“Give, serve, pray 4 Ukraine” Latest weekly news from Trinity Churches (w/b 7th March 2022)

Dear ::first_name::

As I have sat in my living room watching the News these last 10 days, I must confess I have ended up feeling depressed, helpless, and worried. It might seem that evil is currently winning, hopelessness taking hold, and maybe even that darkness is spreading wide, but in the last few weeks God has been highlighting to me Psalm 46:10:”Be Still and Know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth!”.

As we are being still and waiting, we do so, not in a panic or with hopelessness, but we wait with hope and anticipation that God will be exalted and glorified in what seems and feels like the hardest of times. So let me encourage you that when you watch the News or face a hard personal situation, to be still and wait, knowing that God is at work to bring peace, hope and restoration.

I would love to leave you with this reminder from the song Way Maker:

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper
Light in the darkness
My God, that is who You are
Even when I don’t see it, You’re working
Even when I don’t feel it, You’re working
You never stop, You never stop working
You never stop, You never stop working

Amal Moore, Pioneer Community Minister

Thank you to everyone who has talked to us recently about how we might best support the unfolding crisis in Ukraine. We’re wanting to remain active in prayer and generous in spirit as the tragic situation continues.

Firstly we want to be generous with our financial response. For those wanting to give through church we’re offering to match donations, up to a sum of £2,500. We’re going to be supporting the work of the DEC – the network of national charities doing work on the ground – alongside “BreadTrust” who are a long-established charity based at Barnabas Church here in Shrewsbury working directly with Christians and the Church in Ukraine. There are special envelopes at the back of church if giving by cash or cheque. Or you can give online through your bank or via our website, though do please let the office know it’s for UKRAINE and we’ll make sure your gift gets there.

Secondly we’ve registered our interest with SANCTUARY FOUNDATION, a UK network equipping churches, communities and individual families to support those coming from Ukraine over the next days, weeks and months. Involvement in this might include welcoming a Ukrainian family to live locally, finding and possibly furnishing accommodation, raising funds and helping families to settle and integrate. You can also register interest as an individual. Interested? The link is below. Meanwhile I know that some have already contacted government ministers, and our local MP Daniel Kawczynski, expressing concern about the number of refugees who have been able to enter the UK so far. You’ll find contact details on his constituency website.

Thirdly we will continue to find ways to pray during our Sunday services and midweek gatherings, and want to share resources where we can to help others continue in prayer. 24-7 Prayer has a number of good resources which we recommend. As below.

DEC Appeal

BreadTrust – working with the church and Christians in Ukraine

Sanctuary Foundation – with Krish Kandiah

24-7 prayer – Resources to pray for Ukraine

 

Our next newcomers event has a family-feel to it. Coming up on Sunday 10^th April, we are inviting people to lunch in the Trinity Centre. This is for all those who are new here, or still feeling new. Do let us know if you are able to come by chatting to one of the team today or signing up online.

Newcomers lunch – let us know you’re coming

 

An event for Trinity Women. On Saturday 26th March we’ll begin with a continental breakfast and time to be with friends old and new. We’ll then have some space to worship and pray, and to be “still and know” with God. We’ll also have opportunities to be quiet, to get creative, and to enjoy being together. We start at 9am, and will finish by 11.30am. More details from Amal Moore, or let us know you’re coming via the website or Church Office.

Women’s Chill Morning on 26th March

On Wednesday 16^th March there is a special opportunity to see an acclaimed one man show – Walking to Jerusalem – at Meole Brace Church. Written and performed by award-winning writer and actor, Justin Butcher, the show uses a mix of theatre, stand-up and video montage to tell his tale.

In 2017 a pilgrimage set off from London to Jerusalem, calling for equal rights for all in the Holy Land. Over 100 walkers took part and nine walked the whole way, 3,400km. Follow their adventures along the route and find out what drove them to do it.

Shropshire Friends of Palestine are helping to host this Passion Pit Theatre event in association with Amos Trust and Hodder & Stoughton. Interested? Email shropshirefop@gmail.com for more information.

As life continues to open up – and we hope people increasingly confident abou tbeing out and about – there’s still space for doing life together over a cup of coffee and around a meal table. Alongside small groups, growing friendships and looking out for people who live locally here are three opportunities you can do that with us at Trinity over the next weeks.

Café Connect is our church-run coffee shop at the heart of the Radbrook community offering great food, good value and a warm welcome. We want to be a place where faith is lived, hope is offered, and God’s love can be shared. Open six days a week and staffed by a team of volunteers, the cafe offers good food and a warm welcome. Join us for drinks, snacks and light lunches to eat in or take away.

Cloisters Cafe. During the winter months we’re open on Tuesday mornings in the back of church, and so if you’re looking for a warm welcome, drinks and cakes in a beautiful surrounding, and the company of friends old and new then we’d love you to join us.

Trinity Table is our regular lunch club for people from across the local community. It takes place on Tuesdays from 12.30pm in the Trinity Centre. To help with capacity we’re having two Trinity Tables each month, with people able to attend one of these.