TRINITY
The magazine of Holy Trinity Parish Church, Sutton Coldfield Nov / Dec 2017— 2017—60p
In Bloom . . . On 30th September, St Chads celebrated its 90th anniversary. As part of the celebrations the local community were invited to take part in a Flower Festival competition. Left, is Mary Dixon’s fantastic floral display using an array of flowers from her own garden – a nod to it also being the 90th year of the National Garden Scheme, which raises money for several charities through people opening their gardens to the public.
Pictured below, just some of the amazing Harvest Festival floral displays at Holy Trinity.
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From the Editors ...
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Trinity
Contents:-
At this time of year we can often find ourselves consumed by Christmas planning, from over stocking the cupboards with festive feasts, to buying an abundance of presents for friends and family. However, whilst Christmas is a time for giving, it is also a time for thinking of others through acts of kindness, compassion, goodwill and love—for when we show his love, God lives in us.
John Routh writes
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Through a glass darkly
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Youth matters Open for business
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Highlights from the PCC meeting
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Parish profile
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Gold wedding celebrations
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HOSTUK 2017
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Advent Angels
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From the register
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The Night Watch
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These attributes continue to remain at the very heart of Holy Trinity, as we come together as a community to share and celebrate our Christian values. On page 23 you can read more about our recent festival, Harvest 24, a weekend of fun and worship, whilst on pages 8-9 we review our Open Day, which saw 230 people came through the doors, many for the first time!
Harvest 24
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Our confirmation day
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Bible verse
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May God’s blessings be with you this Christmas.
Louise 240 6366
Editorial team Stella 329 2101 s_thebridge@yahoo.com louisejharden@hotmail.com
Johanna Johanna 07788910059Johanna.paul@hotmail.co.uk
Front page picture: Holy Trinity, Sutton Coldfield by Deborah Hodgson.
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John Routh writes A Time to Remember This year Remembrance Sunday falls at a very appropriate point. 100 years ago, in the midst of the First World War, the Battle of Passchendaele took place. I’m sure there was much bravery shown – for example, a staggering 61 Victoria Crosses were awarded. I’m more taken though by the number of people who died there – over half a million. You’d think that the experiences of the First World War would lead us abhor such conflict. But no: 25 years after Passchendaele we were deep in the throes of the Second World War; another 25 years brings us to the Vietnam War in full flow and the Tet Offensive; and another 25 years brings us to war in the Balkans and Afghanistan. Of course those are just 25 year stopping-off points – there has been plenty more conflict in the years in between. Why don’t human beings learn from this history? Around the world people gather together each year to remember these dreadful events, but I fear we don’t remember well enough. If we did I don’t think we’d keep on doing it all again, I think we’d move heaven and earth to avoid another war. When we meet on Remembrance Sunday, it will be in the shadow of one of the most serious risks of catastrophe that I can remember. North Korea seems hell-bent on acquiring nuclear weapons, and exacerbate the nervousness the world feels by sabre-rattling at the USA. Whilst the USA is led by a president who seems only able to respond by raising the temperature still further threatening destruction on a nuclear scale. When the USA dropped nuclear weapons on Hiroshima and Nagasaki somewhere between 130,000 and 250,000 people died – around half on the first day, the others in the weeks that followed. That was just two bombs. Imagine the number of missiles and the destructive power available today, 75 years later. And if the worst were to happen, if North Korea and the USA were to move from sabre rattling to outright fighting, what would happen next – would China and Russia stand idly by and watch? Never has it been more important to remember our history, and the very real cost of war. Does all this worry you as it does me? As I prepare for this year’s Remembrance Service, one passage of scripture keeps coming back to me, Page
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a passage we will hear read at the service ...
Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I fear no evil; for you are with me; your rod and your staff – they comfort me.’ [Psalm 23.4] Whatever happens in these dangerous times, I hold to my faith that God is with us – as should you.
John
Margaret’s Memories from the Sep 2017 PCC Meeting John R reported on church finances. The deficit in the first half-year was in line with budget. Things seem to have improved in the third quarter, but it is too soon to assess the full effect. The budget for 2018 was agreed. This still shows a considerable deficit - and we noted we have sufficient ‘unallocated’ reserves to sustain that level of deficit for just 30 months. Figures will be presented to the congregation showing the impact of both a 5% increase in giving and a 10% increase in giving. We received a presentation on the work of the Buildings & Grounds Committee & how its work fits in with our broader 10 Year Vision.
Affordable and Unique Event Hire The Trinity Centre is a leading event venue in the heart of Sutton Coldfield. Flexible Spaces Whether you’re looking to hold a business meeting for 20, a celebration for 50 or a conference for 150, we can help. With a host of versatile rooms for hire, we are on hand to help you create a truly memorable occasions including: Booking Your Event •
Conferences
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Wedding Receptions
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Training
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Children’s Parties
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Exhibitions
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Charity Functions
With hourly rates from as little as £20, our event spaces are available for hire Monday to Saturday, from 08:30—23:00. Visit www.trinity-centre.org.uk or call 0121 321 1144.
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Through a Glass Darkly Hope for the World Nearly all the First Readings in the coming months are from the Old Testament. These passages are able to be read in three ways. Firstly they are messages through the prophets from God his chosen people - a reminder that though they are exiled and feel abandoned they are still his people and he cares for them. He sympathises with the bitterness of their situation but gives them hope for the future. They will not remain in exile for ever, God will come to them in time and will give them prosperity and joy. The writers of the New Testament and Jesus himself quoted many of these prophecies to refer to the coming of the Messiah and for that reason they were included in the Christian Bible. They are also taken to foreshadow the End of Days when the Messiah will come into the world again on the Day of Judgement, a day which will come when we do not expect it but for which Jesus advised us to be always ready. The Gospel readings parallel those from the Old Testament - and the message from both is hope: hope for God's support and love, for his forgiveness and redemption and for his final triumph in the struggle between good and evil. Though times often look dark and we are faced by events of an unpleasant nature we can be thankful that we have been granted this wonderful hope to carry us forward into the future. A very happy and peaceful Christmas to you all!
Jean Schneider
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Youth Matters As I write, autumn has just properly begun so the weather is starting to get chillier and the days are getting noticeably shorter. The leaves are turning and dropping off with some speed and the lawn and the weeds are not growing as fast. But, oh, the colours!! They are so beautiful. I always have thought that if nature does have to let things die, boy do they can do it in a beautiful way I have harvested my stunning display of tomatoes; not that they have all ripened but they now need more heat than we can expect to get in the foreseeable future so they are going in the airing cupboard for a warm up. The squirrels are busy planting conkers and acorns and the hedgehogs are making last minute preparations for their big winter hibernation (one of the ones visiting me is sooooo plump he now struggles to squeeze into the feeder for final snacks. They will need all those fat reserves to get them through the winter though should they wake up, there will always be a meal waiting for them in the feeders. Soon I guess the birds who have spent the summer in the country will be back to their winter home with us, where food and shelter are assured. Not long now until the last bit of colour from the summer flowers disappears then all the pots will need clearing, digging over and maybe planting up with some winter flowering plants to cheer us with some colour over the winter months, along with some spring bulbs. So it is a period of dying, digging over, fertilising, weeding, protecting and planting new things. Mostly it is routine and matter of fact but often accompanied by big bursts of colour and light and life. Just like how things work in the youth groups.
Susie Walker
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Open for Business We had a great first Open Day as part of the national weekend (9th September) and also Birmingham Heritage Week which covers this period. 230 people came through the doors, many for the first time. A good number braved the tower steps to emerge at the top to the wonderful view over Sutton, although there were a couple of points where the heavens opened just at the wrong moment….. We were thrilled that the Right Reverend Anne Hollinghurst, Bishop of Aston was able to come and open the day. She was very complimentary about all our activities and I think pleased to fulfil a commitment almost on her doorstep, as her home is the former Rectory of the church at the edge of the conservation site. Our project artists (Secret City Arts) were recording people's memories of the local area and also set up two challenging picture trails around the church. Sue and Karen led activities in the Trinity Centre including an archaeology ‘dig’ and clay modelling of likenesses of some of our stone creatures! In church they set up a church mouse trail which was quite disconcerting for the rest of us suddenly spying a mouse under the piano or on the pulpit steps. We rounded off the day with an auction of gifts and services (ably led by Nick Revell) including the original painting by Deborah Hodgson of our new church exterior (also featured on the front cover of this magazine). Deborah is well-known locally, being a member of the local society of artists and organising the summer art trail around Sutton. She kindly donated her painting which is also the illustration for our church Christmas card [these are now on sale in packs of 10 for just £3.50!]. The auction and other takings brought in over £900, some of which is offset by outlay on cards and our new branded mugs and pens (also on sale!).
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Here are just a few of the compliments that reached our visitors’ book:
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Nice surprise Excellent opportunity Wonderful - well worth visiting Wow!! I'm so glad I came Breathtaking stained glass Enjoyed looking around after restoration work Wonderful idea to restore and save the memories Lovely changes Wonderful view from tower and genuine welcome Beautiful church - warm and welcoming Beautiful windows now lighted Fantastic!!! Lovely view from the top of the tower - well worth it! Really enjoyed our visit - great view from the top. Wonderful - well worth visiting
On other matters we hope to train our new volunteer stewards very soon and start opening the church on a regular basis during the week. If you would like more information on any aspect of the project please email heritage@htsc.org.uk Project website: https://www.htsc.org.uk/heritage-project/
Stella Thebridge
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Phase 2 of the re-ordering is progressing. The specification for the digital organ has been agreed and the organ is now in production and could arrive soon. The pipe organ will continue to be used until the end of the year, when it will then be removed. The project has come in on budget and is fully funded. Concern was expressed at the falling attendance at evening services, sometimes with as little as two people, so the decision was made to drop evening services except for the 2nd Sunday communion and ‘seasonal special services’ . Since my report in the previous edition of Trinity Stella Thebridge has announced her wish to stand down as Music Co-ordinator from 31st December. The process of appointing a new Music Director has begun. Discussions have begun within the Sutton Coldfield Group as to its future direction. PCC felt that the ‘Group’ should continue, but possibly with meetings of the three incumbents rather than a wider group council. The charities which we will support in 2018 were agreed as Mission Aviation Fellowship and Acorns Children’s Hospice. Holy Trinity Christmas cards, pens and mugs have been produced and can be purchased from church or the Trinity Centre. The Heritage Open Day on Sep. 9th was a great success. Plans for various services and social events were noted. Details can be found elsewhere in this publication, on the website, on Facebook or in the weekly notices. The next meeting will be held on 7th December.
Margaret Le Brocq, PCC Secretary, September 2017
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Parish Profile - Welcoming Jo, Paul and Lydia The astute among you will have noticed that Jo is a new member of the editorial team, alongside Louise Chubb and me, producing this edition for the first time! At work, Jo is a PR and Content Account Director meaning she has great skills in publicity and marketing. As such she is already helping a couple of church committees with this aspect of their work. Her husband Paul has been attending our church since 1993 when he first moved to the area from down south. Playing an active role in church life he was a member of the choir for numerous years, rang the bells and also helped out at the youth group, before moving away to University! Jo has been attending Holy Trinity since January 2015, following her daughter’s baptism when, as a family, they also moved back to the area. However, her spiritual routes go deeper than that, as she explains:
“Like my husband Paul, I too was a member of a church choir at St Bartholomew’s in Penn, Wolverhampton. For more than seven years I sang at the Eucharist and Evensong on a Sunday, as well as at weddings on a Saturday. During this time I was also lucky enough to be part of the choir as they visited and sang at Lichfield Cathedral, Hereford Cathedral, Worcester Cathedral, Waltham Abbey, York Minster and Magdalen College Oxford. Our visits even took the choir as far afield as Munster in Germany, where we took part in a number of church choir exchange visits.” Jo continues: “Over the years I’ve lived in many places across the UK
due to work, including Bournemouth, Leeds, Edinburgh and London. Now that I’m firmly settled back in the West Midlands it’s wonderful to be part of such a friendly and welcoming church community.” We welcome Jo and the return of the Parish Profile slot in Trinity. We will be endeavouring to cover other members of the church family each issue, so be warned. Thank you, Jo, for taking on this role.
Stella Thebridge
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Reflections on Golden Wedding Celebrations About forty years ago two young married couples joined the Holy Trinity Congregation. They did not know each other but discovered that they had many things in common. Ray and Paul had both worked at Lucas Industries and were at the same annual Award Ceremony for Apprentices, both couples have a daughter named Claire born two days apart. Remarkably Ray and Carole, Pat and Paul also discovered that they had been married on the same day and in the same year; 23rd September 1967. This year, 2017, they celebrated their Golden Wedding, 50 years of marriage, a number that was almost certainly not in their minds in 1967. How were they to celebrate this remarkable achievement? There were family celebrations of course, but then thoughts turned to the Church. How were the celebrations to include the Church family? A solution was found, on Sunday the 24th of September a Lunch would be held at the Trinity Centre to which every member of the Congregation would be invited. And so it came to pass, following the Morning Service about 70 of the Church family joined the happy couples to share in a wonderful meal and musical entertainment. It was a relaxed and convivial occasion, rather different to the inevitable tensions of the Wedding Day, would the Bride be on time, would everything go to plan? In the years since the two couples joined the Holy Trinity Church family, they have been supported, loved and encouraged. They have come to understand that God really does work in mysterious ways; that our lives are planned not by us but by God. They have come to understand that we should always take every opportunity to celebrate family life.
The whole congregation would like to thank both Ray and Carole and Paul and Pat, not only for their generous hospitality in throwing such a wonderful party, but also for the wonderful example they set for all married couples. To be married for 50 years and to still be so much in love is a wonderful achievement and something to be valued in this day and age. As Paul notes, the party was a joyous occasion, with music, quizzes, delicious food and laughter. Additionally, over ÂŁ1,000 was raised for Bloodwise, the blood cancer charity.
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Hosting with HOSTUK 2017 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. Whilst we operate all year round Christmas or New Year is an especially valuable time to enjoy welcoming guests into your home. Consider what faces the international student this Christmas; 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. Hospitality can be offered for one day (daytime only), three days and two nights at the weekend, or at New Year, or four days and three nights during the Christmas festive period. The choice is yours. And remember...your offer can be made at any time of the year. If you should like to know more please look at our website: www.host.org, email us on: info@hostuk.org or call 020 7739 6292.
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FROM THE REGISTERS ...
We pray for God’s Holy Spirit to be with the newly confirmed. Baptisms 20th August Harry Pickering Harry William Leedham 17th September Chloe Ella Wootton Edward Charles Lindsay Taylor Arthur Jak Ryan 15th October Frankie Anthony William Fleming Freddie Paul Barker Caleb Thomas Nicholls
We welcome these children into new life with God, as part of our church family Marriages We wish this couple every blessing in their future together 3rd September : Kevin Teece & Joanne Poole
Funerals We remember all who have died and ask for God’s comfort to sustain all who are bereaved 24th August: Charles Samuel Harry Clemments 30th August - Marjorie Clara Cross 5th September : Sylvia Janet May Blackwell 7th September: Sarah Elizabeth (Lizzy) McCormack 11th September: Vera May Britland 26th September: John Ernest Hyde 3rd October: Norman Rayworth 12th October: Philip Nurse
Confirmations
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The Night Watch Saturday 16th September saw the start of our fifth season of Friends events, and we welcomed back an old favourite, The Night Watch. The Night Watch are made up of Andy Casserley and Ian Pittaway, who sing in mediaeval, Tudor and modern English, and play period instruments, as part of their mission to perform, promote and educate this beautiful music. The church was decorated with candles, creating a suitable atmosphere for the occasion. This was a fitting follow up to our successful heritage weekend, which you can read more about on page 8. Our hosts were dressed as waits, municipal musicians who played for official occasions, in historical uniforms that barely changed for several hundred years. In the first half, The Night Watch played medieval music on period instruments including recorders, gittern, shawm, harp, simfony, bray harp, rebec, bagpipe and timbrel. They explained each instrument in turn and their history including the century when each would have been in use. In the second half, they moved on to renaissance and baroque music on lutes, crumhorn, cittern, recorders, rebec, cornamuse and renaissance guitar. There was even an opportunity for some audience participation. A great start to our new season of events.
Louise Chubb
Upcoming Friends events – don’t miss: •
Radio 2 Folk Award winner Jack Rutter - Saturday 25th November 2017 at 7.30pm
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Award winning jazz group Fret & Fiddle - Saturday 3rd February 2018 at 7.30pm
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The British Police Symphony Orchestra - Saturday 17th March 2018 at 7.30pm
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Birmingham Savoyards present The Gilbert & Sullivan Story - Saturday 12th May 2018 at 7.30pm
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'No Petticoats Here' with Louise Jordan - Saturday 16th June 2018 at 7.30pm
For more information and tickets please visit our website www.htsc.org.uk/friends-of-holy-trinity
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Harvest 24 A Weekend of Fun Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October was a weekend like no other as we hosted a new celebratory festival called Harvest 24. The weekend was jam-packed with a range of exciting activities including worship, children's fun, crafts, a bouncy castle and storytelling. There was also time for reflection thanks to Suzie Walker’s engaging afternoon workshops called ‘Something to think about’ where attendees spent time looking at priorities, balance and wellbeing in today’s busy world. The extravaganza also featured a traditional barn dance with live caller and fish and chip supper on the Saturday evening. It certainly was fantastic to see the church’s multi-use space being utilised by the dancers, both young and old. The next morning, on the Sunday, there was a hearty big breakfast before the Harvest Thanksgiving and parade service on the Sunday morning! The 24 hour celebrations then accumulated in the cutting of a special cake, which was shared with the congregation after the service, to celebrate our first birthday back in Church since the reordering. Thanks to the great team of volunteers who helped put on this wonderful weekend of fun and worship. See the back page of this edition for picture highlights!
Jo Medlicott
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Our Confirmation Day by Grace Kent Confirmation marks the point in the Christian journey at which you affirm for yourself the faith into which you have been baptised and your intention to live a life of committed discipleship. Here, Grace Kent explains her own unique journey to her Confirmation Day. It all started one Sunday when my brothers, Josh and Callum, and myself asked our Grandma why we couldn’t have the bread and wine at the alter in our Church. Grandma explained that if we all confirmed then we would be able to take communion. We all agreed that would be good, so Grandma asked our Rector, John and he took our classes at his house. They were really good and we enjoyed and looked forward to our Wednesday afternoon lessons with John. It was really good and John made it so interesting for all of us. We didn’t want to stop our lesson and we even got golden stars from John for being intelligent about our tasks with him. It was our confirmation day on Sunday 25th June and we were all excited and a bit nervous. The Bishop of Aston, Anne, confirmed all of us, along with Josh, another boy from St Chads Church, who was at our Wednesday classes and people from St Peters Church. Bishop Anne was really nice to us so we didn’t get too nervous. During the service we took our first Holy Communion with Daddy, Grandma and Auntie Jennie and everyone in church. At the end of the service we were all given a candle and we walked to the font and had our pictures taken. Thank you Grandma, John and Bishop Anne. We have our Good News Bible, our confirmation book and our silver cross. Now we can take Holy Communion every time we come to our lovely church. We are all so happy.
Five Festive Facts •
8 Million - The number of natural Christmas trees consumed by the UK each year
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25 Million - The number of Christmas puddings we eat in the UK every year
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10 Million - The number of Turkeys cooked in the UK every Xmas
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957 - The typical number of calories in your average Christmas dinner
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1647 - The year in which Oliver Cromwell banned celebrating Christmas
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Trinity Arrangements for 2018 The cost per issue is 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
Jan/Feb 2018
26th November 2017
17th December 2017
Mar/Apr 2018
28th January 2018
18th February 2018
May/Jun 2018
8th April 2018
22nd April 2018
Jul/Aug 2018
3rd June 2018
24th June 2018
Sep/Oct 2018
5th August 2018
19th August 2018
Nov/Dec 2018
7th October 2018
21st October 2018
Jan/Feb 2019
25th November 2018
16th December 2018
Please submit material for the next issue by the deadline above to: Stella Thebridge email: s_thebridge@yahoo.com 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 Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart. Proverbs 3:3 Page
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Pictured left, Ray and Carole Hancox and Pat and Paul Duckers, who recently celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversaries. See page 17. Pictured below,
Pictured below, highlights from The Night Watch. See page 22.
Pictured left, Jo, Paul and Lydia Medlicott—this edition’s Parish Profile. See page 12.
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Highlights from Harvest 24 See page 23 for more information Page