Weekly Email w/b 14th September 2026

This week, I did something that I don't often get to do in my role; I went on a jolly!

Together with two pupil chaplains from year 6 and the headteacher of Meole Brace Primary School, I went to Lichfield Cathedral for a service to mark Bishop Michael's retirement. There were representatives from many of the 207 Church of England schools in our Diocese, and the Cathedral was filled with the most beautiful singing as we thanked God for Bishop Michael and the way he has led the Diocese to prioritise ministry in schools.

During the service, Bishop Michael was presented with a book of prayers written by children across the Diocese, and he promised that he would use those prayers in this next chapter of his life. I came away reflecting on how beautiful it is that a leader with such great responsibility and power will be using the words of children and young people in his personal encounters with God.

As adults, it's easy for us to think that we have all the answers, that we know The Bible or God better, and that children need us to teach them. Sometimes that may be true, but it's equally true that we have so much to learn from children. Jesus knew this, and said:

'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.'

Grace and Peace

Cerys Hughes, Children and Families' Minister

This Sunday, 13th September, we'll be concluding our summer sermon series, 'What's in a Name?', across our morning congregations as we think about what it means to know Jesus as 'Alpha and Omega'. Our preacher at 9am, CTK and 11am is NevilleWillerton, with Ian Budd speaking at HTBV. The evening congregation are hosting our monthly 'Focus Service, with Kevin Roberts leading as we explore some of the spiritual, theological and pastoral issues surrounding the tragedy at the Big Church Festival along with an opportunity to pray for all involved. Trinity Youth will be meeting at the same time, upstairs in the Trinity Centre.

Harvest


Next Sunday we'll be celebrating our 'Harvest Festival' across the parish. As part of this, we'll be inviting us all to bring donations of non perishable goods which will be given to the Food Bank. The food bank is highlighting particular need for sugar, soap bars, noodles, dried pasta and laundry tablets but there is a longer shopping list available below.

Harvest Festival Shopping List from the Food Bank

Apple Day



Next Saturday sees one of our biggest and busiest days of the year as we welcome hundreds of the local community to celebrate harvest. Please do let us know if you are able to help on the day - either during the event or with set up or tidy up. And if you are able to dust off your favourite apple cake recipe, then we would also love to hear from you. A reminder that Rachel's email is [email protected]

Big Sunday Lunch



Our next Big Sunday Lunch takes place this Sunday, 20^th September. If you are not in a group and would love to share food with people that day then via the link below

Sign up for the Big Sunday Lunch

Board Games Evening



Back by popular demand, we have a board games evening coming up on Friday 9^th October at 7pm. This is a great opportunity to meet together as all ages, play some games and enjoy one another's company. More information is on the website.

Remembering Helena Priest


Helena's funeral service will take place at Aston House, Church Street, TF2 9JY on Thursday at 11am. Alex Aldous is taking this service. We continue to pray for Helena's family.

Licensing Service



This is my last weekly email for a month as the Bishop has asked me to take four weeks off prior to my Licensing Service (many thanks to Shannon and the Wonderful Wardens who will be making sure that your inbox doesn't go quiet on a Friday morning in my absence!) I will be at Apple Day, but other than that I won't be around for the next month. We're moving into The Vicarage this week, and then I'm heading for a week away on the Isles of Scilly. Please do pray for, and be patient, with the team over the next month - everyone will be working very hard to plug gaps and cover my mistakes! And I would love you to join us on Wednesday 21st October at 7pm for lots of words beginning with 'I' and an opportunity to worship together as we begin a new, though in many ways continuing, chapter in the life of our wonderful Church Family here at Trinity Churches as we seek together to be 'More Like Jesus'.

Trinity

Life