Weekly Email w/b 24th May 2021

I was reading a while ago about some of the different traditions associated with Pentecost: processions through the streets, blowing trumpets during the service, throwing rose petals from the ceiling, bringing flowers and green branches into church to representing the fresh life of the Holy Spirit. I gather in Bavaria a wooden dove, symbol of the Holy Spirit, would be lowered through the church roof to hover over the congregation. What makes it particularly lovable was that as the dove was lowered choirboys up in the roof spaces would pour buckets of water over the congregation to literally drench them with the spirit.

It does feel a far cry from physical distancing, no singing, signing in systems and face-coverings with which we celebrated Pentecost last week! I must admit I find myself both grateful to everyone whose actions mean that others can meet indoors feeling safe as well as longing for greater freedoms in our gathered life together. And whatever our service pattern, there’s something about Pentecost which is about longing for more: for God’s power, grace, strength, hope and presence each day in our lives.

Speaking of service patterns, let’s see what these next few weeks hold and any potential changes coming later in June. And let’s pray for some better weather which make our outdoor plans that bit easier. There are a number of opportunities to be together outdoors over these next weeks, including after-church hospitality which we hope will return soon.

This comes – as always – with our gratitude and our prayers as together we are “growing faith, proclaiming hope and living the love of Jesus.”

Phil Cansdale
Vicar of Trinity Churches and Area Dean of Shrewsbury

This Sunday – 30th May – we continue to meet at 9am and 11am for our Sunday celebrations. We know it’s half term, but are equally pleased that there will be youth and childrens work taking place.

Meanwhile 6th June sees two additional outdoor gatherings. At 11am there will be a service outside the Meet Place on the Meole Estate. And at 6.30pm will be our monthly evening celebration in the Trinity Centre courtyard, where we will if nothing else be praying for better weather than last time we tried to meet there.

In the usual way please could you let us know you’re planning on coming to any of these gatherings via our website, or by phoning the Church Office on 01743 362399. Thankyou.

Let us know you’d like to come to one of our services

Find us on Facebook Live

Six o’clock Live has been partnering with some of the “Thy Kingdom Come” resources for the last couple of weeks, and it’s been great to have different people each evening leading our reflections. From Monday we’re going to be thinking through some of the different gospel passages when people choose to FOLLOW Jesus, and what it might mean that we walk in their footsteps. Whether “live” – or on catch up – we extend an invitation to you as a place to refresh, refuel and refocus each day.

Find us on Facebook Live

Café Connect is now a fortnight into its latest opening in Radbrook Green in the shopping centre there. Dave and the team would love to welcome you and for this to be a safe space to meet up with friends old and new.

Meanwhile discussions continued this week as well about CLOISTERS, and a twice-weekly pop-up Cafe taking place in the Trinity Centre courtyard and the back area of church. If you’ve got particular ideas, or would like to be part of a new initiative, do come and chat to us.

Take a look at our menu (subject to availability)

It has been such a privilege to be asked to be praying for a number of different people these last few months. Thank you particularly to the ‘prayer chain’ who have been such an important part of that. We want to continue to make the offer of praying for people across these local communities we serve, and we would love to pray for you, your family or friends.

 

Let us know how we can pray for you