Weekly Email w/b 24th July 2023

July 28, 2023

It’s been an emotional week as our Trinity Tots groups have said goodbye to friends who will be going to ‘big school’ in September. As well as celebrations with cake and perhaps too many Haribo, we gave the children a book called “Never Too Little” by Steph Williams, which is a beautiful retelling from Mark’s gospel of the children coming to Jesus, and a reminder that you are never too little to be God’s friend. As I wrapped these books in coloured paper and wrote the gift tags, I was really struck by just how much God loves these precious little ones and what a privilege it is to be called to walk alongside these families.

I wonder…if Jesus was on earth today wandering around Shrewsbury, where would we find him?

I’m pretty sure Jesus would hang out at a toddler group. Holding a baby so a tired Mum can drink a cuppa while it’s still hot, or whooping with joy at some shaky attempts at crawling? Perhaps listening to worried grandparents, clearing the way for a toilet-training toddler to dash to the bathroom, and cheering on a dad who’s home alone with the kids for the first time? In the noise, the mess and the chaos, Jesus is right there because he loves these children and longs to be their friend.

The Message version of the Bible puts it like this: Jesus says “Don’t push these children away. Don’t ever get between them and me. These children are the very centre of life in the kingdom” (Mark 10: 13-16)

Please join me in giving thanks for our amazing toddler teams that tirelessly welcome these children and shower them with the love of Jesus, and if you feel called to join in with this rewarding ministry, please do get in touch to find out more.

Cerys Hughes, Children and Families Minister

In our morning congregations we continue our summer series looking at some of the parables that Jesus told. Fi Iddon is speaking at the 9am and the 11am, whilst Shirley Stevens and Phil Cansdale will be speaking at CTK and Belle Vue respectively. Meanwhile in the evening Phil Cansdale will be speaking as we continue to look at the book of Acts, and ‘postcards from the early church.’ This week we get to think about the amazing gift of scripture in the life of God’s people, and how we might have those moments of revelation which we read about in Acts 8.

This Sunday we’ll be livestreaming the 11am gathering as we usually do. But – advance warning – for the four August Sundays we’re going to have a pre-recorded service hosted by Phil and Fi instead of the live morning service from Holy Trinity. It will be available from 9am on Sunday 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th August, and will feature some sung worship, reading, a short talk and prayers.

This year’s Fun in the Sun is underway. We had a great time this week at teh Safari Supper for Trinity Youth. Coming up this week is the Barmouth Trip (see below) which is part of Holiday at Home celebrations.

Coming up later in the month:

* 17th August Pudding Party at the Cansdales. 7pm start. Everyone brings a pudding with them, and we then get to sample an amazing variety. All ages welcome!

* 21st August. Picnic in the Park. 12pm at the Bandstand in the Quarry. Suitable for families with children.

* 24th August. Evening Walk. 6pm from Longden.

* 29th August. Young Adults Pizza Night. 7pm at the Iddons.

You’ll find out more details of each of these – and sign up where appropriate – on our website.

Fun in the Sun Events

Holiday at Home is our wonderful annual event, where you are invited to come for three relaxing days of fun and activities. Bingo, quizzes, thought for the day, a delicious lunch, as well as afternoon tea and live entertainment. You can come for all three days, or just choose to come to one or two days. What ever you decide – you definitely don’t want to miss it!

The third day (Wednesday 2nd August) is a day trip to Barmouth, including fish and chips! We’ve just booked an additional coach for this, so there’s potentially still more room for those who would like to come. Bookings close soon.

Just under thirty of us from Trinity are making our way to New Wine this week, taking place in Detling in Kent. We’ll be enjoying a few days together – most of us under canvas – enjoying some great teaching, Spirit-filled worship, seminars and lots of opportunities to enjoy each other’s company. You can find out more about New Wine on their website, and listen out for more when everyone gets home. And – just announced – next year’s dates are 25th to 30th July, and we’re back at our familiar home of Shepton Mallet in Somerset.

New Wine 2023

Advance notice about “Ride and Stride” taking place on Saturday 9th September. This is an annual opportunity for local churches to throw open their doors and say “welcome”. Whether on two wheels, four wheels or two legs, it’s a great way for people to visit some of Shropshire’s stunning church buildings. It also raises funds for National Churches Trust (NCT) who support local church projects, and people are often sponsored to cycle / walk / drive round as many churches as they can. Listen out for notices to find out more, or speak to Gill Madley or the Church Office.

We’re just launching plans for a day-trip to Hereford on Tuesday 26th September. We’ll be visiting the stunning Hampton Court Gardens & Castle, and enjoying a guided tour of the 15th century castle and access to the gardens. We’ll then make our way to Hereford Cathedral where we’ll have tea together alongside joining in with their sung Evensong. Tickets are available for £34, either online by clicking below or by contacting the Church Office. Please book early as numbers may be limited.

Trip to Hereford

The July / August edition of Trinity Life is now out. Pick up a copy from church, Trinity Centre or Cafe Connect. Or take a sneak preview online. You’ll find details of “Fun in the Sun” and some of the other events taking place over the summer, as well as latest news, an update on the Trinity Centre, and ways to get involved.

Trinity Life (July and August)