Happy New Year!

“Happy Christmas”? Or “Happy New Year”? Or a combination of both? I never quite know how to address people in these strange few days between the 25th and 31st December, particularly when I’m in that lovely holiday mindset when I’ve no idea what day of the week it is.

First and foremost – from all of the team at Trinity – thank you so much to all those involved in events over the last few days. What a joy it was to see Soul Purpose back on Christmas Day, as well as very well attended crib and Christingle services. To open our doors – and our hearts – at Christmas is such an important gift to many in the community. Thank you for the many different ways in which people served and helped to do that.

Secondly – in what is a quieter week – you’ll find below something of the next few days as we celebrate New Year together, as well as opportunities to take steps of faith as January begins. I do recommend both the “Wellbeing Journey” and “Bible Course” to you, and whether you’re a resolution-making sort of person or not what better commitment could you make as 2023 begins.

Finally I’m reminded of the words of the poem written by Howard Thurman:

When the song of the angels is stilled,
when the star in the sky is gone,
when the kings and princes are home,
when the shepherds are back with their flocks,
the work of Christmas begins:
to find the lost,
to heal the broken,
to feed the hungry,
to release the prisoner,
to rebuild the nations,
to bring peace among the people,
to make music in the heart.

Yes, we’ve a few days until the “kings and princes are home“. But this comes with our gratitude, and ongoing prayer, as we go into the new year and continue the work of Christmas.

Phil Cansdale, Vicar

Read our November / December Trinity Life online

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.

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.

The Church Office will be closed 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.

Sign up for New Years Walk on 2nd January

The Wellbeing Journey

The Bible Course

Finally we’re now four weeks away from Jonathan Veira‘s concert on Saturday 28th January. This promises to be a fantastic evening of live music, stories, and a lot of laughter. Tickets are £10 from the Church Office, or direct from the website. All profits from the concert will go towards the Cost of Living Fund.

An evening with Jonathan Veira – 28th Jan 2023