Weekly Email w/b 30th January 2023

When I was a teenager, I took part in a production of King Lear. A moving play with some remarkable lines. One of which is still imprinted in my memory: “See better Lear“. A theme of blindness and sight permeates the whole play and King Lear is clearly emotionally blind for most of the tragic narrative.

On Monday evenings in youth group we have been looking at the “Shema” from Deuteronomy 6:4-5. It is the famous passage that encourages us to ^“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” (NIV)

It’s interesting that in Hebrew there is no translation for the word “obey”. It is wrapped up into the word ‘Shema‘ which can be roughly translated as “listen carefully, pay attention, but don’t just hear, respond appropriately”. Wow. As we have been revisiting these famous verses from scripture, I have been brutally aware of the parts I have skimmed over and missed. I have heard, but have I really listened? Perhaps I have listened, but have I really responded appropriately?

“Hear better Craig.”

 

Craig Silcock, Youth Minister

This Sunday we’re meeting as usual across the four congregations at Trinity as well as continuing to serve our neighbouring parish of Belle Vue. Kevin Roberts will be speaking at the 9am and 11am gatherings, whilst Keith Moore is at CTK and Fi Iddon is speaking at HTBV. Many at Trinity will know Kevin Roberts as the former vicar here at Meole Brace, and we are delighted that he and his wife Anne have moved back to Shrewsbury and are enjoying becoming more fully part of our church family in a new season for them!

In the evening we’ll be on week five of “Made for Relationship” as Phil Cansdale opens up the theme of sexuality. These are obviously topical issues to be reflecting around and looking at, and if you don’t usually come to the evening service but would like to join in you are most welcome to do so. Or to catch up with the sermon audio at a later date. Look below for some further resources on this

Activities for 0s-18s continue with Trinity Kids, Trinity Youth and Anon taking place at the 11am gathering.

Over January and February 2023 we’re going to be exploring some of the big issues around life, love, and everything in between. So far we’ve looked at some really crucial themes of friendship and family and how we can flourish in the many relational contexts we find ourselves in. We’re now looking at some of the more topical and perhaps more controversial themes around marriage, sexuality and identity. These are obviously big issues across the Church of England, in society, and rolled out on social media and conversations wherever you go!

We’ve made the recordings of the talks available on our website, as well as a selection of resources which will take these issues further… though no one selection of websites will be able to give the fullest voice to this. We’re also hosting an informal Q&A session around these themes on Sunday 19th February. We’ll have the evening service as usual 6.30pm till 7.45pm, and then after a brief break those who would like to can meet to continue the conversation, listen to each other, and reflect together.

Made for Relationship – Resources and talks

 

There’s something really important about finding ways of saying “count me in” to God and to the life of the Church. We’d love to help people to do that. On Easter Day (9th April) we’re offering a chance for adults / young people to be baptised or to renew their baptism vows. Then on Sunday 18th June Bishop Michael, the Bishop of Lichfield, will be with us with the possibility of people being confirmed.

Find out more about baptisms and confirmations

We’ve recently updated our marketing leaflet etc at the Trinity Centre. It’s a reminder of our invitation to ‘inspirational meetings, beautiful celebrations and exceptional value’ in all that we do.

We have frozen the fee for a child’s party for the third year running, and reckon that our prices remain very competitive. And the good news is that as a church member you not only receive 10% discount on a child’s party booking (making this excellent value for money!), but also you would receive 10% on any booking you make including those you make for your workplace or leisure group.

The Trinity Centre is a wonderful venue for a retreat, staff meeting or training event so why not suggest us to your colleagues for your next gathering, and make full use of your church member discount? We also have enhanced IT capacity in the upstairs rooms (perfect for IT training), and great spaces for consultations on an ad-hoc basis (perfect if you are booking rooms in response to appointments).

More details? Call Helen Hinton on 01743 242660, or email to chat about your event. We would love to welcome you!

email bookings@trinitychurches.org

Our new 2023 Brochure

Our 2023 Price List

For many years some of us have attended the New Wine summer conference. This year – perhaps for just one year only – it’s taking place in Kent, and a group of us will be trekking down there for the second week, from Tuesday 1st to Saturday 5th August. Most of us will be staying on site, though there are options to stay elsewhere and come in each day.

It’s not too late to join in, either as a ‘punter’ or by joining the team. New Wine also promises amazing work with children and young people, and is often a spiritual highlight of the year for those who attend.

It’s been great to hear of a few people saying that they are coming… both oldtimers and first timers. Interested in coming? Want to find out more? Chat to Phil or Fi who will both be digging out their tents for another year under canvas. Please book directly with New Wine, but let us know if you’re booked so we can all camp together….

Find out more about New Wine