Minute for Right Relations

Manitou Conference Minute for Right Relations: 

“We need a National Public Independent Inquiry!”

 It’s been a year since the body of 15 year-old Tina Fontaine, from the Sagkeeng First Nation, was pulled from the Red River in a bag.  To date, her murder remains unsolved.  Tina’s particular story is unique to her but her story is common to Canadian Aboriginal women and girls.  They are almost three times more likely to be violently victimized than non-Aboriginal women.  They make up 4% of Canada’s population but represent 16% of all murdered women (from 1980-2012) and 12% of all missing women on record.

 Our UCC General Council recently reaffirmed a call to the Federal government for a national inquiry into this violent reality.  The provincial and territorial governments and Aboriginal organizations are all on record as requesting an inquiry.  The Harper Government has refused. 

The Government convened a one-day National Roundtable on Murdered and Missing Aboriginal women and girls last February that brought together all levels of government, national Aboriginal organizations & some family members of those victimized.  At the end of the Day, the current Federal Government remained opposed to the inquiry.  Participants agreed to coordinate efforts on policing, community safety and crime prevention but the root causes that put Aboriginal women at risk, still need to be addressed.  A national public independent inquiry would be the first step toward doing this.

What can we do? 

  • During the run-up to the federal election, urge candidates of all parties to voice support for a national inquiry.
  • Sign the on-line Amnesty International petition ‘No More Stolen Sisters’ that calls for an inquiry.
  • Attend one of the public vigils taking place on October 4 to remember those who have gone missing or been murdered or, participate in the virtual candlelight vigil at: october4th.ca 

What else can we do?  As people of faith who cherish the life God has given to all Creation, we can pray unceasingly that the world will become a more just and gentle place for all people.  May it be so ….

Written by Rev Teresa Jones, MTU Conf Right Relations Team, Aug 2015 Supported by information from: www.cbc.ca; www.amnesty.ca; www.nwac.ca

Trinity Weekly Update

Hello Trinity Friends,

Welcome back!  Hopefully you all had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to resuming the regular activities and routines that fall brings.  In the next couple of weeks many of the groups will be starting up.  In the next couple of days, the fall newsletter will be emailed, mailed and posted on the website.  Please take the time to read through it and join in any of the activities that appeal to you!
 
A couple highlights of the next couple of weeks are listed below.  Please feel free to email me or drop in anytime to ask about any of the programs, activities or volunteer opportunities.  Hopefully see you Sunday!
 
Sunday September 6th – Worship resumes at Trinity – 10:30 am
 
Saturday September 12th – AOTS Men’s group – All men are welcome to attend breakfast at Burger World (on Hammond) at 8 am followed by a business meeting at Trinity at 9 am.  The AOTS also sell gift cards as a fundraiser to support youth programs.  Please see Ed Rose for information on how to purchase gift cards for items you normally buy (groceries, gas, books, clothing, restaurants and much more!)
 
Sunday September 13th – Rally Back Sunday – Please join us we officially kick off the Sunday School year.  During morning worship we will covenant with our Sunday School volunteers and recognize Rev. Kathy McCallum as our Minister Emerita.  In the afternoon (3 pm) please join us for our annual Church Family Picnic on the shores of Lake Nipissing (Camp Tillicum).  See the attached flyer for more information!
 
Led Zeppelin Choir
Led Zeppelin is coming to Trinity on Saturday September 19th in the persona of Michael White and The White.  The Trinity Choir – and any other interested singers (all ages welcome) have been asked to sing as part of this one of a kind event.  The concert “Live in the Houses of the Holy” promises to be a memorable experience!  If you wish to participate in the one time special choir please contact Betty at bettyfarris@hotmail.com.  Rehearsals will be Thursday September 10 7 – 8 pm and Thursday September 17th from 7 – 8 pm.  All Ages are welcome!
 
Senior Choir resumes on Thursday September 10th and Junior Choir resumes Sunday September 20th at 9:30 am in the Sanctuary.
 
Trinity’s Apple Pie project is all set to roll (pun intended).  If you would like to be a part of this wonderful ministry please consider signing up for one of the work times.  Sign up sheets are posted in the Sunday School Hall.  Ask almost anyone at Trinity about how much fun it is to be part of this – even our Mayor Al MacDonald enjoys helping.  If you would like to order a pie (or 10) please fill in the order form which can be found in the bulletin our outside the main office.  Get your order in asap as only 1500 orders will be accepted!
 
Tuesday Morning Coffee Group Nursery Job
The women’s coffee group is looking for a nursery caregiver Tuesday mornings from 9:15 – 11:45 starting immediately.  Childcare experience is preferred. Remuneration is $30 each Tuesday.  For more information or to submit a resume, please forward to Lisa Blais at blais.trinity@gmail.com or call (705)474-3310  Please note that a current Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check is required for this job.
 
Scouts Canada Registration
Registration for Beavers (5-7), Cubs (8-10), Scouts (11-14), Ventures (15-17) and Rovers (18 plus) is on Tuesday September 15th at Trinity United Church from 6:30 – 7:30 pm or at any of the meetings.  
 
The Scouting Program is growing and the enthusiasm is increasing!  This means the need for leaders is growing too.  If you can find a couple of hours a week to invest in the youth in our community we would love to hear from you.
 
For more information or to volunteer please speak with Bill Brownlee or Dave McKenney
Call the church for their contact information (705)474-3310