Weekly Email w/b 18th September 2023

Early this week I accompanied Keith to his first Residential in Cardiff as he is starting his Masters in Theology , Ministry and Mission. The directions to reception stated that after parking in the carpark we should find a gap in the hedge which would lead us down a narrow path to reception. When we arrived it was a bit dark but we managed to find this gap in the hedge.

As I was walking through this gap, it reminded me of Phil’s preaching on Sunday on Nehemiah 2, in which he spoke about the importance of building walls and gates in our lives. Like Nehemiah, who was building the walls for protection from the enemies, God has equipped us with great tools to help us build our walls such as the Bible, our prayer life, and the gift of others to build alongside. It’s as if faith, hope, and love could like the banner flying high on these walls. And every city wall needs a gate to allow its people to come and go, those places in our life to welcome God’s blessing and be able to bless and welcome others.

However gaps in the walls are different than gates, they are not designed to be in there. They happen when the watchmen neglect their duty of watching and inspecting the walls regularly. It can allow the enemies over time to take hold of the city. As we build our walls and put up our gates, let’s be good watchmen and aware of the gaps in our walls that can allow those unwelcome visitors (negative thoughts, despair, bitterness, anger…etc) to come into our lives.

In our next Trinity Women’s night on the 12th of October our guest speaker Cerys Hughes will be reflecting more on Nehemiah 2:20 and specifically encouraging us to “Rise up and Build”. Find out more below.

 

Amal Moore (Pioneer Community Minister)

PS Read on for lots of things beginning at this stage of the year. And – lest this gets too long – with lots more on our website or on social media.

In our morning congregations we are in week 3 of our autumn series called “Kingdom Come.” These next few weeks we are looking through the book of Nehemiah, which is full of themes like praying and vision, working together, and rebuilding when things are broken down. Alistair Magowan will be speaking at the 9am and 11am gatherings, whilst Valerie Pitt is speaking at CTK, and Peter Madley speaking on “love” at Belle Vue.

In the evening we’ve set off on a journey of what many call the “Mount Everest of the Bible” as we look at the book of Romans. Along the way we are taking in the views of the grandeur of God’s eternal purposes before descending to put into practice what we’re learning. Phil Cansdale will be continuing our climb as we come to Romans 3-4. You can find sermon audio from this series on our website. Alongside the evening services we’ll be offering an additional midweek group to go deeper. Take a look below…

Sermon archive on website

 

We’ve been talking increasingly over the last few months about the need for “fresh vision” to be bubbling up. Most often this begins in prayer, is birthed in longing, and then brings people together to share that and take bold steps together. Over the autumn we want to be making space and time to be doing just that.

We’re inviting everyone involved in leading and serving – in whatever capacity and wherever they do this in our life at Trinity – together for an evening on Wednesday 27th September. We’ll start from 7.15pm for some quality refreshments together, and get started just after 7.30pm. We’d love you to come and join us. It would be most helpful to some idea for catering purposes, so an RSVP would be really great. Thankyou.

RSVP to the Joshua Group

Our Autumn Alpha Course begins on Wednesday 4^th October, 7pm in the Trinity Centre. It’s a really great way to ask some of the big questions in life which we all live with, and explore some of the basics of the Christian faith. We start with a meal together and ways of making friends round tables, watch some short video content together and then have plenty of time for discussion together.

Especially for those who’ve never done it – or perhaps been around church for a while and wanting to take a steps in faith – this could well be for you. Or you might have a friend or family member for whom Alpha would be a good idea, and you could come with them (at least for the first one) and help them get involved more.

Find out more about Alpha and sign up

Alongside Alpha we’re offering an opportunity for those who want to take their faith deeper. Starting on Wednesday 4^th October at 7.45pm we’re going to be using the new material from the Bible Society as we dig deeper into the book of Romans. Each week we’ll be taking part of this amazing book, and seeing ways in which the gospel can take root more fully in our lives. It’s perhaps for those not in a small group but who’d like to catch up with others for a few weeks. Or for the many of us who’ve always got to the book of Romans, scratched our heads, and given up. All are welcome. Again, sign up and let us know you’re coming.

Find out more about Romans and sign up

It wouldn’t be Autumn without Apple Day! On Saturday 7^th October we will be celebrating all things Apple and Harvest related with crafts, apple pressing, live music and, of course, a hog roast. This is such a great community day. Rachel Woods is currently putting together a team – please do speak to her or contact the Church Office if you can help out.

 

Our next Trinity Women’s Curry Night takes place on Thursday 12th October, 7pm at Saffron Cottage in Ford. You’ll be treated to a beautiful Indian buffet and an evening to enjoy fun and fellowship together. As part of the evening Cerys Hughes will also be giving a short reflection. Find out more – and sign up – online or by phoning the Church Office.

Trinity Women Curry Night

We’re currently looking to make some new staff appointments. Might this be you? Or someone who you know?

• Preschool worker (12 hours per week, termtimes ++) to work alongside the Children and Families’ Minister to deliver and develop the church’s vision to reach families with 0-5 year old children with the love of God
• Church Verger (2 hours per week plus weddings, funerals, some baptisms) to be on the frontline in welcoming people of all ages of life and stages of faith to Meole Brace Church. You’ll ensure that the Church building is prepared and ready as a place of welcome, hospitality and mission for our regular Sunday services as well as weddings, funerals, baptisms and other events
• Welcome Assistants (flexible, esp weekdays needed) to welcome guests, offer great hospitality, and help prepare and clean a busy centre at the heart of the local community.

If you’d like a conversation about any of these roles chat to one of the ministry team, or give the Church Office a ring on 01743 362399. The jobs and application forms will be ‘live’ on our website from this weekend, with closing dates coming up in October.

Work with us at Trinity Churches