Trinity Magazine Mar / Apr 2018

TRINITY The first full colour photo of our 1896 stained glass West window, hidden since 1950.

The magazine of Holy Trinity Parish Church, Sutton Coldfield March / April 2018 60p

With Grateful Thanks to Stella Thebridge (p26)

We welcome David Rice, above and below, Holy Trinity’s new Music Director and Organist ( p4)

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The ceiling revealed by the removal of the old organ

From the Editors ...

...to

Trinity

Contents:

We have a lot to report on in this edition of Trinity, as we say goodbye and thank you to Stella Thebridge, as she stands down as music director to devote more time to Heritage. We are so grateful for all her hard work and share some fond memories on page 26. In her place we welcome our new Music Director and Organist, David Rice. You can find out more about David on page 4, including his plans for the role and his favourite piece of music.

John Routh writes

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Through a glass darkly

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Welcome David Rice

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British Police Symphony Orchestra 5 Youth Matters

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New organ

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Hosting with Host UK

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Friends update

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Mike Barnes

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The parable of the spoons

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Financial corner

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Lasting gift to Holy Trinity

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Just checking in

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Codicil

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From the registers

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Upcoming social event

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Music is an underlying theme throughout this edition, with details of our latest Friends concert on p15, and a preview of the British Police Symphony Orchestra who will be at HT in March. We are very lucky to have them - do try and support this event if you can. To mark the arrival of our new organ, Bernard Salter has given a demonstration and a talk on the role of organ music in worship— see page 8 for details.

Stella Thebridge

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Trinity & Bible verse

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Finally, we sadly mark the passing of Mike Barnes (p16) whose funeral took place at HT in January. A patient, kind and wise man, he will be sorely missed by all who knew him.

Johanna 07788 910059 johanna.paul@hotmail.co.uk

Louise

Stella 329 2101 s_thebridge@yahoo.com Louise 240 6366 en@hotmail.com

louisejhard-

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John Routh writes The passing of the years In March I reach my 58th birthday. I comfort myself that it doesn’t have a zero on the end, but even so ... I find it hard to believe I’m going to hit 58 years.

I know my body is beginning to creak a little. Where once I was the shape of a beanpole, now the weight is getting hard to shift. My back is prone to objecting when I lift heavy weights. I think I have a touch of arthritis in my fingers. The glasses I wear for reading are gradually getting stronger. Now and then I struggle to bring to my lips a word I know I should know. And of course I have two children who are now into their twenties. All of it is clear evidence of my gathering years.

But the thing is ... in my head I still feel like a teenager, or at the most a 30-odd year old!

I still listen to music I listened to when I was younger – Jackson Browne (‘who?’ I hear you cry), Bruce Springsteen, the Moody Blues. I still read novels by the writers I read when I was younger – John Irving, Scott Turow (again the cry of ‘who?’), Graham Greene. I listen to other music, read other writers – of course. But those voices from my past are still very real to me. In my head I’m still young.

I know I’m not alone in feeling like this – it’s the same for many, perhaps most, people. From the outside the rest of us look and see an ageing person. Greying hair, deepening wrinkles, and all the rest. But from that person’s own viewpoint, from the inside, they feel young of heart and full of life. The body may be showing the signs of wear and tear, but the heart and mind are still in rude health.

Our ageing bodies belie the youthful spirits within!

I guess the truth is that neither the ageing body nor the youthful spirit describes any of us entirely. And only God truly sees the whole being that any of us is. Only God sees both the outward body, increasingly worn as the years advance, and the inner soul, still eager to experience and participate in life. Sees the failings and achievements – and the potential still to come. And God values us regardless.

It seems 58 is just another number!

John Page

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Through a Glass Darkly -

REDEMPTION

The people of Israel were very fed up with Moses, and with God, and who could blame them? They were tired of tramping through the desert, of having the same thing to eat every day and only just enough of that and of never knowing when they would next get a drink. They looked back on their days in Egypt and felt that, in spite of their hardships, there had been compensations. They were ungrateful and had made God cross. He devised as a punishment snakes - and people began to die. Then, as he did in so many instances, he relented. It seems that he loves us so much that he cannot bear to see us suffer, even when it is our own fault.

In chapter 3 of his gospel John refers very briefly to this solution - the raising up of the image of a serpent as a depiction of the raising up of Christ on the cross - but he is clearly saying much more than that. I think he is saying that the incident of providing a way out of death from a snake bite is a microcosm of the whole story of redemption from sin through the death of Jesus. This is the ultimate demonstration of God's infinite love for us and the message is the same. We have to obey and look to Jesus as the Israelites were instructed to look at the snake's image.

This revealing snippet from the Book of Numbers comes early in these two months and the rest of the time is taken up with readings telling the whole story of Christ's death and resurrection and of how he brought redemption to the whole world.

I am writing this well before Lent begins so cannot link with what John may share with us on his Lent Study Day on 10th March. He will be speaking on this fascinating subject of redemption and you should receive this in time to sign up to what will be an interesting and revealing day. I hope to see you there.

Jean Schneider Editors note: This year’s Lent Study day on Redemption will take place in The Trinity Centre on Saturday 10th March between 10.00 and 3.00.

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Music - A big welcome to David Rice During 2017 our Music Co-ordinator, Stella Thebridge, decided to stand down from the role (see page 26 for some words of thanks). Stella hasn’t departed, but wanted to release time to focus on other things – particularly our Heritage Project. So we spent the last 4 months of the year searching for a new Director of Music and Organist.

The search was successful, for which we thank God! And so we welcome to Holy Trinity our new Director of Music and Organist ...

David Rice.

We’re delighted to have him here and we look forward to a long and fruitful time for our music under his leadership. David agreed to answer a few questions about himself to help us get to know him: Please tell us a little bit more about yourself, where you studied and where you are from.

I started singing at Bristol Cathedral as a teenager, and from there I went to study music at Selwyn College, Cambridge, where I sang and played the organ in the chapel choir. Last year I was organ scholar at Tewkesbury Abbey, and now I am in Birmingham studying for an MA in choral conducting.

What led you to apply for the post at Holy Trinity?

Having just moved to Birmingham in September, I've been looking for a church for a while. Holy Trinity has exactly the balance I was hoping for between dignified liturgy and a sense of fun. It's also great to see so many children here, so I knew it was a lively church where I'd feel very welcome.

What are your plans for the role?

I want to see what can be achieved with our lovely choir here! They've been great fun to work with so far and I'm certain there is room to Page in the life of the church. grow, both in size and in their position

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♦ What musical instruments do you play?

Of course I play the organ and sing all the time. I also enjoy the harpsichord and violin in a more amateur capacity.

Favourite piece of music?

Brahms: Ein Deutsches Requiem. It is such a perfectly formed composition, not a single note is wasted. And it's so rewarding to sing!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I spend most of it on music! I have varied interests though, including opera and musical theatre. I also enjoy reading and walking when I can find the time.

Music lovers—Don’t miss! The Friends of Holy Trinity Parish Church present:

British Police Symphony Orchestra Saturday 17th March at 7.30pm Drawing its members from across the police forces of the UK, players are all either serving or retired police officers, police staff or other members of the extended police family. Since 1989 as an acclaimed national orchestra, The British Police Symphony Orchestra has 'wowed' audiences across the United Kingdom. We are delighted that they have chosen Holy Trinity as one of their 2018 venues.

Join us for a great evening of classics including many from film and television including Grieg Peer Gynt Suite No.1, Humperdinck's Hansel & Gretel Overture, The Sky at Night theme, Finlandia and the theme from BBC's Sherlock.

Tickets can be purchased securely online from www.htsc.org.uk or in person from the Trinity Centre office during working hours. Adults : £12, Under 18's : £6, Family : £30 (up to 2 Adults & 3 Under 18's).

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Youth matters For the last couple of weeks at CYG we have been conducting an opinion poll on various subjects ranging from whether or not there should be a sugar tax through topics surrounding social media, the pressures of life, mental health to how it is being a teenager in 2018. It is fascinating listening to the debates with many varying viewpoints.

One of the opinion poll questions concerned how much appearance matters in getting on well in life. There were some fairly heated debates on the matter, especially surrounding job interviews and the likelihood of being appointed to be a first point of contact with a company if you were covered in tattoos or had lots of piercings. The point was made that that kind of image was perhaps less of a barrier to young people than older. There was a lot of talk about not judging by appearances but a recognition that maybe most of us do.

Certainly it seems to matter a lot in the celebrity world and in the media which surrounds that world. Even as I write there has been a lot of mirth about the fact that some magazine cover photo had been photo shopped so much that one celebrity had 3 hands and another 3 legs.

So what is that all about? What is so bad about reality that people have to have their limb position moved or be airbrushed because they are too fat, or their nose isn’t quite perfect (whatever ‘perfect’ means)? What is so terrible about being how you are? I can understand the wanting to make the best of yourself but why does someone have to pretend to be something they are not or better ‘supposedly’ than they actually are? Is it insecurity or is it expectation from others? Is it necessary, wrong, fake?

Pilate famously asked Jesus ‘What is truth?’ I suppose I am wondering the same thing. I can’t begin to answer my own questions but talking about it with our young people was a great way of opening up the issues. I wonder what you think?

Susie Walker Page

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The New Organ As this magazine went to press, Bernard Salter gave a demonstration in church of the new Allen digital organ. Bernard has played for services in our church on numerous occasions over the past few years and previously was Director of Music at St James’, Mere Green and Vicar of a parish in Smethwick before that. He became an Associate of the Royal College of Organists at the age of 17, and recently, in his seventies, passed the examination for a Fellowship of the Guild of Church Musicians.

For the demonstration recital, Bernard played a number of organ works and shorter pieces dating from the 16th to the 20th century. He also spoke about ‘the role of the organ in worship’. Here are some of the points he made.

Whilst many were sad to say goodbye to the pipe organ, Bernard commented that he (and certain other organists) had found it unrewarding to play. He praised the versatility of the new organ and the considerable cost saving. He also noted that much of the pipework will be re-conditioned and distributed to various churches in different parts of the world; he noted that the organ builder who did the removal is a dedicated pipe organ enthusiast, who will ensure that as much as possible of the old organ is put to good use.

Bernard noted that an organ, together with a good organist, can play a very significant role in enhancing worship; but often, sadly, its potential is not appreciated by clergy and congregations, or even, in many cases, by organists themselves. Bernard highlighted three important areas in his talk: VOLUNTARIES: A good organist puts a lot of effort into preparing ‘voluntaries’ – pieces of music to be played before a service and at the end. Bernard exhorted us to listen to these in order to appreciate the music more. The voluntaries are usually chosen to reflect some aspect of the ‘theme’ or ‘mood’ of the service: for example, voluntaries on Easter Day will be very different from those played during Passiontide.

HYMNS: Playing hymns is perhaps the most significant aspect of the role of a parish-church organist. He (or she) has a duty (jointly Page

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with the clergy and choir) to try to ensure: (1) that everyone sings the tune correctly, and (2) that people make sense of the words.

Bernard gave the example of a worship leader announcing only the first line of a hymn, and making a nonsense of the words, as for example, in ‘Take my life and let it be’ – this implies ‘leave it alone’ when the sense is only made clear when the second line is added: ‘Take my life, and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee’.

Bernard suggested that the problem of getting the tune right could be solved if the organist or choir-director (occasionally) holds a brief congregational rehearsal before a service begins. Organists can sometimes help in making sense of the words by the way they ‘phrase’ their playing – observing the commas, or adding chords or passing notes when there is no comma at the end of a line.

INCIDENTAL MUSIC: Sometimes the ‘flow’ of an act of worship can

be marred when unwanted ‘gaps’ occur, for example if the Offertory hymn is not long enough to cover the presentation of the collection at the altar. A good organist will happily ‘cover’ moments such as these by adding an improvised ‘extension’ at the end of a hymn. Or if there is a long pause whilst waiting for a reading to begin, a few bars of gentle organ music can turn this ‘gap’ into an opportunity for quiet meditation on some aspect of the service.

In cathedrals and some parish churches, a ‘gospel procession’ occurs, and some organists in this context improvise a brilliant fanfare ‘to honour the Gospel’; this is done for example at a cathedral very near to Sutton Coldfield at the main Sunday Eucharist. For other examples of the use of the organ in this way we can watch and hear the services from Notre Dame cathedral in Paris, by googling kto tv and following the links to Notre Dame for either a Mass or a service of Vespers. French organists have a particular reputation for elevating the art of improvisation to its highest level, and the results can be extremely uplifting. Bernard concluded that generally speaking, in British parish churches, the organ and the organist, as resources for worship, are often under-used.

May God be glorified by the beautiful sounds that will grace our worship space for generations—Ed. 9

Hosting with HOSTUK Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Hebrews 13:2 How true such advice can be. Hospitality is an equal partnership, the feel-good factor of offering it and the delight in receiving it.

HOST UK is a charity whose mission is to give a welcome to international students in British homes for friendship and cultural exchange.

Whilst not a faith-based charity, it values the offers of hospitality that result from awareness-raising in Churches through parish news and word of mouth.

If you are unable to travel abroad, have “abroad� come to you! Our students are both curious and fascinated by our traditions and happy to fully participate in everyday life. If you have a curiosity about exotic places, or desire to improve a second language, or want your children to encounter those of other cultures and countries, we can offer all of this. Our international students bring something really special to such a visit and experiences become treasured memories for all and forever.

Consider what faces the international student visiting the UK; a lonely hall of residence compounded with the uncertainty of their welcome from a Brexiting Britain. They may also be from a country experiencing conflict or natural disaster and if none of this applies, then they are invariably far from home, family and loved ones.

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Friends of Holy Trinity Sutton Coldfield Event update - Fret & Fiddle The Friends of Holy Trinity are now well into their fifth season of concerts and events, and on Saturday 3rd February at 7:30pm we welcomed Fret & Fiddle for an enjoyable evening of Jazz and Swing music.

Fret and Fiddle are an award-winning group who formed in 2001 when professional violinist Sally Minchin and guitarist Andy Bole discovered they had a mutual enthusiasm for The Hot Club de France, namely, the musical legends guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grappelli.

Since those early days playing at small folk and blues clubs, they have enjoyed over a decade of success, winning awards and producing over four albums of material. Sally and Andy were joined by Rich Hughes on piano, Simon Smith on Double Bass and Steve Street on drums.

The group played a wide variety of songs including “Anything Goes” by Cole Porter, “Pennies from Heaven” and “Dance me to the End of Love”.

The mix of swing music and foot-tapping fiddle tunes created a great atmosphere, and the church was packed. Sally was supported by a strong contingent from Highclare school where she works as an Upper Strings Instrumental Teacher.

As well as being a wonderfully entertaining evening, the night was a great success financially, with over £1,500 raised to help maintain our historic building. We look forward to welcoming you at a future friends event (see below), or why not become a Friend? Please see our website for more details www.htsc.org.uk.

Coming up: British Police Symphony Orchestra 17 March 2018 (see p5) Birmingham Savoyards - The Gibert and Sullivan Story 12 May 2018 “No Petticoats Here” with Louise Jordan and Sutton Coldfield Girls School choir 16 June 2018

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A Summary of the Tributes to Mike Barnes 16th January 2018 at 12.15 at Holy Trinity Church As might be expected because of his love for people, and their love for him, there were several Tributes to Mike at the Service of Celebration for his life. A Tribute from Pauline was read by the Reverend Paul Duckers, followed by Tributes from his children, Tim, Chris and Debbie, the Reverend Doctor John White of the Kingsbury and Baxterley Group of Churches, Roland Clifford of Probus, and closing the Service a Choral Tribute from the Streetly Singers.

There were many words, far too many to include in this Magazine, so I have attempted to summarise the thoughts and words of those who spoke about Mike.

He was born in London but spent the first 11 years of his life in Fiji, where his father was based as a Doctor in the Colonial Service. He was eventually sent back to England to continue his education and was a boarder at Bromsgrove School. After leaving Bromsgrove School he did the obligatory 2 years National Service, and then joined one of the Industrial giants of Engineering in the Midlands, GEC, where he served a two year Apprenticeship training to be a Cost Accountant.

His life then followed a familiar pattern, he got married and had three children, Tim, Chris and Debbie; unfortunately he was divorced and life became a little more difficult. But help was eventually at hand, he met Pauline and they married within twelve months of their meeting. It was a marriage that lasted nearly thirty years; it was a strong marriage because they were entirely suited to each other. Between them they had a readymade family of 5 children, who all married and Mike and Pauline became the proud grandparents of 11. Mike and Pauline supported each other, each was proud of the other’s achievements and interests, Mike with his singing, Rotary, Probus and Church, and Pauline with her hugely successful quilting and embroidery exhibitions and teaching.

They shared a love of travel, visiting many distant parts of the world, Peru, Cambodia, Egypt and Mexico to mention just a few.

Family life was important to Mike, and his children, Tim, Chris and Debbie spoke about their father in words of great love and appreciation.

Tim spoke about a Dad who knew everything, he built an extra bedroom to accommodate the growing family, and knew the names of wild flowers. Family holidays were joyous events, in Wales, in France at the Hollow’s house, and in Sutton Coldfield. Mike was determined that the family would remain close, he created an email exchange of top ten factoids to keep everyone informed of each other’s activities.

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In recent years there was a family get together at local Sutton pubs, the family joke was that they met first at the one with sticky carpets and then one without sticky carpets.

Debbie lived with Mike during her teenage years, a difficult time, there seemed to be a diet of three main convenience meals, and suspicions that Mike had shares in a chunky chicken business. They survived, and also survived Mike teaching Debbie to drive, when journeys into Birmingham on the Aston Expressway were on occasion a little fraught.

However, Mike was a patient man, and there were always calm words of reassurance “It will be fine.” He always said “Be kind, be patient, look around, enjoy people and look forward.”

Chris spoke about the lifelong love of sport that Mike had; he had learnt to swim and dive when he lived in Fiji, and when at school in England was a regular member of the Swimming and Diving Teams and had a prized collection of medals. In later life he became an armchair sportsman, holding forth on the merits of various sportsmen.

Mike was what Chris called a weary supporter of Aston Villa, he went to the Boxing Day matches, but never became a Season Ticket Holder, saying they did not deserve his support. Chris also spoke about Mike’s golf career, not too distinguished, with a tendency to slice the ball. He went to a local golf professional who claimed that she could solve any golfing problem. After some time with Mike she conceded that she was a golf professional who could solve nearly every golf problem.

Roland Clifford, a good friend and a member of the Probus Club Mike was a member of, continued the golfing story. Mike’s progress up a long fairway could sometimes be measured in feet rather than yards.

Roland paid tribute to the contribution Mike had made as a member and Treasurer of the Probus Club.

Mike led a full life, and music played an important part, an opportunity to relax. Many of us will have been to the annual Concert of the Streetly Singers, their almost silent presentation of the Cinderella Pantomime had to be seen to be believed, and enjoyed.

As well as being an excellent Treasurer and Volunteer to our Trinity Centre for many years, he had been a valued member of the Choir at Holy Trinity, and in later years he was in the Choir at the Kingsbury and Baxterley Group of Churches. Both the Trinity and Kingsbury Choirs sang at the Service in recognition of his service. Reverend Doctor John White spoke of Mike’s reassuring presence in the Choir; he was sometimes the only tenor, and very supportive of newcomers, he always took a genuine interest in people.

Continued on page 18

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John spoke of a man who was a good listener of Sermons, who thoughtfully reflected on what he had heard. A man who was comfortable with his faith, comfortable with a Blessing rather than taking Communion.

Everyone who spoke about Mike paid tribute to his generosity of spirit and time, his wisdom, patience and kindness will be sorely missed.

Thank you Mike for all that you have done for so many people, you made a difference; you enriched our lives.

Reverend Paul Duckers We also remember Derek Williams, who died on 29 December 2017 aged 85, and whose funeral took place at Holy Trinity on Friday 19 January. Derek was married to Margaret Williams who for many years until recently was a member of Holy Trinity’s choir. Derek was a much loved father and grandfather and a talented artist. Our thoughts are with Margaret and family at this sad time. - Ed

Parable of the spoons A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day and said, “Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like.” The Lord led the holy man to two doors.

He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in. In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy man’s mouth water.

The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished. They were holding spoons with very long handles and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering. The Lord said, “You have seen Hell.”

They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man’s mouth water. The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking.

The holy man said, “I don’t understand.” “It is simple” said the Lord. “It requires but one skill. You see, they have learned to feed each other. While the greedy think only of themselves.”

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Submitted by Wendy Hill

A series of short articles submitted

by Mike Somers “ALL taxpayers are important” Ten mates go out for a drink each month and decided not to divide the bill equally but to settle their £100 bill along “progressive” or income-level related lines, similar to those used by HMRC. So, the four who earned the least paid nothing; the fifth paid £1; the sixth £3; the seventh £7; the eighth £12; the ninth £18 and the tenth, who earned by far the most, paid £59. A grand total of £100 in total between them!

Eventually the bar owner gave them a loyalty discount of £20. The ten mates decided to divide their windfall following the same progressive principles.

So, at their next monthly session, the fifth, like the first four paid nothing, the sixth paid £2; the seventh £5; the eighth £9; the ninth £15; and the tenth paid £49 instead of the previous £59.

When they compared their savings- the sixth said “But I only got £1 out of the £20 but he (pointing to the tenth) got £10- that’s not fair!” However, the first four pointed out “And we did not get anything at all. The rich get all the breaks- its not fair!”

Soon the wealthiest person there was surrounded by the other nine and then harangued for his selfishness. Now the next month he felt embarrassed and did not turn up for the drinks. So, the other nine happily had their drinks without him.

But the funny thing was that when it came for them to pay the bill, they collected their share of the money as before and then discovered that they did not have enough money between them to pay even half the bill!

They were not happy!

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How you can make a lasting gift to Holy Trinity Parish Church, Sutton Coldfield ♦ Here at Holy Trinity we welcome all gifts in wills, however large or

small, and we promise to use your gift to make a difference in our parish. We have been fortunate to receive many such generous gifts in the past, and hope to be so blessed in future years. ♦ You can be confident that your gift will be used to develop our future

mission and ministry and help fund significant projects, whether buildings, equipment, workers or other specific initiatives. ♦ As our needs and circumstances change over the years, we

encourage you to leave a gift in your will for the general purposes of the parish rather than for a restricted purpose. We will then discuss possible uses of your gift where possible with your executors when the time comes, bearing in mind your known areas of interest and the church’s priorities at the time. ♦ We will try and acknowledge gifts in the way you or your executors

feel most appropriate, or we can make sure that gifts remain anonymous if preferred. If you would like to make a gift in memory of a loved one then please do discuss that with us. ♦ We encourage every adult church member to: ♦ Make a will and review it regularly, ♦ Consider leaving a gift to your church, ♦ If you already have a will you can use the codicil form on p27. ♦ If you wish to speak to someone in confidence or to make a gift in

memoriam, then please contact our Parish Legacy Officer, Mike Somers on 01213780386 or somersmiked@aol.co.uk ♦ Remembering our church in your will is a wonderful way both to

thank God for the blessings you have received in your life and also to help us meet the needs of future generations. Thank you.

Mike Somers

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Just Checking in A minister passing through his church in the middle of the day, Decided to pause by the altar to see who’d come to pray.

Just then the back door opened and a man came down the aisle, The minister frowned as he saw the man hadn’t shaved in a while.

His shirt was torn and shabby and his coat was worn and frayed.

The man knelt down and bowed his head, then rose and walked away.

In the days that followed at precisely noon the preacher saw this chap, Each time he knelt for just a moment, a lunch pail in his lap.

Well the minister’s suspicions grew with robbery a main fear.

He decided to stop and ask the man, “What are you doing here?”

The old man said he was a factory worker, and lunch was half an hour Lunchtime was his prayer time for finding strength and power.

“I only stay a moment because the factory’s far away.

As I kneel here talking to the Lord, this is kinda what I say: “I just came by to tell you, Lord, how happy I have been, Since we found each other’s friendship and you took away my sin.

Don’t know much of how to pray, but I think about you every day.

So Jesus, this is Ben, just checking in today.”

The minister, feeling foolish, told Ben that it was fine.

He told the man he was welcome to pray there any time.

“It’s time to go, and thanks,” Ben said, as he hurried to the door.

Then the minister knelt there at the altar, which he’d never done before.

His cold heart melted, warmed with love, as he met Jesus there.

As the tears flowed down his cheeks, he repeated old Ben’s prayer.

“I just came by to tell you Lord, how happy I have been, Since we found each other’s friendship and you took away my sin.

I don’t know much of how to pray, but I think about you every day.

So, Jesus, this is me, just checking in today.”

Past noon one day, the minister noted that old Ben hadn’t come.

As more days passed and still no Ben, he began to worry some.

At the factory he asked about him, learning he was ill.

The hospital staff were worried but he’d given them a thrill.

The week that Ben was with them, brought changes to the ward.

His smiles and joy contagious – changed people were his reward.

The head nurse couldn’t understand why Ben could be so glad, When no flowers, calls or cards came, nor no visitors he’d had.

The minister stayed by his bed, he voiced the nurse’s concern: No friends had come to show they cared. He had nowhere to turn.

Looking surprised, old Ben spoke up and with a winsome smile "The nurse is wrong, she couldn't know, that in here all the while, Page

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Every day at noon he comes here, a dear friend of mine you see, He sits right down and takes my hand, leans over and says to me: “I just came by to tell you, Ben, how happy I have been, Since we found this friendship, and I took away your sin.

I think about you always and I love to hear you pray, And so Ben, this is Jesus, just checking in today.”

Author Unknown

CODICIL A codicil is the easiest way to include a straightforward gift to the church if you have already written your will. Complete a codicil in the form below and sign and date it in front of 2 witnesses (who must not be a beneficiary or spouse of a beneficiary). The witnesses should then each sign the codicil in your presence and in the presence of each other. Once completed the codicil should be kept with the original copy of your will. If you are in any doubt then please seek advice from a solicitor.

Suggested wording I, _________________(name) of __________________________________ (address) declare this to be the ( 1st/2nd/3rd /etc) Codicil to my will dated ____________(date). I give ___________% of my residual estate <OR I give the sum of £______ (also add amount in words)> {chose one of these options and delete the other} free of all taxes to the Parochial Church Council of the Parish of Holy Trinity Sutton Coldfield for its general purposes.

I declare that the receipt of an officer of the PCC shall be a sufficient discharge to my executors and trustees. In all other respects I confirm my will and any previous codicils thereto.

In witness whereof I have here unto set my hand on this the ______ (date).

Signature _______________________(the testator).

This codicil was signed by the above named person in our joint presence, and then by us in his/hers.

Signature ________________________Name ______________________ Address _____________________________________________________ Signature _______________________Name________________________ Address _____________________________________________________

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FROM THE REGISTERS ...

Baptisms 21st January - Vinnie Baker, Elysia Shellam 18th February - William Shaw, Philip Shaw, Seth Leach

We welcome these children into new life with God, as part of our church family Marriages 23rd December - Mark Trout & Roz Jackson 28th December - Daniel McNeil & Helen Smith

We wish these couples every blessing in their future together.

Funerals 2nd January - Margaret Francis Horsnell 9th January - James Vincent Craddock 16th January - David Michael Barnes (see p16) 17th January - Vera Rollitt 19th January - Derek Aubrey Williams (see p18) 22nd January - Joan Margaret Haynes 21st February - Christopher John Millington

We remember all who have died and ask for God’s comfort to sustain all who are bereaved.

Upcoming social event Saturday 21st April St George's Day Quiz with fish 'n' chip supper Adults £5, children £3 Tickets now on sale 25

Stella Thebridge Stella Thebridge stepped down as director of music on 31 December 2017 after many years of faithful service. Stellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s formal role was offered to her by the then Rector James Langstaff from September 1992, but her involvement with music at Holy Trinity started in 1987 and she was already choosing music and leading the choir at that point, duties which had developed over time.

Stella has a joint music and German degree from Sheffield University (where she met her husband David) and has had a constant exposure to playing and singing from an early age in school and her home church in Carshalton Surrey. She has been a member of the City of Birmingham Choir since January 1980.

David and Stella moved to the area on 7 October 1986 and their son Mark was born in November. Soon after they started worshipping regularly at Holy Trinity, with Stella attending the Pram Service (being the fore-runner to open house). Here Rose Longman the Rectorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife soon found Stellaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s talent for singing and learnt that she had a music degree, so from 1987 Stella began playing the Clarinet for the family service Music Group.

Various other clergy came and went and their spouses joined, taking control or having input into what was sung at different levels but Stella was part of music group singing and playing clarinet, with occasional playing on keyboard. At that time the main service was 11am matins with formal robed choir, with a separate family service at 9.30am (plus 8am and 6:30pm services and a 12:15pm communion service after Matins). The 2 services were combined to one 10am service in Dan Connolly's tenure in 1998 and at that point music group did a slot and robed choir did most but over time there was a crossover with people in both so the choir and music group combined.

In the early 1990's Helen Joliffe who had set up and run the music group moved away to get married and Stella took over. Don Aldrick retired as organist and director of music after many years and Simon Lumby was appointed - he left in 1995 before Ted Longman left in 1996.

Simon was a talented musician who had come from St Barnabas Erdington. He played for music group and rehearsals as well as running the main choir and so Stella sang in the choir for weddings and certain services. In due course she joined the choir fully and her children Mark and Rachel both joined, (along with Paul Medlicott who has now returned to HT).

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When Simon Lumby left Bill Court took over the choir for the 11am service, and for many years he and Nigel Steeley shared playing the organ, with Clive Russell playing for weddings.

Stella has out of necessity developed her knowledge of church music and has played the organ on occasions despite having no lessons or instruction (the first time being at St John’s Perry Barr one Christmas morning when the regular organist could not get there by bus - a small congregation but a baptism by fire nonetheless). Since Holy Trinity had the grand piano in 1997 paid for by Nan Haase's legacy, she has developed her piano playing and improvisation skills. She has also developed conducting skills and is effective at finding works to stretch choir members and vary repertoire. We are all very grateful to Stella for her many years of dedicated service, and Stella was presented with a token of our appreciation at the New Year’s Eve service.

Margaret Le Brocq came to Holy Trinity in 1998 and joined the music group at the beginning of 1999 just after Dan left when Stella took over leading it. Margaret provided us with the following memories of Stella’s time leading the choir, on behalf of all the choir members: •

Her love of singing – she belongs to at least two other choirs

•

Her determination to achieve what she sets out to do

•

Her knowledge and love of a broad range of Christian music – “from Tallis to Townend”

•

Her enthusiasm for the choir to work with fellow choristers in other Anglican churches on a local and diocesan level and choirs of Churches Together, resulting in the presentation of musicals by Roger Jones, Beresford King Smith and many others.

Stella said “It was really lovely to receive such a generous sum of money from you all to mark my departure from the music post at Holy Trinity. This included a voucher for Symphony Hall / Town Hall Birmingham which I shall enjoy using for a concert or two in the coming months, possibly on a Friday Evening!

Thank you all for your support in many and various ways over recent years. I am looking forward to the next phase for our church in its fully re-ordered state and with a new Music Director.”

Stella is not leaving the church or the area, but will be using more of her spare time to devote to the heritage project, for which we are all very grateful.

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Trinity Arrangements for 2018 The cost per issue is still just 60p, and an annual subscription £3-50.

If you are a casual reader who would like to subscribe regularly or advertise, or if you have any other queries relating to the magazine, please contact the Trinity Centre in the first instance on 321 1144 or admin@htsc.org.uk

Publication schedule Cover date

Copy deadline

Publication date

May/Jun 2018

8th April

22nd April

Jul/Aug 2018

27th May

17th June

Sep/Oct 2018

5th August

19th August

Nov/Dec 2018

7th October

28th October

Jan/Feb 2019

25th November

16th December

Please submit material for the next issue by the deadline above to : Johanna Medlicott email: johanna.paul@hotmail.co.uk Written text: Please leave in the “Magazine” pigeon-hole in church OR in the Trinity Centre office.

Contributions on any topic or photographs are always welcome. A page contains about 400 words.

Bible verse for this issue Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Colossians 3:15 -17 English Standard Version (ESV)

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Mike Barnes, whose tribute is on page 18

Below: Photos from the most recent Friends event, the fabulous Fret and Fiddle

Detail from the West Window, recently revealed having been covered up for almost 70 years

Photo credit: Nick Revell

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