Weekly Email w/b 20th June 2022

I read today that Mary Berry is soon to be back on our screens. She’ll be cooking up her favourite dishes for the company of friends and large gatherings of people. “I’ve always believed there is no better way to spend time with family and friends than over a meal” she says, “and now more than ever this feels important.”

We certainly learned that last night (Wednesday 22nd June) as over seventy of us met together in the Trinity for our Ukrainian evening. We’d invited a number of host families across Shropshire as well as Ukrainian guests. It was an amazing evening with food shared and new friendships made. For those far from home there was the encounter with the language and culture of ‘home’, and a chance to laugh and enjoy each other’s company. And for those of us who have opened their homes there were ideas offered and joys shared. Thanks to all who got involved.

“Friends and family for a meal“? There are so many occasions in the gospels of Jesus eating with people and in that context speaking love and life. Maybe we can be doing the same. Whether you’re whipping up a Mary Berry luxury or the most simple of meals with a neighbour, maybe this is a season to be doing just that. Look out for some of our “Fun in the Sun” events in July and August, many of which feature opportunities to eat together.

With thanks and prayers, as always.

Revd Phil Cansdale, Vicar

In our morning congregations we’re continuing to think about “Everyday Faith“, and how the amazing people mentioned in Hebrews 11 and 12 might encourage and inspire God’s church today. Fi Iddon will be speaking at Holy Trinity at 9am and 11am, with Robert Parsons our speaker at the 1030am Radbrook gathering.

At the 11am there will be Pathfinders and Trinity Kids in the usual manner. For Anon there is the promise of sausages and bacon sandwiches at 10am, and then young people serving refreshments after the service. Don’t forget Sports Sunday after the services as well for all ages and stages of life. If the weather continues to be good we’ll be on the playing field area outside the Trinity Centre.

In the evening we are continuing our new series called “FRUITFUL“. Phil Cansdale will be speaking about “making good work”, and how we might be serving God “in everything” we do, and not only the obvious ‘religious’ bits of life. Everything matters to God! To help us reflect on that you’re invited to bring something with you to church which symbolises your Monday to Sunday life. Work ID? A spanner? A school book? We’ll have an opportunity during the service to other these things to God, a sign that we are offering our daily tasks to him as part of our worship.

A reminder about giving, including our stewardship of money in the life of the church here. We continue to be amazed at the generosity of so many, and how your giving makes such a difference in the lives of young and old, local and further afield. Thankyou.

We’re trialling from this week taking an offering again by passing the collection baskets along the rows. I know that a very significant number of us – even higher than pre-COVID – give by standing order and other regular ways and so please do pass the basket to the next person. But for those who give via weekly envelopes, or those giving by cash, we hope this includes your offering – and your generosity – as part of our worship more fully too.

More about giving and stewardship

This one’s very much for young people and young adults. Are you sitting GCSEs, A-levels or Uni exams? Join us to celebrate once all the hard work is over for an evening of food, fun and social time. This will be taking place on Friday 1st July, 7pm to 10pm in Radbrook Community Centre. It would be great to know if you’re coming so we can plan how much food to prepare etc. RSVP to craig.silcock@trinitychurches.org.

Still looking to make plans for the summer? A number of us are heading to “New Wine B” Christian festival, taking place in Peterborough from 29th July to 3rd August. Want to join us? Chat to Fi Iddon or Phil Cansdale for more details. Camping, caravan, off-site options are all available.

As a Church we’ve had a special request from New Wine for available team members. Youth or children work? Medical team? Stewarding? There are various possibilities open to you, and in return for doing this you get a free ticket. You’d have an amazing time, get to work as part of a great team, and make an amazing difference in the lives of thousands of people.

More about New Wine 2022

Last up for this week is a concert taking place at Holy Trinity Meole Brace on Saturday 25th June at 7pm. Huw Bowen will be playing the Welsh Triple Harp. Proceeds from the evening will go towards equipping a new triage support vehicle for Shrewsbury Street Pastors.

Tickets £10 from Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery, Illuminate Bookshop, Meole Village Stores, Café Connect, or at the door. Further information from Gill Madley.