WE have faith in the United Church of Canada.
On May 10, 2025, the cluster of seven United Churches in North East Winnipeg, known as TBJIGGN, commemorated the 100th anniversary of our national church. The acronym stands for: Transcona Memorial, Birds Hill United, John Black Memorial, Immanuel United, Grey St. United, Gordon King Memorial (known as the Big Red Church, BRC), and North Kildonan United.
The Big Red Church, nearly 100 years old itself, hosted our collaborative Singing for a Century event.
Each of our five ministers played a vital role in presenting the program and introducing the hymns with a brief history or anecdote.
There were archive displays from each church. With photos, memorabilia, and creativity, the stories of each of our churches over time were told.
We sang favourite hymns, starting with Holy Holy Holy while the choir processed into the sanctuary. Thrills of emotion were palpable.
Following the Land Acknowledgement, two of the BRC Praise Band members accompanied and led the congregation in the Wendat Carol (the Indigenous version of Huron Carol). Another moving experience.
We all sang a total of fourteen hymns selected from the hymn books developed over our history.
A communal choir with members from nearly all seven churches beautifully performed two anthems as well as led the hymns and the finale of the congregational round: Go Now in Peace.
All this was wonderfully supported by skilled and talented musicians from our churches who accompanied the music with pipe organ, piano, flute, and the Praise Band musicians.
Over 135 people attended and supported 1JustCity with donations adding up to $766.
Following the concert, people enjoyed a fabulous old-fashioned United Church Tea. We cut a ceremonial cake and sang Happy 100th Anniversary, then dined on a spectacular array of homemade dainties.
Like the loaves and fishes, we gathered up leftovers and sent them along to 1JustCity.
The overflowing feedback has been genuinely enthusiastic that this supremely uplifting congregational experience expresses our faith in the church and in each other.
