Trinity United Church

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

Sunday, October 19, 2025 – Worship 10:45 a.m. with Second Chance Praise Band; Guest speaker from Canadian Foodgrains Bank. 
Canadian Foodgrains Bank Donation Envelopes will be available

Damber is away until October 23rd at the United Church of Canada Candidacy Meeting in Toronto. 

We are grateful to Judy and Charles Powell and Ed and Leslie Johnson for cashiering this Sunday. 

Scripture to ponder: (see attachment)

*NEW: Save the Date: Praise and Worship on November 22, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. (see poster in attachment) Please pass this on to your friends and family. 

*NEW: Celebration of Irma Nadeau’s Retirement on Sunday, November 23, after our Worship Service: We will be honouring Irma in celebration of her retirement after our regular worship service which begins at 10:45 a.m. We are planning a program followed by a light lunch and time of fellowship. We hope you will be able to remain after the service or join us as you are able. More details will follow in a congregational email next week. In the meantime if you wish further information, please contact Elaine Hansen at elaineha@mymts.net.

In our Prayers:

Update for prayers from Marceline Ndayumvire regarding her son’s girlfriend’s mother Nima who was detained by Israeli authorities as she among the the international flotillas seeking to deliver food and humanitarian aid to Gaza:

From Galen, Marceline’s grandson: 

Nima is back in Montreal, she is doing well and in good spirits. Very busy with interviews and media stuff. 

Thank you all for your concern.

Thanks for your support,

Marceline 

We continue to remember Nima, her family, and all those who risk their safety in the pursuit of peace, justice, and compassion for those suffering in Gaza.

As we continue to hold the people of Gaza and all who are affected by violence and injustice in our steadfast prayers.

Let us hold them all in the light of God’s peace.

We pray for those facing health challenges:

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

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

We pray for Connie Fillion who is recovering at home as she deals with health issues.
We continue to pray for  Damber’s family – Sumi as she continues her recovery following cancer treatment, for Sumi’s three nieces Ameera, Anupaa, and Anuka in the camp in Nepal and for Damber’s mother, Dhan Khadka as she faces health issues. Damber and Sumi are grateful for the prayers and support of the congregation.

From Prairie to Pine Region: World Food Sunday 

Please hold in prayer the following communities of faith: 1Just City; Poplar River; Rivers; Sioux Lookout: St. Andrew’s 

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.

🏈 Next Winnipeg Blue Bomber fundraiser game is Friday October 17 🏈

We have 2 regular season games left before we get into the playoffs: October 17 and 25.

Playoff games – We will not be hosting a playoff game – dates are as follows:
Saturday, November 1 – Western semi-final
Saturday, November 8 – Western final
Sunday, November 16 the GREY CUP will be played Winnipeg. This will be a BIG ONE so mark it in your calendar if you are able to work.
We are waiting to receive more information about the Grey Cup game.

🏈🏈🏈 GO BOMBERS 🏈🏈🏈

West Broadway Ministry is no longer providing meals to their guests.  They do provide a take and go bag lunch.  For that purpose, they only need sandwich fixings 

(canned meat, tuna, peanut butter, etc,) granola bars, and fruit cups. Please adjust your donations in the grocery cart accordingly.  Thank you!

Programs at Trinity: All are welcome to attend
Trinity Yoga – Saturday – 10:00 a.m. (Zoom)
Bible Study – Monday – 1:30 p.m.

Sunday School – Sunday November  9 – 10:45 a.m.

Yoga – Southside Community Group –  will resume soon
From Maryann: Trinity Walkers

Walk to Bethlehem 👟👢👞🥿 From Maryann:

Are you taking part in our Walk to Bethlehem? Let’s review what has happened since I invited you on our journey to Bethlehem and the start of Advent. 

The journey started September 19th when I reminded you that our ancestor Moses wondered for a long time to an unknown promised land. It wasn’t easy for Moses and the Israelites and it took a very long time. Now we are moving to a known place, Bethlehem for the start of Advent.  For every hour of movement each week we move one ribbon closer to Bethlehem as depicted on the clothesline on the sanctuary wall.
The first Sunday, September 28th we moved forward one ribbon for every hour of walking/movement. We think this is easy and straightforward. 
October 5th. We continue to move forward however a set back occurred. Move back one, complaints about a rocky path and rocks in our shoes, feet and legs that hurt. Also, for the speedsters who made it to the middle third of our journey they move back an additional one because it was raining outside and the stormy weather in Puerto Rico was creating rough waters over the ocean separating Canada from Europe.
Last Sunday,  Thanksgiving,  October 12th we move forward as usual and one additional ribbon as we are grateful for fall, the harvest,  family and friends as we share the bounty that nourishes our bodies.  Also, we got to move forward one for performing a random act of kindness not for a reward or recognition but because of your beliefs. 
Where are you on your journey to Bethlehem? Will you get to Bethlehem for the start of Advent?

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. See sign up sheets in the narthex for scripture reading, prayers of the people, ushers and greeters. 

OFFICE HOURS FOR TRINITY are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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

Here are the links for Sunday, October 12, 2025 worship service: 

Part 1   https://youtu.be/EdO8RueU-wI

Part 2   https://youtu.be/a5oT0MIkUpM

Damber is away until October 23rd at the United Church of Canada Candidacy Meeting in Toronto.

Sunday, October 19, 2025 – Worship 10:45 a.m. with Second Chance Praise Band; Guest speaker from Canadian Foodgrains Bank. 

Canadian Foodgrains Bank Donation Envelopes will be available

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER 

Scriptures this week: Genesis 32:22‒31; Psalm 121; 2 Timothy 3:14—4:5 and Luke 18:1‒8

A Brief Reflection: 

Genesis 32:22–31 tells the story of Jacob’s mysterious encounter with God on the night before meeting his brother Esau. Alone and anxious, Jacob wrestles through the darkness with an unknown man until daybreak. When his opponent sees that he cannot overpower Jacob, he touches Jacob’s hip, leaving him limping. Yet Jacob refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. In that moment, he is given a new name — Israel — meaning “one who has struggled with God and with humans and has prevailed.”

This story speaks of the deep human experience of struggle, transformation, and divine encounter — reminding us that faith often grows not in certainty, but in the wrestling itself.

Friends, the story of Jacob wrestling through the night feels close to where our world is today. He struggles, unsure what the dawn will bring. He is wounded, yet he refuses to let go until he receives a blessing. And when the sun rises, Jacob walks with a limp — changed, humbled, and renewed.

That image speaks powerfully to us this World Food Day.
We, too, are wrestling — with the earth, with systems that leave some hungry while others waste, and with the deep question of how to live faithfully on this fragile planet.
We wrestle with the climate crisis, floods and droughts that ruin crops, and the heavy truth that so many families still go to bed hungry.

Like Jacob, we cannot overpower this struggle.
But we can choose to stay in it — to cling to God and to creation until we discover the blessing hidden inside the pain. Maybe the “limp” we carry is the change we must make — learning to live more simply to waste less, to share more, to listen to the land and to those whose lives depend on it. That limp is not a sign of weakness; it’s the mark of transformation — a reminder that we have encountered something holy and come away different.

And perhaps our prayer today is Jacob’s prayer:

“We will not let you go, O God, until you bless us.”
Bless us with courage to change.
Bless our leaders with wisdom to protect the earth.
Bless every farmer, fisher, and worker whose hands feed the world.
Bless those who are hungry, that they may know fullness and dignity.
And bless us — your people — that we may rise with the dawn, walking humbly and working for a world where food, water, and hope are shared blessings, not privileges.

Let us pray:

   God of the earth and sky,
    meet us in our wrestling.
     Heal our wounds, open our hearts,
     and teach us to live gently and generously.
      May our shared table become your blessing for the world.
Amen.

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

Thanksgiving Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Worship at 10:45 a.m. Sunday School 10:45 a.m. in Lower Hall. 

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

For Sunday, October 12th  

The Worship Committee invites you to bring a food item to display on the altar for Thanksgiving.  

Donations will then be forwarded to Harvest Manitoba. Thank you. 

On Tuesday October 7, our MLA Jennifer Chen honoured Trinity United Church in the Legislature for 60 years of serving the Fort Richmond community, for making a difference. We received a plaque that will be hung in the narthex. This honour goes to all of you who have made a difference over the years. Thank you.

“Good Shepherd is pleased and honored to welcome the Right Revered Naboth Manzongo, our new Bishop of the Diocese of Rupert’s Land, to our parish on Sunday, October 12. He will be joining us for worship and will be presiding and preaching and also gathering with us for a time of fellowship and community. We welcome our Trinity brothers and sisters to join with us for this special time – our service starts at 9 am followed by our gathering in fellowship in the Lower Hall. We would be honored by your presence.”

In our Prayers

We have received an urgent request for prayers from our member, Marceline Ndayumvire.

One of her grandsons, who lives in Montreal, is dating a young woman whose mother, Nima, has been detained by Israeli authorities along with five others. Nima was among the 42 international flotillas seeking to deliver food and humanitarian aid to Gaza.

We are asked to remember Nima, her family, and all those who risk their safety in the pursuit of peace, justice, and compassion for those suffering in Gaza.

As we continue to hold the people of Gaza and all who are affected by violence and injustice in our steadfast prayers, let us also pray for Nima’s safe release and for courage and comfort for her family.

Let us hold them all in the light of God’s peace.

We pray for those facing health challenges:

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

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

We pray for Connie Fillion who is recovering at home as she deals with health issues.
We continue to pray for  Damber’s family – Sumi as she continues her recovery following cancer treatment, for Sumi’s three nieces Ameera, Anupaa, and Anuka in the camp in Nepal and for Damber’s mother, Dhan Khadka as she faces health issues. Damber and Sumi are grateful for the prayers and support of the congregation.

We pray for those who grieve:

We pray for Margeurite Zaworonok and Willa Semotok and their sister Katherine as they mourn the sudden death of Katherine’s husband George Watson.. 

We pray for Carolyn Pierson and her family as they mourn the sudden death of Carolyn’s sister Sherry’s husband Gary Taylor.

From Prairie to Pine Region: Creation Time 4; Thanksgiving Sunday; International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Please hold in prayer the following communities of faith: Warren-Meadow-Lee; Winnipeg: Westminster

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.

🏈 Next Winnipeg Blue Bomber fundraiser game is Friday October 17 🏈

See the schedule of home games below. Please have a look at the dates and times that you would be available. The sign up sheets are on the bulletin board in the narthex right beside the door leading into the sanctuary near the church entrance. If you have questions, talk to Marilyn or Irma. Game start times are listed (we typically need to be there 2 hours ahead of game start time and we are typically there for 1 hour after the game.  e.g. where start time is 7:30 we start at 5:30). 

We have 2 regular season games left before we get into the playoffs. 

We still need volunteers for the following games:  

Saturday, October 25 - game start time 2:00 p.m. (our start time is noon)

Playoff games - We have to wait for the season to unfold before we will know if we will be hosting any playoff games.

Saturday, November 1 - Western semi-final

Saturday, November 8 - Western final

Sunday, November 16 the GREY CUP will be played Winnipeg. This will be a BIG ONE so mark it in your calendar if you are able to work. 

🏈🏈🏈 GO BOMBERS 🏈🏈🏈

West Broadway Ministry is no longer providing meals to their guests.  They do provide a take and go bag lunch.  For that purpose, they only need sandwich fixings 

(canned meat, tuna, peanut butter, etc,) granola bars, and fruit cups. Please adjust your donations in the grocery cart accordingly.  Thank you!

Programs at Trinity: All are welcome to attend
*Trinity Yoga – Saturday – Wynn is offering a “soft” start to Trinity Yoga on Zoom on October 11, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. (Zoom link will be sent out next week) 
Bible Study –  No Bible Study on October 13 – will resume on October 20. 

Sunday School – Sunday October 12 10:45 AM

Yoga – Southside Community Group –  will resume soon
From Maryann: Trinity Walkers

Walk to Bethlehem 👟👢👞🥿
In the past our ancestor Moses led the Israelites to an unknown promised land. It was a journey that took a long time, 40 years of wandering in an unknown country.

Today we are walking to a known place Bethlehem and we are going to wander toward Advent which is 10 weeks away. Our path seems pretty clear and direct.

Each person or group will use a clothespin marked with their name and move it along the line that stretches between the windows in the sanctuary. The line is marked with Winnipeg at the beginning and Bethlehem as the end and has ribbons hanging in between.

For every hour of movement move your clothespin 1 ribbon closer to Bethlehem. This seems pretty straightforward, however, there will be surprises along the way.  Just as life is full of surprises, we don’t know the future or the way.

Are you ready? Do you want to join us? How many of us will make it?

If you have any questions or would like to participate, contact Maryann.

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. See sign up sheets in the narthex for scripture reading, prayers of the people, ushers and greeters. 

OFFICE HOURS FOR TRINITY are Monday to Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

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

Here is the link for Sunday, October 5, 2025 worship service: https://youtu.be/a3-0mHvONLk

Sunday, October 12, 2025 – Worship 10:45 a.m. Thanksgiving Sunday

On October 7, 2025, our MLA Jennifer Chen is planning to pay tribute in the Legislature to Trinity United Church for 60 years of service in the Fort Richmond community and surrounding area.  The board has chosen 10 people from Trinity to be present at the Legislature for this honour.

SCRIPTURE TO PONDER 

Week of Thanksgiving

Scriptures for this week: Deuteronomy 26:1–11; Psalm 100; Philippians 4:4–9; John 6:25–35

To ponder: Deuteronomy 26:1–11; John 6:25–35

A Brief Reflection:

As we journey through the week of Thanksgiving, our hearts turn toward gratitude. Deuteronomy 26:1-11 calls us to remember that everything we have is a gift from God. Just as the Israelites were commanded to bring their first fruits to the Lord, we too are called to bring our offerings of thanksgiving, acknowledging His provision in our lives. This passage is not just about physical offerings but also the recognition of God’s sustaining power in our lives—through the land, the harvest, and the faithful stewardship of those around us.

In the context of today’s world, our “firstfruits” may not always come in the form of agricultural produce, but rather in the time, energy, and resources we give toward serving others. Our church ministries, the volunteers who faithfully give their time to sustain them, and the neighbors who support one another in daily acts of kindness are the “firstfruits” of our modern lives. Whether through providing food for those in need, offering a helping hand to a neighbor, or contributing to a ministry, we are taking part in this call to serve and give.

Jesus, in John 6:25–35, offers more than just physical bread; He is the true Bread of Life, providing eternal sustenance. As the crowd seeks Him for material food, Jesus shifts their focus, inviting them to look beyond the physical to the spiritual. He offers a deeper kind of nourishment—one that satisfies the soul, not just the body. Similarly, in our lives today, we can find ourselves seeking worldly things to fill us, but it is only through Jesus that we are truly nourished, that we are able to offer ourselves in service and gratitude, just as He served and gave Himself for us.

A man once sought to thank his helper, someone who had assisted him selflessly for many years. With sincere gratitude, he approached the helper and said, “I am forever grateful for all you have done for me. Please, allow me to show my appreciation.” The helper, with a humble smile, responded, “You need not thank me. Instead, go and serve ten others as I have served you. In doing so, you will show your true thankfulness.”

How often do we focus on expressing our gratitude with words, yet fail to embody it through actions? The true measure of our thankfulness lies not in what we say, but in what we do. As we reflect on God’s provision, His presence in our lives, and the many people who make sacrifices for the good of others—our neighbors, our volunteers, our leaders in ministry—may we ask ourselves: How are we giving thanks by serving others?

In this season of Thanksgiving, may we find ways to serve with joyful hearts, extending our gratitude to God through our acts of love and service to others. The land, the sea, the people we encounter, and the ministries we support—all are gifts from God. And just as Jesus gave Himself for us, so too are we called to give.

Who Are You Thankful For?

In this week of thanksgiving, reflect on the people who have poured into your life. 
Who has helped sustain you in times of need? 
Who has been a faithful neighbor, a generous volunteer, or a committed leader?

As we gather together in worship, in service, and in fellowship, let us remember to offer our gratitude not only in words but in actions—serving others with the same kindness and dedication that has been shown to us.

May we live in such a way that, like the helper in the story, our gratitude is expressed not just in thanks, but in lives of service and love.