Weekly Email w/b 29th November 2021

Have you thought about Christmas trees yet this year? Anyone want to admit to having put theirs up already?

I think one of my favourite memories of childhood is buying the Christmas tree. It always had pride of place in the hallway of the house. And on the top of the tree – with the help of small children on shoulders or step-ladders and whatever else – we’d crown the tree with an object. Each year there was a choice, either a gold-coloured angel or a bright-coloured star. The lights would switch on, and it was like Christmas had arrived. The world was ok again.

Whatever you’re doing with your tree this year – and please think sustainable – let me encourage you to consider these objects sitting on top of the tree. An angel with an amazing announcement of a baby who is born. A star leading the world to follow a different path.

• Angels? What messages are you listening to today? That you’re not good enough, rich enough, clever enough, attractive enough? Or to the voices of affirmation that say to you, like they say to Mary, that God thinks you’re ok, that he has a purpose for your life, that he can be alive in you?

 

• Stars? What stars are you following? And what do you really want to get out of life? Who or what is guiding you in this season of life? 

May you – this Advent season and Christmas time – may you know afresh the ‘heart of Christmas’. Read on for various events taking place, and ways in which you can know that for yourself and invite others to experience that too. And you can find out more about each of these services and events by going to our website www.trinitychurches.org.

Peace

 

Revd Phil Cansdale
Vicar of Trinity Churches and Area Dean of Shrewsbury

SUNDAY 5th DECEMBER
This coming Sunday, 5th December, sees us gathering as usual at 9am and 11am at Meole Brace Church. We’ll also be meeting for out fortnightly evening congregation at 6.30pm in the Trinity Centre. We’re starting back weekly from January in the evenings, and are really looking forward to finding a more regular rhythm once more.

SUNDAY 12th DECEMBER
Then Sunday 12th sees some great opportunities for you to come along and join in with the ‘heart of Christmas.’ At 11am we’ve got an all-ages NATIVITY CELEBRATION, so for all you budding Marys, Josephs, shepherds and suitably wise people we’d love to see you at that.

At 6pm on Sunday 12th we’ve got CAROLS BY CARLIGHT which will be taking place outside on the hardstanding area just down from church. We are really excited to be working with Adam Gompertz and the REVS team again. If you’ve got a quirky or interesting car – or know someone who has one – do let them know about this and bring your own four wheels with you.

SUNDAY 19th DECEMBER
The Sunday before Christmas sees a 10.30am carol celebration in Radbrook Green, and then our our “carols by candlelight” services taking place at 4.30pm and 7pm at Holy Trinity. Come along for our regular blend of traditional carols in a beautiful setting, chances to hear the big story of the Bible, and opportunities for anyone and everyone to say “yes” to finding our own place in the Christmas story. There will be mince pies and mulled wine served after these services too!

CHRISTMAS EVE / DAY
We’ve got two instalments of our popular crib services at 3.30pm and 5pm on Christmas Eve, before the midnight communion at Holy Trinity which begins at 11.30pm. Then Christmas Day sees celebrations at 9am and 11am.

Meanwhile there’s lots to catch up on midweek as well. At the end of next week we’ve got our “Big Christmas Quiz” in Radbrook on 10th December, and “Winter Warmer” on 11th December in the Trinity Centre. Then Thursday 16th December sees “Carols on the Green” on the Meole Estate, as well as joining with people from all over the country for “Doorstep Carols” on Wednesday 15th December.

Of course, there’s also plenty for people of all ages as well…. with toddler group celebrations and Little Buds Toddler church, as well as youth Christmas parties, and many different events for local schools.

 

This Christmas we are partnering up again with Shrewsbury Homes for All. (www.shfa.org.uk) We would be grateful for donations of either individual items or ready-made ‘hamper’ style boxes for clients who are vulnerable during the Christmas period. Items most needed are dried goods, tinned goods, non-perishables and toiletries. No alcohol please.

Donations can be received at Cafe Connect, or at the Trinity Centre, by 9am on 13th December at the latest. Thankyou.

We do want to be making space for ourselves to be discovering the HEART OF CHRISTMAS this December. We’re now a week into our advent calendar with a difference, and the daily SIX O’CLOCK LIVE peek into the story of Christmas and a chance to slow down each day during a busy season. Whether you’re a regular or a newcomer to this daily Facebook meet-up then we’d love you to join us.