Weekly Email w/b 6th June 2022

As many of us sat down on Saturday evening to watch the ‘Party at Palace’, we all got such a sweet surprise to see the Queen having afternoon tea with Paddington Bear.

I am a big fan of the Queen and a cuddly Paddington was the first gift I ever received from Keith. When I moved to the UK 17 years ago, I made it my mission to get to know all about Paddington and to read the books. Being a fellow immigrant, Paddington became a hero of mine, as we both dealt with being in a new culture.

In particular I was always amazed by the integrity of Paddington in his words and actions. Integrity starts from within, a determination to think the right things, say the right things, and to do the right things. Paul put it perfectly in Philippians 4:8 ‘Finally brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, if anything is excellent or praiseworthy, think about such things.‘ This verse motivates us to examine our thought life and it’s influence on our day-to-day living.

As followers of Jesus, let’s endeavour to focus on the excellent and the praiseworthy, and to be people of integrity.

Amal Moore (Pioneer Community Minister)

After a busy weekend of Jubilee celebrations, things return to slightly more ‘normal’ this coming Sunday 12th June.

Having said that, we are kicking off two new sermon series. In the morning we’re thinking about “Everyday Faith”, and how the amazing people mentioned in Hebrews 11 and 12 might encourage and inspire God’s church today. In the evening we’re going to be thinking what this mission-shaped living looks like in our lives through the lens of “six M’s”, and each week trying to be really practical about how that might work out in our lives Monday to Sunday.

Phil Cansdale will be speaking at Holy Trinity at 9am and then at Radbrook 10.30am service, whilst the 11am gathering is an all-age celebration. Fi Iddon will be speaking in the evening.

Wow. Thank you to everyone involved in our Jubilee celebrations at Trinity. We’re so grateful to all those who served, attended, and invited friends to come and join in. Whilst the weather wasn’t quite so good, we’re really pleased that so many were able to join in the Sunday Pentecost lunch together.

A brief heads-up that a few items were left over from the lunch. Do please check whether you left any tins / trays / plates behind, they are available from the Church Office.

Meanwhile we’re glad lots of people picked up a copy of “Our Faithful Queen” at our events last week. There are still about thirty copies left, based mainly at Cafe Connect, so if you haven’t yet picked up a copy for yourself or a friend then you can pick one up there over the next few days. And for those who took one and are still wanting to give a donation to help support the costs you can do so by text. To give £3 text CHURCHES to 70331, or to give £5 text CHURCHES to 70970.

And if you want a slightly longer read about the role of the Queen’s faith in her life then click below…

A longer read – Mark Greene on “The Queen’s Way”

We’re disappointed that we haven’t yet successfully recruited for the new role at Cafe Connect. Please do pray that we make a good appointment, and soon! And if you know someone who might be interested would you pass this onto them. The role is three days each week (Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday mornings), working alongside the Café Manager (who works Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays) and a great team of volunteers. The role is for 22 hours per week (8.30am to 4.30pm Tuesdays, 8.30am to 5.30pm Fridays, 9.30am to 2.30pm Saturdays) During holiday periods it may be possible – and desirable – for these days to be varied by arrangement with other team members. Application deadline 6th June.

Find out More about Cafe Connect job

Still looking to make plans for the summer? A number of us are heading to “New Wine B” Christian festival, taking place in Peterborough from 29th July to 3rd August. Want to join us? Chat to Fi Iddon or Phil Cansdale for more details. Camping, caravan, off-site options are all available.

As a Church we’ve had a special request from New Wine for available team members. Youth or children work? Medical team? Stewarding? There are various possibilities open to you, and in return for doing this you get a free ticket. You’d have an amazing time, get to work as part of a great team, and make an amazing difference in the lives of thousands of people.

More about New Wine 2022