Weekly email w/b 12th April 2021

It’s been interesting over these last few days seeing the response to the death of HRH Prince Philip.

At a national level we’ve seen gracious tributes, a genuine fondness, and an outpouring of love for the Queen in particular. Words like “service”, “dedication” and “legacy” have been used on many occasions in the barrage of news coverage following his death last Friday.

At a local level I’ve been really pleased to hear that this coming Saturday – the day of the funeral – sees a small group of young people and others ringing the bells, all of whom are either currently taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Award or have previously been involved with D of E. Talking of awards, I reckon that Andy Digby should win one for being in the tower and ringing the bell within about twelve minutes of the announcement of the death at midday!

I note the typical British irony that the BBC have received over 100,000 complaints about the scale of the coverage. But whatever our views on this these are important days in our nation, and a reminder to pray for the Queen and for the life of our community. And for our church, that in this new COVID-season we would serve generosity, be dedicated to what God is calling us to, and leave a legacy of faith, hope and love afresh in every generation.

As always, with our thanks and prayers as together we are “growing faith, proclaiming hope and living the love of Jesus.”

Phil Cansdale

CLOISTERS opened its doors on Monday of this week, and it’s been a joy to be welcoming people from across the local communities into the beautiful cloistered courtyard of the Trinity Centre.

This next week it looks likely that we’ll be here from 10am to 2pm again, with offers of a late breakfast, cake, paninis, salads, soups and light lunches alongside our usual drinks choices. Take a look at the menu below. We can assure you that we’ve taken all the necessary precautions to make the outdoor venue COVID-safe and follow the latest guidance on social distancing.

Take a look at the Cloisters Menu

Thanks to those who have already let us know they will be attending this coming Sunday. There’s still the opportunity for a few more to come and join us for our 9am or 11am Sunday celebrations.

A reminder that over April we’ll be meeting in person for these two services each Sunday, as well as online and with phone church. We’ll continue to run a “waiting list” for those who would like to worship with us, and will do all that we can to accommodate as many as we can. We’re meeting as a staff team on Monday to think about what some of the ‘next steps’ will be as we hope that our church life continues to open up from here.

Let us know you’d like to come this Sunday