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Trinity Voices The Official Newsletter of Trinity Anglican Church, Simcoe, ON

Celebrating 160 Years of Ministry October 2008

We shall be doing that as a parish family From on November 16 at our Sunday 10.30am the Eucharist with Bishop Bob Bennett, and over a meal together at the Greens at Ren- Rector’s ton in the late afternoon. It would be won- Desk derful to see many familiar (and not so fa- miliar) faces joining with us on that day. If you have not yet purchased a ticket for the reception, please contact the church of- fice. Might I encourage you all to be in ‘Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give contact with any of your acquaintances thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you’ (2 Thess. 5.16-18). who may have had a connection with Trinity in the past, and to extend to them a It is a great joy to be writing to you as we pressing invitation to join us. It will be a find ourselves already well into another fabulous event, and a chance not only to school year. We are not only well into a reconnect with each other, and with for- school year; we are well into our 160th an- mer clergy of Trinity, but to hear two of niversary year. It is remarkable indeed the three cantors showcasing their talent. that faithful Christians have been gather- ing at the corner of Colborne and Court since 1848 to hear God’s Word spoken to INSIDE them, to receive the sacraments and to carry out by God’s grace the ministry and Care and Share, Library 8 mission entrusted to them. We stand today Choir News, Fair Booth 5 on the shoulders of many faithful who have gone before us, whose faithfulness, Church School 12 commitment and diligence have blessed Deadline for Next issue 8 us with a community tradition of warm and generous hospitality, of involvement Do you remember when? 6 in the wider community, and I might add a Memories of the Choir 4 magnificent church building. It is good and it is important for us to take time to Stewardship Committee 8 reflect on the ways in which God has What kind of church . . . ? 9-11 blessed us, and continues to bless us, and to give hearty thanks for all God’s gifts. Trinity Voices - 160th Anniversary Issue Page 1 October 2008 Our thanks go to Joyce Mallard and Pat There are so many other signs of God’s Robertson for their hard work in oversee- saving presence in our midst for which we ing the celebrations. give resounding thanks. Our Church School is away to a flying start, using a What better way to celebrate our anniver- similar format to last year with a revised sary liturgically than to have nine of our curriculum. The children continue to work members reaffirm the vows made on their in units, with shared worship and teaching behalf at their baptism in the rite of con- at the start of class, followed by some age firmation. Kevin Graham, Staci and -appropriate activity – crafts for the Travis Jacobs, Jacob Leger, Brittany Mi- younger ones and discussion for the older nor, Kevin Mulholland, Michael Richard, ones. I am delighted with the way it is Mikayla Sallewsky, and Violet Sleggs are working and remain deeply grateful to all gathering with their sponsors after the those who are assisting with the teaching. Sunday 10.30am Eucharist to explore the meaning of the faith into which we have We were blessed on September 5 by the all been baptised. It is exciting to be part visit of Myrlene Bokin, a consultant hired of such a lively group of people who are by the Diocese pursuant to the Imagine actively seeking to grow in their faith, and Huron recommendations to survey the to deepen their commitment to living as Diocese and identify demographic trends. followers of Jesus Christ. I am especially She confirmed what some of you have al- grateful to those who have agreed to ac- ready expressed to me: the next five years company the confirmands as sponsors, in our parish life will be critical for our and I would urge you all as a community long-term viability; we would benefit to be holding up both the candidates and from growing younger as a congregation; their sponsors in your prayers. My prayer and it will be important for us to raise our is that we can keep some of stimulating profile in the Simcoe community. We will discussion going after the classes finish in be receiving her full report later this year. the form of a teen ‘faith-deepening’ group. Please let me know if you or anyone you In the meantime, we have decided to get know may be interested. weaving on some of the areas she has identified. I am thankful to Keith Ashley, I am deeply grateful to Chuck Ashley, Bob Bruder, Shari Cann and Elizabeth Karen Perrin and Michael Richard for Walton for their creative oversight of their interest in our teens, and for their communications in our life, including ad- willingness in helping put together a vertising, a welcome brochure and our monthly activity for them. Our first outing bulletin. Joyce Mallard, Peter Black and will be to the Cathedral in London on Oc- Karen Perrin are doing great work in ad- tober 17 for the U2charist, a service of vising us on interior and exterior signage. worship featuring the music of (a well Amanda Moir and Steve Ryerse have been -known band). Offerings from the ser- working hard to develop a website. It is vice will go to Dean Terry Dance’s Well- an superb team effort and I thank all in- ness in Africa project supporting our com- volved. panion diocese of Mthatha.

Trinity Voices - 160th Anniversary Issue Page 2 October 2008 Another area in our life that is building on September 6. steam is that of mission both locally and globally. We are exploring options for Yes, there is so much in our life for which partnering with others for ministry to to thank and praise God with a loud voice those beyond our walls in the downtown as parish life picks up once again in the core. I would be keen to hear from anyone fall. We can still extract mileage from our who has a passion for this type of out- convincing golfing victory over St. reach. Several members of our parish who George’s London, and the Social Commit- have served on international mission trips tee did a splendid job of parlaying a pig are evaluating overseas projects. We are roast into an indoor BBQ in August. As I seeking a project and a community that by write a devoted group of women are cook- God’s grace we can build long-term rela- ing up a storm for the Bazaar; we were tionships with. We have met with mem- blessed with a solid turn out for our Sen- bers of Innerkip Presbyterian Church iors’ Communion service last week, and working in Nicaragua, Rev. Tony our communion services at Norview are Bouwmeester working in Rwanda, and being well-supported; Al Madill and Liz will be speaking with Robin and Grahame Rotherham will be attending a steward- Byrnes founders of Robin’s Nest Chil- ship conference in Toronto on October 18; dren’s Homes which runs several orphan- Sandra Buckle will be speaking to us ages in Africa and India, and Dr. Clare about dementias at our first pastoral infor- Pain involved in Ethiopia. I am grateful to mation morning on October 21. Keith Ashley, John Beaver, Laurel Born Thorpe and Elizabeth Walton for their May I conclude by recording my gratitude careful listening and reflection. to our wardens for the countless hours they put at the parish’s disposal to order Our physical space is also being well- our day-to-day life, and to Anne, Christine tended. We had a well-supported and in- and Jackie for their dedication to us. I dustrious working party on September 20, wish to record a special vote of thanks to and it was a delight to see a number of Deb Madill for pinch-hitting so effectively jobs being ticked off our list so quickly. I for Anne during her annual leave. I am es- thank David Fess and Don Minor for their pecially grateful to Rev. Bryan Robertson attention to the constant maintenance and and Canon Ben Burry for their coverage upkeep required on our buildings. We are during my absence, and to Rev. Bryan for now working on having safe and well- his time and effort in putting together our signed access to the church office before newsletters. It was Meister Eckhart, a the first snowfall. Jim Smith has also done Christian mystic, who wrote back in the stellar work in securing funding from the thirteenth century that if the only prayer Department of Veterans’ Affairs to replace we ever offered in our entire lives was the ageing plexiglass covers over our me- ‘thank you,’ then that would be enough. morial windows with tempered glass. We thanked God for his generous provision at Lynn and I thank you again for you sup- a special Service of Thanksgiving for the port and wish you all a blessed season of Restoration of the War Memorial Chapel Thanksgiving. Tim+ Trinity Voices - 160th Anniversary Issue Page 3 October 2008 Later on in Rev. Owen’s time, there were Memories of the Choir also Mr. and Mrs. Blondell, Madeline and by the late Marion Perrett) Joan Sohier, Florence Easby, Ruth Porter.

There was a fair-sized junior choir too at this time and so many children at one time that they sat in the transept (on the right side as you face the altar) with an adult to help them sing and keep order (quite often Joan Sohier as she was not too tall)

One of the good memories too was the an- nual Christmas Pageant put on by Ellen Crafts. The children took all the parts— Marion (left) and her friend Madeline Sohier angels, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and kings. The choir sat in the right hand When I joined the choir in the mid-1930’s transept to sing the carols, carefully lit by the organist was Bert Marshall. The old white Christmas tree lights so we could organ was in the alcove to the left of the see the music. This lighting was done by choir pews (as you face the altar) and John Burton, another faithful choir mem- there was a large mirror on the opposite ber. Weeks of practice went into the pag- side so that the choir members with their eant and on the Sunday of the perform- backs to the organist could see him. It ance, we practised all afternoon. Supper worked quite well. Later, when the sanc- was served by the women’s group and the tuary was extended and the altar rail performance took place at the evening ser- moved back, a new organ was placed at vice before a packed house. I don’t know the opposite end of the pews from the cur- who did the costumes, but they were well rent organ with the organist having his done, especially the shepherds and kings. back to the Sanctuary. This must have I remember the shepherds used to hide been around 1948 as the consecration of away cookies from supper in the wide the new Sanctuary was in 1948. I had left sleeves of their costumes to eat during the Simcoe in 1941 during the war; so, this service. was all new to me when I returned to the choir about 1949. There were always two services on Sun- days for the choir—the morning services Some of the faithful older members of the (Morning Prayer or Holy Communion) choir I remember were Mrs. Louise Allen, and Evensong. I always enjoyed Even- Mrs. A. Bradfield, Dorothy and Rod Pack- song and there were lovely evening ard, Doris and John Reid, Charlie Skel- hymns which, of course, we don’t sing cher, L. Wedd, Helen West, Mr. and Mrs. anymore. Choir practice was on Friday Cowley, Leopold Jones, Rita and Archie nights and we had lots of after-practice Mellanby, Margery Gray, & Jessie Sohier. get-togethers which were most enjoyable.

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Trinity Church Choir News Besides preparing for our 160th Anniver- sary Service on November 16, we are also We are off to an exciting new year of re- working to prepare a CD of our choir hearsals and practices and have already singing Amazing Grace to post on-line as rejoined our forces as we presented an ex- part of the “Amazing Grace Project” in citing musical format for Rally Sunday on support of the Council of the North. Read September 5. more about it in the September Issue of

Huron Church News! What is most exciting is welcoming back choir members who have been on hiatus We always need and warmly welcome due to work or health reasons; we are so new members. Come praise the Lord with happy to welcome back Bob and Lois us through music! Scott and Bernice Guiler. We also have the possibility of a couple of new mem- Christine Mulholland bers who will be joining is soon. Music Director A Glimpse Into the Past: Do you remember the Fair Booth?

Standing, left to right: Mrs. Walter Bradfield, Joan (Sohier) Pratt, Mary (Mrs. Bernard) Sohier, Norma Pearce, Fran Lockwood, Mrs. Henri Sohier, Mrs. Sherk, Mrs. Alfred Johnson. Seated with cash box: Mrs. Cowley Seated at counter, left to right: Bob Hill (?), Rev. George Leck (St. James United Church)

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Well of Hope Do You Remember When? Many thanks to all who faithfully supported Editor’s Note: The following letter has been viewed by many on the internet and might interest some parishioners. the “Well of Hope” during the summer. Now that vacation time has ended, perhaps we can The other day, someone at a store in our town all learn the art of giving to the less fortunate read that a methamphetamine lab had been found from one of our youth. Although he was un- in an old farmhouse in the adjoining county and able to attend church, he saved pennies, nick- he asked me a rhetorical question. “Why didn’t els, dimes, and quarters in a bag. Subse- we have a drug problem when you and I were quently, when he left for university he do- growing up?” nated the bag to the “Well of Hope.” Are you curious to know how much was in the I replied, I had a drug problem when I was bag? His donation totalled $43.23. Many young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. thanks and God’s blessings be yours young I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to family reunions and community man! To the rest of us, CH- - CH means socials no matter the weather. nothing unless UR in it. Your presence be- comes a gift of fellowship to those around I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful you. Your donation of change to the “Well to adults. I was also drug to the woodshed when I of Hope” is a gift for the less fortunate. To disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a you and all our young people, may God be bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke with you always. ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn’t put Nancy Nunn forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me.

I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth Did you know? washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I The first movement to establish a was drug out to pull weeds in mom’s garden and Church of England in Norfolk was in flower beds and cockleburs out of dad’s fields. I 1803 at Turkey Point or Charlotte Villa. was drug to the homes of family friends and By 1815 efforts were made to build a neighbours to help out some poor soul who had church in Vittoria, but to no avail; so, no one to mow the yard, repair the clothesline, or services were held in the Court House. chop some firewood, and if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this In 1821 a log church was built on the kindness, she would have drug me back to the current site of St. John’s, Woodhouse to woodshed. serve Anglicans in Pt. Dover, Simcoe, and Vittoria. Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect Born in Ireland, The Rev. Francis Evans my behaviour in everything I do, say, or think. became the first resident Anglican cler- They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin gyman in Norfolk at St. John’s, Wood- and if today’s children had this kind of drug house in 1828. problem, ours would be a better place. God bless When it was decided to build a church the parents who “drugged” us. in Simcoe in 1848 (Trinity), Evans be- came its first rector. Evans founded fourteen congregations Halloween Party in his 27 years in the County. Saturday, October 25th He died in 1858 and the window over Watch your bulletin for details the high altar is in his memory.

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Stewardship Committee Report Since the May 2, 2006 Federal Budget, n the last edition of Trinity Voices, the there is no tax payable on capital gains for Stewardship Committee report high- gifts of listed securities. Instead, donors lighted pre authorized givings. In this edi- now receive a donation receipt for the full tion, we are highlighting gifts to Trinity of market value of the gift. To qualify for non-cash assets which have appreciated in special tax treatment, the securities must value. This article is particularly relevant be contributed in-kind to a public charity for anyone that received shares from an such as the Trinity. Insurance Company that de-mutualized, Here is an example of how gifts of cash as these shares have a zero tax cost base and securities may make a very significant and the entire proceeds of sale of such difference in tax savings: shares are taxable as a capital gain to the William donates listed stock valued recipient. at $12,000 which he had purchased Non-cash assets, such as securities can be for $2,000. His capital gain is donated as outright gifts to Trinity. $10,000. If he contributed the Recent Federal Budgets of 1997, 2000, shares in-kind to Trinity, there and 2006, made gifts of listed securities would be no taxable gain. Instead, particularly attractive. he would receive a donation receipt for the full market value of $12,000. The 1997 Budget introduced a special in- Assuming a combined tax rate of centive to encourage gifts of listed securi- 50%, William would have a tax ties: it reduced the amount of capital gain credit of $6,000 (donation x 50%) subject to tax by half. Since 75 percent of and net tax savings of $6,000. gain was taxed when the securities were sold, only 37.5 percent would be taxed when they were contributed.

Then under the 2000 Budget, the amount of gain taxed when property is sold was reduced to 50 percent. This means that only 25 percent of the gain was then taxed when listed securities were contributed. (Note: Listed securities include stocks and bonds traded on Canadian and many for- eign exchanges and also mutual fund units) Prior to the May 2, 2006 Federal Budget, 25 percent of capital gains were still sub- ject to tax. However, the donor received a donation receipt for the fair market value of the securities. Thus, a contribution of “Yeah, it brings in a lot of people, securities always resulted in tax savings. but they all want 2.9% tithing.” Trinity Voices - 160th Anniversary Issue Page 7 October 2008

Care and Share Library Report Trinity’s Care and Share Team has de- There have been 24 donations and livered 22 homemade meals in the last purchases added to circulation since month. These “Thinking of You” pack- January 2008. ages are given to our shut-ins and our parishioners who are ill or in need to The “At Home in Mitford” series (8 let them know that we have not forgot- books) by Jan Karon is now com- ten them. If you are aware of someone plete as is “The Heritage of Lancas- who fits these criteria, let us know by ter County” series (3 books) by Bev- calling the Church Office at 519-426- erly Lewis. “The Lion, The Witch 0501 or Kay Ashley at 519-428-2107, and The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis is or speak to one of the committee available on video, DVD and in the members. We need to hear from you “original” book. so that no one is forgotten. Thanks for helping the Care and Share program: In October look at “L” authors: L’Engle, Lewis, Lucado. Kay Ashley, Sharon Atkinson, Mavis Legacy, Jean Potts, November and December will fea- Pat Robertson, Ginny Spencer, ture a Christmas selection. Candles Lois Taunton, Kay Whitehead and Church calendars will be on sale at the Christmas Bazaar, as well as the November 2008 to January 2009 issue of Forward Day by Day in regular and large print at $1.25 a copy.

Continue to bring Christian literature and books for circulation or redistri- bution. Continue to check the box of duplicates for free books.

Lois Taunton Deadline for Next Issue of Voices Copy for the Advent-Christmas Issue Canterbury Club News of Trinity Voices must be submitted Our group of 35 women meets the fourth to the Editor or Church Office by Thursday of each month except July and Wednesday, November 19 August. In September we had a pot luck The Revd Bryan Robertson, Editor lunch at noon. We take turns at coffee hour 519-429-2933 after the 10:30 Sunday service. Also we e-mail: [email protected] cater funeral receptions. In addition, the Club sponsors a child in Paraguay. (Note: Preferred format for copy is an e-mail attachment Mary Phillips (Secretary) in Microsoft Word or Wordperfect) Trinity Voices - 160th Anniversary Issue Page 8 October 2008 Which Kind of Church is Trinity? The Seven Habits of Highly Effective and Highly Ineffective Churches by Anthony B. Robinson

Writer Annie Dillard somewhere makes the observation that quite possibly the greatest indication of God’s grace she can imagine is the continued existence of the church on earth! There are days like that, aren’t there? Days when we wonder why in the world God puts up with us. Days when the best we can do is laugh at our- selves, ask God for a little more divine pa- tience, and pray that somehow God’s new ideas to a minimum of four boards or grace might break us open and make us committees who understand that it is their new. Besides, it’s good to laugh and, at role to say “no” to new ideas for their re- least sometimes, to laugh at ourselves. In view and approval. This process may need that spirit, I offer this little list of the to reinforced by remarks noting how a seven habits of highly ineffective (and particular idea might make the church li- later highly effective) churches. It is in- able, cost money, or ruffle feathers. tended to be fun, but serious too. I can imagine congregations having a good time 3. Practice the following evangelism building a skit or mime around each habit, strategy: “If they want us, they know or people with a flair for dramatic reading where to find us.” offering them up at a pot-luck dinner or Assume that everyone does know where talent show. Have fun, and keep the faith! you are and what you are. It can also be helpful if your building looks like a me- Seven Habits of Highly Ineffective dieval fortress. If you don’t have that go- Churches ing for you, encourage your ushers and greeters to look like palace guards as they 1. Elevate mediocrity to a spiritual perform their roles. discipline. Figure out where average falls and aim 4. Blame early and often. below there. Doing things with excel- Maintaining dysfunction in a congregation lence, joy, and flair may make someone is made easier if scapegoats are regularly uncomfortable. God doesn’t really expect identified. In some congregations, minis- much anyhow. ters make wonderful scapegoats. You may also blame “newcomers,” or “people who 2. Take no risks. don’t understand how we do things in this A successful practice of risk avoidance is church.” If all else fails, blame the Con- often best achieved by sending any and all ference, the denomination, or Satan. Trinity Voices - 160th Anniversary Issue Page 9 October 2008 4. Always be prepared to make an ac- care of church grounds, the soup you pre- count of the excuses that are within pare for the homeless shelter dinner, or the you. hymns and anthems you sing in worship. Have an all-purpose excuse like, “I’ve just been so busy” (elaborate at great length 2. Cultivate a spirit of innovation and just how busy you are), implying that no experimentation. one else is busy. Occasionally try out a Make the “seven last words of the creative new excuse, like, “Our dog ate church,”—that is, “We’ve never done it the printer-ink cartridge and required an that way before”—a distant memory. Be emergency appendectomy. He is now very open to new ideas that advance your mis- busy too.” sion. Free people to develop and try new ministries. Just remember, if you’re not 5. Make it clear to all that the job of failing at something, you’re probably not the pastor(s) and staff is to keep every- trying anything. one, meaning church members, happy. Think of your church as “The Love Boat,” 3. Take the initiative to build relation- and the pastor as the cruise director and ships with people and groups in the activity planner. The job of clergy and wider community beyond your congre- staff members is to keep everyone on gation. board happy. If someone is unhappy, it’s a Refuse to be isolated. Take to the streets, sure sign your pastor is not doing the job. the coffee shops, libraries, and parks of your community. Be curious about what’s 6. Spend as little money as possible. going on. Get involved in community Even though you may enjoy spending events. Meet people. Introduce yourself as money on personal things like a car or a a member of the church. Invite people to cruise, you can demonstrate your commit- “come and see.” ment to modesty and a simple lifestyle at church. The very best programs cost 4. Accept responsibility for mistakes, nothing. And why would your church learn from them, and in all things let building need any renovations—if it was grace abound. good enough for your grandparents then Christians aren’t perfect; they are for- it’ll be good enough for your grandchil- given. So making mistakes is not the dren. worst thing that can happen. Beside, we often learn the most from our failures. In Seven Habits of Highly the end, and in the beginning, it is about Effective Churches God’s grace, not our achievements. Cut others some slack. While you’re at it, cut 1. Strive for excellence in service to yourself some too. Christ. Effective churches are churches where 5. “Always be prepared to give an ac- people enjoy what they’re doing and do it count of the hope within you.” well. Give God your best whether in the (1 Peter 3:15) care of church grounds, the soup you pre- Look for where the love, energy, and life

Trinity Voices - 160th Anniversary Issue Page 10 October 2008 are flowing and focus on that. And recog- The man replied, “I’m blind,’ so Jesus nize excuses for what they are: a sign of healed him. Further along he met amother insufficient commitment. Be people of man in tears and asked him the same hope, trusting in God to find a way even question. He replied, 'I'm lame,’ so Jesus when we can’t. healed him. Then He encountered a third man weeping. In response to Jesus' ques- 6. Be willing to let people go in order to tion he replied, 'I'm a pastor.’ So Jesus sat stay focused on your core mission. down and wept right along with him! It is more important for your church to be Pastoring can be a thankless job; that's clear and steady about its core mission why the Bible says, 'Hold them in highest than it is to make everyone happy. Some regard.’ people may be better off in another con- gregation. When folks are unhappy, con- Somebody has described the 'Perfect Pas- nect, talk, and pray with them. If things tor' as one who preaches 10 minutes and remain stuck, let them go with your bless- sits down, condemns sin without offend- ing, giving priority to your mission. ing anybody, works 16-hour days doing everything from preaching to sweeping, 7. Splash it on! makes £400 a week and gives £200 back A hospice nurse told the story of bringing to the church, wears nice clothes, has a an elderly woman home for the final days model family, supports good causes and of her life. Noticing a large bottle of per- helps beggars who stop by the church. fume on the woman’s dresser, the nurse He's 36 and he's been preaching for 40 asked, “Would you like me to dab a bit of years. He has a burning desire to work that behind your ears?” “Honey,” said the with young people and spends all his time woman to the nurse, “why don’t you just with the senior citizens. He smiles all the splash it on?” God loves cheerful givers. time while keeping a straight face, be- So spend money wisely, well, and freely cause he has a keen sense of humour that in God’s cause. finds him seriously dedicated. He makes 20 visits a day, spends every waking mo- Copyright © United Church of Christ ment evangelising and is always in his of- Congregations, 2008-07-01 Summer 2007, Number 3 fice in case he's needed. Copyright © 2007 The Alban Institute, 2121 Cooperative Way, Suite 100, Herndon, VA 20171 The bad news is, he burned out and died Support your pastor! at 37! Paul writes, 'Appreciate ... pastoral 'Hold them in the highest regard . . .’ 1 Thessalonians 5.13 leaders who gave you the Word' (Hebrews 13:7). 'Honour those ... who work so hard Phil Hines tells a hu- for you, who have ... the responsibility morous imaginary of ... guiding you ... Overwhelm them story about Jesus walk- with appreciation and love!' (1 Thessalo- ing along the road one nians 5:12-13TM). In other words, sup- day and seeing a man port your pastor! crying. When He asked what was wrong,

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From the Church School… We have a rotating schedule of teachers including Mary Black, Lynn Dempsey, Joanne Kiefer, Linda Minor, Ronda Nix, We began a new year with Rally Sunday th Robin Sallewsky, and Barb Wychopen on Sept. 7 . It was great to see familiar and teen assistants. faces and to welcome some new children to our church school. Our thanks to Bob We have other fun events planned for the Wingrove for his help with music and to year including a Halloween Party on Oct. Ian Mulholland for amazing us with his 25th and a Skating Party (date TBA), and magic tricks! It was a fun way to kick off we are looking forward to contributing a new year and a great way to get us crafts and goodies to the Bazaar as well. started thinking about all that amazes us We’re always happy to welcome new chil- in God’s creation. dren and visitors to the church school.

Friends of your children are also wel- This year we are using a new curriculum come. Come and join us! called the “One Room Sunday School”. The year is organized into 3-5 week theme Some of Our Architectural History -based units that correspond to the seasons of the church year. The program allows us The original church was a rectangular brick building with a wooden tower built to worship and learn together as a large in 1848 with a seating capacity of 300 in- group and also to participate in age-based cluding a gallery over the front entrance lessons and activities. The three units for for the choir. the Fall term are: The swinging bell was also the Town Bell and was used as the town’s fire alarm sys- Unit 1: In the Beginning: God Creates the tem before the advent of the telephone. A rope on the outside of the building could World; Made in God’s Image; Noah; A be used by the locals to summon the vol- Season for Everything. unteer fire department. By 1860 the congregation had increased Unit 2: God Chooses a People: God Calls and a new chancel and two transepts were Abraham; Abraham and Lot, A Baby added to the south end of the existing nave Called Laughter; Isaac and Rebekah In 1882 the original structure was disman- tled and replaced with the cruciform shape of the current church. Unit 3: Trusting God’s Promises: Twins!; In 1914 the Parish Hall was built to the Esau Sells his Birthright; Jacob Cheats south of the church and the brick house Esau; Reunited!; Elizabeth and Zechariah which had been there was moved to the rear of the new hall as the residence of the Each week we are singing songs (some Verger and Sexton (our current office, re- ception, and upstairs storage areas). old favourites and some new ones) with Lighting was initially by candles and the help of Bob Wingrove and Don Minor, kerosene lamps, but later an acetylene sys- reading a story, praying together, sharing tem was installed, replaced by natural gas, thoughts and ideas, and doing Bible-based and finally by electricity. activities and crafts. At the end of each As the Centennial Project in 1948, the unit we plan to share something of what sanctuary was extended and the War Me- morial Chapel and Mixer room were built. we have learned with the whole parish. Trinity Voices - 160th Anniversary Issue Page 12 October 2008

Photo Gallery

The members of the Parish prayed for Pte. Lisa Brown and her family as she prepared to embark for Afghanistan. Lisa is shown with husband Jason, son Brandon, and her parents Ken and Bernice Guiler.

If you would like to correspond with Lisa, her contact information is: Cpl Brown LM 976 E-mail Recce Sqn LCol The Revd Bryan Robertson, CD is shown greeting Lisa Brown TF 03-08 BG the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister of [private_976@hotmail. Op Athena Canada, on his arrival for The Royal Hamilton Light Infan- com] PO Box 5058 Stn Forces try Dieppe Memorial Service on August 19, 2008. LCol. Belleville ON K8N 5W6 Robertson conducted the service as Regimental Padre.

Warden Debbie Vankerrebroeck and The Honourable Warden Debbie Vankerrebroeck and the Rector, The Revd. Diane Finley, MP for Haldimand-Norfolk are shown in the Dr. Timothy Dobbin, receive a cheque from Ed Plyley, War Memorial Chapel on September 4 following the Ser- President and Jean Frances, President of the Ladies’ Auxil- vice of Thanksgiving to celebrate the window restoration. iary of the Army, Navy, and Air Force Club of Simcoe. Trinity Voices - 160th Anniversary Issue Page 13 October 2008