Trinity United Church with the Rev. Bob Fillier |
|
 |
The Rev. Bob Fillier is in his seventh year of ministry at Trinity United in Prince George, British Columbia. Trinity United was formed when Knox United and St. Andrew’s United merged in 2018, making it a new congregation with a history in Prince George going back over a century.
Fillier says there was no question after the merge that the congregation wanted to keep and use both buildings involved, while staying true to their core value of “Joyful service.” They did a feasibility study, trying to prove the need for a professional level performing arts space based on anecdotal reports they’d heard about it, and then constructing a ministry plan that would let them fill that gap. They learned that the municipality agreed with them, having identified the lack of a professional-level performance space and required infrastructure as a gap it couldn’t afford to fill.
Trinity United was at the same time transitioning from a landlord-tenant relationship with seven organizations currently renting space in their buildings to a partnership relationship that let them provide space to over 40 partners. A HALO study showed that a high proportion of partners using the space were performing arts-related groups that wanted more space.
The research had shown where the need was, so the work began.
The plan was to convert the building that was formerly Knox United Church, now Trinity Downtown, into a performing arts space in stages, over two or three years. However, smoke and water damage from a fire in February 2022 made it necessary to complete the job within nine months. Fillier credits Trinity United’s “culture of risk-tasking” with the decision to go full-steam ahead.
“We kind of looked at it and said, ‘Didn’t plan that, but we can make this work.’”
Insurance money, a large grant from Northern Development Initiatives Trust that was matched by the congregation, other smaller grants, and contributions by community partners have enabled Trinity United to complete (to date) 60 percent of its ambitious renovation plan, which includes:- Replacing pews with 300-350 seats
- Replacing heating system
- Adding 75 sqft to stage; improving sight lines for audience; adding professional stage lighting and audio equipment
- Making broadcasting, green screen and post-production capabilities available in the facility
- Improving accessibility: making stage fully accessible, adding accessible washroom for artists
- Building laundry facilities and a shower
Even though renovations to the space aren’t fully completed, Trinity United is running programs in the space, booking into June 2023 and tentatively booking into 2024.
Fillier feels that providing an affordable, accessible performance space to emerging artists, especially Indigenous ones, is an “expression of our value of joyful service.” He is excited about the opportunities the project has provided to build partnerships, trust, and a sense of the church again being part of community life.
“So cool to see the church again, back in the center, back in the fabric of community,” he says.
He encourages other communities of faith not to fear failure but look at it as a learning opportunity and then try something new.
“It’s only a failure if you don’t learn something from it.”
“If there ever was a time for bold discipleship, and to invest in ministry, there is no better time than today.”
Watch the full Edgey Conversation with Zoë Chaytors and the Rev. Bob Fillier.
[Image credit: Canva/EDGE] |
|
Dreamwork Canada February Workshops – Learning More About God and Ourselves Through Nightly Dreaming  Have you ever wondered what your dreams are telling you? Dreamwork Canada workshops teach people to explore their dreams from different approaches within a Christian context using the concepts of Carl Jung. Join Dreamwork Canada and guests for two opportunities in February to learn more about your dreams: - February 21, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. EST, Alexandra Caverly-Lowerly, M.Div., Th.M. provides an opportunity to explore, using gentle body movement and active imagination, ways to engage with the images, voices, and physically-felt experiences that arrive in dreams.
- February 28, 6:30 – 8:30 p.m. EST, the Rev. Greg Little introduces participants to the process for using the “six magic questions” approach to unlocking the meaning of dreams and dream images. Participants will have opportunities to work with each other to apply the method to their own dreams in a small group setting and leave with ideas for ongoing practice.
Price: $30 per person, per workshop. $5 discount per workshop if participant registers for both ($50 total) Register for workshops. Individually and together, we participate in God’s Dream for an Earth Community living in wholeness and right relationship. Please join us to learn more! [Image credit: Giografiche on Pixabay] |
|
Upcoming Educational Opportunities from EDGE in January |
|
Leading Adaptively 2023
Leading Adaptively’s Winter Session starts on Friday, at 1:00 p.m. EST. This three-session Zoom course helps participants discover new ways to lead adaptively with skills they already have. You’ll encounter the core theory of Adaptive Leadership in a vibrant new way and come away with usable practices to reinvigorate your day-to-day leadership journey. Price: $125. Register and learn more. Registration ends today!
[Image credits: CHURCHx/EDGE]
Curiosity Cohort 
Curiosity Cohort Winter Session starts on Tuesday, January 24, at 6:00 p.m. EST. Curiosity is the mindset change that we, as people of faith, are craving to begin to reimagine what church can be outside of Sunday morning. It is the mindset shift that allows us to ask questions and keep asking questions, helps us in letting go of needing “the” answers and to relinquish control, teaches us to follow the Spirit and to keep listening and discerning, and enables us to take leaps of faith and be courageous in experimenting. EDGE’s Zoe Chaytors and the Rev. Courtney Armento this five-session Zoom course for innovative leaders, curious communities of faith, and those willing to explore what might be possible. Suggested donation: $20. Get more information and register for all the Curiosity Cohorts on EDGE’s Curiosity Cohort portal on CHURCHx! Stay curious, friends! [Image credits: CHURCHx/EDGE]
Idea Days Monthly Idea Days begin on January 30, at 1:00 p.m. EST. EDGE invites changemakers with innovative ideas for their communities of faith to join us online once a month for Idea Day—an opportunity to talk about ideas and get feedback from others about them, and to provide feedback to others about their ideas. Idea Days are a perfect way to practice talking to others about your idea and to get assistance working through any barriers you may be encountering. Idea Days happen on the last Monday of every month from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EST. Price: Free. Register once at CHURCHx to receive the Zoom information for all the 2023 Idea Days! [Image credits: CHURCHx/EDGE]
Rural Ministry Town Halls Monthly Rural Ministry Town Halls begin on January 30, at 3:30 p.m. EST. Calling all those in rural ministry! Join your colleagues online once monthly Zoom for an energizing discussion of the joys and challenges of being in rural ministry, thoughtful consideration of current needs, and exploration of how to meet them most effectively. EDGE's Rural Ministry Town Halls run on the last Monday of every month from 3:30-4:30 p.m. EST. Register once at CHURCHx to get the Zoom link to attend each of them. Feel free to reach out to Sarah at slevis@united-church.ca with any questions about EDGE’s educational offerings. Let’s hear it for lifelong learning! [Image credit: CHURCHx/EDGE] |
|
Embracing the Spirit supports innovation ideas hatched out of faith communities and communities in ministry. Some of the stories and best practices that are happening throughout The United Church of Canada are shared in this newsletter. If you have an idea that you want to launch, reach out and tell us about it! We're happy to consult with communities of faith about the supports available to help them develop their new ideas. |
|
| Sign up for the Embracing the Spirit newsletter! |
|
|
| Donate to The United Church of Canada and help fund life changing work around the world! |
|
|
|
No comments:
Post a Comment