Weekly Email w/b 2nd January 2023

“On the twelfth day of Christmas”, according to the song, there were “twelve drummers drumming” added to the collection of pipers, lords, and various assorted wildfowl. And, according to tradition, the day for decorations to be taken down from Christmas and put away for the next ten and a half months. Anyone planning to keep theirs up for a few more weeks?

Twelfth night is also a chance to remember the visit of the Magi to Jesus. As one writer said, “we’re often accustomed to thinking that their greatest gifts were gold, frankincense and myrrh. But the greatest gift they brought was their devotion.” They were willing to endure whatever it took, and to look as long as it took, to find what God has promised them through the sign of the star. Their physical gifts paled in comparison to the gift of their lives devoted to seeking him.

Wise men still seek him. And women. And children. Those of every age of life and stage of faith. Come and be part of that here this week, this month, this year at Trinity. And invite others to journey with you. You’ll find below details about our Sunday themes over spring 2023, and two midweek opportunities to put down foundations in life and in faith over January and beyond. A reminder too about Jonathan Veira’s visit here – not to be missed – as well as Big Sunday Lunch. Don’t forget to check out our new copy of Trinity Life as well. We hope it’s a helpful read and helps us all to feel part of life here.

Grace and peace

Phil Cansdale, Vicar

We’re looking forward to gathering together this Sunday morning, 8th January. We’re excited to see groups and arrangements for children and youth starting up again for the year at the 11am service. Alistair Magowan will be speaking on Isaiah 40 at the 9am and 11am gatherings, with Keith Moore and Phil Cansdale speaking at CTK and Belle Vue respectively. In the evening Phil Cansdale will be kicking off the series on “Made for Relationship” by looking at the well known words from 1 Corinthians 13.

Looking across Spring 2023 in the morning services we’re going to be looking at the book of Isaiah. We’re going try and get the big picture of chapters 40-66, and as the new year begins we’re going to allow some of these amazing passages speak to us as a Church. How can we know strength and hope? What “new things” might be bubbling up? How can we step forward and serve in Christ-like ways? What is God’s invitation to us in 2023?

In the eveningsat the 6.30pm congregation we’re going to be looking at some of the big issues around “life, love and everything in between.” We’ll begin with some really crucial themes of friendship and family, and how we can flourish in the many relational contexts we find ourselves in. We’ll then be looking at some of the more topical and perhaps more controversial themes around marriage, sexuality and identity. We’ll be developing part of the website with some resources to help people listen further and reflect on some of these big themes, as well as some time for Q&A after at least one of the services later in the series. If you don’t usually attend the evening service then why not come and join in for this season?

Our new Trinity Life is published as of this weekend. You’ll find the usual update on life together here at Trinity, including Sundays, midweek, Cafe, Trinity etc. There’s an update on “Blessed to be a Blessing”, as well as the usual snippets of news and views across the parish and beyond. Pick up a copy wherever you are worshipping this weekend, or take a sneak preview online by clicking below.

Trinity Life – Jan and Feb 2023

As the new year rolls on we are three weeks away from Jonathan Veira‘s concert on Saturday 28th January. This promises to be a fantastic evening of live music, stories, and a lot of laughter. Tickets are £10 from the Church Office, or direct from the website. All profits from the concert will go towards the Cost of Living Fund.

An evening with Jonathan Veira – 28th Jan 2023

The Wellbeing Journey

The Bible Course

Want to join a group who get together every couple of months to share a meal and “do life” together? Suitable for all ages and ‘stages’, and whether old-timer or newcomer, you’d be very welcome at the next “Big Sunday lunch” taking place on Sunday 5th February. For those already in a group then details should be winging their way to you over the next few days. And if you’d like to join a group – and make the most of opportunities of getting to know other people at Trinity – then let us know and we’ll find some space around a Sunday lunch table near you!

The BIG Sunday Lunch – 5th February