There’s something special about gathering around a table and sharing a meal. It is more than food. It is fellowship, laughter, and the quiet grace of being seen and known. That’s the heart of the idea behind the Big Sunday Lunch which meets next on November 23rd; a table open to all, where stories are shared, no one eats alone, and strangers become friends. It is a warm, welcoming space for all ages and stages to enjoy good food and even better company.
In a world that often rushes past people, hospitality slows us down. It says, “You matter.” Whether you’re a long-time member of Trinity or just finding your way in, Big Sunday Lunch is a chance to be welcomed not as a guest, but as family.
Jesus often met people at meals. He broke bread with strangers, sinners, and saints alike. He used meals as a place of healing, teaching, and grace. We follow that example, believing that hospitality is more than a warm welcome. Let’s make this Big Sunday Lunch a celebration of community, kindness, and the joy of being together… God’s love in action.
So come hungry not just for food, but for connection. Whether you bring a dish or just yourself, your presence is the gift. If you are new or unsure let us know, and we’ll find a seat for you at a table nearby. Welcome isn’t just a word: it is a way of life. And hospitality isn’t about perfection: it is about being present.
Grace and Peace
Ian Budd, Curate
For more information about how to sign up for the Big Sunday lunch appears later on in this email…
This Sunday, 9th November, is Remembrance Sunday and this will be a main focus of our worship. We’ll also, in our morning services, be reflecting on how Paul’s words in Colossians encourage us to ‘live at peace’ because of Jesus. At 9am and HTBV our speaker will be Nick Webb, with Keith Moore speaking at CTK. The mid-morning congregation will be meeting at 10.45am for a service led by the All Age team. The evening sees us continue our series on Parables of the Kingdom, and Ian Budd will be speaking to us. Trinity Youth will be meeting at 6.30pm upstairs in the Trinity Centre..
Remembrance Sunday
A reminder that we’ll be pausing in services across the parish to remember those who have given their lives in war, or been victims of war. In order for us to pause at 11am, the Mid Morning Service will begin at 10.45am this Sunday.
PA Training
We are so blessed to have a new and (almost) gremlin free PA at Holy Trinity, along with wonderful people to operate it. We’ve got some training sessions coming up over the next fortnight for people who might be interested in learning a bit more – no strings attached. If this is you, then please do get in touch with the office.
Leaf Clearing
The Autumn leaves may look beautiful, but they do need to be cleared up! We’re having our annual leaf clearing morning on Saturday 22nd November, and would value any help that you can offer… many hands make light work!
Advent Stalls
On 23rd November, in-between the 9am and 11am, and after the 11am service, we’ll be having our usual selection of Advent stalls with Illuminate, Fair Trade, Windfall, Faithful Pages, Rachel’s cards and Izzy’s cakes making an appearance. There will be access to a card machine. This is a great opportunity to support some local producers and other charities associated with our Church Family – as well as doing a bit of Christmas shopping!
Big Sunday Lunch
Sunday 23rd November also sees the Big Sunday Lunch. If you are already in a group then an invitation should be winging it’s way to you over the next week or so. If you aren’t in a group and would like us to find some space around a table then please do sign up via the website or give the office a ring.
Sign up for the Big Sunday Lunch
Half Night of Prayer
The opportunity to meet together, as a church family, and pray is such an important part of life at Trinity Churches. Our next half night of prayer is on 24th November from 7pm to 11pm. We don’t expect people to come for the whole time (though it’s a blessing to do so!), but we would love to encourage folk to come for at least half an hour. There are regular breaks which make it easy to come and go. Please do put this in your diary and make it a priority to come and pray with the Church family; particularly as we seek God in this time of interregnum.
Carols by Candlelight: Family Orchestra and Christmas singers
As we begin to prepare for Christmas, we’re starting to think about the Choir and Orchestra for Carols by Candlelight. Rehearsals for both begin on 2nd December, with the Family Orchestra at 6pm (all abilities very welcome) and the Christmas Singers (not simply for those used to being part of a choir) at 7.30pm on the same day.
Judith Clarkson will be in touch with people who have been in the orchestra previously over the next weeks, and do speak to Stephen Ball if you would like to know more about the Christmas singers. If you would like to sign up to be part of either group, or would like to know more, then you can use the links below…
Sign up for Family Orchestra
Sign up for the Christmas Singers
Trinity Life
Our next Trinity Life is available at the back of Church, and by clicking on the link on the front page of the website.
Trinity Life