Trinity United Church

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

Invitation to the Longest Night service: December 21, 2024 at 7:00 p.m.: https://youtu.be/Pi3_7Y4sQek

Longest Night Service: We invite our members to submit the first names of their loved ones for the Longest Night Service. During the service, we will light candles in honor those who are unable to attend in person, allowing us to remember and honor their beloved ones. To include a name, please contact our office by phone or email no later than December 20th. Your participation helps make this service a meaningful and heartfelt experience for all.

Services for December:

December 22, 29 – worship at 10:45 a.m. 

December 21 – Longest Night service at 7:00 p.m. (joint service with GSA)

December 24 – Christmas Eve service at 7:00 p.m. (joint service with GSA)

*The church office will close at 11:00 a.m. on December 24 and will be closed December 25, 26, and 27. 

For anyone who is looking for a service on December 25, you may wish to check out Metropolitan United in Toronto. Rev. Jason Meyers will deliver the sermon “God’s Eternal Love Has a Face”. This sermon won first place in Broadview’s recent Best 

Christmas Sermon Ever contest. The sermon will be live streamed at 10 a.m. CST (it should come if you look up Metropolitan United in Toronto). It will also be available later on you tube. We used this sermon in our Big Question discussion in November.

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

In our Prayers:

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 restored health for Sumi as she continues her recovery after completing her chemo therapy.

We pray for Bernice Gregory as she recovers at home. 

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

The Fellowship Committee has been busy baking and delivering cookies and cards to many in our community of faith who are not able to join us for worship and activities in the church.

From the Outreach Committee: As in the past, the Outreach committee is making some suggestions for your Christmas giving, both local and abroad.  We hope you find these ideas helpful at this time of the year.  Thanks for considering these ways of making Christmas a time of joy for others.

Mitten Tree – Trinity has a long standing tradition of providing hats and mittens for children in the local schools.  The tree will be up in the narthex from 

December 1 – 22

Christmas hampers for families in the Dalhousie area – Thank you for all who contributed for these hampers. The contributions have been picked up and will be shared with families in need in the area.  

Velma’s House – Donations to Velma’s House were so well received last year that we are once again offering our support to the young women that use this resource. Velma’s House is under the parent organization of Ka Ni Kanichihk for women fleeing violence on Winnipeg Streets and requiring a temporary refuge. There is a need for new warm socks and underwear. There will be a box set up in the narthex from 

Gifts With Vision – the United Church catalogue is available online at giftswithvision.ca for those wishing to make a contribution to church projects both in Canada and abroad.

CHRISTMAS STARS CAMPAIGN 
Ends Sunday, December 22^nd

If anyone still wishes to Purchase your Christmas Star in memory of a loved one or event,
to honor someone or something special, or just because…
Please contact Karen Wall before Sunday, December 22^nd
There is no set payment amount for a Christmas Star,
give what you wish…   

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy 2025 to our Trinity Staff. One of Trinity’s traditions over the years has been to recognize our much-appreciated staff members during the Christmas season. On behalf of our congregation, Ministry and Personnel Committee members present Christmas greeting cards and gifts to Damber, Irma, Héctor, Tierney, Samantha and Kathy. May the Blessings of God’s Love and Presence be richly experienced by all.

From the Ministry & Personnel and Property Committees:  Our caretaker is occasionally unable to work a shift due to illness or other reason – this may occur up to about 5-6 times over the year.  Our committee members are the volunteers usually called upon to do the cleaning in Samantha’s absence.  Due to recent changes, we are finding it more difficult to find enough volunteers from within our committees to help clean.  We are therefore putting out a plea for volunteers from the congregation who would be willing to form a back-up “cleaning team”.  Appropriate training would be provided.  Feel free to approach Ed Tymofichuk or Sandi Fitzmaurice for more information.  We will have a sign-up sheet posted in the narthex.

From Prairie to Pine Region: Fourth Sunday of Advent

Please hold in prayer the following communities of faith: Prairie Vision (Bladur, Cypress River), Winnipeg: Raymond Flett Memorial.

We hold in prayer community members and families as we mourn Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe and all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Programs at Trinity:

Trinity Yoga – Saturdays – will resume in January.   

Sunday December 22– Fourth Sunday in Advent – Worship at 10:45 a.m.

Bible Study will resume in January. 

Wednesday South Side Seniors Yoga will resume in January.

Trinity Walkers – Call Maryann for a time and place you would like to walk. 

Electronics Recycling – The electronics recycling is continuing, thanks to the kind volunteer time of Carl and Margaret Shaykewich. Please only put recycle items that fit into the blue recycling box. NO large items, such as appliances or tv’s. It is also helpful if you package batteries in a plastic baggie. Thank you.

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, 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 December 15, 2024 worship service: https://youtu.be/X76sirXP0Tc

December worship services:

December 21 – Longest Night – 7:00 p.m. A special service to help us reflect on God’s presence as we come together with those who mourn or struggle during this Christmas season. Come and light a candle to remember a loved one or to reflect on what is important for you in this season. Second Chance will provide the music. Joint service with GSA.  (see attachment) 

December 22 – fourth Sunday of Advent – Love – worship at 10:45 a.m.

December 24 – Christmas Eve service – 7:00 p.m. Joint service with Church of the Good Shepherd Anglican. We celebrate the birth of Christ into the world. Communion will be observed. 

December 29 – worship at 10:45 a.m. 

For anyone who is looking for a service on December 25, you may wish to check out Metropolitan United in Toronto. Rev. Jason  Meyers will deliver the sermon “God’s Eternal Love Has a Face”. This sermon won first place in Broadview’s recent Best Christmas Sermon Ever contest. The sermon will be live streamed at 10 a.m. CST (it should come if you look up Metropolitan United in Toronto). It will also be available later on you tube. We used this sermon in our Big Question discussion on November 

Scripture for the week: Luke 1:47-55; Micah 5:2-5a; Psalm 80:1-7: Hebrews 10:5-10

Scripture to Ponder & Prayer

Week of December 16

         Fourth Week in Advent        

            As we light the candle of love this week, we pause to reflect on God’s profound love for the world. This light symbolizes the love that came to us in the form of Jesus Christ, a love that brings healing, restoration, and hope to a broken and fragmented world. In this season of Advent, as we anticipate the birth of our Savior, we are reminded that God’s love is the answer to all that is lost and broken.

            In Luke 1:39–45, we see Mary’s visit to Elizabeth, where the unborn John leaps in recognition of the Savior’s presence within Mary. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, proclaims Mary as blessed, and acknowledges the love that God has chosen to pour into the world through Jesus. Mary, in response, offers her Magnificat, a song of praise celebrating God’s mercy and His love that lifts the humble and transforms the world. This passage reveals the deep connection between love and the coming of Jesus—the love that will redeem, restore, and heal.

As the flame of this candle illuminates our surroundings, may it also ignite a deeper understanding of the love that has been poured out for us, and may it inspire us to share that love with others. Through the light of Christ, we find the strength to heal, the courage to restore, and the grace to transform the world around us. Let this candle be a symbol of our call to embrace and embody the love that can change everything.

Let us pray

Gracious God,

As we light the candle of love, we thank You for the overwhelming love You have shown to the world through the gift of Your Son, Jesus. In this season of Advent, open our hearts to receive Your love more deeply, and help us reflect that love in our actions, words, and relationships. May the light of Christ guide us in healing what is broken, restoring what is lost, and sharing Your hope with those around us.

Empower us to be vessels of Your love, so that through us, the world may know the depth of Your grace and the power of Your transformation. We pray all this in the name of Jesus, our Redeemer and the embodiment of Your love. Amen.

Reflection Question:

How can we embody and share God’s love in a world that so desperately needs healing and restoration?

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

December 15, 2024 – Second Sunday of Advent –  Worship is at 10:45 a.m. It is a choir led service with lots of music. 

Services for December:

December 15, 22, 29– worship at 10:45 a.m. 

December 21 – Longest Night service at 7:00 p.m. (joint service with GSA)

December 24 – Christmas Eve service at 7:00 p.m. (joint service with GSA)

Longest Night Service:  We invite our members to submit the first names of their loved ones for the Longest Night Service. During the service, we will light candles in honor of those who are unable to attend in person, allowing us to remember and honor their beloved ones. To include a name, please contact our office by phone or email no later than December 20th. Your participation helps make this service a meaningful and heartfelt experience for all.

*The church office will be closed December 25, 26, and 27. 

Please check the sign up sheets in the narthex for scripture readers, prayers and advent candle lighters for the month of December. Please sign up or call the office or talk to someone from the Worship Committee if you are able to help. 

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

In our Prayers:

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 restored health for Sumi as she continues her recovery after completing her chemo therapy.

We pray for Bernice Gregory as she recovers at home. 

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

 From Gerta: Church Calendars are in and will be available for pick up. 

The Fellowship Committee has been busy baking and delivering cookies and cards to many in our community of faith who are not able to join us for worship and activities in the church.

From the Outreach Committee: As in the past, the Outreach committee is making some suggestions for your Christmas giving, both local and abroad.  We hope you find these ideas helpful at this time of the year.  Thanks for considering these ways of making Christmas  a time of joy for others.

Mitten Tree – Trinity has a long standing tradition of providing hats and mittens for children in the local schools.  The tree will be up in the narthex from 

December 1 – 22
Christmas hampers for families in the Dalhousie area – Thank you for all who contributed for these hampers. The contributions have been picked up and will be shared with families in need in the area.  

Velma’s House – Donations to Velma’s House were so well received last year that we are once again offering our support to the young women that use this resource. Velma’s House is under the parent organization of Ka Ni Kanichihk for women fleeing violence on Winnipeg Streets and requiring a temporary refuge. There is a need for new warm socks and underwear. There will be a box set up in the narthex from 

Gifts With Vision – the United Church catalogue is available online at giftswithvision.ca for those wishing to make a contribution to church projects both in Canada and abroad.

CHRISTMAS STARS CAMPAIGN 
Ends Sunday, December 22^nd

Purchase your Christmas Star
 in memory of a loved one or event,
to honor someone or something special, or just because…
Karen Wall will be in the narthex before and after services until Sunday, December 22^nd
to assist you with the Stars information form and payment.
There is no set payment amount for a Christmas Star,
give what you wish…   

From the Ministry & Personnel and Property Committees:  Our caretaker is occasionally unable to work a shift due to illness or other reason – this may occur up to about 5-6 times over the year.  Our committee members are the volunteers usually called upon to do the cleaning in Samantha’s absence.  Due to recent changes, we are finding it more difficult to find enough volunteers from within our committees to help clean.  We are therefore putting out a plea for volunteers from the congregation who would be willing to form a back-up “cleaning team”.  Appropriate training would be provided.  Feel free to approach Ed Tymofichuk or Sandi Fitzmaurice for more information.  We will have a sign-up sheet posted in the narthex.

Electronics Recycling – The electronics recycling is continuing, thanks to the kind volunteer time of Carl and Margaret Shaykewich. Please only put recycle items that fit into the blue recycling box. NO large items, such as appliances or tv’s. It is also helpful if you package batteries in a plastic baggie. Thank you.

Personal Care Home Services

We are pleased that Personal Care Home Services have resumed at the Waverley/Rosewood location and at St. Norbert Personal Care Home. The St. Norbert service is at 10:30 the first Wednesday of the month and the service at The Waverley/Rosewood is the second Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. We warmly invite our members to join us and contribute to the worship service. Your participation and support are greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there!  If you would like more information about this opportunity, please talk to Damber or to Terry DeLong. 

From Prairie to Pine Region: Third Sunday of Advent

Please hold in prayer the following communities of faith: Strathclair; Towers Island; Winnipeg:Windsor

We hold in prayer community members and families as we mourn Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe and all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Programs at Trinity:

Trinity Yoga – Saturday December 14 at 10:00 a.m. on Zoom, followed by fellowship coffee. This will be last Trinity Yoga this year and will resume in January.   

Sunday December 15– Third Sunday in Advent – Worship at 10:45 a.m.

Bible Study will resume in January. 

Wednesday South Side Seniors Yoga will resume in January.

Trinity Walkers – Call Maryann for a time and place you would like to walk. 

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, 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)

December 8, 2024 – Second Sunday of Advent –  Worship is at 10:45 a.m. 

Thank you to all that made our “Destination – Bethlehem” a success. To all that took part in the service, provided food and all that attended, it was a great way to start our Advent season. If you missed the service, please check out the recorded service which can be found on Trinity’s YouTube account – TrinityWinnipeg or call the office to have the link to the service forwarded to you.  

Services for December

December 8, 15, 22, 29- worship at 10:45 a.m. 

December 21 – Longest Night service at 7:00 p.m. (joint service with GSA)

December 24 – Christmas Eve service at 7:00 p.m. (joint service with GSA)

Longest Night Service:   We invite our members to submit the first names of their loved ones for the Longest Night Service. During the service, we will light candles in honor of those who are unable to attend in person, allowing us to remember and honor their beloved ones. To include a name, please contact our office by phone or email no later than December 20th. Your participation helps make this service a meaningful and heartfelt experience for all.

Please check the sign up sheets in the narthex for scripture readers, prayers and advent candle lighters for the month of December. Please sign up or call the office or talk to someone from the Worship Committee if you are able to help. 

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

In our Prayers:

We pray for Jim and Evelyn Dixon as they mourn the death of Jim’s brother Brian Dixon

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 a speedy recovery for Sumi as she continues her recovery following chemo therapy.

We pray for Bernice Gregory as she recovers at home 

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

From Gerta: Calendars are in and will be available for pick up on Sunday, December 8th.

From the Outreach Committee: As in the past, the Outreach committee is making some suggestions for your Christmas giving, both local and abroad.  We hope you find these ideas helpful at this time of the year.  Thanks for considering these ways of making Christmas a time of joy for others.

Mitten Tree – Trinity has a long standing tradition of providing hats and mittens for children in the local schools.  The tree will be up in the narthex from 

December 1 – 22.

Christmas hampers for families in the Dalhousie area – We ask that you contribute non-perishable food items for the hampers that Dalhousie school will be making for needy family by December 8 to allow time for them to put the hampers together.  Suggested items are rice, lentils, beans, canned meats, canned fruit, pasta and sauces. Monetary donations are also welcome for the purchase of fresh produce. 

Velma’s House – Donations to Velma’s House were so well received last year that we are once again offering our support to the young women that use this resource. Velma’s House is under the parent organization of Ka Ni Kanichihk for women fleeing violence on Winnipeg Streets and requiring a temporary refuge. There is a need for new warm socks and underwear. There will be a box set up in the narthex from 

Gifts With Vision – the United Church catalogue is available online at giftswithvision.ca for those wishing to make a contribution to church projects both in Canada and abroad.

CHRISTMAS STARS CAMPAIGN

Ends Sunday, December 22^nd

Purchase your Christmas Star in memory of a loved one or event, to honor someone or something special, or just because…
Karen Wall will be in the narthex before and after services from 
Sunday, November 17^th to Sunday, December 22^nd to assist you with the Stars information form and payment.
There is no set payment amount for a Christmas Star, give what you wish…   

From the Ministry & Personnel and Property Committees:  Our caretaker is occasionally unable to work a shift due to illness or other reason – this may occur up to about 5-6 times over the year.  Our committee members are the volunteers usually called upon to do the cleaning in Samantha’s absence.  Due to recent changes, we are finding it more difficult to find enough volunteers from within our committees to help clean.  We are therefore putting out a plea for volunteers from the congregation who would be willing to form a back-up “cleaning team”.  Appropriate training would be provided.  Feel free to approach Ed Tymofichuk or Sandi Fitzmaurice for more information.  We will have a sign-up sheet posted in the narthex.

Do you or someone you know need a free Hearing Aid? Perhaps you/they are reluctant to get one because of the price? Contact Terry DeLong for a free, operational Hearing Aid that was worth $1,200, with no strings attached. It is made for the left ear, but can easily be converted for the right ear. New, unused inserts for the ear canal will be provided, so it is totally clean and hygienic. This could possibly be the best Christmas Gift you/they will ever receive!! AND BATTERIES ARE INCLUDED!! Call 204-254-3450 or e-mail terry_delong@hotmail.com for more info.

Congratulations to Lily Hemlow for recently winning the award, for the Top Female U16 Athlete in all of Manitoba!! And Lily is only 14, so if all goes well, hopefully she will repeat next year!! She was also nominated for the Top Female Athlete Overall for Manitoba, but lost out to another older Track Star that goes to the same High School. Better luck next year!!

Electronics Recycling – The electronics recycling is continuing, thanks to the kind volunteer time of Carl and Margaret Shaykewich. Please only put recycle items that fit into the blue recycling box. NO large items, such as appliances or tv’s. It is also helpful if you package batteries in a plastic baggie. Thank you.

Personal Care Home Services

We are pleased that Personal Care Home Services have resumed at the Waverley/Rosewood location and at St. Norbert Personal Care Home. The St. Norbert service is at 10:30 the first Wednesday of the month and the service at The Waverley/Rosewood is the second Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. We warmly invite our members to join us and contribute to the worship service. Your participation and support are greatly appreciated. We look forward to seeing you there!  If you would like more information about this opportunity, please talk to Damber or to Terry DeLong. 

From Prairie to Pine Region: Second Sunday of Advent; International Human rights Day (December 10)

Please hold in prayer the following communities of faith: Portage:McKenzie; Winnipeg:Wentworsth

We hold in prayer community members and families as we mourn Rebecca Contois, Morgan Harris, Marcedes Myran, and Mashkode Bizhiki’ikwe and all Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

Programs at Trinity:

Saturday, December 8 – Trinity Yoga on Zoom at 10:00 a.m. followed by fellowship coffee – adapted so all can join. 

Sunday December 8– Second Sunday in Advent – Worship at 10:45 a.m.

Bible Study will resume in January. 

Wednesday – December 11 –  SSCFF Yoga 10:30 a.m. (in person and on Zoom) 

Trinity Walkers – Call Maryann for a time and place you would like to walk. 

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, 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.