Weekly Email w/b 28th February 2022

It’s hard to know where to begin with some of the things going on at the moment.

We woke up last Thursday morning to find war in Europe as Ukraine is being attacked by Russia. COVID continues to have an impact in many nations across the world, and the inevitable weariness and instability after two years of upheaval. Closer to home last week saw flooding yet again in Shrewsbury, and the heartache of businesses, homes and churches in our town under inches of water. We’ve also seen our local hospital under the spotlight again in a critical Panorama report on the BBC. My BBC podcast newsfeed this morning even featured Shrewsbury in a ten episode series on ‘conspiracy theories’…

It’s no wonder the Psalmist talks about earthquakes, tidal-waves, wars and the like when describing some of the unpredictable and unknown things in life. Each and every one of us knows something of that, each one with our own story to tell.

“Be still” finishes the Psalm, “and know that I am God.” Is this just passive acceptance in the midst of change, the art of “doing nothing” when everything around us is being shaken or simply putting our head in the sand? No, far from it. In the midst of all that is happening – especially in Ukraine – we must remain active in prayer, committed to peace and alert to the plight of the vulnerable. In order to do that this ‘stillness’ is a reminder of finding in God a better story and a bigger story than that which the world might tell. Of justice that will come, of compassion that transforms, of peace that makes a difference, of a kingdom coming.

So let’s be encouraging one another to find those ‘be still’ moments these next days, as we pray for a troubled world and we begin this season of Lent. You’ll find below lots of ways in which we might be doing that, so do please read on, and – as always – join us and join in.

With our prayers, as always, as together we are “growing faith, proclaiming hope and living the love of Jesus.”

Revd Phil Cansdale, Vicar

Many will have welcomed the lifting of legal restrictions around COVID recently, whilst at the same time recognising the inevitable questions and concerns many continue to face. These next few weeks and beyond will see what Dr Chris Whitty called “gradual, steady change over a period of time” rather than a sudden “everything stops” approach.

The Wardens and clergy team continue to discuss over these next few days how best to move forward together, particularly around distanced seating and face coverings. We’ve had 125+ responses already in our latest “next steps COVID” survey, but it’s not too late to complete that. Find out more – and complete the survey – by clicking below.

Next steps in our COVID journey

We’re meeting at 7pm this coming Wednesday, Ash Wednesday, in the Trinity Centre. We obviously meet in the context of war in Ukraine, and I know some across the UK will be joining in a day of prayer and fasting for peace in that troubled area. In the usual way we’ll also be having the imposition of ashes, that reminder of our frailty in life but also the grace of God.

This Lent we’re hosting two midweek opportunities to go stronger in faith and grow deeper in prayer. We’d love to invite people from across our life at Trinity to join in.

On Wednesdays we’ll be engaging with the amazing musical / film “Hamilton”, with the help of the new book “The Room Where it happens” by Bishop Rose. We’ll be exploring some big themes of injustice, adversity and temptation, and each week opening up scripture and exploring how the Christian faith speaks into some of the really big issues in life.

On Thursdays we’re taking part in “The Difference Course“. In a divided and fractured world, it can be hard to know where to begin with the issues that surround us. Over five weeks we’ll be using film clips, Bible study, prayer, discussion and interactive exercises to explore some big themes together, and be thinking how our everyday relationships might be transformed.

Watch trailers, find out more, and sign up

Our Lent Six o’clock Live will journey in the company of the Bible Society, and will be exploring the life and ministry of Jesus with some great video clips, prayer resources and ideas to deepen your faith. If you haven’t joined in before we’d love to invite you to do so through Lent. You’ll find us on Facebook or via the church website.

Sign up for Lent Encounter with the Bible Society

Join us on Facebook Live

 

New this week is an event at the end of March for Trinity Women to get together. On Saturday 26th March we’ll begin with a continental breakfast and time to be with friends old and new. We’ll then have some space to worship and pray, and to be “still and know” with God. We’ll also have opportunities to be quiet, to get creative, and to enjoy being together. We start at 9am, and will finish by 11.30am. More details from Amal Moore, or let us know you’re coming via the website or Church Office.

Women’s Chill Morning on 26th March

On Wednesday 16^th March there is a special opportunity to see an acclaimed one man show – Walking to Jerusalem – at Meole Brace Church. Written and performed by award-winning writer and actor, Justin Butcher, the show uses a mix of theatre, stand-up and video montage to tell his tale.

In 2017 a pilgrimage set off from London to Jerusalem, calling for equal rights for all in the Holy Land. Over 100 walkers took part and nine walked the whole way, 3,400km. Follow their adventures along the route and find out what drove them to do it.

Shropshire Friends of Palestine are helping to host this Passion Pit Theatre event in association with Amos Trust and Hodder & Stoughton. Interested? Email shropshirefop@gmail.com for more information.

Whatever our new year resolutions – and diets? – we hope there’s still space for doing life together over a cup of coffee and around a meal table. Alongside small groups, growing friendships and looking out for people who live locally here are three opportunities you can do that with us at Trinity over the next weeks.

Café Connect is our church-run coffee shop at the heart of the Radbrook community offering great food, good value and a warm welcome. We want to be a place where faith is lived, hope is offered, and God’s love can be shared. Open six days a week and staffed by a team of volunteers, the cafe offers good food and a warm welcome. Join us for drinks, snacks and light lunches to eat in or take away.

Cloisters Cafe. During the winter months we’re open on Tuesday mornings in the back of church, and so if you’re looking for a warm welcome, drinks and cakes in a beautiful surrounding, and the company of friends old and new then we’d love you to join us.

Trinity Table is our regular lunch club for people from across the local community. It takes place on Tuesdays from 12.30pm in the Trinity Centre. To help with capacity we’re having two Trinity Tables each month, with people able to attend one of these.