Newsletter 27th September 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
27th September 2024
The new prime minister has pledged to build 1.5 million homes in Britain over the next five years. It is a massive, and many would say unachievable ambition. Those struggling to buy an affordable house may view such a promise positively. Others worry about the effect on the environment, the burden on already over-stretched public services, or the increase in traffic on their streets. However, even though we may regret the loss of the fields on which they are erected, all of us surely recognise the necessity for the new buildings going up in our villages to be properly constructed, standing firm against the plentiful rain and forceful winds.
In the letter to the Ephesians, Paul uses the illustration of a building to teach about the church. A well-built home needs a stable foundation, and the church is built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, whose lives and teaching continue to guide us. The cornerstone of this building is Jesus Christ, who holds the whole structure together. Jesus must always be at the centre of our worship, and the motivator of our work for the church and our service to others. We are sometimes overwhelmed with the burden of keeping our village church buildings going, but Paul reminds us that each of us is part of a spiritual building, which has one purpose, to be the place where God dwells by his Spirit. This can only happen as we are all built together by the Holy Spirit. Where God dwells the barriers which divide us can be broken down, and we are no longer strangers or foreigners but members of one family, valuing and caring for one another.
Rev Fran
Barn Dance & Supper
Unfortunately, the Barn Dance & Supper has had to be cancelled due to lack of interest.
Ride and Stride
If you were kind enough to sponsor the valiant walkers who took part in Ride & Stride earlier this month, please settle up as soon as you’re able. It’s still not too late to sponsor people retrospectively.
Tea Service
The monthly Tea Service takes place at St George’s on Tuesday at 2.30 p.m. A short service
followed by tea and cake. All welcome
Beth Rowe
When Beth was appointed as organist and choir leader at Holy Trinity Minsterley in January,
the plan was to announce this officially as soon as her DBS certificate arrived. That has now
happened! Congratulations and thanks to Beth for all that she has done to date.
Youth Café
Please pray for the Pontesbury Youth Café which meets on Wednesday afternoons, and which has just launched the STIR course. This is designed to help young people think about
faith, without making any assumptions about any prior understanding. Do pray for Joe and
the team as they embark on this important adventure.
Ukraine
At Deanery Synod, we listened to powerful stories about the Ukraine Project, which has had a transformative effect on so many lives. The bottom line is that more homes are still required to house Ukrainian refugees, usually a mother and one or two children. If you have a spare room which you are willing to give over for six months, there is a lot of support to enable to you do this. An information pack can be obtained from Greg if you wish to know more.
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
Ephesians
This Sunday sees the continuation of our series on St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians with a
focus on chapter four, verses 14-32.
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
Group Service
This Sunday September 29th we host a Group Service at 10.30 a.m. at Holy Trinity Hope.
There is good parking, and all are welcome. There are no other services in the benefice this
weekend.
Group Service this Sunday 29th September, 10.30 am at Hope Church.
If you are coming to Hope on Sunday morning, please park on the left hand side of the car park nearest the church. There will also be parking in the field opposite the church. Continue past the church up the lane, past Ash Cottage and the field gate is immediately on the right.
Messy Church
St George’s is planning to offer a Messy Church at Christmas (and possibly beyond). There
is a meeting for all who might be interested in this on Monday Sept 30th at 3.30 p.m. in the
WER of St George’s. All welcome.
Mary Webb Governor
After three years as a governor at Mary Webb School, Greg is standing down. However, the school would still appreciate a church representative. This doesn’t have to be a member of St George’s Church, but anyone with an interest in secondary education from any of our churches. If interested, please contact Greg. The next governors’ meeting is at 4.30 on Monday Sept 30th.
Romans
The final session on Romans takes place on Monday at 3 Earl’s Court at 7 p.m.
Ichthus
The fortnightly bible study group meets at Waterwheel, Wagbeach on Tuesday 1st October at 2.30 p.m.to study the lectionary readings for the week. All welcome. Contact Liz Jackson for more information.
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.
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
Snailbeach Harvest Service
The Harvest Service at St Luke’s Snailbeach will take place on Sunday Oct 6th at 3 p.m. led
by Revd Fran
Hope and Shelve Harvest Supper Wednesday 9th October 7pm.
Tickets now on sale £10 each, £5 for children under 11. Contact Fran on 07982324760.
For the Love of Flowers
St George’s Church, Pontesbury presents an evening with Anne Whysall. Saturday 12th October at 7 p.m. £10 per person and includes refreshments.
For tickets contact Mary Worrall on 01743791069 or Marianne McCall on 07944333830
Harvest Lunch
St George’s Church, Pontesbury are hosting a Harvest Lunch. Sunday 13th October at 12:30 p.m. Limited to 40 people. Booking advisable. Cost by Donation. Tickets available from Mary Worrall on 01743791069 or Marianne McCall on 07944333830
Service of Meditation
The second service of meditation will take place at Longden Church on Sunday October 14th at 7 p.m. All welcome. If you would like a lift, please speak to Greg.
Bishop’s Study Day
Revd Dr Isabelle Hamley is the guest speaker at the Bishop’s Study Day on Thurs Oct 24th at St Peter’s Hereford. Isabelle was the Archbishop’s Adviser on Theology and is now Principal of Ridley Hall Theological College in Cambridge. The day starts at 9.30 a.m. and anyone is welcome to attend. Tickets are free, but should be acquired in advance via
Concert at Middleton Church
Please see the attached poster advertising a concert at Middleton on Saturday October 26th at 3 p.m.
Community Meal
Holy Trinity Minsterley and Rea Valley Foodbank, sponsored by Shropshire Good Food, are
hosting a community meal at Minsterley Parish Hall on Tuesday October 29th at 5 p.m. The
meal, prepared by a professional chef, will provide a feasting menu for our guests. We have
a limited number of tickets for this available on a first come first served basis. The tickets are donation only (suggested amount £10). Please email Greg at rectorpontstip@gmail.com if you would like to come along.
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
Calendar for the Week – September/October
Fri 27th
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
Sat 28th
Sponsored Sing at St George’s 10-12
Sun 29th
Group Service at Hope at 10.30 a.m.
Mon 30th
Minsterley Youth Café at 3.30 p.m.
Messy Church meeting at St George’s at 3.30 p.m.
Romans Bible Study at 3 Earls Court at 7 p.m.
Pontesbury Fundraising Ctte at 7 p.m. at 15 Manor Park
Tues Oct 1st
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30
Tea Service at St George’s at 2.30 p.m.
Ichthus at Waterwheel at 2.30 p.m.
Weds 2nd
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Parents Group at St George’s at 10 a.m.
Pontesbury Youth Café at 3.20 p.m.
Thurs 3rd
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM from 10-11.30 a.m.
Sun 6th
Shelve Harvest at 9 a.m.
Minsterley Harvest at 10.30 a.m.
Family Service at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Snailbeach Harvest at 3 p.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
