Weekly Email w/b 20th December 2022

It was such a joy to be able to welcome people for our 2022 Carols by Candlelight events. Huge thanks to the full orchestra and choir, to an amazing team of people behind the scenes, and all those involved in making this a very special occasion.

Fi spoke about the “great invitation” which is ours each and every Christmas. To a life of peace, to the gift of hope, to the offer of love. And, like any good invitation, one to be not only received but responded to. Those simple letters RSVP on the bottom of an invite which turn any invitation from an offer made to a gift received. What a prayer for ourselves each and every Christmas. You’ll find below various other ways in which you can be responding to this great invitation, and offering that to others.

I do occasionally think to myself “why are we hosting so many events at Trinity”, and that perhaps remains a valid question. But at the heart of these next days is not a desire to be busy, to “keep up with the next door parish” or to find more ways to eat mince pies. We extend this invitation because of what the angels say, that “a Saviour has been born for you. He is Christ the Lord.” These twelve words have changed history, and can transform our lives in the present and for eternity. We look forward to you joining us, and inviting others in your families and friendships to do the same.

With considerable gratitude, as always, for you sharing in this ‘great invitation’ together this year, and into 2023.

Phil Cansdale, Vicar

Read our November / December Trinity Life online

Carols on the Green takes place on Tuesday 20th December. We start from 5.30pm with some live animals on hand, helping us tell something of the Christmas story. From 6pm we’ll strike up some carols and enjoy some singing together and live music, then about 6.30pm we’ll have some turkey baps and a chance to enjoy some Christmas cheer.

We’re so excited that REVS car event is back for 2022. We’ll be meeting on Wednesday evening at 6pm on the hardstanding just down from Holy Trinity Church in Meole Brace. We’ll have some live music, carol singing, suitably driver-friendly refreshments, and a chance to experience the Christmas story from a car-loving perspective.

There’s something for people of all ages and all stages of faith as Christmas itself approaches:

CHRISTMAS EVE
Cafe Connect is open 10am to 12pm for free drinks and festive cheer.
Crib Services take place 3.30pm and again at 5pm at Meole Brace Church.
Christingle celebration at 5pm taking place at Holy Trinity Belle Vue Church.
Midnight Communion takes place at Meole Brace Church from 11.30pm

CHRISTMAS DAY
Christmas morning celebrations at 9am and 11am (Meole Brace), 10.30am (Radbrook) and 10.30am (Belle Vue)
Soul Purpose Christmas Lunch in the Trinity Centre from 12pm.

Visit our Christmas website

We’re going to be meeting on Saturday 31st December at 6pm for our final service of 2022. This marks an important time to look back over the last twelve months, reflect on something of where we have got to, and to put our hands into God’s hands as we move into a new year. Whatever else your new year traditions you would be very welcome to join us.

Then on Sunday 1st January 2023 there will be ONE JOINT SERVICE taking place at 10.30am at Meole Brace Church. So, for members of the 9am, 11am, 630 congregations at Holy Trinity, 1030am Radbrook and 1030am Belle Vue we’ll all be able to gather together in one celebration as we begin the new year.

Meanwhile the Church Office will be closed from Christmas Eve (24th December) until the morning of Tuesday 3rd January 2023. And most of the staff team will be taking well-earned annual leave after Christmas. For pastoral concerns the best way to contact the team will be via the Church Office phone number on 01743 362399. The answerphone will be checked daily, and any more urgent enquiries will be dealt with appropriately. Trinity Centre enquiries will be picked up once the office opens again.

Then on Monday 2nd January there is a walk for people of all ages. We’ll meet at the hardstanding at 10.30 and enjoy local footpaths as we walk about 5miles together. Midway through we will stop at The Red Barn to use the facilities and get a warm drink. There is also the option to buy sandwiches and a bowl of crisps for around £6 per head (possibly less depending on numbers). The landlord would like information about numbers in advance, so please do sign up in good time if you are able.

Sign up for New Years Walk on 2nd January

Our “Cost of Living” fund is very much up and running. This week we’ve been able to help TWENTY families locally thanks to your generosity, working particularly with local schools to offer support to households who might be struggling over Christmas. Thank you so much for your part in that, and helping us as a church to be generous and compassionate at Christmas time.

Are you in particular need? Or do you know someone who might benefit from practical help or limited financial support? Alongside other Shropshire organisations we want to be able to offer help and support where we can. The generosity of many people at Trinity means that we can offer support to individuals, families and specific projects at church and across the local community. We know we can’t do everything or help everyone, but we want to respond practically where we can.

Then Jonathan Veira will be coming to Meole Brace Church on Saturday 28th January at 7.30pm. His last visit here was January in 2020, and we are so excited that he’s coming back to Meole Brace for his latest tour. Jonathan’s easy, natural conversational style of sharing his faith journey combined with superb music and riotous anecdotes is enthralling, engaging and inspiring. Tickets are £10 from the Church Office or website. All profits from the concert will go towards our “Cost of Living” fund supporting individuals, households and dedicated projects at church and across the local community.

The Wellbeing Journey

The Bible Course

An evening with Jonathan Veira – 28th Jan 2023