Newsletter 18th October 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
18th October 2024
Dear Friends
Richard was on duty last week, so I didn’t get chance to reflect on what a magnificent occasion it was at Hereford Cathedral on 6th October when Colin and Marie Edwards were fittingly presented with the St Ethelbert Award. The Cathedral was full, with perhaps 600 people in attendance, all there to support the 40 or so lay people who were receiving this important award. It’s rare that lay people get the acknowledgement that they so often deserve. When a Bishop is consecrated or a Priest is ordained, the fanfare and ceremony is often on a par with the coronation of a monarch!
St Paul says in 1 Corinthians 12, in speaking of the body of Christ, that God has given greater honour to the parts of the body that lacked it. We don’t always remember this as a Church; and therefore, it was a wonderful privilege to be part of the honouring of the tea makers, organists, flower rota arrangers, messy church leaders and others who together are the backbone of the Church.
Tin Soldiers
Tin Soldiers entertained a full Public Hall in Pontesbury last Saturday, and as a result of the concert has very generously donated £433 to Rea Valley Foodbank.
Minsterley Tidy up
Many thanks to all those who kindly gave of their time and trouble to take part in the Minsterley Church Autumn tidy up last Saturday morning.
Harvest
Many thanks to all those who supported our churches during the Harvest season. The churches were beautifully decorated, services, suppers and lunches were well supported and much money was raised for RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) and Rea Valley Foodbank. And thanks to those who cooked, baked and decorated.
Fran Brealey
Please note that Fran & Mike will be on holiday from 16th-24th October inclusive. Any urgent enquiries should be directed to Greg.
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.
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.
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
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.
All Souls
There will be two All Souls services in the Group this year. At Hope Church on Sunday Oct 27th at 3 p.m. and at St George’s on Nov 3rd at 4 p.m. We will be reading the names of all those who have died in our area over the last 12 months but are pleased to read any other names that are sent to us. There is a list at the back of St George’s to enter names or alternatively you can email Jackie at sandjwinwood@btinternet.com
Tea-time Service
The next Tea-time service will take place at Minsterley Parish Hall on Sunday October 27th at 4 p.m. Our time will begin with tea and cake being served, and will include a study of Psalm 19, prayer and worship. All welcome.
Monday Bible Study Group
The new bible study series on The Lord’s Prayer began on Monday night group and will continue fortnightly. The venue for this is 4 Parry Drive on Young’s Way in Pontesbury, continuing on October 28th at 7 p.m. with thanks to Lynda Munton our hostess. Anyone is welcome to join us.
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.
Quiz Time
Quiz Time and Raffle. Including a light bite. Saturday November 9th. West End Room, St George’s, Pontesbury. 7:00pm. Bring your own choice of drinks.
Contact Marianne McCall on 07944333830 for a ticket
The return of Messy Church
We will be restarting Messy Church at Holy Trinity, Minsterley on Wednesday the 13th November. at 3:30pm until 5pm.
The theme is the light shining in the darkness and as such we will be working on stained glass windows, candle holders, cake decorating and painting.
It would be great if you could do at least one of the following:
a.) Pray for the families (and leaders) who attend!
b.) Provide Richard with old jam jars that you don’t want anymore
c.) Help prep up sandwiches and sausage rolls and the like on the day at 1pm.
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:
19 November 2024
17 December 2024
21 January 2025
17 February 2025
18 March 2025
Calendar for the Week – October
Fri 18th Oct
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 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.
Service of Meditation at Longden at 7 p.m.
Mon 21st
Minsterley Youth Café at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 22nd
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30
Oasis at 12 noon at Minsterley Methodist Chapel
Pontesbury Festival Planning Ctte at 6.30 p.m. at Congs
Weds 23rd
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Pontesbury Youth Café at 3.20 p.m.
Thurs 24th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM from 10-11.30 a.m.
Fri 25th
Stuart Carter in concert at Habberley Village Hall at7 p.m.
Sun 27th
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
All Souls service at Hope at 3 p.m.
Tea-time service at Minsterley Parish Hall at 4 p.m.
