetings
Property: oversees all aspects of the care of Trinity’s building – inside and out; these can be ongoing (replacing light bulbs, arranging for inspections, monitoring the functioning of appliances, grass cutting, snow removal, parking lot, rentals of space, etc.) and one time events (replacing the furnace); works with the caretaker to ensure the building is clean and ready for all user groups; usually meets 8-10 times a year 
Stewardship: oversees and reviews the finances of Trinity including ongoing (profit and loss, balance sheet) and working with the bookkeeper to ensure the bills are paid and reports submitted; oversees the annual Stewardship Campaign; prepares the annual budget; meets every month (except December)

We are in need of volunteer(s) to represent Trinity at future World Day of Prayer planning meetings and services for our Fort Garry Area. There are five to seven Fort Garry churches that have been participating recently in planning and hosting the service usually held on the first Friday in March. Host churches follow a rotation order and since we hosted in 2020, there should be 3 to 4 years for new representatives to become familiar with the varying ways events are planned. This is a short-lived annual responsibility, usually January to March, with the bigger tasks only happening when hosting. Responsibilities when not being a host are attending a planning meeting, informing our congregation of the annual service, and organizing volunteer reader/participants for the service each year at the host church. When hosting, the tasks are those normally required in planning a church event. Resources and the service itself are provided for worldwide use. The Women’s Inter-Church Council of Winnipeg passes on an excellent binder of complete information for the host church each year. Copies of Summative Trinity Reports as Host Church for 2009, 2014, and 2020 are on file in our office. There were no responsibilities last year because of the virtual event.

Programs at Trinity: all programs (Bible Study, Holy Yoga, Trinity Walkers, SSCFF exercise and yoga) are taking a break for Christmas and will resume in January. 

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:  God of justice, love, peace and hope may we feel the empowerment to carry this amazing message of love to a waiting world.   Amen

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

Following a meeting on November 25, the Board prayerfully decided to begin fully vaccinated worship on December 19th. This motion was passed:

–        All participants (at a service) will have their QR code scanned at the door upon entry (with the appropriate app) and ID will be checked.  The name of each participant will be checked off on the list of congregants.  Any name not on the list will be added and phone number will be recorded.  (As a result of this, all participants, including children, will be noted.)

–        Hand sanitizer to be used upon entry by all persons; and will be used again on departure.

–        All health protocols need to be followed: face masksto be worn properly, covering the nose, mouth and chin all at the same time, by all participants over the age of 5 years; physical distancing between family cohorts to be encouraged; coughing/sneezing to be covered by the arm

–        Singing by congregation/participants will not occur

–        Coats and other outdoor wear to remain with each person, and not hung in the narthex

Children must be accompanied by an adult and must remain with the adult/family/parent for the duration of the service

–        Entry will be via the main (double doors) from the narthex

–        Exit willbe via thedoors at the front of the sanctuary, and congregating/chatting in sanctuary/narthex/entryway is to be avoided

This Proof-of-Vaccination Motion replaces the previous policy of early September 2021.

If you are unable to attend in-person indoor worship, Trinity United Church continues to offer weekly You tube 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. Volunteers will be available to help you at 10:15 am (asking COVID questions, checking QR codes and IDs, hand sanitizing, ushering, etc.). Check out our great new carpeting in the Sanctuary.