Weekly Email w/b 22nd February 2021

February 25, 2021

You might know that we’ve been running the “Wellbeing Journey” these last few weeks. This last week we’ve been looking at ‘relational’ wellbeing, which during COVID seems never more important. “It is not good for man to be alone” says Genesis 2, and the gift of others around us and alongside us in relationship. Whether single or married, extrovert or introvert, we are not designed to be alone.

Author Henry Cloud likens it to a mobile phone connection, with each of us having an inbuilt need to connect with other human beings. Sadly for some of us these last months have been no connection. For others perhaps they know bad connection. He writes about what might lead to a good connection, where “you can be your whole self, the real, authentic you, a relationship to which you can bring your heart, mind, soul and passion. Both parties to the relationship are wholly present, known, understood and mutually invested.”

That can be true in a marriage, in wider family relationships, and in friendships. That can also be beautifully true in the life of a church, whether in Sunday gatherings, small groups, midweek events or those myriad of relationships which sustain us. Thank you for the many ways in which so many of you are a part of this. And, please, keep seeking those points of connection both now and as we look ahead to these next stages of our COVID life.

Meanwhile I hope you were encouraged by Boris’ announcement of Monday, and at least a ‘road map’ of what the next weeks and months will look like. We’re continuing to monitor when and how best to move ahead, and are still hoping that Easter Sunday (4th April) might be an occasion to gather together in person in our church buildings. We’re asking similar questions as to when Cafe Connect and the Trinity Centre as well as our events in Radbrook Community Centre and the Meet Place might open up again. In the meantime we remain online, in the community, on the phone and wherever else God’s people are scattered.

Grace and peace

Phil Cansdale
Vicar of Trinity Churches and Area Dean of Shrewsbury

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 excited that nearly 40 people have signed up to join in with 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 27^th February 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 Mike Haddaway will be leading us thinking about “unanswered prayer”, and helping us think about what we do when it feels we have drawn a blank. How do we go on praying? Find out more – and let us know you are coming – to this week and future weeks via the website.

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