Newsletter 19th July 2024
Dear Friends
More frustrations this last few weeks dealing with a certain large broadcaster and telecommunications company’s customer service departments. Much of my time was spent online talking to a bot. Eventually, the bot tells me he can’t help (sorry I can’t help thinking of it as a he even it identifies as a bot) and gives me a number to phone. This call is answered by someone on the other side of the world, for whom English is not their first language, or even their fifth or sixth, I suspect. Eventually, she decided she couldn’t help either and after considerable time on hold a supervisor took over. Another person who couldn’t understand me nor I her and who eventually decided she couldn’t help either. I was told that the concern would be passed on and the money they owed me (£17.03) would be in my account within 10 working days. But no, it wasn’t. More email exchanges in which I was advised they couldn’t help.
And then, I cancelled the contract and lo and behold, suddenly within half an hour, they were able to help, and the money reimbursed. The question for us is what motivates us. Are there things we would do for money that we wouldn’t otherwise entertain? Or should I say, are there things we would do for God that we wouldn’t otherwise be prepared to do? I hope so. Jesus did.
Tea in the Garden at Plealey Farm
Sunday 28th July, between 2pm to 5pm. In aid of St George’s Church and Road Peace (Supporting crash victims). £5 per person to include jam and cream scone and cup of tea. There is a Raffle. Tickets can be purchased at the gate. For more information, please contact Marianne McCall 07944 333830.
The Gathering
Tuesday 30th July, refreshments from 7pm, 7:30pm start. An evening of praising and worshipping god. Everyone welcome. Marton Village Hall.
Minsterley Show
The Minsterley Show is back again on the 17th of August, and we need people to start making delicious cakes! If you think you can bake some cakes and pop them in the freezer then please do start as your support is very much appreciated! This is a big fundraiser for Holy Trinity and our stall is very much appreciated by the show attendees due to our reasonable prices – we can keep our prices down due to the fact that cakes and sandwiches are donated. Keep the date in your diary and on your marks, get, set, bake!
The show ground is situated 5 miles Southwest of Shrewsbury on the B4386, Shrewsbury to Westbury Road. SatNav users should input SY5 8PW as the postcode.
Minsterley Show baking
Could our fabulous bakers please let me know what you’ve already baked and frozen and / or what you’re intending to make for the refreshment tent at Minsterley Show please. I’m trying to ascertain how much more we need to organise or if we’re on track.
You can email me on sarahedwards90@hotmail.com or call/message 07971 984925
Little Dragons and Trinity Tots
This week has seen the retirement of the Little Dragons Team and two-thirds of the Trinity Tots team after many years of fantastic service. We owe an enormous debt of gratitude to everyone who has made these two groups one of the flagships of our life as churches, serving our respective villages. We wish Barbara, Caroline, Frank, Judith, Marion, Marian, Pat and Val (apologies for getting the names wrong last week) God’s richest blessing in their retirement. We are pleased to announce that we have recruited three volunteers to serve in each setting but would be pleased to hear from anyone else who would like to help. Please speak to Greg, Val or Sarah Young about this.
Snailbeach Summer Celebration
Many thanks to the 25 people who turned out for the St Luke’s summer service, followed by Afternoon Tea. Special thanks to Sarah Edwards for organizing a magnificent tea.
Romans Course
A course on the Book of Romans, St Paul’s great masterpiece, continues on Monday July 22nd at 7 p.m. at our regular venue of 3 Earls Court.
Greg’s birthday party
Greg is hosting a 64th birthday party at Minsterley Parish Hall on Saturday July 27th at 7 p.m. and you are invited. Yes, that means you if you are reading this. It is planned that it should be a bring and share supper, and Mary Worrall worrallwaverley@hotmail.co.uk has kindly offered to coordinate this. Please advise Mary of what you’re intending to bring. It has not been possible to secure a bar, so please bring your own drinks (it’s cheaper!)
Pontesbury Festival
Plans continue to be developed for an Arts Festival in Pontesbury next summer. If you would like to be involved in the planning or have ideas to contribute, please come along to the planning meeting at the Pavilion next Monday, July 22nd at 6.30 p.m.
Holiday Club
The St George’s Holiday Club is scheduled for the week commencing July 22nd and volunteers have been working very hard to get ready for it. We now need children to sign up for it, which they have been reluctant to do up to now. Would you therefore please pray hard about this, that the church will be full of children that week.
Services at St George’s on the 28th
There will be a short service of Holy Communion at St George’s on Sunday 28th July at 9.30 a.m. followed by a Holiday Club Celebration at 10.30 a.m. People welcome to attend either or both of these.
Ride and Stride
The annual sponsored walk raising funds for our churches and the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust will take place on Saturday Sept 14th. This year the plan is to walk around the six churches of the group so that walkers can do as many or as few legs as they are able. If you want to walk for Pontesbury, please speak to Stephen Winwood, for Minsterley to Sarah Edwards and for Hope/Shelve Fran Brealey. If anyone would like to be an organiser for Habberley, please speak to Greg.
Garden Service
Everyone is warmly invited to the Garden Service hosted by Pontesbury Congregational Church on Sunday August 11th at 2.30 p.m.
Rea Valley Foodbank Appeal update
We have now received £155 a month additional pledges in response to our appeal. This is such wonderful generosity in our churches and the wider community. Our target of £150 has now been reached. God is good. However, further pledges will gratefully be received. These should be sent to Greg Smith at rectorpontstip@gmail.com or by calling 07902 794653.
Hope Summer Praise
On the third Sunday of the month, over the summer months at 2.30 p.m. there will be a service at Hope Village Hall, beginning July 21st. We hope to attract new worshippers but would encourage all our folk to come along to support this new venture.
Group Service
Please note that the next Group Service will be at Shelve at 10.30 a.m. on Sunday August 25th
Survey
A national survey investigating the views of ordinary church members is available at
Calendar for the Week
Fri 19th
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10-12
Wedding of Will & Laura at St George’s
Sun 21st
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Minsterley Praise at Methodist Chapel at 10 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Holiday Club set up at 2 p.m.
Hope Praise at 2.30 p.m.
Holy Communion at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Mon 22nd
Holiday Club starts at St George’s from 10-12.30
Pontesbury Festival Planning meeting at 6.30 p.m. in The Pavilion
Romans Bible Course at 7 p.m. at 3 Earls Court
Tues 23rd
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Oasis bereavement group at Minsterley Methodist Chapel at 12 noon
Weds 24th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Thurs 25th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Hope/Shelve PCC at 2 p.m.
Sat 27th
Group Social at Minsterley Parish Hall at 7 p.m.
Sun 28th
Holy Communion with Baptism at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 9.30 a.m.
Holiday Club Celebration at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Afternoon Tea at Plealey Farm at 2 p.m.
Tea-time church at Minsterley Parish Hall at 4 p.m.
