Ministry Musings June 2026
As June progresses, we rapidly approach the summer solstice on the 21st.The sun is at its most northerly point and from now on the length of daylight hours gradually shorten. However, we are now approaching the height of the summer season.
31st May this year was what is known in the Church as Trinity Sunday, the day that we celebrate the holy trinity which means that, with the advent of June we have now moved into Trinity Season.
To most outside of the church and to many church members, the idea of the Holy trinity is a strange mystery; representing, Christians believe, the three aspects of God, the father, the son and the Holy Spirit.
Theologically, to many it is all a very difficult concept to grasp but it has often been said that three is a magic number. It is certainly significant number in many traditions. Everything comes in threes.
Past, present, future; Earth, air and water; life, death and rebirth; creation, preservation and destruction.
Interestingly, too, the Hindu religion has its own Trinity; Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.
Yes, three is indeed a magic number.
Our first Sunday services at Saint Nicholas are all strongly influenced by Celtic spirituality. Many of the ancient Celtic symbols had some relation to trinity or things of triple nature and their symbols often represented this. Two particularly come to mind: -
The Triskelion, representing the triple deities, in other words, the three aspects of the deity worshipped as one, but also the also the movement of life which is formed of past, present and future. It is also considered as the symbol of personal progress, growth and improvement.
Secondly, the Triquetra. The symbol is also known as the Trinity Knot and the Celtic triangle. It represents unity in spirit when it is used with a circle around it. The circle, in this sense, provides protection to ensure that the spirit does not get broken.
The Celts enthusiasm for the great mystery of the Trinity makes us contemplate the great truth that we simply cannot understand everything about God, and indeed we do not need to.
Monty Lynds – Lay minister, Reader.