Parish News

Musically I’m a child of the 80s, the 1980s not the 1880s as my children have suggested. I have danced round various handbags in various towns and can still remember all the words to songs from Duran Duran, Spandau Ballet etc!! One of my favourite stars was Toyah Wilcox and her song It’s a Mystery seems appropriate for my topic this month. In church circles one of the daunting preaching tasks is the Sunday where the church celebrates Trinity Sunday. This is a day (4th June this year) where we remember the nature of God rather than a specific historical event.

The Trinity refers to the Christian belief that God is Father, Son and Holy Spirit and here comes the mystery bit because the Trinity is not three gods but one God.

Scholars have spent centuries tying themselves in knots trying to explain The Trinity as have many preachers. Preachers often use illustrations such as water, steam and ice or three leafed plants but ultimately none of the myriad of illustrations completely explain the Trinity, the total wonder of God.

One of the best pieces of advice I was given during my training to become a priest was by a wise priest who said don’t fret about explaining the Trinity in minute detail concentrate simply on telling people about the God who loves them. Sometimes we all need a little mystery in our lives.

Many pop songs last for approximately three minutes. During the month of June why not join with me in spending three minutes every day with God, perhaps you will read a passage from the Bible, listen to a hymn, pray, or simply be still in a place that you love and reflect on the God who loves you.

Or you might like to use the following prayer of praise:

Gracious God,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit,
you created us in love
and hold this world forever within your care.
Trinity of grace: we put our trust in you.

Parent God,
you speak to us with words of mercy and kindness,
words that we can build our lives upon.
Your power would make us tremble
if we did not know that you are love.
Trinity of grace: we put our trust in you.

You have drawn near to us in Jesus, Son of God;
He has come to be our light and our hope.
In Jesus, we know forgiveness of our sin
and a peace that no other can give.
Trinity of grace: we put our trust in you.

And by the Holy Spirit you still come to us today,
giving life, inspiring justice, bringing reconciliation;
the breath of creation here with us now,
the nearness of God to give us courage and comfort.
Trinity of grace: we put our trust in you.
(Trinity of Grace from Summer by Ruth Burgess Wild Goose Publications 2020).

God Bless