Trinity United Church – Smiths Falls

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

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

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

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

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