TRINITY VOICES

Fall 2011

   

 

 

Trinity United Church

 

‘A welcoming, caring family of faith, 

celebrating God’s love in Jesus.’

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Contributions are welcome anytime via email, drop off to the Church Office (in printed form or saved on disk or CD) or by contacting Heather

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A Note From The Editor

It’s been months, hasn’t it? I didn’t get out an Easter or a Summer edition of the newsletter, and I’m truly sorry. Instead, I spent a good part of that time running around looking for a job, and wondering what my future was going to be like.

For those of you who don’t know, I have three children, not two—David and Allison have a younger brother, Robin. Robin is rarely seen around Trinity because he is autistic, and cannot sit still throughout a worship service, and wouldn’t understand it if he could. Robin turned 21 years old in August, which means that he is no longer able to attend high school. As he is unable to be at home by himself for more than about a half hour at a time, the big question became: Who would care for him?

My preference had always been for me to stay home and do that job. I’m his mother, after all. But I still need money to pay the rent, and buy food, and for other unimportant stuff like that, hence the (fruitless) job search last spring.

It was only in mid-August that things started to sort themselves out, and financing and scheduling details became clear. And things are better now than I had ever hoped they would be—all that worrying was for nothing!

Jesus said, “Do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, or about your body, what you will wear.” I have to tell you, this is one of my least favourite verses in the Bible, not because it is false, but because it is a little bit too true. Worrying about the future is worse than useless—it takes our energy away from the enjoyment of today, away from the tasks that we should be doing right now.

This Thanksgiving, I am more than ever aware that God loves me (and everyone), and that if we only have the grace to receive, God the giver will bless our lives with all that we need.

Now if only I can remember that the next time I’m confronted with adversity…

Blessings,

Ruth Cooke

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I Stood Alone

I stood alone on darkest night

And gazed up at the sky

The stars shone bright across the earth

I breathed a sobbing sigh.

I saw your face among those stars

You smiled your love to me

Oh how I miss your tender touch

That now can never be.

I feel you in the morning sun

And even in the rain

You’re in my every waking hour

You hold me in my pain.

I miss you so my dearest one

Somehow my life goes on

I know you’ll walk along with me

Until my journey’s done.

‎

Joyce Martin

In Memory of my dear Lloyd, who passed away Feb. 21, 2009

 

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An Introduction To Trinity's New Ministers

The following biographies were written by Hal Osborne, who so ably chaired the Joint Search Committee this past spring. These bios were part of his presentations made to the congregation of Trinity United Church in support of the motions to hire John and Gaylyn. Both motions passed unanimously.

Reverend John Benham

John comes to us from St. Paul’s United Church in Milton. John was born in Guelph, and largely raised in Brampton although he has family who still reside here in Guelph. He graduated from the University of Toronto with a Bachelor of Arts and from Emmanuel College with a Masters of Divinity. His early settlements took him to British Columbia and Alberta, and then he returned to Ontario where he served in Palmerston for 9 years then moved to Milton where he served for 12 years.

John is married to Nancy who is a nurse at the Guelph General hospital. He has 3 teenaged children – Chelsea, Melissa and Scott. The family currently lives in Acton. John is an active man who is interested in skiing, running, canoeing, sports of all kinds, and gardening. He likes to sing and play his guitar – although he did mention his guitar playing could probably benefit from a few lessons from Reg.

John has participated in continuing education where he has studied Preaching, taken Grief and Hospice Training, Sexual Harassment Training as well as training for Supervision of Student ministers.

In the larger church, John participates on the Hamilton Conference Sexual Harassment Committee, the Pastoral Relations Committee, has been a Commissioner to General Council, and has supervised interns.

Reverend Gaylyn McLean

Gaylyn was born in Toronto to a family of strong Baptist roots. Her birth family eventually became United Church folks while many of her extended family remained Baptists. She laughingly says many of her extended family members still pray for her salvation! The family moved to Mississauga and Gaylyn has been involved with Halton Presbytery since she was 16. Gaylyn attended Erindale United Church where she was deeply involved with many youth activities, including a Sanctuary band, Spring Musical and Youth Choir. At high school she was also involved in music – participating in High School bands and High School musical productions. Gaylyn also attended one summer session of Operetta School. Gaylyn used to play the flute so we told her to dig it out and dust it off! She obviously has lots of vocal experience as well.

While at Erindale during the summer months when churches are always looking for pulpit supply, Gaylyn was asked and preached her first sermon. She was 17 years old. Ironically, she says it was titled “WHY ME?”

Gaylyn attended the University of Toronto where she received her Bachelor of Arts majoring in Religious studies graduating in 1985. She then attended Queens University to continue her studies at Theological College. She met her first husband while she was there. In 1986 she and her first husband went to Goosebay, Labrador where Gaylyn worked in a group home for Young Offenders. In 1987, they returned to Ontario. Between 1988 and 1990, she had two children, Amanda and David. During 1991, Gaylyn and her husband separated and she was left on her own with two young children. Undaunted, Gaylyn returned to school full time with the help and support of many friends and she received her Masters of Divinity from the University of Toronto in 1994.

After graduating from university Gaylyn did an Internship at Maple Grove United Church in Oakville then went to Port Nelson United Church in Burlington where she worked for 3 1/2 years.

In the intervening years, Gaylyn met her second husband, Chris Lehman, who she now describes as “semi-retired”. Chris had worked in the advertising industry and when his firm was bought out, he returned to school and went into ministry. Chris is also an ordained minister in the United Church – now retired from active duty. Chris has three older girls from his first marriage, Jennifer, Natasha and Jamie. In 1996, their youngest son Jacob was born. Amanda and David have graduated from Centennial high School here in Guelph, where Jacob now attends.

Between 1999 and 2003, while working as Ordained Supply at Carlisle-Kilbride United Church, Gaylyn took part time Family and Youth Studies at the University of Guelph. From 2004 to 2006, Gaylyn attended Medaille College in Buffalo New York, where she received her Master’s of Science in Education.

Gaylyn worked in Milton at St. Paul’s as ordained supply with Rev. John from 2006 to 2008. In 2007, Gaylyn was involved in a serious car accident that forced her to take time away from her ministry. When nearly recovered, she suffered a stroke, resulting from an undetected pinched artery in her neck from the car accident. Gaylyn is now fully recovered and full of life and energy.

Gaylyn has always made it one of her life priorities to balance her work and her family time. She has preferred to work only half time for most of her career. She and Chris had a busy household with 4 of the children living with them where they currently reside in Rockwood.

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A Message From the Chair

What an exciting time to be Chairperson of Church Council. (At least that is what I keep telling myself.) Our new ministerial staff have arrived and are now in their offices. A big welcome to Rev. Gaylyn McLean and Rev. John Benham. I am so looking forward to your ministry among us, your experience, your new ideas, your leadership, your kindness and your caring for all of us. Together with Andrea Arthurs, our Music Director, everything about Trinity can only be described as GREAT!

Now is the time to get our enthusiasm in gear, to perk up our energy and get involved in all the things that have held us together in the past: the Holly Fair Bazaar coming up fast; Anniversary Sunday and Congregational Dinner and Covenanting, also coming up fast; Connectors; Therapeutic Touch; Book Club; Contact Place; Art for the Soul; WomenKin; Choir; Christmas Cantata; Study Group; Quilters; Prayer Shawls; Children’s Ministry; etc. etc., etc. And also, be ready for new things appearing in the Sunday Bulletin that might speak directly to you. Be ready to join in and be involved.

Of course, I have to bring up Church Council at this time. There is a wonderful group of people who meet the 3rd Monday of each month. And there are Committees of many who meet each month and send their representative to Council. This is interesting and challenging work, as just about everything that happens here at Trinity passes through this group in some form or another. As Chairperson, I am looking for colleagues – currently one Congregational Representative, and a Christian Education Committee. The CE Committee should, hopefully, consists of 3 or 4 people, with one of them participating on Church Council. The CE Committee would be involved with children’s ministry, adult education, VBS, educational speakers, educational projects, educational anything- just let your imagination flow.

It is an honour to be your Chairperson of Council. I have loved the community of Trinity for many years, I belong here, and I can only say “I will do my very best”. I truly hope everyone feels they can bring anything to my attention or to our wonderful Vice-Chairperson, Janet McMillan, and we will surely talk about it. The good and the not so good (but, hopefully, mostly good). I know we are looking at a new chapter in Trinity’s history. Some things may change, some things stay the same; new stuff to mix with the old stuff. It’s an exciting time. I love it!

Barbara Moldenhauer, Chairperson, Trinity United Church Council

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A Note from the Office Staff

Heather and I (Ruth) work hard each week to get the bulletin out on time, with all the necessary information included, and nothing extraneous inadvertently added in. Despite our best efforts, and despite having the bulletin proofed by more than just us, we almost always find a blooper or two has snuck in where we least expect it. We can only hope and pray that none of our bloopers are anywhere near as bad as those that follow, which purportedly have appeared in actual church bulletins:

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things not worth keeping around the house. Bring your husbands.

Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.

A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.

Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.

The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.

Ladies Bible Study will be held Thursday morning at 10 AM . All ladies are invited to lunch in the Fellowship Hall after the B. S. is done.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the Congregation would lend him their electric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.

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Quilt Hanging at the Rear of the Church

(Contributed by Bernice Bunt with small additions by Ross Irwin.)

From the idea of a picture of a small quilted church hanging in a Mississippi church museum Bernice Bunt decided to make a similar quilt hanging of Trinity United Church for its 50th Anniversary. Val and Al Morrell, on their computer, were able to enlarge a small picture of Trinity to the size required.

Off we went to Reichards quilt shop in Elmira where we found our materials with the help of a great staff - sky material with clouds and in which two angels are quilted, almost the right colour of brick material for the church walls, material simulating stain glass windows, corduroy for the roof - great texture. The trees were different materials in green - rock material cut and stuffed using Florence Harris’s quilting artistry. Jean White added embroidered silk ribbon flowers.

After 14 months of quilting we were able to dedicate our quilt on the 50th Anniversary the Trinity. It is hanging above the main entrance door to the nave. Stop and admire it. Next month we will tell you about the other hanging.

Our quilters were:- Monica Bibby, Dorothy Bitker, Shirley Hooper, Liv Cox, Inez Taves, Ada Campbell, Leona Klein, Karen Grieve, Re Lorraine Newton-Comar, Florence Harris, Jean White, Valerie Morrell and Bernice Bunt.

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Fabio

I believe that God wants us to do one thing here on Earth, that is, help each other. One way to do just that is to impact positively on other people’s lives.

In 2010, my husband and I decided to apply to Dog Guides and the foster puppy plan because we wondered if having a dog would fit into our newly retired life style. Little did we know how this decision would influence not only our lives, but also other people’s?

In October of 2010 Fabio came to our home and our new vocation began. We learned the role of foster parenting a puppy. That is taking him everywhere and teaching him good social habits. Naturally bringing Fabio to Trinity became part of our routine. It was wonderful to see how well he was accepted by the Trinity family.

We had not considered the bond that would grow between us and the dog. When the time came to pass Fabio on to the trainers, we both experienced a sense of loss. However, we just jumped back into the program with Gibbon.

While vacationing, in Florida this March, we received the great news that Fabio would be graduating from the Special Skills program. That is working with a client who is wheelchair bound. The timing wasn’t the best for us, since we were already on vacation and would not be able to attend his graduation on March 10.

A few days later while wandering through a huge flea market I noticed a woman in a wheelchair with a guide dog. I was overwhelmed with emotion and felt drawn to approach her. I shared with her that we had fostered a guide dog and he had just graduated to work with a client in British Columbia.

Looking back, I think sharing with her was my way of feeling connected to Fabio and the new life he has begun working with Victoria.

Both Rick and I have found fostering dog guides is a rewarding experience for us and we’d like to thank everyone for their support.

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Giving Thanks for Prayer Shawls

The prayer shawl ministry, so ably administered by Valerie Morrell, and supported by many, many Trinity crafters, has reached hundreds of people all over the world. Below is just a small sample of the thank you letters received by this ministry:

Recently my family received the prayer shawls that our friend Ruth S requested for us. I have spent many hours since then with mine either around my shoulders or over my knees. What a great comfort to be surrounded by your prayers and love. Thank you from my heart to yours S D

Thank you to everyone involved in the Trinity Prayer Shawl Ministry. I am comforted each time I put my shawl on knowing I have the support and love of so many people. And the red colour is perfect, so warming. S T

Thank you so very much for the beautiful prayer shawl. It is amazing that so many people have been praying for me. I am beginning to feel better thanks again. JS

Thank you for your beautiful card with its touching comments and thoughtfulness. Please thank the Prayer Shawl Ministry for the Shawl and their message of encouragement! As I read your and their messages, then felt the Shawl and let it envelop my body… I felt and feel truly blessed! To image all that had to happen to bring such a gift to bear… assuming that the yarn is of wool… the Shepherd, to the Shearer, to the Spinner and Dyer of the yarn, to the Retailer that sold to the Person or Persons that chose the yarn and the Knitter that had the talent to knot such a beautiful fabric… The Ministry to foster such a wonderful mission, that gives tangible examples of the Body of Christ, each part coming together to make Miracles happen… please share my thanks and gratitude… with tears in my eyes and a lump in my throat.. of the warmth I feel for this Gift.. a Gift is not a Gift until received, I humbly receive and accept this Gift!!! Blessings to you and yours. M.

The shawl has just arrived! What great timing as I have a chemo treatment at the hospital today so it is definitely coming with me. The shawl is just beautiful and will be treasured during this time. I can’t believe there are so many kind people in the world going about their daily lives and making something so significant that can mean so much to someone like me. I put it on to show the kids and I can feel the love and prayers coming from it. I am still feeling good. …… Take Care S.

Prayer Shawl Crafters at work…

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Book Club Selections 

September 2011 to May 2012

Major Pettigrew's Last Stand, by Helen Simonson (September, 2011)
Beatrice and Virgil, by Yann Martel (October, 2011)
The Help, by Kathryn Stockett (November, 2011)
The Golden Mean, by Annabel Lyon (December, 2011)
The Best Laid Plans, by Terry Fallis (January, 2012)
Origin of Species, by Nino Ricci (February, 2012)
Loving Frank, by Nancy Horan (March, 2012)
The Cellist of Sarajevo, by Steven Galloway (April, 2012)
Freedom, by Jonathan Franzen (May, 2012)

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News from abroad…an update from Brad

Hello Trinity family. This summer has been a whirlwind for me and many of you will have heard that I had accepted an appointment at the Tobermory United Church. My time in Tobermory was scheduled to end at the end of August but much to my delight it has been extended until June 30th, 2012. It is a wonderful congregation who seem to appreciate my “off the wall” sense of humour and general bumbling about. For those of you who remember Dorothy Carnahan, she is still in Tobermory and a wonderful support, and she sends her greetings.

We hosted a vacation bible school program this summer even though we have no Sunday school children and there was only one child signed up on the Friday prior to the first day. But a wonderful woman from our congregation had a vision and unshakable faith that helped us to pound the pavement and find children. We ended up having 16 participants and it truly was a wonderful, God filled time of activities and snack and song. Left to my own devices I can’t imagine what it would have looked like!

My weeks this fall will be hectic but I keeping telling myself it will only be 12 weeks. I have three courses in Toronto on Tuesdays and then I am doing a chaplaincy placement at the Guelph General on Wednesdays and back up to Tobermory in the evening.

Timing did not make it possible for me to attend Mildred’s Memorial Service. It is certainly times like that when Guelph feels pretty far away. One time when I was 26 years old and suffering from a deep depression and didn’t know what I was going to do with my life, Mildred called out of the blue and she could tell by the sound of my voice that I was struggling and she said, “Brad, you are everything God has intended you to be.” That was the kind of grace that Mildred was famous for and she continued to write to me and offer her words of encouragement and support for the next 20 years.

I have to admit that I had always hoped that Mildred would be at my ordination, but now I will count on her being there in spirit. One of the first things I did when I arrived in Tobermory in late June was send her a post card telling her that I had landed. And to my delight she actually called me on my cell phone to say she wasn’t writing these days but she wanted me to know my note was just what she needed. After a lifetime of receiving little notes from Mildred I was so happy that I could send one back.

I like to think everything I have learned has somehow been touched by the folks at Trinity, and you are never far from my thoughts.

Brad.

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If the only prayer you said in your whole life was “thank you”, that would be sufficient. By Meister Eckhart.

Gaylyn and I would like to express our sincere gratitude for our incredible “welcome” to Trinity United Church. We felt your caring warmth at first through the Joint Search Committee and from our first days in August and on into the fall we continue to thank God for your “welcome”. Someone once said that “it’s the little things in life that matter” and Jesus’ story of the mustard seed is a powerful symbol of that truth. The welcome sign on the lawn, and flowers, and offices prepared and ready for our arrival and Heather’s attention to details are a just a few examples of the hospitality of love. Most of all, we’ve appreciated the energy and enthusiasm we feel from your warm and personal greetings and your “name tags” have been a great help!

As the season of thanksgiving is upon us we celebrate the beauty of God’s creation and the splendour and wonder of life. As we give thanks at this time of year may we remember:

Christ has no body here but ours, no hands or feet here on earth but ours.

Ours are the eyes through which God looks on this world with kindness

Ours are the hands through which God works.

Ours are the feet on which God moves.

Ours are the voices through which God speaks to this world with kindness.

Through our touch, our smile, our listening ear,

Embodied in us, Jesus is living here.

Trinity United is clearly a community of faith rooted in our God of compassion. Your seeds of love and gratitude are scattered throughout the world, the community of Guelph, and in the ways you welcome new people to Trinity and in the way you care for one another other.

Thanksgiving Blessings, John and Gaylyn

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400 Stevenson Street North, Guelph ON N1E 5C3

Telephone: 519-824-4800 FAX: 519-824-4205 Email: tucguelph@rogers.com

Website: www.trinityunitedguelph.ca

WORSHIP TIMES

Sunday Mornings: 9:00 am & 10:30 am
Please note: One Service ONLY at 10:00 am
from the Victoria Day Weekend in May to Labour Day Weekend in September

There is a nursery…available on the upper level next to the Upper Parlour.

Sunday School…is offered (September to June), beginning in the Sanctuary then moving to their classes following children’s time. Children may be picked up in their classes after the service of worship.

Trinity Sponsored Groups

Sunday School, Youth Group (Grade 6 to 12), Guides, Pathfinders & Rangers, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Venturers, Adult Study Group, Book Club, United Church Women (UCW), Womenkin, Art For The Soul, Quilters, Tuesday’s at Trinity, Therapeutic Touch, Trinity Choir, Trinity Prayer Shawl Ministry, ContacT PlacE, Sunshine Club, Volleyball

Groups Using Trinity Facilities

Gingerbread House Preschool, Dunara (Trinity House), Royal City Men’s Club,
Weight Watchers, Guelph GoGo Grandmothers (4Gs), Corduroy Road

ONGOING OUTREACH INVOLVEMENT

Mission & Service Fund, Guelph CORE Program, Tytler School “Morning Snacks” Program, Meals to At-Risk Youth (Previously Change Now)

We extend a Warm Welcome to All People

Copyright 2011 Trinity United Church of Canada
All rights reserved.