Weekly Email w/b 16th May 2022

Over the next few days we’re going to be celebrating the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Street parties, community events and extra bank holidays are all on the menu. Anyone trying their hand at the lemon and amaretti trifle, voted from five thousand entries to be the royal favourite?

I’ve been reading recently about how the Queen was given a small book before her coronation in 1953 with readings and prayers to help her prepare. It reflected around some of the huge pomp and ceremony of the occasion, including the most ancient of moments when she is anointed with oil. I love the way in which this was hidden from view so the TV cameras couldn’t film it, considered too special to be seen by a watching world. Anointing in this way is a sign of being set apart for service, and being empowered to live. And so, seventy years on, part of our celebrations are honouring the ways in which that prayer has been answered in the richest of ways.

Of course this can be true for each and every one of us, whoever we are and wherever we find ourselves. Christians believe that God wants to equip each and every one of us in our daily lives. Wisdom at work? Patience with the kids? Courage in adversity? Mending a broken relationship? We too can be everyday royalty, called by God and serving others in love. Crown or no crown, it’s a lifetime achievement worthy of giving our all.

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

Phil Cansdale (Vicar and Area Dean)

There’s lots coming up at Trinity as we celebrate the Jubilee together. Cloisters, Cafe Connect, Radbrook and the Meole Estate all have their own local celebrations. For more details check out the website or local publicity.

Meanwhile we’ve double the celebrations on Sunday 5th June, with that day being both Pentecost Sunday and the final day of the Jubilee Celebrations. We’ll be having a gathering open to everyone in the Trinity Centre and surrounding area after the 11am service. To help with catering we’re asking people to let us know they will be coming, so you can RSVP as below or by contacting the Church Office in the usual way.

What’s on over the next few days

RSVP to event on Sunday 5th June

We are continuing our journey as Resurrection People. At the 9am and 11am services our speaker will be Phil Cansdale, whilst at our 1030am Radbrook service Charles Ruxton will be speaking. We’re thinking about how God might be interested in our everyday lives, and how he meets us even in the ordinary places and routine rhythms of our lives.

Our 6.30pm evening service meets in the Trinity Centre, and this week we’re continuing our “Psalm Surfing” with Psalm 51. Our speaker is Judith Drury.

Thank you so much to all those who came to our APCM last weekend. You’ll find it online if you’d like to catch up by going to our Facebook page. We’re preparing a written summary following the APCM which will be out soon, but in the meantime a particular thanks to our new wardens of Jenny Surl (Meole Brace) and Jo Simpson (Christ the King).

Our APCM page with paperwork

Catch up Online

We are looking for a shift leader to oversee the work of Cafe Connect on three days each week (Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings), working alongside the Café Manager (who works Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) and a great team of volunteers. The role is for 22 hours per week (8.30am to 4.30pm Tuesdays, 8.30am to 5.30pm Fridays, 9.30am to 2.30pm Saturdays) During holiday periods it may be possible – and desirable – for these days to be varied by arrangement with other team members. Application deadline 6th June.

Find out More about Cafe Connect job

This Sunday sees the return of Sports Sunday before the 11am gathering. Please come ready to join in with some all age physical activity. All ages and stages are encouraged to get involved! Let us know if you have any specific physical needs and we can prepare games and activities with you in mind! Please note that under 11s should be accompanied by an over 16 yr old.

Let us know you’re coming…

For the second year running we will be hosting a table at the Holy Trinity Belle Vue plant sale on Saturday 21st May, with proceeds going to charity. Do come on the day! We start at 10am, and alongside amazing plants for those feeling suitably green-fingered there will also be refreshments and cakes. Contact Julian Durbin on 07507 602906 for further information.

We are now halfway through Christian Aid week. This year Christian Aid Week will focus on the plight of drought which numerous countries around the world face. Your gifts could help people like Jessica set up water taps on her farm, learn to grow food, and provide seeds that thrive in drought – giving her all she needs to turn her dry, dusty land into a garden of hope. Envelopes will be available from the back of church as well as at Cafe Connect. Or you can give online via the Christian Aid website below.

Christian Aid Website