Weekly Email w/b 14th August 2023

I don’t know whether anyone has caught any of this year’s BBC Proms, the series of concerts taking place in the Royal Albert Hall in London featuring all sorts of different styles, genres, orchestras and tastes. I’m immensely jealous of one of my children who has – I think – attended three events so far this year.

I happened to catch a bit of the recent concert featuring Felix Kleiser playing a Mozart Concerto. He was born without arms, and plays the French horn with his toes. His musicality and professionalism is awesome to behold! Kleiser says “Everyone thinks it must be really hard to play with your feet. The funny thing is, I think the same way about you. I really don’t understand how you can hold a pencil with those long fingers.” For him amazing resilience, a childhood dream and opportunities opening up to him meant that he’s now a musician at the top of his game.

“Think of what you were when you were called” says Paul to the church in Corinth. “You weren’t wise, or influential, or of noble birth.” For it is not just Kleiser, but each and every one of us who in some area of our lives might live with weakness and limitations. Wherever that might lie I wonder what it would take to hear of the grace of God and the call of the kingdom of God in our lives day by day? Where God will choose the lowly, the humble, and the weak to play together the beautiful harmony of the kingdom of God.

It might not involve picking up an instrument and playing with your toes! But – this week – it might mean the beginnings of prayer, a gift that is given, a skill that is grown, a listening ear that is offered. Where in our brokenness and weakness God’s strength and God’s grace can be seen.

Phil Cansdale, Vicar

Picture © Maike Helbig

PS We can’t wait to let you know some of the things which are coming up in September and October, including the new “Trinity Life” which is just about ready to go. Watch this space!

In our morning congregations we continue our summer series looking at some of the parables that Jesus told. Keith Moore is speaking at the 9am, 11am and at CTK, with Peter Madley speaking at Belle Vue. At the 11am Trinity Kids will be doing a special summer “Bell Tower Adventure” with the ringing team. Would all under school age in September bring an adult up with them please.

In the evening Peter Madley will be continuing our journey through the book of Acts as we continue our “postcards from the early church.”

Over August we’re going to be hosting a Sunday pre-recorded online gathering each Sunday morning. Hosted by Phil Cansdale, it will be available at 9am on a Sunday morning from our Facebook feed at “Trinity Churches Shrewsbury.” This will be a forty minute (or so!) online service with some music, a reading, a short talk on one of the parables, some prayers, and a chance to catch up on what’s going on. Whether you usually join in – or perhaps are away but still want to connect up with life at Trinity – we would love you to join us.

Go to our Facebook Page (Sunday gathering available from 9am)

This year’s Fun in the Sun is underway. Coming up soon is the legendary Pudding Party taking place on 17th August at the Cansdales. 7pm start. Everyone brings a pudding with them, and we then get to sample an amazing variety. All ages welcome!

After that, on Monday 21st August, is Picnic in the Park. 12pm at the Bandstand in the Quarry. Suitable for families with children. On Thursday 24th August is an Evening Walk. 6.30pm from Longden. And on Tuesday 29th August is the Young Adults Pizza Night, meeting 7pm at the Iddons.

You’ll find out more details of each of these – and sign up where appropriate – on our website.

Fun in the Sun Events

Just under thirty of us from Trinity got back a few days ago from New Wine conference, this year taking place in Detling in Kent. We braved some of the usual rain and wind which comes with summer camping, but at the same stage enjoyed a few days together with great teaching, Spirit-filled worship, seminars and lots of opportunities to enjoy each other’s company.

Just announced are next year’s dates of 25th to 30th July 2024, and we’re back at our familiar home of Shepton Mallet in Somerset. We’d love to take a larger group this time round, and as there’s only one week taking place numbers may well fill up quickly. Come as a ‘punter’, or consider coming on a team. And there are also options to stay off-site and travel in each day if you’d rather…

New Wine 2024

Advance notice about “Ride and Stride” taking place on Saturday 9th September. This is an annual opportunity for local churches to throw open their doors and say “welcome”. Whether on two wheels, four wheels or two legs, it’s a great way for people to visit some of Shropshire’s stunning church buildings. It also raises funds for National Churches Trust (NCT) who support local church projects, and people are often sponsored to cycle / walk / drive round as many churches as they can.

If you can spare a hour or so to help steward the church on 9th September, and introduce people to our beautiful church, please contact Mike Haddaway, mike.haddaway@btinternet.com.

 

Plans are well underway for a day-trip to Hereford on Tuesday 26th September. We’ll be visiting the stunning Hampton Court Gardens & Castle, and enjoying a guided tour of the 15th century castle and access to the gardens. We’ll then make our way to Hereford Cathedral where we’ll have tea together alongside joining in with their sung Evensong. Tickets are available for £34, either online by clicking below or by contacting the Church Office. Please book early as numbers may be limited.

Trip to Hereford

 

The July / August edition of Trinity Life is out. Pick up a copy from church, Trinity Centre or Cafe Connect. Or take a sneak preview online. You’ll find details of “Fun in the Sun” and some of the other events taking place over the summer, as well as latest news, an update on the Trinity Centre, and ways to get involved.

Trinity Life (July and August)