City Church Cardiff

Presentation announcement: Now on BBC Radio 4 it’s time for this week’s Sunday Worship, which on this Trinity Sunday comes from Cardiff.

Item 1 - Welcome CATHERINE DE SOUZA
Good morning and welcome to Sunday Worship. I’m Revd. Catherine De Souza. Together with my husband, Revd. Dominic De Souza, the preacher this morning, we are the Senior Leaders of City Church Cardiff. 

City Church is a vibrant and dynamic Elim Pentecostal church in the heart of the Welsh capital. We’re a large, diverse, intercultural church with a congregation of many hundreds from over 50 nations and all ages and walks of life.

Our hope as a church is to share the love of Jesus in Cardiff, Wales, and beyond, proclaiming the gospel and empowering individuals to lead fulfilling lives - for the glory of God and the good of others.

In the wider church calendar, today is Trinity Sunday and in this service we’ll be exploring the doctrine of the Trinity, the teaching that the God of the Bible exists as one being in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Our first song beautifully encapsulates the essence of God; it reminds us of the timeless truths of God’s eternal nature and power.

Item 2 - Song 1: Everlasting God

Item 3 - Intro CATHERINE DE SOUZA
We find strength in the Everlasting God, the God who is three in one who we celebrate today – the God who is the very source of all creation.

Today, on Trinity Sunday, we delve a little deeper into God’s nature and explore the concept of God as three distinct persons in perfect unity. While this truth may challenge our understanding, it’s also an inspiring concept too, for it reveals a God of profound love and relationship. 

Our next song is entitled ‘Holy, Holy, Holy’. God is the creator of all - He is almighty, He is great, and He is holy. As we listen to these sacred words, let us be drawn into the wonder of the holiness of God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Item 4 - Song 2: Holy, Holy, Holy

Item 5 - Intro to personal story CATHERINE DE SOUZA
In the Christian faith, few doctrines stand as central and enigmatic as that of the Trinity. It’s a concept that’s puzzled minds and sparked debates for centuries, yet this core doctrine holds profound implications for our understanding of God and ourselves. 

On this Trinity Sunday, a day that celebrates God’s nature as three-in-one, we’re also reminded that He exists in perfect relationship – Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Perhaps this inherent relational nature of God is why we, as humans, crave connection so deeply. Siân Rees, one of our elders at City Church, now shares her story about moving to Cardiff not too long before the world was turned upside down with the pandemic. Alone in a new city, Siân’s story gives us an insight into the power of community and how it reflects the very nature of God.

Item 6 – TESTIMONY SIAN REES
Human beings were created for relationship – and God desires for us to be in community with one another. The saying goes that “friends are the family you choose” – and at no time in my life was this clearer than at the time of the pandemic. This may feel like a long time ago now, but for me this period profoundly shaped my understanding of relationships.I was fairly new to Cardiff at the time, having only just moved down from north Wales; I was living alone in rented accommodation two and a half hours away from my family, and because we were confined to our homes, I didn’t see a single person I knew for four months. That said, three of my closest friends called me every single day and have continued to call or text many times a week ever since. Those friendships are priceless to me, so when life became incredibly challenging for a season, who were some of the most regular guests on my sofa? You’ve guessed it..!

Friendships don’t just happen, especially not deep or intimate friendships, they need to be worked on, and that means being intentional about who we spend time with. I’ve found that it’s much the same with God. A relationship with Him needs to be cultivated, and this happens best when I spend time with Him, when I pray, when I worship Him, and read from His Word. There’s a beautiful promise in James chapter 4, verse 8 which says, “Come near to God and He will come near to you”. I’ve certainly found this to be true in my life. Whether I am sitting in a coffee shop, going for a walk, or sitting at my desk working, I have full access to the Father, through Jesus His Son, by the power of His Holy Spirit.

Item 7 - Song 3: King of Kings

Item 8 – Intro CATHERINE DE SOUZA
“Praise the Father. Praise the Son. Praise the Holy Spirit. Three In One!”

Enoch Adekoya and Anne Enoch – members of our church - now read to us from the Bible. The passages they share paint a breathtaking portrait of God. We see both the vastness of His creative power and the profound intimacy of His presence. As we contemplate these scriptures, we invite you to marvel at the sovereignty of God whose presence permeates the farthest reaches of the universe, and find comfort in God’s tender involvement in the intricacies of our lives.

Item 9 – Bible Readings ENOCH ADEKOYA
A reading from the book of Genesis, chapter 1 verses 1 to 2, and verses 26 to 27 – the New Living Translation:

"In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters.

Then God said, “Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.”

So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”

ANNE ENOCH
A reading from the book of Psalms, chapter 139, verses 7-10 – the New International Version:

"Where can I go from your Spirit?Where can I flee from your presence?If I go up to the heavens, you are there;if I make my bed in the depths, you are there.If I rise on the wings of the dawn,if I settle on the far side of the sea,even there your hand will guide me,your right hand will hold me fast."

Item 10 - Intro to song CATHERINE DE SOUZA
Now for our next song: ‘There is a Redeemer’. The song celebrates the gift of the Father, the sacrifice of the Son, and the presence of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us to be grateful to our Heavenly Father for giving us His Son, Jesus Christ, who redeemed us through His love and sacrifice. It also acknowledges the Holy Spirit, who remains with us, guiding and comforting us until the work on earth is done.

Afterwards, the Revd. Dominic De Souza brings today’s sermon.

Item 11 - Song 4: There is a Redeemer

Item 12a – Sermon DOMINIC DE SOUZA

Have you ever stood on a beach, the endless ocean stretching before you, and felt a sense of wonder mixed with a touch of insignificance? Today, we delve into a mystery as vast and awe-inspiring: the Holy Trinity.

The story is told of the church father Saint Augustine, pondering this very mystery, strolling along the shore. There, he encountered a young boy - face etched with determination - diligently scooping seawater with a seashell into a tiny hole in the sand. Intrigued, Augustine asked the boy what he was doing. The child declared he was trying to empty the entire ocean into that tiny hole! Augustine chuckled, pointing out the impossibility of such a task. The child, with a hint of defiance in his voice, replied, “And you, with your small mind, cannot hope to understand the Trinity”.

This story reminds us that the Trinity, like the ocean’s boundless depths, is a mystery that transcends our full comprehension. But just as the boy, with his small shell, managed to capture a bit of the ocean, God still reveals himself to us in meaningful ways – like drops from that vastness. These “drops” might be moments of peace during prayer, sudden insights as we marvel at creation, acts of kindness; through such experiences we build a connection with the three-in-one God, even if we can’t fully grasp it.

In fact, whenever we engage with God, whether we know it or not, we are engaging with the Trinity: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Over the centuries some have sought to dismiss the doctrine of the Trinity. But because it concerns God’s very own nature, it is foundational to Christian truth and living. It reveals who God is, what He is like, how He relates to us, and how we can relate to Him. It also reveals to us the reason why we are here, the way we are to live our lives, and the way we are to treat others. The Trinity matters!

At times some may have thought of the doctrine of the Trinity as a problem to be explained; for me, it’s actually a solution to be celebrated. This is because the doctrine successfully explains two vital strands of biblical teaching:

Number 1 - That there is one God; 

And number 2 - That there are three distinct persons who are called God: the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

When you put these two main strands together - just like the early theologians and church leaders like Saint Augustine did when they contemplated their experience of God in light of Jesus and the giving of the Holy Spirit - you arrive at the doctrine of the Trinity: that God is three-in-one. 

Now, admittedly, the Trinity is hard for the finite human mind to fully understand – although that shouldn’t be surprising as we’re talking about the infinite creator God after all! For a few years I’ve been playing a game with my now 7-year old daughter Ariella – we call it the ‘I love you this much’ game. 

Ariella will say to me: “How much do you love me Daddy?”

I’ll initially say something like: “I love you all the way to London and back! Now, how much do you love me Ariella?”

She’ll say, “I love you all the way to Australia and back!”

“Well I love you all the way to the moon and back”, I reply.

“Well I love you all the way to Jupiter and back”, she says.

We’ll go back and forth but then she’ll come back with the answer that is essentially ‘check mate’: 

“I love you all the way to infinity!” 

And that’s the end of the game! Why? Because, even at her young age, she knows that you can’t surpass infinity!

God is infinite. And we are finite. Just as there are some mysteries in the universe that still humble even the brightest minds in science, or just as a child marvels at the vastness of the sky, the three-in-one nature of God surpasses the human mind’s ability to fully grasp it rationally. We heard earlier from Psalm 139; in verse 6 the writer says, “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me, too lofty for me to attain”. But whilst this side of heaven we won’t come to a full understanding about everything to do with the Trinity, this doesn’t mean that we cannot come to a better grasp of what it means for God to be three-in-one. It is indeed true that it takes just simple, childlike faith to become a Christian, but having a better understanding of the Trinity can lead us to a deeper sense of majesty at how glorious God is. Though our minds may have limits, our hearts can overflow with amazement that God is still concerned for us. And much like the fascination we feel gazing at a star-studded night sky or the intricate dance of a butterfly, the Trinity invites us to contemplate something that resonates deeply within our souls.

It’s in this spirit of awe and wonder that we can turn to music. The song ‘Spirit Break Out’ captures this feeling, reminding us that the God of heaven can move powerfully within us. Let’s open ourselves to this possibility before returning to today’s sermon.


Item 12b – Song 5: Spirit Break Out

Item 12c – Sermon DOMINIC DE SOUZA

At the heart of the Trinity lies a profound revelation about the nature of God and the purpose of creation – and this means that the Trinity has much to say about the human plight. Before the foundation of the world, before time and space existed, there was love within the being of God – a complete and everlasting communion of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Our very existence as humans stems from God’s desire to extend this love beyond Himself, inviting humanity to join in the divine fellowship. The Trinity shows us that we were created not out of necessity, but out of the overflow of God’s love. We are recipients of God’s affection, called to reciprocate and reflect this love to others.

The doctrine of the Trinity also explains why human beings long for connection, for central to it is the truth of God as a relational being: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit existing eternally in perfect union. Genesis chapter 1 verse 27 tells us that we are created in the image of God; this means we are built for relationship – with God and with one another. But the Bible reveals that sin has broken these connections, leaving us isolated and yearning for something more. However, the good news is that, through the work of all three persons of the Trinity – the Father’s love, the Son’s sacrifice, and the Holy Spirit’s drawing us near – these connections can be restored. By receiving Jesus as Lord and Saviour, we enter not just a personal relationship with Him, but also a restored connection with the Father and the Holy Spirit. This reconciliation mends our broken relationships with ourselves, others, and the world, reflecting in our lives the beautiful communion that is the core of the Trinity.Our deep yearning for connection isn’t just a social construct; it’s a reflection of the image of the Trinitarian God himself - a reminder that we are wired for community, for interdependence, and for the love and support that comes from deep, Christ-centred relationships.

Think about the last time you faced a difficult situation. Maybe you lost a job, experienced a breakup, or faced a health scare. In those moments, the presence of supportive, loving connections can be a lifeline.

I heard recently about someone who went through a tough period of depression. He felt isolated and overwhelmed. But his church small group rallied around him, offering support, prayers, practical help, and also just listening. This community reflected the love and relationality inherent in the Trinity, showing the man he wasn’t alone. The doctrine of the Trinity indeed inspires us to value and invest in meaningful relationships – with God and with people. 

There is so much more that the Trinity has to teach us, for its relevance continues well beyond what we can explore in a single service. Suffice it to say: the Trinity isn’t just some dusty doctrine that has no practical use; it’s the very core of who God is and how we relate to Him; it’s a living, dynamic reality. The Trinity moulds our understanding of love, community, and our purpose as those created in God’s image; it reminds us that we were made for relationships and calls us to reflect the relational nature of God in our interactions with others.

Ultimately, the doctrine of the Trinity is an invitation to experience the mystery of a glorious God in three persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Even if our minds can’t fully grasp it and metaphors fall short, we see in the Trinity a model of love, relationship, and belonging. This week, perhaps let’s embrace that call by reaching out to someone, strengthening a bond or building a new connection – or maybe even in exploring or deepening our relationship with the God who is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Through such pursuits, we can bring a glimpse of heaven to earth.

Item 13 – Song 6: How Great is Our God
Item 14 - Prayers 
CATHERINE DE SOUZA
Let us embrace the mystery of God’s presence in our lives, knowing that we are never alone. In moments of doubt or despair, the God who is Trinity reveals His presence and offers comfort, guidance, and hope.

Let us pray.

Gracious God, on this Trinity Sunday, we thank you for the revelation of yourself as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. May the revelation of your trinitarian nature deepen our faith and transform our lives. 

ENOCH ADEKOYA

Eternal God, as we reflect on the profound mystery of who you are, help us to live in unity and love, reflecting the perfect communion of the Trinity. We are reminded of your incredible love and mercy that extends to all humanity. 

ANNE ENOCH

Almighty God, we lift up to you those who are in pain, those who are battling illness, those who are feeling lonely, those who are navigating challenging circumstances, and those who feel the weight of financial strain at this time. May your Holy Spirit bring healing, comfort, and assurance to weary souls.

CATHERINE DE SOUZA

God of justice and peace, our hearts are heavy as we think of the strife and turmoil in nations across the globe. In a world marked by division and trouble, we pray for the victims of conflict – whether in Ukraine, the Middle East, or in other war-torn regions - for those who mourn lost loved ones, and for those who live in fear of what the future holds. Grant solace to the grieving and wisdom to those who seek to build bridges of peace. Let your light shine in the darkest corners of our world, guiding leaders and peacemakers towards reconciliation and harmony. Strengthen us to be agents of healing and hope in a world that is longing for your peace.

ENOCH ADEKOYA

We also lift up our own leaders - His Majesty the King, politicians, and all those in positions of authority. In these uncertain times, we ask for your divine wisdom to guide their decisions and actions. May they lead with integrity, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to justice for all people.

CATHERINE DE SOUZA

We ask these things in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.And now, as our Lord Jesus taught us to do, we pray together the words of the Lord’s Prayer.

Item 15 - Lord’s Prayer & Close 
ANNE ENOCH

Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name.Your Kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For yours is the Kingdom, the power and the glory, forever, Amen.

CATHERINE DE SOUZA
Thank you for joining us at City Church Cardiff today. May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen.

Item 16 - Song 6: How Great Is Our God