Friday News
"I acknowledged my sin to you ... and you forgave the guilt of my sin" Psalm 32:5
Dear friends,
Back when I was in college, I remember driving around Dallas with my friend Jacob. He would often have a Casting Crowns album playing, and there was this one song that had the line "plastic people under plastic steeples" (Stained Glass Masquerade). It was a song about churches that were full of painted-on smiles that hid real pain, churches where everyone performed and pretended to be OK, while nobody actually was.
In truth, the church is not meant to be a stage but a refuge.
Last week we looked at Psalm 32, and it calls us to do just that. David had tried to keep his sin buried, but rather than bringing him peace it brought slow suffocation. He describes his body wasting away and his strength being drained "as in the heat of summer" (v4). The turning point came when he stopped burying it, stopped performing: "I acknowledged my sin to you ... and you forgave the guilt of my sin" (v5).
Honesty met by mercy.
This is the shadow of the gospel. Jesus left God the Father so that he could make this forgiveness possible. Sin dealt with fully in Jesus means confession can lead straight to forgiveness, rather than to shame, both for David, and for us.
We are not meant to be plastic people with painted on smiles. We are broken, hurting, sinful people who come and confess. Because as Callum said last Sunday, in Jesus "forgiveness runs towards confession".
Enjoy the peace of refuge in Jesus this week,
Craig and the Trinity team
Upcoming this SUNDAY 6th SEPTEMBER
Morning Praise Service
Children’s groups will not be happening during the service.
Please stick around afterwards to help with the church clean
10:30 | Espace Bancel | 50 Rue Bancel
Newcomers Sunday Lunch
We're offering an extended time of fellowship once the service ends, over lunch, at someone’s house.
For every Sunday from Rentrée (6th September) through to the Vacances de la Toussaint (18th October) there will be one household ready to welcome newcomers for lunch. Don’t be shy about inviting yourself, or mentioning it to any new folk you happen to meet at church.
6th September: the Taylors (Charpennes)
13th September: Martin Zafirov (Bron)
Open House for All
Whether you’ve been away for the weekend, missed morning service, or simply want to unwind with church family, you’re always welcome.
Come as you are!
from 16:00 | from 6th September | Charpennes (speak to Craig or Becky for more details)
SAVE THE DATES
SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER - Evening Welcome Dance
Bring a friend, and your dancing shoes. Sign-up details will follow. Let Ginny know if you would like to introduce the church family to a dance from your own culture or country.
18:00-21:00 | Espace Bancel | 50 Rue Bancel
SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER - Church Family Lunch (Potluck / Bring & Share)
After the service, we will set up tables, pull up the chairs, and continue our fellowship together over food. Bring something to share if you are able to, come anyway if not.
SUNDAY 4th OCTOBER - Sunday at 6: Prayer and Praise
A smaller, quieter gathering with time for sung worship, and prayer for the city, the church and the world.
18:00 | Chapel (enter the main door and turn right) | 50 Rue Bancel
