Weekly email w/b 8th May

We’ve just completed our ‘review of the year’. It’s the sort of document which we produce most years which talk about life here at Trinity, and try and put into words (and pictures) something of our ministry and mission locally and further afield. Do pick up a copy, or scroll down for how to read it online.

It’s never easy to know what to include, and how best to tell the story of 2022-2023. My apologies, in advance of you reading it, for inevitably missing out particular people, projects, places or passions. There’s always a compromise between including everything and not turning it into the ecclesiastical equivalent of “War and Peace.” At 28 pages of A5 – and lots of pictures – we’d love to invite you to read it, and by doing so be encouraged, prayerful and involved.

Of course, they do talk about ultimately living for an “audience of one” and not for the praise of others. I’m reminded of the story of Billy Graham who brought together members of staff who did all sorts of hidden, often underappreciated roles. He said to them “Your reward in Heaven will be greater than mine.” Everyone rolled their eyes and sighed. “Come on. I put things in envelopes. You’re Billy Graham. When we get to Heaven, if one of us is gonna be the king and one of us gonna be the caretaker, I’m pretty sure who the caretaker is.” But Billy Graham looked at them very sternly, sort of with a fatherly tone and said, “No, never forget this. The Lord rewards faithfulness, not just fruitfulness.“

With thanks, as always, for the privilege of serving alongside many faithful followers.

Phil Cansdale, Vicar

PS It’s a really busy week coming up with REVS, Expresso, a Dementia-supporter event and our Annual Meeting at Trinity Churches. Mention also Christian Aid week kicking off. Read on!

Read our 2022-23 Annual Review

This Sunday we’ll be digging back into our big theme of the summer, the “work of the Holy Spirit.” Fi Iddon will be speaking at the 9am and CTK, whilst Cerys Hughes and the all-age team will be hosting the 11am gathering at Meole Brace. Alex Aldous is speaking at Holy Trinity Belle Vue. In the evening we’re drawing to an end of our series called “How to Hear God” which is based on Pete Greig’s really amazing book and online course, with Annali Hindle speaking.

 

It’s a week to go till this year’s REVS. We’ve got just over one hundred cars booked in which is amazing, and finishing touches being made to crafts, cafes, Scalextric, Hotwheels, and all sorts of other fun. Rock Choir will be joining in the festivities again, as well as a choir from Meole Brace C of E Primary. Wow.

If the event is going to run as smoothly as we all want we are still looking for team members. If you are coming could you offer one hour to ‘serve’ as cafe team / Scalextric fan / craft helper etc. It really does make a huge difference, and is part of our serving one another and the local community. If you can’t attend on the day but could bake a cake for the cafe that’s another really practical way to support. Chat to Rachel Woods or Adam Gompertz who will be in church on Sunday, or contact the Church Office and leave a message.

Sunday 21^st May is our Annual Meeting, the yearly opportunity to review, enthuse and pray about year behind us and the months ahead. We meet at 630pm in the Trinity Centre, and alongside worship and stories this is a really great opportunity to hear things about our life at Trinity which you might not be aware of.

Everything you need is now online on our special APCM website, including the Review of 2022-23, the agenda for the meeting, our annual accounts, and nomination paperwork for those standing for election. Paper copies of the review are available in church this Sunday as well.

APCM Website

Read our 2022-23 Annual Review

Our next Expresso takes place on Thursday 18th May, 7pm to 7.20pm on Facebook Live. Our subject is “How to pray when big stuff is going on”, and in twenty minutes will try and give a ‘taster’ of what is a really important subject. Expresso is a new monthly “caffeine shot” on mission and discipleship. You can catch-up on last month and watch again online by clicking the link below on our website.

Catch up – and future editions of Espresso

 

Many people live with the experience of dementia, whether through a personal diagnosis, or for those they care for and support. Head to Heart is a video resource produced through Lichfield diocese using the personal experience of Sarah Thorpe and family who supported their dad through his diagnosis.

Join us for an hour to view parts of this film and discuss what living with dementia is like, led by David Latcham, Dementia Link Worker for Alzheimer’s Society. 4-5pm, Friday 19 May, Café Connect. Contact david.latcham@alzheimers.org.uk for more details.

It is Christian Aid week coming up, running from 14th to 20th May. Your gifts could help farmers in Malawi plant better seeds, secure a fairer price on crops, and build happier futures for their children. Soaring costs are affecting people here and across the world, and they are seeking to be at work on the ground so that everyone, everywhere can be free from poverty.

Christian Aid is one of the mission partners and projects which we support as a church. You can find giving envelopes available at Holy Trinity Church as well as at Cafe Connect. For more information on this – and other projects – chat to Bob Tweddle, or take a look at web resources below.

Christian Aid Website

Mission, Relief and Development Committee