The remaining congregation at Trinity, Oro, is enthusiastic, joyful and ready to re-build their church.
At a congregational meeting at Trinity on Oct. 25, about 50 people gathered to ask questions, discuss a game plan and sign up for volunteer duties so that worship could continue on Nov. 4 at 10:00 — the first Sunday as a much smaller congregation. The mood was uplifting as people greeted each other with hugs and smiles, and asked for blessings on Connexus.
“We're both on the same journey, we're just on different paths,” said Kathryn Thompson, a member for 12 years, which means she was around when Trinity was three small congregations that had yet to amalgamate. “They're praying for us and we're praying for them.”
“We're working for the same boss,” said her husband, Harry Thompson, with a smile.
The majority of the 1,000-plus members and adherents of the old Trinity left on Oct. 31, following their minister, Rev. Carey Nieuwhof out of the PCC to his newly born Connexus Community Church, which is linked to a non-denominational conservative congregation in the U.S.
Rev. Neal Mathers, minister at Emmanuel, Nottawa, and interim moderator at Trinity, led the meeting in prayer. His sermon, during which he read from 1 Corinthians 13, called for “trust, hope and love.”
“You can never have two visions within one congregation, and separation has to happen if both visions are going to flourish,” Mathers began. “Your vision is just forming. It's like a baby — you don't know whether to love it, spank it, or change it! There is always anxiety around birth and parenthood, especially when the pregnancy took us unaware. But we're taking the first baby steps.
“It's okay that the vision is new and small and fragile, because God is the one who gives vision, and He will help it flourish.”
Besides this, Mathers, who was set to lead worship on Nov. 4, also called for patience, noting that it will likely be six months before elders will be elected, and therefore at least that long before the congregation can call a new minister. “It's not going to be easy,” he said. “We're starting at ground zero. There will be a lot of work. It's more important to go slowly, do things well, and build a solid foundation.”
About half of the people at the meeting were long-time Trinity goers; many from one of the three original congregations. It was mentioned that although only about 50 people showed up, many had called or emailed to say they wanted to attend but were unable. It was also noted that some who were expected to follow Nieuwhof had attended the meeting. Such signs gave the group hope for the future.
“I remember asking God, why do things have to change? I'm happy. I'm comfortable,” said Kathryn Thompson, recalling her apprehension when it was clear there would be a split. “And a small voice inside me said, 'When you were in your mother's womb, you were warm, happy and comfortable. You didn't want things to change then either. But I have bigger plans for you.'”
Everyone signed up for volunteer duties, covering everything from musicians to greeters, to ushers to Sunday school teachers, to coffee brewers, and facility managers. By the end of the night, nearly all vacancies were filled. Many noted they were happy to have a church home again, as several had left Trinity amidst the turmoil. They were also looking forward to “being fed,” saying that because Nieuwhof's focus was ministering to “the lost,” long-time Christians were often left without any spiritual nurturing or growth opportunities.
“I'm looking forward to a community church where we can participate together in serving God,” said Suzanne Cameron, a part of Trinity since it met in a school back in 2000, just after the amalgamation. “There will always be different styles of worship. We have to love and honour people's convictions and bless them if that's their vision to serve the Lord.”
Despite the trauma of a congregation split, many identified lessons learned, and are looking forward to a new beginning.
“It's about listening to God and seeking His Kingdom,” said Marcie Ward, whose husband, Rob has attended Trinity for about 10 years. “Seek the Kingdom and God will build the Church. Nothing will stop Him. This isn't a setback, it's a continuum. If we allow God to work, He will be faithful.”
The next meeting was scheduled for Nov. 15, when the new finance team hoped to have a budget ready to propose to the congregation.
