Weekly Email w/b 26th June 2023

“Summertime… and the living is easy?” And yet even in the height of summer and the longest of days we’re probably all aware of situations where things are dark and difficult, where we are longing for something new to dawn.

We’ve been challenged recently by the image of lighting beacons. When times are dark and days are long what it is to intercede for our church, our nation, our world. A few people coming together – in prayer and in worship – can be like the lighting of a beacon speaking help and deliverance, and marking something of the kingdom of God in the midst of trial and trouble.

In dark times God is looking for those who pray, and light the beacons of hope. This is the big story of scripture as well as the message of history, that it is most often the little, the local, the ordinary folk who get caught up in the life of prayer and the adventure of the kingdom. As writer Jill Duff puts it “Beacons are fanned into flame by prayer. There seems to be a pattern that when people pray then flames are lit.”

Keep an ear open – and check out our website – for details of weekly prayer gatherings in the Trinity Centre, Cafe Connect and Meole Brace Primary school. Prayer for Radbrook meets 7pm to 8pm on first Tuesday of the month at Cafe Connect, and there’s a new monthly Monday prayer gathering for the Meole Estate. We also have plans for a September start for a monthly youth & children’s work meet, as well as for worship leaders. Perhaps all this might flow into a 24-7 prayer in November?

Keep fanning the flames!

Phil Cansdale (Vicar)

 

We’re really excited this Sunday to be hosting some of the different mission partners and organisations we support.

At the 9am service Mervyn Smith from Open Doors UK will be our speaker. He’ll be talking about their really excellent work in supporting persecuted Christians across the world, and talking about the life of Brother Andrew who died recently. Meanwhile Kevin Roberts will be our speaker at 10.30am at Christ the King, sharing about the really excellent work of ReSource in encouraging “little, local and ordinary” churches find life in the spirit and courage in mission.

The 11am gathering will be Upside Down church, with the children getting involved in a “Secret Church” with the support of Open Doors material. For adults our three ‘seminar streams’ will be hosted by Mervyn Smith (Open Doors), Neville Willerton (Church Army) and Mike Haddaway (Shrewsbury Food Hub).

Meanwhile in the evening Fi Iddon will be hosting chances to pray and praise together, and our monthly communion at the 630pm gathering.

To coincide with this Sunday’s focus on our mission partners across the world, there’s a new leaflet and updated website which talks about their work. Pick up a copy in church, or follow the link below to find out more.

“From Here to Everywhere” leaflet

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)

Our next “EXPRESSO” will be on Thursday 20th July with Keith Moore looking at “How to grow your faith while on holiday”. Find out more – and catch up on other previous episodes on “social media” and “praying when big stuff is going on”, and “how to be a Christian in the NHS and healthcare world” via our website.

Expresso – the story so far

 

Our regular reminder about the Cost of Living Fund. Times are tough for many at the moment. At Trinity we know we can’t do everything or help everyone. But, flowing out of God’s generosity to us, we want to offer what we can. Are you in particular need? Or do you know someone who might benefit from practical help or limited financial support? Alongside other Shropshire organisations we want to be able to offer help and support where we can. We have a “Cost of Living” fund to support individuals, families and specific projects at church and across the local community.

Cost of Living Fund