A Special Letter to Members and Adherents of Trinity regarding the Amalgamation Vote

Members of Trinity, 

On Sunday, October 24, in our 169^th year, Trinity United Church met in a Congregational Meeting to vote on amalgamation with Highland Road and Zion United Churches.  David Cooke, our Council Chair, announced the results of the vote in dramatic fashion.  The proposal was carried by 89% at Trinity, which brought a feeling of joy, and by 100% at Highland Road, which brought a gasp of surprise, expressed in applause.  Then David announced that the vote had not carried at Zion.  There was instant quiet and sadness in the congregation.  What we had thought would be our path over the next few months and years was not to be! 

During the amalgamation discussions, we used the imagery of courtship and marriage.  We recognized that if one of the three participating congregations feels that it is not a good fit, or that significant issues and concerns are not resolved, it would be wise of them to not continue towards what may turn out to be an unhappy relationship.  That appears to be what has happened.  We have assured Zion that we will continue our friendship and our shared ministries such as Confirmation and Marriage preparation. 

Even before the vote we had talked about what would happen if two congregations said yes and one said no.  The obvious response is for the two who said yes to begin a conversation between them.  If and when they are prepared, another congregational meeting and vote would be held to decide on a new proposal. 

It has been the constant commitment of the Trinity Church Council and the Joint Amalgamation Committee to be as open and transparent as possible.  And so, we invite you again: if you have opinions and concerns or suggestions about out future, please join in the conversation.  We value and respect the input of all members. 

In a beautiful worship service before the congregational meeting, we expressed our faith that God is with us and God’s Spirit helps us make decisions that are good for the church and for the church’s mission in the world.  That will continue to be our prayer as we continue on our journey.  Be assured that the next step, whatever it may be, will not be our last.  It will be one more step in a long journey forward into a future that is as yet unknown, except by faith. 

With loving support and prayers, 

(Rev.) Jack Paleczny                                                    (Rev.) Desmond Jagger-Parsons