Trinity United Church North Bay

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“Perhaps the secret of living well is not in having all the answers, but in pursuing unanswerable questions in good company.”

~ Rachel Naomi Remen

At every stage of life, our brief and precious existence invites us to ask life’s deepest questions—and to seek out real community where those questions can be voiced and explored. At Trinity, we take those questions seriously, and YOU help ensure that we pursue them in the best of company.

Join us—and bring your questions. Bring your talents, your passion. Together, we will dig deep into the mystery of God and a treasure-trove of spiritual traditions. Old meets new! We are committed to loving each other, loving this world, and loving this extraordinary life.

Youth & Children

Trinity Youth
Trinity youth are active and essential to our community. They read in worship, teach Sunday School, help with tech, staff the nursery, and support projects.

Youth Group
Open to Grade 7+. We meet throughout the year for fun, faith, and friendship—including games nights, prayer vigils, hikes, paint nights, and more. Youth serve by baking, painting, leading worship, and organizing our Christmas Bag Outreach (150+ bags shared!).

Sunday School
A lively space for ages 4–12, filled with crafts, games, and discovery. Children regularly help lead worship and perform in Mustard Seed and Christmas Pageant. Youth 13+ often help. High school hours can be earned. Children under 4 are welcome in our nursery.

Mustard Seed Productions
Founded in 2007 to unite youth around theatre. We’ve produced over a dozen musicals since “Godspell.” We welcome actors, singers, dancers, crew, and creatives. Usually one show per year, with rehearsals beginning in spring. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/mustardseedtheatre or contact Lisa Blais at blais.trinity@gmail.com

Vacation Bible Camp (VBC)
One joyful week each summer! For JK to Grade 7. $80 includes snacks, materials, and a shirt. Activities include music, crafts, baking, games, and more. Youth Grade 8+ may volunteer for high school credit. Limited to 50 children. Contact: Lisa Blais at blais.trinity@gmail.com

Trinity Arts

‘Using the many blessings of the Trinity church family to enrich life and faith through the arts.’

Trinity has a long, colourful history as a venue for the arts: concerts, community theatre, gallery exhibits, poetry readings, workshops, and fundraisers. Trinity Arts exists to share and foster the arts as a gift to both our church and the broader North Bay community. We welcome collaborations with partner organizations of all kinds!

Blues Lent

“Lent” is traditionally the sombre 40-day period leading to Easter. Over the centuries, it’s been a time of penitence and fasting. Blues Lent brings a modern twist to this tradition. We welcome talented musicians from North Bay and beyond to perform heartfelt contemporary music—the kind that stirs the soul. Through rock, blues, country, and jazz, we explore the human struggle and spirituality at the heart of everyday life.

Secret Book Club

“Reverend Ted’s Secret Book Club” began during the pandemic lockdown as a summer reading group. Every year or two, Rev. Ted hand-picks a new “Secret Book,” delivering it personally to readers. A month later, we gather at a book party to share reflections. The “Secret Book” is always a thought-provoking spiritual classic that has shaped Ted’s own journey.

The “Trinity Testosterone” Men’s Canoe Trip

When Rev. Ted joined Trinity in 2009, he saw that our congregation was filled with adventurers—and that our men’s ministry deserved an adventurous twist. Since then, our annual “Trinity Testosterone” trip brings 12 to 24 men together for a weekend of camping and paddling (usually in June). The details remain mysteriously hush-hush, but it’s a great way for newcomers to connect with the wilderness and our community. Sign-up begins Easter Sunday!

Trinity Pastoral Care and Visiting Team

This team meets every two months to support one another in offering care and connection to the Trinity community. Through visits, phone calls, and cards, we aim to uplift especially seniors experiencing isolation, those in hospital, and our treasured “Super Seniors” aged 90 and up. If you feel called to join, please contact the church office.

Prayer Shawl Ministry

Our gifted knitters and crocheters lovingly create shawls and lap robes, praying over each stitch. These pieces are blessed in worship before being gifted to someone in need of love, protection, and comfort. They are truly priceless.

We always have shawls available—just ask Peggy in the office. Donations of yarn are welcome; we’ve prepared kits so creators can get started easily. Shawls are gifted to new members, and blankets are presented at baptisms. We hope these gifts strengthen the recipient’s connection to Trinity.

The Friends of Camp Caritou

We meet quarterly, usually at Trinity. We co-operate Camp Caritou with the Bonfield & District Lions Club. This charitable trust provides affordable outdoor experiences for youth groups, and also rents to families, service clubs, and other groups.

We are a volunteer-run organization focused on fundraising and maintaining Camp Caritou for the benefit of children and youth.

To join: contact campcaritou@gmail.com or visit campcaritou.ca. (Photos and logo are available in the shared drive.)

Christian Education and Outreach Committee

This committee supports children, youth, and family ministries alongside our Faith Formation and Outreach Minister. We oversee programs including Mustard Seed Theatre, Vacation Bible Camp, Sunday School, Youth Group, Confirmation Classes, Faith on Fridays, and more.

We also support the Monday and Infant Food Shelves, host events like the Rally Back Picnic, Santa Parade Hotdog Lunch, Messy Church, and Red Hot Friday Chili Night.

Our work reflects Trinity’s Mission: to reach out and serve the wider community and the world; nurture spirituality in all ages; and foster a safe, welcoming, and inclusive community of faith.

Interested? Speak to Sue Miller or Lisa Blais.

4 Trinity

Each November, the 4 Trinity group hosts a Cookie Walk fundraiser on a Saturday morning. To donate baking or buy cookies, contact the church office in early November.

We collect clean, used cookie tins all year long.

The Cookie Walk features a wide variety of Christmas cookies and squares, with options to meet many dietary needs.

Compassionate Committee for the Homeless in North Bay

Representatives from downtown churches and social agencies meet monthly for education and planning.

Projects include:

  • Distributing winter essentials
  • “Backpacks of Love” campaign
  • Hosting Easter dinner with Open Arms Cafe
  • Educational events featuring voices from lived experience
  • Good Samaritan Corner columns
  • Advocacy letters for housing and support services

Follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/compassionatecommitteeofnorthbay

Trinity’s reps: Sue Miller and Anne Smith. Interested in joining? Speak to them.

Scouts Canada – North Bay

  • Beavers: Tuesdays 6:30–7:30
  • Cubs: Tuesdays 6:30–8:00
  • Scouts: Thursdays 6:30–8:30
  • Venturers/Rovers: Wednesdays 7:00–9:00

Focus: Canadian citizenship, environmental stewardship, and the outdoors.

Highlights: camping, hiking, jamborees (local, national, international), and leadership through small-group work.

To join: Register through Scouts Canada. Contact a section leader to try out a program.

Food Shelf

Open Mondays 9:30–11:00 a.m. to anyone in need. We serve over 200 families/month with food, toiletries, pet supplies, and more. Clients can also browse clothes and enjoy coffee and snacks.

Tuesday Morning Coffee Group

Welcoming women of all ages, non-denominational. We meet Tuesdays 9:30–11:30 a.m. during the school year. Topics include health, crafts, cooking, and more. $3/week. Childcare provided.

Family Retreat Weekend

Held each February at Spirit Point Wilderness Academy. A weekend of faith, connection, campfires, games, and relaxation for all ages. Registration opens in the New Year.

Prayer Chain

This “invisible” team prays confidentially when requests are received. Interested in joining? Contact Lisa Blais at blais.trinity@gmail.com

Recovery Programs

Trinity hosts several closed 12-step groups. For details, contact Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.

Trinity Infant Food Shelf

Wednesdays 10 a.m.–12 noon in the Sunday School Room. Serving families with infants under age 1.

Intake includes demographic info and visit frequency. Items offered: diapers, wipes, food, creams, blankets, sleep sacks, and $25 gift cards for formula or fresh food.

Extras: Safe sleep education, child development tools, advocacy, and community referrals.

Most of all: we offer relief, joy, and compassion. New participants simply need to walk in with proof of birth.

Volunteer opportunities: shopping, sewing, drop-in help, or fundraising.

Our Mission: To support families by ensuring their babies have what they need to thrive. Through compassion and community, we serve our youngest neighbours with dignity and care.

Choir and Music at Trinity

The choir offers a warm and enthusiastic welcome to youth (normally high school age) and adults. We sing a wide variety of music and, in a broad range of musical styles. Some experience with music reading is helpful, although not required. Most important are a love of singing and a commitment to attend weekly Sunday services and choir rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 7:15 to 9:15 p.m.

If you are interested in joining the choir, contact Betty Farris at bettyfarris@hotmail.com (474-3310) or speak with any choir member.

Worship and congregational life are made more vibrant by instrumental music and other forms of artistic expression. If you play an instrument, sing, dance, make art, do storytelling or drama, and would like to make occasional offerings, we would welcome your contribution. Make your interest known to Betty Farris.

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