Newsletter 1st November 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
1st November 2024
Dear friends
I was fortunate enough to be on holiday in Greece last week, where I visited many of the ancient sites in and around Athens. One day we walked from our hotel to the Areopagus, a rocky hill close to the Parthenon, where Paul is said to have preached the gospel. According to the Acts of the Apostles, he commented on the many shrines and altars to the Greek gods – and there are still plenty of these to be seen today. The Athenians made offerings to many gods, and as Paul noticed, even to ‘unknown’ gods. The Greek gods could be gentle and kind, but were also prone to fickleness, jealousy and fits of spiteful rage. They were like the best and worst of humanity. It made me wonder how often we fall into the trap of trying to make God in our image, with the same prejudices and failings as us, rather than allowing him to remake us in his image. It is a reminder to keep looking to Jesus, who shows us most clearly what God is like, and who promises to work in our lives by his Spirit to make us more like him.
Rev Fran
Community Meal
Many thanks to those who supported the first community meal on Tuesday, even if it was only by eating the food! Another is planned for December.
Stuart’s Concert
Congratulations to Stuart Carter who played to a packed venue at Habberley Village Hall last Friday, raising in excess of £600 for St Mary’s funds.
Ruth Tyer
Those who remember Ruth Tyer, wife of Revd John Tyer, a priest who lived and ministered in Pontesbury in retirement, will be saddened to hear of her recent death in County Durham, following only a few months after John’s own passing.
St George’s Survey
Please find attached a survey for members of St George’s. This is a really important survey since it will help our fundraiser to prepare grant bids. You can return it to the email address shown on the survey or to Greg at rectorpontstip@gmail.com
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.
Esperanza
Many of you will recall praying for Esperanza, the 19-year-old granddaughter of Michael Dennis who had major brain surgery last year. Esperanza and her dad joined us for our Group Service at Shelve in the summer and was looking very well. However, since visiting England, her health has deteriorated, and she requires further brain surgery. Please do pray for the full success of this second time around. If you would like to help the family financially since the operation has to be paid for, there is a go fund me page, which also has further details of Espe’s condition: https://gofund.me/02b125c6
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, contact Sarah Edwards sarahedwards90@hotmail.com
Colin Hurford
Revd Colin Hurford delivered a powerful message on climate change at St George’s last Sunday. Anyone who is interested in responding practically to this challenge is welcome to attend an eco-meeting in the WER on Monday at 3.30 p.m.
Praise Evening
Our monthly Praise evening takes place at St George’s at 7 p.m. All welcome to come and learn/sing new songs and share stories of what God has been doing.
All Souls
There is an All Souls service 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.
Quiz Time
Quiz Time and Raffle. Including a light bite. Saturday November 9th. Tickets are £7. You are welcome to come on your own, and a team will be found for you. Taking place in the West End Room, St George’s, Pontesbury. 7:00pm. Bring your own choice of drinks.
Contact Marianne McCall on 07944333830 for a ticket
Monday Bible Study Group
The new bible study series on The Lord’s Prayer continues fortnightly. The venue for this is 4 Parry Drive on Young’s Way in Pontesbury, continuing on November 11th at 7 p.m. with thanks to Lynda Munton our hostess. Anyone is welcome to join us.
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.
Remembrance
Please see the weekly calendar for our Remembrance services. Do make a careful note of times.
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.
as follows:
19 November 2024
17 December 2024
21 January 2025
17 February 2025
18 March 2025
November Services:
17th November onwards
9:00am Morning Prayer – Shelve
10:30am Holy Communion – Pontesbury
10:30am Minsterley Methodist
5:00pm Holy Communion – Habberley
24th November
9:00am Morning Prayer – Hope
10:30am Holy Communion – Pontesbury
4:00pm Teatime Service – Minsterley Village Hall
Calendar for the Week
November
Fri 1st Nov
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
Funeral of Geoff Brown at Crematorium at 12.30
Sat 2nd
Wedding of Hannah & Lewis at Habberley at 12.30 p.m.
Sun 3rd
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Family Service at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
All Souls service at Pontesbury at 4 p.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Mon 4th
Eco meeting in WER at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 5th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30 a.m.
Tea Service at St George’s at 2.30 p.m.
Ichthus Programme at Brookfield Waterwheel 2.30 p.m.
Praise Evening in WER at 7 p.m.
Weds 6th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Thurs 7th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM 10-11.30 a.m.
Sat 9th
Quiz Night at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Sun 10th
Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Remembrance service at Pontesbury at 10.15
Remembrance service at Minsterley at 10.50
Remembrance service at Snailbeach at 3 p.m.
Service of Meditation at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Mon 11th
Act of Remembrance at Hope War Memorial at 11 a.m.
