Newsletter 4th October 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
4th October 2024
Dear Friends
I was rather distressed to see a report in the Shropshire Star, concerning a Facebook post by a Community Police Officer in Pontesbury. The report centred on the antisocial behaviour perpetrated by some young people in the village. While this behaviour is regrettable and upsetting, it seems unfair to me to tar all young people with the same brush. Moreover, the report that St George’s is locked is inaccurate, and appears to align us with those who cannot see any good in the many wonderful young people who live locally. In a world of ever greater hatred and violence between groups of people, we need to resist stigmatising our own young people just because they’re young.
Once upon a time, an 11-year-old lad snuck away from his parents and found himself in the religious building of his day. The young boy was not thrown out of the temple, nor dismissed or lambasted by the adults. Instead, they recognized he had something to teach them. I suspect that may be true of many of the young people who live in our villages too.
Group Service
Thanks to all those who attended the Group Service last Sunday at Hope Church, and many thanks to Hope church for hosting us all. It was wonderful to see so many hands raised indicating that it was people’s first ever visit to the church.
Shrewsbury Youth for Christ
Shrewsbury Youth for Christ, who do wonderful work in Mary Webb School and in the villages is looking to increase its database of prayer supporters. To sign up would mean receiving a monthly prayer letter. Let Greg know if you would like to receive this.
Ephesians
This Sunday sees the continuation of our series on St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians considering Eph 2.1-10 at Habberley and Eph 5.8-21 at Pontesbury
St Ethelbert
We pray for Colin and Marie Edwards as they receive the St Ethelbert award from the Bishop of Hereford on Sunday at the 3 p.m. Cathedral Evensong.
After Service Coffee
By kind invitation of the Streeton family, coffee after the Harvest Service at Minsterley on Sunday will be served at Minsterley Hall. 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.
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 relaunched successfully 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.
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.
Monday Bible Study Group
Having completed our series on St Paul’s letter to the Romans, the Monday night group will continue to meet fortnightly to study the Lord’s Prayer. The new venue for this is 4 Parry Drive on the Young Piece estate in Pontesbury, starting on October 14th at 7 p.m. with thanks to Lynda Munton for offering to host. Anyone is welcome to join us.
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 https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bishops-study-day-2-year-of-faith-tickets-773092389147
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. The waiters will be local young people (please see above). We still 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.
Harvest Services and Suppers
There is an extensive programme of harvest services and suppers over the coming week as follows:
Harvest Supper (and Barn Dance) at Minsterley Village Hall on Sat Oct 5th at 7 p.m.
Harvest Service at Shelve on Sun Oct 6th at 9 a.m.
Harvest Service at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Harvest Service at Snailbeach at 3 p.m.
Harvest Supper at Hope Village Hall on Weds Oct 9th at 6.30 p.m.
Harvest Service at Hope on Sun Oct 13th at 9 a.m.
Harvest Service at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m. followed by Harvest Lunch
The Gathering
The monthly gathering of Christians from across the Deanery for praise and prayer which is
hosted at 7.p.m. Marton Village Hall.
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 – October
Fri 4th Oct Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
Sat 5th Minsterley Harvest Supper/Barn Dance at 7 p.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.
Mon 7th Coffee Stop review meeting at 3.30 in WER
Minsterley Youth Café at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 8th Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30
Weds 9th Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Pontesbury Youth Café at 3.20 p.m.
Hope Harvest Supper at 6.30 p.m. at Hope Village Hall
Thurs 10th Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM from 10-11.30 a.m.
Sat 12th For the Love of Flowers at 7 p.m. at St George’s
Sun 13th Hope Harvest at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Pontesbury Harvest at 10.30 a.m.
Harvest Lunch at Pontesbury
Service of Meditation at Longden at 7 p.m.
