Weekly Email w/b 26th July 2021

I’ve been glued to the Olympics for the last few days. What is it about that sporting event that encourages us all to become armchair experts at Taikwondo scoring, synchronised diving splashing or dressage etiquette? I do still find myself become slightly teary eyed as the Team GB medals are awarded. Years of work, 5am starts, injury and illness. But that is all forgotten as an individual or team stands on the podium.

There’s no shortage of sporting references in the New Testament, particularly written by Paul who might have seen the local Isthmian games whilst he was living in Corinth. “All athletes are disciplined in their training” he says”, before encouraging God’s people that the prize they train for is better than gold. “Run with purpose” he goes on to say, keep persevering, and get into training. It’s a bit different from the inspirational music-filled sporting montage which the BBC serves up daily, but it’s life-changing teaching nonetheless.

Most of us will never get near a medal podium, but this call to training and persevering feels timely. A regular rhythm of engaging with God. The priority of discipleship and the spiritual life. The opportunities offered to meet and cheer each other on in faith. And the ‘prize’ which we are called heavenwards, and the hope which fuels us and sustains us when life feels difficult.

With thanks and prayers, as always, for each and every person who is part of life here at Trinity.

Phil Cansdale
Vicar and Area Dean of Shrewsbury

Wasn’t it great to be able to sing together on Sunday at our morning services!

Meanwhile much of how we are doing life together will remain the same, including asking people to wear face coverings and enabling you to be able to keep physical distance from others. To help monitor capacity we are requesting that people let us know that they are coming in the usual way, though if you haven’t booked in there should be space for you ‘on the day’ if you turn up. We will, of course, continue online too for those who aren’t yet comfortable in being alongside other people.

We’ll be reviewing this on a regular basis, and are committed to church being a safe space for everyone. If you have any questions or concerns do please chat to one of the team.

This Sunday – 1st August – we continue to meet at 9am and 11am for our Sunday celebrations. We’re also hosting a celebration on the Meole Estate at 11am, and an evening gathering in the Trinity Centre at 6.30pm for 7pm when we’ll be joining with New Wine Live. (see below)

Over August we’re going to be making some space for “The BIG Conversation“, and reflecting on our COVID journey of thanking, lamenting, learning and praying. You’ll find resources to accompany this journey on our website, as well as the opportunity to meet one-to-one with someone for a guided conversation. And have you seen in the churchyard at Holy Trinity there are some further ideas to reflect on these four themes…

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

Find us on Facebook Live

Join in the BIG Conversation

The summer also sees some activities for children and youth at our 11am gatherings.

For 5s-14s there will be provision on alternate weeks. (1st, 15th and 29th August). This week, hosted by Mark and Emma, children are invited to bring a favourite piece of treasure with them. It could be a toy, some jewellery, a game, a book, or something to wear, something that’s special to them.

Meanwhile – for under 5s – the Fiwila Room is available with a large selection of toys available. The room won’t be staffed, and you will need to stay with your child (or organise for a trusted friend or family member to do so). No drinks or snacks will be provided so please bring your own. You are very welcome, and indeed encouraged, to join with the coffee time after the service. If you have a small, non-mobile, baby then please do make use of the Tower Vestry where the service is livestreamed into the room, with a sofa, changing facilities and some toys available for use.

It does remain really helpful to know in advance roughly how many children and young people with us, so where possible we are still asking you to let us know you’ll be attending.

Tickets for 0s to 14s

Since March 2020 a number of us have been meeting daily as part of six o’clock live. It’s been a twenty minute opportunity each day to pause and to pray, to ponder and reflect. We’ve been able to meet through three lockdowns, and along the way have looked at many different themes including the “big story of the Bible” and the book of Ruth, the Sermon on the Mount and reflections on fruitfulness. Thank you so much to all those who have been involved. It has been such a blessing.

After about four hundred gatherings we’re going to take a break over August, and a chance to think about how we’re going to continue from September. Meanwhile over August we’re inviting people to keep up with the six o’clock rhythm, but to plug into a range of other resources which we hope will inspire, equip and encourage you. And we’re asking people to continue the conversation on Facebook, with any particular thoughts or reflections that you can share to encourage one another.

Some resources to help you engage with God each day

Have your say on what happens next

Thanks to everyone who was able to say “goodbye” to Judith Clarkson at the weekend as she retires this week as Children and Families Minister. Here’s a picture of some of the staff team on Monday morning as we had brunch together and said our own “thank you.”

It’s not too late to sign an online ‘thank you card’ – as below. And it’s not too late to contribute towards her leaving gift. Easiest is via online by bank transfer, details below. There will also be some envelopes available at Holy Trinity church into which you could put a gift. Thankyou.
PCC Holy Trinity Meole Brace, Christ the King Radbrook
Account Number: 01317554
Sort Code: 30-97-62
Reference: JUDITH

Meanwhile it’s a few days to go until the deadline for our Operations Manager role. You’ll be working with the wider staff team and the hundreds of people who make up Trinity Churches to ensure our operational life remains strong, with particular oversight for personnel, finance and our premises. If you’ve got exceptional admin skills, and experience of ‘getting stuff done’ we’d love to hear from you. For more details go to www.trinitychurches.org/jobs.

Leave a short message to say thankyou

Find out more about the Operations Manager role

Over many years the New Wine Summer Conference has been an important part of life for quite a few of us at Trinity. This year’s summer conference – online – starts on 29th July with some really great speakers. We’re exploring some of us getting together on the late afternoon of Friday 30th for some food in the area around the Trinity Centre, and then we’ll join in with the evening celebration on a big screen. If some people want to camp on the Glebe then that’s hopefully possible, and we might could do something on the Saturday morning for those still around.

We’re also going to be joining with New Wine on the evening of Sunday 1st August for our monthly celebration.

If you’re interested – or want to find out more – chat to Fi Iddon or Craig Silcock.

More about New Wine 2021

With continued lifting of some of the COVID principles we’re pleased that Cafe Connect and CLOISTERS continue to be places of warm welcome. Cafe Connect remains open 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday as well as Saturday mornings. And CLOISTERS pop-up cafe continues at its new opening times of 10am to 2pm.

Meanwhile we’d love a discussion with anyone who’d like to join the team at either Cafe Venue. Got some spare time? Would love to get alongside others and make a difference? Come and have a conversation with us and we’ll put you in touch. It’s great fun, a good way to serve God and be a blessing in the local community.