Weekly Email w/b 21st March 2022

How much should ‘living’ cost?

Must I be money measured?

Or perhaps treasured by the God of heaven?

God values us highly.

The CEO of Iceland said yesterday on BBC news that the cost of food has stayed steady in recent years and is perhaps moving towards its real cost, but were we ready for the leap? The ‘Money Saving Expert’ Martin Lewis says he is ‘out of tools’ to help people save money during this time of high inflation. The cost of fuel is higher than ever and this all comes while we seek to recover from a pandemic that isn’t quite over. According to the shadow chancellor people are ‘worried sick’. I can understand why.

I wonder what worries you are currently carrying. I wonder what we can do to bring hope to people on our doorstep; or to people further afield? What ‘tools’ do we have left to offer?

Jesus’ advice in Matthew 6:25-34 is ‘don’t worry‘ – which is easier said than done in my experience. His final advice though is a little easier to digest, ‘don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself‘. Sometimes life is about putting one foot in front of the other, taking things one day at a time and sharing the journey honestly with people around us. God DOES care for us; life IS hard. We live between these realities.

Craig Silcock, Youth & Young Adult Minister

PS If you or others around you are experiencing serious financial concerns please contact one of the clergy team as we may be able to signpost you to some supportive organisations to help with basic needs and debt advice.

Thank you for all those who have expressed support for all that is going on in the Ukraine. A brief update includes:

Hosting. Thank you to those who have let us know they’ve signed up on the government website. It appears that it will be a few more days before there is clarity on “Phase 2” of the refugee programme, but it would still be helpful to know directly if there are particular people within the extended ‘family’ of Trinity who are currently offering rooms, an empty property, furniture or particular targeted support. Could you please complete our online form if this is something you have registered for and are interested in.

Serving. As a church team we’ve been involved in various conversations with networks across town and beyond, as well as linking up with Krish Kandiah’s “Sanctuary Foundation.” Ideas at the moment include access to language provision, regular hospitality, supporting those who are supporting, and specific help for children and families. The church doesn’t have a monopoly on love, compassion and serving others, but these are important times for us to be stepping out and serving all God’s people.

Giving. Thank you for those who’ve already contributed to our Ukraine giving fund. As a church we’re going to send off the first tranche of our financial support this week, and a reminder that we’re going to match any donations up to £2,500 if made via church. There are special envelopes at the back of church if giving by cash or cheque. Or you can give online through your bank or via our website, though do please let the office know it’s for UKRAINE and we’ll make sure your gift gets there.

Praying. We will of course continue to find ways to pray during our Sunday services and midweek gatherings, and want to share resources where we can to help others continue in prayer. 24-7 Prayer has a number of good resources which we recommend. As below.

Learning. Anyone started learning Ukrainian? Even a few simple phrases? Duolingo is an online app which suggests five minutes a day to pick up the basics of a new language. Why not give it a go!

Online form about offering support

DEC Appeal

BreadTrust – working with the church and Christians in Ukraine

Sanctuary Foundation with Krish Kandiah

24-7 prayer resources to pray for Ukraine

Duolingo Language Learning

Our next Trinity Men event will be a return visit to the THIRD PLACE in Frankwell for a curry night.

We’ll start off at 8pm with a meal together, and a chance to sit down with friends old and new over a three course blow-out. After a three-course meal we’re going to have a speaker, Michael Carding, who will be talking about his experience of mountains, walking and faith with the title “High Altitude, Heightened Spirituality”.

We’re asking people to book tickets and to pay online. Drinks will be extra…. and you’ll be asked to pay individually “on the night” depending on what you’re having.

Trinity Men Curry Night

Our next newcomers event has a family-feel to it. Coming up on Sunday 10th April, we are inviting people to lunch in the Trinity Centre. This is for all those who are new here, or still feeling new. Do let us know if you are able to come by chatting to one of the team today or signing up online.

Newcomers Lunch on 10th April

The Electoral roll is a really important way of saying “I belong” to the life of the church, both locally and nationally. It seeks to be an indication of the strength of church life, recording the amazing family of God who make up churches across England seeking to be a Christian presence in every community.

You can now fill in the electrical roll online. So if you’re not currently on the roll then we’d love to encourage you to consider joining. You’ll find more details on the website, and by clicking below can fill in and sign the necessary form. If you have any questions or concerns then please do contact the Church Office in the usual way.

Find Out more about the Electoral Roll

Complete the Electoral Roll Online

We’ve released our latest guidelines around “Next Steps on our COVID journey.” These will be displayed around Church to support visitors and all who worship with us at Trinity. It recognises that the lifting of most regulations is good news, but – particularly given quite a few of our Trinity family currently have COVID – it also notes how we all have a part to play in keeping each other safe and well, especially those who are more vulnerable or are feeling more cautious.

There will be slightly different arrangements with distanced seating at different services. Please ask the stewards or follow instructions as you arrive. We’re also trialling having some suitably polite signs which you can put on a seat next to you asking for greater distance around you.