Weekly Email w/b 31st July 2023

It was CS Lewis who wrote “Everyone believes forgiveness is a great idea until they have to forgive someone.” How true!

I found myself talking about the power of forgiveness a few days ago. About how – in our daily daily lives, in our families or workplaces, in our churches and communities – we might choose to live in grace with each other, and to be committed to offering one another the fresh start and new beginning which God offers to us.

I was reminded of the amazing story told by a hero of mine, Corrine Ten Boom. She was imprisoned in Ravensbruck Concentration camp towards the end of WW2, and sadly her sister Betsie died whilst she was there. After the war, Corrie set up a rehabilitation centre, caring for both victims of concentration camps but also those despised individuals who had collaborated with the Germans. She soon began an itinerant evangelistic ministry which grew rapidly.

One challenge that she faced was encountering a German guard who had been cruel to Betsie at Ravensbrück and finding that she could forgive him. She spoke of forgiveness being a choice not just an emotion, of God’s love being stronger than our hatred, and of grace being something that God calls us all to extend to others. Click on the link below if you want to listen to the full story, it’s well worth a couple of minutes to join in with.

Despite a hundred sermons on forgiveness it still doesn’t come easily. But maybe this story sparks something in you of showing God’s grace to those around you, and reconciling with others where relationships are broken.

Grace and peace

Phil Cansdale, Vicar

Watch the longer story of Corrie Ten Boom

In our morning congregations we continue our summer series looking at some of the parables that Jesus told. Valerie Pitt is speaking at the 9am and at CTK, whilst Cerys Hughes and the all-age team are at the 11am and Phil Cansdale is speaking at Belle Vue. In the evening Phil Cansdale will be hosting “Presence”, our monthly communion service at the 6.30pm congregation.

Over August we’re going to be hosting a Sunday pre-recorded online gathering each Sunday morning. Hosted by Phil Cansdale, it will be available at 9am on a Sunday morning from our Facebook feed at “Trinity Churches Shrewsbury.” This will be a forty minute (or so!) online service with some music, a reading, a short talk on one of the parables, some prayers, and a chance to catch up on what’s going on. Whether you usually join in – or perhaps are away but still want to connect up with life at Trinity – we would love you to join us.

Go to our Facebook Page (Sunday gathering available from 9am)

This year’s Fun in the Sun is underway. We had a great time this week at teh Safari Supper for Trinity Youth. Coming up this week is the Barmouth Trip (see below) which is part of Holiday at Home celebrations.

Coming up later in the month:

* 17th August Pudding Party at the Cansdales. 7pm start. Everyone brings a pudding with them, and we then get to sample an amazing variety. All ages welcome!

* 21st August. Picnic in the Park. 12pm at the Bandstand in the Quarry. Suitable for families with children.

* 24th August. Evening Walk. 6pm from Longden.

* 29th August. Young Adults Pizza Night. 7pm at the Iddons.

You’ll find out more details of each of these – and sign up where appropriate – on our website.

Fun in the Sun Events

Spare a thought for just under thirty of us from Trinity are making our way to New Wine this week, taking place in Detling in Kent. We’ll be enjoying a few days together – most of us under canvas – enjoying some great teaching, Spirit-filled worship, seminars and lots of opportunities to enjoy each other’s company. You can find out more about New Wine on their website, and listen out for more when everyone gets home. And – just announced – next year’s dates are 25th to 30th July, and we’re back at our familiar home of Shepton Mallet in Somerset.

New Wine 2023

Advance notice about “Ride and Stride” taking place on Saturday 9th September. This is an annual opportunity for local churches to throw open their doors and say “welcome”. Whether on two wheels, four wheels or two legs, it’s a great way for people to visit some of Shropshire’s stunning church buildings. It also raises funds for National Churches Trust (NCT) who support local church projects, and people are often sponsored to cycle / walk / drive round as many churches as they can. Listen out for notices to find out more, or speak to Gill Madley or the Church Office.

 

We’re just launching plans for a day-trip to Hereford on Tuesday 26th September. We’ll be visiting the stunning Hampton Court Gardens & Castle, and enjoying a guided tour of the 15th century castle and access to the gardens. We’ll then make our way to Hereford Cathedral where we’ll have tea together alongside joining in with their sung Evensong. Tickets are available for £34, either online by clicking below or by contacting the Church Office. Please book early as numbers may be limited.

Trip to Hereford

 

The July / August edition of Trinity Life is now out. Pick up a copy from church, Trinity Centre or Cafe Connect. Or take a sneak preview online. You’ll find details of “Fun in the Sun” and some of the other events taking place over the summer, as well as latest news, an update on the Trinity Centre, and ways to get involved.

Trinity Life (July and August)