Weekly Email w/b 4th September 2023

One of the joys of holiday this year has been re-reading most of the Narnia books by CS Lewis. I have a strange habit of reading – or listening – to them every five years or so, and each time finding something new to feed my soul and inspire my faith.

I was particularly struck by how Lewis describes an incident with Lucy in the book Prince Caspian. He writes “Lucy woke out of the deepest sleep you can imagine, with the feeling that the voice she liked best in the world had been calling her name.”

I know it’s hard to sleep in these hot nights of the moment. But whether half asleep or fully awake I wonder whether you can recognise that experience of knowing God calling our name? “I’ve gone before you” when we don’t know the way. “I’m here with you” when things are tough. “I’m with you, and for you, and in you” at the heart of our being. Of course, we need to be those who learn to listen attentively, and to spend time to learn to recognise and enjoy the whisper of his spirit in every day of our lives.

Isaiah 43 says “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine.” May that be our waking thought – and our living reality – day by day.

Phil Cansdale, Vicar

PS Read on for lots of things beginning at this stage of the year. And – lest this gets too long – with lots more on our website or on social media.

In our morning congregations we are kicking off our autumn series called “Kingdom Come.” We’ll be looking through the book of Nehemiah, which is full of themes like praying and vision, working together, and rebuilding when things are broken down. Nick Webb will be speaking at the 9am (our online gathering this week) and at CTK, whilst Cerys, Phil and the all-age team will be hosting the 11am gathering.

In the evening we’re going to be walking up what many call the “Mount Everest of the Bible” as we look at the book of Romans. Along the way we’ll be taking in the views of the grandeur of God’s eternal purposes before descending to put into practice what we’re learning. Phil Cansdale will be beginning our series looking at Romans chapter 1. Alongside the evening services we’ll be offering an additional midweek group to go deeper. Take a look below…

Our Autumn Alpha Course begins on Wednesday 4^th October, 7pm in the Trinity Centre. It’s a really great way to ask some of the big questions in life which we all live with, and explore some of the basics of the Christian faith. We start with a meal together and ways of making friends round tables, watch some short video content together and then have plenty of time for discussion together.

Especially for those who’ve never done it – or perhaps been around church for a while and wanting to take a steps in faith – this could well be for you. Or you might have a friend or family member for whom Alpha would be a good idea, and you could come with them (at least for the first one) and help them get involved more.

Find out more about Alpha and sign up

Alongside Alpha we’re offering an opportunity for those who want to take their faith deeper. Starting on Wednesday 4^th October at 7.45pm we’re going to be using the new material from the Bible Society as we dig deeper into the book of Romans. Each week we’ll be taking part of this amazing book, and seeing ways in which the gospel can take root more fully in our lives. It’s perhaps for those not in a small group but who’d like to catch up with others for a few weeks. Or for the many of us who’ve always got to the book of Romans, scratched our heads, and given up. All are welcome. Again, sign up and let us know you’re coming.

Find out more about Romans and sign up

Our nextBig Sunday Lunch is on Sunday 17^th September. Suitable for all ages and ‘stages’, and whether old-timer or newcomer, you’d be very welcome. For those already in a group then details should be winging their way to you over the next few days. And if you’d like to join a group – and make the most of opportunities of getting to know other people at Trinity – then let us know and we’ll find some space around a Sunday lunch table near you!

Let us know you’d like to come to the next BSL

Advance notice of our autumn “Joshua Group“, a gathering for all those who are involved in serving, leading, helping in whatever capacity across our life at Trinity Churches. We’re looking forward to an evening of thanking, dreaming, and envisioning together. Just like Nehemiah’s journey began with prayer and vision, we want to begin this new season in that same way. Wednesday 27th September at 7.30pm in the Trinity Centre.

And, finally, it wouldn’t be Autumn without Apple Day! On Saturday 7^th October we will be celebrating all things Apple and Harvest related with crafts, apple pressing, live music and, of course, a hog roast. This is such a great community day. Rachel Woods is currently putting together a team – please do speak to her or contact the Church Office if you can help out.