Who’s Who
Clergy.
Rector
Reverend Greg Smith
I became Rector of Pontesbury and Stiperstones on 10th Feb 2021, having been ordained in 1999 and served the whole of my ministry in the Diocese of Coventry. I came to Shropshire knowing the beauty of the hills and surrounding countryside, only to discover that it was matched by the warmth of the people.
I am married to Fran, who has always been actively involved in church life, usually in offering generous hospitality. We have four grown up children, scattered throughout the land and six grandchildren. We have a West Highland Terrier, Daisy, who loves people and also has a ministry of hospitality.
My strengths are in prayer, pastoral care and preaching. My weaknesses are in administration and attention to detail. I am told I am good at remembering names. My passion is for everyone of whatever background to know how much God loves them and for the church to be a place of welcome to all.
In recent years, I have preferred to call myself an open-evangelical, by which I mean I have never lost my passion for Scripture or my conviction of its importance as a guide for our lives; but also that the doctrines derived from Scripture must be addressed afresh by each generation in the light of new understandings.
My interests are walking, running, reading, drama/theatre and sport. Fran’s are cooking, family and a glass of red wine.
If anyone contacts me, I always strive to respond within 24 hours unless I am on leave.
Associate Minister
Rev Fran Brealey
I was licensed as Associate Minister of Pontesbury and Stiperstones on 13th June 2023. This is a half-time post and I have particular responsibility for the parish of Hope and Shelve. I live in Pontesbury and you will see me at St George’s from time to time.
My husband Mike and I have moved from Bristol, where we have been living for the last 25 years, and where (since being ordained in 2018) I have combined being a part-time minister with administration and management in a small college. Most recently I have been Associate Minister in Lawrence Weston and Avonmouth, on the northern edge of Bristol. If you have ever driven over the Avonmouth bridge on the M5, you will have been very near to us!
I enjoy walking, reading, and visiting historic sites (the older the better), and wherever possible I like to combine all three. I am looking forward to getting to know this area and its people, and to encouraging the congregations in their worship, pastoral care and mission.
Curate
Reverend Richard Lonsdale
I was ordained Deacon on the 3rd July in Hereford Cathedral and am delighted to be serving my curacy in this beautiful part of England. If you see me out and about in the villages then please do come and talk to me, I would be pleased to get to know you and pray for you – do not be put off by my grumpy expression, I have no idea why I look grumpy when I’m walking but have been advised by friends and family that I tend to look quite miserable. I can assure you I am not!
I bring with me, my wife Claire, my children Moray and Olivia and our dog Indy. We enjoy walking, visiting the library, watching films, reading and playing/watching sport.
Other Church Officers
Church Warden – Marianne McCall
Church Warden Mary Worral (Order of St Ethelbert)
and Youth Ministry
I have worked and worshipped at St George’s Church for a long time. I am now in my 74th year.
I was previously a church warden here for six years. This was a very enjoyable time, it was a great honour to serve the people and God within such a lovely church.
I have worked with children and young people for most of the last forty years. I have been a leader with the Friday Club, a group for young people aged 5 onwards. We used to say primary school age. This has been very rewarding work, to be able to share the love of God with these young people and to guide them to walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. We have shared so many happy times.
I was also part of a youth group for quite some time.
I have been a member of the Mothers union for over forty years too. A lot of the work among the congregation and the wider community could be classed as work for this group.
I am a member of the L M D G . This is the Local Ministry Group for the church. It is good to be able to plan services for worship, to be able to plan and start new ideas for the ministry of the church.
It was a real honour to receive an award from the Diocese for the years of work completed. I was really humbled to receive this, when I have simply been doing my ministry work. The award is that of St. Ethelburt. I wear this award with pride.
I have been an active member of the church whenever we have held large functions involving the village community. I have worked to hold the Festival of Trees and Cribs. This has now been successful for 21 years, I have organized Exhibitions and sales of Art. Both these events together with fetes and other minor events are part of the wider community and this is so good.
May God give me strength and health to continue my ministry here at St. George ’s Church.
Treasurer – Roy Munton
Secretary to PCC – Allen Marsden
When we moved to Pontesbury in 2007, our neighbours very kindly introduced Margaret and me to St. George’s church. We received a warm welcome which soon helped us feel part of the community. I became a regular worshipper. Now, as PCC Secretary, I do what I can to support the Ministry team. For me, a high priority is to ensure that regulars and visitors are made to feel welcome and valued at St. George’s. I am also keen to see this extended to all who live in the Pontesbury area, young and old, so that they may find God in their everyday lives and see St. George’s church as more than just a lovely building.
