This Sunday January 21st at 10:30 am, we celebrate Robbie Burns Day in worship.  There will be a few special additions to our worship service, special readings, bagpipes and the choir’s mini musical “Jonah-man Jazz”. 

Next week following the service, we hope you will stay for a special lunch and learn about legacy giving, led by Rev. Melody Duncanson-Hales.  Lunch is provided by the UCW. You’ll receive a United Church “Will Workbook,” and have the opportunity to ask questions about wise and effective charitable avenues to fit your wealth and your values!  

Trinity Family News

Trinity’s congregation and staff extend their prayers and sympathies to the loved ones of AOTS member Keith Serson, who died in hospital early this past Wednesday morning. Keith’s funeral is in the Martyn Funeral Home chapel at 3pm on Sunday January 21st, with family visitation starting at 1pm.

SOUPS ON: Plan to join your Trinity friends for soup on Friday night, Jan 26th 5-6:30 hosted by Trinity AOTS! Contributions of hearty family favourite soups are encouraged. If you are able to contribute a soup please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or talk to Maurice Laporte or another member of the AOTS for further details. Adults $10  6-12yrs $8.00, Family (4) $25.00, under 6yrs Free. 

SAVE THE DATE – RED HOT FRIDAY CHILI NIGHT
Friday February 9th!  You will have an opportunity to sample some delicious chili from many different cooks! You will not want to miss this. Chili ​and Dessert Chefs Needed: Perhaps you have a tasty chili recipe you’d like to share – please sign up in the Fellowship hall​!  Thank-you!

Coldest Night of the Year – North Bay area United Churches are teaming up to raise funds for the Gathering Place during the Coldest Night Walk! Our team is called United Chill Crusaders and we would love to have you join us! The walk takes place on February 24th.  If you would like to join our team (or make a donation on behalf of our team) and help fight hunger in our community, see Lisa after church on Sunday.​  There will also be a sign-up party, hosted at Emmanuel United Church on Saturday February 3rd from 2 -3.  Come help us create our banner, share some coffee and treats and sign up for the walk!  All ages welcome. 

Trinity Family Retreat Weekend – February 17– 19, 2024
Registration is now open for the Family Day Weekend Retreat at Spirit Point Wilderness Academy! ​We can accommodate no more than 60 people. Get your registrations in now to avoid disappointment. Outdoor games, skating, family worship, campfires, warm indoor activities and more! Registration: $125 Adults and Teens and $60 per child (12 and under) Children under 3 are free. For more information speak to Lisa Blais or Marcel MacDonald – registration forms are on the table outside the office.

​See you Sunday!

Hello Trinity Friends,

Please join us for worship this Sunday at 10:30 am.  Rev. Ted’s sermon is titled “Winging It”.  The scripture reading this week is from John 1:43-51.  Sunday School continues a series of lessons on John the Baptist and Baptism.  

Next week is Robbie Burns’ Sunday.  You are welcome to wear your Scottish attire.  Special guests will enhance our service.  

Would you like to get more involved in the life and work of Trinity? There are a number of ways to join in. Board and Committee Members are always welcome.  There are several committees to choose from: Worship, Finance and Stewardship, Building and Grounds; Christian Education and Outreach, Pastoral Care and Visiting, Ministry and Personnel, Communications and Technology.  

Other opportunities to help out are:  Food Shelf/Infant Food Shelf, Sunday School Teaching, Greeting, Ushering, Lay Reading – if you have a willingness to help, we want to hear from you!  Feel free to reach out to a staff or Board member anytime!

Upcoming Events and Announcements

SOUPS ON: Plan to join your Trinity friends for soup on Friday night, Jan 26th 5-6:30 Trinity Soup Tasting Night hosted by Trinity AOTS! Contributions of hearty family favourite soups are encouraged. If you are able to contribute a soup please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or talk to Maurice Laporte or another member of the AOTS for further details. Adults $10 6-12yrs $8.00, Family (4) $25.00, under 6yrs Free.

Trinity Family Retreat Weekend – February 17– 19, 2024 Registration is now open for the Family Day Weekend Retreat at Spirit Point Wilderness Academy! Outdoor games, skating, family worship, campfires, warm indoor activities and more! Registration: $125 Adults and Teens and $60 per child (12 and under) Children under 3 are free. We are grateful for donations from the AOTS and our church community, as well as a grant from the Canadian Shield Regional Council which allows us to keep our costs down. There are a limited amount of bursaries available for those who need them. For more information and to register please contact blais.trinity@gmail.com Registration forms can be found on the table outside the main office.

SAVE THE DATE – RED HOT FRIDAY CHILI NIGHT
Friday February 9th! You will have an opportunity to sample some delicious chili from many different cooks! Our “celebrity” judges will choose top 3 chili and you will have a chance to choose the “fan favourite” chili. You will not want to miss this.
Chili Needed: Perhaps you have a tasty chili recipe you’d like to share – please sign up in the Fellowship hall after next week or speak to Lisa Blais. Thank-you!
More Dates for your Calendar!

·        Friday Jan 26th – Trinity Soup Tasting Night hosted by Trinity AOTS!

·        Sunday Jan 28th – after church will be a “Lunch and Learn” event about Wills and Legacy Giving.

·        Friday Feb 9th- “Red Hot Chili Cook-Off” Dinner

·        Tuesday Feb 13th- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

·        Sunday Feb 18th – Communion service, beginning the season of Lent

·        Saturday February 17 to Monday February 19th- Trinity Family Retreat at “Spirit Point”!

·        Sunday Mar 3rd- Trinity’s afternoon AGM School March Break: Mar 11th through 15th, 2024

·        Sunday Mar 24th – Palm Sunday

·        Thursday Mar 28th – Maundy Thursday All-Night Youth Vigil

·        Friday Mar 29th – City-wide Good Friday service at Emmanuel United Church

·        Sunday Mar 31st – Easter Sunday Communion service

·        Friday Apr 19th – Trinity’s Coffeehouse

Happy New Year Trinity Friends,

Please join us this Sunday for worship at 10:30 am. We return to regular Sunday School with a rotation on Baptism.  

Family News

We extend our sympathies and prayers to the families of Eileen Taylor (who died Dec. 18th) and Audrey Cozac (who died Dec. 28th). A celebration of life for Eileen Taylor took place last month.  Audrey’s celebration of life will take place in the spring.

AOTS Gift Card Orders are due this Sunday January 7

You may submit your order to Rob at church on Sunday or drop it off to him no later than 4 (address given by request) Cheques should be made payable to Trinity United Church AOTS. Cash is also acceptable.
We now accept e-transfers, please ask for details if you are interested.

SOUPS ON! Plan to join your Trinity friends for soup on Friday Jan 26th 5-6:30 for the highly anticipated and popular Trinity Soup Tasting Night (hosted by Trinity AOTS!) Contributions of hearty family favourite soups are encouraged. If you are able to contribute a soup please sign up in the Fellowship Hall or talk to Maurice Laporte or another member of the AOTS for further details. Adults $10  6-12yrs $8.00 Family (4) $25.00 under 6yrs Free.

Trinity Family Retreat Weekend – February 17– 19, 2024
Registration is now open for the Family Day Weekend Retreat at Spirit Point Wilderness Academy. Outdoor games, skating, family worship, campfires, warm indoor activities and more! Registration: $125 Adults and Teens and $60 per child (12 and under) Children under 3 are free.  We are grateful for donations from the AOTS and our church community, as well as a grant from the Canadian Shield Regional Council which allows us to keep our costs down. There are a limited amount of bursaries available for those who need them. For more information and to register please contact blais.trinity@gmail.com Registration forms can be found on the table outside the main office or by request via email.  Sign up quickly as it is first come, first served!  Registration deadline is Monday February 5th (or when spots are filled)

UPCOMING DATES FOR YOUR CALENDAR
• Sunday Jan 21 – Robbie Burns Sunday
• Friday Jan 26 – Trinity Soup Tasting Night hosted by Trinity AOTS!
• Sunday Jan 28 – after church will be a “Lunch and Learn” event about Wills and Legacy Giving.
• Friday Feb 9- “Red Hot Chili Cook-Off” Dinner
• Tuesday Feb 13- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
• Sunday Feb 18 – Communion service, beginning the season of Lent
• Feb 17-19th- the Trinity Families annual Retreat at “Spirit Point”!

Hello Trinity Friends,

As you gather with friends and family this Christmas, may your hearts and homes be filled with joyful laughter, happy memories and love.  For those of you who are travelling, safe travels!  Please remember to hold those who are alone or hurting in prayer and love.

This Sunday December 24th at 10:30 am, we celebrate Fourth Advent. During the morning service we will share in the Sacrament of Holy Communion.  Following Communion, the children will be invited down to Sunday School for a Christmas story and a craft.  

Christmas Eve Service Sunday, December 24th, 7pm

The All ages Family service begins at 7 pm.  We celebrate the Christmas story with scripture and carols.  There will be no Sunday School or Nursery care this evening but there are activities at the back of the Sanctuary to keep hands busy! 

Christmas Office Closures

The offices will be closed Monday December 25th and will re-open on Tuesday January 2nd.  For emergency pastoral care, phones and THIS email will be checked periodically.

Fifth Sunday Worship – Sunday December 31st, 9:30 am

Area United Churches will gather together for worship at Omond Memorial Church.  (319 McKenzie Ave) Worship begins at 9:30 am.  There will be no church service at Trinity that morning.

​Save the Date!

• Sunday Jan 7th- Baptism Sunday (contact the office ASAP with your interest) 10:30 am.
• Sunday Jan 21st – Robbie Burns Sunday
• Friday Jan 26th – Trinity Soup Tasting Night hosted by Trinity AOTS!
• Sunday Jan 28th – after church will be a “Lunch and Learn” event about Wills and Legacy Giving.
• Friday Feb 9th- “Red Hot Chili Cook-Off” Dinner
• Tuesday Feb 13th- Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper
• Sunday Feb 18th – Communion service, beginning the season of Lent
• Feb 17-19th- the Trinity Families annual Retreat at “Spirit Point”!

​On behalf of the staff at Trinity United Church, we would like to thank you for your thoughtful gifts and cards and the lovely expressions of gratitude. We truly feel blessed to serve the Trinity family! Thank-you and Merry Christmas to all!  

Hello Trinity Friends,

Please join us this third Sunday in Advent as we celebrate “JOY” The Trinity Choir will bring us into the joy of the Christmas season with their wonderful Choir Cantata – Love: A Gospel Christmas Celebration. Come early for a good seat and to join in the Carol Sing!  We are encouraging young people to remain in the sanctuary for worship to enjoy the musical celebration.  There will be “busy” bags at the back of the Sanctuary for anyone to grab (colouring pages, Christmas stories, word searches, etc.)  The nursery will be available for younger children.

Celebrations

Trinity has been a very busy place these last few weeks.  It is heartwarming to know how generous our Trinity Congregation is! Here are just some of the events worth celebrating this month!
• Near North Voices along with celebrity readers performed to a full house for a wonderfully successful Dickens’ Christmas Carol reading!  We were able to raise over $8000 for the Gathering Place!
• Trinity youth just finished packing over 150 Christmas Bags for the Christmas Bag Outreach. Your generosity has helped to provide Christmas gifts to Children, Youth and Adults at several organizations. Thank-you!
• The UCW has prepared 40 Cheer Plates for people who are not able to get out of their homes or not well. The UCW have been providing hospitality and refreshments for many joyous celebrations and sad farewells this season – Thank you to the UCW for all you do!
• The Christian Education Committee hosted a Messy Church event for families to get into the Christmas Spirit with crafts, activities, storytelling and a hot meal.  There were over 60 people in attendance – including several new Canadian Families from Ukraine!  Thank-you to the Christian Education Committee for this wonderful outreach!

Christmas Worship Services

As we journey through the week of Christmas, there are a couple of special worship opportunities to share with you.

The LONGEST NIGHT Service – Thursday December 21st, 7 pm.

Our friends from St. Andrew’s United Church join us to host a “Longest Night” service of candlelit prayer and of heartfelt string music with “Depatie and Hyatt” in the Trinity sanctuary. Join us Thursday Dec. 21st at 7pm, when we embrace a holiday opportunity of spacious prayerful pause, to contemplate the hopes and fears that fill the actual longest night of the year! 

ADVENT 4 WORSHIP – Sunday December 24th, 10:30 am

Advent/Christmas Communion.  Sunday School will include an informal Christmas activity.

CHRISTMAS EVE FAMILY SERVICE – Sunday December 24th, 7 pm
Our service will include the scripture story and lively singing of many Christmas favourites.

FIFTH SUNDAY SERVICE – Sunday December 31st 9:30 am
Area United Churches will gather together for worship at Omond Memorial Church.  (319 McKenzie Ave) Worship begins at 9:30 am.  There will be no church service at Trinity that morning.

OFFICE HOURS DURING THE HOLIDAY

Please note that Trinity Offices will be closed on December 22nd and will re-open on Tuesday January 2nd. The answering machine and email will be checked periodically.

See you Sunday!