Trinity United Church – Smiths Falls

Incumbent Ordained Minister, as of January 1, 2025

Rev. Takouhi’s Reflection…Fall 2026

Dear Trinity United Church, Have you ever walked or driven through dense fog? How about being on vacation on a cruise ship, and hearing the foghorn go off every few minutes, as the ship was inside dense patches of fog? This August, for the second time in our lives, Gary and I had the fortunate opportunity to go on a cruise, not at a full price but at the 1/3 of the original price. Finding a last-minute deal always makes vacations sweeter. We had the beautiful opportunity to travel to Greece, visit Ancient Corinth (Greece) and cruise from Athens to … Read more

Tribute for Keith Ellard Johnston – June 10, 2026

Keith Ellard Johnston – Sunrise: October 6, 1961–Sunset: May 30, 2026 On Monday, June 1, 2026, Gary and I were leaving the parking lot of Hotel Dieu Hospital in Kingston after a follow-up appointment with Gary’s Neurologist. My cell phone rang. The call was from Lannin Funeral Home – Smiths Falls. They asked if I was available to preside over a funeral service for someone named Keith Johnston, on Tuesday, June 9. I pulled over, checked my calendar, and “Yes, I was available.” The staff from Lannin informed me a bit about him and promised to send me his sister’s phone … Read more

God of Surprises – March 29, 2026

Dearly Beloved, The article below was submitted to a local newspaper, as they had asked. However, the newspaper did not use the full version of the article. Therefore, we are taking this opportunity to share the full article with you. Once again, we are reminded that we can make a difference if we work together in unity and harmony. It does not matter how far or close we are to tragedies of life. I am grateful to my sister, Eleanor Glenn, for having this vision and seeing it through. And grateful to the Trinity United Church congregation, which is always … Read more

Trinity United Church – Minister’s Report 2025 – ACM (Annual Congregational Meeting) 2026

“Since we are joined together in this ministry as a result of the mercy shown to all of us by God, we do not become discouraged.” 2 Corinthians 4:1 – The Voice Dear Trinity United Church, January 5, 2025, was my first Sunday leading worship at Trinity as your new spiritual leader. It was not just Epiphany Sunday, it was also twenty years to the date, Monday, January 5, 2005, when I started my educational journey at Concordia University to go into the ordained ministry stream of the United Church of Canada. My life journey has had many twists and … Read more

Rev. Takouhi’s Reflection… Lent 2026 – Trinity United Church

Dear Trinity United Church, Where did 2025 go? How fast Lent is looming upon us this year? In less than eight weeks after Christmas, Lent begins with Ash Wednesday (Feb. 18, 2026). What is Lent all about? Beloved, over the centuries, Lent has been a time of solemn, quiet time, of giving up indulgences. Like Personal Comforts, Complaining, Chocolate, Sweets and Desserts, Alcohol, Caffeine, Gossiping, Excessive Shopping. In the recent years giving up TV, Social Media, Screen Time, and so much more. However, maybe there is something different to be done at Lent and train us to be more than … Read more

Post Christmas Break – December 25, 2025

Christmas 2025 Dear Trinity United Church, I have said it before and I will say it again, I am truly blessed to be serving United Church Communities of Faith who understand the human challenges of being a minister and offer a reprieve following the high seasons of the church, Advent/Christmas, and Lent/Easter. Preparing weekly worship with meaningful sermons is the small part of the iceberg that is visible from the pulpit each week. Not many realize the depth of accompanying all those who are walking through the shadow of death. Of course, there are also the welcomed celebrations that help … Read more

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

Dear Trinity Family, Have you ever received a gift that you never forgot about? I have. When I was about nine or ten years old, around Christmas 1976 or 1977, in Beirut, Lebanon, my parents bought me a small electric piano, so that it can help me start taking piano lessons. They could not afford the full-size piano, and of course there was no place in a one-bedroom apartment where nine individuals lived – Yes, we were a family of nine in a one-bedroom and one-bathroom apartment. I loved music and I still do, and I wanted to learn how … Read more

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 … Read more

Summer Break – August 11 – September 10, 2025

Dear Trinity United, I have learned that sometimes when things do not go as planned, better things are brewing ahead. In April 2024, my husband Gary and I were supposed to go away for a ten-day vacation. Unfortunately — or fortunately — we had to cancel our vacation. We received a credit voucher to be used later. Over the months, Gary and I thought about how to use this credit and make the most out of it. We had an “AHA” moment and thought: Why not turn it into something special for our 25th wedding anniversary, which is Sept. 3? (Where … Read more

Post Easter – Time Away – 2025

Dear Trinity United Church, Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed! Now it is time for all the ministers of the world to rise as well. I have been blessed, and still am, to be serving United Church Communities of Faith who understand the hardships of being a minister and offer a reprieve following the high seasons of the church, Advent/Christmas, and Lent/Easter. Preparing weekly worship with meaningful sermons is the small part of the iceberg that is visible from the pulpit each week. Not many realize the depth of accompanying all those who are walking through the shadow of … Read more