Weekly Email w/b 10th January 2022

This week we began looking at Elijah in our morning services. We started to think about how his journey, as a ‘giant of faith,’ encourages us in our walk with God. It got me musing about all the ‘giants of faith’ who’ve inspired me in my walk with God. Some of those are Biblical figures, like Elijah, and others are ordinary people who have shown me so much about what it means to be a disciple of Jesus over the years. Some are public figures known to many of us, and others are people who have quietly lived out their faith serving God in the workplace and their families.

You may well have read Archbishop Justin Welby’s tribute to that other wonderful Archbishop and undoubted giant of faith, Desmond Tutu. Sadly, much was written about ‘Arch’ that made little reference to his Christian faith beyond his priesthood, but Welby wrote this: ‘Most of all he was a Christian disciple – that was the root of everything else.‘

As we begin the year, potentially with resolutions to eat less and exercise more already in tatters, it’s a reminder of what’s really important. We are followers of Jesus. Everything else flows from that. Let’s make the main thing the main thing…

Revd Fi Iddon
Associate Vicar

There are few emotions more powerful than hope. But these days, hope often feels hard to come by. Where can we find a hope that won’t disappoint us?

Hope Explored explores how the Christian faith offers real hope, lasting peace and true purpose. Over three evenings together, starting Wednesday 12th January, we’ll be watching some short film clips, discussing some of the big things in life, and having some time to be quiet and think about our own way ahead.

We will be meeting in the Trinity Centre at 7.30pm, taking all the usual precautions and guidelines within COVID etc.

More details about HOPE EXPLORED

Alongside our 9am, 11am and 6.30pm services at Holy Trinity, we’re really excited to be meeting this Sunday at 10.30am in Radbrook Community Centre. We’ll have opportunities to encourage one another, hear God’s word and pray with each other, and to share communion together. This invitation goes out to all in particular who are part of Christ the King, as well as others locally who would like to attend.

As this somewhat uncertain period continues for our life in Radbrook, we’re planning a monthly prayer gathering alongside the Sunday service. Find out more from Phil Cansdale.

 

Six o’clock Live has now begun again, taking place at 6pm each evening, Monday to Friday. We meet for twenty minutes on Facebook, and each evening includes prayers, Bible reading, and a chance to pause and ponder together.

Over the next few weeks we’ve returned to the “HOLY HABITS” resources which we used a bit last year. We’re currently looking at the habit of prayer, and ways in which some of the prayers in the Bible might shape and encourage our prayers for today. If you’ve never joined us before then we’d love you to do so, either “live” or catching up later. You’ll find us via the front page of our website, or on Facebook “Trinity Churches Shrewsbury”.

A reminder of our Sunday service themes over the next couple of months. Don’t forget you can catch up with some of these services online – or join with them later on – via our Facebook page at “Trinity Churches Shrewsbury”.

In the morning congregations we’ll be looking at Elijah. He is a kind of Old Testament superhero, who spoke out and lived boldly. And yet we also see human frailty and brokenness. Although Elijah lived in a very different time and context to ours there are many lessons from his life for us today. We see him get replenished and sustained by God, and in a period of national darkness and struggle we see the character of someone who chose to follow the living God. You’ll find the whole story of Elijah from 1 Kings 17 to 2 Kings 2, in particular 1 Kings 17-19 where you get the most well known episodes of his life.

In the evening congregation we’re going to be looking the theme of “Beautiful Community” through the lens of Revelation chapters 2-3. These chapters – and the letters to the seven churches – feel like a spiritual health-check, discovering something of what Jesus might say to the Church – and to us – today. If tech allows we’re hoping to be able to livestream, and record, some of our evening services. So if you’d like to be with us but can’t attend in person we hope you’ll be able to catch up…

Meanwhile a reminder that we continue to meet for a monthly celebration in Radbrook Green, taking place this month on 16th January at 10.30am.

Whatever our new year resolutions – and diets? – we hope 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 opens for business once more on Tuesday 11th January. 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. This month we’re meeting 11th and 18th January. Please phone the Church Office, or go to our website and book in online.

How do questions about identity, sexuality, relationships and marriage fit within the bigger picture of the good news of Jesus Christ? What does it mean to live in love and faith together as a Church?

About 25 of us took part in the “Living in Love and Faith” course in November. It was highly stimulating and deeply thought-provoking, and we’re looking forward to some of us having a catch-up in a few weeks time.

Meanwhile we’re helping to host the course for churches from across Shrewsbury, starting in February on Wednesday 9th February at ChristChurch Bayston Hill. Each evening will be hosted by a couple of leaders, and include video resources, bible study, and time in smaller groups.

More details and sign-up