Weekly Email w/b 2nd May 2022

This last week I’ve been thinking again about some of the themes in John Mark Comer’s book, The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry. Some of us explored this together over lockdown, and others of us will have heard him speak or read the book. Life suddenly seems to be moving at full pelt again and I’ve found it really important to be aware of not forgetting some to the lessons we’ve learnt over the last two years. Those of you who’ve read the book will remember that Comer talks about seeking Silence and Solitude as Jesus did, having a view of the Sabbath that is not legalistic but life giving, choosing Simplicity, and taking pleasure in Slowing down. For those of us who haven’t read the book, we might instead turn to Psalm 23 and ask, ‘What restores my soul?’ However you ask the question, my encouragement to us is to remember the words of Jesus,

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Fi Iddon (Associate Vicar at Trinity Churches)

We are really looking forward to worshipping together again this weekend, as we continue our journey as Resurrection People.

At the 9am service Charles Ruxton will be speaking to us, while 11am sees our monthly All Age service led by Cerys and the team.

We’ll also be gathering in Radbrook Community Centre at 10.30am as we re-establish our weekly congregation at the heart of that local community.

In the 6.30pm evening service we’ll be doing some Psalm Surfing, this time around Psalm 37. Do come and join us.

Our Annual Meeting takes place on Sunday 15th May this year. After the last couple of meetings were held online, this year we will be meeting in person in the Trinity Centre. We kick off from 6.15pm for refreshments, start the more formal part of our meeting at 6.30pm, and aim to finish by 8pm.

As usual we’ll be looking back over the year 2021. We’ll be having an update on current discussions about our life together, and looking ahead to some of the opportunities opening up for us across Trinity. We’ll also have the usual elections for wardens and PCC members who serve in the leadership life of the parish.

There are two particular ways we want you to help us prepare:

• We’re looking for a few people to stand as PCC members who help oversee the life of the church. Talk to one of the ministry team or wardens if you’d like to find out more.
• We are also looking for a couple of people to step forward to become new churchwardens at Holy Trinity with Erica and Richard both stepping back. Might that be you? Or do you know someone who might be good for this role? We’d love you to be praying, and graciously giving each other a nudge if that might be something you’d consider. Again, talk to one of the ministry team or wardens for more.

We’ve set up a web page on which we’ll be gathering all the necessary paperwork for the meeting over the next few days on our website.

Our APCM page (more to come)

As we get ready for the APCM – as well as for other ideas this summer – we’ve got a really simple question for you. Got an answer? Look out for someone with a video camera at most of the Sunday congregations. Or let us know some suitable words you’d like to share.

Go on, give us an answer…

We’ve loved being back with Six o’clock live this last week, and looking at the excellent material on “Resurrection People” from engageworship.com, which shadows some of the material we’re using on Sundays mornings as well. There’s a lovely sense of community and togetherness at this daily online gathering, both those who join in live as well as who catch up later. If twenty minutes of some brief input, reflection and prayer would be a support in your daily walk with Jesus then why not join us. Find us online on Facebook.

Find us on Facebook

Who’s been to Cafe Connect recently? Alongside Cloisters Cafe in the Trinity Centre on Tuesdays it’s been great to see increased customers at this stage of our COVID recovery. We’re open from 9am to 4pm Monday to Friday as well as Saturday mornings. You’ll find a warm welcome, great food and a listening ear on the menu. Our big ‘ask’, however, is to increase the size of the team. Come and spend a morning, lunchtime or afternoon volunteering? Full training provided!

For the second year running we will be hosting a table at the Holy Trinity Belle Vue plant sale on Saturday 21st May, with proceeds going to charity. Now is a good time to prepare spare seedlings, cuttings, divided perennials, etc. to bring for sale if you would like to contribute. Please contact Julian Durbin on 07507 602906 for further information.

And do come on the day! We start at 10am, and alongside amazing plants for those feeling suitably green-fingered there will also be refreshments and cakes.