The Quarterly News-Letter
150th Anniversary Sunday 14 November 2010
Trinity-Providence United Church Pastoral Charge
How to reach us.
Mailing address
40 William Street P/O box 426
Bobcaygeon K0M 1A0
Office phone 705-738-5135 Fax 705-738-1894
Minister’s Phone 705-738-5136
Church phone 705-738-6887
Editor phone 705-738-3689
e-mails and website
Allan Reeve allan@trinitybobcaygeon.ca
Sue Zilke Ward mailto:07sue@trinitybobcaygeon.ca
Editor bmboysen@sympatico.ca
info@trinitybobcaygeon.ca
www.trinitybobcaygeon.ca
From the Pulpit
Did you ever have one of those days when you couldn’t figure out if everything was falling apart or if everything was coming together? You may have been working on a major project and you were forever hitting resistance and roadblocks.. And then someone called, or a change was made, and everything seemed to fall into place. Of course the opposite might have happened. Just when you thought you had it all together, something happened and you were once again back to square one.
In today’s scriptures we meet two groups of people. In Genesis 11 we meet a people who were content with themselves. They believed that they could do as they wished, including building a tower as high as heaven. God observed this and intervened by having them speak many different languages, and caused them to scatter.
Turning to our scripture in Acts, we find the followers of Christ waiting for the arrival of the Holy Spirit that had been promised to them by Jesus. They were anxious and fearful, as the one that they had chosen to follow had first been crucified, then rose from the dead and then later ascended into heaven. What were they to experience next? Would they, too, be arrested and crucified as enemies of the Roman Empire, or singled out as enemies of their own Jewish community and shunned or killed?
This was 50 days after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. It was the day of Pentecost; the day the Jewish people celebrated the giving of the Ten Commandments to Moses on the mountain. The city of Jerusalem was bustling with many foreign Jews who had returned for the celebration. Remember that the Jews had been scattered to many other lands, and spoke many different languages.
Then the Holy Spirit came as the rushing of the wind and tongues of fire, and filled those waiting with the inspiration and courage to go back into the world and to spread the good news of Christ. And then another amazing thing happened. They began speaking in other languages so that each foreigner could understand them. This speaking in other tongues allowed the community to come together and to ultimately make the Christian message universal.
So in the story of the Tower of Babel we have one language divided into many to force the scattering of the community. In Acts, we have scattered languages coming together to bring the community together.
If you had been present at each of these events, would you have though that everything was falling apart, or that everything was coming together? When people aspired to be God, God intervened and scattered them. When people chose to be a follower of God, God intervened and brought them together.
Over the past year, and more, we have been celebrating the 150th Anniversary of this church. It has been an exciting and fun time, with many great projects and events. We have looked back on our history through visiting the sites of the smaller churches that over the years came together under this roof. Last week we again recognised these churches through the dedication of these signs. In the past year, we have had special music, special meals and special worship services. We have painted murals. Our children have had special Sunday church projects. We have dreamed of a better future through improving our environment, supporting our local farmers, and providing housing to our seniors. We became acutely aware that we are a part of a larger world community, as we learned of the struggles in Africa.
Through all of these projects and celebrations we have found ourselves coming together as a community. We found a common language through a common interest. We learned new phrases like “the hundred mile diet”. We learned new music and new ways of worshiping that led us to an appreciation of alternative understandings of God’s word.
But we also found that we didn’t always agree on what we should be doing. Sometimes we felt we had overextended ourselves financially, and that we needed to slow down and pay the bills that we already owed, rather than make commitments to other projects. We were asked to contribute more and more of our own money for yet one more idea. All projects were more than worthy and appropriate, but we were feeling as if we were being stretched beyond our limits.
We didn’t always agree on how we should worship. Many of us quite enjoyed the new innovations that were introduced, including different music, lots of different individuals involved in the worship service, and taking time sharing how the spirit had been active in our lives. Others of us found such services scattered and unfocussed, and not particularly conducive to worship. Some came seeking support for a hurting heart, only to be greeted by raucous and noisy celebration.
We haven’t always agreed on who should provide us our leadership and make decisions for us. We have many strong and independent personalities within our church community, and with their energy, many exciting projects have been initiated successfully. At the same time, we have not always been very good at gaining a consensus of support from our community for these projects. We have many active committees that attempt to follow a democratic and sharing process, and yet the communication between these communities has not always been effective, and as a result, some have felt as if they were left outside the decision making process. Others have felt that even when decisions were made, these decisions were ignored.
So as we have come together as a community in our celebrations, we have also been divided as a community. This has created many tensions, leaving many weary and exhausted and in some cases, so of us have become ill. Some of us have found the need to withdraw for a time, including our own minister. In his words, he was “burnt out”. So are we falling apart or are we coming together?
We are faced with a challenge. Now that we have celebrated, and continue to celebrate, what do we do next? Do we breathe a sigh of relief, thankful that the party is finally over [or will soon be over] and we can get back to ‘normal’? Do we disband our special committees, feeling that the task has been completed? Perhaps we have become anxious about the uncertainty of what will happen with our minister. When he comes back, what then? If it turns out that he is unable to return, what then? When do we begin this dialogue? Now? Or when decisions are made by others?
We are a strong community, and we will be here in another 150 years. Of course we will be a little older then, and the church may look a little different, but this community will be here. This we affirm! Let us embrace the Holy Spirit and the energy and confidence that it brings. Let us confirm our faith in God through Christ.
Thanks be to God.
Submitted by
Andy Harris
Trinity’s 150th Anniversary Celebrations
The Mural Committee was proud to present another memorable church service in the 150th Anniversary year. The second mural depicting Trinity’s path from 1960 to 2010 connecting the previous mural to the present time. This event began at Kawartha Settlers Village with a short prayer service in Fairbairn Church conducted by Rev. Walter Murray prior to the parade moving from that site through town to celebrate our Spiritual Journey connecting our past accomplishments to the present.
The parade drummed with our own Karel Beck featuring Thompson’s 1909 model and other vintage vehicles with banners depicting the seven visioning groups, floats, music, cars with Trinity members, walkers, bikes, trikes, the young and the young-at-hearts participating.
The last parade entry was a “Smart Car” featuring contemporary music.
At Trinity an enthusiastic Sing Song precluded the morning service. Local artist Robert Milner unveiled the second mural “The River of Spirituality and Fellowship” painted under his direction.
The morning message was shared by Rev. Allan and his father Rev. David Reeve.
A luncheon featuring “100mile Diet” concluded another memorable event. We are grateful to all who participated to make this a joyous occasion.
Now we look ahead to the third and final triptick (presently being designed under Robert Milner’s Direction)which shall depict Trinity’s future.
This shall be dedicated on Anniversary Service on Sunday 14 November 2010 when a former minister Rev. Ed Bentley shall return as guest speaker.
Please mark your calendar for this special event.
Healing Ministry News
Your Healing Ministry Team has had an extremely busy year with our Reiki and Therapeutic Touch sessions held in the Sanctuary on Wednesday afternoons.
We have seen many examples of the ways that God works through these modalities. Clients have experienced relief from pain, left feeling a peace and calm within, felt emotional stresses diminished.
These therapies are now accepted practices in many hospitals as the medical profession realizes the benefits of this holistic approach to healing. They are based on the premise that the human body has an energy field. When someone is ill, there are energy blockages and these techniques help smooth out the energy congestion.
The practitioner uses the hands as a focus to promote healing by helping the body re-pattern its energy toward wholeness and health. This is an energy interaction between two or more people where one or more have the intent to help or assist in the healing of the recipient.
These therapies are used in hospice situations, by midwives, occupational health nurses and those involved with elder care. They are often used before and after surgery with patients generally needing less pain medication.
Reiki and Therapeutic Touch affect mind, body, emotions and spirit.
Carolyn, Sandra, Marjorie, Carol and I feel so privileged to be able to offer this ministry to Trinity members as well as the wider community.
In Christ’s Love & Healing
Joan Wesley, Sandra Schell, Carolyn Antonio, Carol Wells, Marjory Mitchell.
Allan’s leave of absence
It is with regrets that I have to let all of you know that Allan has been granted a medical leave of absence until the end of August. It is our prayer that this time of refreshment will alleviate the burn out condition that he has experienced. During this time the Presbytery will assign someone to assist in pastoral care as needed. The worship committee has pulpit supply arranged through June after which time we hope that Presbytery will also assign someone to fill that need. Please remember Allan in your prayers during this time.
Liz Dragstra
UCW News
Several fundraising events are planned for late spring and early summer. The proceeds of these events will be used to fund projects at Trinity Providence Church and the many worthy causes that we support in our community.
Saturday, June 12th is the date of the 18th Annual Bobcaygeon House Tour. This event is organized and sponsored by the Women of Trinity United Church and Christ Church Anglican. There are five houses to visit and tea will be served at Trinity Church. The tour is held from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and the cost of a ticket is $12.00.
Saturday, July 10th there will be a Bake Sale in conjunction with the Trinity Garage Sale. It will begin at 8:00 a.m. and last as long as there is still baking for sale. Homemade cookies, tarts, squares and pies go quickly; so plan to come early. Donations for the Bake Table are always welcome. If possible please bring them to the Church on Friday, July 9th between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. so that we may price them and put them on the tables.
Wednesday, July 21 the Faith, Hope and Love Unit will hold a Garden Party from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of Trinity United Church. The cost of a ticket will be $5.00 and will include entertainment and refreshments.
Please mark these dates on your calendar and plan to attend. Our ongoing donations to such services as A Place Called Home, Bobcaygeon Helps and Women’s Resources, depend on your support.
Amelia Torrie
To all our ladies and gentlemen
The U.C.W. ladies will be making chili sauce again in September and are asking for donations of 500 ml sized Mason jars. If you could donate this size it would be greatly appreciated. Please leave them on the counter in the kitchen and I will periodically pick them up and store them for use in September.
Thank you in advance. Olive Macoomb
From the Property Committee A couple of items we may wish to expand on:
- new hanging microphones above the choir to reduce obstruction by former stand up mics From the Property Committee..
-Clean up day a couple of weeks ago where; in addition to raking, weeding etc. and removal of numerous scrub trees along the property line,
2 mature pyramidal cedar trees were removed to provide better lighting from the overhead floodlight on the sidewalk below and the step down to the parking lot.
In addition to some 6 men who participated in the cleanup, Elisabeth Anne Hull, the only female participant, did most of the flowerbed weeding.
Wally
Church calendar for the Spring and Summer
If you have nothing to do, check out the church calendar and enjoy, maybe you find enough or more than enough.
Thursday, June 10th the Harmony UCW will be meeting
Sat. June 12th will be the Men’s Breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m. in Trinity Hall.
Sat. June 12th will be our 18th Annual House Tour starting at 1:00 p.m. to 5:00
p.m. Cost is $12.00 per person and includes refreshments & Art Show at Trinity United Church.
Wed. June 16th the SOS House Church will be meeting in the Library at 9:30 a.m.
Sat. June 26th will be the Women’s Breakfast starting at 8:00 a.m. in Trinity Hall
Sun. June 27 will be the Susan Brown & Choir Concert starting at 2:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary
Mon. June 28 the Faith, Hope, and Love UCW will be meeting
Tues. June 29 the Friendship UCW will be meeting
Wed. June 30 the other House Church will be meeting at 9:30 a.m. in the Library
House Church will be meeting again on Wed. July 14th at 9:30 a.m. in the Library
Sat. July 10th will be our Yard & Bake Sale
Wed. July 21st there will be a Garden Party by Faith, Hope & Love UCW in Trinity Hall
House Church will be meeting on Wed. July 28th at 9:30 a.m. in the Library
Wed. Aug. 25th will be our Annual Fish Fry in Trinity Hall
Wed. Sept. 8th House Church at 9:30 a.m. in the Library
Thurs. Harmony UCW at 12:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Room
Sat. Sept. 11th will be the Men’s Breakfast at 8:00 a.m.
Sun. Sept. 12th will be Doors Open Bobcaygeon and Trinity will be doing an afternoon Tea
Sat. Sept. 25th will be the Women’s Breakfast at 8:00 a.m. in Trinity Hall
Mon. Sept. 27th will be the Faith, Hope & Love U.C.W. meeting at 1:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room
Tues. Sept. 28th will be Friendship UCW meeting at 1:30 a.m. in the Fellowship Room
By this time check the Fall Newsletter and I can update you further with an updated schedule. But I do know that our Anniversary Celebration will be on Sunday, November 14th with Ed Bentley as our guest speaker.
I hope this helps,
Sue Z
CARING FOR SENIORS
Today’s topic for Minute for Missions is “Caring for Seniors”
Our Church Community has definitely shown caring for seniors over the years.
Over the past several months we have heard stories about previous church connections to Trinity, and have just dedicated plaques to these various Churches. And what a history we have enjoyed. Our seniors are very special people.
This Church continues to demonstrate their caring by working together to build an apartment building on this property. We want all of the residents to feel very much at home in their new building regardless of income level.
The Housing Committee has worked very hard to go through the required steps to bring this project to fruition.
We have completed the City Hall process, and now we are working to finalize the design of the building. We listen to everyone very carefully, and try to find ways to incorporate reasonable suggestions. But I must caution you, we are working with Ministry of Housing money, and we must also follow their guidelines.
Trinity Providence Seniors Housing Corporation is about the seniors who will be living in the building.
The Committee continues to be grateful to this congregation for their support and encouragement to carry on with this very worthwhile project. Everyone has the right to be sheltered.
Submitted by
Lorna Harris
Are you on PAR?
“I give by pre-authorized remittance because my church is one of my priorities”
What is PAR?
Par, or pre-authorized Remittance, is a program administered by the United Church of Canada that allows you to contribute to your local church through monthly withdrawal from your bank. You can designate your gift to local church expenses, Mission and Service Fund, and other special funds just as you would on a offering envelope.
If desired, small cards will be available to be put in the offering plate in place of envelopes.
Your account will be debited on or about the 20th of the month, and your congregation’s account credited with the amount payable from all members who participate.
Ask our church recording secretary Barb Morgan or out treasurer Bud Justice and/or church office for a brochure. It includes an application form
It is easy and you will be glad you did.
Half Way Point in our Triple Jubilee
The month of May marks our Triple Jubilee’s halfway point between November 2009 when we started to celebrate and November 2010 when our 150th anniversary celebrations will peak.
As you know, this journey we are on has 7 amazing Visions, being undertaken by 7 very ambitious groups.
The first group : Visioning Trinity`s Path has had the most immediate results . They have been busy reminding us and the community at large : WHO WE WERE , WHO WE ARE and WHO WE MIGHT BECOME. Last spring`s Car Rally to the site of the 7 rural churches associated with Trinity through the years, their production of the spectacular murals that will be treasured for generations to come, their recording of church members` Memories in a CD and a Memories Book, their colourful parade through the village on May 2nd and their involvement in the upcoming Doors Open Tour of local Heritage Buildings on September 12th make us all proud to be part of Bobcaygeon`s oldest church.
The group leading the Vision to promote the LOCAL FOOD MOVEMENT is also seeing some success. They are learning that if you grow it locally and prepare it locally and cook it locally, the way the founders of this church did all their lives, that “They Will Come” to eat it locally. All our church functions now attempt to serve local food.
The Spring Tea for Youth Unlimited organized by Vicki Gibson and her committee on Wednesday the 19th is one such example. Saturday June 12 is the first day of Bobcaygeon`s very own Farmers`Market at the Fairgrounds from 8 am to 1pm. There are over 30 vendors signed up from all over the region. The BFM would never have got off the ground without our very own Rev. David Reeve who pulled us all together (and then went away for the winter !) He as well as 5 others from this church namely Ross Pogue, Frances Ferguson, Pat Warren, David Mackay and John Bick have played an active role in making this Vision happen.
And let us remember how the groups associated with the 5 other Visions have been inspiring us. Both The Environmental Action Committee and The Senior Housing Committee has a preponderance of Trinity members. Inspite of roadblocks on their journey, these two groups are taking us into the future with the same foresight and courage that must accompanied the founders of this church a century and a half ago.
And let us continue to remember Vision 5 – International Partners. Witness our
tremendous support for the Dondi School Project in Angola, the outpouring of help for the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund and our ongoing interest in the Congo, As well, monthly donations to the Chiapas Mexico Education Fund keep coming in. And meanwhile you keep giving to Mission and Services regularly .
The other Visions Groups are equally active : Emerging Spirit continues to explore ways for all of us, young and old, to worship and praise God`s greatness…. ways to offer a spiritual life for this community. This is similar to how our first Methodist families reached out to their fellow pioneers by opening Trinity in 1860 as the first church in this village.
The Faith in the Future is really about all of us and how this anniversary year can motivate us to not only leave a lasting legacy for this church for its next 150 years but how we can all reach out to the world, here and abroad, as fellow Christians living the lives that our Lord Jesus encouraged us to do.
Keep the celebrating going.
John Bick