History - Trinity United Church

Trinity United Church
Church History

Trinity United Church History
Taken from the 2000 Pictorial Directory

BEING PART OF THE CHURCH MEANS...

We don't pretend to understand the mystery of what goes on in God's Church.

We just know we feel a pervading spirit of love that reaches into the niches of all of us and pulls us out into the open, free, alive and belonging.

We believe this spirit of love exists because God's spirit lives within this church, this unity of people trying to be the Good News.

We see this church as a circle of people holding hands, dancing, supporting each other, accepting each other, and loving each other.

Each person in this dancing circle is facing outward, reaching into God's world, listening for the whimpering, watching for the hurting, and willing to offer a cup of cold water in Jesus' name.

Sometimes they need the water, sometimes you need the water, and sometimes I need the water.

Being a part of the church means knowing that the cup is always filled in Jesus' name.

from Searching for Shalom by Ann Weems

1960's

Twelve families met to plan for a United Church in the Jasper Place area of Edmonton. Edmonton Presbytery supplied retired clergy as ministers to help us get started. There were 135 people who became charter members of the newly constituted Trinity United Church. Sunday school was held in public schools.

Presbytery supplied a building which became known as "the portable" during which time a manse and furnishings were purchased. Our first minister was called. Construction was begun on a new church building, which was dedicated on February 23, 1964.

1970's

Church growth continued. Music was an integral part of the community of faith with excellent leadership and participation. The Bethel Bible Study engaged many members in an in-depth Bible study. "The portable" was paid for. The Kairos youth group, at its peak, had 78 young people involved in an active program of study, socializing, and service.

1980's

The 1980's brought change in our community an congregation, with many younger families moving into the suburbs. Outreach programs of Trinity included the "Food Bank" and the "Church in Society Committee" which helped create awareness and initiate response through many seminars and workshops.

"The Keryhma Bible Study", Sunday School, Explorers, CGIT, Scouting movement and strong United Church Women's Organization added further depth to the church activities. It was during this time that we welcomed the Christian Reform Church to share the use of our building.

1990's

A time of growth and renewal of faith through "Basic Beliefs" classes and increased participation of all ages in worship and stewardship. A vibrant ministry of music inspires the congregation through choir, hand bells, organ, and the newly-acquired Voices United. The importance of children and youth is recognized in our Rainbow Room nursery, Church School, and Crossroads High School group.

Youth ministry expands into FYSH (Grade 4-6) and JOLT (Grade 7-12). Along with several adult studies, there are support groups for men and women, and a large UCW unit. A new School Nutritional Snack Program, a calling/caring Network, and Parish Nursing were initiated; and the future explored.

2000's Transition & Transformation

A major "Future Initiatives Project" begins its implementation phase. New partnerships in the community are considered, especially the potential of the Greater Edmonton Alliance. Re-visioning Sunday mornings and use of the building explored as Trinity regains sole access of its facilities.

Other Trinity initiatives centre on youth mission work projects, electronic communications. A pastoral care team prepares for an expanded visiting ministry. Trinity, through its varied ministries or worship, stewardship, pastoral care, education, service, and health and wholeness, continues as disciples of Christ, to be faithful, welcoming people of God, moving with God's spirit in this new millennium.