Weekly Email w/b 5th July 2021

Amidst ZOOM meet-ups, diocesan gatherings and a certain world cup game, it was a more sobering reminder in my calendar which has caught my attention.

This week marks “Srebrenica Memorial Week“, recalling the events following 11 July 1995 when armed units under the control of Ratko Mladic (now a convicted war criminal) overran and captured the town of Srebrenica in Eastern Bosnia. In the following days, more than 8,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were systematically murdered and buried in mass graves. It is by far the worst atrocity on European soil since WW2.

Twenty six years later we continue to remember these events, and the ongoing impact for those who lived through it and who are still rebuilding their lives. And we seek as Churches – along with many others – to be those who actively pursue the path of peace and the cause of reconciliation.

For we are called to be a people of hope, refusing to victimise or push others to the margins, and offering safety and welcome to all in the name of our loving God. In a world where differences so easily flare up into divisions, and where sadly mistrust and prejudice can still divide families and communities, this is such an important part of “proclaiming hope” which we seek to speak and live here at Trinity.

With thanks and prayers, as always, as together we are “growing faith, proclaiming hope, and living the love of Jesus.”

Phil Cansdale
Vicar and Area Dean of Shrewsbury

Resource Pack on Srebrenica

Let’s be honest, the last year has been really tough on many of us. In our own lives, in our families, in our workplaces, in our church. At this stage of our COVID journey we’re finding that quite a few people are benefit from having conversation to try and process something of what’s been going on, and – in a safe space – talk about their pandemic experience. And looking forward what life as a follower of Jesus might look like from here.

Over July and August we’re wanting to have a “BIG conversation” about our pandemic experience. Would you like to meet one-to-one with someone for a guided conversation? Or use a resource in your small group or family? You’ll find more details on our website, and are able to let us know you’d like a “listening ear” to help you think around these four words.

Sign up for a one-to-one conversation

Find more resources for the BIG Conversation

This Sunday – 11th July – we continue to meet at 9am and 11am for our Sunday celebrations. The week after (Sunday 18th July) sees an additional Radbrook Green gathering at 9.30am, and if weather allows we will still be trying to meet outdoors! Meanwhile we are obviously keeping a close eye on “Phase 4” and government changes which might be coming after 19th July.

As always, we would love you to join us, and whether online or in person find ways in which we can encourage each other and build up the life of our church.

Let us know you’d like to come to one of our services

Find us on Facebook Live

We are looking for a new full-time Operations Manager. You’ll be working with the wider staff team and the hundreds of people who make up Trinity Churches to ensure our operational life remains strong, with particular oversight for personnel, finance and our premises. If you’ve got exceptional admin skills, and experience of ‘getting stuff done’ we’d love to hear from you. For more details go to www.trinitychurches.org/jobs.

Find out more about the Operations Manager role

We’re putting plans in place for our August mid-morning gatherings at Holy Trinity. As part of our 11am service we are hoping to be able to offer provision for ages 5-14. We hope to offer the provision during the school holidays on the 1^st; 15^th and 29^th August. Creche members would be welcome to join in as well but must be accompanied by a parent.

Could you work us to run a session? We would like to encourage you to share a gift and passion that you might like to bless younger generations. Some ideas might include art; music; sport; whittling; drama; treasure hunt; team games (this is an inexhaustive list). If you have any ideas and would be keen to get involved please get in contact with Craig Silcock.

Contact Craig Silcock

It’s Wimbledon fortnight, which normally heralds rain showers and early England exits. But it also gives opportunities for some outdoor eating and cream teas! Cafe Connect remain open at the heart of Radbrook Green each day, and are hoping to do something suitably tennis-shaped on their specials board.

Meanwhile CLOISTERS pop-up Cafe is open at its new times of 10am to 2pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Trinity Centre courtyard. This is an important part of our vision for the Trinity Centre to be an inspirational place here at the heart of Meole Brace to come and do life together with friends and family. Do please come and join us.