Please watch this update from Pastor Will in response to the loosening of the COVID guidelines in the province.
Category: Announcements
E3 Year 2 Resources
- As we enter Year 2 of Mennonite Church Alberta’s 3-year action plan “E3” (which stands for “Encountering, Embracing, Embodying Christ in life, in community, and the world”), we turn our focus to “Christ in Community”.
- Click on each of the photos below to explore different recourses MCA has gathered for us including a explanation of year 2, ideas on ways to build community and ways to rediscover core values, as well as a curated list of resources from Common Word (online bookstore and resource center).
Good Friday Service Info
On-line Good Friday Service with Calgary Mennonite Churches
Service begins at 10:30 am on Friday April 2, 2021
For the Zoom link and passcode, please see this week’s announcement email, or contact Pastor Will or the office.
Order of service:
- Opening Prayer Gathering Hymn – “Tis Midnight and on Olive’s Brow” – VT #318, HWB #241
- Responsive reading (Psalm 22:1-8,16,19,21,25-26)
- Video scripture: Mark 14:17-26
- Communion/Lord’s Supper
- Choir song – “O Sacred Head Now Wounded” – VT #325, HWB #252
- Video scripture: Mark 14:32-65
- Choir song – “When I Survey the Wondrous Cross” – VT #323, HWB #259
- MCC presentation
- Video scripture: Mark 15: 1-47
- Sermon
- Closing hymn – “Jesus Walked this Lonesome Valley”
- Benediction
Other instructions:
- If you wish to participate in Communion/Lord’s Supper during this service, please prepare your communion elements (bread or crackers, wine or juice…) before the service so that we may all partake of the meal together.
- We will be have the opportunity to hear about the work of Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) and encouraged to donate either by mail-in or by online.
- Seeing as we are gathering on Zoom, some technical difficulties are expected. If problems persist during the service, please use the chat function to message the meeting host, Shami Wilms.
Lent Service Project with Calgary Interfaith Council
Trinity Mennonite Church is working together with other faith groups in the South of Fish Creek area to collect items for individuals and families in our area that are underemployed and/or unemployed due to COVID-19.
We are seeking the following items for collection by Wednesday, April 7:
- new or gently used adult backpacks
- towels
- warm gloves & mittens
- toques
- tooth brushes and tooth paste (adult and kids)
- razors and shaving cream
- new or gently used shoes and boots
- socks
- shampoo and conditioner (adult and kids)
- body wash
- nail clippers
- men’s undershirts (XL, M, S)
- Men’s underware (XL, M, S)
- feminine hygiene products
- personal cleansing wipes
- medium-sized sealable bags
- gas gift cards
- bus tickets
- Tim Hortons or other fast food gift cards ($5 or $10)
- kitty litter
- window cleaner
- unscented laundry soap
- unscented liquid fabric softener or sheets
- unscented hand/body lotion
- garbage bags
- juice boxes
- canned dinner ham
- boxed potatoes
- parsley, basil, oregano, sage, poultry seasoning, rosemary
- brown sugar
- canned dinner ham
- canned corn beef
- canned luncheon meat
- bread yeast
- peanut butter
- Gluten free items like flour, baking products, soya sauce, pancake mix, mac & cheese, protein bars & snacks
Please drop off any items you have at the church by Wednesday April 7, or contact the office to make alternate arrangements.
Lent 2021
~From the Worship Committee~
DEEP CALLS TO DEEP
(summarized from our Leader resources)
During this past year, due to Covid restrictions, many of us had to re-examine what was necessary and needed in our lives—this included surroundings, activities and circles of relationship. We’ve experienced both deep grief and invitations to new spaces and use of time, and the releasing of what was no longer helpful. Our Lenten scriptures contain stories, songs and promises that call us to identify what is essential, who we are at our core, and what God does (and doesn’t) ask of us. The call to go deeper can be frightening or overwhelming when we feel we are not ready and do not know what we will find. We keep much of our pain in our depths. But the theme “Deep calls to deep” (Psalm 42:7) is a call for us to hear God in those places we cannot plan for and control. The reassurance for us is that, along with that challenge, we also hear the same words of love spoken that Jesus heard at his baptism: “You are my Beloved; with you I am well pleased.” Let this knowledge dwell deeply in us throughout Lent.
Weekly themes, scriptures and images
The visual themes draw our attention to different parts of the natural world. We hope these images can be one entry point in our worship into reflection on ecological stewardship. The land, water, and sky are at the core of the survival of all creation. How do they call out to us from the depth of their need? (more below)
Confession
Confession is telling the truth. We confess what we have done, what we believe, what we feel, and what we fear. We confess our need for restoration. True confession is a deep dive, sometimes into truths we haven’t yet expressed or have a hard time bringing to the surface.
Ritual of Response
In preparation, gather six stones, which will represent your prayers for this season. Households can fill a bowl or glass with them at home, while the worship leader, each Sunday, will do the ritual during the service: in response to the ways we are being called, we will remove a stone from the vessel. Week to week, we will watch the vessel empty, as we dig deeper for what is essential. You may use a marker to write on the stone either the calling word of the day (relationship, commitment, etc.) or a personal response to the given weekly questions.
Music and Visual Displays
We’ve chosen to listen to “You Are All We Need” each Sunday as an affirmation that God faithfully walks alongside us at all times, in all places, through all things. This will be an opportunity for us to spend time in contemplative space each Sunday.
Going Deeper
Consider what might help you go deeper with God and with one another.
- Into Scripture: engage with the Scripture texts throughout the week, such as reading, practicing lectio divina or guided meditations, writing/ creating artistic responses, and sharing those creations with each other. For ideas contact you worship committee to forward you the resource document.
- Into Silence: As we dwell on what we find to be most essential, deep at our core, bravely embrace silence in worship and prayer, not filling every transition, not narrating every thought. Lengthen your capacity for silent listening prayer.
- Into the Week: Lent is a good time to encourage ourselves to take on a new spiritual practice at home
Lent 1 February 21, 2021
Deep in the sea: Called to deep relationship
Genesis 9:8-17; Mark 1:9-15; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Peter 3:18-22
The voice of God pierces the deep, calling us to deep relationship. With the floodwaters behind us and the waters of baptism holding us, our relationship with God establishes our identity with other people and the world we live in.
Lent 2 February 28, 2021
Deep in the woods: Called to deep commitment
Mark 8:31-38; Romans 4:13-25; Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Psalm 22:23-31
We are transformed by God as we follow God’s voice along the path of life, a voice calling us to deep commitment. Even when our path leads deep into unfamiliar woods, as we lose ourselves, we are found.
Lent 3 March 7, 2021
Deep in the changing sky: Called to deep wisdom
John 2:13-22; Exodus 20:1-17; Psalm 19; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25
In the patterns and glory of God’s creation, and in God’s commandments and promises, we are called to obtain deep wisdom. God’s wisdom undermines our assumptions and takes us deeper than our efforts can lead us.
Lent 4 March 14, 2021
Deep in the wilderness: Called to deep healing
Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14-21; Ephesians 2:1-10; Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
The wilderness confronts us with our vulnerability and exposes our wounds and our needs. We are called to deep healing by trusting in God, who calls us in love.
Lent 5 March 21, 2021 Joint MCA service
Deep in the earth: Called to deep growth
Jeremiah 31:31-34; John 12:20-33; Psalm 51:1-12; Hebrews 5:5-10
Like a seed that falls deep into the dark, rich earth, we are called to deep growth, releasing our attachments that prevent us from bearing and offering fruit.
Lent 6 Palm Sunday March 28, 2021
Deep in the current: Called to deep hope
Isaiah 50:4-9a; Psalm 118:1-2, 19-29; John 12:12-16; Philippians 2:5-11
As we follow Jesus into Holy Week, we sense the rush of the crowds and seek the deep, steady current of God’s steadfast love, calling us to deep hope in the One who comes in the name of the Lord.
Easter April 4, 2021
Deep in the feast: Called to deep living
Isaiah 25:6-9; John 20:1-18; Acts 10:34-43; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11; Psalm 118:1-2, 14-24
We have seen the Lord! A rich feast has been prepared for all peoples on the mountain of God. Like Mary, Jesus calls us each by name into abundant life.
Protected: Virtual Christmas Celebration
In-Person Services Currently Cancelled
We are cancelling in-person worship services for the next little while. The update from the province on Tuesday, December 8, 2020 made clear that we could still gather with all of the old restrictions, but we would have to cap attendance at 15% of our capacity. For our sanctuary that might be about 20 people. It didn’t feel right to discourage some people from coming and not others, nor did we want to have someone at the door sending people away if we were already at our capacity. So, for the time being, we are switching back to an online only worship service.
We are also adding a time of fellowship beforehand. People have enjoyed being able to reconnect, and so we are hoping that a little time of chit chat before the service might help people feel connected. To connect, look for the link in the Trinity Trumpet (weekly announcement email), or contact the office.
We’re hoping that this will be a short-term arrangement, but we respect that as case numbers continue to rise, that we need to all be making sacrifices to help reduce the spread. We are loving our neighbour as we love ourselves by doing this.
We are trying to strike a healthy and responsible balance between safety and connection. Let us know if there are ways that you know we can be of more help to you. people you know in the congregation or the community around us.
We appreciate your understanding,
Trinity Mennonite Church
Advent 2020
~From the Worship Committee~
This year’s Advent theme conveys a sense of movement, of traveling from one point to another. In the story of the magi from the East, they literally took to the road and drew closer to Jesus with each passing step. This rich imagery sets the tone for the Advent season as we seek to move closer to Jesus, wherever we might find ourselves along the road of faith. Each week, the congregation embarks on a new leg of this journey toward Christ.
The phrase “on the road” signifies that we aren’t there yet; we are on a journey. The visuals that we will be using (some of things that we find along a road) should help us remember the key thought or message and how it gives meaning to our daily lives.
Advent 1: November 29, 2020: On the road to readiness
Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-37
What does readiness look like? How might we prepare ourselves to receive the One sent to save us? May our heart’s desire be to make space to receive the gift God has sent.
Advent 2: December 6, 2020 On the road to repentance
Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8
When the heart is moving in readiness, there is an openness to the “new”—perhaps the fresh thing God wants to do. To embrace the new requires a letting go of the past. Repentance means we are letting go and making space for God’s new work in us.
Advent 3 : December 13, 2020: On the road to restoration
Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; Psalm 126 or Luke 1:46b-55;
1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28
The gift offered to the repentant is restoration. The road to restoration is a journey toward wholeness in body, soul, and spirit.
Advent 4: December 20, 2020: On the road to revelation
2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-26;
Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38, 46b-55
On the road to revelation, if we have faith and a willing spirit, God will show us the way. God’s word to us is “I am with you; do not be afraid.”
Christmas: December 27, 2020: On the road to rejoicing
Isaiah 61:10–62:3; Psalm 148; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:22-40
Walking the road of revelation results in overwhelming joy. The waiting is over. Jesus has come! We rejoice in the incarnation—God in the flesh—God with us!
Epiphany: January 3, 2021: On the road to radiance
Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:1-7, 10-14; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
Jesus, light of the world, has come and shed light on our journey. We are radiant in the light of his love and grace.
Jacket Racket
- Okotoks United Church is hosting it’s annual FREE Winter Clothing Exchange Tuesdays from 6 pm to 8:30 pm and Saturdays from 10 am to 12:30 pm. (October 20, 24, 27, 31. Nov. 3, & 7) Donatations are accepted at several locations in Okotoks including: Okotoks United Church, Okotoks Public Library, Sobeys, Pason Centennial Gold Arena and Foothills Cleaners. Click the button below to view all of the details.
What does a service look like now?
Below is a summary of the most relevant modifications we have made to protect attendees from COVID-19.
- Prior to coming:
- Let us know you are coming using the online “RSVP” form on our website
- Have a mask for each person attending from your family that is over the age of 2.
- Use a self-assessment questionnaire to determine if you should stay home
- Upon Arrival:
- Put on your mask
- Wait until the door is clear before entering
- Wave and give a friendly greeting to the Greeters (no hugs or handshakes)
- Let the Greeters know if you did not use the RSVP form, so they can add you to the attendance list.
- Proceed into the sanctuary (bring all items with you. There will be no coat racks, coffee or access to the kitchens)
- At your seat:
- You may remove your masks once seated, but must put them on again when you leave your seat.
- No singing, but you may follow along in the hymnals and read/silently sing to yourself.
- Please supervise your children at your seats until Sunday School starts.
- When Service is Over:
- Put on your mask
- Wait until the aisle is clear
- Proceed outside to visit, and do not visit with other families or cohorts in the sanctuary or lobby.
Here you can watch a video Pastor Will made about these changes: