Hello Trinity Congregation,

The birds, bulbs, and buds are showing us that winter is coming to a close….but we haven’t put the snow shovels away, and still carry our mitts and always know where the toque is!

The Governance team thanks all who participated in the Non-Event Valentines Day Dinner!

Such an inventive way of creating some monetary donations to the church ministries. And thank you to the imaginative minds who jump started this fun way of fundraising without anybody having to buy, cook, or clean up. Anyone who wants to join in on this fun your donations will be thankfully accepted.

Trinity United Church women are going to take a big step by hosting a Thrift Sale in the church hall on Feb 26. The organizers are taking the advice to go slowly and thoughtfully for the safety of all involved. We thank them for their care and concern.

Dr Bonnie Henry announced this week that activities can go to full capacity with proof of vaccination. (Worship services have “right of way” so proof of vaccination is not required). Trinity’s worship and music team will take things one step at a time under the advisement of Pacific Mountain Region (see report by our region rep Ross Dunning below.)  

Bonnie’s three “R’s”: Recovery, Readiness, and Respect are important guides to remember as we slowly and thoughtfully return to activities. 

Judi Carroll @ 604 941 2002 and Syd Sawyer @ 604 941 4565 will gladly talk, bounce ideas, direct questions, and hear a concern.

Blessings from the Governance team,
Wendy Squires, Pat McCann, Robert Nicolson, Rev David Cathcart, Judi Carroll, and Syd Sawyer

Pacific Mountain Regional Council
February 16, 2022
Townhall Meeting – Zoom

Welcome: Treena Duncan, Executive Minister, Pacific Mountain and Chinook Winds Regions.

Opening / Prayer: Rev. Blair Odney, President Pacific Mountain Regional Council. Scriptures of Paul Letter to Phillipi.

Guest: Vicki Nelson, Stewardship Animator, Pacific Mountain and Chinook Winds Regional Councils.  

“We Ride at Dawn” – an encouragement to get involved with the many philanthropic events in the United Church. Stewardship is a “journey” not just a beginning, but also not an end. Stewardship is open – financial, personal, structural and can be stressful. Communities of Faith across Canada need to be inclusive, not just financial, but also volunteer, organizer, evangelist and more. A movement from “I Go To Church” towards “I Am The Church”; worship, bible study, service, prayer, generosity, sharing faith.

HOPE (learned) – Goals - realistic, Plan - achievement, Belief - success is possible.
Inspire –> Invite -> Thank.
INSPIRE (for a possible open congregation discussion) -  Talents / Skills / Relationships (church and community) / networks … space
GRATITUDE – for what Trinity has – its people and their commitment for the church.
SAYING THANKS - an email, phone call, letter or note, “hugs” when appropriate.

Treena Duncan : Public Health update - As we make decisions for Trinity, the Pacific Mountain Regional Council recommends the following:
1)    Be cautious, the virus is still present and spreading. We have consistently recommended choosing caution to protect those most vulnerable among us. We need to keep this as a core value in your decision-making process
2)    When gathering, continue to manage distance 
3)    Wear masks with a minimum of 3 layers
4)    Within reason, do what you can to improve ventilation
5)    Soloists and choirs should be distanced from the congregation
6)    Congregational singing must be masked
7)    Keep services on the shorter side
8)    Use only single serve communion (not a common loaf or cup)

If you are feeling unwell, remain home. Masks are still mandatory indoors and use of the BC Vaccination card is still in place. PMRC is recommending only a 50% capacity if the BC Vaccination card is not reviewed. Indoor gatherings are opened and communities of faith should review their safety plans to determine their comfort levels. Seated events and after service gatherings are open. Cleaning and disinfection strategies are to remain in place. Tracking / tracing has been removed.

Closing prayer: Rev. Blair Odney

Respectfully Submitted
Ross Dunning
Dave Squires
Pacific Mountain Regional Council Representatives