Weekly Email w/b 12th September 2022

September 16, 2022

Over the last week we’ve seen many images of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II across the media and one of my personal favourites is our dear Queen enjoying tea with Paddington Bear! As well as showing Her Majesty’s playful nature and wonderful sense of humour, it reminds me just how special it is to share food and drink with others.

I often joke that a cup of tea can fix anything, but I do think there is some truth in that. Holding a cup of something somehow begins to break down barriers between people, it helps us to relax, makes conversations easier and through sharing together we get a glimpse of the love and welcome of The Kingdom of God.

Perhaps this is why, when visitors arrive, the first thing we do it put the kettle on; it’s why we meet friends for coffee or our mates for a pint; it’s why we finish our gathered worship on Sundays with tea and coffee together. We are following the example of Jesus, who so often shared God’s love by simply spending time with people, eating and drinking and occasionally inviting himself for dinner!

Our midweek Toddler sessions offer a welcoming and safe place for families in our community, and we work hard to share God’s love through amazing hospitality… but we really need some help! Can you make a good cuppa? Could you be a smiling face at the hatch that helps a child reach a biscuit, or chats to a tired Mum? If this is you and you are available on Thursday or Friday mornings, please do get in touch, I’d love to chat with you! We have similar opportunities open to us on a Monday evening with Monday night life groups, working alongside Craig in this really important area of our life together at Trinity.

Cerys Hughes

(Children and Families Minister)

Phil Cansdale will be speaking at all three of our morning services (9am and 11am at Holy Trinity, 1030am at Radbrook Green). We’ll be thinking together about the amazing words in Numbers chapter six, and how we might pray for ourselves and for others that the Lord “bless us and keep us.” The 11am service will also be online via our Facebook page in the usual way.

In the evening our speaker at the 6.30pm gathering is Judith Drury. We’re thinking about “questions Jesus asked”, and this week come to Jesus’ words to Nicodemus and others in John chapter 3.

Meole Brace Church is going to be open on Monday for the Queen’s funeral. You are welcome to join us if you would like to watch and take part in the service alongside other people. We’ll be showing the service on our three big screens in the church, as well as making refreshments available. All welcome from 10.15am.

Advance notice also that the bell ringing team will be ringing for an hour before the funeral, as are many other churches up and down the country and beyond.

This is your last chance to sign up for the Women’s Brunch taking place this coming Saturday, 17th September between 9am and 12pm in the Trinity Centre. We’re beginning with breakfast and time to be with friends old and new. We’ll then have some space to worship and pray, with guest speaker Louise Magowan. We’ll also have opportunities to be quiet, get creative, and to enjoy being together.

Find out more about Women’s Brunch

The Alpha Course is back, kicking off on Wednesday 5th October, 7pm to 9.15pm in the Trinity Centre. We start with a meal together, and a chance to get to know a small group of people around the table. There’s then a short talk – usually by video – with time along the way for plenty of discussion where you can share your thoughts. There’s no pressure and no awkward follow-up.

Would you consider coming along? Or bring a friend or family member with you? Or join the hospitality and prayer team. More details from Keith and Amal Moore.

More about the Alpha course

We seek to be a church where praying with each other – and for each other – is a really natural part of how we do life together. An evening hosted by Alistair and Louise Magowan for all those who would like to be part of this, whether for the first time or as a refresher in “prayer ministry” training.

Prayer Ministry training evening

Apple Day returns this year on Saturday 1st October from 12pm. There will be the usual mix of apple-related crafts, food and fun. Bring your own apples and cartons and enjoy the apple presses. Apple crafts for young and old, live music, and our legendary hog roast. The day is hosted by the Windfall Project. Entry is free though some charges apply for crafts and food.

After a summer break – slightly extended given national events – Six o’clock live will be returning in September. This is a daily gathering, Mondays to Fridays, for twenty minutes, featuring a reading, a brief reflection, a chance to pray and reflect, and a piece of music. We will start up next week on Tuesday 20th September.

For those looking for something to reflect around in the meantime do remember the amazing resource of LECTIO 365.

Find out more about Lectio 365

September marks a time of moving away from home, starting new work, meeting new people, and starting new study. Please pray and encourage our 18 year olds as they move into a new chapter of their lives! For many these can be exciting and daunting times, we will be supporting you all from near (or far!).

Last week we joined together to make some food (a delicious Pasta Carbonara with plenty of veg and a bean stew!) and did some budgeting and financial preparation; as well as thinking about how prepare ourselves for other parts of university and adult life!