Trinity United Church

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

Here is the link for the March 16, 2025 worship service: https://youtu.be/kn6gwcin6vY

Sunday, March 23, 2025 – Worship at 10:45 a.m.

Scripture to Ponder & Prayer

Third week of Lent

Scriptures for this week: Isaiah 55:1‒9; Psalm 63:1‒8; 1 Corinthians 10:1‒13; Luke 13:1‒9

These passages all highlight themes of repentance, the importance of seeking God, His mercy and faithfulness, and the dangers of complacency in the faith.

This week, I invite you to join me in prayer. Often, it’s beneficial to set aside thoughts of the past and focus on the present moment. Let’s bring our supplications to God, taking time to reflect deeply on the reality around us. I also encourage you to read and meditate on the scriptures outlined here; they carry profound wisdom that speaks to our daily lives.

Let us pray

Gracious and Merciful God,

As we walk through this season of Lent, we come before You with heavy hearts, burdened by the divisions and injustices that plague our world. We are reminded of Your invitation to seek You, to turn from our wrongdoings, and to find healing in Your presence. In a world torn by strife, where economic policies and tariffs divide nations and communities, we long for Your peace and justice to reign.

Lord, we thirst for Your wisdom and guidance as we navigate the complexities of our global relationships. The tariffs and trade wars that separate us—between nations, governments, and families—leave us feeling uncertain and isolated. We pray for those whose livelihoods are impacted, those who suffer from economic policies that deepen poverty, and those who bear the weight of unfair systems. Help us remember that Your ways are higher than ours, and that Your heart is for the poor, the marginalized, and the oppressed.

Like David, who sought Your presence in the wilderness, we too seek Your protection and refuge in these challenging times. May Your steadfast love and faithfulness be a balm for the wounds of our world, and may we find strength in knowing that You are near, even in the most difficult circumstances.

We ask for forgiveness, O God, for our complacency in allowing injustice to persist. Help us to turn from selfish interests and work toward reconciliation and peace. In the face of global struggles, let us remember that we are all interconnected, and that the well-being of one is tied to the well-being of all. Guide our leaders and decision-makers to act with compassion, wisdom, and fairness, considering the impact of their choices on the most vulnerable.

Lord, as we reflect on the parable of the fig tree, we are reminded of Your patience and the opportunity for growth and transformation. In this season of Lent, help us to bear good fruit—fruit of justice, peace, and love. May our actions align with Your kingdom, as we work to build a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

In the midst of chaos, grant us the courage to be agents of change, to seek Your will, and to be instruments of healing and reconciliation. May our hearts be open to the work You call us to, and may we trust in Your power to bring hope and renewal to our fractured world.

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 Service: March 16, 2025 at 10:45 a.m. with Baptism 

Big Question: March 16 from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. on Zoom or in person in the church office (for more information call the church office)

Scripture for the week: Genesis 15:1-12, 17-18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-4:1; Luke 13:31-35 or Luke 9:28-36

We are grateful to Ed and Isabel Tymofichuk and Ken and Elaine Johnson for cashiering this Sunday. 

In our Prayers:

We pray for the family of Marjorie Olshevski as they mourn her death.  Service in her honour will be held at Trinity on March 22nd 6:30 p.m.

We pray for Sumi as she continues her recovery following cancer treatment. We pray for Sumi’s three nieces Ameera, Anupaa, and Anuka in the camp in Nepal as they need support for their security and protection.  We pray too for Damber’s mother,  Dhan Khadka as she faces serious health issues. Damber and Sumi are grateful for the prayers and support of the congregation.

We pray for Priest Jennifer Sisson, Good Shepherd Anglican (GSA) and her family as her husband Bishop Geoff Woodcroft faces health issues. 

We pray for Bill Monro who is dealing with health issues.

The Moderator’s 2025 PIE Day Message:  The theme for PIE Day 2025 is “Sing Out Proud”! 

PIE Day is March 14, a time to celebrate the full inclusion of Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ people in communities of faith and beyond, across Canada.

With Two Spirit and LGBTQIA+ rights under threat, it’s more important than ever to show your support. Join Moderator Carmen Lansdowne as we highlight the incredible affirming work happening across the United Church and lift our voices in song. Discover the inspiring submissions from the PIE Day song contest and find ways to take action. Visit PieDay.ca and Affirmunited.Ause.ca to learn more. You can find more PIE Day resources on the United Church website.

World Day of Prayer (WDP) – Trinity will be hosting a WDP service on Friday March 21 at 2:00pm.  All are welcome.

WDP is celebrated in over 170 countries, and the motto is: Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action. The WDP theme for 2025 is “I made you Wonderful.”, based on Psalm 139, and features the Cook Islands.  Nancy DeLong thanks all who have volunteered to help with this event. 

From Stewardship: Please remember to return your 2025 Stewardship campaign pledge form before March 31st, if you have not already. Thank you for all your gifts to Trinity United Church and the mission and ministry that continues to grow. 

THE BOOKS ARE BACK! (And so are the puzzles). Take a book, or leave a book, or several. Pay what you please (or nothing at all, though this is a fund-raiser …) There’s lots of winter left to curl up and read! 

**Fun with Horses and Friends – Don’t miss out! 

The Prairie to Pine Region needs 10 more registrants by March 16th in order to go ahead with the event, so get your registrations in now and encourage your friends.  Open to grades 5 to 12 – March 23 at a stable just outside Brandon – *Trinity United Church will reimburse any Youth that attends the $10 fee. A small snack is included.

Terry and Nancy DeLong have volunteered to give rides there and back, as the Stable is located near Brandon, Manitoba and they will attend the event to chaperone.

Click here for more info and registration and pay the fee ASAP and let Nancy and Terry know at terry_delong@hotmail.com or 204-254-3450, so they can arrange pickup and drop off, if required.

From Prairie to Pine Region: second Sunday in Lent 

Please hold in prayer the following communities of faith: Dugald; Oakbank, Brandon:Trinity

Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Morgan Harris, family, friends, and community members, as confirmation was received of the discovery of her remains at the Prairie Green Landfill now allows for appropriate celebration of life ceremonies to take place in accordance with Indigenous culture. We continue to pray for the loved ones of Mercedes Myran in this time of waiting for the results of the forensic identification of the second set of human remains found in the Prairie Green landfill north of Winnipeg. We are grateful for all who have participated in the search process and those who have supported the families and affected communities during this time.

Programs at Trinity: All are welcome to attend.  

Trinity Yoga – Saturday –  March 15 at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom followed by fellowship coffee

Worship – Sunday March 16 at 10:45 a.m. Baptism

Big Question – Sunday March 16 from 9:00 – 9:45 a.m. on Zoom and in person in the church office

Bible Study – Monday March 17 at 1:30 p.m.  

Yoga – Southside Community Group –  Wednesday March 19 in person and on Zoom 

World Day of Prayer: Friday March 21 at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary

From Maryann: Trinity Walkers – Are you getting outside or have you reverted to mall walking?  If you are mall walking, where are you going? The Outlet mall, St Vital mall or maybe Ikea?  Let me know and let’s arrange to get together. Together we build friendships and a caring community. Take care, Maryann

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

Opportunities to serve:

Needs at Trinity: There are many volunteer opportunities in the ministry at Trinity. If you are able to offer the gift of time to give 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, participate in worship services offered at The Waverley and St Norbert Personal Care Home 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. See sign up sheets in the narthex for scripture reading, prayers of the people, ushers and greeters. 

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

Here is the link for the March 9, 2025 worship service: https://youtu.be/T-QJrk6akT0

Sunday, March 16, 2025 – Worship and Baptism at 10:45 a.m.

Big Question – Sunday March 16, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. in person in the church office and on Zoom

Scripture to Ponder & Prayer

Second week of Lent

Week of March 10, 2025

Scriptures for this week: Genesis 15:1-12, 1718; Psalm 27; Philippians 3:17-41; Luke 13:31-35

Scripture to Ponder: Genesis 15:1‒12, 17‒18

God came to Abraham in the midst of his uncertainty, speaking a promise that seemed impossible: “Your descendants will be as many as the stars in the sky.” Abraham, though childless and advanced in age, questioned God, expressing doubt in the face of his reality. Yet, God did not rebuke Abraham for his honest questioning but reaffirmed the promise, calling him to trust beyond what he could see. Abraham chose faith over doubt, and his trust became the foundation of God’s covenant with him.

In our own time, the Church faces a similar uncertainty. We look around and see the absence of the younger generation in our pews. The future of faith seems distant, and it’s easy to lament what we’ve lost. But like Abraham, we are called to trust that God is still at work, even when the evidence of growth or change isn’t immediately visible. Living in hope means believing that, in God’s time, promises of renewal and future generations will be fulfilled, even if we cannot see how or when. Just as Abraham waited in faith, we too are invited to wait with hope, trusting that God’s plan is unfolding, even when the path is unclear.

Let us pray:

Lord God,

In times of uncertainty, we come before You, questioning as Abraham did. We mourn the absence of youth in our communities, yet You remind us that Your promises are not limited by our understanding.

Help us trust, even when the way forward is unclear. Strengthen our faith, renew our hope, and remind us that You are always at work. Guide us with anticipation for how You will continue to fulfill Your Word.

In Your holy name, we pray, Amen. 

Daylight Saving Time starts Sunday March 9 at 2:00 a.m. 

Remember to move your clocks ahead (spring ahead) before you go to bed on Saturday night.

Otherwise you may end up at church an hour early! 

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

Worship Service: March 9, 2025 at 10:45 a.m.  Sunday School at 10:45 a.m. 

Scripture for the week: Deuteronomy 26:1-11; Psalm 91:1-2, 9-16; Romans 10:8b-13, Luke 4:1-13

We are grateful to Ruth and Arnold Graham and Edgar Rosales for cashiering this Sunday. 

In our Prayers:

We pray for Carol Potter and family, grieving the loss of her husband, Bill Potter. 

We pray for Sumi as she continues her recovery following cancer treatment. We pray for Sumi’s three nieces Ameera, Anupaa, and Anuka in the camp in Nepal as they need support for their security and protection.  We pray too for Damber’s mother,  Dhan Khadka as she faces serious health issues. Damber and Sumi are grateful for the prayers and support of the congregation.

We pray for Priest Jennifer Sisson, Good Shepherd Anglican (GSA) and her family as her husband Bishop Geoff Woodcroft faces health issues. 

We pray for Bill Monro who is dealing with health issues.

From Stewardship: 

*Please remember to return your 2025 Stewardship campaign pledge form if you have not already. Thank you for all your gifts to Trinity United Church and the mission and ministry that continues to grow. 

World Day of Prayer (WDP) – Trinity will be hosting a WDP service on Friday March 21 at 2:00pm.  All are welcome.

WDP is an international ecumenical Christian laywomen’s initiative which is celebrated in over 170 countries.  The motto is: Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action. The WDP theme for 2025 is “I made you Wonderful.”, based on Psalm 139.  Each year, a different country or region is featured; this year the Cook Islands are featured along with the stories of 3 Cook Island women.  Nancy DeLong is coordinating this event and is looking for volunteers to make cookies (coconut or lime – recipe provided), work the sound system, make punch and help with set-up and clean-up.  If you are able to help with this event, please contact her at  nanter1@shaw.ca or 204-254-3450. With thanks to those who have already volunteered.

THE BOOKS ARE BACK! (And so are the puzzles). Take a book, or leave a book, or several. Pay what you please (or nothing at all, though this is a fund-raiser …) There’s lots of winter left to curl up and read! 

**Fun with Horses and Friends – Don’t miss out!  Click here for details and registration

The Prairie to Pine Region needs 10 more registrants by March 16th in order to go ahead with the event, so get your registrations in now and encourage your friends.  Open to grades 5 to 12 – March 23 at a stable just outside Brandon – Trinity United Church will reimburse any Youth that attends the $10 fee.

Terry and Nancy DeLong have volunteered to give rides there and back, as the Stable is located near Brandon, Manitoba and will attend the event to chaperone.

Click here for more info and registration and pay the fee ASAP and let Nancy and Terry know at terry_delong@hotmail.com or 204-254-3450, so they can arrange pickup and drop off, if required.

From Prairie to Pine Region: first Sunday in Lent 

Please hold in prayer the following communities of faith: Cartwright; Winnipeg: Charleswood; Cloverdale 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the loved ones of Morgan Harris and Mercedes Myran (two of the four women murdered by a serial killer in 2022), those who are supporting them, and all affected communities in this difficult time of waiting for the results of forensic identification after possible human remains were found on February 26, 2025, in the Prairie Green landfill north of Winnipeg.

Programs at Trinity: All are welcome to attend.  

Trinity Yoga – Saturday – will resume on March 15 

Worship – Sunday March 9 at 10:45 a.m. Sunday School at 10:45 a.m. 

Bible Study – Monday March 10 at 1:30 p.m.  

Yoga – Southside Community Group –  Wednesday March 12 in person and on Zoom 

From Maryann: Trinity Walkers – Are you getting outside or have you reverted to mall walking?  If you are mall walking, where are you going? The Outlet mall, St Vital mall or maybe Ikea?  Let me know and let’s arrange to get together. Together we build friendships and a caring community. Take care, Maryann

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

Opportunities to serve:

Needs at Trinity: There are many volunteer opportunities in the ministry at Trinity. If you are able to offer the gift of time to give 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, participate in worship services offered at The Waverley and St Norbert Personal Care Home 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. See sign up sheets in the narthex for scripture reading, prayers of the people, ushers and greeters.