Weekly Email w/b 25th September 2023

I’d like to share my favourite place on planet Earth with you. It is called “The Sound” and is the most southern point of the Isle of Man. Across a narrow channel is a smaller island called the “Calf of Man”. This narrow channel of water is both beautiful and treacherous. Sometimes it can look still and calm, but lurking just beneath the surface currents swirl and rip tides can drag away the unwary. Not a problem for the local seal population, but very dangerous for people.

In the photo you will notice a cross, this is called the Thousla Cross and commemorates the bravery of local Manx men who risked their lives to rescue mariners from the shipwrecked French Schooner ‘Jeane St. Charles’ in 1858. Sadly, the two youngest crew members of the French vessel perished, but locals were able to rescue four men who clung to a rock amidst raging seas, and ‘mountainous’ waves. It took two attempts to get to the men.

I was interested to see that the cross was not erected as a memorial to the two lost lives, but rather as a reminder of the heroism of the local men. Why a cross? Because these men had been willing to put their own lives at risk that others may live. Whoever commissioned the cross obviously had Jesus in mind – the ultimate example of heroism and sacrifice.

Whatever you may be passing through at this time, whatever storms are raging around you, turn to Jesus, the one who gave everything to save you and rest in the knowledge that He will bring you safely home.

Many blessings,

Keith

PS Read on below for all sorts of things including Harvest 2023, Alpha and applying to work with us….

In our morning congregations we are in the swing of things in our autumn series called “Kingdom Come.” We are looking through the book of Nehemiah, which is full of themes like praying and vision, working together, and rebuilding when things are broken down. Phil Cansdale will be speaking at 9am, CTK and 11am, with Gareth Evans speaking at the Belle Vue Harvest celebration taking place there after the 9am Messy Church.

In the evening we’re taking a week off our “Romans” mountain climb, and as we do on the first Sunday of each month having a week to explore something else. At this creation time we’re going to be reflecting on how the gospel might be good news for the environment, with Rob Surl and others helping us engage once more with our eco-church journey and how we respond to the environmental and climate crisis.

A reminder – for those who have missed it – that you can ‘catch up’ on our Romans series via the sermon archive on the website.

Sermon archive on website

 

It wouldn’t be Autumn without Apple Day! On Saturday 7^th October we will be celebrating all things Apple and Harvest related with crafts, apple pressing, live music and, of course, a hog roast. This is such a great community day. The Flower ‘fairies’ will be busy in the morning decorating the church as well as wider Apple Day team getting everything ready, and we start at 12pm. Thanks so much to everyone who has offered to join the team. Apart from coming yourself and bringing friends, the other particular need is for people to bake apple-themed cakes. Let the church office know, or contact Rachel Woods for more info.

Sunday 8th October is our harvest celebrations. Following on from Saturday’s Apple Day it gives an opportunity to be grateful to God, and to remember his call to be good stewards of all that he has made. We’ll be receiving donations in the usual way towards the work of Shrewsbury Food Bank. In particular demand this year are tea, biscuits, tuna, jam and spreads, UHT milk and sanitary towels.

 

Thanks so much to those who came to our Joshua group meeting on Wednesday. It was good to have some time and space to pray, take stock, ‘check the compass’ and begin to think about a new season in our life here at Trinity.

We are aware that this is very much the ‘beginning of the conversation’ rather than the end. Watch this space as we find ways – in prayer, in conversation, in action – of taking next steps together.

 

Our Autumn Alpha Course begins on Wednesday 4^th October, 7pm in the Trinity Centre. It’s a really great way to ask some of the big questions in life which we all live with, and explore some of the basics of the Christian faith. We start with a meal together and ways of making friends round tables, watch some short video content together and then have plenty of time for discussion together.

Especially for those who’ve never done it – or perhaps been around church for a while and wanting to take a steps in faith – this could well be for you. Or you might have a friend or family member for whom Alpha would be a good idea, and you could come with them (at least for the first one) and help them get involved more.

Find out more about Alpha and sign up

Alongside Alpha we’re offering an opportunity for those who want to take their faith deeper. Starting on Wednesday 4^th October at 7.45pm we’re going to be using the new material from the Bible Society as we dig deeper into the book of Romans. Each week we’ll be taking part of this amazing book, and seeing ways in which the gospel can take root more fully in our lives. It’s perhaps for those not in a small group but who’d like to catch up with others for a few weeks. Or for the many of us who’ve always got to the book of Romans, scratched our heads, and given up. All are welcome. Again, sign up and let us know you’re coming.

Find out more about Romans and sign up

Our next Trinity Women’s Curry Night takes place on Thursday 12th October, 7pm at Saffron Cottage in Ford. You’ll be treated to a beautiful Indian buffet and an evening to enjoy fun and fellowship together. As part of the evening Cerys Hughes will also be giving a short reflection. Find out more – and sign up – online or by phoning the Church Office.

Trinity Women Curry Night

We’re currently looking to make some new staff appointments. Might this be you? Or someone who you know?

• Preschool worker (12 hours per week, termtimes ++) to work alongside the Children and Families’ Minister to deliver and develop the church’s vision to reach families with 0-5 year old children with the love of God
• Church Verger (2 hours per week plus weddings, funerals, some baptisms) to be on the frontline in welcoming people of all ages of life and stages of faith to Meole Brace Church. You’ll ensure that the Church building is prepared and ready as a place of welcome, hospitality and mission for our regular Sunday services as well as weddings, funerals, baptisms and other events
• Welcome Assistants (flexible, esp weekdays needed) to welcome guests, offer great hospitality, and help prepare and clean a busy centre at the heart of the local community.

If you’d like a conversation about any of these roles chat to one of the ministry team, or give the Church Office a ring on 01743 362399. The jobs and application forms will be ‘live’ on our website from this weekend, with closing dates coming up in October.

Work with us at Trinity Churches