Trinity United church is an inter-generational, community-based church located in Cannington, Ontario.
We are pleased to be a partner in the collective called “United Community Ministry” (UCM), with the congregations of Woodville, Peniel, Cambray, Oakwood, and Beaverton United Churches. This was the culmination of much meeting, planning, working , and anticipation that grew out of the former Kawartha Highlands Presbytery initiated area Chat Groups in 2016, with UCM officially starting Sept.1, 2018. We welcomed St Andrew’s UC Beaverton into our UCM fold as a partner in March 2019.
UCM Council consists of two representatives from each congregation as well as representatives on Worship, Finance, and Ministry & Personnel Committees. Our executive is as follows: Chairperson – Kerri Jebson, Secretary – Sheila-Mae Gidney, Treasurer – Ron McMillan.
UCM shares a rotational Worship Leader Schedule served by our Clergy and area Licensed Lay Worship Leaders – each congregation having a weekly Sunday morning service – except for several times a year when combined services are held in turn at partners’ church buildings or grounds.
See the UCM website (www.ucministry.ca) or sign up for our UCM emailed newsletters for worship schedule, updates, and information.
We collectively look forward to exploring this new way of ‘being church’.
Meet Our Ministry Personnel
A warm welcome and sincere appreciation to Rev Dr Elizabeth Cunningham who answered our UCM Clergy Call and began her ministry with us on July 1, 2021. We look forward to this permanent step (of leadership & guidance) for our collective’s growth together.
TRINITY CANNINGTON UNITED CHURCH AFFIRMING MISSION STATEMENT: (adopted Sept 30, 2018)
“As the people of Trinity United Church, we affirm and support the life
experience of all. We aim to provide a safe, nurturing environment where
we intentionally welcome all into the total life and ministry of the
Trinity family, including but not limited to: persons of any age, colour,
ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, intellectual and physical
ability, family configuration, social or economic circumstance or mental
health. All persons are invited to take part in every aspect of church
life including membership, leadership, celebrating life passages and
marriage. We are publicly committed to working and living together in our
journey toward justice for all of God’s people.”
Trinity United Church Cannington became an official Affirming congregation through Affirm United, on June 23, 2019, following more than a year of intentional study, and vote held in May 2019. We look forward to living out this commitment.
INTER-GENERATIONAL
We welcome people of all ages at Trinity. Our services are designed so that anyone of any age can participate. As well many of our programs are multi-aged ie Children/Family events, dramas, Handbell groups.
COMMUNITY-BASED
We seek to serve our community, Cannington. We regularly open our doors for community events, and groups’ use of building, and try to participate fully in our community. Trinity is pleased to offer its renovated presentation space in the sanctuary as well as the lower hall with newly fitted kitchen for free use by non-profit groups and organizations; and by donation for businesses and for-profit groups.
Community Events/Outreach/Affirming
Trinity Cannington is dedicated to providing opportunities to engage with and serve our local community.
Check our website Calendar regularly for the many opportunities that our Outreach Committee offers for participation in its initiatives/events to support community locally and beyond. Examples are: Bon Air Nursing Home Christmas Gift Program; Food Bank Donations in partnership with local Nourish & Develop Foundation (www.tndf.ca); Christmas Cookie Sale with proceeds to the UC of C Mission & Service Fund; collected donations of items for Women’s Resources (Lindsay), and Men’s Shelter (Oshawa); ongoing support for the local, national, and international programs of the UC of C Mission & Service.
Worship Services accessibility via our recorded UCM services found at Youtube – search United Community Ministry Brock-Kawartha.
Trinity’s Affirm Committee meets regularly and offers an “Affirm Minute” in worship services for education and enlightenment; occasionally providing a full worship service on Affirm theme; as well as keeping up with resources/information/events from Affirm United (www.affirmunited.ause.ca), as well as area organizations; and committed to furthering accessibility and equality in our faith community. Contact is Sharon Woodrow.
NATIONAL CHURCH
We are a local expression of the worldwide community of people who follow Christ. Within that, we are a part of the United Church of Canada.
Our Governing Body
Our Trinity Church Council is comprised of volunteers who are a part of our congregation. This is a small group who provide accountability, oversight, leadership, communication, and help us stay true to our vision and mission as a church.
Supporting the Church Council and doing the ‘work’ of our ministry are volunteers, serving in many areas including the following:
Worship – contact Jane Clyde: include worship content (ie choices of seasonal Offertory & Choral Blessing, anthems, special music); church seasonal decor for Chancel/sanctuary; hospitality volunteers for services (ie greeters, elevator operator, sound system operator, overhead/laptop operator, courtesies for worship leader); coffee/social time; worship supplies/materials)
Property – The Custodian acts as liaison with the Church Council by identifying any building/property issues that need to be addressed.
Outreach & Community Engagement – contact Steve Young: includes current and potential involvement, support, partnership within our community with services, projects, etc.
Mission & Service Fund Enthusiasts – contacts Llarian Hider & Nancy Henderson: promoting awareness and support for the Mission & Service Fund of the United Church of Canada, for its work locally, nationally, and abroad.
Volunteer Visitors – maintain regular contact with our membership by phone, social media, email, mail, in person; informal pastoral care
Family, Fun, Food, Fellowship (4F’s) – contact James MacNaughton: providing opportunities for same!
Affirm Team – contact Sharon Woodow: promoting awareness, advocacy, and providing learning/growth opportunities.
Trinity Church Council Chairperson – Kerri Jebson: for general enquiries, suggestions, comments, booking of facility, etc
Trinity Roll Clerk – Arlene Smith: for enquiries about membership, transfers
UCM Clergy – Rev Dr Elizabeth Cunningham: for enquiries for baptism, weddings, funerals, urgent pastoral care, UCM combined initiatives
Trinity Board of Trustees, and Ministry & Personnel Committee – serving in accordance with the requirements of the United Church of Canada.
Our Community of Faith is also served by our Staff of Secretary, Organist/Pianist/Choir Director, Assistant Organist/Pianist, Custodian.
Our governance also includes East Central Ontario Regional Council (UCC Region 11), and the national United Church of Canada.
The Mission & Service Fund is a national way to serve others within Canada and abroad.
Our History
Did you know that Trinity’s history goes back to 1828, one year after Cannington was settled? Check out the interesting facts and feelings, from research and voices of past congregants, combined in “The History of Trinity United Church 1895-1995” booklet. Copy available for borrowing from the office.