Newsletter 6th September 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
6th September 2024
Dear Friends,
I was devasted to learn last week of the death of a very close colleague and his wife as pedestrians in Beaumaris, Anglesey after a car had ploughed into them, also killing the driver. Steve and Kathy lived in the next-door parish to us for 16 years in Coventry, having arrived within a week of us. Steve and I worked very closely together on numerous church enterprises. And while his church tradition was different from mine, we had great respect for each other. Because Steve and Kathy were so generous with their hospitality, Fran and I have happy memories of them hosting many a clergy gathering. They had both just retired, which somehow makes the whole thing seem even more tragic.
However, in some respects, it’s the ideal way to die. Hand in hand with one’s spouse (neither having to suffer the pain of bereavement) and instantaneously, with no drawn-out suffering. But for the three children, it’s hard to imagine this will be any consolation for a long-time to come. Steve and Kathy were giants of the faith, an inspiration to all who knew them. I have no doubt that they would have been ready to meet their Lord – a reminder that none of us can be sure of the day or the hour.
Morning Prayer
A new service of Morning Prayer is being launched at St George’s on 8th September and on second Sundays thereafter. The service will consist of the traditional readings, sermon, hymns and intercessions, along with choral canticles that the choir has been working hard to learn. Many thanks to Carolyn Lewis and Rob Pither for their hard work in producing orders of service.
Little Dragons and Trinity Tots
Trinity Tots will reconvene on Thurs 12th September with a new team in place, while St George’s Little Dragons will meet for the first time on Tuesday September 17th. We only have the bare minimum for each team, so would be very pleased to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining either team. Please speak to Greg, Val Butterworth or Sarah Young if you would like to know more.
Afternoon Tea at Merrilees
All are welcome at the afternoon tea at Anne Smith’s home at Merrilees from 1.30-4.30 on Saturday, Sept 7th. Parking is available at Hillcrest Nursing Home directly opposite.
Deanery Synod
Anyone is welcome to attend Deanery Synod, which takes place at Alberbury Village Hall on Thursday at 7 p.m. Our guest speakers will be telling us all about the Diocesan Ukraine Project which has been doing wonderful work over the last 2 years.
Ephesians
This Sunday sees the continuation of our series on St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians with a focus on chapter one, verses 3-14. You can read this by way of preparation in just a couple of minutes, or indeed you can read the whole epistle in approximately 15 minutes.
Interactive Singing
There is a new interactive singing for wellbeing aimed at Carers starting at Pontesbury Pavilion on Friday 13th September, for 6 weeks. They can also bring the person they care for if they would like to. It is a relaxing and uplifting singing session no experience needed as they will be interactive easy fun sessions with the aim of improving wellbeing. Sessions are Free and refreshments will be provided. Booking essential via Shropshire carers team 01743 341995 or email shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk
Pet Service
Habberley is hosting a Pet Service on Sunday September 8th at 3 p.m. outside the Village Hall. All reasonably well-behaved pets are welcome. The service will be followed by drinks in the hall. You are also invited to bring your own picnic. All welcome.
Health Survey
Shropshire Council is reviewing health provision via a community survey (see the link below). It’s important that our voices are heard if we want the best provision available. Please make time to do this if you’re able.
Service of Meditation
A new Ignatian style service is to be launched at St George’s on Sunday September 8th at 7 p.m. The service entails opportunities for prayer and reflection as well as refreshments served. Everyone welcome.
Group Service
The next opportunity for us all to worship together is at Hope on Sunday September 29th at 10.30 a.m.
Newsletter content
Please be aware that while it’s great that members are using this newsletter to advertise a vast variety of events, we can only attach so many posters in any given week. Please bear with us. We will advertise events in chronological order. A few lines of text summarising an event can always be included if sent to Emma in time.
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. The timetable for the day is as follows:
Holy Trinity Minsterley 8.30 a.m.
St Luke’s Snailbeach 9.30 a.m.
Holy Trinity Hope at 11 a.m.
All Saints Shelve at 1.00 p.m.
St Mary’s Habberley at 4.00 p.m.
St George’s Pontesbury at 5.00 p.m.
Minsterley at 6.00 p.m.
Please note that these timings are approximate. If you wish to contact the group on the day, please phone Sarah Edwards on 07971 984025
A Church Near You
Holy Trinity Minsterley is looking for a volunteer to maintain its A Church Near You page. If you think you might be able to help, please contact Sarah Edwards at sarahedwards90@hotmail.com
Ichthus
Tuesday 17th September 2.30pm at The Blessing, Snailbeach
Sponsored Sing
St George’s Church and benefice choir invite you to their coffee morning and singalong.
Saturday 28th September from 10:00am-12:00noon
Big Breakfast
St George’s Church are hosting Big Breakfast, 4 half hour time slots. Cost £10 to include tea/coffee and toast. Call Marianne McCall to book a breakfast time slot on 07944333830.
21st September from 9:00am-11:30am
Barn Dance & Supper
Minsterley Parish Hall in hosting Barn Dance & Supper. 5th October at 7 p.m.
Tickets available via the link below, QR code on poster or contact Sarah on 07971984925.
Congratulations
To Colin & Marie Edwards who are to be recipients of the Order of St Ethelbert. The Bishop of Hereford will be presenting this award to Colin & Marie along with other recipients from across the diocese, to individuals who have supported and nurtured the Christian ministry of the diocese in many and devoted ways. The presentation will happen at Hereford Cathedral at 3.30 p.m. on Sunday 6th October. If anyone would like to attend this event, Sarah Edwards is investigating the possibility of a coach. She can be contacted on sarahedwards90@hotmail.com
Calendar for the Week – September
Fri 6th
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
Sat 7th
Afternoon Tea at Merrilees from 1.30-4.30 p.m.
Sun 8th
Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Morning Prayer at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Pet Service at Habberley at 3 p.m.
Service of Meditation at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Mon 9th
Benefice Council at 4 p.m. in WER
Tues 10th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Weds 11th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Pontesbury Youth Café at 3.20 p.m.
Minsterley Standing Ctte at 7 p.m.
Thurs 12th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM from 10-11.30 a.m.
Deanery Synod at 7 p.m. at Alberbury Village Hall
Sat 14th
Ride and Stride starting at Minsterley at 8.30 a.m.
Sun 15th
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Minsterley Praise at 10 a.m. at Methodist Chapel
Harvest Communion at Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Summer Praise at Hope Village Hall at 2.30 p.m.
