About Trinity
Trinity’s tag line, ‘Amazing grace. Warm embrace’ conveys the heart and hope of Trinity. In addition to celebrating the Good News of the Christian Gospel, it acknowledges the spirit of love and care that happen under the roof at 2737 Bayview Avenue, and to wherever and whomever that love, and care extend.
Amazing grace
“My grace is sufficient for you. ” 2 Corinthians 12:9
When a judge pardons a guilty person, or when someone buys a meal for a homeless person; that is grace. We live in a world very focused on earning, deserving, and merit. Grace is the opposite. It is about mercy, compassion, and kindness. Grace is unconditional love toward someone who does not deserve it. Grace is full of a love that will not let us go, no matter what.
God loves us more than we can imagine, and more than we could ever deserve. God loves us so much that He sent His only son, Jesus, to be our Saviour, Lord, and Friend. Jesus loves us even when we are unlovable. That’s amazing grace!
Warm embrace
“If we love one another, God lives in us ” 1 John 4:12
People at Trinity come from so many different walks of life, lifestyles, and countries We celebrate this! God invites people to join us, and we welcome them with open hearts and minds. What powerfully unites us is that we are a community bound by our love of God and for each other.
Trinity is the smile that greets a visitor or our oldest member on a Sunday morning. Trinity is the lively conversation over coffee after worship. Trinity is the support for each other when we need it most. Trinity is the love that we share with each other and all others. That’s our warm embrace!
About our logo
Our logo represents the eternal Trinity: Creator, Christ, and Spirit. We believe in one God, three in one, together giving us life and love.
Our logo also represents the people of Trinity, reaching out to each other. The three different colours represent diversity and inclusion within and from our Church.
Our logo represents all that unites us as a community of faith: our love of God, and for each other.
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Our commitment to inclusion
At Trinity, we are proud and thankful to be an inclusive, affirming faith community. We are richer because we include people of all ages, gender identities, racial and cultural backgrounds, sexual orientations, abilities, economic circumstances, and family configurations. At Trinity, all are welcome! We use the rainbow symbol on our website and letterhead, and on places within our building as a visible sign of our commitment to inclusion.
Acknowledgement of Traditional Land
We acknowledge the land we are meeting on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We also acknowledge that Toronto is covered by Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit.
What We Believe
Like other Christians, we believe in one God who is revealed to us in three persons: God the Creator; Jesus Christ, the Saviour, God’s only Son; and the Holy Spirit, the comforter and guide Together, ‘Creator, Christ, and Spirit’ are known as the Trinity.
The Presbyterian Church in Canada, established in 1875, is part of what is known as ‘The Reformed tradition’ of the Christian Church. Presbyterianism emerged during the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. It especially traces its theological and ecclesiastical roots to the teachings of John Calvin (1509 – 1564) and John Knox (1514 – 1572), prominent Reformers.
Reformed theology places a strong emphasis on God's grace and the priesthood of all believers, meaning that each member of the Church is called to participate actively in the life and ministry of the congregation and the community at large. It values the communal nature of worship, prayer, and the sacraments of Baptism and Communion, considering them as essential means of grace.
Presbyterian worship is typically marked by simplicity and reverence, with an emphasis on Biblical preaching.
Presbyterianism has been influential in shaping many societies and cultures. It has played a significant role in the development of democracy, public education, and social justice movements. A phrase often used to describe Presbyterianism is ‘Reformed and Reforming’, which speaks to both the enduring truths of the Christian faith and the ongoing need for reformation and adaptation to contemporary challenges.
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We believe that God, who is always with us, loves us more than we can imagine, and more than we could ever deserve. God loves us so much that God sent Jesus to be our Saviour, Lord and Friend, granting forgiveness, purpose, new life, and life eternal.
Presbyterians are a thinking faith, always asking questions, making inquiries, and seeking what is right, fair, and just in the sight of God. Presbyterians are committed to doing their thinking with a tender heart. We are not a dogmatic faith with lots of rules that cannot be questioned or changed.
Some foundational beliefs of our faith are:
1. The Sovereignty of God – We believe that God is the supreme authority.
2. The Importance of the Bible – We believe that our knowledge of God and God's purpose for us come from an appreciation of God’s Word in the Bible, particularly what is revealed in the New Testament through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
3. Salvation by Grace – We believe that our salvation through Jesus Christ is God's generous gift to us, and not the result of our own accomplishments
4. Discipleship – We believe that it is everyone's privilege and responsibility to share with the world the Good News of God’s love in Jesus Christ.
Worship
“Christian worship joyfully ascribes all praise and honour, glory, and power to the triune God. In worship, the people of God acknowledge God present in the world and in their lives. As they respond to God’s claim and redemptive action in Jesus Christ, believers are transformed and renewed. In worship, the faithful offer themselves to God and are equipped for God’s service in the world.” (PC USA, Book of Order)
God is present, active, and involved in our worship, such that our worship is a response to what God has done, is doing, and is about to do in our lives.
In response to God’s faithfulness, and in response to the redeeming work of Jesus Christ, Christian worship is punctuated with vivid reality. We earnestly confess our ever-present sin, an essential part of worship for Protestants, and we hear God’s assurance of forgiveness and peace. We actively listen for the contemporary relevance of God’s Word by praying for the illuminating power of the Holy Spirit, also a hallmark of Reformed theology shaping worship. After the Word has been proclaimed, we gather the prayers of the Church and its people for the very present and very real needs of the world around us. We seek God’s will, Christ’s peace, and the Holy Spirit’s power as we go forth to bear the fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, generosity, and self-control. 1
The Presbyterian Church in Canada celebrates two sacraments They are for us a sign of love, a means of grace, a mark of community, an expression of discipleship, and a gift of God’s love. They are both symbol and real presence. They are times of celebration, remembrance, and thanksgiving.
1 With thanks in part, to Paul E. Detterman, Calvin Presbyterian Church, Louisville
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1. Baptism – We baptize people of every age by sprinkling water on their heads, as a symbol of God’s love for them, the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit, and their acceptance into the Christian faith. Those who have already been baptized do not need to be baptized again
2. The Lord's Supper (Holy Communion) – We celebrate our Christian faith by gathering around the Lord’s Table and partaking of bread, as a sign of Christ’s body broken for us; and grape juice, as a sign of Christ’s blood shed for us. Together, the bread and the cup make known the presence of the risen and living Christ in our lives, and all of life. At Trinity we celebrate Communion about six times a year. We welcome all Christians to join at the Lord’s Table, including children at the discretion of their parents or guardians.
What We Do
Growing in Faith
Worship is on Sundays at 10:30 am. Church School is offered at the same time.
There are other opportunities to grow in faith including:
• Youth and young adult activities
• Vacation Bible school
• Cairn Family of Camps
• Bible Studies
• Retreats
• Lunch Time gatherings
• Prayer Chain
Loving our Neighbour
Trinity is a very generous congregation in helping those in need, including:
• Organizing the annual Evangel Hall Mission Golf Tournament
• Supporting several community-based charitable organizations in our city
• Helping to send kids to summer camp.
• Supporting those in need internationally through, for example: Presbyterian World Service & Development
Building Relationships
We host events throughout the year so we can get to know each other better, including:
• 100 Mile Dinner featuring locally grown food and an amazing dessert auction.
• Dinner & Curling evening
• Culture Shock International Dinner with delicious food from around the world
• Fireside Chat
• Women of Purpose examines issues of concern and generates support for those in need.
• Picnics, poolside parties, barbecues; and many other events
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Supporting our Life and Work
Trinity encourages people to realize the joy of participating in the stewardship of all of life: time, talent, and treasures.
Multiple opportunities exist to be a blessing, even as we are so blessed. Multiple designated ministries invite people’s participation (please note the descriptions to follow).
Governance
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ. ” 1 Corinthians 12:12
The Session
The word ‘Presbyterian’ comes from a Greek word ‘presbyteros’ meaning ‘elder’. The name of our denomination comes from the eldership. Few facts could indicate more clearly the importance given to this office in Presbyterian Churches.
The Session is the governing body of a congregation. It consists of the congregation's Ruling Elders and minister, known also as its Teaching Elder. The Session is under the care of The Presbytery, whose membership consists of all the Teaching Elders and an equal number of Ruling Elders from Churches within its bounds. Once a year 1/6 of all the Teaching Elders in Canada, plus an equal number of Ruling Elders, gather to constitute the highest court of our denomination - The General Assembly.
The Book of Forms is “a useful guide for the members, office bearers and the Courts of The Church in the transaction of ecclesiastical business.” This book is used by the Session to ensure “the orderly administration
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of the business of the Church.” Sections 105 to 134 address the nature and responsibilities of the Session and of elders, ruling and teaching.
The responsibilities of Session can be divided into four major categories:
1. Membership and Pastoral Care - Book of Forms 110
“The Session is responsible for seeking out, preparing and admitting persons as professing members, and for the pastoral care of all persons within the fellowship of the congregation.”
2. Worship - Book of Forms 111
“As the executive of the presbytery, the minister is responsible for the conduct and content of public worship and for the supply of the pulpit. The Session is responsible for regulating the hours and forms of public worship and for arranging special services. The Session determines the appointed times and provides for the administration of the sacraments.”
3. Christian Education - Book of Forms 112
“The Session is responsible for providing for the program of Christian education for persons of all ages The Session is responsible for the recruitment, appointment, training and support of teachers and leaders, the selection and approval of resource materials and programs… ”
4. Stewardship and Mission - Book of Forms 113
“The session is responsible for all aspects of stewardship and mission, both spiritual and material.”
The minister is the moderator of the Session and is a member of the Session. “It is (therefore) inaccurate to speak of 'the minister and Session'.” Book of Forms 105.1
“It is the duty of those who are called to eldership to meet regularly with the minister, who is also of their number, for the purpose of establishing good order and providing for the pastoral care of the congregation. All who are members (of the congregation) are subject to the authority and discipline of The Session.” Book of Forms 109
“The Session is responsible for the supervision and oversight of all associations of members and adherents connected with the congregation. No such association may be established without first receiving approval of The Session.” Book of Forms 109.1
“The Session is responsible for all policy and procedures with respect to the use of the Church buildings and property, subject to (The Presbytery).” Book of Forms 109.2
The Session “shall assign the names of all members and adherents to the elders who shall keep a list of the names and addresses of those assigned to them and shall cultivate a personal relationship with those persons through visiting, counselling and encouraging them in the Christian life.” Book of Forms 109.4. To this end, the Session has created specific districts and assigned groups of Ruling Elders to care for them.
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Ruling Elders
“Elders are leaders … of a special kind.” The concept came to life in the time of Moses when he needed assistance being the leader of the Israelites at the behest of his father-in-law. The Ruling Elders may have ‘ruling’ in their title, but they cannot be compared to any sort of leader in a workplace. They do not sit and give out orders. Ruling Elders are servants of God who set out objectives for the congregation to achieve. “It is the task of Session to provide leadership for developing ‘discipleship’ and encouraging ‘apostleship’.” (Matthew & Scott, 1995).
Eldership is a spiritual function and those qualifying for this role will:
1. Reveal a personal commitment of faith and its continuous nurture.
2. Demonstrate an ongoing commitment to the congregation
3. Show personal concern for others, through visits and personal contact, as appropriate
4. Receive ongoing teaching, training and experience to better understand our Christian faith as Presbyterians and what the Church is about, and its relevance and response to the realities and needs of today’s world
5. Demonstrates a breadth of vision for the mission of our Lord and the Church.
6. Exercises leadership in the Church in a variety of ways.
Session is a ‘closed’ court, meaning only Session members may attend. Session will determine its membership, in communication with the congregation.
Minister
Our minister is chosen by professing members of the congregation but formally appointed by and accountable to our Presbytery. Trinity is part of The Presbytery of East Toronto.
Accountability
Book of Forms 105.1 – A minister in charge sustains a dual relationship. In respect of his/her judicial functions, he/she is a constituent member of the session. In respect of his/her ministerial functions, he/she is the executive of the presbytery, and as such distinguishable from the session.
Responsibilities
1. Minister of Word and Sacrament
2. Moderator of Session
3. Pastor
4. Teaching Elder
5. Executive of Presbytery, to fulfill the responsibilities of the Courts of the Church
6. Head of Staff
Minister of Word and Sacrament
1. Provide primary leadership for the worship life of the congregation
2. Provide weekly leadership on Sunday morning and other times of congregational worship.
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3. Organize and oversee the conduct of worship including the order of service, choice of Bible readings and choice of music ministry.
4. Participate in the proclamation of God’s Word to the children
5. Conduct Funerals and Memorial Services, being especially present for participation in the Funeral and Memorial Services to the people of Trinity.
6. Conduct weddings as duly invited by members and friends of the congregation
Moderator of Session
1. In association with the Session Advisory Ministry, plan for meetings of Session.
2. Moderate the meetings of Session
3. Oversee the planning of and chair the Annual or other special meetings of the congregation and ensure the approval of the final draft of the Annual Report prior to its printing and distribution to the congregation
4. Participate in the health and sustainability of Trinity through strategic planning.
5. Attending Ministry meetings as requested and where appropriate, in an ex-officio capacity.
Pastor
1. Aid the well-being of the people of Trinity in body, mind and spirit such that their sense of belonging as children of God to Christ and His Church will be strengthened and celebrated.
2. Ensure that pastoral care to the congregation is being carried out based on the ongoing and evolving needs of Trinity.
3. Facilitate the ongoing education, training and well-being of the congregation’s lay pastoral care givers.
4. Provide hospital and institutional visits as required.
5. Provide regular, emergent, urgent and crisis care to members and families of Trinity as needed and as time and resources permit.
6. Ensure the harmony and peace of the congregation and, where necessary, provide intervention to end divisive courses or forces.
7. Facilitate efforts to secure appropriate resources for people in the congregation requiring special counseling services.
8. From time to time represent Trinity in mission and outreach activities, including participating in interdenominational and community initiatives.
Teaching Elder
1. Co-ordinate the planning and implementation of, and participate in, Christian education activities for all age groups within the Church, including Church School
2. Arrange for and participate in ‘Professing Membership’ classes.
3. Ensure necessary and appropriate recommendations to Session regarding curriculum, learning materials and teaching resources.
4. Recruit teachers and leaders for Christian Education programs, arrange for leadership training, and encourage all leaders to take full advantage of opportunities for training.
5. Plan for:
a. A dedication service for leaders and students, to be held annually in September
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b. A graduation service to be held annually in June, to recognize the accomplishments of students and to thank teachers and leaders for their service.
Head of Staff
1. Provide leadership and direction for all members of staff.
2. Ensure implementation of the ‘Employee Handbook’
3. Ensure up-to-date position descriptions are available for all staff positions.
4. Engage in a performance evaluation program for all staff and report results to the Human Resources Ministry.
5. Carry out disciplinary measures as necessary under the ‘Employee Handbook’, the rules of the Presbyterian Church in Canada, and the labour laws of the province of Ontario.
6. Manage expenditures, together with the Human Resources Ministry, with respect to staff salaries and expenses for staff to operate within the budget approved at the Annual Meeting
Executive of Presbytery
1. Participate as called and able in the higher courts of the Church.
2. Attend regular meetings and other duly called meetings of The Presbytery of East Toronto
3. Be an active member of the higher courts of the Church.
The Presbytery of East Toronto
“The Presbytery sets the terms of the minister’s call, including stipend and housing, and is responsible for the character and conduct of the minister. Complaints made by members of the Church touching the conduct of the minister must not be dealt with by Session nor any congregational body. Only the Presbytery, as a court, is competent to consider complaints.” (Book of Forms 143). The Presbytery meetings are attended by the minister and an equal number of ruling elders (called the ‘representative elders’), one from each Church within the Presbytery.
Our Presbytery meets approximately eight times a year, and its committees meet with about the same frequency. The representative elder is to develop as wide a knowledge as possible of all activities and programs in the congregation and to be informed about official policies of the Presbytery, to attend their meetings, to transmit to Presbytery official actions and policies of the congregation, as is necessary and to report regularly to the Presbytery regarding actions, policies and events as they relate to Trinity. The representative elder also reports back to Session on activities at Presbytery.
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Ministry Mandates
Operating Principles for our Ministries
The following operating principles apply to our Ministries:
1. The work of each ministry is subject to the authority, direction and approval of Session.
2. The minister, as moderator of Session, will be an ex-officio member of all ministries. The moderator will have a voice but no vote.
3. Ministry conveners are appointed by Session. The convener need not be a member of Session.
4. Each ministry shall include one or more members of Session.
5. Reports from the ministries are presented by the Session representative(s) on the ministry.
6. Each ministry shall present its budget requests for the following year to the Treasurer as part of the annual budgeting process.
7. Changes to Ministry mandates are subject to approval by Session.
Session Advisory (called upon by Session as needed)
This Ministry is responsible for reviewing the matters needing to come before Session prior to each Session meeting to coordinate, prioritize and advise Session on its work. Some of its key responsibilities are outlined below.
1. Coordinate the agenda for Session in order that important issues are given sufficient time and priority at Session meetings.
2. Recommend to Session ways in which the Session can more faithfully fulfill its mandate to give leadership to the congregation.
3. Advise, and be a support group for the Moderator of Session
4. Advise Session in dealing with complex issues requiring a well-planned course of action.
5. Receive and seekout information when input from various sources must be considered and coordinated for Session to make an informed decision.
6. Help Session develop a strategic vision for Trinity.
Worship Ministry
“Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth. Worship the Lord with gladness; come into his presence with singing. Enter his gates with thanksgiving: and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name. For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.”
Psalm 100
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The Worship Ministry is responsible for supporting the Minister, the Director of Music and all others who give leadership in worship and for proposing to the Session, for their approval, the time and place of worship services, the time and place for the administration of the Sacraments (Book of Forms 111.1) and the well-being and use of the Sanctuary as the physical context for worship. As noted, “As the executive of Presbytery, the minister is responsible for the conduct and content of public worship and for the supply of the pulpit.” (Book of Forms:111)
Some of the Worship Ministry’s responsibilities are:
Word and Sacrament
1. Assist in the planning and visioning with the minister regarding worship.
2. Establish with the minister the schedule of worship services.
3. Identify and ensure the fulfilling of non-ministerial duties associated with the successful conduct of all services in light of the sacraments, rites of passage, the church year and its seasons, the traditions, wants and needs of the congregation, and in relation to any special services which may arise.
4. Prepare and provide the elements for Holy Communion and Baptism
5. Keep a pulse on the congregation’s ideas, sentiments, suggestions, and concerns regarding all aspects of worship.
6. Assist in the planning and implementation of external worship services that Trinity is leading.
7. Assist in the establishment of protocols for any special services, for example, weddings.
Involvement and Equipping
8. Suggest to the minister and Director of Music opportunities for the people of Trinity to participate in worship services.
9. Suggest to the minister and Director of Music ways in which worship services can adapt to community needs and interests and meaningfully engage all cohort age groups, most notably youth.
10. Appoint and support an usher and Bible reader coordinator who will be responsible for arranging for people of the congregation to play a role in worship services. The coordinator will work with the Human Resources Ministry to ensure broad participation by the people, placing a priority on involving newcomers and people with multi-cultural backgrounds.
11. Support guests and substitutes in the event of absence, planned or emergent, of the minister and/or the Director of Music
Worship Facility Care (In coordination with the Facilities & Grounds Ministry, and the Church Manager)
12. Approve on behalf of Session uses of the Sanctuary beyond our normal worship services. (Note that the Facilities and Grounds Ministry is responsible for the use of all other parts of our facilities)
13. Care for, enhance and discern the replacement of audio and visual tools, chancel, nave and narthex furnishings, lighting and flooring and thereby fulfill oversight of the chancel, nave and narthex appearance and aesthetics.
14. Oversee the use and well-being of the Preparation Room adjacent to the Sanctuary.
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15. Work with the Minister and Director of Music to ensure a vibrant, high-quality, engaged and effective music program, in terms of contemporary relevance and congregational growth.
16. Work with the Minister and Director of Music to coordinate the choir, soloists and musicians as needed for worship.
It is noted that Session is responsible for the appointment of the Director of Music and other leaders of the service of praise, whether voluntary or salaried. It should satisfy itself of their Christian character and behaviour, in as much as they are subject to its discipline. (Book of Forms 111.2, 324.1)
The Paul Bartlet Music Fund
17. Promote and enhance the existence and financial position of the Fund.
18. Oversee all expenditures from the Fund through two officers, duly appointed by the congregation.
The Paul Bartlet Music Fund exists to enhance the music ministry at Trinity. Because of the Fund, our worship has been enhanced by amazing soloists and musicians The Fund is the result of the generosity of James and Marcia Bartlet who established the Fund in 1988 in memory of their son, Paul. Paul was a young man from Windsor, living with AIDS in Toronto when The Rev. Ron Archer, Trinity’s assistant minister, befriended him. Paul’s parents were extremely grateful for that friendship and, because of Paul’s love of music, established the Fund upon his death. Over the years the Bartlets contributed to the Fund several times, with a final bequest coming upon Marcia’s death.
Missions Ministry
“Whatever you did for one of the least of these … You did for me.”
Matthew 25:40
This ministry is responsible for educating and informing the people of Trinity of community-based and international needs and encouraging them to get involved in giving their time, talent and resources. Some of its key responsibilities:
1. Ensure that the congregation is well informed of our mission activities and encouraged to play an active role in them.
2. Ensure Trinity understands the needs of its local community, so we can better develop programs that meet its needs and encourage people to come to know Christ through our works. We will place a priority on programs that meet the needs of the increasingly multi-cultural community that surrounds us.
3. Ensure Trinity understands the needs of our international community so we can make well-informed choices about the organizations and activities that we support.
4. Develop an action plan that is focused on supporting a limited number of community-based or international programs, and ensure that Trinity is strongly identified with them.
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Music
5. Provide support for organizations that The Presbyterian Church in Canada is associated with, including for example: Fernie House, Armagh, Evangel Hall Mission, and Presbyterian World Service & Development
6. Oversee food drives.
Congregational Life Ministry
“Feed my lambs … Take care of my sheep.”
John 21:15b, 16b
This ministry is responsible for strengthening Christian fellowship within Trinity through activities that help build and strengthen relationships within our congregation and attract new members. Some of its key responsibilities are outlined below.
1. Plan and organize social activities within the congregation including: anniversary luncheon, funeral receptions, international dinner, curling night, church BBQs, and teas.
2. Support and develop fellowship groups throughout the congregation including our Prayer Chain, Community Coffee Break, Brown Bag Lunch and Kids’ Corner
3. Provide pastoral care to members and adherents of our congregation who are in hospital or have difficulty travelling from their homes. The Pastoral Care team is a part of the Congregational Life Ministry
4. Encourage new members and adherents to get involved in the various activities of the Church.
5. Ensure that the congregation is well informed of our congregational life activities and encouraged to play an active role in them.
6. Ensure that our congregational life programs are delivered in a Christian context and that the programs are based in the spirit of Christian love, especially to ensure that people in the congregation develop stronger relationships with each other and with God.
7. The kitchen coordinator will report to this Ministry.
Pastoral Care Team
Jesus said, "I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you visited me ... whatever you did for one of the least of these, you did for me."
Matthew 25:35, 36, 39b
The purpose of the Pastoral Care Team is to work together with the congregation's minister and staff, and with the congregation’s existing caring programs, to enhance and extend the ministry of pastoral care within Trinity.
Trinity's Pastoral Care Team is:
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• a ministry, called forth by God and belonging to the whole people of God, lay and ordained alike.
• a team, recognizing and utilizing the varied and complementary gifts of all its people.
• pastoral, extending authentic Christian care and concern to the members and adherents of our congregation.
• people caring for people, making real the vision of a caring Christian community.
The Pastoral Care Team will exercise its ministry through visitation, prayer and practical assistance for those in need at home, in residences, nursing homes, and in hospital. The Pastoral Care Team will identify and maintain an up-to-date ‘pastoral care list’ of members and adherents, observing confidentiality in conversation and relationships.
The Pastoral Care Team will offer an intentional ministry of caring, friendship, encouragement, and prayer. It shall not offer professional counseling services, financial or material aid.
The Pastoral Care Team is committed to ongoing training, to the recruitment of new members, and to the expansion of its ministry as needs arise and circumstances allow.
The Pastoral Care Team relates to Session through the Congregational Life Ministry.
Connections Ministry
“So we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually we are members one of another."
Romans 12:5
This Ministry is responsible for supporting Church growth by inviting our community to visit Trinity, welcoming and nurturing those who do, getting our members and adherents involved in the life and work of our Church, and connecting with those who have drifted away to invite them back. Its specific responsibilities include:
1. Develop and implement a communication plan for our local community to let them know about Trinity and invite them to visit us.
2. Act as a welcome team, helping to welcome and nurture new arrivals within our congregation.
3. Assist ministry and event organizers in promoting their programs and events.
4. Advise on the design and content of the Church website, other social media, electronic communication, promotional material and internal and external signage.
5. Develop and implement an internal awareness program to increase involvement in the life and work of Trinity by exploring the gifts and interests of our congregation on a regular basis, connecting them with opportunities to get involved, and maintaining an ‘evergreen’ record of members who are available to support ad hoc projects.
6. Work with the Minister to identify members of the congregation who have drifted away, and ensure we connect with them to find out how they are and encourage them to come back.
7. Aid the Church office and roll clerk in the maintenance of our congregational database.
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Finance and Stewardship Ministry
“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”
1 Peter 4:10-11
Working in association with the Treasurer and Envelope Secretary, the Ministry is responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the congregation, leadership of the Planned Giving program, and the development of other financial stewardship programs as discerned from time to time. Its specific responsibilities include:
Financial Oversight
1. Provide oversight and counsel to the Treasurer and Envelope Secretary on financial matters including accounting systems and practices and investment management.
2. Ensure that timely and accurate financial information is provided to the congregation.
3. Ensure that all required filings with any governing body and the Canada Revenue Agency are filed on a timely basis.
4. Ensure the preparation of an annual operating budget for the next fiscal year and assist in developing the basic assumptions for budgeting purposes.
5. Assist in developing a long-term projection of operating income, expenses, and cash flow to ensure the sustainability of our finances, and in preparing a capital spending plan.
6. Manage the financial matters of the Paul Bartlet Fund.
Financial Stewardship
1. Provide leadership in keeping multiple channels of financial stewardship before the congregation.
2. Provide oversight and counsel to a planned giving team, whose purpose is to encourage the people of Trinity to foreplan the making of gifts to the congregation in the form of bequests, gift annuities, gifts of marketable securities and interests in life insurance policies.
3. Work with the Envelope Secretary and under the authority of Session, to develop data about offerings and develop communication with the congregation on stewardship.
4. Provide leadership in running financial stewardship campaigns from time to time.
5. Maintain contact with the Presbyterian Church in Canada and its stewardship programs.
Human Resources Ministry
“To equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.”
Ephesians 4:121
This Ministry is responsible for the recommendation of candidates to serve the Church in volunteer capacities, be responsible for employment of all Church staff, and act as a liaison to the Minister as Head of Staff. Some of its key responsibilities are.
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1. Develop a spiritual gifts and personal skill inventory of the members and adherents of the congregation and encourage members and adherents to play an active role in the life of the Church.
2. Oversee The Presbyterian Church in Canada’s Leading with Care protocols.
3. Provide direction to the Minister in his/her role as Head of Staff.
4. Be responsible for negotiating and maintaining contracts for Church employees and contracted personnel.
5. Be responsible for recommending and maintaining job descriptions and conducting ongoing reviews for staff in conjunction with the Head of Staff.
6. Play a pastoral relations role by providing support and consultation to the Minister.
7. Ensure appropriate wages and benefits for the staff.
8. Recommend to Session annually all changes to the Minister’s stipend and benefits, in compliance with the requirements of the General Assembly.
9. Budget for staff compensation and to ensure expenditures remain within budget.
Facilities & Grounds Ministry
“They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number.”
Genesis 47:27
With the support of the Church Manager, the Facilities & Grounds Ministry is responsible for the maintenance and enhancement of all Church property, including all facilities and grounds, and for maximizing the rental revenue from the property at times when Trinity does not require it
This ministry specifically includes:
1. Recommending policies and guidelines with respect to the use of facilities and grounds, for approval by the Session, including the following policies:
• for use of the building, including free use and rentals
• for building security
• for maintenance and enhancement of Church property
2. Working with the Church Manager to negotiate contracts and renewals with tenants, inclusive of the signing and regular maintaining, at the least on an annual basis, of current tenant use agreements, and therein damage deposit enforcement and effecting primary contact relationships.
Rental agreements are inclusive of time of use, access privileges, space, and storage allocations, cost, or the lack thereof. The levels of authority for the Church Manager and the Convener of Facilities and Grounds will be as follows.
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Type of rental agreement Who can approve on behalf of Trinity
One-time rentals
Term rentals that do not require construction
Church Manager
Convener
Term rentals that require construction Session
3. Working with the Church Manager to negotiate all supplier contracts, signing, and as is pertinent, renewal of maintenance, service and all contractor agreements. The levels of authority for the Church Manager and the Convener will be as follows.
Size of agreement Who can approve on behalf of Trinity
Under $2,500 per annum
$2,500 or more per annum
Church Manager, subject to remaining within the annual budget envelope approved by the Congregation
Convener, subject to remaining within the annual budget envelope approved by the Congregation
4. Establishing yearly maintenance, enhancements, and operations budgets in consultation with the Church Manager in response to the designated budget preparation process, and ensure expenditures remain within budget.
5. Working with the Church Manager to identify long-term capital projects, with costing, which address replacement, renovation and expansion of Church facilities, consistently reviewing and anticipating long-term upgrades and improvements for Church property, more specifically the development of a rolling five-year plan for maintenance and capital replacements (with costs). The plan is to be submitted to the Session annually for review.
6. Proposing and implementing ways to reduce, reuse and recycle all pertinent materials.
7. Ensuring complete and proper insurance coverage for property, and report to the Trustees on this.
8. Responding to matters raised by other Ministries, or by the Trustees in relation to compliance, liability and insurance to ensure the protection of all Church property.
9. Monitoring and providing oversight of the work the Church Manager does on its behalf.
The Church Manager will report the following to the Facilities and Grounds Ministry on a quarterly basis:
1. Licensed users of the facility, including one-off/repeat/pipeline, organization, space, time, arrangements, paid through date, current issues, emerging issues, insurance provision and Leading with Care sign offs.
2. Contractors, including organization, service, arrangements, paid through date, current issues, emerging issues.
3. Maintenance Register, including listing of quick-fix items and longer-term facilities maintenance issues, prioritized and costed.
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4. Enhancements Register, including listing of enhancements that will result in more attractive usable and rentable space, prioritized and costed.
5. Utilities usage summary, in as much detail as possible, and budget-to-actual comparisons re: heating, cooling, snow removal, general maintenance, electrical and supplies.
6. Fire prevention system
7. Security system
8. Cleanliness
9. In addition, the Church Manager will provide an annual inventory of all Church equipment and furnishings, in both visual and written form.
Appointed Positions
Appointed by the congregation:
1. Treasurer
2. Envelope Secretary
3. Trustee(s)
4. Officers of the Bartlet Fund
Appointed by Session:
1. Clerk of Session
2. Roll Clerk and District Coordinator
3. Archivist
4. Representative Elder to Presbytery
5. Ministry Conveners Treasurer
The Treasurer is appointed by the congregation with the following responsibilities:
1. Manage all aspects of the accounting system and establish proper accounting controls over the recording of transactions for income and expenses, capital assets and liabilities and the various funds.
2. Ensure an appropriate approval process for all expense type payments and timely payment schedule.
3. Monitor cash flow and adequacy of balances in various funds including: Operating, Restricted, Ministry and Session funds.
4. Prepare regular financial reports in accordance with an approved schedule, and on an as needed basis.
5. Act as the primary contact with bankers
6. Establish and administer an investment policy for longer term capital funds.
7. Manage the preparation of the annual operating budget for upstream review and approvals.
8. Manage the preparation of a rolling multi-year projection of operating income and cash flow to provide assurance on long term sustainability.
9. Liaise with the Envelope Secretary with respect to the monthly reporting of offerings.
10. Comply with all filing requirements of governing bodies of the Church and government agencies.
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Staff support
1. The Treasurer is supported by a bookkeeper under a contract arrangement.
2. The Church Manager and Coordinator of Operations and Administration will perform certain financial functions as approved by the Treasurer, including invoice processing, payroll administration and cheque preparation.
Envelope Secretary
The Envelope Secretary is appointed by the congregation with the following responsibilities, and reports to the Finance and Stewardship Ministry:
Offerings
1. Administer the counting process each Sunday and for special services.
2. Administer the PAR program and Tithe.ly
3. Maintain a record of weekly offerings by donor envelope #, name and address or other contact information.
4. Prepare a statement of offerings by donor usually twice a year and organize distribution.
5. Administer the supply of offering and special envelopes and organize distribution and supply to the pews.
6. Prepare a report of offerings received monthly for timely distribution to the Treasurer and other appropriate persons.
All information regarding envelope offerings is considered private and confidential and restricted to the Envelope Secretary.
Trustee(s)
The Trustees are appointed by the congregation, with the following responsibilities:
1. Act as legal agents or representatives as directed by the Church, signing all legal documents involving the purchase, sale and mortgaging, only upon direction by the Church.
2. Maintain inventory of all legal documents, in conjunction with the Clerk of Session
3. Counsel with Church staff, key leaders, committees or organizations concerning legal matters.
4. Hold legal title to all Church property and act only as directed by the Church in regular or special business meetings.
5. Make recommendations to the Church concerning legal documents, property and other legal issues.
6. Conduct all work in compliance with the Declaration of Trust as provided by our Presbytery.
Clerk of Session
The Clerk of Session is appointed by Session with the following responsibilities:
1. Work with the Minister as the Moderator of Session to decide on the draft agenda for Session meetings, and the Session Advisory ministry, if and when appointed by Session.
2. Take regular minutes of Session procedures and hold them in a permanent record, take charge of all Session documents, and prepare and issue all extracts of minutes and papers authorized by the Session.
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3. Initiate any follow-up action as a result of decisions made at these meetings.
4. Communicate with the congregation on behalf of Session.
5. Be the point of contact for all correspondence to Session.
6. Work with the conveners of our ministries to ensure effective governance of Trinity.
Roll Clerk and District Coordinator
The Roll Clerk and District Coordinator is appointed by Session and accountable to Session, through the Clerk of Session with the following responsibilities:
1. Report to Session as soon as possible any matter affecting the accuracy and integrity of the roll, further to Book of Forms Sections 124 and 125
2. Ensure the supply and processing of certificates, books and forms relating to the position.
3. Ensure the safe keeping of documents in their care, preferably within the Church.
Archivist
The Archivist is appointed by Session, with the following responsibilities:
1. Bring together governance, program and group documents, and items such as minutes, reports, charts, statistics, photos, electronic recordings and correspondence.
2. Receive, describe, shelve and file, by hard or soft means, records for secure, safe and accessible storage.
3. Ensure the completeness of our archives by seeking the donation of personal material and other records as needed.
4. Establish policies for our archives, for approval by Session.
Representative Elder to Presbytery
The office of Ruling Elder underlines an important, distinctive principle: The Presbyterian Church in Canada gives its members significant participation in decision making, recognizing that the entire Church is the people of God. The Church attempts to seek God’s will through the collective decisions made by God’s people. “The Lord continues his ministry in and through the Church. All Christians are called to participate in the ministry of Christ. As his body on earth we all have gifts to use in the Church and in the world.” (Living Faith 7.2.1). As further expression of this, the Session of Trinity elects one of its own to serve in the higher courts of the Church. This person is known as the Representative Elder to Presbytery, who most often also represents, when commissioned to do so, Trinity at Synod and General Assembly.
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Ministry Conveners
The Conveners of each Ministry are responsible for ensuring the mandate of the Ministry is being fulfilled, examined and the activity of the Ministry recorded. The Convener, therefore, is responsible for regularly gathering together, informing and equipping the Ministry’s membership to successfully be about the Ministry’s work, and to report accordingly to Session. Setting agendas for the gatherings, keeping records, communicating with the congregation, creating goals, establishing a budget, and keeping within it, filing expenses and ensuring reimbursement, and writing an annual report are tasks Conveners are expected to ensure happen.
Staff Positions
This section describes the full- and part-time staff positions at Trinity. It is noted that these positions are not necessarily filled at all times.
Director of Music
The Director of Music is responsible for the excellent creation, implementation, and smooth running of the music program at Trinity. This role also oversees and supports a variety of volunteer music ministry groups to provide, prepare and coordinate music, music instruction, and to lead the congregation in worship and other Church related situations.
Executive Assistant to the Minister
This position is responsible for the vocational and personal well-being and success of the minister as Minister of Word and Sacrament, Moderator of Session, Teaching Elder, Executive of Presbytery, Pastor and, Head of Staff. The position of Executive Assistant to the Minister provides high-level support to the Minister in a wide range of activities, including administrative, operational, and ministerial responsibilities, while interacting with staff, the people of the congregation, and the community.
Church Manager
This position is responsible for the smooth running of the operations and administration of, and at, Trinity, inclusive of all its facilities and grounds and all matters pertaining therein. The Church Manager contributes to the vibrant life of the congregation and is a vital part of its daily and long-term well-being, especially in relation to the congregation’s status as a high demand income generating community service centre, reaching out to, and welcoming in a wide variety of different space users seven days a week for multiple hours each day.
Coordinator of Operations and Administration
This position is responsible for assisting in the smooth running of the operations and administration at Trinity More specifically, the position is vital to the daily functioning of the congregation and the facility, and provides solid and impactful support, service and solutions.
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Coordinator of Children and Family Ministries
This position is responsible for nurturing, enhancing, and expanding our children and family ministries of Trinity for the purpose of fostering growth in the grace and knowledge of God’s love in Jesus Christ and thereby equipping people for service and membership in the Church
Coordinator of Youth and Young Adult Ministries
This position is responsible for developing and maintaining an environment that will foster faith formation, inclusion and belonging by providing opportunities for spiritual development, learning, service and fellowship for youth and young adults. It seeks to establish ministries which are age-defined and involve various purposes within each age -group, i.e., outreach, worship, fellowship, discipleship and ministry.
Coordinator of Community Engagement
This position is responsible for reaching out in the spirit of neighbourliness, lively expression, and invitation to bring in people to the life, work and witness of Trinity, to ensure the vitality and growth of our Church. This will be done through helping both Trinity and non-Trinity people to understand who we are and what we do, how we may help them and how they may participate This position will lead the Church in offering intergenerational and cohort specific friendly events, impactful programs and service opportunities through which Trinity can connect with and serve our neighbours and engage with those who are un-Churched.
Sunday Nursery and Church Resource Worker
The position of Sunday Nursery and Church Resource Worker is one which exists to ensure the provision of kind and excellent care, protection and nurture to the children in the congregation’s nursery during worship, to help out with other Sunday Church School programs as needed and requested, and to be present to both direct and engage in ‘The Kids’ Corner’, a children focused centre present after worship and during a time of refreshment and fellowship in the North Hall. The position also involves the willing assistance with other aspects of the Education Ministry, and of Church life in general as they will and may arise, notably assistance in all aspects of the post-worship time of fellowship and refreshment, once the responsibilities of nursery, Church School and Kids’ Corner are complete.
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