Trinity, Bergland, Ont. is a unique little congregation nestled in a small community on the shores of Lake of the Woods. After several years with rostered pastoral care, it became apparent in 1992 that we would no longer be able to support such a ministry.
With concern and trepidation, we decided to continue God’s ministry within our community seeking synodical counsel and listening more closely to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We struggled with our identity but were pleased when Bishop Lee Luetkehoelter sent a letter to us, addressed to the “Feisty Saints of Bergland.” We now had an identity.
We were now a lay-led congregation with no expenses other than general maintenance. We provided full-time programs and our worship life was filled with the Spirit. As we grew in our confidence, identity and spiritual journey, so did our bank account. We had money in the bank. We needed to redirect our focus.
Our outreach program became our focus and remains so today. We have wonderful opportunities to share with different organizations within our community spectrum as well as organizations further afield. We have a strong bond with Luther Village, believing that the ministry there touches the lives of the young people who we sponsor for camping trips.
For years, Trinity has paid full registration fees for youth who are members of our congregation and fifty percent of the registration fee for any friends or youth in the community who wished to attend. We also contribute to the Luther Village Fund and prayerfully contribute to specific needs of the camp.
We have local interests that brighten our ministry. Providing food and workers for the local food bank, church services for the residents at Long Term Care in Rainy River, providing supplemental food items for children’s lunches at the local school, food hampers for families that are in need and contributing to skating ice time at the local arena for family skating are some of our local community outreach programs. We positive relationship will all organizations with which we are involved.
Beyond our local communities, we contribute to The Urban in Winnipegon a monthly basis knowing we are helping adults and children. Likewise, we support LAMP, the Salvation Army, Family Crisis Centre, Amythest House, and our local missionary in Bangladesh, to name a few.
Our passion abroad is Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR). We share our time and talents, having made many, many quilts and having assembled a multitude of We Care bags. Before these items are taken to the CLWR warehouse in Winnipeg, we hold a service of blessing for all who have given and for who will receive.
We have been so richly blessed over the years. We have not held a fundraiser for years. Perhaps we should as bake sales and yard sales are fun. However, our regular offerings provide our congregation with a financial surplus. Because of this amazing reality, we have been blessed beyond belief with opportunities to give and share. Our presence and worship are softly and gently connected with many communities far and wide.
—Carolyn Kreger
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