“Called by God to live in loving, just, and respectful rel
ationship with each other,
our neighbours, and the earth.”
Trinity-St. Andrew’s is an Affirming Ministry of the United
Church of Canada.
United Church of Canada Remit, Sept. 27, 2023
At the October 17th meeting of the TSA Church Council, we will be voting on Remit 1: Establishing an Autonomous National Indigenous Organization. A Remit vote is required when a change is proposed to the Basis of Union, which is the UCC’s constitution. While our congregation is part of a Regional Council, this remit will establish a nation wide oversight body for indigenous congregations. A study document that explains the remit is available on the information table in the Narthex. According to UCC policy, it is the TSA Church Council that will vote on the remit. This meeting will be open to anyone from the congregation to speak and ask questions before the vote is taken. The meeting will be held Tuesday, October 17 at 4pm in the Marian Roffey Room. You can also access information on the remit at https://eoorc.ca/resources/remit1/.
News from TSA Council
Realm Communication – September 22, 2023
TSA Council met in person on Tuesday September 19, our regular monthly meeting for September. Items to share:
Finances – tracking as expected: envelope givings are down slightly, Thrift Shop doing well – Q3 results not available yet but expected to be up. New Finance Committee member Jane Lambert was welcomed at the Finance Committee meeting. MacKillican’s financial review has been completed. Initial 2024 budget information is to be submitted to Finance before October 11.
Property – Air conditioning for the Thrift Shop and sorting room will hopefully be done this fall. Four security cameras are now in place with a doorbell at the back door. Property is looking into having ducts cleaned … has never been done.
Worship & Music – Summer services in Stewart Hall went very well. Choir practices have resumed on Thursday evenings. Music program details were discussed including “Music to Memories” – Dementia singing group, Youth Praise Band and Food Grains Concert (details below). There are 2 upright pianos and one digital keyboard that are unplayable and need to be disposed of. Action underway to have this done.
Membership, Pastoral Care and Fellowship –TSA led services at Groves Park on Sept 12 and Oct 10 at 2pm and Quail Creek Sept 19 and Oct 17 at 3pm. Bonnechere Manor will have a new schedule starting in October. TSA members are welcome to attend and help with these services. MPCF members and volunteers are working on TSA archives and will have an Anniversary Sunday display.
Anniversary Sunday – Sunday October 1st – communion and special treats with tea and coffee after the service. TSAs 95th anniversary as a United Church!!
Rainbow Worship – October 1st . The 1st Sunday each month from September to June at 6:30 in the Chapel.
EOORC (Eastern Ontario Outaouais Region) – We took part in an EOORC strategic planning session in Pembroke on September 9. More on that as the plan takes shape. TSA Council will be providing specific input. EOORC Funding opportunities (grants) are many – Communities of Faith receive over $2.4 million in grants each year, AND that goes to only 6% of congregations who actively apply for these grants. Council will look into in more detail these funding possibilities. We did receive grant funding for our Rainbow Service.
Thrift Shop – sales are going well and the first day of the Blow Out Sale set a sales record. Thanks to all the organizers and volunteers!!
Don’t forget Volunteer Appreciation Night on Tuesday September 26 at 7pm.
UCW – Met September 5. Olive Phillips presented her tea wagon to the UCW and everyone enjoyed tea and treats using Olive’s gift. The UCW is looking for help maintaining the kitchens and preparing and serving coffee after Church on Sundays. Next meeting Tuesday October 3 at 1pm, Marion Roffey Room.
Community Showcase Evening – Wednesday September 20, sponsored by the Renfrew Chamber of Commerce. TSA attended with a display table. The number of newcomers and Renfrewites attending was disappointing. We did, however, make valuable contact with others who had display tables – PFLAG, Sunshine Coach, Renfrew County Voices and a fellow that drinks a lot of milk (his father was a dairy farmer) who will bring his milk bags in!!
Our display has been set up in the Narthex and will be moved to Stewart Hall for the Thrift Shop Volunteer Appreciation Night.
Recovery Day Ottawa Valley – Friday, September 22. We made a donation to McKay Manor and provided information on the activities (as listed below) we have that are available to all. Included the days/times Anonymous groups meet at TSA.
Memorial Board – at the back of the Sanctuary has been updated.
Coming Activities – to put on your calendars.
Thrift Shop Volunteer Appreciation Night – Tuesday September 26 at 7pm, Stewart Hall
Food Grains Bank Concert – Sunday October 22 at 2pm, Sanctuary
Community Friendship Meal – Beginning Tuesday September 26 at 11:30 in Stewart Hall. Will be held the 4th Tuesday each month. All welcome. No cost.
Ukelele night – 7pm the 2nd Monday of month. Oct 2 (because of Thanksgiving), Nov 13, and Dec 11. First one in September was well attended and a lot of fun!!
Mat Group – Wednesdays, Weekly at 1:15, Stewart Hall
Crafty Ladies – Wednesdays, Weekly at 1:15, Stewart Hall
Music to Memories – Ottawa Valley Memory Loss and Dementia Choir – Beginning October 5th at 11am to 12. First Thursday each month.
Youth Praise Band – Mondays at 6:30, weekly, meet in Narthex.
Men’s Breakfast – 2nd Wednesday, monthly at 9:00am Finnigan’s.
Bible Study – Wednesday, weekly at 11am. Marion Roffey Room.
Our next Council meeting will be October 17. If you have any questions on activities, concerns, thoughts, or suggestions for Council, call the office and leave a message. Office number (613)432-2285.
Judy Ryan on behalf of TSA Council With thanks, Rev. James Murray
Links:
https://youtube.com/channel/UC1jVNg101r8nZhTGuis8LdA
https://www.facebook.com/Trinity-St-Andrews-United-Church-248786075142932
TSA Rainbow Worship Service: https://www.facebook.com/youbelongRWS
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Contact Information: Office: telephone: 613-432-2285, or by email at office@tsarenfrew.ca. Rev. Murray’s email is james@tsarenfrew.ca.
If you want to know more about our community of faith please feel free to contact us.