Celebrating French Ministry: Not our will but Thy will be done

QUEBEC CITY – The Lutheran church of Sainte-Trinité in Quebec City, Quebec, is a congregation that could have given up – and, understandably so! – many times over the past decade, and yet continues to grow in spite of adversities. This small community has withstood the 4 changes in worship venues within the last 10 years, and its humble beginnings as a monthly service for less than ten people whose first language was not French. On top of this, the members were from 5 different countries, with a variety of church backgrounds (some Lutheran, some not).

When the members of Sainte-Trinité were finally able to meet together on a weekly basis, there was often no pastor available, sometimes at a late notice, because many of the supply pastors were military chaplains whose primary duty was service on the base. Still, this congregation continued on with no full-time resident pastor and, further, with many of the members faced with frequent relocations.

Sainte-Trinité members continue to meet – and, joyfully, at that! – in spite of fragility, diversity, dispersion, and a lack of full-time pastoral presence. In fact, many members are strongly present, actively assisting in the worship and contributing their time and treasure, bringing one another to church. From very early on, this cooperative effort has allowed Sainte-Trinité to cover all local costs and supply pastors expenses.

Sainte-Trinité members continue to meet – and, joyfully, at that! – in spite of fragility, diversity, dispersion, and a lack of full-time pastoral presence.

Pastoral care is often via regular emails, by phone, as well as through monthly EMVs by the LCC Missionary-at-Large, before and after services. In addition, the presence of a very active, retired pastor, who serves as resident pastoral advisor, and his wife, have provided stability for the congregation throughout the years.

From very early on, this cooperative effort has allowed Sainte-Trinité to cover all local costs and supply pastors expenses.

The frequent departure of families, anywhere from 4-6 members at a time, could have had devastating effects on this church body. However, each time a family moved away, others seemed to show up within a matter of months. Each step backwards, for Sainte-Trinité, seemed to be followed by a step forward or beyond, and the congregation now has more than 20 members. Average attendance is consistently at around 12 people, despite many members regularly having to work weekends. In 2019, the congregation grew by two members from outside and admitted three of its youth to the Sacrament of the Altar.

Not our will but Thy will be done…

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