Trendleblog

The End

2011-10-24T09:40:00.005Z

Now that we have a good web-site with regular weekly news on it, and given the absence of inter-activity we have needed or enjoyed on this blog over the last four years, we have decided to shut it down.

If you want an event publicising to Trendlewood Church please ask Mark Austin or myself to put it on the website.

If you now wish to subscribe to the Trendlewood Church weekly email please contact me:

steve.tilley@htnailsea.org.uk

The Trendlewood Church web-site can be found at:

http://www.trendlewood.org.uk

Thanks for your custom and good night. This blog will be left up as an archive of the last four years.

Steve Tilley

Weekly News for October 9th

2011-10-05T15:16:00.001Z

Dear All,

The two evenings spent this with Bob Clucas on an Old Testament overview and on the life of King David were fascinating and totally captivating. Do make sure you catch him next time he is in town.

Tomorrow night there is still room to sign up for the men's event Beer Bible and Big Pizza, in the Trinity Centre at 8.00 p.m. You don't have to like beer to come; there will be an alternative. It will be good and lively.

On Saturday 8th October at 7.30 p.m. in The Trinity Centre, Holy Trinity Church, Nailsea, Ed will introduce the work of Mercy Ships.

Last week I spoke of the first temple and how it deliberately included a 'Court of the Gentiles.' There is a strong theme throughout the Bible of welcome to the outsider. That God is not just for Jew or chosen people but for all. And nowhere is it spelt out more clearly than in Isaiah. In 49:5-7 the prophet is told that simply restoring the people of Israel would be 'too small a thing.'

This Sunday we will make our offerings to the Trinity Project Part II. Whilst there is a current focus on buildings the whole project is that our church might better engage with, and serve, the local community, those we might call 'outsiders.' Michelle will preach and Mike will lead. I will be at Christ Church.

I will be away the following week and I am due to preach at Southfield Church on 23/10.

Have a good time without me.

Weekly News for October 2nd

2011-09-28T18:30:00.000Z

It was good to hear about God's abundant generosity from Ed last Sunday. We approach the time when we need to make our commitments to the Trinity Project and Sunday 9th October will include the collection of pledges and gifts as part of our act of worship that day. First, this Sunday we will look at the wider implications of the Trinity project in terms of our local community and 'Salvation for the Outsider.' How did those barriers between Jew and gentile get broken down? And what are the modern equivalents?

Over the following few days we will have another focus on prayer, although there are also lots of splendid events next week to get involved in too:

Monday 3rd Bob Clucas does his Old Testament overview at my house.

Tuesday 4th he does a session on David. If you haven't been to one of his sessions before best to start with Monday.

Let me know if you are coming to either of these.

Wednesday 5th is the Central Prayer meeting at Holy Trinity.

Thursday 6th is the Beer, Bible and Big Pizza men's event at the Trinity Centre at 8.00 p.m. Again please let me know if you are coming and bringing a guest. Our own Andrew Slade and Richard Calverley are two of the people who will be joining me for a discussion about the Bible. I haven't heard of many coming yet so it would put my mind at rest to know some were.

Finally Pauline reminds me:

TRENDLEWOOD SOCIAL – Saturday 8^th October 7.30 in the Trinity Centre.

An opportunity to hear about ‘Mercy Ships’ and the work that Ed and Ruth do to support them. Socialise afterwards over ‘bring and share’ Cheese and Wine. Please bring a piece of cheese and some drinks. Bread, Crackers and Chutneys will be provided. Do invite friends and neighbours to what should be an interesting evening.

Looks like a busy and prayerful week. Hope whatever you get involved in is helpful.

Weekly News for Sunday 25th September

2011-09-22T16:07:00.001Z

The golfer Arnold Palmer tells a story that someone once accused him of being a lucky putter. It seemed more of his putts dropped than average, rather than that infuriating business of circling the hole and then staying out. His reply to this accusation? 'The more I practice, the luckier I get.'

I think that for Christians we make our luck by praying. I was delighted that nine people gathered last week for our first dedicated Trendlewood prayer meeting for quite a while. I get the impression, from a number of conversations, that things are happening as a result.

This Sunday sees several exciting things:

It is Harvest. Any cash in the collection will go to the Water Project and we will also see that gifts of dry and tinned food will go to the Julian Trust to use at the Bristol Night Shelter. It is the second in our series looking at God's generosity and Ed will take us through the parable of the Sower in Luke (a good harvest reading too).

It is Back-to-Church Sunday. Why not invite someone to come along with you this week? Or get in touch with someone you haven't seen for a while and get them to come along (offer them a lift?).

Our link missionaries Peter and Jane Nott will be joining us and bringing us up to date with their work and future plans.

I have heard from Golden Valley School that, due to several security issues, they are going to be putting a fence around the school site. If you want to look at the plans they will be on display at the school on Tuesday 27/9 3.50 - 7.00 and Thursday 29/9 3.50 - 6.00. All stakeholders are welcome.

The next Men's Breakfast will be on Saturday 1 October 2011 at Mark's house. That means we will be finished in time for the England v Scotland match, which kicks off at 9.30.

If you can come please let Mark know.

The week after on 3rd and 4th October Bob Clucas will be doing two of his excellent Bible overview sessions. For those who haven't been before Monday is the place to start. For those who heard him last time Tuesday is a different piece of teaching. My house. 7.30 for 7.45. Let me know if you are coming.

And then on the Thursday 6th its Beer, Bible and Big Pizza for men. Trinity Centre at 8.00 to hear our own Richard Calverley and (subject to work commitments) Andrew Slade join me and Trinity College's Paul Roberts on a sofa to talk about the Bible. Should be a great event to invite a male friend too. No cringe; just conversation.

For those keeping up with the Trinity Project http://www.htnailsea.org.uk/trinityproject.htm has the latest building details and architect's pictures.

Phew. I'm exhausted. And that's just emailing about it all not doing it. Busy. Or maybe we just got lucky.

See you Sunday.

Trendlewood Weekly News

2011-09-15T09:02:00.001Z

Does prayer make a difference? I believe it does. Tonight sees the first of a new monthly Trendlewood prayer meeting 8.30 - 9.30 at 15 Bude Close (thanks Pam). There will be no coffee, no long intros and no delay in starting so please be prompt if you can. Just an hour's prayer specifically for the growth and development of our church.

This will now take place every month on the third Thursday at the same time.

Tomorrow night is Cafe Create at the Trinity Centre. Richard Calverley will be playing, newcomer Rob Warren will sing and headline act is a marvellous acoustic duo called Paper Shades. 7.30-11.00 with fair trade cafe bar and cool lounge vibe. Great place to introduce guests and visitors to the unchurchy life of the church.

It's busy busy this week because Saturday is tramp supper (if you are involved you will know by now).

On Sunday Michelle will be leading our communion service and Pauline Daniels will be making a presentation about part two of the Trinity Project appeal. I will be preaching (briefly) on trusting God and generosity in response. I've also asked Sally Buddle to come along and tell us what is involved in being a Community Governor at Golden Valley School, a position she will relinquish this autumn.

See you at something? Sure hope so.

Weekly News for September 11th

2011-09-08T14:13:00.001Z

Dear Trendlewoodians,

Many people are away this weekend, some at the Jesus Surf Classic at Croyde others just having holiday or visiting relatives. Our morning service will be in the capable hands of Denise who will introduce the book of Romans, which will be the subject of our study later in the term.

I will be on duty at Christ Church as it is the second Sunday of the month.

The Trendlewood Committee meets on Monday at my house at 7.30 for 7.45.

On Thursday 15th September we begin a new and important event.

The monthly Trendlewood prayer meeting will be held at Pam on the 3rd Thursday of each month 8.30. to 9.30 p.m.

The plan is, no drinks, no preamble, just do business with the Lord for an hour. This time will include silent prayer, prayer for leadership, for Golden Valley School and all who belong there and praying for specific roads and working through the map. There will be time for personal issues and calling on God to break through into the area and for growth.

The following night (Friday 16th) is Cafe Create with live music from Paper Shades.

Then the progressive supper the following night (Saturday 17th).

Exciting times.

This text will also appear on the web site http://www.trendlewood.org.uk/.

Weekly News for Sunday 4th September

2011-09-01T14:28:00.001Z

Hi everyone,

We start back into our autumn term on Sunday with a chance to look at where we are and where we are going. I will be asking everyone who has a task or ministry at Trendlewood to stand and be prayed for as we embark on a new academic year. I will be preaching a sort of 'State-of-the-Nation' sermon based on Luke 10 and Jesus sending out the 72. Pauline and Martin will be leading us. Josh will be around to meet with the young people but I'll give him a one minute grilling first.

After that don't forget the Trendlewood Shared Lunch after the service starting at 12.45. As usual singles and couples please bring either a savoury or a sweet dish and families please bring one of each. Bring your own plates, cutlery, drinks etc. Coffee and tea will be served after the meal.

SIGN UP THIS SUNDAY for the Progressive Supper on Saturday 17^th September. This year we have the theme of holiday destinations so try and serve a dish from a place you've been to on holiday.

All details are on the attachment so you can get in touch with Roger at theprangles@blueyonder.co.uk. He is planning to give out course allocations etc on Sunday 11th.

An advance notice to members of the Trendlewood Committee that we meet on Monday 12th September. If you have an item you would like the Committee to discuss please tell me or Lindsay.

If you are a man I will possibly see you at the Old Farmhouse for breakfast on Saturday.

Have a good weekend.

Weekly News for August 28th

2011-08-24T10:04:00.001Z

Dear All,

The vague hint of autumn on the breeze turns into the reality of autumn before Bank Holiday weekend. That was summer folks. Hope it was a good one for you.

So this Sunday sees the last of our all-age summer specials on the life of Moses. We think about the promise land. What did it mean in Moses' day to hang onto a promise and keep your eyes fixed on a goal? And what does that mean for us today?

I hope you've found our summer series special, enjoyable, and inter-active. As ever, if you have any feedback please let me know. Some of you might remember that one of the specific tasks in my job description when I arrived here was to improve our all-age worship. How are we doing? What could still be better?

On Sunday week (4/9) I want to launch our new term with a few words of encouragement and vision about the year to come. Josh Howard will be joining us to outline the exciting plans for our work with 11-18s over the coming months. In the early part of our service we're going to include a commissioning for ministry for all those who have jobs to do at Trendlewood. A reminder therefore that we always need people as pray-ers, readers, coffee makers, chair-putter-outers and doers of all sorts of other tasks. Ask how you can serve if you want to do more.

Two social events to draw to your attention:

TRENDLEWOOD SHARED LUNCH AT GOLDEN VALLEY SCHOOL on SUNDAY 4TH SEPTEMBER

A shared lunch at the start of a new term and as we come back together after the summer holidays. Please note the new date because of the Jesus Surf Classic at Croyde the following weekend.

The usual arrangements apply: singles and couples please bring either a savoury or a sweet dish and families please bring one of each, bring your own plates, cutlery, drinks etc. and we will have a few spares for visitors. Coffee and tea will be served after the meal.

Progressive Supper

Saturday 17^th September. A sign up sheet will be at Trendlewood on the next 2 Sundays or contact Roger directly.

See you on Sunday.

Trendlewood Weekly News

2011-08-18T07:01:00.001Z

Hello everyone,

Hope you are enjoying the typical English summer that makes our land
green and pleasant. If the Eskimos have many words for snow we should
have as many for grey. Anyway be grateful, the rain was probably the
major factor in stopping the riots last week.

This week it is our monthly communion service and Michelle will be
leading things and presiding. I will be helping us to think about the
next stage of Moses' life - the giving of the 10 commandments. If you
have ever wondered about making the punishment fit the crime, or what
commandments we would invent if we were starting over, Golden Valley
school at 1015 is the place to be. Since my book was about the
commandments watch out for me selling it again. (£7).

After church, for those who are around, some people will be taking
their own picnic to Ashton Court to eat together followed by time to
go for a walk, play games or just chat. There’s no need to ‘sign up’,
just meet in the main car park near the mansion (entrance via Bower
Ashton) at 1.00 p.m. There are picnic benches to the left of the car
park but supplementary chairs would be useful. There are nice
toilets....and ice creams. Liz and I cannot be there as we are
welcoming her former boss and his family for lunch on their way to
their holiday. Warning, if you come to our house at all, they are
leaving their labrador with us for a fortnight.

In the last five years we have sung over 300 different songs at
Trendlewood Church. That is fabulous variety but I suspect there are
great new ones out there we are missing. If you hear a new song at a
festival or conference, or online, on TV or radio, please tell the
musicians about it. If you need to buy a CD or music book our budget
will refund you. I'd love our use of new worship songs to take off
again. Also, if you have a favourite song, do make that fact known.
Derek, Richard and Sarah choose the music most weeks. Sometimes, when
you just can't think of the last song to include it is nice to add one
simply because you know someone will appreciate it.

The Bardell-Coxes have moved. Who said 'At last?' Take a detention.
Their new address is in the weekly email.

Although they are moving to the blunt end of the parish I am assured
they will still be Trendlewooding.

Pray for our friends at Christ Church and Tickenham who are
interviewing a candidate for Rector today.

See you Sunday. I'm doing 9.00 at Holy Trinity first so I'll be a last
minute arrival.

With love,

St

Weekly News for Sunday 14/8

2011-08-10T09:45:00.001Z

Hi everyone,

Well done to all who were involved in ministry last week. Great photo on the blog of a good men's breakfast at Fred's and a brief article by me of how the Lord sorted the weather on Sunday morning so it was precisely what we needed. I've heard lots of good feedback to the way our marquee all-age service worked. Thanks especially to our musicians who had a tough job and were great. Also those who came early to help set up.

Michelle is leading everything on Sunday and our journey through Moses' life reaches the Exodus. She promises blood on the doorposts. Be very afraid. Be prepared to be asked if you can remember all the plagues of Egypt in order.

I will be doing my monthly stint at Christ Church this Sunday, preaching and presiding at three communions.

It has been a sad week in the life of our country and I know many of you are praying for peace in and around our towns and cities. As a dedicated user of social media I can tell you that there are far more good tweets than bad out there but let's not be complacent but keep on praying. Pray especially for the few apparently unemployed, uneducated and badly parented young people who are giving the vast majority of the good young people in this country a bad reputation.

A reminder that a week on Sunday we have a picnic at Ashton Court. Details on blog, web-site and last week's email.

I'll be out of town Monday and Tuesday next week, doing a bit of work on the Godstuff charity and getting some personal support and mentoring.

Have a good week.

Message from the Diocese

2011-08-10T06:48:00.000Z

There is a photo in the foyer of Holy Trinity of the man described in the following piece from the Diocese:

To: Clergy, Churchwardens and Parish Administrators

The Avon and Somerset Constabulary have been in touch to warn us of a fraudster who seems to be targeting church members up and down the country.

His method of operation is normally to approach elderly lone persons, stating he is a priest from Ireland and has broken down. He states he needs cash to get the vehicle repaired to get to a funeral/ home etc. He calls at their home addresses and has obviously done his homework - perhaps by attending church - as they are generally linked to the local church in some way. Because of this, they part with varying amounts of cash.

This male may attend local churches and try to identify potential parish members who he can contact and request money from.

Whether God

2011-08-08T09:31:00.003Z

There has been a lot of discussion about praying for weather. Anthony Bush annually asks people to pray for sun for the harvest; Phil Williams for Skate or Surf Competitions. I sometimes find it hard to see how the various prayers can be rationalised but God seems to muddle through.

Yesterday a weather miracle took place. You may not have noticed.

Trendlewood Church had been invited to hold its morning service at the Nailsea Flower Show with the strict understanding that we could have speakers and musicians under cover but the congregation would need to be outside. In the event of adverse weather I had been told we had to return to our normal place of meeting, the school hall next door.

From about 4.30 a.m. I heard heavy showers followed by silence. When I woke and examined the skies it looked as if the day's weather would be hard to call. The BBC weather animation had a gap of three hours when there would be no rain between 1000 and 1300 so it looked as if we might be OK. We wanted to have our service at the show as a bit of a witness and a sales pitch. Trendlewood Church has no building and so it can be Nailsea's best kept secret.

At 9.00 the blue skies arrived and a band of clear sky was coming our way. It looked good. One of the organisers told us that it would be OK to move into the tent if it started to rain during the service. We opted for outdoors.

As I welcomed everyone and offered an introduction at 1015 the heavens opened. A band of black cloud anticipated to be missing us had other ideas. So we spent five minutes moving in to the marquee we had wanted to use all along. A good number of bystanders joined us and visitors to the show at the far end of the marquee could see and hear us.

I can't understand sometimes why there is hunger in the world if God is working on the micro scale of the weather over Nailsea's School field. What I can be sure of is that we got the exact weather we needed to do what we wanted and needed to do.

The organisers were happy and want us back next year. Result. To the sixty or so who came (almost double the corresponding Sunday last year) I offer grateful thanks.

Now. Can you remember the ten plagues of Egypt in order? I bet you can.

Men's Breakfast

2011-08-06T12:00:00.003Z

Trendlewood men (and a guest Baptist) doing what Trendlewood men do best - eating. The full English breakfast in a nice English garden. If you are prompted to join in then ask Fred to tell you about September's. Guests, friends and neighbours always welcome.

Weekly News for August 7th

2011-08-04T08:20:00.002Z

Dear All,

If you are back from holiday I hope you had a good time; if your are about to leave then I wish you travelling mercies and a great whatever-you-do-on holiday time.

For those of us around on Sunday it will be a bit different. Our morning all-age service will (weather permitting) be held at the Nailsea Flower Show on the Golden Valley Playing Field at 1015.

As we start just before people arrive at the show we will have a separate entrance. If you tell people you have come to the church service they will let you in early.

Could you bring either a picnic rug/mat or chairs to sit on please.

I am a bit disappointed that the Show's publicity doesn't include our service despite having agreed this with them four months ago. I have registered a moan. We are going to be putting up a poster on Saturday which should attract some people. It may be the sort of Sunday service where some people come and go rather than stay the whole time. It may also instil confidence in others that we can do a good job and lead to better publicity next year. Please pray.

I think it might be prudent and polite if we purchased our post-church refreshments from the Flower Show vendors so please bring some change with you. We can do free squash for the children.

Before that there is an opportunity for a men's breakfast at Fred's on Saturday. Let him know if you can come.

Pauline and Sue say:

For those who are around the next social opportunity is on Sunday 21^st August.

'The plan is for people to bring their own picnic to Ashton Court to eat together followed by time to go for a walk, play games or just chat. There’s no need to ‘sign up’, just meet in the main car park near the mansion (entrance via Bower Ashton). There are picnic benches to the left of the car park but supplementary chairs would be useful. There are nice toilets....and ice creams.

'Pauline and Sue are both away that day so can someone volunteer to be the co-ordinator? All you need to do is remind people at church that day, make your phone number available to people and be there at the stated time.'

We will start the new term with a shared lunch at the school on September 4th. It was going to be the following week but quite a few people will be away with Christian Surfers that weekend.

Talking of Christian Surfers, Annie and Phil's son Joe had an accident skateboarding at New Wine in Stafford. He had to have surgery on a serious cut to his leg. Phil says he 'took one for the team' but it sounds nasty so I'm sure your prayers would be valued.

See you Sunday. Pray for gaps in the rain showers.

Weekly News for Sunday 31st July

2011-07-27T17:32:00.002Z

Hi everyone,

It was good to spend some time last week pondering how we trust God to bring a chink of hope into darkness. Starting with the despair a mother must have felt that her only hope was to put her baby into the River Nile in a basket we prayed for a number of people and situations which seemed particularly bleak last Sunday.

Our prayers for the people of Norway need to continue. Our giving to the East African famine appeal seems to have been generous as ever. Results will be on the notice sheet but if you took a yellow envelope away last week do use it and return it this Sunday. At the last count I was told we had reached £1,700.

This week we look at Moses and the Burning Bush. A comic once said, 'It was the greatest interview ever until Lois Lane got Superman.'

The week after (7/8) our service will be part of the Nailsea Flower show and, weather permitting, will be on the field next to Golden Valley School. If you are on a rota that day please make sure you are available or have swapped. It will be really helpful if any folk can add numbers to the set up team from 9.00 a.m. and if you could bring any portable camping or garden chairs and rugs. The service will be short, will include one or two more traditional items for the benefit of our guests and the most important part of it will be mingling with the flower show folk afterwards. We need to sell our church.

I'll be emailing duty people about this soon as much will be different to usual.

Meantime, thanks for all you do and have a good week until we meet.

Weekly News for Sunday 24th July

2011-07-21T11:16:00.001Z

Dear All,

This Sunday we begin our summer series of all-age services looking at the life of Moses. We have followed the end of his days as we have wandered through Deuteronomy this last term. Now we will look at the key episodes from the whole of his life. So this week we start with Exodus 1&2 and the baby in the bullrushes.

Big thanks to Roger and Sandie for a lovely drinks party last Saturday night and a good mix of church and neighbours.

Congratulations to Mike and Sarah Bird who celebrate their Silver Wedding anniversary this week.

It is my monthly Quiet Day at 29 Vynes way next Thursday and, as of today, I still have 2 or 3 places.

We advertised for people to help with the projection rota on Sunday and had two volunteers. Many thanks. We could still do with another couple of coffee makers though. Any offers?

Mike Hitchins and I will be putting together the October - January rota during August. If you know of days you will not be available please email both of us:

Mike <mikeandbarbara17@tesco.net>,

Steve <steve.tilley@htnailsea.org.uk>,

Remember you can post things to Trendleblog, put them on the web-site or in the weekly email if you have an event or news you want publicising of relevance to the Trendlewood team.

Please also make sure that everyone who should get it is on the mailing list. I am happy to send it to several different family members separately. That's the beauty of email.

By the same token let me know if you want to be removed from the circulation list.

If you are off on holiday soon have a great break.

With love from your Associate Vicar

Weekly News for 17th July

2011-07-14T14:05:00.001Z

Hi everyone,

After three Sundays of holiday, one of our weekend away, the ordination service and a regular Sunday at Christ Church and Tickenham the unfamiliar bloke leading this Sunday's communion service will be your vicar. Be nice to him. He will be late as he is starting the day by presiding at the Holy Trinity 9.00 a.m. communion.

Denise will be finishing our Deuteronomy series by speaking of the death of Moses. It will also be our last service of the term before we have a series of all-age services and activities. Our summer services are usually shorter, punchier, more inter-active and suitable for all ages. We will go back to the beginning of Moses' life and follow the key moments from his story again:

24/7 Moses as a baby

31/7 Moses and the burning bush

7/8 Moses and the plagues (Flower festival)

14/8 Moses and the Exodus

21/8 Moses and the commandments

28/8 Moses and the promised land

Before all that some social events:

This Friday evening Cafe Create is in the Trinity Centre with live music, poetry and comedy. 7.30 - 11.00 with the usual lounge vibe and fair trade cafe bar.

This Saturday evening drinks and nibbles at Roger and Sandi's house. A nice relaxing evening for all.

See you at one of these things I hope? I'll maybe wear a red carnation and carry a rolled up copy of the News of the World.

Much love,

Sunday July 10th

2011-07-07T18:30:00.001Z

Hi Everyone,

It was great last Sunday to be at Frances Trickey's ordination at Wells Cathedral and part of the commending of her to her curacy at Wraxall. It was a lovely day although if you don't already know my views on cathedral worship have a peek at this post on my personal blog.

I am coming to end of a long run of not being at the church I am primarily responsible for. This Sunday I will be preaching/presiding at Christ Church at 8.30 and then preaching/baptising at Tickenham at 10.30 and preaching/presiding at Tickenham's 6.30. Hopefully I will then have a few uninterrupted Sundays at Trendlewood.

This Sunday at Golden Valley Michelle is preaching as we come towards the end of our series on Deuteronomy. (Denise will be wrapping it up the week afterwards.) Our new youth worker Josh Howard and his wife Jo will be with us so do look out for them.

Before that a reminder that Saturday is Nailsea Skate Competition day. If you are not already involved wander along in the afternoon for a chat and a burger. Or get your face painted.

Pauline says:

'There are small group Lunches this Sunday, 10th July. If you think you signed up to be involved in a lunch group and haven't heard where you are going, please get in touch with Pauline or Sue as soon as possible.'

I do commend this idea to you. Liz and I are looking forward to welcoming some of our neighbours and some church folk.

The mighty Trendlewood social machine continues within a week. Again Pauline says:

'Bring and Share Drinks and Nibbles, from 7.30 p.m. on Saturday 16th July at Roger and Sandie’s house. No need to sign up in advance; just bring something to drink and a plate of finger food. This is an ideal event to invite some friends to.'

Exciting times, with one more to add. First Sunday in August we will be sharing our 1015 service with the Nailsea Flower Show on the School Field next door. Marquee time. Prayer first though please.

Bless you all,

St

Weekly News for 19th June

2011-06-15T14:58:00.000Z

This Sunday is Communion. Michelle will be leading and presiding. Ed will be preaching on Deuteronomy 12:1-32 (One Place of Worship).

Next week there is no service at Golden Valley. Holy Trinity's morning service will be at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm. You need to get a pass tag from the Parish Office if you want to go.

There is a meeting on the evening of Thursday 23/6 at my house for all those interested in thinking through how we use Alpha. See Parish News for details.

Don't forget to look regularly at our web-site www.trendlewood.org.uk and offer content to Mark if you want to advertise, publicise or testify.

On July 3rd Frances will be ordained deacon at Wells Cathedral ready to be curate at Wraxall and Failand. Hooray.

Weekly News for 12th June

2011-06-08T14:54:00.000Z

This Sunday at our Morning Worship, 10315 at Golden Valley School, Nailsea, Mike H is leading and Michelle preaching on Deuteronomy 9:1-6 (Judgement on Whom?). Our children's groups will be up and running again after half-term. It is also the start of another week of prayer for the Trinity Project. Do sign up. But more important, do pray a bit extra this week.

Trendlewood Weekly News

2011-06-01T14:41:00.001Z

This Sunday we have a second all-age service at the end of half-term and Esther and the young people will be leading us in a cafe style service. We spend a second week on Joshua, Moses' successor and look at the whole business of being a spy 3,000 years ago. No, there's nothing modern about being a Bond or a Bourne.

Before that, on Saturday June 4th is the next men's breakfast so do reply to that text you received inviting you.

A few bits of housekeeping. Firstly car-park safety. We've noticed that the cars parked in the playground can be hazardous to small children and would like to encourage strongly that all those who park there do so by initially reversing up to the grass. Then, when you pull away later, you will not be in danger of having a small child in a blind spot. Thanks.

We have researched the possibility of getting more Bibles and leaving them at the school but that isn't possible at the moment. Can I encourage more and more of you to bring your own Bible to church. You then have my full permission to complain if you are not referred to it enough.

Our rotas are, once again, stretched to bursting point as one of our regular projectionists has stood down. We are very reliant, in a church without service books and hymn books, on our faithful projectionists. Why not sit in with one and watch what they do? You will not be thrown in the deep end and full training will be given if you wish to start serving in this way.

One or two ideas the Trendlewood committee threw around last night about growth. Do any of them catch your imagination? Let me, or one of the Committee, know:

Holiday Club at the school
Messy Church
Christmas pantomime

Your committee members are:

Andrew
Lindsay
Mike B
Mark
Fred
Michelle
Trevor
Pauline

Laters.

Weekly News for Sunday 29th May

2011-05-29T15:53:00.003Z

Dear Trendlewoodians,

Today we had the first of two all-age services on Joshua. Those God calls he will equip.

I am only working two days next week (Tuesday and Wednesday if you want to catch me) and then am on holiday for a while. Contact the Parish Office for anything urgent.

The Trendlewood Committee meets on Tuesday night 31st May so grab a rep if you have comments about our move or anything to do with Trendlewood life.

On Saturday June 4th there is another men's breakfast. You should have received a text about this.

On June 5th Esther will be leading us in a café style service.

Hope you have a great week.

Easter Communion Table

2011-05-29T15:51:00.003Z

Here are the images of the Easter Communion table when the children brought various other symbolic items and placed them there.

Weekly News

2011-05-19T16:16:00.000Z

Dear Trendlewoodians,

Lots off weekly news this week, beginning with the mysterious case of the half-vanished cake container. This is neither a Mark Haddon novel nor a new Harry Potter film. Ruth Sheffield summarises the mystery as:

'Ed brought an apple cake to the shared lunch in April and found at the end of the meal the base to the tin wasn't there. I have asked a few people, but with no result.'

So, was your piece of cake extraordinarily tough? Did Ed throw it away accidentally and is trying to keep his marriage intact by passing the blame? Or have you got it and are ashamed to admit it? If the latter, wrap it in plain paper and drop it off at my house.

Curiouser and curiouser.

Anyway, enough about cake tins. To evangelism with all haste.

This Sunday afternoon sees a great chance to invite friends and neighbours to join us for a walk to tea. Sue Watts says:

'Sunday 22nd May. Meet at 30 Cherrington Road at 2.30. Trevor will lead a non-strenuous walk (mostly grassy tracks with a minimum of mud). An ideal opportunity to invite others to get to know us. We will return to Pauline and Martin's home for tea and cakes. Queries, or to let us know you are coming and to ensure enough cakes, contact Pauline or Sue, or use the contact us link.'

But first there is our morning service with Frances preaching on Deuteronomy 5 and special guest input about Christian Surfers from International Director Brett Davis. Ed's our MC for the day. Golden Valley School will be rocking at 1015. Come early for a front seat.

Before even that I remind you that Friday night May 20th is Café Create with music from Calverley/Wood, Rachel Coulson and Atlum Schema. If anyone can do a shift behind the bar that would be brilliant as lots of the usual helpers are away.

Our all-age service on June 5th will be café style and Esther is looking for volunteers to be table-supervisors (to help the children along). See her if you can help please.

See you on Sunday.

St

Weekly News for 15th May

2011-05-12T15:15:00.000Z

Dear Trendlewoodians,

The four year old girl I baptised at Tickenham last Sunday morning was kind enough to say, loud enough for everyone to hear, 'Can we go home now?' This was in the middle of my talk. Ah bless. Please pray for Christ Church and Tickenham. They are not finding it easy to recruit a new Rector and the Associate Vicar makes people want to go home early.

At Trendlewood this Sunday we will continue our look at the key Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. I will be speaking as we read 4:1-14 and continue the theme of listening to God. It will be our monthly communion service. Esther will be leading us.

I love the way the pastoral care in our church extends to providing meals for folk who are struggling. We have decided that it might be most helpful to establish a 'frozen food bank' so that we can be flexible in our support of any in need. If people could, when they have time and capacity, make 2 person portions in food trays and label precisely what is within, Esther will be happy to store them in her freezer and deliver as appropriate. This also avoids the burden of returning plates etc. which could become significant over a period of six months.

Our next social event is:

Walk to tea.

Sunday 22nd May. Meet at 30 Cherrington Road. Trevor will lead a non-strenuous walk. We will return to Pauline and Martin's home for tea and cakes.

Queries, or to let us know you are coming [to ensure enough cakes!] contact. Pauline 854487 / pauline@davisnailsea.co.uk or Sue 464506 / sue_watts@hotmail.co.uk

Thinking ahead to our Trendlewood weekend Mark tells me that for a few pounds extra we can enjoy a Sunday lunch. We have enough money in the kitty to cover some of the cost but anticipate the need to take an offering to cover the balance - we're talking of about £4 - £5 per person. Hope that is OK. It will be nice to end our weekend by sitting down to a meal together.

There will be no service at Golden Valley that day (Sunday 26/6)

See you on Sunday.

St

Weekly News for May 1st

2011-04-28T12:44:00.001Z

Hello everyone. There's nothing like a week with two bank holidays in to cheer many people up.

Thanks to everyone who set up amazingly quickly for our Easter service last Sunday. Many of you may never have known that we were locked out until 9.55 a.m. due to a problem with the front door alarm. Our new venue may well give us some teething troubles. Pray and be patient is all I can suggest.

This coming Sunday will be our first opportunity to do our children's work so we will have classrooms to set up too. Thanks to our leaders of Young People, Lighthouse, Torches and Candles for all they do.

In our main services this term we will be looking at the Old Testament book of Deuteronomy. I'll be kicking us off on Sunday with a bit of back story and overview. We'll read the first half of chapter one. Deuteronomy comes from two separate words meaning 'second law.' It's the story of Moses, on the brink of taking the promised land, adding detail to the laws previously set out. In chapter five we will find the Ten Commandments again.

Saturday week we have the first of our Trendlewood men's breakfasts at Trevor Watts's place. I gather it might be a barbecue breakfast. Fascinating.

See you Sunday. Enjoy the wedding.

Easter Sermon

2011-04-24T15:54:00.001Z

Trendlewood Easter Sunday 24/4/11

Matthew 28:1-10

The End - Resurrection Joy with God's Special Effects

Who has been on a scary ride at a theme park?

Tell us about it. What did you have to do?

Matthew. The gospel writer we have been following for the last few months, has been taking us on an amazing ride. It's the 'Following Jesus' ride.

You've been up mountains, out in the desert, in towns and the countryside and you've met scary people, leper colonies, even dead people. Most frightening of all, the one the car was following, Jesus, has been killed. Executed. It's been a zombie terror ride.

The last bit is the most exciting and if you're really brave you'll do it with your hands in the air. You know it's coming to the end because it's getting fast and downhill. Your heart is in your mouth.

(Everyone needs to join in the actions)

Strap yourself in.

1. Earthquake (tremble)

2. Scary angel (be terrified)

3. Your car is heading straight for a big rock with two guards. It looks as if you're going to crash into the rock (everyone duck)

4. The guards fall down out of the way as if dead. A big booming voice says 'this is the wrong place' and the car swings right round to the right, then the left, then the right again and you have to hang on to stop falling out.

6. The big voice says 'faster' and you speed up, your hair blowing backwards. You're pressed against your seat.

7. At the bottom of the steepest bit so far it turns sharply left then right and there is Jesus, the one who was dead, saying 'Don't be afraid.'

You've seen a ghost. You scream.

Well that is a way to remember Matthew's version of the Easter message.

Shall we do it again faster?

Hands in the air
Earthquake
Scary angel
Duck from the guards and the rock
Turn round to go to the right place, right, left, right
Faster, faster, faster
See a ghost.

Then the car slows, and comes out into the sunlight and the attendant says, 'If you've had a good time please tell others.' It's been the best ride of your life yet there are no queues to get in. There isn't even a height restriction notice.

The trouble with the Jesus ride is this. It's just too frightening for most people to do it.

Publicity about our Move

2011-04-15T14:51:00.002Z

So far we have managed to deliver leaflets to every house on Trendlewood, appeared in the Golden Valley School end of term newsletter, got on to page three in the Nailsea Times and been given a good slot on the Nailsea people web-site. A press photographer is attending our first service at Golden Valley on Sunday to take a photo just before we begin. Well done everyone. St

Weekly News 17th April

2011-04-14T16:58:00.003Z

Well here we go then. After twenty one years at St Francis School we start a new phase of the adventure that is Trendlewood. Golden Valley will be our new home from this Sunday, Palm Sunday, the twenty-second anniversary of Trendlewood Church being planted. Go to Trendleblog to see a picture of our sign on a new wall.

As we prayed and recalled last Sunday, St Francis School is full of Trendlewood memories, soaked into the paintwork and in every nook and cranny. We have prayed, thanked and left them behind. We need to start inhabiting Golden Valley with our new experiences.

And here's a thing. If the publicity and word-of-mouth invitations have achieved anything then we will be joined by people who know nothing of our history. Their knowledge of Trendlewood Church will always and only be Golden Valley.

Every time I say Golden Valley I find myself humming an old song about there being peace in the valley tomorrow.I pray so.

This Sunday the Bishop of Bath and Wells joins us, to licence us officially and to preach. We will be using a theme of 'Journey,' reminding ourselves of Jesus' journey into Jerusalem from Matthew 21:1-11 and our journey into faith. Michelle will be leading us on a big day for her as she and Tim will celebrate the gift of their son Josiah at a thanksgiving service later on in the afternoon. I'll be leading worship. After the service we'll have coffee as usual but then a shared lunch at 1230.

Thanks to all who have delivered leaflets this week. It was a real team effort.

If you have anything to set up then there is a chance to do it at the school on Saturday evening at 6.00 p.m. A few of us will be there to work out how the chairs should go, where the band should stand and other stuff like that.

One really practical prayer. We have ordered two new water boilers. They were promised on 48 hour delivery on Monday but haven't come yet. Pray them in please.

We have a new website at http://www.trendlewood.org.uk. Give it a look and tell Mark Austin if you see any errors or omissions.

We then head into Holy Week and Easter. I'll be preaching and presiding at a Maundy Thursday communion in Christ Church at 8.00 p.m. Then there is an all-age Good Friday service at Holy Trinity at 1030 and I'll be leading an hour of music, readings, prayers and silence from 2.00 - 3.00 at Holy Trinity.

But before that, and more than usual, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

Shalom (we'll need it)

Easter Countdown

2011-04-13T21:32:00.001Z

Courtesy of our friends at Damaris there will be daily videos on this site from Palm Sunday onwards until Easter Sunday.

New Premises

2011-04-11T16:32:00.003Z

This feels good.

Trendlewood Church on the Move

2011-04-05T07:01:00.002Z

But churches don't move?

Quite right. Church buildings don't. If a church has its own building it is pretty much stuck where it is. But Trendlewood Church, founded by Holy Trinity, Nailsea in 1989, has never had its own building. It has met in a pub, people's houses and St Francis' School. It is about people, not a building.

So where are you going?

From Palm Sunday, April 17th 2011, Trendlewood Church will be meeting at Golden Valley School, Nailsea Park.

Obvious question, but why?

As part of the wider Trinity Project the church wants to place itself at the heart of the local community. Golden Valley school meets our developing accommodation needs. It will enable us to grow relationships in a new part of the town.

What sort of a church are you?

We'll be putting a leaflet through everyone's door in the local area soon saying we are: Modern, lively and Church of England Trying to use words everyone can understand Relaxed - come in your casual clothes Family-friendly - kids and babies welcome Makers of great coffee

Will there be a party?

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Right Reverend Peter Price, will be joining us for an all-age celebration and to bless this new phase of the church's life. This will be followed by a shared lunch.

What time do you start?

Trendlewood Church meets at 1015 every Sunday morning.

Can anyone come?

Sure. Pop along and say hello. We promise a warm welcome. If you want further information contact the Reverend Steve Tilley on 01275 543332 or steve.tilley@htnailsea.org.uk

Weekly News Sunday 3rd April

2011-04-02T07:54:00.002Z

Dear Trendlewood, I seem to be emailing really late this week. Not enough week left at the end of the work. I've just enjoyed the company of eleven folk on a Quiet Day here and then fourteen of our twenty-somethings left about half an hour ago. As ever I was mercilessly grilled - this time on the terminology of ministry in the Church of England. They are a lively bunch and eat for England. This Sunday sees our Trendlewood young people lead the service and it will be cafe style. It will also be Mothering Sunday and I will be speaking on Matthew 20:20-28 when a mother makes a particularly interesting request of Jesus. Mark asks me to remind any who owe money for the Trendlewood weekend that it is now due. Can he have it this Sunday please? If for any reason money is a problem do have a confidential chat with me and I'll see if the church can help. Following my request for people to organise extra prayer to do with our move to Golden Valley, Liz has offered to host a prayer time at our house next Tuesday, 5th April at 7.45 for an hour. For any who don't know yet, Esther has heard that she has been accepted to train for ordination. Massive hooray. For some reason every time I try to edit this piece the paragraph breaks disappear. Annoying but no time to explore quite why. Hope you can cope. Short and sweet this week. See you Sunday. St

Leadings and Promptings

2011-03-20T18:06:00.002Z

We used 1 Samuel 3 this morning to consider the whole question of God speaking to us directly. We read of Samuel, before he knew the Lord, thinking it was his guardian Eli who was calling him. Eli was wise enough to tell Samuel to tell God he was listening.

With several other stories we looked at the idea of being willing and ready to respond to those little prompts that come into our heads to call particular people at particular times. Sometimes others do come through to us loud and clear and it is so encouraging when a willingness to respond to such a prompt is a God-given thing for both parties.

I resolve to do more in this direction and risk being a bit of a jerk when I get it wrong. One caveat. Many people, from Yorkshire Rippers to 9/11 suicide bombers, believed they were responding to an inner calling from God to do what they did. So:

If you hear a voice in your head telling you to do something the Bible has clearly told you not to do (we're in Ten Commandment territory here) it isn't God you're hearing. He has not told you to kill.
If you have any doubt, any doubt at all, consult with someone else first, especially if what you are about to do has risks of harm or side-effects to others.
Pray about it.

Weekly News Sunday 20th March

2011-03-17T15:33:00.002Z

Welcome to Trendlewood weekly news,

This coming Sunday is communion and we take a break from our Matthew series to welcome Jolyon to preach the third of his 'Red Letter' sermons. These will be heard by every Holy Trinity and Trendlewood congregation this spring. This time the subject is 'Leadings and Promptings' and the key passage 1 Samuel 3:1-10. Michelle will be leading us and I will enjoy sitting in the congregation for a change.

Samuel was possibly a member of the first youth group in the Bible. It only had one member, it met in the church and the leader was old but it did change Samuel's life. All this at a time when the word of the Lord was rare and there were not many visions (1 Samuel 3:1). I'm looking forward to it.

After the service we have access to Golden Valley School for the first time and any ministry leaders are welcome to go to have a look round. Exciting as it may seem can I discourage all and sundry from going along; just those who need to plan how to do things in the space.

Tomorrow night (18th March) is Cafe Create. Do drop in to the Trinity Centre between 7.30 and 11.00 for a drink and a bit of live entertainment. Any extra profit will go to Comic Relief this month.

Saturday night (19th March), also in the Trinity Centre, is Gardener's Question Time @ 7.30. It should give us some timely inspiration to make the most of the spring sunshine and to set to work in our gardens.

A week on Saturday (26th March) the current Alpha Course has its Holy Spirit day. If you have done a previous Alpha course but missed that day why not come along? Call me to book in.

CHURCH ELECTORAL ROLL - This is the official church membership list, and to take part fully at the Annual Meeting you need to be on it. Please check to make sure you are, and that your name and address are correct. If you are not on the roll and wish to join, your application needs to be at the Parish Office by Wednesday 23rd March. Copies of the current roll are at Holy Trinity and application forms are available for the next two weeks. Any queries or corrections, please contact the Parish Office as soon as possible.

Did I mention that my book is published tomorrow? I didn't? I should have some copies available to sell (if they've arrived in time).

Finally, a great question from Ernest Lucas, the speaker at this week's Lent course. In some African cultures, guests to the house shout and walk in through the door. Only thieves knock. Now, how would you translate Revelation 3:20 for them?

Have a great end of week and see you Sunday.

St

(This post is available as a weekly email to members of the church. On the blog more personal details are removed. Contact me to subscribe.)

Palm Sunday

2011-03-03T16:03:00.003Z

We have now fixed our first Sunday at Golden Valley school as Palm Sunday 17th April followed by a shared lunch. The Bishop of Bath and Wells will be our guest at the all-age service at 1015.

Lego Church

2011-03-03T15:50:00.005Z

For any who didn't get to see the magnificent Lego Church of prayer, which we have now taken apart and will be rebuilding with a brick representing half an hour's prayer, here it is.

Big up to the Calverley family for their design and building skills.

News from New Zealand

2011-03-03T15:46:00.002Z

Martin and Pauline say:

'We are lucky that we left Christchurch four weeks ago. However having been there such a short time ago we feel some of the shock that all New Zealanders are obviously feeling.

'There is a huge sense of shock everywhere and there is blanket coverage on television and in newspapers. We’ve hardly watched TV this holiday but it’s hard not to keep watching to see what is happening and hoping to get glimpses of places we visited such a short time ago. There are also lots of stories of what has happened to individual people, young and old, residents and visitors, which are all very moving. There were many after shocks. Some were really big ones and brought loads more masonry down.

'While we were in Christchurch we talked to lots of people about the September and Boxing Day quakes and how that has been affecting people in the long term. We also saw a lot of the results of those quakes, but after the fallen masonry had been cleared away. We also had an explanation of what liquefaction is. Never heard of it before.

'We really enjoyed our four nights in Christchurch and it was a great start to our holiday in New Zealand. We will always remember Christchurch with affection.

'We ask you to join us in praying for the people of Christchurch and the surrounding areas who are feeling ignored. In our minds we remember and pray for the streets we walked through, shops and restaurants we visited and all the people we met either in the course of their jobs or just in the street.'

Sobering stuff. Join me in praying for those who suffer.

Possible Change of Venue

2011-01-23T16:47:00.004Z

We announced this morning that the the Trendlewood Committee and Holy Trinity Parochial Church Council have discussed, and now recommend, a change of venue for Trendlewood Church/Congregation.

We are recommending changing venues from St Francis School to Golden Valley School. Here are our reasons:

1. Missional. Contact with families through St Francis either involves those who are already connected with our church or those who see their allegiance as being to the Roman Catholic Church. It follows that investing time in the life of the school bears little fruit for our own church. On the contrary Golden Valley School would welcome clergy and other involvement and would provide great opportunities to link church and school activities.

2. Timing. There is a sense in which the Trendlewood church community needs the challenge of a new start.

3. Geography. Golden Valley is in a different area of the Trendlewood part of Holy Trinity parish and therefore represents an opportunity to reach out to a new immediate-neighbour community.

4. Spiritual. This idea arose out of our congregational vision-seeking meetings last autumn and there is a great sense in which we feel it is 'of the Lord.'

Steve has met with the Golden Valley bursar and established that the school could meet our needs, within our existing budget and would welcome our presence.

They can offer all the facilities we currently enjoy at St Francis with few issues to address except solving our storage needs. They would be willing to make us keyholders, a luxury we do not enjoy at St Francis.

Everyone consulted so far is in complete agreement with the idea.

We now invite members of the congregation with any concerns, however trivial, to make them known to Steve by next Sunday 30/1/11.

If no new hesitations or problems are raised we will then sign the documentation. The Trendlewood Committee is ready to deal with all the logistical matters to do with services (a small group of Trevor Watts, Mike Bird and Mark Austin is ready to get to work) and Steve will handle the announcements, press releases and publicity along with the church press officer, Pam Salisbury.

No timing is yet definite but, if we go ahead, it would be rather nice if we could make our first Sunday at the new venue our 22nd birthday, Palm Sunday 2011, which is already ear-marked as a day for a shared lunch.

St

Happy Christmas

2010-12-25T11:57:00.002Z

The social media Christmas presentation is here. Do share it with your friends. Happy Christmas everyone.

St

Sermon 5/12/10

2010-12-06T10:20:00.003Z

For those interested in following up what I said yesterday I have published an article based on the sermon here. Please join in a dialogue. I think it might be interesting.

St

Future Preaching

2010-12-06T07:58:00.002Z

Between now and May 2011, when there are no special occasions or festivals which demand other readings, we will be concentrating on Matthew's Gospel, working our way though it as systematically as possible. In the second half of 2011 we will turn to the Old Testament and take a similar approach to the book of Deuteronomy.

Alpha Course

2010-11-23T14:08:00.000Z

1. The Alpha Celebration Supper will be held at the Moor End Spout on Tuesday December 7th at 7.00 p.m. This will be a chance to rejoice with those who have finished Alpha and to invite others who may be interested in finding out about it. If you have a friend who may be interested in doing Alpha why not invite them out for supper that night. Tell Steve (543332 or email steve.tilley@htnailsea.org.uk) for catering purposes. The meal will be free but donations will be sought to cover the cost.

2. Next term we are planning a daytime Alpha course. A short, simple lunch followed by talk and discussion, all over by 3pm. If you would like to join this, or to bring a friend, and have a preference for which day of the week it should be, please tell Steve as soon as possible. The course will probably begin in February.

St

Sunday 7th

2010-11-04T08:17:00.000Z

This coming Sunday we will be taking part in the celebrations to mark our ownership of the Old Rectory. These will take place immediately after our morning service so there will be no coffee available at St Francis and as many of us as possible (young and old) will go up to Holy Trinity to join them in church at 11.45 or so. We will then, symbolically, place markers around the perimeter of the ground to claim it as part one of our desire to reach out to the community.

Many Trendlewood people have been part of the Trinity Project and PCC decisions so it will be good if loads of us can make the journey.

Coffee and cake will be served in the Trinity Centre afterwards.

Details of the 'staking out' ceremony, and a chance to make your own mark on a stake, will be explained at Trendlewood on Sunday morning when I will begin a short series on reaching out to the world, the workplace and the local community, ending with our stewardship review and Commitment Sunday at the end of the month (earlier than usual so we align our commitment pledges to the new budget).

See you Sunday, 10.15.

St

Visions and Dreams

2010-10-21T16:13:00.002Z

A reminder that the second of the two congregational meetings is at my house tonight. Teas and coffees from 7.30. Begin proper at 7.45. End with cheese and wine at 9.30. See you later.

St

New Design

2010-10-13T08:39:00.001Z

I've gone for a simpler design as a number of people told me the spots were making them ill. Hope this is better.

St

Congregational Meetings

2010-10-13T08:33:00.003Z

Just an additional reminder that tonight (13/10) and next Thursday (21/10) we have our two congregational meetings to share about the way forward for Trendlewood. We meet at my house. Refreshments available from 7.30 p.m. and ending by 9.45 p.m. (although feel free to stay longer to chat).

I'd like to hear people's hopes and fears (hopefully more hopes than fears), to pray together and to enjoy social time.

See you later, or next week.

St

Vision 4

2010-09-27T14:59:00.003Z

Here is Ed's sermon from yesterday, part four of our vision series. Remember the congregational meetings 13/10 or 21/10 to discuss.

JESUS RETURN – REV 21

Story about Irish priest and Jesus return – I guess we hold the two things together; the future hope but our ministry for today.

This is an encouraging reading but I’ve been selective; if you go on there are some more
challenging bits. It reminds me of the saying: “Reading the bible is like eating fish; enjoy the meat that’s easy to eat first; come back and work on the bones later if you’re still hungry”.

With this in mind we will look at this reading which talks about:

I saw a new heaven and a new earth: story has a happy ending
The dwelling of God is with men and he will live with them: kingdom building now and in the future
God is making everything new: we have a role in kingdom building

* There is a story and it has a happy ending
* The Kingdom of God is both now and in the future
* Although the church itself is not the Kingdom of God we have a role in bringing the kingdom here.

1. Steve spoke on 5th Sept: State of the Nation – where are we?

We are a friendly, hospitable, local church with an informal, relaxed style. We are Church of England but not over-wedded to Anglican tradition. We are Jesus centred, open to the ministry of the Holy Spirit. We try to welcome all-comers. We have a large percentage of our people involved in doing things. We have a good social life and look to use it to reach out to others. We have a good number of people looking to serve in full-time ministry or Readership in the future.

We are a Jesus people, future people, different people, inclusive people, loving people,
congregational people.

2. 12th Sept - Waiting on the Lord: Frances: We can wait hopefully. Recapture our vision of the nature of God that we wait on. Wait with intent, actively, take time and need encouragement of others.

3. 19th Sept - Dreams to plans: Steve: Like Abram we can move on without certainty. See
promises fulfilled; where do you think we are being called?

4: 26th Sept - Big Vision – where I come in:

Steve said last week “next week Ed will take us to the cemetery. We'll look at that big vision, that reminder throughout the New Testament that our plans and dreams will be competed and fulfilled when the Lord comes again, meantime, as we saw last week, we wait”.

* There is a story and it has a happy ending
* The Kingdom of God is both now and in the future
* Although the church itself is not the Kingdom of God we have a role in bringing the kingdom here. This last point I think connects most with the theme.

1. There is a story and it has a happy ending

* There is an overarching story or narrative to history and the story has a happy ending. Is history circular (does not repeat but resonate though) or linear? (John’s Gospel – who Jesus was, letters – development of the early church; including us, we could be the early church, Revelation – includes the end of the story). Creation will be renewed – not thrown away. This is a theme which runs through the Bible.

Is 25:8 - He will swallow up death forever. The Sovereign LORD will wipe away the tears from all faces; he will remove the disgrace of his people from all the earth. The LORD has spoken.

Is 60:20 - Your sun will never set again, and your moon will wane no more; the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.

Jer 31:12 - They will come and shout for joy on the heights of Zion; they will rejoice in the bounty of the LORD--the grain, the new wine and the oil, the young of the flocks and herds. They will be like a well-watered garden, and they will sorrow no more.

2 Cor 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

This idea of an overarching story or narrative is contrary to our current cultural world view – the idea of post-modernism includes the idea that no such “story” or narrative exists. Even as individuals we each have a story of everlasting value. Coroner’s court – we all have a story.

2. The Kingdom of God is both now and in the future

* Our primary task is to bring the Kingdom of God in a practical and tangible way into our
community and society – another meaning to the “big society”. What does this mean, the Kingdom of God? It’s the idea of the sphere of God’s influence in the world – not a geographical concept. It’s not just the church.

The Kingdom of God had both a present and a future aspect. The Kingdom has come near in the person of Jesus. In the parable of the Weeds (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-44) this "how the Kingdom can be present in the world wiping out all opposition." The parable of the net (Matt. 13:47-50) likewise speaks of a time of coexistence followed by a separation when the Kingdom is fully established at the end of the age.

Jesus spoke of the Kingdom of God as something both present and future.

3. Although the church itself is not the Kingdom of God we have a role in bringing the kingdom here.

Incarnational faith - revealing Christ in our lives.

I think that this is the key point on which we can relate this topic to our theme today theme.

The kingdom is the sphere in which God reigns and that assumes a community of people who actively place themselves under his rule. It is not an abstract idea but one that finds a variety of expressions in the world. We have a viewpoint of living our lives within the context of kingdom building. Jesus affirmed the idea that the Kingdom of God is both a present reality and future manifestation. Jesus was the herald and expounder of the kingdom.

In our thoughts therefore with regard to Trendlewood keep these things in mind – in what way can we bring the kingdom those around us in practical ways. For many of us this will be simply living out our Christian faith in a practical way. For our church it will be the practical way in which we engage with those around us.

Here is a poem by Doug Gay adapted by me for Bristol – perhaps have a go at adapting it for Nailsea.

THE NEW BRISTOL (Based on poem “The New Glasgow”, by Doug Gay).

I saw a vision - it was last Thursday at eleven o’clock in the morning.
I was standing on St Michael’s Hill, looking down over the city;
and the cold blue winter sky broke open above my head
and the Spirit of God breathed on my eyes
and my eyes were opened.

I saw Bristol, the holy city, coming down out of heaven;
shining like a rare jewel, sparkling like ‘clear water in the eye of the sun’
and all the sickness was gone from the city, the Childrens’ Hospital, Royal Infirmary and
mortuaries were closed,
no road accidents on the A370. Horfield prison unlocked and turned into sheltered
housing for community.
There were no more suburbs and schemes;
no difference between Westbury-on-Trym and Knowle West or
Sneyd Park and Hartcliffe.

I saw the docks, floating harbour and the Avon gorge running with the water of life
as bright as crystal
as clear as glass,
the children of Bristol were swimming in them.

And the Spirit showed me the tree of life
growing on College Green.

I looked out and there were no more homeless people outside the bus station
no more women working Jamaica Street or Backfields Massage Parlour
no more needles up the closes
HIV AIDS, Hepatitis B and C were things of the past
there were no more racist attacks in St Pauls
no more rapists in NCP Trenchard Street
no more stabbings in Eastville
because there was no more hate, quiet desperation, loneliness or fear!

And I saw women walk safe at nights,
saw the men were full of passion and gentleness,
and none of the children were ever abused,
because the people’s sex was full of justice and joy.

There was no neglect, no litter strewn, no fly-tipping, the railway cutting to Filton with only wild flowers and no plastic bottles. No waste; all recycled and sustainable.
Closed churches were open, full of worship and fellowship.

I saw an old woman throw back her head
and laugh like a young girl;
and when the sky closed back, her laughter rang in my head
for days and days
and would not go away.

This is what I saw, looking over the Royal Fort Hill,
Looking up from the city of death;
And I knew then that there would be a day of resurrection,
And I believe
that there will be a day of resurrection.

Connect and Manna

2010-09-25T16:55:00.002Z

The Diocesan Communications team have, as you may have seen if you've looked on the church welcome table, recently launched Manna - a new, quarterly publication to replace the old diocesan newspaper Grapevine. Do take a copy and tell me what you think as I am part of the editorial board.

As you read it remember we are a large and varied diocese, heavily rural and not including a huge amount of young people. Not all the articles will speak into our own situation, especially since the theme of the first issue is food and looks a lot at farming. Having Michael Eavis in the diocese makes for a cool feature though and I did get to recommend some web-sites and review a Faithless album.

There is also a monthly e-news letter called Connect, mainly targeted at leaders in churches, which is available online. Find the latest issue here. Again, comments will be passed on.

Vision 3

2010-09-19T16:08:00.002Z

My third sermon in the vision series from this morning.

Trendlewood 19/9/10

Genesis 12:1-9

James 4:13-17

Vision 3: Dreams to Plans

We are now at week three of a series of four sermons on vision. This is part three of a process whereby we hope to reach, after a couple of congregational meetings and some Trendlewood committee pondering, a decision about a vision for Trendlewood, certainly for the short-term and hopefully with some more concrete long-term ideas too.

Two weeks ago I tried to take a stab at the question 'Where are we?' Last week Frances helped us do some listening to God. Both of those sermons, and the feedback from the listening to God exercise are available to look at again here. The accompanying pastoral letter with which I started the term is also here and hard copies are still available on the table in church.

So although the process of dreaming, envisioning and planning is non-stop – we should never cease to ask the question, 'Where does want us to go? - there comes a point where we need to start working out how to turn our dreams into plans.

We had two Bible readings today but I actually want to take us to visit four places. We'll look at God's word to Abram and how Abram responded to God's call. We'll look at another prophet and discover that God wants us to identify what we see. Sometimes he gives words; sometimes pictures. We'll drop in on the early church in Acts and note that however clear a word from the Lord we still need to interpret it. Fourthly we'll visit a warning, from our second reading from James. Then finally we'll try and pull it all together to make sense for us.

So:

1. Abram had, with his father Terah's household, already been part of a family plan to go to Canaan (Genesis 11:31) but, on the way they had stopped at Haran and settled there. But Abram had (12:1) heard God's call to carry on, to leave the comfort of the parental pad and go to Canaan. For those who worry about kids not leaving home Terah can sympathise. Abram was 75 when he finally left.

So we have the clear words from God, we know not how they were received but we have a response in 12:4, 'So Abram left...' We are dealing with a time when a nomadic community tended to move on from time to time so it is not like a settled family here getting a call to go to say, Leeds or Inverness with no idea of why. This is the time of the prospectors. No-one yet had land which they consider a possession. But things are changing.

Maybe we should stop and be sure we have correctly answered the question, did we go where we were sent or has St Frances' School become our Haran? So, where is our Canaan?

Maybe our word from the Lord is not yet that clear but what is clear is that when it is clear there is no choice but to respond. So Abram left...

And we also note that the clarity of the vision which caused Abram to leave is not what we seem to be seeking before we move on.

Read vv1b-3. Go, but not where to. A vision but not a how. A promise but not specific.

It seems that moving on to the next thing without certainty is thoroughly biblical.

2. By the seventh century BC we have the promise fulfilled. Land has been settled. Political machinations have begun. The kingdom of Israel is now divided into north and south. Amos was not a prophet. His own words say that (7:14). But he heard the word of the Lord tell him to go from the southern part of the divided kingdom to preach in the north.

As he utters his several oracles of doom, time and again (7:7; 8:1) God asks him to say what he sees. Yes, Amos plays Catchphrase. As we turn our dreams into plans we will find not only that we may need to begin before the plans are complete but that the duty remains on those who see God at work to speak out when they see. Being sure we have heard the Lord is an important part of what we do just before we gather for worship and I'm grateful to Mike, Barbara and Karen for being there for that most weeks.

Seeing the Lord's pictures and hearing the Lords word needs to be a process, not that is complete before we start but that accompanies us on our mission.

3. A couple of years back we worked through the first part of Acts. Acts 16 begins with two occasions when Paul tried to go somewhere and we are told, frustratingly, that 'the Spirit wouldn't let him.' Then he has a vision of a man from Macedonia beckoning him to go there. He goes having (v10) '...concluded that the Lord was calling him there. However clear our plans there will be some that the Lord frustrates. However clear a word or vision is from the Lord it will still be down to us to draw conclusions from it. Jesus' heading to Jerusalem is not as clear-cut 'man goes to his death obediently' as we sometimes think. There was a wrestle with God in a garden before the final 'yes' was spoken. Where do we think the Lord is calling us? Perhaps we ought to go there.

4. The warning in James is to those who do not go humbly. To those whose ministry growth is about telling everyone what wonderful things the Lord is going to do through them next, James has one word – cemetery.

I have to confess that there are times when I look back at my 26 years of ordained ministry and feel that I should have been allowed to do more important jobs. Just as I was preparing this I had to take a break and, as ever, picked up a book to take with me. I took this book 'Mission Shaped Youth.' It will mean little to you but the two key authors, Chris Russell and Tim Sudworth were both members of our youth group in Nottingham and part of our CYFA venture team. It made them who they are and it gets no mention. God says that he want me leading little things because that is what is most effective. He also says that if we want to be important we need to remember the one word – cemetery.

What wonderful things are you going to do through me next Lord? Cemetery. OK I get it. God is not on my side; I am on his and I should never forget it.

Next week Ed will take us to the cemetery. We'll look at that big vision, that reminder throughout the New Testament that our plans and dreams will be competed and fulfilled when the Lord comes again, meantime, as we saw last week, we wait.

So what? Well please talk about this church and share your ideas. Talk about me if you want and whether there are things I need to do better to help us move on. And please put one of the two October congregational meetings in your diary before it is too late.

Listening to God - Last Sunday's Response

2010-09-17T07:12:00.001Z

Waiting on God – Sunday 12^th Sept. 2010

Dry bones passage. Trendlewood like a valley of dry bones. The dry bones hear the word of the Lord – I will breathe into you and you will come to life. It will come, and not delay – Habbakuk Ch. 2, v 2&3. Philemon v 6&7.

Day long overview of the Bible at Trinity College on Friday. Wouldn’t it have been easier if the famine in Canaan had not happened, and the Israelites had not had to go to Egypt and through the period of slavery? But then there wouldn’t have been the events surrounding Joseph and Moses, and the Exodus – long journey, waiting and Trusting in God.

Who are we waiting on? Remember the nature of God. Our waiting is determined by who we are waiting for. Waiting develops our relationship with God. God refines us in the waiting, and we learn to trust in the waiting.

Don’t confuse size with complexity. Although we as humans are small (compared with the universe), we are very important. Immanuel – God with us.

Picture of sun rising over a hill, then 3 crosses appear. Remember why I died for you.

Different ways of listening to God. Picture of setting sun.

Experience of being in darkness, then looking up and seeing the stars.

A hand outstretched for someone to hold on to.

Writing a song – difficult to complete. God looks not only at the earth, but at us to move His purpose on.

Empty, but awaiting God’s Spirit.

Eagle, soaring on thermals.

Listening to God

2010-09-17T07:07:00.003Z

As part of our listening process Mike H wanted us to hear this poem. It is reproduced with due acknowledgement. It is already easily available on the internet having been quoted in full in published sermons so is copied below on the assumption that this is in order.

Broken

It lay in fragments, shattered, broken, marred:

the vessel crushed – its beauty torn apart.

The pattern that had formed its outer glory

in dust and splinters split upon the ground.

The shape it once had held lay there no more –

the etched design of years we’d grown to know –

the potter’s handiwork returned to nought,

lay fractured, rudely scattered on the earth.

Anguish held me and torment choked my soul;

the agony of brokenness – the pain,

the severing of the known, the shadows of the past

grief overwhelmed me, shook me as I cried.

The hidden inner parts were now displayed,

a myriad pieces in the seeing light,

their covering a mask, was swept away;

unveiled, their shame and torture laid to view.

Some trod that way and trampled underfoot

or threw aside the remnants as they passed;

yet others would deride the crumpled flask

seeing no beauty in the scattered clay.

Yet in the desperation of my heart

I see the potter, weeping, stooping down;

gently he cradles the fragments, lifting them close,

not one is missed, each piece is sought and held.

My precious workmanship, the pleasure of my hands

I fashioned you and gave you life and form;

how is your beauty scarred, your tenderness exposed,

who plundered the secret places of your heart?

Who savaged the love I planted deep within?

Bruised and rejected you brought sorrow, tears?

Such pain I see, torment and misery,

deep dark despair – yet you were made for joy!

You were not made to bear this heavy load;

you have been crushed – but you are in my hands.

The Master Potter gently took each piece,

and built again a vessel as he chose.

Its shape was softer than before – its tracing fine,

he breathed his healing love to seal each join;

it was a patient work, he did not rush

to force the fractured remnants into place,

but held each one until the pain had ebbed,

then quietly joined them in his new design.

I felt the newness of the Maker’s touch

and saw with wonder how he brought again

a treasure, fashioned to his glorious plan;

a new creation, out of brokenness.

He held it now with pleasure in his eyes,

yes, and with love and set it in its place.

‘You have come through the fire, my little one,

you have been ravaged – now you’re made anew,

rejoice to me my child born out of love,

and know that I was broken once – for you.’

Sue Wharton,

24^th February 1991

Social Life

2010-09-16T16:18:00.001Z

Dates of Trendlewood church social events from now until Christmas

This coming Sunday 19th Sept - Shared lunch at St Francis School. Contact: Sarah Bird

Sat 9th Oct - Progressive Supper. Contact: Roger Prangle - please note change of date.

Sat 6th Nov - Join in a local firework display. Meet afterwards for soup, hot dogs and baked potatoes. Details to be confirmed nearer the date. Contact: Pauline Davis

Sat 4th Dec - Games evening for the whole family with mulled wine and mince pies. Volunteers needed to help organise this.

Vision Sermon 2

2010-09-14T06:46:00.002Z

Frances preached on Isaiah 40.25-31 under the title Waiting on the Lord.

How good are you at waiting? As a society not good at waiting: fast food; instant stardom; online banking, shopping etc, all lead us to live faster and faster lives cf. parents’ or grandparents’ generations

Waiting on the Lord (v 31): ‘hopeful waiting’ or ‘waiting hopefully’ diff translations illustrate this: NIV ‘hope’ but NRSV ‘wait’ Thus, this kind of waiting qualitatively different because it is based upon the nature of God himself. Will return to this...

1. To whom is this passage addressed?

Israelites had been in exile in Babylon over 50 years, so some had been born there... waiting to get back to their homeland and more importantly, the place where their God dwelt. That’s some wait! Written in 6^th century by Second Isaiah (chaps 1-39 date from 8^th century). Refugees who were not liked in Babylon and who now watched in fear the threat of Cyrus grow on the world stage.

See in chapter 45 that Cyrus becomes God’s instrument to bring about repatriation - and an end to exile.

What about us? V. 27 evidence that these people finding life hard; seems to them that God has forgotten them: does that find an echo in us? I believe this passage is for us too.

What are we waiting for? As a community of believers, re Steve’s letter, we are dreaming dreams and waiting for God to show us the way forward for Trendlewood; individuals may be waiting for healing; the way ahead to be clearly shown; the return of those we love to the Lord; a new job, etc. etc.

2. What does God say to us and to the Israelites?

V.25 echoes v.18, remember the nature of the one upon whom you wait:

Two Contrasts set up in this chapter to illustrate his nature:

Between the man-made idols of the Babylonians among whom the Israelites were living and the creator God. v. 18 v.19 idol made by craftsman of precious metal or hardwood

cf. v.26: the creator and sustainer of the stars and the heavens?

V 28:

Waterman: ‘We need to recapture the vision of God as great and majestic’. Is your God/mine too small?? Protagoras in 451 BC (ie one century after this was written!): ‘Man is the measure of all things.’ Have we been tempted into this way of thinking? Stephen Hawking, etc?

What idols have we become tempted to rely upon instead of God? Money, our job, people, status, etc?

Between God and man these emphasise our transitoriness versus God’s eternal nature

v.6-8; v.15-17.

Cf God’s nature: v.21-24

Perhaps this helps us to recognise that God’s timescale is different from ours!

Word commentary: we should ‘Judge God rather by star-time or star-space’.

Quote from NASA website:

How Long is a Light-Year?

The light-year is a measure of distance, not time. It is the total distance that a beam of light, moving in a straight line, travels in one year. To obtain an idea of the size of a light-year, take the circumference of the earth (24,900 miles), lay it out in a straight line, multiply the length of the line by 7.5 (the corresponding distance is one light-second), then place 31.6 million similar lines end to end. The resulting distance is almost 6 trillion (6,000,000,000,000) miles!

3. What difference will waiting upon the Lord make?

v.31 Picture an eagle (probably a kind of vulture actually!) soaring with outstretched wings on thermals. No flapping, no hurry, absolute peace and confidence. Bird has not had to consciously think through whether or not it can trust the thermal, etc. on basis of past experience it just knows that it can trust it.

Cf. how quickly men in their flying machines became tired and how ridiculous they looked in man-made bird wings, flapping madly...

Are you, am I flapping madly when we could be riding on the warm rising air of God?

4. How do we wait upon the Lord?

Intentional - choose to do it regularly

Active - involves getting to know more about God and setting sights upon Him - Bible reading etc.

Takes time - snatched moments often not enough, need a weekly/daily pattern

Encouragement of others - home group, sharing what the Lord has said as we have waited...

Sermon. Where Are We?

2010-09-05T14:06:00.006Z

This is the sermon I preached this morning at Trendlewood on taking stock of where we are:

Colossians 3:1-17

Vision 1: Where Are We?

A hot air balloon drifts slowly towards the ground and the guy in the gondola calls to a passer-by, 'Excuse me, but can you tell me where I am and how to get to the hot-air balloon convention.'

'Yes,' replies the man on the ground,' You are at grid square 3D on the local map page 43, you are floating 10 metres above the ground, and given your current position, I'd go by air.'

'Well thanks a bunch,' says the man in the balloon, 'Are you by any chance a management Consultant?'

'I am,' he says, 'How did you know?'

'Well,' says the balloonist, 'Everything you have told me is precise and true but none of it is the slightest use in getting where I want to get. You are a waste of time.'

'And tell me,' shouts the man on the ground to the balloon, now drifting off, 'Are you a manager?'

'I am said the balloonist, 'How did you know.'

'Well let me see,' he says, 'You don't know where you are, you don't know where you are going, you haven't set out with instructions, you haven't the first idea how to phrase a question in order to improve matters and you are in no worse a position than you were before you met me yet somehow your predicament is now my fault.'

Well I don't know if that would happen, but what I do know is that over the next few weeks we are going to have a look at our vision for ourselves and for Trendlewood Church. We will be looking at waiting on God, turning our dreams into action and the ultimate vision of Jesus coming again but first today I want us to take stock. Where are we?

The things we need to remind ourselves that are of primary importance are all in our passage which begins with 'since then...' Those two words tell us our first thing.

1. We are Christ's people. Being Jesus-people may not be a label we find comfortable, but it's there. We have our hearts above. We are the people in our town who think differently.

2. And as Christians, with our hearts set above, we are people of a different destiny. So whilst we should have an urgency about others joining us on our journey, our destination, as we will remind ourselves week 4, is not in any doubt. We know what's written on the last page. As Jesus said to the 72 he had sent out two by two, in Luke 10 'Do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.'

We are future people. V4.

3. We are different people. Our behaviour, relationships are those of people who have different attitudes to the rest of the population. Of course goodness, mercy, sacrifice and generosity are not things you only find in Christians, but our code here (vv510) suggest that we should take the lead.

4. We are (v11) inclusive people. We take very seriously any charge of prejudice or exclusivity. Two weeks ago when I talked about who we do not have in our congregation it was the children who put their hands up to tell us what sorts of people might be missing.

5. We are loving people. We do to others what we'd want them to do to ourselves. And if it goes wrong (v13) we forgive. Quickly. We hold no grudges.

6. Finally, as a group who sing, praise and let God's word dwell in us, we are congregational people. We gather together. If we don't gather we are missed.

Jesus people
Future people
Different people
Inclusive people
Loving people
Congregational people

But if that is who we are, distinctively, as a pattern set by Paul writing to a bunch of Christians 2,000 odd years ago, who are we now?

I think we are good at many of those things, but we have also become:

Shrinking people. Attendance at our church has fallen away over the last couple of years. Some key people have left; many regulars are now regular 3 or 4 times a month rather than 4 or 5.

Inward-looking people. We are not great at inviting friends to things, although I detect a hint that we want to be and we are really trying. Our social programme should make it easier and easier to invite others to great, fun events, like seeing how rubbish the vicar is at skittles which we played last night. Alpha in the pub (postcard invites) starts up in two weeks. Any thoughts of who you might invite to the guest supper?

Now people. We are very preoccupied with the affairs of now and have not lifted our eyes much over the last few years to where we are going. This has been partly, and rightly, because of the journey some of you have been on in the history of this church and through two very traumatic events in 2004 and 2005. It has not been surprising that trying to understand what happened has been a key question. 'What?' is a very past-tense question. It wonders why. I think that we need to become where people not why people. I invite you to join me in thinking about where we are going for a month and then to come to one of two congregational meetings at my house to share ideas.

The writer Douglas Adams says that society's development has meant a change to the great questions of life. What started out as 'When will we eat?' became 'What will we eat' and is now 'Where shall we eat?'

The 'when' of the church is the future and Jesus' return. The 'what' of this church has been much discussed; perhaps even over-discussed. So 'Where is this church going?' is the question to move on to. There are so many things we could do. Where shall we go? Where shall we eat?

I am not so naive as to think that any of this will happen in our own strength. If for some reason God does not want to move this church on it will stay stuck. But I am determined not to be the obstacle, if I can avoid it, to God being at work.

There is a congregational letter accompanying this sermon. It is the previous post.

Next week:

Isaiah 40:25-31

Waiting on the Lord. Two Hebrew words cover wait, hope and trust. There are great chunks of time when the only thing to do is to wait on God. But if we feel he is calling us to move on, how do we cope with the waiting? What attitude should we have as we wait for God to move, to be at work? How do we renew our strength to 'go again?' How do we know when it has happened?

Pastoral Letter September 2010

2010-09-05T13:58:00.006Z

Dear Trendlewoodians,

Have you noticed how many times the Bible seems to have nothing for God's people to do except wait. Or hope? Or rest? Hope, wait, trust and patient resting have a huge overlap in Hebrew. The concepts of resting and quietness are a part of waiting. If you are restless, fidgety, noisy or impatient you are not waiting properly.

So if God wants us to wait a bit longer before the numerical growth of Trendlewood Church is what he wants we will have no choice but to wait. Nothing we can do will change it. But we need to check that is what he wants so I want to take the chance this autumn to do some overdue thinking about the way forward for us. It seemed good to set out my thinking as to where we have got to at this point.

What do I think we are, a church or a congregation? When I took this job back in 2006 the publicity clearly described Trendlewood as a planted church. The previous Rector made it clear to me that he had no fixed opinion about the direction of this church. It could be to more independence, interdependence or something else.

As I met the Trendlewood people I also encountered a variety of views. Some felt that breaking ties with Holy Trinity would be 'the last straw' and wouldn't remain members if it happened; others continued to pursue the long-held vision for full independence and for the church to, one day, have its own building. There were shades of opinion in between.

As many of you know I felt it silly to embark on spending money on our own building when we had, in St Francis School, a perfectly acceptable meeting place, with fixed costs. I challenged everyone, shortly after I arrived, that we might consider our own building project again if, and when, we grew too big for the school. The statistics show that over the last few years our membership has remained static. Sunday attendance has actually gone down, a statistic caused by less regular attendance rather than people leaving.

That said we have lost a couple of key families – families who made up ten regular Sunday attenders who have left after long and faithful service. As a result of this several others now find their Sunday commitment being to children's work with the corresponding pressure this puts on every other rota – service leaders, prayer-leaders and coffee makers for instance. We have the people-demands of a large church but we are actually quite small. So, a question to think about is whether we need to be quite so rota-focused. Whether we need to do all the things we currently do.

What are our strengths? We are a friendly, hospitable, local church with an informal, relaxed style. We are Church of England but not over-wedded to Anglican tradition. We are Jesus centred, open to the ministry of the Holy Spirit but avoiding labels such as 'charismatic' or 'open evangelical' which can confuse. We try to welcome all-comers. We have a large percentage of our people involved in doing things. We have a good social life and look to use it to reach out to others. We have a good number of people looking to serve in full-time ministry or Readership in the future.

Our weaknesses? I have my views but I'd like to know what you all think. Maybe a discussion question for home groups over the next month.

I think this term is a good time to take stock. I'd like to invite you all to one of two open meetings at my house on Wednesday 13^th October or Thursday 21^st October. Both will be at 7.30 for 7.45 p.m. At these I'd like to:

Enjoy some social time and refreshment
Listen to your hopes, fears and dreams for Trendlewood
Pray

I will try and make sure the formal part of the evening is done by 9.45 for those of you for whom a weekday involves an early start but am happy to carry on chatting informally afterwards. Afterwards I will report back to the whole congregation what I have heard people say.

To get us up to speed we will be preaching on dreams and visions over the next four weeks. Starting with my assessment of where we are, looking at Colossians 3:1-17 then:

Waiting on the Lord ( Isaiah 40:25-31)

Moving from dreams to plans (various passages)

Jesus will return (Revelation 21)

In November we will be preaching on vision and stewardship at all Holy Trinity and Trendlewood services. This will focus on the world, our work and our community. It make sense for us to move commitment Sunday to a date before the next year's finances are fixed so this year, and from now on, it will be in November

If this sounds heavy then a lovely social programme (thanks Sue and Pauline) is being constructed to give us lots of time to relax, get to know each other better and of course, invite friends.

Next year we hope to be able to go away for a weekend together rather than having what has become our traditional 'weekend away at home.' Mike and Mark are researching possible sites but please make sure you have the dates, 24-26 June 2011, in your diaries.

The next couple of terms are going to continue see me a bit stretched. Having a colleague on maternity leave, a vacancy at Christ Church and Tickenham to help cover and a key preacher off to train for the ordained ministry means I will have to ask those who occasionally lead and preach to do so more often.

The joy for me is the willingness with which people step up, time and again, to cover the jobs that need doing, often at personal cost. Thanks for all you do that makes being your minister such a rewarding job.

With love,

Jesus and...

2010-07-28T08:25:00.002Z

Our summer series of all-age services will be on the theme of Jesus and...

Thanks to the young people for kicking us off so well last week with Jesus and water. This week, Jesus and fish.

Then:

Bread
Wine
Company
Manners

Trendlewood Weekend

2010-07-19T12:35:00.002Z

Next year we hope to have a Trendlewood weekend away rather than at home. The venue is to be clarified (we are trying to find a place where you can camp or stay indoors). For the moment please mark the date - June 24-26 2011.

St

Evangelism Series

2010-07-19T12:25:00.002Z

Quick recap on the summer 2010 Trendlewood series on evangelism:

13/6 Esther preached
1: Numerical growth should be normal

Idea: a 'normal' church is not one where numbers are stable and attendance is predictable but one where 'daily' the number is added to. Do we expect this? Are we happier being 'comfortable?' How good are we at welcoming strangers or inviting guests?

Key Passage: Acts 2:42-47

20/6 Jolyon preached
2: Building relationships

Idea: we live in a world where many people think they understand what the gospel is. But their understanding may have been obtained from door-to-door evangelists (who may be cults not mainstream), street preachers, school RE lessons, family weddings/funerals or the TV. Our best form of evangelism will be with those we already know. How do we build relationships with non-Christians? How do we move from friendship to faith? How do we get to tell our stories?

Key Passage(s): John 1:35-42; 1 Peter 3:15-16

27/6 I preached St
3: Telling your story

Idea: we all have a tale to tell of our faith. Have we got it sorted in our heads? Could we do it in a few minutes? A few sentences? A one-liner?

Key Passage: Acts 2:14-41

4/7 I preached
4: Positive Deconstruction

Idea: sometimes we need to listen to what others are saying and see how it makes sense before we share our world view. Can we lead people to be unhappy with the way they see the world?

Key Passage: Acts 17:16-34

11/7 Ed preached
5: Daring to invite

Idea: How do we pluck up courage to invite people to events? The woman at the well's first reaction was to get her friends to come and meet Jesus. What sort of things might we invite our friends to? How do we show them Jesus?

Key Passage: John 4:5-30

18/7 Esther preached
6: Leading someone to Christ

Idea: How would you go about helping someone to become a Christian if they asked you to? There are great verse in Romans that lead on logically. What is 'the gospel in a nutshell?'

Key Passage(s) Romans 3:23, 5:8, 6:23, 8:38-39 John 3:16

Hope this helps us recall and put into practice

St

Positive Deconstruction

2010-07-04T12:14:00.002Z

For those who might be interested in pursuing some of the ideas I floated this morning from Nick Pollard's book Evangelism Made Slightly Less Difficult you can buy it cheap here.

The other book was The Case for God by Karen Armstrong.

Youth Worker Needed

2010-05-17T12:39:00.001Z

Holy Trinity and Trendlewood Church, Nailsea, North Somerset
Youth Worker

We are a lively evangelical church in the thriving community of Nailsea. We aim to be a biblical, prayerful and Jesus-centred community with a vision to:

Reach others with the love of Christ
Serve the local community
Resource the wider church

We are looking for an enthusiastic, committed and experienced youth worker to join our leadership team. You will give fresh direction to our youth work and committed team of volunteers building on relationships with local schools and reaching out to young people outside the church. We have a vision for enabling our young people to play a full part in the life and mission of the whole church.

You will be a committed Christian and confident in an evangelical faith and life style. A passion for young people, leadership experience or potential and ability to relate to a wide range of people will be essential.

Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations Section 7.2 and/or Section 7.3 applies.

Salary in the range of JNC scale 7-14 (£17,471 - £23,148 a year) according to experience and/or qualifications.

Closing date: Tuesday 8th June at 12 noon

Interview date: Tuesday 22nd June

For an application form and further information please go to www.htnailsea.org.uk/information.htm

How Should Christians Vote?

2010-05-02T11:33:00.003Z

1 Samuel 16:1-13

How Should Christians Vote?

Let me begin by saying what this sermon is not about. It is not called 'For Whom Should I Vote?'

I want to spend the next fifteen minutes or so sketching out some principles that, I believe, should be in our minds when we cast our vote.

It is also not called, 'What is wrong with the British democratic system?' There may be some things we would like to say about how democracy should be organised.

For this sermon I will take things as we find them. How should I use my vote in the circumstances we have here today?

Finally I am aware that some of you, who have chosen to use a postal vote, have already played your cards.

Perhaps this will help you to pray for others who have not yet voted.

It is not easy. Despite the joke going the rounds which says:

If you don't like anyone vote BNP.
If you don't like the French vote UKIP.
If you don't like Iraqis vote Labour.
If you don't like foxes vote Conservative
If you don't like cars vote Green
If you don't dislike anyone vote Liberal

It is not that easy.

So, three things about how a Christian should use their vote:

1. Our passage is a well known one. Saul has lost the favour of the Lord and Samuel, the prophet is tasked with finding God's choice of replacement. It is the expectation of everyone that the oldest son of the family to whom Samuel is sent will be the one. Before we discover (v11b,12) that David is young and good looking we have to learn that this is not important to God.

As three men, who want to be our Prime Minister, stand before us we should look not upon the age, the suit, the appearance, the colour of the tie or the style of their life partner.

Later, in Galatians 3:28, Paul tells us that God's kingdom draws no distinctions between male or female, Jew nor Greek, slave nor free. These three things were so dramatic – who could imagine in those days a female, Greek slave becoming anything – that we can draw out the principle that this extends to young or old, attractive or ugly, gay or straight.

We should listen not look.

And we need to listen hard. Because despite the underlying message that our country's economic situation means sacrifices to pay back the debt it has been hard, as an ordinary voter, to pick out the precise nature of what each party will do. It has become quite a petty row about a Labour plan for a rise in Employers National Insurance contributions, which the Conservatives have been labelling a 'jobs' tax.' It has become a discussion about principle – do we pay back our debts asap as the Conservatives advocate or is that what Labour have labelled 'taking risks with the recovery?'

Be quite clear. The things actually promised are few; they have been a drop in the ocean. Whoever gets in we will pay – either in extra tax or cuts in services.

'In short, whether they liked it or not, last Thursday the party leaders auditioned for the political equivalent of The X Factor, and Clegg, for one week at least, won. Whatever quality it is that we label the 'X factor', it's clearly more compelling to the electorate than the prospect of rigorous engagement with policies and the political process.

'Sadly, it is the qualities of character, wisdom and discernment that will be the casualties of a political process driven primarily by television appearances. Exactly the kind of qualities repeatedly emphasised in the Bible as necessary for just and effective leadership.'
(London Institute for Contemporary Christianity mailing).

First principle. A Christian should judge on the issues. What is in this person's heart?

2. I believe there is a firm second principle and I get it not from a proof text but from the whole Bible. From the law of Leviticus and Deuteronomy, in the wisdom of Psalms and Proverbs, from the preaching of Isaiah and Amos to the cry of the beatitudes in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount which summarises; we hear the Bible say – blessed are the poor. We hear the Bible on the lookout for the outcast. We must believe that God will judge a society on how it treats poverty.

Christians are not in the business of shouting for their own rights but in shouting for the rights of others.

And here we have a problem. The poor have a vote too but the wealthier a society becomes the less the vote of the poor counts. If people vote selfishly then, in a democracy, as soon as the poor are in a minority, we can vote to keep them poor.

Writing in the Church Times this week our archbishops of York and Canterbury set out six values Christians should have in mind when voting:

Equality
Stability
Global responsibility
Law and justice
Children's welfare
The needs of older people

They are thinking of those the Bible describes as 'the little ones' or 'the least of all of these.'

Second principle. I believe we should vote for whoever we think will do best for the poor even if that does not mean the best for us personally. So it is really important to understand what the parties are saying about the minimum wage, pensions, benefits, universal health care, asylum-seekers and millennium goals (our commitment to the poorest on earth).

Which means that as a faith community we can expect that there will be more for us to do after the election than before. Governments are not a cure all.

3. Thirdly, we should do the hard work of unravelling issues in our heads. In Acts 6 it became apparent that some Greek widows were not being treated as well as Hebrew widows in daily charity. This was wrong. Those charged with leadership felt it equally wrong to neglect prayer and preaching so they set aside seven people who would take responsibility for sorting the mess out.

It is great when we can do things like that. But what do we do if we think David Cameron will make the best Prime Minister but Liam Fox the worst constituency MP.

What do we do if we think only one party has a fair policy on immigration but all their other policies come a poor second?

What do we do if we have a great constituency candidate but at the last election their party came a poor third or fourth? Do we vote for a candidate we don't want so much in order to avoid getting a government we really don't want?

And how do we see through the campaigning rhetoric?

Another joke doing the rounds. While walking down the street one day an MP is tragically hit by a truck and dies.

His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

'Welcome to heaven,' says St. Peter. 'Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a high official around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you.'

'No problem, just let me in,' says the man.

'Well, I'd like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in hell and one in heaven. Then you can choose
where to spend eternity.'

'Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in heaven,' says the MP.

'I'm sorry, but we have our rules.'

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him.

Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, shake his hand, and reminisce about the good times they had while
getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster, caviar and champagne.

Also present is the devil, who really is a very friendly & nice guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good
time that before he realises it, it is time to go.

Everyone gives him a hearty farewell and waves while the elevator rises....

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

'Now it's time to visit heaven.'

So, 24 hours pass with the MP joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realises it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

'Well, then, you've spent a day in hell and another in heaven. Now choose your eternity.'

The MP reflects for a minute, then he answers: 'Well, I would never have said it before, I mean heaven has been delightful, but I think I would
be better off in hell.'

So St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he's in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags as more trash falls from above.

The devil comes over to him and puts his arm around his shoulder. 'I don't understand,' stammers the MP. 'Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse, and we ate lobster and caviar, drank champagne, and danced and had a great time. Now there's just a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable. What happened?'

The devil looks at him, smiles and says, 'Yesterday we were campaigning...today you voted.'

And how do we make sense of the fact that we are one in millions?

A former Mayor of New York said, 'We campaign in poetry; we govern in prose.'

Be smart enough to see through that.

A story (from 'The Wisdom of Crowds' guessing the weight of the ox). The average of everyone's guess was closer to the truth than the nearest guess.

Third principle. We should think and pray and then cast our vote. It will count. It will make a difference. It will be part of the truth.

1. Judge on the heart and principles not appearance
2. Judge on the treatment of the poor not treatment of you
3. Judge. Think, pray and vote. The crowd is smart.

I pray that we will wake up on Friday morning to the government of God's choice.

Steve Tilley 2/5/10

Election

2010-04-27T09:40:00.002Z

How should Christians vote? This will be the subject of the sermon on Sunday morning and we'll hopefully have time for a little discussion and questions. Why not bring someone along who you know is interested in politics?

St

Saturday Breakfast

2010-04-22T07:24:00.002Z

Hi Trendlewood men. This is what Jolyon has sent out to the men in the church this week. At Trendlewood we are fortunate in having a fairly even balance of genders but we are not evangelising men well. Only six Trendlewood men are signed up so far. Can any of the rest of you spare the two hours? Jolyon's email text follows:

Calling all men in the church! If you have not yet decided to join us for breakfast at 7.45 for 8am this Saturday may I strongly urge and encourage you to do so. I know how precious Saturday mornings are, but do believe this one- off gathering is important and a very high priority.

Ministry to and mission amongst men is a weakness not a strength in HT & T. An effective ministry in this area is crucial to the vision and growth of our Church and one of our key goals for 2010. Steve and I both care about this, but we cannot do it without a movement of God amongst all the men of the Church. I do literally believe that the Lord is calling all of us as men to step up. We therefore cannot do it without you - all of you that can make it. We will see where the Lord takes us from there.

If you have not signed up and wish to come please let Steve know by return email preferably by Thursday evening (although we will cater for a few extra).

I know that some are away or committed already. Please pray with us and for us as we gather.

Jolyon

Walking

2010-04-18T05:47:00.002Z

For those who have missed the Parish News and the last two Sundays, we are having a Trendlewood, social walk this afternoon. 90 minutes of walking followed by tea and cakes at the Trinity Centre.

Meet at Church Town, the road to the recycyling tip, Backwell, by the footpath at 2.00 p.m.

Birthday Sermon

2010-03-30T10:41:00.002Z

A number of people have asked me for Archdeacon Andy's six points about growth from the end of his sermon He has sent me them:

'Faithfulness and fruitfulness … meaning as you grow to maturity here?

* Depth of love

* Commitment in service

* Generosity in giving

* Passion in mission

* Devotion in worship

* Effectiveness in witness

'In terms of Palm Sunday, as we grow into maturity as Christianpeople, and for you here at Trendlewood it means that we’re not like the crowd, going along for the trip in the hope that Jesus will fulfil some of our hopes and desires. It means that we’re not singing his psalms of praise simply so long as Jesus seems to be doing the things we want him to do.

'Our motivation is our longing to grow in our relationship with him, to love and serve him more ... and this means not only being willing to throw our cloaks on the road in front of him, and shout hosannas while the going’s good … but also to follow him into trouble, controversy, trial and death.'

I suggest we might need to improve our passion in mission and effectiveness in witness. Others?

Palm Sunday

2010-03-27T09:32:00.002Z

Happy coming-of-age birthday to Trendlewood. 21 tomorrow. 10.15 celebration service followed by shared lunch. Photos and guests from the past as we look to the future. Don't miss it.

Easter Journey

2010-03-27T09:30:00.002Z

Nailsea Town Centre 2010

Easter Journey

A nail in every story

March 27th–April 3rd

This Easter, in Nailsea town centre shop windows, find the thirteen pictures of Jesus’ life. Can you spot the nail in every picture?

Follow the journey from Orchards to Gilly’s Café.

Easter Journey is a Churches Together presentation

March 28th

2010-02-22T13:32:00.002Z

Sunday March 28th will be Palm Sunday and Trendlewood's 21st birthday. The Carters, the first leaders of Trendlewood will be back to visit us and Archdeacon Andy will be our preacher. There will be a shared lunch afterwards.

I'd love it if people might invite guests who have been to do with Trendlewoood in the past.

I'd also like someone to take responsibility for organising a display of photos and Trendlewood memorabilia. Any takers?

St

Philippians

2010-02-09T08:22:00.001Z

We will be looking at Philippians between half-term and Easter, letting the passages set the agenda. It seems to me the thrust of the book is obedience, immitating Christ (2:5-11). Obedience in:

1. Worship. Rejoicing in Jesus despite circumstances such as imprisonment
2. Service. Looking to the interest of others, as Jesus did, as Timothy did.
3. Perseverance
4. Generosity of spirit and practical help

Why not read it in advance?

St

St Valentine

2010-02-09T08:19:00.002Z

Whilst not a mainstream Christian festival, Sunday coming happens to be St Valentine's Day. We will have a short, snappy, all-age service focusing on love in its many guises and the greatest love of all. Come along all you star-crossed lovers, seekers after love and those grateful for love shown in the past. Put Jesus in the centre of your love life.

Vision

2010-01-25T16:19:00.003Z

Our vision is to be an outward-looking, welcoming, Jesus-centred Christian community on the Trendlewood estate. One day we dream of owning our own building but need to grow out of our current meeting place first.

Whilst our vision at Trendlewood remains unaltered we are currently helping our friends back at Holy Trinity with financial resources and people-power to provide the base from which we might move forward by investing in the Trinity Project.

The next Trendlewood Committee (early March) will be giving specific attention to the long-term vision for Trendlewood. If there is anything you want to say to us please communicate with any member of the Committee - Andrew, Mark, Mike, myself, Trevor, Michelle, Lindsay, Richard or Beth.

St

Youth and Children's Ministry

2010-01-13T19:07:00.001Z

Dear Friends,

We are privileged at Trendlewood to have between 20-30 young people as regular members of our church family and we have always been adaptable and committed to investing in them. After several years of faithful service the existing Lighthouse team feels it is time to stand down (there will be opportunity to thank them soon) and as a church family it is time to review our personal commitment to how we support this ministry.

In our new-look youth team for 2010, there will be little change for the under 5s who will continue to be cared for by Hilary and the Torches and Candles Team. In response to requests, we propose to offer the large contingent of 14+ (over 10 regulars) a Youth Alpha to run on 2 Sundays a month. This will give them appropriate teaching alongside the opportunity to continue serving the fellowship, as many do, helping with music, refreshment, younger children and technical support, on other weeks.

This leaves us with a group of around 10, 6-13 year olds for whom we would like to provide a dynamic programme of discipleship and bible study appropriate to their age. Ideally we are in search of 2 teams of 3 people to take turns to lead this group. All volunteers would be subject to the usual checks and procedures for youth and children’s work. Materials and support will be provided.

Please prayerfully consider whether you could be one of those people; it might mean withdrawing from a different area of service for a time, or indeed it might mean offering to join the coffee rota to release someone there to work with the children. Whatever your response to this request, we are not just asking you to pray, but also to be BOLD and to ACT. The current team will stand down on February 7th, and new arrangements will need to be in place for February 28th. Perhaps it is time to step out of your comfort zone a little and try your hand at something new for 2010.

Beth & Esther
on behalf of the Youth & Children’s Work Team

Design

2010-01-10T16:20:00.002Z

A few people have said they found the dark dots design a bit oppressive and migraine-inducing. This any better?

Thanks and News

2010-01-10T16:11:00.003Z

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and support today. It meant a lot to have everyone rally round and pray like that and the lunch was a lovely time to get things done, talk about priorities and plan for the future. It was also exciting on a cold winter's day to have an attendance well above average.

Many conversations over lunch were about the future of our children's work and there will be regular updates about that over the next few weeks. In particular there will be an email later this week to all families with children in Lighthouse, Torches and Candles about the future. Then there will be a notice about it next Sunday.

When I arrived home there was an email waiting for me saying that Alastair Wheeler had announced this morning that he was leaving Christ Church and Tickenham at Easter to go to Wells and Wookey Hole. I had no advance notice of this.

Wouldn't life be dull if it was any other way?

st

Sunday Coming

2010-01-09T14:03:00.003Z

Dear Friends,

We were contacted by the school yesterday to advise us of the snow conditions at St Francis school.

Skis are not necessary to reach the front door and the heating is on but car parking will be limited to the area opposite the hall. There has been no snow clearing beyond the inner gate.

There are 12 parking places opposite the hall. This presents some human challenges in getting our food to the shared lunch but we don't need to be dependent on human ingenuity so please be ready to play your part in making our first shared lunch of the new year a Trendlewood success.

We are following the usual format - bring a course to share (two if a family) and something to drink and plates and eating irons - and if you are unable or forget please still come because there is always enough to go round.

Light snow is still forecast for tomorrow so whilst our planned time to be clear of the hall is 3pm we may find we want to dwell slightly less over our coffee to make it easier to get back home afterwards.

We will begin a short series of services where we look at our vision, values and commitment. Looking forward to seeing you all tomorrow and please pass the message on to anyone you see today, particularly anyone who may not be on the e-mail list.

St and Trevor

PS Don't forget the DVD/book swap table

Happy New Year

2009-12-31T18:55:00.002Z

Happy New Year to you all. I will see any of you later who are at the quiz evening and party at the Trinity Centre.

On Sunday at 1015 Jo and Andrew will lead an all-age service looking at the year to come. I will be at Christ Church and Tickenham all day.

The following week, January 12th we will have a shared lunch after the morning service at St Francis School to welcome the new year in socially. We will also reprise the DVD and book swap stall which went so well last time.

St

Happy Christmas

2009-12-24T10:55:00.003Z

Happy Christmas to you all. If you are away travelling to relatives this year then go carefully on the roads. Our prayers are with you. For those who are around we are at:

St Francis School, Station Road 10.15 a.m. tomorrow. Short, all-age communion. Dress as any nativity character you want or just bring a blanket or tea towel and belt.

Sunday 27/12 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. All invited to our house. Coffee, croissants, carols, mulled wine and mince pies.

Steve and Liz

Tuesday News

2009-12-15T13:14:00.002Z

I was wrong about Snow White. She is in Weston-super-Mare not Bristol. Contact Tim with all haste (today) if you want to go.

Thanks for those who have responded to my impromptu appeal to help one of our regulars with an airfare to visit a very sick friend. I have been given £120 so far. I'll let you know if more is needed.

St

News

2009-12-12T13:41:00.003Z

Tomorrow is our classroom service. The children will be using the hall. We will complete our four part look at worship.

Next week is an all-age carol service. Christmas day is an all-age communion. Both at 10.15 at St Francis School. On Christmas Day the caretaker would like to lock up promptly so we will not have coffee and the service will be relatively short. Feel free on Christmas Day to come dressed for a nativity. We can use you.

On December 27th Trendlewood church and guests are invited to our house for:

Coffee and croissants from 10.00 a.m.
Carols at 11.00 a.m. (no preach; no cringe)
Mulled wine and minced pies from 11.15 - 1.00 p.m.

Come for as long as you want. Please bring any house guests or friends. I'll be inviting my neighbours. Offers of minced pies gratefully received.

We are still in need of more people to offer to help with 7-11s and 11-14s from January onwards. I have one 'almost concrete' offer but won't share it with you until it sets. Tomorrow I have a list of people who I will approach personally to consider this important work. Please keep praying.

Thanks to Tim for taking up the idea of a panto trip and organising a visit to see Snow White in Bristol. Should be fun. Mildly-amusing, Hiccups, Asthma, Dandruff, Window-cleaner, Socially-unaware and Itchy all failed the auditions for dwarf-idol. Thus the seven we got.

This has been the news; I've been St. Good afternoon

Pantomime

2009-11-28T09:02:00.001Z

Doe anyone fancy organising a trip to Ali Baba at the Tobacco Factory? Or any other panto?

Tomorrow

2009-11-28T08:59:00.002Z

It will be the second in our series on worship. Esther will be preaching (for the first time), Michelle holding it all together and I will be leading worship. First ten minutes in the hands of Lighthouse. See you at 10.15.

St

Children's Leaders

2009-11-16T12:16:00.003Z

As announced for the last two Sundays we are looking to expand our team of children's and youth leaders from the new year onwards. Please have a word with me if you'd like to explore this ministry. Training will be provided and resources will be available to equip you.

St

Sunday Coming

2009-11-16T12:14:00.001Z

With many members otherwise engaged this Sunday, Jo Slade will be looking after a simple act of morning worship at Trendlewood. 1015 as usual.

RIP Rob Graham

2009-11-16T12:07:00.002Z

Members of Trendlewood Church will be sad to hear that former Holy Trinity and Trendlewood Minister Rob Graham died in a road traffic accident last Friday. Further details will be published by email to the church as and when we have them. Our condolences to his family.

Saturday

2009-11-12T08:19:00.002Z

A reminder that all Trendlewood musicians and their partners are invited to my house for a meal on Saturday evening (7.45 p.m.) If you haven't told me, or Sarah Bird, that you are intending to come, please do so.

St

Sunday Coming

2009-11-12T08:15:00.002Z

This Sunday we start a new mini-series of four weeks on the subject of worship. Frances Trickey will be preaching for the first time at Trendlewood. Pray for her please. We also continue to give our musicians the month off. Our communion service will have music led simply on keyboard alone. Simply Led. That would be a good name for a band.

Sunday

2009-11-06T18:01:00.003Z

This Sunday is Remembrance Sunday. It is also the Sunday where we use a classroom and the children use the hall so it will give us an opportunity to talk about our experience of remembrance - how we use the day and what we think of it - in an informal setting. We will observe the two minute's silence at 11.00 a.m. wherever we have got to.

St

St Valentine

2009-11-02T13:01:00.002Z

Next year Valentine's Day will be a Sunday. There will be a guest service:

The Greatest Love of All?

Guaranteed cheese-free.

St

27th December

2009-11-02T12:58:00.002Z

As Christmas Day falls on a Friday it will be a good opportunity to have something a bit different on the Sunday after Christmas. So church will be at my house.

From 10.00 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. there will be coffee, mince pies, mulled wine (from noon), occasional carols and a slot for prayers (in a separate room).

Good thing to bring a friend to, or any house guests.

St

Worship

2009-11-02T12:51:00.003Z

Over the next few weeks we will be thinking a bit more about what it means to be a worshipping community. In order to free everyone up to take part in this there will be no music group and all music will be either on CD or led by me. On Saturday 14th November there is a gathering for all current, or interested, musicians at my house for food and chat.

St

Food and Wine Tasting

2009-09-17T07:15:00.004Z

This event should be good but I wanted to encourage people to book up and not worry about the money too much. We'd rather members (and their friends) were there than that they paid - Steve.

Friendship

2009-09-07T17:17:00.003Z

Here is the text of yesterday's sermon. I have removed the names of those I mentioned.

Friendship
James 2:1-10
Mark 7:24-30

I was sitting at my desk at CPAS a few years back when a colleague threw a book at me and asked if I'd read it and review it (we did this for each other from time to time). It was called 'Friendship Evangelism – a new course'). As I began reading it occurred to me that Christians must be the only people who need to go on a course about how to make friends.

Trouble is we have made lives difficult for ourselves. The giant, mincing machine that is the church does take a lot of time and energy in meetings to keep the whole thing ticking over and the people who get involved in such organisational matters are often the very people who are best at establishing relationships because they volunteer because they are outgoing. So we rob our outreach of the time of the very people who ought to be doing it.

The Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Price, preaching at Jolyon's induction last Thursday evening, explained how in this 1100th anniversary of the Diocese he had managed to shake himself free from the busy-ness of the Diocese to walk around it for 30 days or so. And he said that when he met church people they want to talk about the church and when he met non-church people they wanted to talk about God.

We need to hear that. And over the next few weeks up until Sunday 27th, find a little time to work on our friendships with people who probably want to talk about God.

So today I want to talk about friendship and why it is important. I want to have a look at a couple of key Bible passages on friendship and all this to prepare us for making a bit of an effort to communicate to our friends that what we do here is good, helpful, life-changing and worthwhile and why they ought to join us on, and from September 27th.

I don't know how you describe people you know. Facebook, and other social media, leave you having to make a decision to call someone a friend if you want to be in touch with what they are doing. On that basis I have over 300 friends but I have a very social job and have worked in four parts of the country.

A youth-worker in my previous parish once asked me straight, 'Steve, are we friends?' It was interesting. For him it was important and we would only be friends if we both said 'you're my friend' or some such sentence.

I don't tend to categorise people like that. I assume people are my friends if they are not trying to be my enemy, often call you 'friends' when addressing you corporately. I have a small group of really special friends, who are more like family because Liz and I both come from small families.

So what of Jesus and friendship? In Mark's gospel the calling of the first disciples is told to us as Jesus seeing people he knew as he walked along the side of the lake. I guess a jobbing carpenter would be quite useful amongst wooden boat-users (Mark 1:16). Maybe they were friends. Then he saw Levi the tax collector (2;14). He called him too although he was probably not a friend. Crowds followed him and he escaped them (3:7). Queues formed and he said 'Let's go somewhere else' (1:38). His disciples are not described as friends but 'those he wanted' (3:13). He described those who did what he said as 'his mother and brothers.' This in the presence of his mother and brothers (3:31-35).

And in today's reading he shows us that his upbringing, as a person of his time and place, had filled him with that casual racism and suspicion of outsiders that meant that Gentiles were to be treated as unclean. So, possibly out of curiosity, he goes into a house where the Syrophoenician woman finds him (I said 'her house' yesterday but I was wrong, it was someone else's and she made her way to it) but 'didn't want anyone to know' that he was in there. And only her sharp, possibly witty, reply to his suggestion that the gospel is for Jews first, and she is a dog gets her daughter healed. This 'meek, mild' Jesus later calls Simon Peter 'Satan'. Good mate? Huh.

I want to tell you that you may not have the divine charisma of Jesus of Nazareth but you probably have more contacts, are certainly less prejudiced and may be more polite.

The letter of James takes up this theme. By this time the early church has maybe got to the point where the gospel is for rich and poor, well-dressed and shabby, young and old, Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free – a Galatians 3:28 church - and yet the church seems to be treating people differently based on some of those things. On September 27th we will possibly be surprised at who has invited whom. And I want you not to be limited as to who you invite based on who you think will 'fit in' here. Next week, and I know some of you will be away but I'll put the text on the blog, we will think about hospitality. Showing special attention to all equally.

This Back to Church campaign is no longer about those who used to come returning, although we will still make it a try-not-to-be-away from church Sunday. It is about inviting people back to your church in the same you you might invite them back for a coffee or drink. I want to set an example. I thought of two couples who live in the area who I have been in touch with through marriage. They are coming for dinner next week. As it happens, and this may be a god-incidence, one of the couples lives opposite a church member and she had thought of inviting them too and already has. God-incidence? Who knows? Yesterday Liz plucked up the courage to invite her friend. Although the 27th is inconvenient her answer was 'I'd love to come to church' I was sitting next to her, I heard her say it. We can expect to meet her in the autumn. If we take courage people may well 'love to come.'

Please pray for our friends as we invite them.

And if you invite someone please try and call for them, walk or drive here with them, and stick with them through the service or, if you have duties, introduce them to someone else.

I've neglected you over the last 16 months and you've been very understanding. We've held fewer social events, the meals at our house have dried up a bit but with the arrival of Jolyon I'm really looking forward to that changing.

Doubling the congregation in one day is a tall order, We all have to invite someone. Let's share names. Let's pray about it.

This week I am going to tell the newspapers what we are hoping to do. I will say that anyone who doesn't get a personal invitation can still consider themselves invited. It's a risk. The papers will probably ask how we got on.

I was listening to the Faithless track 'God is a DJ' yesterday. It includes the line, 'This is my church; this is where I heal my hurts.' Of course 5,000 people holding their camera phones in the air is totally false community. No relationships are begun. Whereas this is our church. This is where we heal our hurts. If the idea of inviting others scares you then why not have our pray-ers pray for you afterwards.

Let's go for this. It can't possibly do any harm. It may be a remarkable turning point. The day we found more people to share our faith, more people to share our work, more people on rotas, more giving and began to grow out of this building which has stood us in good stead for so long and rekindled the dream of maybe owning our own place some day. Well?

Friends, (there's that word again) if that sounds like an adventure you'd like to buy into please stand with me as we pray.

Steve

Back to Church Sunday

2009-07-25T17:47:00.002Z

Sunday 27th September will be a full-on attempt to double the size of Trendlewood's congregation in a day. Our regular 60 to become 120. We can all help by trying not to be away that weekend but do start thinking about who you could invite. Why not invite them round for a summer meal or drink and invite them then?

Doubling, as a target, means nobody can escape. We will all have to invite someone if it is to work. I will be inviting four newcomers (two couples) who will first be invited to dinner one August Saturday.

Let's share the names so we can all pray.

St

Communion

2009-07-25T17:37:00.002Z

It has been announced by the Department of Health that, in a time of pandemic, sharing public drinking vessels is unwise. The Church of England has passed this advice on to dioceses and now Bath and Wells clergy have been advised that, until further notice, communion shall be administered in one kind only.

That is to say you all get bread/wafer and the president drinks from the cup on behalf of all. The President is also required to wash his/her hands with anti-bacterial handwash immediately prior to celebrating.

Full text of the advice available on the Church of England web-site:

www.cofe.anglican.org/info/swineflu/communion.doc

www.cofe.anglican.org/info/swineflu/governmentadvice.doc

John 9

2009-07-14T16:24:00.002Z

Poor feller. Healed of blindness from birth and thrown out for not being able to explain the theology of his healing properly. All he knew was that he used to be blind. Do you see?

What is John saying about blindness here?
What is he saying about the Pharisees?
What is he saying about Jesus?
If you have time look at Isaiah 42:7,16,18 and 19

Careforce

2009-07-14T16:17:00.003Z

A message from Careforce.

Wanted

Gospel Volunteers for September 2009

We still have a number of openings with small evangelical churches and projects around the UK.

You will serve for a year alongside local leaders and contribute your own gifts to the local mission strategy.

You will be well supported and encouraged to develop your own discipleship and discernment of God’s longer term calling on your life.

You will receive full board and lodging plus a weekly living allowance.

You will be part of the large Careforce international volunteer team and enjoy interaction with peer volunteers from around the world.

You will receive dedicated support from the Careforce staff.

One of our present team sums up her Careforce experience.

'If I filled every corner of this world up with dictionaries; there would still not be enough words on this planet to sum up what this year has been to me. I have had some of the highest and some of the lowest points of my life this year. Some of the most fun, and some of the most difficult and painful moments. I have learnt and grown so much as a person, and am hugely proud of where I am today. It wasn’t easy, but was by far the most rewarding thing I could have done with this year. The Careforce experience is giving up a year of your life to love God and to love others before yourself. To serve them, and to give all of who you are in order to become the least. And in doing so, become a follower and disciple of Christ Jesus. And in realising and embracing how small and insignificant I am in the whole ground scheme of things, I have learnt what it is to feel complete.'

Please tell those you know that they can still apply to join Careforce to start in September.

More details from Ian Prior on 020 8942 3331 or mail to enquiry@careforce.co.uk

Apply online at www.careforce.co.uk

John 7-8

2009-07-08T16:12:00.002Z

Why does John say Jesus couldn't be captured?

What did the Temple Guards give as their reason?

'Look into it and you'll see a prophet does not come from Galillee.' Does Isaiah 9 :1-2 agree with this?

If we miss out the 'disputed' text what is the significance of what Jesus says next?

'The earliest and most reliable manuscripts do not have...' What do you think when you see this?

What was the 'trap?'

How did Jesus answer?

What lessons are there for us?

Back to Church Sunday

2009-07-04T09:18:00.002Z

The national director of this movement is offering to work with a number of small churches to help them double their congregations on 27/9. I have to phone back on Monday to say if we would like to be included. Any thoughts?

Remember we are designating 27/9 not just Back to Church Sunday but also try-not-to-be-away-from-church Sunday. If not in diaries yet, do it now.

St

John 4

2009-07-04T09:14:00.003Z

What groups of people do we have problems with (as Jews and Samaritans seemed to have with each other)?

What do Jesus' words speak into such situations?

What identified Jesus to the woman as a prophet?

What do we think identifies a prophet today?

What does it mean that he describes himself as 'living water?'

How can we help people (v42) to hear for themselves rather than relying on testimony? Or is that (see 21:30-31) the point of John's gospel?

St