Pingdemics – and latest news w/b 2nd August 2021

The new word of the month seems to be ‘pingdemic.’ Have you heard it used? The number of people getting ‘pinged’ has been increasing hugely over recent weeks, resulting in empty supermarket shelves, staff absences at record rates, and many-a-change to our social calendars. It’s no wonder there’s debate going on about exemptions, as well as those who are usually ‘screen junkies’ finding the ‘off’ button of their mobiles. Like me, you may be looking forward to 16th August when those who are fully vaccinated will be able to take daily COVID tests instead of self isolating?

But – awkward sermon link warning – it did get me thinking…

What might our life and our witness look like if we really believed that our presence can make a difference wherever we are? Jesus talked about being ‘salt and light‘ in the places where God has put us. Paul spoke of being the ‘aroma of Christ‘ at the heart of our community. In different ways this speaks of our presence making a difference wherever we are, of mission-shaped conversations and interactions in the everyday things, of making the most of every opportunity to be people of faith, hope and love. This is whole-life discipleship at its best. Following Jesus is for everyone, everywhere, everyday and in everything.

In the early years of the Trinity Centre there was a phrase often used, that “every contact leaves a trace.” Perhaps the difficulties of COVID have reminded of that in the most painful of ways. But may this new season of our COVID journey might also remind us to open our eyes and our hearts that God’s light and love would shine through us wherever we are.

With continuing prayers and thanks.

Phil Cansdale
Vicar and Area Dean of Shrewsbury

A reminder of the our continuing guidelines to help keep each other safe at this stage of our COVID journey. We are continuing to ask people to wear face coverings and are enabling you to be able to keep physical distance from others. To help monitor capacity we are requesting that people let us know that they are coming in the usual way, though if you haven’t booked in there should be space for you ‘on the day’ if you turn up. We will, of course, continue online too for those who aren’t yet comfortable in being alongside other people.

We’ll be reviewing this on a regular basis, and are committed to church being a safe space for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns do please chat to one of the team.

This Sunday – 8th August – we continue to meet at 9am and 11am for our Sunday celebrations. Then on Sunday15th we’ll also be meeting at 9.30am at Radbrook Green, and the midweek service will be at 10am on Thursday 19th August.

A reminder that over August we’re going to be making some space for “The BIG Conversation“, and reflecting on our COVID journey of thanking, lamenting, learning and praying. Fi and Phil kicked off the series last Sunday, and this week we come to think about what we are thankful about as we look back over these last months. You’ll find resources to accompany this journey on our website, as well as the opportunity to meet one-to-one with someone for a guided conversation. And have you seen in the churchyard at Holy Trinity there are some further ideas to reflect on these four themes…

Let us know you’d like to come to one of our services

Find us on Facebook Live

Join in the BIG Conversation

The summer also sees some activities for children and youth at our 11am gatherings.

A reminder in particular that – for under 5s – the Fiwila Room is available with a large selection of toys available. The room won’t be staffed, and you will need to stay with your child (or organise for a trusted friend or family member to do so). No drinks or snacks will be provided so please bring your own. You are very welcome, and indeed encouraged, to join with the coffee time after the service. If you have a small, non-mobile, baby then please do make use of the Tower Vestry where the service is livestreamed into the room, with a sofa, changing facilities and some toys available for use.

Since March 2020 a number of us have been meeting daily as part of six o’clock live. It’s been a twenty minute opportunity each day to pause and to pray, to ponder and reflect. We’ve been able to meet through three lockdowns, and along the way have looked at many different themes including the “big story of the Bible” and the book of Ruth, the Sermon on the Mount and reflections on fruitfulness. Thank you so much to all those who have been involved. It has been such a blessing.

After about four hundred gatherings we’re going to take a break over August, and a chance to think about how we’re going to continue from September. Meanwhile over August we’re inviting people to keep up with the six o’clock rhythm, but to plug into a range of other resources which we hope will inspire, equip and encourage you. And we’re asking people to continue the conversation on Facebook, with any particular thoughts or reflections that you can share to encourage one another.

Some resources to help you engage with God each day

Have your say on what happens next

It’s a season of “goodbyes” on the staff team as we prepare to mark the departure of William Small as Operations Manager at the end of the month. Over the last 5+ years he’s been overseeing many of the more ‘practical’ aspects of life here at Trinity, including our finance, personnel and buildings. Whilst much of his work is probably ‘unseen’ by many across the parish it has been hugely appreciated by all of us here as well as at Holy Trinity Belle Vue.

Particularly for those who will have worked alongside William we’re inviting people to contribute towards a leaving gift. Details as below:

PCC Holy Trinity Meole Brace, Christ the King Radbrook
Account Number: 01317554
Sort Code: 30-97-62
Reference: WILLIAM

Meanwhile we are interviewing this week for the replacement Operations Manager. Prayers appreciated!

We really enjoyed meeting up for a couple of New Wine celebrations over the last week. Did you catch any? I think the main talks and gatherings will be available via their website over the next few weeks.

Next year’s New Wine gatherings take place in Peterborough 23rd July to 28th July, and then 29th July to 3rd August 2022. You don’t have to camp, lots of people stay “off site” and then join in with sessions during the day. We tend to go as a group from Trinity to the later dates, ie 29th July to 3rd August. Interested? Thinking about coming? Chat to Fi Iddon or Craig Silcock for more.

More about New Wine 2021