Trinity Happenings

To be a compassionate, inclusive, and joyful faith community

Minister’s Message

On the church calendar, we are in the season of Lent. After polling members during my first year, I decided that there wasn’t enough interest in an Ash Wednesday service to warrant planning one. For other denominations this is an important start to the season of Lent. The season of Lent is 40 days, not including Sundays. It is a time of journeying with Jesus to Easter. It can be used as an intentional time of reflection, and spiritual practices that are intended to bring us closer to God.

Traditionally people give things up for Lent. This practice is rooted in Jesus’ experience of fasting and enduring temptation in the wilderness. There are many things one could give up, some common ones are red meat, chocolate, and alcohol. Giving something up for Lent is supposed to be difficult, a sacrifice.

I have been wondering what Lent means to the members of Trinity. Although I don’t have any specific Lenten practices of my own, I do find myself reflecting on my own journey with God. I’ve been looking back at the experiences that brought me to be here, at Trinity in 2025. Although I have observed Ash Wednesday over the years, it’s not as important to me as other times in the church.

As a child what was most important to me this time of year was the day before Lent began, Pancake Tuesday. I have fond memories of a babysitter who used to put coins in the pancakes on Shrove Tuesday. I remember joining the minister and my youth group in the kitchen creating funny shaped pancakes together. I remember the joy I felt of joining my church community for a meal.

I’m so glad that we will be joining one another on March 20th for Potluck Pancakes. It may not be a traditional Lenten activity, but all traditions had to start somewhere. As I reflect on my own path, I realize that the most spiritual times are the ones spent with community. It is during such times that I feel the love of God amongst us.

Jesus did start in the wilderness, but when he came out of the wilderness, after being Baptized, he created a community. A community of friends and followers, who together deepened their connection to God.

Take some time to reflect on what meaningful traditions have brought you closer to God. Do you still observe these, and if not, how might you bring them into your life today? You too may find a new way that brings meaning to your life today.

Blessings, Carol-Ann

The Life of Trinity

March 16 (Lent II)  —   Turning Towards God
March 23 (Lent III)  —  Looking For The Lost
March 30 (Lent IV)  —  Choosing Justice
April 6 (Lent V)  —  Being Seen By Jesus

Upcoming Holy Week Services

• April 13, Palm Sunday
• April 18, Good Friday 10:30, Solemn Service
• April 20, Sunrise Service, Gull Lake Park 7 a.m. Easter Service with Communion 10:30

Weekly Church Life

Prayer and Meditation:  Mondays at 9:30 a.m. in the Chapel

Study Group  Thursdays at 1:00 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

Social Time at Sawdust Thursdays at 3pm

Other Events This Month

Prayer Shawl Ministry:  the first and third Wednesday of every month at 9:30 a.m. in the Fireside Room.

Pot Luck Supper:   Thursday, March 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Auditorium. Please join us for a Pancake Supper this time. Thanks to Kevin Fitchett for cooking!

Sermon Discussion:  Sunday, March 16, 23, 30 at 12:00 p.m. Come and ask questions and further discuss the sermon.

Carol-Ann’s Upcoming Schedule

Please Note that Friday and Saturday are Carol-Ann’s regular days off and she is available for urgent matters or scheduled events only.

Community Connections

Weekly What’s Happening

• G.A.P. Food Distribution: Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
• Elderberries Choir: Tuesdays at 2:00 p.m. in the sanctuary.
• G.A.P. Coffee Hour: Wednesdays from 1 p.m. til 3 p.m. Join the community for a cup of tea or coffee and a chance to meet some new people.
• YWCA Circles South Muskoka: Wednesdays at 4 p.m. in the Auditorium
• Alcoholics Anonymous: Wednesdays at 8:00 p.m. and Fridays at 12:00 p.m
• Al Truistic’s Beer Bread Bakery: Wednesday mornings (as needed to package their product)
• Alzheimer’s Society Drop-In: Fridays at 9:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the Fireside Room.

Stewardship

Insight Into Trinity Expenses

Some of our February Invoices:
Gas: $2,787.96
Garbage Removal: $340.29
Snow Removal: $3,397.91
Nobody loves paying the bills, but they are a necessary part of running a church.
Thank you for your ongoing support!

How To Support Financially

Regular donations are the best way for Trinity to meet its monthly financial commitments. Some of the ways you can do this are:

• PAR: Pre-Authorized Remittance. Monthly contributions are withdrawn through automatic debit. Please contact the office to set this up.
• E-Transfer: Please send all e-transfers to trinityunitedgravenhurst@gmail.com.
• Canada Helps: Go on-line and make monthly donations using a credit card. (Can also be used for one-time donations) Click Here
• Cheques: Consider post-dated cheques for the year, to ensure your regular donation.
• Envelopes: Put donations in your weekly envelopes and drop them off when you come to church.
• Please contact the office to obtain specially numbered and labelled weekly envelopes for 2024. If you already have envelopes, the 2024 envelopes are available in the Narthex.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the church through their time and talent. We are grateful for all that you offer to the life of this community.

Each Monday to conclude our Prayer and Meditation, we lift up prayers for the community. If you have something you would like us to pray for, please send your prayer requests to Courtney at  trinityunitedgravenhurst@gmail.com, or leave them in the collection plate