Newsletter 15th March 2024

Dear Friends,
St George’s Pontesbury and St Thomas’s Hanwood were privileged to host A Week of accompanied prayer (also known as Retreat in Daily Life) two weeks ago, wonderfully facilitated by four guides from Hereford Diocese.
There were 12 pilgrims drawn from 5 different churches, many of whom were nervous and unsure what to expect. As the week unfolded, we were enormously encouraged by all the gentle ways in which God met with us. Comments from participants included: “I felt God’s presence all week, peaceful, calm, loved”, “Big things happen that can rock us, but pausing to re-engage with God helps” and “My expectations were exceeded – a powerful experience”.
Each of us felt blessed and heartened by the experience; each concluded the week with a renewed commitment to and enthusiasm for prayer. Each of us was equipped with new ways to pray. My hope (and prayer) is that the impact of the week will not be restricted to those who were able to participate and will have a “knock-on” effect on others. Do speak to those who were involved.

Lent Lunches
Please note that there will be ecumenical Lent Lunches at St George’s on Wednesdays 12-1 p.m. and on Thursdays at Hope Village Hall at the same time. All welcome.

Dennis Owen
Dennis Owen’s funeral will take place at Holy Trinity Minsterley on Friday 22nd March at 1 p.m.

Website
Richard Elliot, after many years of loyal service, is going to stand down as Webmaster of the St George’s website at Easter. If anyone feels able to take on this responsibility, please speak urgently to Richard or Greg about this.

Good Friday
There will an act of ecumenical witness on Good Friday from 2.45-3 p.m. at School Green in Pontesbury, when Christians from across the area will gather around the cross to proclaim the Easter Gospel.

Christian Aid
Susan and Alistair Bates, after many years of sterling work, are unable to coordinate the Minsterley response to Christian Aid week this year. The week runs from 12-18 May. It may be possible for a small team to take this on, rather than one individual. Susan has promised a full handover. Please speak to Greg, Richard, or a churchwarden to find out more.

Marriage Preparation
We are hosting four couples on Saturday 23rd March for marriage preparation. If anyone would be willing to help prepare lunch for 10 people on that day, please contact Greg.

Palm Sunday
We are still looking for more spear carriers (i.e. non-speaking parts) for the Palm Sunday Passion Play. Please speak to Greg or Mary if you would be willing to take part.

Community Consultation Survey for HTM
Please find the link below for the community consultation survey regarding the proposed developments at Holy Trinity Minsterley.
Qualtrics Survey | Qualtrics Experience Management

Sunrise Service
There will be a Sunrise Service on Easter morning at Lower Camp on Pontesford Hill at 6.30 a.m. We will meet in the car park at 6.20 and then walk up to Lower Camp from there. This is a six minute walk at West Highland Terrier pace, gently up hill.

Lent Carbon Fast
One possible Lenten observance as opposed to giving up chocolate is to consider a carbon fast. There are various creative ways to engage with this. One possibility is the Christian charity, Climate Stewards. Details of what you might do can be found at https://www.climatestewards.org/resources/carbon-fast/ This week, it’s turn down the thermostat and switch off appliances when not in use.

Passover
St George’s will be hosting a Passover Supper on Monday March 25th at 7 p.m. This is available to anyone in the group, but because there is a lot of catering involved, guests must sign up in advance. There are sheets at the back of HTM and St George’s in order to do this, or you can email Greg at rectorpontstip@gmail.com At the time of writing, there are three places left.

Passion Praise
A service of Easter music and readings led by Greg and the benefice choir will take place at St George’s on the Wednesday of Holy week, March 27th at 7 p.m.

Good Friday
There is a full programme of services on Good Friday as follows:
Children’s Service at 10 a.m. at St George’s
Prayers and readings at 12 noon at Hope
The Last Hour at the cross at 2 p.m. at Shelve
Service of Witness at 2.45 p.m. at School Green, Pontesbury
Tenebrae at 7 p.m. on HTM

Easter Sunday
6.30 Sunrise Service at Lower Camp
9 a.m. Holy Communion at Snailbeach & Hope
10.30 a.m. Holy Communion at Pontesbury, Habberley & Minsterley

Big spring cleans
On 23 March at HTM from 9:30am til noon and at St George’s this Saturday from 10 -12.

Evening Prayer
A weekly service of Evening Prayer is held at Holy Trinity Minsterley at 5 p.m. on Mondays.

Snailbeach Coffee Morning
Coffee Morning at Snailbeach Village Hall
Saturday 6th.April 2024 for St.Lukes Church 10am till 12.
Cakes stall , tombola , raffle .
A friendly welcome to all.   
Joan Evans.
01743 791374

Calendar for the Week
Fri 15th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Funeral of the late Dr Ian Bradley at 3 p.m. at Pontesbury Congregational Church

Sat 16th
Spring Clean at St George’s 10-12

Sun 17th
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Minsterley Praise at Minsterley Methodist Chapel at 10 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Habberley at 5 p.m.

Mon 18th
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Evening Prayer at HTM at 5 p.m.
Palm Sunday rehearsal at St George’s at 6 p.m.
Bible Course at 7 p.m. at 3 Earls Court, Pontesbury

Tues 19th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30 p.m.
Prayer Ministry Team at 10.30 a.m. at Minsterley Vicarage
Ichthus Programme at Brookfield Waterwheel 2:00pm
Holiday Club planning meeting at 7.30 at 15 Manor Park

Weds 20th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12
Baptism Team meets at 10.30 in WER
Lent Lunch at St George’s 12-1 p.m.
Youth Café at Pontesbury Baptist Church at 3.20

Thurs 21st
Foodbank at St George’s from 10-12
Trinity Tots HTM 10:00a.m.
Lent Lunch at Hope Village Hall 12-1 p.m.
Messy Church at Minsterley Parish Hall at 3.30 p.m.
Minsterley PCC at 7 p.m.

Sat 23rd
Marriage Prep at St George’s 10-3 p.m.
Dress rehearsal for Palm Sunday at 3.30 p.m.

Sun 24th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Passion Play at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.