Trinity Topics February 2019 draft · 2019. 12. 3. · JoyfulNoise!children’schoirpractices...

3 Living Out Our CovenantThe M & P Committee

4 Trinity at Carnegie HallKathryn Young-Davies

5Changing Times for Childand Youth ProgramsJessica Knoyle

6 News from the Co-chairsDerek Kitchen and Chris Tessier

7 Worshipping TogetherAnthea Brandon

7 Pledge Performance8 Sunday School 50 Years Ago

Sheila Meggs9 Medium-Green CertificateVirginia MacLatchy

10 Housing Lunch and LearnTrinity Justice Committee

10 Health and SafetyChris and Hannah

10 Would you like a Retreat?Respond to a CD survey

11 Trinity PrideDerek Kitchen

11 Men’s BreakfastJohn Comfort

11 2nd Refugee CommitteeJohn Comfort

12 Festival of SharingTrinity Outreach Committee

IN THIS EDITION

Trinity United Church, Ottawa http://www.trinityunitedottawa.ca/ Trinity Topics 1

November2019Trinity Topics

Can you believe there is snow already? “It’s beginning to look a lot likeChristmas …” December does tend to lean toward Christmas. Sometimesit seems that Advent and Christmas are becoming the same thing. But

drawing a distinction between the two gives us the opportunity to walk throughthis time of year, rather than madly dash.

In a society so focused on shopping and merriment,Advent invites us into a different way of being.

A way that is intentional and grounded in the sacred.

It can be challenging to be fully present in the moment atthis time of year. Between our memories of the past and getting

caught up in the rush of the season, our minds can be all over theplace. I don’t mean to imply that either the memories, or the preparing,

are bad things—they both have their role in this time of year—but it is soimportant to find those moments where we don’t think ahead or behind, but stayfirmly in the now.

Holidays do draw us into our memories. Traditions are strong, and the storiesof the past stay with us, colouring how we live out our celebrations. But when weare tied too tightly to the traditions, the How it has always been done, the If Idon’t do it the way Mum did, those memories can sabotage our expectations, andwe can rob ourselves of the present. The Christmas story itself reminds us that thepast is important. We are celebrating a 2000-year-old story, but the intent is tohear the story anew each year. To wonder at what is to come, to settle into themystery of God ever-present with us.

Advent in the church is a time of waiting, preparing and yearning, all of whichpoint ahead: our calendars point to all the preparation, the shopping, wrapping,anticipating, and planning, and over the next four Sundays, our services point ustowards Christmas. But they are also times when we want to be fully in themoment.

The Pageant, the Cantata, the Longest Night Serviceare opportunities for immediate connection.

We have a number of events and opportunities at Trinity over the next month anda bit. I hope you will ground yourself in the sacred and in the community at thesetimes.

WHERE WE POINT OURATTENTIONSTAYING IN THE NOW DURINGADVENTBy Rev. Erin Burns

Find out what those opportunities are on page 2

We are a compassionate, progressive and affirming community thatnurtures and celebrates each others’ spiritual growth

http://www.trinityunitedottawa.ca/


New this Advent!WhisperWorship WednesdaysWednesday December 4, 11, 1810:00 to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.Our sanctuary will be open for quiet, candlelitprayer accompanied by soft instrumentalChristmas music. Come and find some quietduring a busy season.

Advent IV: Stories and TraditionsWe are looking for a few people who have aninteresting Christmas Tradition they wouldlike to share as part of our service on theSunday before Christmas. Speak to Erin ifyou are interested in sharing a 3 to 5-minutestory of a family tradition.

January Epiphany StarWordsMany of you have mentioned how your starword followed you through the year. Some ofyou were thrilled, and some are ready for anew one. On January 5 and 12 we willdistribute new Star Words during our service.

Other things to watch for in January:Intergenerational Book Study, TheologyLunch and Learns and some opportunities toget creative together.

Erin

continued from page 1

Sunday, December 1 Advent I HOPE• Communion at stations• Joyful Noise Sings

Sunday, December 8 Advent II PEACE• Pageant• Intergenerational Service• Secret Pen Pal reveal• Festival of Sharing

Sunday, December 15 Advent III JOY• Cantata

Thursay, December 19 Longest Night Service• 7:30 p.m. in the Friendship Room

Sunday, December 22 Advent IV LOVE• Christmas Stories and Traditions

Tuesday, December 24 Christmas Eve• 5:00 p.m. Family service• 9:00 p.m. Candlelight Communion Service

December 25 MERRY CHRISTMAS

Sunday, December 29 Service led by Worship CommitteeSunday, January 5 Epiphany

Sunday, January 12 Come and get a Star WordSunday, February 2 Annual General Meeting

Sunday Celebration of Spirit at 10:00 a.m.Sunday School & Nursery Care at 10:00 a.m.

Coffee and Conversation in theFriendship Room after the service

Joyful Noise! children’s choir practicesdownstairs at 11:00 a.m.

Calendar

CantataSunday, December 15, 2019The Heart of Christmas by Pepper Choplin

Trinity Choir, conducted by Carolyn Whitley

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You don’t want to miss . . .Sunday, December 8



In the fall we made this covenant with each other, butwhat does it mean when it comes to our day-to-dayinteractions? One of the ways we can live out the

words of this covenant is through mindful interactionswith our fantastic staff.

Aren’t they great?We hope you’ve taken time to tell them so. Most

people are happy to share compliments with them. Thatis wonderful, and keep it up!

It's more difficult to share concerns, but that'simportant too. We all need to learn and grow, and for thatto happen we need open, fruitful communication.

The M & P committee supports our staff inperforming their jobs to the best of their ability, so wewant to get constructive feedback to them in the mosteffective way. Most of the time, that is not through the usbut through a good old-fashioned chat over a cup of tea.Here are some suggestions.

TALK TO THEMUnless the issue involves something that contravenes theUnited Church of Canada harassment or misconductpolicies, we encourage you to speak directly with thestaff member.

DO IT IN PERSON OR BY PHONEIt’s difficult to communicate tone in an email. In-personconversations leave less room for misunderstanding.

CONSIDER A TOASTMASTERS “HAMBURGER”APPROACH

Start with a “bottom bun” of encouragement first.Acknowledge what you like about what they’re doing.After that, tell them your concern as the “patty” ofconstructive feedback. Finally, wrap up with a “top bun”of appreciation for their best qualities.

ASK YOURSELF . . .• Am I complaining about something that someone

else needs?• Am I speaking on behalf of myself, or someone

else? It’s important to not take on other people’sburdens.

• Will I help to build a better church community?Constructive feedback builds up instead of tearingdown.

“We commit ourselves to living into community, using ourholy manners, speaking truth with love and kindness ...”

HOWDO WE LIVE OUTTHIS COVENANT?The M & P Committee

In the presence of God and one another,we give thanks for this communityfor our history and our future.

We share in the life and ministry of the church.We commit ourselves to the joy and task of following Jesus— learners and teachers, every one.

We commit to nurturing one another,supporting each other on journeys of discovery,remembering that we are compassionate friends and family.

We share our humanness,our gifts and passions, our struggles and challenges.

We commit ourselves to living into community,using our holy manners,speaking truth with love and kindness,remembering we are stronger together.

We are thankful our church is here.

We are happy to be with others,and to learn and grow in our faith.

We remember the covenants we have written together andwill do our best to follow them.

In your image, O God, we are created.Be with us as we reflect that imagein our work and play,as we sing and pray,study and learn,laugh and cry together.Help us accept our responsibilityas members of this congregationand as followers of the Way of Jesus Christ.We ask for the encouragement of your Spiritand the energy of your love,as we live out this covenant together.Amen.

Our Covenant



Singing at Carnegie Hall was never a dream for fiveTrinity women, but when the opportunity arose,suddenly it vaulted to the top of all their wish lists.

Anne Boswall, Carolyn Cameron, Jodie Francis, HelenShaw and Kathryn Young-Davies will perform at thefamous New York City venue on December 2, singing theChristmas cantata Heaven’s Child by the well-knowncomposer and conductor Pepper Choplin.

“A friend asked me if singing atCarnegie Hall was on my bucketlist and my quick reply was‘never in a million years!’” saidAnne.

“I’m not sure which I’m moreexcited about—the ability to say Iperformed onstage at CarnegieHall (a bucket list item I hadnever even dreamed of adding!)or the chance to spend eight hourstraining with Pepper Choplin,”said Jodie.

Choplin also composed Go Sing It on the Mountain, theChristmas cantata sung at Trinity in 2018, as well as TheHeart of Christmas, the cantata to be sung this year onDecember 15.

No, none of their five names will be on the marquee—they’re part of a 200-voice choir drawn from singers allover NorthAmerica. While most participants had to submitaudition tapes, all members of Trinity’s Senior Choir wereinvited to take part after the event organizer discovered anonline video of the choir performing another Choplincantata. The five women jumped at the chance.

“It’s proof that you are never too old to experience newadventures,” said Helen. “What a wonderful chance tomeet singers from all over the U.S. I know we are a smallgroup in comparison to many others, but it takes all theparts to make a whole.”

When they first registered nearly a year ago, they wereexcited and awed. However, as the performance drawsnear, some trepidation is creeping in as well.

“Maybe a little more practice will help with that,” saidCarolyn. “Some of the world's great have sung and playedthere. Not that I'm anywhere near great, but one can dream.It’s a little ego boost.”

As they have rehearsed the cantata—comprised ofnarration and nine songs—Choplin’s theme has come to

life for them, speaking to them personally and enablingthem to more easily convey the message through theirsinging.

“My favourite song is “Heavenly Star” because it soeloquently frames what Choplin wants us to understand,”said Kathryn. “The key lyrics are ‘Searching, yearning,learning, all who seek will surely one day find.’ I believethat applies to all of us—we can’t just go through lifepassively. We have to actively seek if we hope to find whatJesus’ birth means to us.”

“The key lyrics are ‘Searching, yearning,learning, all who seek will surely one dayfind.’ I believe that applies to all of us.”

Music has always been a huge part of worship for all thewomen.

“Done well, it moves us past our mental defences andenables us to touch the sacred in a way that words cannever do,” said Jodie.

The five will fly to New York City on November 29,spend two half-days in rehearsals with Choplin, and thenperform on December 2. They expect that standing on thatfamous stage will be an emotional time.

“We have already created special memories and sharedsome laughs even in the planning,” said Anne. “More tocome!”

Kathryn Young-Davies isrehearsing on her own whiletravelling abroad. She plans to jointhe others, via the magic of theinternet, for an e-rehearsal on November 18. Then, the five will have a final rehearsaltogether on November 27 before they fly to New York City on November 29.

NEW YORK! NEW YORK!5 CHOIR MEMBERS MAKE THEIR DEBUT PERFORMANCEAT CARNEGIE HALLBy Kathryn Young-Davies

Composer Pepper Choplin willconduct the 200-voice choir.

Anne Boswall (left to right),Carolyn Cameron, Jodie Francisand Helen Shaw (seated) arerehearsing for their debut

performance at Carnegie Hall.



By Jessica Knoyle, CDM

CHILDREN AND YOUTH PROGRAMFormerly known as, and sometimesstill referred to as, Sunday schoolFor years, children's programmingwas called Sunday school and forgood reason. It was school thatchildren went to on Sunday to learnabout the Bible and all of itscharacters and their stories. The waywe program now is different fromwhat it used to be, so we are usingdifferent language to facilitate thechange. We still continue to explorethe Bible, God, Jesus and stories thatgive us lots to think about, but we arealso focused on social justice issues,environmental concerns, what itmeans to be good stewards of ourcommunity, and Right Relations andReconciliation. There is less sittingand more moving and hands-onexperiences, and we plan to spendmore time outside in nature. We'removing towards services and eventsthat include the whole body of thechurch—young, old and in-between!

GROUPFormerly known as a classWe added a third group and it seems tobe working out well.We have a staffed nursery with twoexperienced care-givers, Ava andBella, who are excited to connect withinfants and children up to JuniorKindergarten. They offer age-appropriate activities and a smallsnack. You are welcome to stay withyour child in the nursery but we alsoencourage you to return to the service,knowing that your children are ingood hands.Our other groups are the PlayfulPrimary (Kindergarten to Grade 3),Jazzy Juniors (Grades 4, 5 and 6) andthe Super Seniors (Grade 7 and up.)

GROUP LEADERSFormerly known as teachersWe could not run this program withoutour amazing volunteer group leaders ,Arlene Smith, Karen Afghan, SheilaMeggs and Chris Tessier. We have alsohad the pleasure of other volunteers onoccasion to help enrich the programand it is much appreciated. Pleaseconsider offering some of your time orbecoming a regular part of the rotation.

_________________

Here’s what happening:� Once a month, our Super Seniorgroup signs up for Service Sundayduties. The youth sign up for tasksinvolved with running the building andworship service, such as the lift andlot, coffee, preludes or special music,helping out with our younger groups,ushering and so on.� Our Super Senior group arebecoming more independent. A coupleof times a month, they chat and doactivities with a mentor who issometimes one of our regular groupleaders and sometimes a member ofthe congregation. The other times inthe month, they are given an outlinethat includes some leading questionsor conversation starters and they arehaving self-directed discussions.� All our groups have been outsideexploring nature and keeping it cleanby picking up garbage along the bikepath and into the woods on either side.� We have started having musicmornings about once a month and arelearning some new songs and singingsome more familiar ones as well.Thanks to Dennis Murphy and KyleConway for their musical talents andwillingness to share them!� TUD (Trinity UniDragons youthgroup) have been meeting once a

month. We are grateful for theoverwhelming response to the requestfor milk bags. We've been busy cuttingand preparing the bags to craft into amattress. Thank you to JonathanKnoyle for making us a frame toweave the mattress together.� Thank you to everyone who boughtcandles through our fundraiser thisfall This was very successful and willallow us some funds for our trip toCurve Lake Reserve in June.� Our Halloween pot-luck was awonderful success.We had about fortypeople of all ages attend and we had awonderfully spooooky time!� The Pen Pal Program launched inOctober and has been lots of fun.There's been lots of buzz around themailbox in the lobby on Sundaymornings. I'm excited for the bigreveal on December 8.

Advent blessings,

Jessica

NOTABLE DATES

November 30:Advent Event in Tait HallDecember 1: TUD meets after theservice to decorate the church forAdventChristmasDecember 8. Pageant and Pen Pal revealduring an intergenerational serviceDecember 24: Family Christmas Eveservice at 5: 00 p.m.

“For the times, they are a-changin’ . . .” -Bob Dylan

FORMERLY KNOWNAS . . .

“Come gather ‘round people, wherever you roam” -Bob Dylan



Your council has been busy planning for Trinity's activities in 2019/2020 and we have a few updates for theCongregation.

GIFT CARDSThe program was successful at Trinity for many years, and has always operated outside of Trinity's accountingsystem. Loblaws recently changed the program, and interested parties would need to re-register. Many thanks toJean Meldrum for all her work with this program. In consultation with Mark Cuddy and Reverend Erin, Jean lookedat options for renewing the program. Carlington Community Health Services would prefer not to continue receivingmonthly cheques, but instead could make better use of a lump sum payment. Following this recommendation,Council approved that the Carlington Community Fund account be closed as of the end of December 2019, and thetotal of the funds in it be transferred to Carlington Community Health Services

MUSIC DIRECTORMany thanks to the members of the Music Search Committee who have spent many months defining requirements,reviewing resumes, and conducting interviews for the position of Trinity Music Director. Two candidates wereidentified as possibilities for Trinity, but unfortunately neither worked out in the end. We very much appreciate theefforts of the committee, and the professionalism and dedication they brought to the search. Fortunately, ElaineGraham and Carolyn Whitely have agreed to continue filling this role together in the foreseeable future. We intendto resume our search after Christmas, hoping to have found an appropriate candidate later in the spring.

BUILDING USE WORKING GROUPTrinity is often rented by groups outside the congregation on both a one time or ongoing basis. Council has agreedthat a more serious consideration of building use policies should be undertaken, especially since we expect toreceive more offers of long term tenancy in future. If you have an interest in working together with council and arepresentative(s) from Property Committee, please see Chris Tessier or Derek Kitchen.

BAZAARMany thanks to Cathy MacKay, Carol Godin-Mutter and all of you who volunteered, donated, made crafts,baking and preserves for our annual bazaar. This event is not only our largest fundraiser of the year, but is alsowonderful chance to share the energy of our beautiful community working together and enjoying the fruits of ourcollective labour.

By Derek Kitchen

MESSAGE FROM THE CO-CHAIRS

Thank You!

A loadedbake table

Jams & Jellies

BooksA�ic Treasures

Hand-made goods



November already? Where has 2019 gone to? And Advent looming on the horizon now. It has been a busy time inworship at Trinity and is not likely to slow down at any time soon. plenty for your Worship Committee to do.The lay part of the committee consists of Kathryn Fournier, Lynne Vail, and co-chairs Sheila Meggs and Anthea

Brandon. We had to say a sad farewell to Sally Cuddy, whose wisdom and calm and beautiful poetry will be missed, butwe shall certainly enjoy hearing her singing in the choir during Sunday services. Thank you, Sally, for your years ofservice on the committee.

After a summer month of sharing services with Kitchissippi United Church—the services at Trinity were held in theair-conditioned Friendship Room and had an informal intimacy that felt perfect for that time of year—Trinity got back tonormal, whatever that might be.

The main task that the committe had to tackle was leading the Remembrance Day service on November 10 while ErinBurns was on a scheduled study leave. We are fortunate to have Pam Sheehan in our congregation. She and her husband,Harold, had earlier this year travelled to Europe and their itinerary included a visit to the Vimy Ridge Memorial in France.Pam agreed to give the reflection for that service and what a wonderful, spirit-led reflection she created for us. Not onlydid she talk about their experience at the memorial, illustrated by beautiful photographs, but she also combined that witha personal story about her uncle, an RCAF volunteer, killed in action during the Second World War. It was a movingreflection and, yes, some tears were shed.

Onwards we go into Advent. We will take orders for poinsettias dedicated to loved ones on December 1, 8 and15. The plants will beautify the sanctuary for the Christmas Eve services and then you can take them home. The proceedsgo towards the floral decoration of the sanctuary throughout the year.

After that, the Worship Committee has one other important task for 2019: to lead the service on December 29 so thatour hard-working professional team might have a Sunday off. I expect that the singing of carols will feature large…

May the spirit of hopeful, joyful, peaceful love infuse your hearts now and always.

FROM THEWORSHIP CORNERBy Anthea Brandon

ProjectedReceipts52 Weeks

46 of 52 ActualReceipts Difference + or -

Local Fund $ 183,423 $ 162,259 $ 153,430 $ - 8,829

Mission and Service Fund $ 36,601 $ 32,377 $ 30,143 $ - 2,234

TOTALS $ 220,024 $ 194,636 $ 183,573 $ - 11,063

The above actual receipts for Mission and Service do not include special contributions.Easter: $420.00

Thanksgiving: $357.00.

OUR GENEROSITYPLEDGEPERFORMANCETONOVEMBER17, 2019: 46WEEKS



One of my favourite things to do is to teach Sunday school.Arlene, Chris, Karen and I make a great team, led by thetalented and always tolerant Jessica Knoyle. We have achance to share our faith with a spirited group of children.

Recently, I started to wonder what Sunday school waslike fifty years ago . . .

TEACHERI spent a delightful morning with Bill and EstherHamilton who told me many stories of their involvementin Trinity throughout the years. Bill taught Sunday schoolin the 1960s and he told me that there were many, manystudents, all housed in Tait Hall. [The three smallclassrooms at the back now did not exist then. There was astage there then.] Large divider panels were wheeled outfrom the walls to form make-shift classrooms. Boys andgirls were in separate classes. He did not rememberchildren ever being in the church service, but there wascertainly an expectation at that time that all children andteens would attend Sunday school. Bill described the“hullabaloo” and “racket” created by those many classes.

Students and teacher in each class sat around in a circleon those horrible wooden and metal stacking chairs. Inthose classes the teacher did most of the talking—no crafts,no activity sheets. “I read up the lesson and tried tointerpret it in the kinds of things teenage boys wereinterested in in order to engage them in conversation,” Billsaid. He also felt he wasn’t always successful.

Bill remembered one Sunday when his class of teenageboys had loosened the screws on his chair for the sheerpleasure of watching him collapse to the floor as he satdown. Jane McTeague was teaching in the next class andcame to see what had caused the crash!

I cannot even begin to visualize those lessons, but I seethe dedication and commitment of these teachers, who feltit was so important to teach the new generation the faiththey themselves lived by.

STUDENT: DON SMITHBill Hamilton was my Sunday school teacher in 1967-68,when I was twelve years old. We baby boomers wereworking our way through the system, and Trinity’s Sunday

school was a very busy place. There were about eight of usin the class—all boys. We were at the age when we werestarting to think that there might be other things we couldbe doing on Sunday morning besides going to church, andthat sometimes showed in our behaviour. Looking back,Bill might charitably remember us as rambunctious.[Actually he called you mischievous.]Anyway, I was just entering my smart-aleck phase (which Iblame entirely on the smart-aleck example set by my olderbrother) when Bill asked the class who had built Solomon’stemple. Not quite knowing why, I quickly replied,“Campeau.” [Developer Robert Campeau built much ofmodern downtown Ottawa and many of the houses nearTrinity] My classmates thought it was hilarious. Bill justshook his head. He did tell my father, and I’m sure my dadwould have nodded solemnly while he listened. But Dadalso loved a good laugh, and he had a big grin on his facewhen he replayed the whole episode for the rest of ourfamily over Sunday lunch.

The teaching of the next generation of children continuesat Trinity – a different time, with different challenges, butalways a connection between young and old, a questioningcuriosity, and a joy in community.

MYSTERY PHOTOSCan you identify these two men? The answer can be found in the

Friendship Room.

SUNDAY SCHOOL FIFTY YEARSAGO

TRINITY TALESBy Sheila Meggs

It is important to know our history and the people and events that madeus what we are today. For each edition, I will write a column to tell somestories and include some photographs.

Tell me your stories—funny, sad, or inspiring.Sharing memories honours our elders and makes us stronger!


Our Medium-greencertificate


On September 22, Katherine Forster from theFaith and the Common Good Green Sacred Spacesprogram presented our Medium-Green Certificateto Rev. Erin Burns and Derek Kitchen, Co-Chairof Council.

We are working on the highest certification level,Dark Green, and hope to achieve it in 2020.

HOWWE EARNEDMEDIUM-GREENService

▪ Services focus on environmental stewardship, includingThanksgiving, Season of Creation and Earth Day.

▪ Only natural floral materials are used (candles, flowers, etc.)▪ Locally grown organic flowers are used, when available.

Spirituality▪ We provide opportunities to re-connect with nature

through prayer and faith reflections.Community Involvement

▪ Through articles and bulletin notices, we encouragemembers to adopt a greener lifestyle, to join communityenvironmental projects, and to practice the 5 Rs at home.

Green Facilitator▪ We are developing a greening implementation plan.

Cleaning▪ We use only biodegradable, non-toxic, phosphate-free

cleaning products.Operations/Procurement

▪ We have a procurement policy for recycled and/or FSCcertified paper.

Energy Audit▪ An energy audit has been completed and we have an

implementation plan to resolve some identified issues.Lighting, Heating and Water

▪ Energy efficient lighting (CFLs and LEDs) have beeninstalled where possible.

▪ Heating system has a regular maintenance schedule.▪ We have systems that limit total hot water usage.▪ Low flush toilets have been installed.

Recycling▪ Recycling facilities are available.

Food/Drinks▪ Vegetarian, vegan, organic, and in-season food options

are provided and served when possible.▪ We promote fair trade through a purchasing policy and by

offering fairly traded products for sale.▪ A policy of using washable dishes and cutlery, when

possible, is in place.Divestment

▪ We have provided information about fossil fueldivestment and green investment.

Environmental Justice (General)▪ We host environmental justice events, such as film nights

and guest speakers.Reconciliation/Indigenous Peoples

▪ We hosted an event on local Indigenous environmentalstruggles

In its November newsletter, Greening Sacred Spaces profiled Trinity United Church’s greening efforts. Check it out!https://mailchi.mp/3a48c0b7c97d/fcggss-newsletter-november-edition

By Virginia MacLatchy


This year, Trinity Justice Committee is exploring the theme of poverty, with an initial focus on housing. The reality inOttawa is that thousands of individuals and families are without permanent homes or adequate temporary livingfacilities.

In fact, there are 55,000 households in Ottawa considered to be low income. The Canada Mortgage and Housing(CMHC) guidelines indicate that no more than 30 per cent of income should be spent on housing. The average marketrent in Ottawa is $1,113 and that amount continues to climb. A full-time employee earning the minimum wage of $14per hour should, by the guidelines, pay a maximum of $588 on monthly rent, but that amount is impossible in our city.There are currently 10,597 people on the waiting list for rent-geared-to-income housing. According to the OttawaHunger Report of 2019 published by the Ottawa Food Bank, between 2014 and 2017, 33 per cent more Ottawa familieswere staying in homeless shelters.

Families must make difficult choices each day in order to keep a roof over their heads. These choices often meancutting back on food. In Ottawa, 39,000 people visit an emergency food bank each month, and 37 per cent of food bankclients are children.

Two thousand years ago there was “no room for them at the inn” and a stable was all that could be found. As thedays darken and the nights get colder, let us think of those struggling in our community to stay safe and warm in a placethey call home.

The Trinity Justice Committee will be hosting a Lunch and Learn about the Multifaith Housing Initiative, a groupwhich works together with other denominations to lobby and for safe and continuous affordable housing.

Lunch and LearnSunday December 1, After the Service

Guest speaker: Sahada Alolo, Manager of Community Engagement and Volunteers,Multifaith Housing Initiative

Free soup, buns and dessert will be provided.Sign up on the What’s Happening board in the lobby


THE DOMINO EFFECT:POVERTY ... HOUSING ... FOOD SECURITY

Why on earth do we need an entry in Trinity Topicsabout Health and Safety ?Nothing ever happens!

Exactly.Events that would normally feature in Trinity Topicswould be the report of an accident or some othermishap. And that is what H&S strives to avoid.

Let’s keep it that way.Trinity’s premises are checked periodically forforeseeable hazards, but should you notice anysituation around the building that could causesomeone to trip, cut, burn, or otherwise injurethemselves, pass that information along.

Chris Humphrey is H&S SupervisorHannah Brassard Lahey is Trinity’s staff

representative.

HEALTH AND SAFETY (H&S)

By Pam Sheehan, the Trinity Justice Committee

INTERESTED IN A RETREAT?

A time away from it all . . .Communing with nature . . .

Re-connecting with yourself . . .Sharing ideas with Trinity friends . . .

Singing?Making Art?

Meditation, maybe?

The Christian Development committee will plan aspring retreat, if there is enough interest.

Please take time to fill out this short survey to let usknow what you think.

Retreat Survey


https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/583V6WD


The Trinity Pride Group met in November to discuss opportunities for activities andevents in 2019/2020: Winter Pride, Camp Ten Oaks, a musical (with a Trinityconnection!) coming to Ottawa, potlucks etc. Watch your weekly bulletin for moreinformation.

Check out the Trinity Pride Group on Facebook. It is not a public group, so anyquestions or comments you post will be confidential to the group. You can join thegroup for up-to-date info as to what is going on locally here: Trinity Pride Group

Anyone is welcome to post, ask questions, or participate in our activities.

TRINITY PRIDE

TRINITY MEN’S BREAKFASTWe are more than happy to welcome newcomers to comeand join us on the second Thursday morning of each monthat Summerhays at 1971 Baseline Road for sharedreflections and a good meal at 7:00 a.m.This is a long tradition at Trinity and many of us look forwardto this opportunity to touch base and reflect on the readingfor the following Sunday service.We offer annual contributions to the summer camp projectand the Christmas exchange, and a group of us seek out andput up the Christmas tree for our church every year.If you are interested please feel free to speak to me.

By John Comfort

This past month we were invited by the Ghazal to celebrate the third anniversary of their arrival in Canada.It is so wonderful to see how the family is feeling much more settled and has a good sense of being at home.A number of the committee members continueto support the family as needed, especiallyaround school and rental issues, but moreand more they are able to take care of things.Friendships have developed between us andcontinue to nourish us and the family. Thereare many blessings exchanged in thisrelationship. I extend a big thank-you to thecommittee and to the church members whohave supported us and the families.Hasanain and Ridha have moved to home inBarrhaven and have enjoyed creating a spacefor themselves. We help from time to time,including in the furnishing of the apartment,but after almost eighteen months in Canada, they are quite independent.We try to maintain a supportive relationship of friendship and remain open to help out when we can. Thereare many other refugee families who need support and I encourage others in our church who are interestedto join with supporting groups to do so. It is a pleasure to have been able to help our families.

2ND REFUGEE COMMITTEE By John Comfort


https://www.facebook.com/groups/2205015493065381/


1099 Maitland Avenue, Ottawa ON613-225-3627

Email: [email protected]

WEREMEMBERBetty Hartley

Passed away September 19, 2019

Trinity Topics is published four times a year.Articles are gratefully accepted.

The editors reserve the right to edit all material.Deadline for next edition:Sunday, January 19, 2020

TRINITY TOPICS TEAMJean Meldrum

Hannah Brassard LaheyArlene Smith

Trinity Outreach Committee

Festival of Sharinghelps 40 families in our community

share the joy of Christmas.Each family receives grocery gift cards,

holiday treats, presents for persons under 18and a gift card for the family.

▪ Make a Donation: Please make cheques outto Trinity United Church but indicate yourwishes that it be used for the Festival ofSharing. A tax receipt will be issued.

▪ Provide Gifts: Bring gifts to Trinity on Festivalof Sharing Sunday, December 8. Gifts do notneed to be wrapped.

▪ Knit: Especially hats, scarves andlegwarmers.

▪ Volunteer to Deliver a Christmas parcel!

Trinity Outreach Committee

Pause TableThe Outreach committee is supporting the

Pause Table duringCarleton University examsin the middle of December.

▪ Donate: Baked goods, juice packs, bagels,and fruit are always welcome.

▪ Provide Ingredients: We can use sugar,flour, chocolate chips, butter, etc. to makethe baked goods.

The items can be brought to churchanytime up to

Sunday December 8.

Your generosity will be a blessing for manyand for you.

Kathryn Young-Davies and Bill Davies are travelling abroad for a few years.Read about their travels on their blog: The Long Road Home

“We believe that thoughtful travel leads to continuous learning. Long after the trip is over, thejourney continues as you ponder your memories as well as the sights, sounds, feel, smells and

tastes of your adventures. We are definitely into the tastes and smells of culinary delightswherever we go!

We’ve also come to realize that life is short. You have to make your own dreams – whateverthey are – come true for yourself before it’s too late.” –from The Long Road Home


mailto:[email protected]


http://www.kyoungtravels.com/

Trinity Topics February 2019 draft · 2019. 12. 3. · JoyfulNoise!children’schoirpractices...

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Transcript of Trinity Topics February 2019 draft · 2019. 12. 3. · JoyfulNoise!children’schoirpractices...