Rev. Takouhi’s Reflection…Fall 2025 – Trinity United Church

Dear Trinity United Church,

Do you know the following words of the New Creed of United Church of ours?
“We are not alone,
    we live in God’s world.
 We believe in God:
    who created and is creating …”

I find this a great reminder that God is Not Done with creating, creation and creatures – this includes us. God is ever renewing the way of life, calling us to new horizons, and possibilities.

The other day, I was listening to Christian Radio while driving (I drive a lot 😊) and Pastor-Teacher Chuck Swindoll was talking about living a New Life in Christ (Study of Romans). And he mentioned how the Church often hides behind tradition, saying that tradition reminds us of our ancestors who have left this physical earth, making tradition so important. He went on to speak about the negative aspects of traditionalism that resists necessary change and adaptation. He reasoned that traditionalism, which elevates the past over the future, hinders us from reaching out to new generations.

Swindoll’s critique was not about honouring or dishonouring our ancestors and our church history, but I believe he wanted to bring a point across that an unhealthy attachment to the past can prevent spiritual growth. I hope I have done Pastor Swindoll justice by remembering his thoughts correctly.

Beloved, these words resonate with me, with the amazing ministries that Trinity carries out, moreover, it resonated with me very strongly just the other day where I saw the accessible entryway to the gymnasium in our building has commenced.

I am not sure if you are aware that Wednesday mornings, we meet for Bible Study (V.I.B.E. – Venturing in Biblical Education), as we thirst to grow in our spiritual lives. The Book we are reading now is “We Make the Road by Walking: A Year-Long Quest for Spiritual Formation, Reorientation, and Activation”. It is a 52-chapter book to take us through the coming year. Last week we were discussing Chapter One and we had an epiphany of a sort – God is still creating newness, in and through us. Beloved, every single day is an opportunity for us to work together with God and with one another to create Goodness and Loving Kindness no matter where we are found, because the Loving Kindness of God is always by us, we just need to acknowledge and work accordingly.

Beloved, it has been nine months to our ministry together and we all know that usually it takes nine months for a new baby to arrive on this earth. I am so glad to share with you that Trinity’s ministries are growing day by day. From one chapel service a month at Van Horne Manor, we have added two more, at Broadview and Rosebridge, and soon Lombard Manor. Each gathering is a joy not just to those who attend but to me as well. I am so blessed that God has called me to this “work.” I get to meet people, be with them in their sacred moments of life, Baptisms, Weddings, Funerals, but most of all being with you at every worship and other gatherings fills my heart with Joy!

Being lonely is the worst pandemic of our time, even when there are so many forms of connections, people are feeling lonely. In this Community of Faith we will continue to do our best to help people feel welcomed and Affirmed for who they are. Therefore, on November 2, 2025 – All Saints Sunday – we will officially welcome those who want to call Trinity their spiritual home address, if you or someone else you know who is looking for a place to belong, let them contact me, revtakouhi@terrautopia.ca or 613-777-0880. As most of you know, Trinity United is an Affirming and Welcoming Congregation; our doors and Hearts are open to ALL who want to be part of this Community of Faith and work together to make this world a better place.

Beloved, do you perceive it? The New Season of letting go is upon us, let us Fall together Upward in front of the throne of God and rededicate ourselves for the work of Jesus holding fast to Deep Spirituality, Bold Discipleship, and Daring Justice. These three phrases summarize the work of Jesus and the Vision of this United Church of ours.

Let us let go of all that hinders us from growth, let us let go of fear that stops us from giving generously our Time, Talents and Finances, and see God creating brand new ways for us to take the Church to the Street of Smiths Falls and beyond, not for our sake but for the sake of the world that God loves so much.

I remain humbly within God’s Grace – God’s Servant-Daughter,
Rev. Takouhi Demirdjian-Petro – B.A., B.Th., M.Div.