Weekly Email w/b 1st March 2021

March 04, 2021

We finished the “wellbeing journey” last night. About sixty of us spent eight weeks looking at different areas of our wellbeing, and what it might mean to improve our physical, emotional, spiritual, relational, financial and vocational health. From the feedback thus far it has been immensely valuable and worthwhile, and we look forward to running it again.

Last night we finished with the video clip of Eric Liddell, the runner from the film “Chariots of Fire.” You might remember it. Talking about how he wants to please God in his life, he says “God made me fast, and when I run I feel God’s pleasure.” What is it that when you do it you “feel God’s pleasure.” Writing a report? Giving a talk? Taming a garden? Building a patio? Nurturing children? Dressing a wound? These will be different things for different people, and a reminder that God has an amazing purpose and plan for each of our lives.

I know for some of us it might seem that God’s “purpose” on our lives feels on hold at the moment. Furlough? Not being able to see family? Uncertain about work? Church ministries looking very different? It’s hard isn’t it. Let me encourage you to persevere, especially as we approach twelve months of a COVID-life. Be deepening faith, be patient in hope, and be continuing in love. We all long for a future that feels more open and possibilities that will present themselves, but in the meantime be faithful in the small things.

With thanks and prayers, as always.

Phil Cansdale
Vicar of Trinity Churches and Area Dean of Shrewsbury

Our new-look notices video, this week hosted by Shannon Commins who is the Comms Assistant here at Trinity Churches. We hope it gives a flavour of what’s going on here at the moment, and some of the different ways you can get involved. We’d love to know if this is a helpful way of doing things, and how we can keep improving, so do be in touch….

Watch this week’s What’s On Video

Our Sunday gatherings and our daily six o’clock live continue to be picking up the theme of life in the wilderness, and what it means to be trusting God and living a life of worship there. This week our Sunday gatherings continue with pyjama church (9.30am), mid morning gathering (10.30am), which will be followed in the usual of ways with online coffee.

Join us Live on Facebook

We’re into week 3 now of the “Big Lent Read” in various ways, with a group meeting on Wednesday evenings and another group on Thursdays. But it’s not too late to join in. Each week you’re invited to watch a short video, read a chapter or two of the book, and then to discuss it with others.

Saturday 6th March is our next online prayer meet-up. Each week we’ll be reflecting around a particular theme or approach to prayer, including unanswered prayer, being creative in prayer, and finding that “still small place.”This week Rachael Woods will help us explore “activist prayer” – including making something with our hands. Suitable for all ages. If you would like to participate in the craft, bring coloured card or paper, a pen, scissors, a round glass, a ruler and some glue.

Let us know you’re coming this Saturday to pray

Alongside Sunday gatherings, midweek meet-ups, small groups etc, there are three resources which we hope you’ll find a gift over Lent 2021.

WORSHIP IN THE WILDERNESS. Lent 2021. A booklet to complement and build on our Sunday services with ideas and reflections to be done on your own or with someone else. Each week gives space for a simple prayer, a short piece of scripture to read, and a few questions to reflect on.
HOLY TRINITY CHURCHYARD LABYRINTH. Life can be so full on, and it’s easy to get so caught up in the rush and excitement of the day we can forget to make time for God and for ourselves.We have set up this Labyrinth as an interactive way to inspire you to pause, take a breath of fresh air and just be for a moment.So why not use the opportunity, take a wonder down to the church and be inspired to pray, reflect and take a moment to be with God.
TIME FOR GOD. A booklet with some simple prayers and readings from the Bible. Full of inspiring pictures and We’ve designed this particularly to give away to people who might appreciate some short encouragements in prayer and scripture. You can pick up a copy from outside Holy Trinity Church or Café Connect, or download one from the website. If you’d like us to send a copy to you, or someone you know, then do please let us know and we’ll put something in the post.

Journeying with God through Lent

Take a look at the prayer Labyrinth

Download a copy of the new “Time to pray” booklet

These are tough days for many people, and lots of us find ourselves in need of help and support. As a local church we pray regularly for the local community we serve, and we would love to pray for you, your family or friends. Do please let us know what we might be praying for you, or make this link available to others as appropriate.

Let us know what we might be praying for you