Hello Trinity Friends,

Well, it’s official: the Groundhogs have predicted an early spring! Although we’ve already been experiencing some spring like weather I am pretty certain winter still has a few surprises in store for us! 

We hope you will join us this Sunday for worship at 10:30 am. Rev. Ted’s sermon title is “Where isn’t God Hiding?”  Come to worship and find out!  In Sunday School the children will be continuing their rotation on Jonah with a cooking lesson!

A few announcements:

The UCW will be meeting at Rae Brownlee’s home – Monday February 12th at 1 pm.  The guest speaker is Gord Ford.  All women welcome!

Submissions to the Annual Report are due on Sunday, February 18th. Please email to Ross Brewer. Contact the church office for his email address.

A reminder that next Friday February 9th is the Red Hot Friday Chili Night!  We are still in need of chili and dessert submissions.  If you are able to contribute to the event, please reply to this email!  The Chili Night is a fundraiser for the Trinity Family weekend.  We hope you will join us to sample some amazing chili and join in the fun and friendly chili competition.  Brian Risk, along with his friend Kristy, will be performing some an acoustic set at the start of the evening.  Doors open at 6.  Chili is served at 5:30 until it runs out!  This is always a fun night!  

For those contributing chili, please bring it in hot (in a labeled crock pot if you have one) between 1 and 5.  Judges are served at 5:15

The United Chill Crusaders, (local United Church Coldest Night Team) invites you to our Team launch party – Saturday February 3rd from 2 – 3 pm at Emmanuel United Church (395 Lakeshore). We will be making a banner, capes and getting important team information.  Refreshments will be served.  If you would like to join our team or make a donation, please click on the following link.  http://walk.w-ith.me/UnitedChillCrusaders

Joyful Bells Open House Invitation  – Wednesday, February 21  6:30-7:30 pm Trinity United Church 

Have you ever thought it would be fun to make music with other people?   This  is your invitation to come and learn about being part of a handbell choir.  The Joyful Bells under the direction of Brenda McLay has been meeting for about 10 years and is looking for people to join.  No handbell experience is needed.  The ability to read music is an asset but if you can count and are open to learning new things, this may be for you.  The open house will give you an opportunity to try ringing the bells, learn about the choir and ask lots of questions.  Then over refreshments, you can chat with the choir members.  Come and explore the joy of making music and ringing in harmony with others.  You can visit our Facebook page to see more about the group. Joyful Bells Page 

The Joyful Bells Handbell Choir practices at Trinity every Wednesday evening 6:15 – 7:45.”  

See you soon!

Happy Friday Trinity Friends,

Soup chefs and bread bakers have been busy preparing for tonight’s Soups On event.  We hope you are able to come down and sample some delicious soup tonight from 5 to 6:30.  See the poster for more details!

This Sunday worship begins at 10:30 am as usual!  For those who are unable to attend in person, a reminder that we livestream to YouTube every Sunday.  If you are joining us on YouTube, let us know!  Our services are broadcast a week later on Cogeco’s YourTV on Sundays as well. Check local listings for the correct time.

Following the service, you are invited to stay for a Lunch & Learn event on Legacy Giving with Rev. Melody Duncanson-Hales, Community of Faith Support Minister from the Canadian Shield Regional Council. 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!  

There are a number of upcoming events and activities. A few are listed below but for a full view of our upcoming activities and worship services please check out our winter “Events Guide”  on our website here Newsletter

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 Chefs Needed: Perhaps you have a tasty chili recipe you’d like to share – please sign up in the Fellowship hall or speak to Lisa Blais. Thank-you!

A reminder for those wishing to attend the Family Day retreat weekend to get your registrations in soon!  The deadline to register is February 5th.

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 on Saturday February 24th! Our team is called United Chill Crusaders and we would love to have you join us!   If you would like to join our team (or make a donation on behalf of our team) see Lisa after church on Sunday or click on this link. http://walk.w-ith.me/UnitedChillCrusaders  You are invited to the kick off event on Saturday February 3rd from 2 – 3 pm at Emmanuel United Church (395 Lakeshore Dr.) Together we will add our handprints to a banner, make our capes and organize our team.  Light snacks will be served

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