At this point in the month, we often have a mission focus, and this week we hear from Paul Bell, following the trip that he and Bogusia took to South Africa, in part supported by the Mission Relief and Development Committee.
What a privilege to travel abroad, not as a tourist but on God’s business’! Last month, Bogusia and I went on a mission trip to South Africa to serve at the Tshega Christian Mission. Established 20 years ago, its aim remains to transform lives through ‘Five Foundations. In experiencing these first hand as volunteers, we were able to make a difference by:
1. Education – helping students on a 1:1 basis with specific needs eg reading, spelling and Maths and even doing some teaching!
2. Community – serving at a Feeding Scheme for kids and meeting with parents, villagers and old age folk to show love, share Jesus and pray
3. Ministry – running activities and prayer to help students, staff and people in the community to know and grow in the love of Jesus
4. Sport – coaching with the only school Sports Programme in the region including introducing rugby, cricket and volleyball.
5. Sustainability – encouraging women in the Basadi (Women) project to help build skills (in sewing and craft making) to empower themselves to make a living
We’ve brought some of our experience home with us! We ‘bought out’ the Basadi shop selection of beautifully hand-crafted items – purses, cosmetic cases and hand and shopping bags! You can buy these (or make a larger donation) in support of the mission at the Advent stalls this Sunday. Do come and have a look and find out more about Tshega.
Grace and Peace
Paul Bell
This Sunday, 23rd November, sees the final part of our journey through Colossians in our morning services. At 9am and 11am our speaker will be Alistair Magowan, with Robert Parsons speaking at CTK and Ian Budd at Holy Trinity, Belle Vue. The evening sees us conclude our series on Parables of the Kingdom, and Peter Madley will be speaking to us. Trinity Youth will be meeting at 6.30pm upstairs in the Trinity Centre.
Leaf Clearing
Don’t forget our annual leaf clearing morning tomorrow, Saturday 22nd November. Many hands make light work!
Advent Stalls
This Sunday, 23rd November, in-between the 9am and 11am, and after the 11am service, we’ll be having our usual selection of Advent stalls with Illuminate, Fair Trade, Windfall, Faithful Pages, Rachel’s cards, Tshega mission and Izzy’s cakes making an appearance. There will be access to a card machine. This is a great opportunity to support some local producers and other charities associated with our Church Family – as well as doing a bit of Christmas shopping!
Big Sunday Lunch
Sunday 23rd November also sees the Big Sunday Lunch. If you are already in a group then an invitation should be winging it’s way to you over the next week or so. If you aren’t in a group and would like us to find some space around a table then please do sign up via the website or give the office a ring.
Sign up for the Big Sunday Lunch
Half Night of Prayer
The opportunity to meet together, as a church family, and pray is such an important part of life at Trinity Churches. Our next half night of prayer is this Monday 24th November from 7pm to 11pm. We don’t expect people to come for the whole time (though it’s a blessing to do so!), but we would love to encourage folk to come for at least half an hour. There are regular breaks which make it easy to come and go. Please do put this in your diary and make it a priority to come and pray with the Church family; particularly as we seek God in this time of interregnum.
Compline on zoom
In the week that follows the half night of prayer, (Tuesday to Saturday) we’ll be gathering on zoom at 9pm for Compline, or Night Prayer, which is a very meaningful way to end the day in prayer. It’s the same zoom link all week so you only need to sign up once.
Click here to receive the link for Compline on zoom
Board Games Evening
Back by popular demand, our next Board Games Evening takes place on Friday 28th November. Join us for a fun-filled evening of boardgames at The Trinity Centre! Come solo, bring your family, or gather your friends—everyone’s welcome. Drinks provided, but feel free to bring your own snacks. Bring a favorite game or enjoy one from our collection. Don’t miss out on the fun!
Carols by Candlelight: Family Orchestra and Christmas singers
Rehearsals begin on Tuesday 2nd December for both the Family Orchestra and Christmas singers for Carols by Candlelight. Don’t worry if you can’t come to all the rehearsals. Do have a word with Judith Clarkson about the orchestra, or Stephen Ball about the singers… or sign up below.
Sign up for the Family Orchestra
Sign up for the Christmas Singers
Trinity Life
Trinity Life is available at the back of Church, and by clicking on the link on the front page of the website.
Trinity Life