TRINITY VOICES

aDVENT 2008

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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Dear Trinity Friends,

The smell of the Fraser Fir tree waiting in our garage to be put up in our family room has us in mind of all the things we have to do to get ready for Christmas. The list of Christmas jobs is a long one. How are you managing with that challenge?

Perhaps the real challenge of the Advent/Christmas season is to keep the essence of the season ever before us. Having lit the first two candles of Advent now; the candles of Hope and Peace gives us some focus as to our journey’s destination. Our aim is to arrive at the stable together with our hearts in the right place and our spirits warmed by the hope offered to us in the Christ Child.

If you have found yourself spinning with the knowledge that you can’t possibly get everything done - that you won’t likely meet everyone’s expectations in time for Christmas, why not take some time right now and reorient yourself to what really matters.

The most precious and abiding Christmas gift was given to us a very long time ago. No amount of shopping, baking or fretting will ever change that fact. Sometimes, being reminded of that can slow us down and turn our attentions to what we really appreciate about our lives: the love of family and friends; a loving church community and so much more.

We are aware that at this time of the year there are those for whom the seeming endless Christmas preparations are tantamount to torture. This season which is so focussed on memories of the past and on all the happy times to come can be very difficult for anyone who has experienced grief or challenging times throughout the year. Your love and understanding will go a long way in making an otherwise painful time of the year, tolerable.

The true blessing of Christmas, at its core, is the realization that no matter what our present situation in body, mind or spirit - God’s light in Jesus is available and present to us all.

In the days to come, as we cast our eyes toward Bethlehem, may you and yours know the Hope, Peace, Joy and Love of God in your lives, this Christmas and always.


 

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THE CROSS

“When I survey the wondrous cross upon which the prince of Glory died my…”
 
The centre of your attention upon entering the nave is the large illuminated Celtic cross high in the Chancel.  The Cross is highlighted by the deep blue dossal curtain behind it. To all who enter the sanctuary the Cross is also given prominence through the matching blue floor carpet.  The Cross is also highlighted by natural diffused lighting through the vertical side windows and adds to its mystique.
 
Below, is the Communion Table, which originally held the Open Bible on a stand.  A smaller bronze three stage Latin cross was on the table but was replaced in 1996 by a larger Latin cross made of white birch and cherry wood.  It was crafted and donated by Les Bibby.
 
The Communion Table, Pulpit and Lectern were donated to Trinity by the church Architect, Harold Hicks.  The Celtic cross and dossal curtain were donated to Trinity by the Woman’s Association.
 
The Women’s Association also paid (1973) to extended the blue floor covering from the Narthex to the chancel to highlight the Cross and Communion Table, the centre of our worship.  They also paid to replace the Dossal curtain in 1984 for the 25th Anniversary.
 
Quoting from our Dedication Service of 1959 – The Celtic cross includes an unbroken circle, symbolizing never-ending existence.  The Dossal curtain adds beauty, but also reminds us of our Christian heritage where curtains were used around the altars in the catacombs of Rome.  The curtain, as a backdrop for the Chancel cross, reminds us that “our salvation has been bought with a price,” going back to Calvary and beyond.

 

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It’s a Small World…

Carol and Ross McKinnell enjoyed a 13 day Danube River boat cruise in late September. It's a small world out there…while visiting Stephanskirche (St. Stephans Church) in Vienna, who shall we see when we leave the church? None other than another Trinity couple, Anne and Hal Osborne. They were cruising on the same river with another cruise line. We met again at the next stop, Durnstein while on a walking tour.

Photos had to be taken and here is one of those pictures. Small world eh!

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HOLLY FAIR BAZAAR

On behalf of the Holly Fair Bazaar planning Committee, a sincere thank you to the entire Trinity Congregation for your help in this year’s bazaar.

Over the last four years the church as a whole have become very involved.

A successful bazaar takes planning, so many people involved, whether you shopped, donated items, cooked breakfast, baked, served lunch, decorated or gave of your time and talents. It is impossible to thank each one individually. No matter what part you played in this year’s endeavour, it is work but what fun and enjoyment when it comes together.

This year’s profit is $9,510.59!

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Financial Signposts

Our financial priority at the present time is to resolve the problems associated with a now confirmed deficit of $30,000 for 2008, due primarily to the recently completed conduit repair project. To help offset this deficit Council has authorized a transfer of the funds in the Stauffer Bequest plus additional funds from the Memorial Fund making a total of $15,000.00 or half of the projected deficit.

We are now appealing to the Congregation for the other half of the deficit in a Special Appeal to be conducted between now and the end of December. This special appeal amounts to double the proceeds of Operation Wipeout that was conducted so successfully earlier this year. It works out to be $100 per person or $200 per family.

 If this Special Appeal is successful our bank balance will be restored and 2008 will be a “break even” year enabling us to start 2009 with a “clean slate”. The Memorial Fund will have a yearend balance of slightly more than $7,000 including funds specifically earmarked for Sanctuary Renewal projects in 2009 and beyond.

Fortunately the proceeds from Holly Fair and the transfer of funds from the Memorial Fund have enabled us to repay the loan from the Heritage Fund that we needed to get through the end of October.

Financial Facts:
(a) it takes $30 per week per giver to fund the current Trinity programs.
(b) 40% of all donations are refunded to the donor by Revenue Canada.

Please consider making a special gift to Trinity before the end of December this year. Your gift can be made in a separate envelope marked Special Appeal and put on the collection plate or left in the office.

Thank you most sincerely for your consideration of this request.

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The Nurture Committee has had a busy fall with the organization and preparation of the September pasta lunch, the October Congregational Dinner and the November silent auction.  We will also be organizing and looking after the Christmas potluck luncheon coming up on December 7th.

We have decided to try something different next fall and instead of hosting a pasta lunch in September, the nurture committee will look after a potluck lunch on the first Sunday in October, when more of the Trinity congregation will be available to join us.  We want to thank everyone who donated sauces, salads and other food donations for the pasta lunch this year.  The food was delicious and those people who were able to attend enjoyed a hearty lunch.

We want to thank our dependable and generous Trinity family for helping to cook roasts and potatoes for the Congregational Dinner on October 26th.  Also those who helped with the set up and clean up we thank you too.  It was a very successful and delicious roast beef dinner again this year.

 The silent auction held at the Holly Bazaar was another good fundraiser for our committee this year and we thank everyone who donated and brought in items for this sale.  We had approximately 150 items and made around $1,000.00. 

We feel very fortunate and appreciate the congregational support for our various events throughout the year. 

The Nurture Committee

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More tales of Trinity

…Brad Inglis

For the love of a church and the people who make it up…I always seem to find some stories of yesteryear from this place of worship. I always love the scandals but I must hasten to not forget the good…the embracing…the love.

In the summer of 1983 when I was heading into my last year of high school, I got a brain wave that me and my project partners from theatre arts should do our major project for the coming year, during the summer so it would be out of the way. We wanted to run a small children’s theatre group that would be free, take place three evenings a week (so we could still work our part-time day jobs) throughout the summer and have a final performance at the end.

Our project was to operate this group and report on it. The questions were, where would we find the kids to participate and where would we have it? I knew the children from Trinity (believe it or not I taught grade three Sunday school for several years)…so why shouldn’t we have it at Trinity? I wasn’t burdened with the adult thoughts of liability insurance, possible damage, police screening, security alarms, messes in the kitchen and not closing up properly. I asked permission, a key was granted and away we went. What a wonderful summer it was. I’m not sure what channels it took to make the decision but I do know that as a young person I felt trusted, appreciated and proud that I could say “my” church supported me. The majority of children who participated were Trinity kids, we received an A plus for our efforts and the teacher even came home from the cottage to see the final performance.

This brings me to today as an adult who had a shop and café that didn’t quite make it, but not because there weren’t many Trinity faces through the door each day, or always someone making a kind comment about me pursuing my dreams. It was Trinity that came forth when it became apparent that I needed a place to unload my stock and try and salvage some cash and closure so I can move on.

Although I have found a more long term location to carry out our month long sale, once again I can say “my” church supported me and continues to do so whether I am in crisis or just following along on a daily basis as part of the flock.

I try to go to church on a regular basis, for a very selfish reason…to nourish my soul. My fringe benefit is being part of a body of Christ that also nourishes and touches me on a daily basis beyond the regular Sunday ritual. My hope is that I can live up to the generosity and kindness that has been shown to me over the past thirty or more years at Trinity.

On behalf of my family, I thank you.

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Hanging of the Greens

A common Advent tradition in the northern hemisphere is known as the Hanging of the Greens. This is an intriguing blend of ancient symbolisms adapted over the years to proclaim a variety of powerful messages.

Ancient Romans used evergreens as symbols of peace, joy, and victory. Their long-lasting color and inherent strength suggested long life and exuberance. Early Christians saw in these same branches a symbol of the risen Christ, and would place evergreen boughs in their windows to symbolize that Christ was present in their home. However, some early Christian leaders condemned the practice, believing that it was too similar to Roman imperial customs.

The peoples of Northern Europe had many customs connected with evergreens in the wintertime before Christianity arrived there. In a land of long, cold winters, there was a fear that the sun would disappear and never return. Believing that evergreens held magical powers, people brought them indoors hoping they would help bring back the sun. Over time, the evergreens came to symbolize the presence of new life of Christ, whose birth was celebrated in the northern winter.

Holly became closely tied to Christmas and Christian symbolism. Some people saw it as a symbolic "burning bush" arriving at the time of year when we celebrated the birth of Jesus, the "new Moses." Others saw it as a symbol of Mary whose being glowed with the presence of the Holy Spirit symbolized by the color red. Still others saw its prickly leaves and red berries as symbols of the crown of thorns and drops of blood. Lest we get carried away in a story of pure joy, the holly tree reminds us of a larger picture.

Cedar in many cultures is a symbol of royalty, and the sweet smell of pine and other evergreens is a reminder of the frankincense brought by the magi.

As churches, homes, and other places get adorned with greenery during Advent and Christmas, look beyond the decorations to the powerful symbolism that can take us ever deeper into the story and mystery that is the birth of Jesus Christ in our world.

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Church Bulletins

(via email)

If you have seen these enjoy them again…If you have not enjoyed these before then enjoy your chuckles! They're Back! Those wonderful Church Bulletins! Thank God for church ladies with typewriters. These sentences (with all the BLOOPERS) actually appeared in church bulletins or were announced in church services:
 
The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.
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The sermon this morning: 'Jesus Walks on the Water.' The sermon tonight: 'Searching for Jesus.'
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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.
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Remember in prayer the many who are sick of our community. Smile at someone who is hard to love. Say 'Hell' to someone who doesn't care much about you.
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Don't let worry kill you off - let the Church help.
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Miss Charlene Mason sang 'I will not pass this way again,' giving obvious pleasure to the congregation.
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For those of you who have children and don't know it, we have a nursery downstairs.
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Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.
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Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So ends a friendship that began in their school days.
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A bean supper will be held on Tuesday evening in the church hall. Music will follow.
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At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be 'What Is Hell?' Come early and listen to our choir practice.
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Eight new choir robes are currently needed due to the addition of several new members and to the deterioration of some older ones.
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Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceeds will be used to cripple children.
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Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceased person you want remembered.
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The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracious hostility.
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Potluck supper Sunday at 5:00 PM - prayer and medication to follow.
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The ladies of the Church have cast off clothing of every kind. They may be seen in the basement on Friday afternoon.
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This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from the Church. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.
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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.
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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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Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the back door.
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The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Church basement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.
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Weight Watchers will meet at 7 PM at the First Presbyterian Church. Please use large double door at the side entrance.

           These humorous bloopers were provided by Valerie Morrell       

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PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

Prayer shawl ministry is a form of pastoral outreach meant to touch as many people as possible with the gift of care.

In the fifteen months of active crafting, infusion by our Therapeutic Touch practitioners and congregational blessing, more than three hundred prayer shawls and blankets have been distributed to people here in our congregation and beyond.

As indicated on the world map in the display case in the entranceway of the sanctuary, our shawls and blankets have been sent to a number of countries. It is heartening indeed to hear from so many of the recipients, offering their deep thanks with beautiful words of gratitude. We are deeply blessed as we have been a blessing.

Please remember that this ministry is offered to anyone in need regardless of where they reside. One need not be a member of our congregation to receive a shawl or blanket. Prayer shawl ministry invites you to consider yourself and those you love and for whom you hold concern. We have suitable items for all ages from infant onwards.

A shawl/blanket may be given for any reason. As the days roll on now toward Christmas, the gift of a shawl or blanket may be a welcome comfort.

Request forms are on the table in the entranceway. You may drop them into the offering plate-hand them off to Rev. Lorraine or Val Morrell or tuck one into Heather’s door at the main office.

All crafters are welcome to join us for our monthly meetings. Regular attendance is not a requirement. Come and join us for prayer, conversation, knitting/crocheting tips and refreshments.

The next meeting of the Prayer Shawl crafters is Tuesday, January 27th, 2009 at 1:30 pm in the Lower Parlour.

God bless you all for your continuing support of this growing and important ministry.

Blessings,
Rev. Lorraine

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Oberammergau 2010

“The Heart of Europe”

On June 30, 2010 a coach tour organized by Rostad Tours will leave for a 16 day tour of Europe. Your tour host is Rev. Bill Wheeler, minister at the Freelton-Strabane United Churches.

The tour features Heidelburg, The Black Forest, Lucerne, Liechtenstein, Innsbruck, Salzburg, Melk, Danube River, Vienna, Telc, Prague, Wurzburg, Aschaffenburg and of course the world famous Passion Play in Oberammergau, Germany. Oberammergau is a picturesque village in Bavaria where a profound show of faith is performed every ten years.

The Passion Play fulfills a promise made to God over 375 years ago. This incredibly moving performance has become so popular that tickets are sold out months in advance.

You are invited to join this unique opportunity to travel to Europe and witness this spectacle along with a variety of other memorable cultural experiences.

For more information please call Rev. Bill Wheeler at 905-659-3380. Brochures are also available from Rev. Andy or Rev. Lorraine.

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JOHN F ROSS CVI & SPREAD THE NET

For many people in Canada, mosquitoes are a symbol of summer: an itchy nuisance at the park or around the camp fire. But for millions of people around the world, mosquitoes are deadly and carry a disease responsible for one million deaths every year. Imagine having to think about that when you step out into your backyard or going camping.

Certain types of mosquitoes found in many countries transmit a one-cell parasite called Plasmodium, which causes malaria, a disease of the blood. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa are particularly hard hit – suffering from 90 percent of all malaria fatalities.

Malaria-carrying mosquitoes usually strike at night, between 10:00 pm and 4:00 am. Sleeping under an insecticide-treated bed net has shown to reduce malaria transmission by at least 50 percent and the mortality of children under five by up to 25 percent.

A simple solution and a huge impact:
    1 Net…10 Bucks…Saves Lives
    Spread the Net and make a difference!

Please give generously to this amazing Cause that saves children’s lives.

If you would like to donate to “Spread the Net”, please make a cheque payable to J. F. Ross CVI, indicate “Spread the Net” on the memo line and mail it to:

    J.F. Ross CVI
    21 Meyer Drive
    Guelph ON N1E 4H1

“Spread the Net” buttons at the cost of $1.00 each are also available from the table in the entranceway. These buttons were created by the JF Ross CVI class Jenn Smeltzer is part of.

To learn more click on www.spreadthenet.org

Thank you,
from Garrison McCleary,
J.F. Ross CVI Representative

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DELICIOUS CHEEEESE!!

& So Much More! 

A BIG THANK YOU from the Trinity Youth Groups!
Thank you for supporting us in our ‘cheese’ fundraiser.
We had $1,172.55 in sales for a profit of $325.50.

Thank you again for your wonderful support!

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Congratulations

Trinity United Church Women (U.C.W.)

At the UCW General Christmas Potluck Dinner on Monday December 1st, the UCW presented Life Memberships to

    Janet McMillan
    Shirley Hooper

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400 Stevenson Street North, Guelph ON N1E 5C3

Telephone: 519-824-4800 FAX: 519-824-4205 Email: tuc@bellnet.ca

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, Junior Youth Group (Grade 6 to 8) & Senior Youth Group (Highschool), Guides & Pathfinders, Beavers, Cubs, Scouts & Venturers, Bible Study, 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 2008 Trinity United Church of Canada
All rights reserved.