Newsletter 11th October 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
11th October 2024
Dear Friends
I remember when I was about 5 years old asking my dad how old he was and he told me he was 32. At the time that seemed like an unimaginable age, a number that I would never, ever reach! Yet, on Saturday I shall turn 49 and I have to say that apart from the odd creak I still feel quite young, even if the sense of being within range of a half-century seems quite remarkable.
Now of course, those of you who are older still may smile at my relative youth, but it’s funny how no matter our age, once we reach maturity, we don’t really feel any older in ourselves. Yes, physically we do; senses dull, muscles weaken, bones ache and so on, but in ourselves we are still the same person. Ecclesiastes – always full of wisdom – encourages us to remember our Creator in the days of our youth, but if inside ourselves we are still youthful and can remember to laugh and sing, and allow the light of life to continue to burn strongly, then surely this is also an encouragement for us all, whatever our physical age. Remember our Creator and give thanks for the life He has given each of us.
Rev Richard Lonsdale
CANCELLED! For the Love of Flowers
Unfortunately, this event has been cancelled due to low ticket sales. This was due to take place at St George’s Church, Pontesbury on 12th October.
Fran Brealey
Please note that Fran & Mike will be on holiday from 16th-24th October inclusive. Any urgent enquiries should be directed to Greg.
Harvest Services and Lunches
The Harvest season comes to an end this Sunday, with services at Hope and Pontesbury, and with a Harvest Lunch at St George’s, payment by donation. Thanks to all those who have attended harvest events elsewhere and special thanks to those who have decorated our churches so beautifully.
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.
St Ethelbert
Many congratulations to Colin and Marie Edwards who were presented with the St Ethelbert award by the Bishop of Hereford last Sunday at Hereford Cathedral.
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
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
Autumn tidy up at Holy Trinity Minsterley
The annual autumn church and churchyard tidy up at HTM is happening this Saturday (12 October) from 930am. All volunteers will be much appreciated – for both inside and outside. Bring your chosen tools, persuade a friend to join us and enjoy the coffee and cake provided to keep us going!
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.
The Gathering
The monthly meeting for prayer and worship at Marton Village Hall takes place this coming Tuesday, Oct 15th with coffee served from 7 p.m.
The Gathering
Marton Village Hall, 7 p.m. Tuesday 15th October. Dr Edwin and Mrs Peta Martin from Bedfordshire will be talking about their work in ten remote countries around the world. Most of this work was done specifically with an aim of showing God’s love and where possible presenting His gospel. They will bring a few copies of their book, “Bouncing around the Edges” with a subtitle of “Following the wind” that recounts their exploits; this is also available on Amazon. All welcome for a fascinating and inspiring evening.
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 Susan Lockwood has registered to attend and is happy to share transport.
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 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 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 11th Oct
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
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.
Mon 14th
Pontesbury Finance Ctte at 10.30 a.m. at The Deanery
Minsterley Youth Café at 3.30 p.m.
The Lord’s Prayer bible study group at 4 Parry Drive
Tues 15th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30
Ichthus at 2.30 p.m.
The Gathering at 7 p.m. at Marton Village Hall
Weds 16th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Pontesbury Comms meeting at 2 p.m. in WER
Pontesbury Youth Café at 3.20 p.m.
Rea Valley Prayer at 7 p.m. at Hove-to, the Gravels
Thurs 17th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM from 10-11.30 a.m.
Sun 20th
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Minsterley Praise at 10.30 a.m at HTM
Holy Communion at Habberley at 5 p.m.
