TRINITY VOICES

Fall 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

---

Dear Trinity Friends,

I caught the smell of burning wood the other evening as I stood at our kitchen sink. Closing my eyes for a moment I let the images of the wood fires I have known in so many places come to my memory. Images of church camps, Northern Ontario lakeside cottages, big back yards and so many fireplaces flooded in; places where friends and family have huddled together for companionship, warmth, singing and fire-food! Remember those blackened offerings of hot dogs, burgers and s’mores?

Coming now so fully into autumn, our wood fires serve to remind us of what is to come: cooler, darker days, harvest time and more opportunities to spend time together.

The month of October brings such a distinct sense of change. One can smell the changing season in the air, especially in the evenings. Fall vegetables and fruit emerge now–baskets of grapes, beautiful squash and pumpkins galore. Trips to our local farmer’s markets become a distinct pleasure at this time and taking walks or touring in our vehicles to see and experience the changing colours around us is a must.

Our church building is abuzz with activity at this point with our groups and committees back to their projects, meetings, practices and study. Holly Fair preparations, which have been in place for months now have taken on an urgency as we can see the Fair just on the horizon. The Trinity choir is set to begin practicing for our Christmas Cantata so it really must be Fall – the time, that in our way of thinking is so geared towards Advent and Christmas.

In the meantime, our community is gathering again as it always does. Members are returning from travels and summer time places and we are settling into the rhythm of church life upon which we have always depended.

Life in a faith community brings so much to us and we, in turn, bring our commitment and energy to ensure that we are present and relevant to each other, to our city of Guelph and beyond. We are blessed in the life we enjoy together here at Trinity United Church.

As you prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving with family and friends this season, may you know the love of God, deeply held within you. Perhaps you will have the opportunity to extend a hand to someone who may be alone at this time and share the harvest with them.


 

---

 

Notes from Tom and Janice Watson

I have been asked to write a column for the next issue of Trinity Voices—in order to let people know what we are up to these days. So here 'tis.

Following my retirement in 2002, I was called on a few occasions to fill in for a Sunday at Sheffield United Church—Sheffield is a small village, about 4 miles east of Cambridge on Highway 8. Then in early February of 2007, a phone call one day: “Tom, we were wondering if you could take the services the last 2 Sundays in February.” When I responded that I could take those 2 days, the caller said, “What about longer?” So I asked, “What would 'longer' look like?” And the answer was “Well...our minister has moved so it would be great if you could come and fill in for a while.” I replied, “We'd better have a meeting and talk!”

As nearly as I can figure, I must by now be into my 3rd Sunday! How much longer will I be there? Not sure. All I know is that it will be at least until the end of next June.

It's been a good fit. A great group of folks, and a good mix of ages. They have welcomed Janice and me into their church, their hearts and their lives, and we're having a good time being there.

Sunday morning worship is at 10:30, with a typical congregation of 70 to 75, including some 6 to 10 young children. Sunday School, which follows Children's Time, takes place in the church basement, and is led by some dedicated moms and dads.

The church is almost 200 years old—an old stone building that has been well maintained over the years—and it will seat about 150. As with most other churches, Christmas Eve and Easter Sunday will see it filled...and if there are a couple of baptisms, filled to overflowing.

Each Sunday following worship, lunch takes place in the church basement. Lunch consists of whatever the person providing chooses. Often fruit, cheese and vegetable trays, along with crackers and polish sausage. Sometimes sandwiches. And always, always, a sweet - either cookies or cake, the cake often brought to celebrate someone's birthday. Plus, of course, coffee, tea, and fruit juice (often apple).

The choir, of 7 to 10 members generally, practices at 9:30 every Sunday morning, and works up either one or two numbers. The daughter of a former choir member donated money in memory of her mother to purchase “More Voices” when it became available. We mix in hymns from that resource, along with hymns from Voices United, in our worship, but the choir also makes good use of More Voices for its weekly music. Last December, the choir, augmented by congregation members, put on a Christmas cantata for the first time in years.

Concerts, in which anyone who desires can participate, occur on one of the Sundays in Advent and on Palm Sunday.

As is quite customary in rural churches, there are 2 annual suppers - a fall supper in October and a beef supper in April - with 3 settings, which are filled by people from the Sheffield-Rockton-Cambridge area. Once a month, card and games gatherings are held in the church basement.

I work between 20 and 25 hours each week. I do Sunday services, visit one day each week, make any hospital calls as necessary, and attend any meetings. This past winter and spring, I held confirmation classes and 7 young people became members of Sheffield United. Working part-time has turned out to be a very enjoyable experience.

It takes Janice and me 30 to 35 minutes to drive there each Sunday morning. Although we were as long as 70 minutes on a couple of days last winter, including 4 days that tested our courage to go at all...but we did...and the church was never closed any Sunday all winter.

We do miss being around Trinity regularly, but keep in touch with folks from there as much as we can. Janice is still active in her Trinity UCW unit, and I pop in every once in a while to say hello.

Life remains very active, and filled with many enjoyable things. Janice and I hope it is the same with all of you!

Tom

---

Notes from David and Heather Chesney

One year ago today, Heather and I realized that we were finally home!

For 19 years we had lived with, served and loved two small churches on the edge of Ottawa:  St. James United Church, Osgoode and Trinity United Church, Kars.  They were great congregations and as retirement approached and our move to Guelph became a reality, we wondered if we would ever find a church home like the two we were leaving.  Adding to our anxiety was the fact that for the first time in 36 years we were moving and there would not be a church waiting for us.

So.... we prayed. And on World Communion Sunday 2007 we came home to Trinity United Church, Guelph.  Our prayers were answered more fully than we had dared to hope.  We have been made to feel so welcome and have discovered places to serve and involve ourselves.  Thank you for opening your hearts and making room for us.  We still are amazed at how thoroughly we have been welcomed.  And we still say to each other from time to time:  "I can't believe what a wonderful congregation we have found." We both are grateful for the opportunity to involve ourselves in the life and work of Trinity United Church.  One of the ways I am looking forward to becoming involved is in serving as a VAM (Volunteer Associate Minister).

I have been trained in the art of spiritual direction by the Centre for Spiritual Growth in Ottawa.

Spiritual Direction is the art of listening with someone to try to understand what God might be saying in their life.  If anyone is interested in exploring this process in depth, I would be very pleased to discuss it with you.

---

Finance Report September 2008

At the Congregational Meeting in February we were able to balance our budget for 2008 with increases in offerings and in fund raising proceeds and events. We are pleased to report that these items have met our expectations and that our offerings and fund raising revenues have increased as planned. Operation Wipeout, which was conducted last winter to erase the deficit in 2007, met its goal of $7,600 and our cash balance was fully restored. We appreciate this increased level of support and we look forward to it continuing to the end of the year.

Our furnace replacement project, which was unfunded at the time of the Congregational meeting in February, was completed during the summer at a cost of $7,500. We were extremely fortunate to receive an anonymous gift that covered almost all of the costs of replacing the furnace. The record snowfall last winter was also a source of added costs in terms of snow removal and roof repairs that resulted from a build up of ice on the sanctuary roof. Although these items were not included in our approved budget last February we were able to cope with the additional costs that came our way.

Just when we thought we had everything under control, we experienced a major problem to the conduit and electrical feed that runs under the courtyard from the sanctuary to the auditorium which, after more than 40 years of use, completely disintegrated resulting in water getting into the electrical system. It was essential that this problem be addressed even though it represented a major and unplanned expenditure. Replacing the conduit and wiring required that the courtyard be torn up, the conduit and wiring dug up and replaced, and the entire area repaved and refenced at a total cost of almost $30,000.

The conduit repair project is one that needs additional financial support this fall or we will finish the year with a major deficit. We invite everyone to consider doing what he or she can by way of additional contributions to help erase the financial impact of this major repair item. Thank you for your consideration of this request.

---

FROM THE PAST

by Ross W. Irwin

It is not often a writer is asked to write on a particular subject.  You usually have to dream something up as space filler and hope it proved acceptable.  This column is actually in response to a request.  How did you build the church?  An enormous topic, which I hope, I can accomplish in a couple of issues.  It is also to give credit to those persons living in the area that recognized a need and took a chance on the future with not much support from their local Christian brethren.
The name Trinity was chosen at a meeting held October 13, 1955.  Our Trinity Sunday School started October 25, 1955, and was held in the hallways of Edward Johnson School.  Our first public church services began in the school Auditorium on February 12, 1956.  Attendance was 200.  Our Constitutional service was June 21, 1956 with 186 charter members.

The first names on the Historic Roll are George and Evelyn Akister.  George also turned the first sod for our church on September 7, 1958.  The first female baptism was Debra Lyn Gillespie of Harold and Olivia.  Harold chose our name Trinity and Olivia was our first church Secretary.  The first male baptism was Daniel Noel Amos.  Both baptisms were June 24, 1956. The first marriage was March 15, 1958 between Norman Clifford Death and Sophia Abbott.  The first death, February 4, 1958, was Della Lillian Haines.

The first annual congregational meeting was January 24, 1957, in Edward Johnson School. Rev’d Paton and Ward officiated.  It was decided to call a minister.  Rev. Merrill McLeod was called as Minister.  He arrived July 4, 1957.  
A manse, at 207 Speedvale Avenue, had been purchased in May 1957 for $11,500, and a garage added.  The church board held meetings in the basement.  By this time the church boasted 352 members, held 33 baptisms, and 242 children were in the Sunday School - 40 in the kindergarten. 

A church-sponsored Sector Plan financial campaign was held in October 1957.  The campaign gave some confidence that a church could be built and financed so a Building Committee was appointed to carry out the mandate.  Ken Rowe was chairman of a preliminary fact-finding committee. 

The Building Committee was composed of two members representing each of Stewards and Session, and one member from each organization of the church.  Kenneth Rowe was appointed Chairman of the Committee.  Members of the Building Committee were - Norma McConnell, Secretary; Jean Horney; Ed Beard; Norman McAnich; Lorne Smith; Laurie McConnell; Ross Irwin; Ken Parkhill; and Lloyd Auliffe.  Three subcommittees were named - finance, ladies and architecture.

Rowe and Irwin were appointed by the congregation.  Jean Horney and Norma McConnell by the Woman’s Association, Smith and McAninch by the Stewards; Auliffe by the Trustees; Beard by the Session also Irwin; Parkhill and McConnell by Rowe as Chairman.

I want to place on the record some detail about the eventual building contractor - Kenneth Rowe. Ken Rowe and Laurie McConnell was Lexington Construction Co.  They began to build houses and service stations about 1953 in the developing Speedvale - Clive - Waverley  - Stevenson - Metcalfe area.  As I will relate later, this company was awarded the contract to build our church.  Ken was President of Lexington Construction and Laurie McConnell was the construction superintendent.  His wife, Norma, became Secretary of the Trinity Building Committee.  The McConnells’ became members of Trinity, January 14, 1957, and Ken Rowe July 17, 1957.  After building Trinity for us they built St. David’s United Church in Woodstock in 1962.  Ken and Laurie then returned to their place of birth, Owen Sound, about 1963 where he bought a farm for an airfield.

The first meeting of the Trinity Church Building Committee was December 4, 1957.  Many important decisions were made at this initial meeting.  The size of the church was chosen to seat 350 (Trinity membership was now 352), with the thought of expansion. It was also decided the lot was too small.  The exterior was to be stone or brick with no imitations.  It was decided to build the church first rather than the Christian Education unit and have the church meet in it.  Many churches had been visited and Lorne Smith recommended we adopt the modified contemporary design used for the St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Bridgeport.  A rough sketch was prepared.  The Women’s Association submitted plans for the kitchen and agreed the church parlour was to be a general service area for all organizations.  Building committee finances were also discussed.
The meeting of the Committee, January 20, 1958, dealt largely with interior design and a possible expansion.

At the meeting of February 6, 1958, it was reported the general Sector Plan canvas was not as successful as hoped.  Many pledges had not been honoured.  Ross Irwin, of the building finance committee proposed a cost of $93,000 with a 15-year mortgage.  Lorne Smith had visited Architect Harold Hicks of London and seen some of his churches.  Hicks was introduced at this meeting.

We desperately needed additional land to proceed and Presbytery was still dragging its feet.  We agreed to do without them and proceeded to negotiate with the adjacent landowners.  We purchased five lots, or one acre of land.

Lorne Smith proposed a two-transept design and made two proposals.  Locate the choir out of the chancel in a transept but not out of sight of congregation.  The additional cost of this was a major problem.  A motion to delete the transept was defeated 5 to 4.  A motion to move the choir to the rear was also defeated 4 to 3.  At a subsequent meeting, April 30, 1958, it again on the transept design.  The vote was finally 7 to 2 to move the choir and organ to the rear above the nave.  This difficult decision was made on the basis of added cost and the success of Holy Rosary using this design.  Our choir at the time boasted less than a dozen persons.  The new facility had seats for 32 choristers.

The design outline of the building committee was forwarded to the architect March 6, 1958. 

The parlour was to seat 60 and the basement 200.  There was to be a stage in the basement with storage space below.

The architect informed us that our proposed plan would exceed our financial budget.  What to do?  It meant reducing the size of the building and we lost a number of rows of pews reducing our capacity from 350 to 288.
It was also decided that a Wells Organization financial canvas would be made after Easter.

The campaign began in April 1958 and 169 pledges were gained from 212 solicitations - $54,165 being pledged, $4,000 over the target.

At the first meeting with the Architect, Harold Hicks, on May 2, 1958, he inspected the site and was presented with the committee’s recommendations which included a building with rectangular lines, choir and organ at rear, and a preliminary interior layout.  Hicks returned with preliminary drawing May 20.  These plans were presented to Presbytery on May 28.  A congregational meeting was held June 10, 1958, to view the sketches.  The meeting adopted the designs.

Ken Rowe resigned June 17, 1958, as Chairman of the Building Committee and the congregation appointed Ross Irwin to replace him.  Subcommittees were then established for furnishings, memorials and special gifts.  It was decided to add a cross to the front of the church.

The groundbreaking ceremony was held September 7, 1958, and the following day the architect’s plans for the church were approved by the Congregation and asked that tenders be in by October 9, 1958.

We learned that Presbytery did not approve of our financial plan but we decided to proceed.

Tenders were opened October 9, 1958.  The four tenders ranged from $93,030 to $117, 988.

Lexington Construction had the lowest tender price and was awarded the contract.  The total final cost of our church was: - Lexington Construction - $88,816.82; Harold Hicks, Architect - $2,232.62; Furnishings - $14,594.54; Dedication costs - $951.74.  Total $124,915.63, excluding finance charges.
Work on the site began immediately but cold weather arrived early and delayed construction until April.  The foundation had been laid.  The architect had developed an interior colour scheme.

Planter boxes were placed at the front door and the design of the tower and steeple were considered in April and May.

The corner stone was laid May 31, 1959.  There were now 490 enrolled in the Sunday School, with an attendance of 65%.

The organ and chancel furniture was selected in June 1959. The Hallman organ cost $4,194.

Valley City Mfg Co., Dundas, provided the pulpit, chancel and pews for $5,860.
Trinity United Church was dedicated October 29, 1959, by the Rt. Rev Angus S. McQueen, Moderator, United Church of Canada.

We could not afford floor covering.  Ken Rowe donated the blue colour for the concrete, which many will note is not a uniform mix.  The Women’s Association provided the blue dossal cloth, provided by Duncan McPhee, and the turquoise centre aisle carpet, all leading your eye to what was then a rather small wooden cross.

Trinity Church building was officially completed by the contractor on November 11, 1960.  The building committee was dissolved December 31, 1960.

At the following Congregational meeting, January 26, 1961, Rev. Merrill MacLeod presented his slide show entitled “Building a Wall.”
 

---

MY GRANDMA’S STORIES

By Kathryn Mack

Once upon a time when I was very young,
my Grandma made a rhyme of many things she had done.
To illustrate the story, squares of cloth were cut
from any old fabric lying ‘round about.
Fashioned at last, quite a task,
into a quilt, soft as silk.
Pretty squares, lying there.
Memories arise, Grandma would share.
Especially if I were sick.
Any square I could pick.
Big decision! Never quick,
pretty pink plaid or candy stick.
Then a story would unfold,
a child like me or a knight of old?
A lady love or a dog or cat pet,
some lovely story I was sure to get!


Contributed by Joan Jenkinson

---

Anniversaries

Jean & Don Early – 50th
September 6, 2008

Inez & Ken Hartung – 50th
September 20, 2008

---

 

Womenkin,

is a welcoming group of women, with the purpose
“to share experiences and challenges. To learn about and explore our spiritual connections and growth in a friendly, fun and supportive way”
Meeting the second Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm to about 9:30 pm.

---

The Property Committee

is seeking property maintenance volunteers! We would like to compile a list of people we can call on for specific tasks, as needed, for example, grass cutting/gardening/yard   maintenance, snow shovelling, interior painting, changing light bulbs, small plumbing repairs, or any other items that arise regarding the Church property. If you have some spare time and aptitude, please let us know so we can call on our volunteers as needed. If you would like to also join our committee, that's even better!

Contact Doug Goff,
(Co-Chair, along with Bob Stephens)
519-821-8139 or dgoff@uoguelph.ca,
or the Church Office,
519-824-4800 or  tuc@bellnet.ca

---

Trinity ContacT PlacE

originated in 1993 as part of the “Becoming Aware of Poverty (BAP)” Outreach group at Trinity United Church. Our emergency food cupboard was created in response to a query from the Church secretary to take action for the numerous visitors requesting monetary assistance to purchase food and as an action plan following several discussion meetings & asking community contacts for suggestions.

It was a conscious decision on the part of the initial group to always refer to our “visitors” as such and keep our “requirements” as un-intrusive as possible. For many years we augmented small amounts of food with Zehrs (and later Price Choppers) gift certificates, which we referred to as food vouchers. In 2004 we discontinued the food vouchers due to budget restraints.

Initially we were available Monday & Friday mornings from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon and Wednesday evenings from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Wednesday evenings were discontinued in 1996 for numerous reasons. Since we are an “emergency” resource we ask our visitors to try and come in only once per month.

ContacT PlacE had 284 visitors access our food cupboard during 2007. With family members added we were able to provide help to 541 people last year. During the winter months we provide bus tickets when necessary and each visitor leaves with approximately three bags of food & personal care items per visit.

ContacT PlacE needs 16 to 18 volunteers to operate efficiently each month. Volunteers are paired for one morning a month (less or more times if available). The Volunteers also meet every two to three months to share information and/or concerns on Wednesday mornings in the Lower Parlour.

For many years we prepared Christmas Hampers for some of our visitors & their families. Since 2003 we work in conjunction with the Salvation Army. ContacT PlacE ‘decorates’ the Sanctuary Christmas Tree with tags every year. When congregation members remove a tag or tags they replace them on White Gift Sunday with Gift Certificates that are then forwarded to the Salvation Army for distribution to families throughout Guelph.

ContacT PlacE (and in turn Trinity United Church) is an active member of Guelph Churches’ Outreach Program (CORE) – a group of Guelph Churches who have joined together to address the need for assistance on an emergency basis within the community.

Our donations of food and operating money come from some of the following:
Trinity United Church Members
Trinity United Church Women (UCW)
Trinity United Church Benevolent Fund
Area Churches
University of Guelph
Navacrek Community Services Inc.

If you are interested in volunteering with ContacT PlacE please contact
Shirley Tattrie at 519-837-3447

---

Norfolk United Church Food Program

The Food Program is run by Norfolk United Church as an Outreach program to provide Supper to homeless youth between the ages of 13 to 24.

Many Churches and Organizations in town provide the volunteers allowing the meals to be served 365 days a year. Trinity has 5 teams covering 2 evenings a month – the 5th and 24th. The food is provided and the menu set ahead of time.

Our responsibility is to prepare and serve the supper to an average of 20 to 25 youth. The time commitment is 2 hours from 5:00 pm. to 7:00 pm. Each team works approximately once every 2 to 3 months.

If you would like more information or are interested in joining us in this very worthwhile program, please call Carolyn Holt at 519-824-6113 or contact me at holtcarolyn@sympatico.ca.

You are welcome to come to Norfolk and observe the program but please call me ahead of time so I can notify the team for that evening. The schedule is made up for 2009 in early December 2008. If you are interested we are always looking for new volunteers. We are also interested in a spares so if you are only available occasionally, please give me a call.

Thanks Carolyn Holt

---

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County

Habitat for Humanity Wellington County took on a double project this past summer. Building two houses in different neighbourhoods with two different floor plans for two different sized families. As of September 27th the houses are almost complete.

It has been a wonderful experience being the ‘Snack Lady’ again this year for both builds. Thank you to all the church family members who donated baked goods through the summer and church groups who endured the freezer & refrigerator space being taken up by the snack supplies. I really appreciate the support, which in turn allowed me to support the Habitat builds.

If you want to know more about Habitat for Humanity please check out the local website at:
www.habitatwellington.on.ca


Submitted by Heather Husnik-Osborne
Habitat for Humanity Wellington County
Food Services Committee Volunteer

---

PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY

It is with great joy that we celebrate our one-year anniversary of Prayer Shawl Ministry. To this date more than two hundred and fifty shawls have been crafted, treated, blessed and distributed to members of our congregation and to friends and loved ones all over Canada and throughout the world –England, Scotland, Thailand, Norway and Sweden.

They have gone with our love and blessing, warm and comfy ambassadors from our Trinity United Church pastoral and outreach ministries. We are mutually blessed in the task.

Prayer Shawl Ministry is a self-supporting ministry of our congregation with financial support coming from people who want the giving to continue. A few of our crafters purchase warehouse wool with these donations a few times over the year. Those packets are available to our crafters in the entranceway to the sanctuary.

Those receiving shawls and blankets have been very generous with their support and praise. Some samples from cards received:

‘May your congregation be blessed as you continue to minister God’s love in special ways.’

‘I am grateful, not only for the gift but also the love and care it expresses. Thank you for your labour of love.’

‘I find comfort and love when I drape my shawl over my shoulders.’

Please remember that this ministry is offered to any one in need regardless of where they reside. One need not be a member of this congregation to receive a shawl or blanket.

A shawl/blanket may be given for any reason. What a lovely way to let someone know you are thinking about them and loving them!

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

The next meeting of the Prayer Shawl crafters is Tuesday, October 28th at 1:30 pm in the Lower Parlour. Come and join us for prayer, conversation, knitting/crocheting tips and refreshments.

Remember: a monetary gift to the Prayer Shawl Ministry will be credited to your offering envelope number.

Blessings,
Rev. Lorraine

---

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. There is a $300 discount if you book a seat before the end of November.

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

 

---

Maj. the Rev. Jim Short & Children in Afghanistan

Trinity Youth Groups

We want to thank the congregation for their support of the Afghanistan Project. Two large boxes of school supplies, candy, etc. were sent to Kandahar at the beginning of the summer and were distributed by Major to Rev. Jim Short while he was serving as Chaplain. Rev. Jim has now returned home to Canada to resume his duties at Ladner United Church. The picture above was taken with some of the school children in Afghanistan.

The Trinity Youth Groups have started up again for another exciting, fun and faith-filled year! The Jr. Youth Group consists of youth in grades 5-8 and the Youth Group are made up of those in High School.

This year Joe and Linda Swanson are giving leadership to the Youth Group and Rev. Andy along with parent volunteers are offering leadership to the Jr. Youth Group.

We began this Fall with a September evening at Laser Quest in Kitchener with 20 coming out to play. There were 22 of us for the evening enjoying a pizza dinner before returning to Guelph. Currently there are about ten in the Jr. Youth Group and eight in the Youth Group. The Youth Groups have created Behavioural Covenants - our promises of how we are going to be with each other and what is expected when we are together.

Fall is always a busy time. For the next few weeks we will be preparing for our retreat to Crieff the weekend of October 17-19. On the Saturday of Crieff the other United Church Youth Groups from Guelph join us for dinner and campfire. Trinity Youth have been going to Crieff for many years - we do not know exactly when this tradition began but we guess it must be close to 30 years or more. It is always a wonderful weekend of catching up with old friends and making new friends.

Our groups will also help out at the U of G International Students Thanksgiving Dinner on October 11 at Trinity. Watch out for our upcoming Cheese Sale - this is our only fundraiser during the year and come see us at the Holly Fair Bazaar - we will be hosting “Breakfast With Santa” again this year.

We also want to thank the congregation for your wonderful ongoing support especially in providing the deposit for our weekend at Crieff.

Here are some quotes from the youth who attend:

“When in Youth Group, stay in Youth Group.”

“I feel very comfortable around people of my own faith - it is very comfortable to be at Youth Group - BFF.”

”Syd needs to perk up! Lol!”

“My roflcopter goes swahswahswah...”

“The games rock!”

“Can we play sardines?”

”Time to go to 7-11.”

“What happens at Crieff stays at Crieff.”

“Sheila, are you done checking in yet?”

---

The Bumble Bee

Did you know that the bumble bee cannot fly? It's a very silly question, because of course, bumble bees do fly. Yet, according to the laws of aerodynamics, they should not be able to.

A bumble bee's wings are, in theory, too small to lift the weight of its body. But, apparently, no one told the bee that fact, and so they fly. Quite well, in fact. They do so by flapping their wings not up and down, as one might expect, but back and forth.

"With God, all things are possible," Jesus, reminds us in Matthew 19:26.
Certainly the bumble bee is a living example of this simple but profound truth.

---

St. Francis

Many churches celebrate the Feast of St. Francis on October 4 with a blessing of animals, recalling this Italian saint's affinity for all of God's creatures. However, Francis was more than just a lover of birds and animals. In a world of war and destruction, the saint of Assisi has much to teach us about how to live a Christly life.

Francis was born in 1182, and grew up in extreme wealth and luxury. He lived the life of a carefree playboy, and in his late teens became a warrior knight - only to be captured and spend a year as a prisoner of war.

A divine vision transformed Francis's life. He heard God calling him to repair the church, a call which Francis took in several ways. Literally, Francis began to rebuild the ruined church at San Damiano. In other ways, Francis helped to change people's perception of what it meant to be the church - the body of Christ.

At a time when the church was largely an institution that served the status quo, Francis embraced those who were outcast and welcomed them in. He founded a community that provided care for "the least" in society, and offered a home and dignity to lepers and others who were despised.

The former soldier traveled to the Middle East, the land of the crusades. Instead of joining in the holy wars the Christians were waging, Francis tried to be a peacemaker between Christians and Muslims.

Francis taught a reverence for all of God's creation. The text for "All Creatures of Our God and King" is attributed to him. Wanting to show people that Jesus was born into humble beginnings - a peasant like them - Francis created the first nativity scene and used a manger for an altar one Christmas Eve.

Theologian Matthew Fox has suggested we take St. Francis "out of the birdbath" and give him the respect he deserves, for from this humble saint we can learn much about how to live in harmony with one another and all of creation.


While commonly attributed to St. Francis of Assisi (1182-1226), this prayer is not found in any of his writings, and the earliest known versions of it in print can only be traced to a French version dated 1912. Yet many will agree that the prayer certainly captures the essence of the teachings of St. Francis.

---

 

The National Do Not Call List (DNCL)

was launched on September 30, 2008. It is designed to reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls and faxes Canadians receive.

1. How to register
   As of September 30, 2008, you can register your home phone, cellular or fax number(s) on the National DNCL.
   Signing up is simple, quick and free. You can sign up online at  www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca or by calling the toll-free numbers 1-866-580-DNCL
   (1-866-580-3625) or 1-888-DNCL-TTY
   (1-888-362-5889).
   Once you have signed up, many telemarketers can no longer call you starting 31 days after your registration.
   You must renew your registration every three years if you want your number(s) to stay on the National DNCL.
   
   
2. Who can still call you?
   Registering on the National DNCL will reduce but not eliminate all telemarketing calls and faxes.
   There are certain kinds of telemarketing calls and faxes that are exempt from the National DNCL, including those made by or on behalf of:
   
   • registered charities seeking donations
   • newspapers looking for subscriptions
   • political parties and their candidates, and
   • companies with whom you have an existing commercial relationship; for example, if you have done business with a company in the previous 18 months – such as a carpet-cleaning company – that company can call you.
   Telemarketers making exempt calls must maintain their own do not call lists. If you do not want to be called by these telemarketers, you can ask to be put on their do not call lists. They are obliged to do so within 31 days.
   For more information, see Part II of the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules and the Telecommunications Act.
   
   
3. Market research, polls and surveys
   You will continue to receive calls from organizations conducting market research, polls or surveys even though you are registered on the National DNCL. These are not considered telemarketing calls because they are not selling a product or service, or requesting donations.
   
   
4. Rules telemarketers must follow when they call
   Among other things, telemarketers must:
   
   • identify who they are and, upon request, provide you with a fax or telephone number where you can speak to someone about the telemarketing call
   • display the telephone number that they are calling from or that you can call to reach them, and
   • only call or send faxes between 9:00 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. on weekdays and between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. on weekends.
   Telemarketers must not use Automatic Dialing and Announcing Device (devices that dial telephone numbers automatically and deliver a pre-recorded message). However, these devices can be used by police and fire departments, schools and hospitals, as well as for appointment reminders and thank you calls.
   For more information, see Part III and Part IV of the Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules.
   
   
5. Complaints
   Complaints about telemarketers can be made through the National DNCL website (www.LNNTE-DNCL.gc.ca) or by calling the toll-free numbers 1-866-580-DNCL (1-866-580-3625) or 1-888-DNCL-TTY (1-888-362-5889).
   Types of complaints can include receiving a call even though you have registered on the National DNCL, receiving a call outside of permitted calling hours, a telemarketer who does not put your name and number on their do not call list, or any other violation of the rules.
   When making a complaint, remember that you must provide information such as the date of the call and the name or telephone number of the telemarketer.
   The CRTC will investigate complaints and can penalize telemarketers found to be in violation of any of the CRTC’s Unsolicited Telecommunications Rules.
   As of September 30, 2008, the CRTC can levy penalties of up to $1,500 for an individual and up to $15,000 for a corporation, for each violation.
   
   

---

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.