Outreach Ministry at Mountain Goat United

                                                                     Trenton United Church

Yesterday our pastor, the Rev. Isaac Mundy -- our son -- was on local radio to share information about an upcoming event for Quinte West, the "In Their Shoes” Fundraising Walk. This will entail a two kilometre walk to visit five agencies who address the day-to-day challenges experienced by the unhoused community. Isaac was interviewed  to explain the work of the Quinte West Warming Centre which theTrenton United Church congregation hosts in its space in conjunction with the municipality and region.

This got me thinking about how we employ our facilities in a time when many church buildings are closing, a reality which has accelerated because of the pandemic and shrinking congregations. Even though we have said for decades that Christ's church is the people, not the building, in too many situations remnant congregations have stubbornly held on the bricks and mortar until there were few people left or the structures crumbled or both.

What is the purpose of our buildings? For five years now we have been driving half an hour to attend worship at Trenton UC, aka Mountain Goat United. There is ample parking but it is a steep climb to the sanctuary!

Despite this drawback, a lot has happened since Isaac began his ministry there. An energy audit was done and changes planned. A lift was installed to make the sanctuary more accessible, new doors installed, and a new ramp constructed from the parking area. Rock climbing skills are no longer needed. 

The kitchen has been redesigned and fitted to accommodate the meal ministry, while the hall itself has been upgraded. A large space which was largely unused is now repurposed for the warming centre. Several of these projects have received generous grants from different organizations because of the emphasis on accessibility and community outreach. 

The church is on a busy corner in Trenton, which has its drawbacks, but it also means that the Pride flag and the Every Child Matters flag are visible to passers-by, in season. They are important public statements to a society where religion is often perceived as exclusive rather than inclusive. 

Yes, church structures can be an anchor for congregations, but they can also be places where Christ's gospel of compassion and inclusion are lived out. We continue to be impressed by the sense of mission amongst the members of Trenton UC, and the minister is leading the way. 

Of course, meaningful worship still takes place each Sunday morning, as well as a host of other congregational activities. Christ has not left the building!