Yesterday was Ascension Day. We gathered to 'ascend' the church tower: the steps were narrow and the air cool, and the reward is always worth every breath. Even on a blustery or grey day we can see the fields and rooftops softened by evening light, the horizon coloured by the last light of day. For a few minutes we can look out and up, remembering the disciples who stared into the sky and feel part of something much bigger.
We moved to the Glebe Field for a Campfire Service, the final part of our 'God Outdoors' series. The fire crackled, faces glowed, and bread and wine were shared under the open sky. The story of the Ascension was read: the day people around the world remember Jesus' bodily ascent into heaven, forty days after Easter. Far from a sad farewell, the evening celebrated joy: the completion of Jesus' saving work, his enthronement at the Father's side, and the beginning of the Church's mission as the promise of the Holy Spirit draws near. (We also enjoyed s'mores as post service refreshments – potentially the start of a new Ascension tradition!)
Ascension calls us to expectant waiting and active witness: to pray with the same urgency the first disciples showed, to look for the Holy Spirit at work amongst us, and to step out in service and welcome. It asks us to carry the good news beyond our rooftops, to play our part in the wider mission that Jesus entrusted to his followers. I wonder what this might mean for each of us today, and in the week to come?
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." (Acts 1: 8)
Grace and Peace
Ian Budd, Curate
This Sunday, 17th May, we'll be continuing our morning sermon series looking at the book of Hebrews. Our preacher at 9am, CTK and 11am will be Nick Webb. Fi Iddon will be speaking at a shorter morning service at HTBV prior to the APCM there. The evening service sees our own APCM, which will begin with an act of worship just after 6.30pm, with refreshments available from 6.15pm. More information on this is below. Trinity Youth will not be meeting because of the APCM (though are welcome to join the meeting).
APCM, and PCC and Deanery Synod Elections
Our APCM, the closest thing that we have to an AGM, takes place this Sunday, 17th May, at 6.30pm. It's an opportunity to look back with grateful thanks, and look forward with prayerful hope. It's also a chance for people to ask questions in relation to any part of Church Life. As part of this, we will be electing a number of people to serve on the PCC and Deanery Synod. I'm delighted to say that the wardens are all happy to stand for re-election (though this does not mean you cannot express an interest, should you wish to do so).
The papers for the APCM are now on the website. As part of our commitment to Eco Church, we've printed fewer than usual. Copies are available on Sunday (and we can print more if needed), but if you are able to read online then we would encourage you to do so - using the link below.
A reminder that refreshments are available from 6.15pm, and we'll begin with an act of worship shortly after 6.30pm. We anticipate this meeting will be finished soon around 8.15pm - but this partly depends on how many questions people have!
View the APCM Paperwork, including the Annual Report
Half Night of Prayer
As many of you will know, the time between Ascension and Pentecost is a chance for Christians around the world to gather together and pray 'Thy Kingdom Come'. We'll be coming together at Trinity for our termly Half Night of Prayer this Wednesday, 20th May, as we pray for God's Kingdom to come in the parish here and beyond. As always, you can come and go during the evening - and we encourage everyone to come for at least half a hour if they are able to do so. It seems really appropriate to hold this soon after the APCM as we commit ourselves afresh to joining in with all that God is doing in this parish and beyond.
Shrewsbury Youth for Christ Quiz Night
Shrewsbury Youth for Christ, one of the charities that we support, is holding a fundraising quiz night tonight today at Christ Church Bayston Hill. It should be a really fun evening!
Who let the Dads Out?
Our next 'Who let the Dads Out?' takes place tomorrow, Saturday 16th May, at 9.30am. As well as encouraging you to come along, and to tell others about it, we are still looking for some help with this really important ministry. Please do speak to Jason, Cerys or Ian - or give the Church Office a ring - if you can help.
Holy Trinity Belle Vue Plant Sale
Our friends at HTBV are also holding their annual 'Plant and Craft Sale' tomorrow. This is always a really lovely occasion. If you have plants to donate then you can drop them down on Friday evening or Saturday morning - or speak to Julian Durbin who will be having a stall for 'Operation Agri' as part of the sale.
Men's Breakfast
Our next Men's Breakfast takes place on Saturday 23rd May at The Harvester (venue change from last time). The speaker is artist Paul Hobbs. You can sign up for this (by Monday, please) by clicking the link below...
Sign up for the Men's Breakfast
Threads Exhibition
The 9am service are hosting a trip to see the Threads Exhibition at Chester Cathedral on Tuesday 16th June. Everyone is welcome to join them. This is the largest textile project for 600 years, depicting Creation, the Cross and Revelation on 44 panels. You can find out more about it by visiting the Threads Exhibition website itself, and you can sign up for this trip (£25pp to include coach travel and tea / coffee cake in the afternoon) below. We'll be leaving Meole at 9.30am, and returning around 6.30pm (after Choral Evensong).
Find out more about the Threads Exhibition
Sign up for the Chester trip
Faculty Application
Some of you will spot the notice of Faculty application which has appeared outside church. This is a request to allow the neighbours to temporarily erect scaffolding in the churchyard to re-roof the Coach House. It also covers slight trimming to the yew trees to enable the scaffolding to be installed. PCC have already provided their approval on the basis of advance requests from the neighbours. Should you have any questions, please do contact the Office.
Trinity Life
The latest edition of Trinity Life is available both at services and on the website.
Trinity Life