Derrick Wendel lights a candle during the Pride service conducted by Rev. Meggin King, right. Stephen Rapos, co-director of music, is on the stage too, which was decorated with a Trans flag and two Pride flags.

Everyone gathered for a group photo following the Pride church service

St. Paul’s United Church, Warkworth, Celebrates Pride Month with First-Ever Pride Service

Article & Images by Sue Dickens

Warkworth – An outdoor Pride church service yesterday, Sunday, June 9, in Mill Creek Park, said to be the first of its kind in Trent Hills, brought together dozens of people for this unique LGBTQ + affirmation.

Rev. Meggin King of St. Paul’s United Church, Warkworth, gave the sermon and conducted the service, which began at 10:20 a.m. Sunday morning under bright sunny skies.

Buttons and flags and necklaces with coloured beads were handed out.

“Today is I think a historic event. I believe it is the first Pride event ever in Trent Hills in a public venue, by a church definitely…so you guys are a part of history today,” Jeanette Cournoyer, Chair of the Affirm Committee, told the crowd.

The church’s Kids Club kids’ choir sang during the service.

The Pride celebration was participated in by many folks in the community from  the church band to the Kids Club and young choir and more. Music program directors were Kathy and Stephen Rapos.

St. Paul’s United Church band on stage with Rev. Meggin King.

Johanna Allen, Kat Kinch, Micaela Quibell, Jessica Barron and the Kids Club kids contributed their musical talents.

The Pride Committee, from left, Charlotte Hastings, Elaine Mann, Rev. Meggin King, Elizabeth Heon, Paul Portelli, Derrick Wendel and Jeanette Cournoyer.

The Affirm (LGBTQ +) Committee who worked hard preparing for the service includes: Chair Jeanette Cournoyer, Charlotte Hastings, Elizabeth Héon, Elaine Mann, Derrick Wendel, Paul Portelli and Rev. Meggin King.

Speaking with Trent Hills Now prior to the service Rev. King talked briefly of the transformation by the church to an affirming ministry.

“So we did education for two your starting six years ago and the congregation voted 96 per cent to say yes we would like to be an affirming congregation,” she said.

“We want to make sure we are known especially as a safe place for people in the LGBTQ + community. Part of that is ongoing so we became affirming and we keep up with the educational work that happens as current events dictate,” she added.

Each Sunday service at St. Paul’s Church includes the lighting of an affirming candle.

“It’s a rainbow candle and it’s to remind people that God’s love colours outside the lines…and that God’s love is for all,” she said.

The candle lighting was part of the outdoor ceremony yesterday.

Rev. King went on to explain that, “In terms of this service because Pride month is officially June in Ontario, the Sunday past (June 2) was the United Church of Canada’s official Pride Sunday, but we had a regional meeting going on so we decided to do it this Sunday.”

“Today is also Pentecost Sunday which is huge in the church here,” said Rev. King who told the “story of the Pentecost” during the service.

News of the Pride service had been shared to other churches, welcoming everyone, and the Presbyterian churchgoers in Warkworth (which includes Presbyterian church members from Hastings as their church has closed) joined in the day’s picnic.

St. Paul’s Church in Warkworth has about 40 adults and 10 children among the congregation.

The service was adapted from a Pride service shared by Emmanuel United Church, Peterborough, created by Rev. Don Uhryniw, a colleague of Rev. King.

The pavilion was decorated with a Trans flag (in centre) and two Pride flags.

A prayer by Alydia Smith for Pride month was also included in the program.

Paul Portelli of Warkworth read greetings from MP Kim Rudd and MPP David Piccini.

From “Forming the Rainbow” at the beginning of the service to the opening prayer, a “Litany of Freedom” to proclaiming their pride (lighting of a red candle) to the “Prayer of Dedication” and the singing of several songs with those attending joining in, the service also included a Pride prayer followed by the singing of “One Voice” by Joanna Moore, Raven Farrow and Jonah McLean and the Kids Club kids, then “Somewhere over the Rainbow, wrapping it all up with “Sending Forth: An affirmation of Sexuality”

Janice Laver and members of the United Church Women and friends prepared sandwiches and provided refreshments so everyone could remain and mingle.

A BBQ was part of the lunch too and Aaron Eddie and Craig Laver were the chefs for the picnic. Jason Fraser and Christian Forsey lent their BBQ for the event.

There were Pride cupcakes made by Elaine Mann and Angela Roest of Centre and Main Chocolate Co. provided “a special chocolate creation.”

There were many others who helped to make event a success.

“It would be lovely to have this grow into a community event,” said Rev. King.

Celebrating Pride month, with Pride flags and coloured beans and pins, front from left, Quinn Fraser, Avery Fraser, Aliyah Laver, Isabella Fraser, Isaac Laver; standing from left, Elaine Mann, Charlotte Hastings, Rev. Meggin King, Derrick Wendel, Elizabeth Heon and Jeanette Cournoyer.
Folks brought their own lawn chairs for the outdoor Pride church service.
Everyone enjoyed a picnic after the service including committee member Paul Portelli.