Our Beliefs
The United Church believes that the presence of God is felt in many different ways. We recognize that there is room for interpretation when it comes to theology and doctrine. We acknowledge the Bible as a source of wisdom, inspiration and devotion and that Scripture can bring us closer to God. As Christians, Jesus is the way we have come to know God; however, we also believe that the Spirit of God is at work in the teachings and actions of many other faith communities.
Our religion celebrates and recognizes two key sacraments as a way to experience our faith more deeply: Baptism and Communion. While it is certainly not a requirement for God's love, we offer Baptism as a rite of initiation into the Christian community. We celebrate Communion not only to remember Jesus’ last supper, but to experience Christ alive among us today. All who intend to lead a Christian life, together with their children, are invited to receive the bread and cup. For further details on the doctrines of our denomination that express the substance of our faith, please visit the United Church of Canada website.
United Church of Canada
The United Church of Canada is unique among churches in that it is the result of a "coming together" of different Christian demoninations. It all started in 1925 through the union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches, a model well-suited to the young nation of Canada. Today, it is the largest Christian Protestant denomination in the country. Since the beginnning, the United Church has grown to become a leader in social justice issues, working hard to make a difference helping the most vunerable and disadvantaged in our communities, in Canada, and along side over 140 different partner organizations around the world.
Affirming Ministry
Trinity has begun the Affirming Ministry Program to become a Certified Affirming Church. Once achieved, this certification will tangibly express our commitment to inclusion and justice for people of all sexual orientations and all gender identities.
The Affirming Church Team was formed in response to the 2021 Trinity Vision Implementation Report. The Affirming Church Team has held three Learning Circles, led worship on two Sundays, hosted a PIE Day fill my cup and a Pride Month Family Activity Day. They also helped run the hospitality tent on the lawn for the York Region Pride Parade. There is a bulletin board in Trinity Hall with information about the Affirming Ministry Program as well as information and resources for and about the 2SLGBTQI+ community.
During the Learning Circles an inspiring video about a church in London, Ontario was shown - this church as become an Affirming congregation (see link).
The Affirming Church Team is following the Affirm United's Open Hearts Affirming Ministry Program (see link). Contact Sandy Mackenzie at asperg859@gmail.com if you have questions/comments and she can put you in touch with any of the Committee members: Renate Naghavi, Dianne Beech, Kai Cerra, Ian Thomson, Sheela Zelmer, Cathy Barker, and Rev. Linda.
