Friday News
Dear friends,
Welcome to this edition of Friday News. This week, it’s a word of greetings, blessings and news from me - Ben!
I’ve been really encouraged and excited about the rentrée time in Lyon as I hear about what’s been going on and how things are being lauched after the summer break.
As I travel around and operate in this Acting Archdeacon role, I have become so aware of how precious and special our community is. Welcome, Word and Worship… w.w.w. Trinity Church Lyon!
I'd love to share a bit about what I’m learning and doing in this new role, and some of an Archdeacon's responsibilities in the Diocese in Europe.
Where there is no church or worshipping communities, they help start them: This week I have been asked by our Bishops to join my archdeacon role with my ICS church planting role. In a few weeks we are preparing church plants in Germany, Belgium and Algeria. We seem to be receiving new proposals pretty continuously - amazing!
Where there are no leaders, they help the church find them: I love the Mark 1:16-20 passage you are reading on Sunday - “Follow me, become [leading] disciples…” says Jesus. We are working to help raise up local leaders, support people looking for training and encourage people to train as worship / youth / outreach / communion / pastoral / creation leaders… I will be licensing a new Chaplain in her new role in Lille in October.
Where there are leaders, they provide pastoral care for them and their communities: Lots of our sister churches are spread out and sometimes with great distances between each other. Part of my role is to help support those leading their communities, wardens, treasurers, safeguarding teams, youth work leaders, evangelists and chaplains. Targeting training, facilitating connection, isolating isolation. There's a brilliant programme of workshops in the pipeline for autumn, on Alpha, being Treasurers, caring for creation, youth work etc. Watch this space...
Where there are problems, they help work through them: My Bible reading this morning was in Acts 15:1-21. It’s this amazing passage about working out what church is, how it works, and how it lives.
Where there is disagreement or conflict, they can be a point of clarification or objectivity: I aim to visit as many chaplaincies as possible in order for people to be seen and known. Hence my not being with you every Sunday.
Where a big picture is needed they gather larger groups for learning, prayer and action: I am hoping we can reboot our in-person synods to improve relationships and communications. Ask Charlotte about Archdeaconry Synod - there is still a spare place on our council.
As you can see, it is a big task but I have to say, one that seems important in this season. I am grateful for your prayers and support and look forward to being with you soon.
In the meantime, I am in Brussels this week with the Bishop’s Staff Team and preaching and leading at the Pro-Cathedral where Craig, Alison and I’m pretty sure, Keith, have all been prayed for and sent out. This Sunday, part of the service is for the installation of a new Canon of the Cathedral Chapter: a certain Rev. Ben Harding. The service is the same time as ours but you can watch it afterwards here if you would like.
Sending you all every blessing in Christ - His gospel remains glorious and unequaled in grace and love!
Ben
UPCOMING…
SUNDAY 13th SEPTEMBER
Communion Service
Children’s groups will be re-launching today.
Parents (both old and new) will be asked to join their children downstairs to find out more about what to expect in the coming year.
While we regret to share that we are not able to run a dedicated group for children aged 0–4 at the moment, your little ones are always welcome. Feel free to bring quiet toys or activities for the service. If your child needs space to move around, the downstairs crèche will be open and ready for you to use. If you have any questions or want to chat more about this, please don't hesitate to contact Becky.
During the service, we will hear briefly from representatives from Alliance de l’Espérance with an opportunity to hear more after the main service has ended.
10:30 | Espace Bancel | 50 Rue Bancel
The host for this week’s Newcomers Lunch will be Martin Zafirov (Bron).
Open House: all invited to the Taylors’ place in Charpennes. Please note for this week only it’ll be from 5pm.
SATURDAY 19th SEPTEMBER
Evening Welcome Dance
Bring a friend, and your dancing shoes! Essential points to note:
The church will provide drinks and hot dogs. You are kindly asked to bring some savoury nibbles or a dessert.
There will be a basket on the day for contributions towards the cost of hot dogs and the room hire.
Please use the poll below to indicate who you’re bringing and any dietary requirements.
18:00-21:00 | Espace Bancel | 50 Rue Bancel
SAVE THE DATES
SUNDAY 27th SEPTEMBER
Serving Sunday & Church Family Lunch (Potluck / Bring & Share)
Want to get more involved in the life of Trinity Church Lyon? Perhaps there is an area of ministry you haven’t served in before, and you want to find out more about it? Stick around after the service to find out more, no strings attached!
After this, 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
