Weekly email w/b 3rd July 2023

It’s school sports day for many families at the moment. Have you been to one recently? Some of the sack races and whatever else from my childhood are probably gone, though for some the parents’ race is still hotly contested. But come rain or shine it’s a chance for mums, dads, families and carers to cheer on their children, wave frantically from the sidelines, and be as much a support as they can.

I was reading recently a lovely story which the writer Simon Ponsenby tells. He describes a sociologist writing on parenting interviewing a mother with thirteen children. “Do you think all your children deserve full, impartial love” comes the question. “Of course” came the response. “Which child do you love the most?” (Ask any parent, this is always a dangerous question to ask.) And the answer came back. “The one who is sick until she gets well, the one who is away till he gets home….“

So it is with the grace and the love of God. “God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” says Paul in Romans 5, reminding us that the love of God is both a historic reality in the life of Jesus Christ as well as a present experience in each and every life today. Lavish. Abundant. Freely given and daily received. That we become “all-weather Christians” as it were, through trials and suffering as well as plenty and joy. Knowing at the depth of our being and the core of our souls that we are loved. That’s worth cheering on…

Meanwhile – talking about primary schools – read on for really great news about Meole Brace C of E Primary’s recent inspection…

Phil Cansdale (Vicar)

 

In our morning congregations we’re kicking off a new summer series looking at some of the parables that Jesus told. Phil Cansdale is speaking at the 9am and at CTK, whilst at the mid-morning gathering there will be an all-age celebration including baptisms hosted by Fi Iddon, Cerys Hughes and the all-age team. Peter Madley will be speaking at Holy Trinity Belle Vue.

Meanwhile in the evening Alex Aldous will be speaking as we continue to look at the book of Acts, and ‘postcards from the early church.’

Meole Brace C of E Primary and Nursery recently had a SIAMS inspection, the regular review of how the school is doing in living out its distinctively Christian vision and ethos. We’re really pleased to say that they were judged “excellent”, and the impact of collective worship was judged to be “good.” Alongside amazing work from the senior leadership, staff team and governors, the strong relationships between school and church were picked up on a number of times in the report.

The inspector wrote “Church leaders and members rejoice in their weekly involvement to support spiritual growth. Their enthusiasm is highly significant in fuelling the school to shine brightly…” Thank you to Judith Clarkson, Cerys Hughes, Foundation governors and others who make this a reality. Talk to them if you’d like to find out more, or be part of the network of support towards a really great school at the heart of the community of Meole Brace.

 

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)

To coincide with this Sunday’s focus on our mission partners across the world, there’s a new leaflet and updated website which talks about their work. Pick up a copy in church, or follow the link below to find out more.

“From Here to Everywhere” leaflet



Our next “EXPRESSO” will be on Thursday 20th July with Keith Moore looking at “How to grow your faith while on holiday”. Find out more – and catch up on other previous episodes on “social media” and “praying when big stuff is going on”, and “how to be a Christian in the NHS and healthcare world” via our website.

Expresso – the story so far