Newsletter 13th September 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
13th September 2024
Dear Friends,
Last Friday I was invited to a rather posh dinner at Minsterley Hall. It was in aid of the Minsterley Meadows Appeal and those present included our new MP, the High Sheriff of Shropshire, the deputy Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, his wife and various others. I was asked to open in prayer and managed to pray for an evening of conniving when I meant to say an evening of conviviality. One of those present remarked after the prayer that he had never been given divine permission to connive before and rather looked forward to the rest of the evening! That’s what happens when you try to show off using big words at an important occasion.
In spite of our own rubbish efforts at saying the right thing at the right occasions it is a good reminder that our Lord doesn’t misspeak, and so when he says “Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” or “The one who comes to me I will certainly not cast out” or ““My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snatch them out of My hand. My Father who has given them to Me is greater than all. No one can snatch them out of My Father’s hand.” we can be confident that he means what he says and not only that; but has the power to see these promises through to the very end.
Rev Richard Lonsdale
Sunday Services for Richard
Richard will not be at any of the Sunday services in the Benefice throughout the month of November as he will be on placement at All Saints in Shrewsbury as part of his curacy training. Richard has decided to register with the Society of St Wilfrid and St Hilda so it was felt that having an opportunity to serve in a more liturgical setting will be of some benefit as he completes his curacy in 2025.
Afternoon Tea at Merrilees
Thanks to all who supported Afternoon Tea at Merrilees last Saturday and braved some
rather inclement weather. Thanks also to Ann Smith for her hard work and generous
hospitality. Just short of £300 was raised towards Minsterley church funds.
Little Dragons and Trinity Tots
Trinity Tots has now started up 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.
Ephesians
This Sunday sees the continuation of our series on St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians with a
focus on chapter two, verses 1-10. 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.
The Gathering
The monthly gathering of Christians from across the Deanery for praise and prayer which is
hosted at Marton Village Hall will next take place on Tuesday Sept 24th at 7 p.m. but
thereafter on third Tuesdays of the month. Dates as follows:
15th October 2024
19 November 2024
17 December 2024
21 January 2025
17 February 2025
18 March 2025
Pet Service
Thanks to the six dogs who braved the floods last Sunday to attend the Habberley Pet
Service and their human companions. It was a joyous service, and no-one got bitten! Thanks to the Habberley team for their warm hospitality and adaptability.
Ride and Stride
The annual sponsored walk raising funds for our churches and the Shropshire Historic
Churches Trust will take place this 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 has been slightly revised 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 p.m.
St Mary’s Habberley at 4 p.m.
St George’s Pontesbury at 5 p.m.
Minsterley at 6 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. There will be celebratory refreshments at Minsterley at 6 p.m. an opportunity to congratulate the walkers on their achievement.
‘Everyone is welcome’
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. A follow up email will go out with other posters on, that were not able to be attached to the newsletter email.
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
Volunteer Drivers
Rea Valley Foodbank which relaunches on October 1st is looking for volunteer drivers to
transport food from the store at Minsterley Parish Hall to Holy Trinity on Tuesdays and St
George’s on Thursdays. Please speak to Greg asap if you think you may be able to help with
this.
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.
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
Talk on the Rise and Fall of Elvis Presley
Event at Hope Village Hall on Friday 20th September at 7pm, a talk on the Rise and Fall of Elvis Presley, Tickets £10, contact Moira and Wynford Wyke 07970755714 or 01743791320.
Also, on Sunday at 2.30pm in Hope Village Hall we have our third Summer Praise, a short informal service followed by tea and cake, all welcome.
Quiz and chips at HTM – last call!
Could everyone who is planning on quiz and chipping with us at HTM on 21st September let Sarah know asap (07971984925/sarahedwards90@hotmail.com)
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
Ichthus
Tuesday 17th September 2.30pm at The Blessing, Snailbeach
Group Service
The next opportunity for us all to worship together is at Hope on Sunday September 29th at
10.30 a.m.
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 13th
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
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.
Mon 16th
Minsterley Youth Café at 3.30 p.m.
Romans Course at 3 Earls Court at 7 p.m.
Tues 17th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Little Dragons reopens at 10 a.m.
Pontesbury Project Group at 12.30 at The Deanery
Ichthus at 2.30 p.m. at The Blessing
Weds 18th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Pontesbury Youth Café at 3.20 p.m.
St George’s Welcome Evening at 7 p.m.
Thurs 19th
Rea Valley Prayer Breakfast at 8 a.m. at Hove-to
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM from 10-11.30 a.m.
Fri 20th
The Rise & Fall of Elvis at Hope Village Hall at 6.30 p.m.
Sat 21st
Big Breakfast at St George’s from 9.30-11.30
Minsterley Quiz at 7 p.m. at HTM
Sun 22nd
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
Tea-time Church at Minsterley Parish Hall at 4 p.m.
