Newsletter 20th September 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
20th September 2024
Dear Friends,
A surprising number of people this week have been remarking on my appearance on the telly last Saturday, in which I was featured in Beat the Chasers. ITV no doubt will be pleased by how few people realised that it was a repeat from two years ago. And I’m pleased by how few people noticed that I have aged two years since then. One or two people have enjoyed pointing out that I still got all the same questions wrong. And although they mean this as a joke, I suspect the truth is (apart from the one I didn’t hear properly) I probably would get all the same questions wrong.
One of the great themes of the Bible is how slow we are to learn. God’s love is ever faithful, but how often we doubt Him. His desire that we should avoid the sins the trip us up and spoil our lives is constant, but still we go astray and wonder why things turned out so badly. Perhaps we should all watch videos back of our previous mistakes and try harder to learn from them!
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.
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.
Ride and Stride
Many thanks to the valiant walkers who took part in last Saturday’s Ride & Stride marathon, painful but very rewarding. If you were kind enough to sponsor the walkers, please hand over your sponsorship as soon as practical. If you didn’t get round to sponsoring them, it’s not too late to do it retrospectively. They certainly deserve it. Special thanks to David Young, who pioneered and led the walk; and to Stephen Winwood who offered lifts and encouragement throughout the day.
Ephesians
This Sunday sees the continuation of our series on St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians with a focus on chapter three, verses 14-21.
Group Service
The next opportunity for us all to worship together is at Hope on Sunday September 29th at 10.30 a.m.
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
Concert at Middleton Church
Please see the attached poster advertising a concert at Middleton on Saturday October 26th at 3 p.m.
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.
Sunday Services for Richard
Richard will not be at any of the Sunday services in the Benefice throughout the month of November as he will be on placement at All Saints in Shrewsbury as part of his curacy training. Richard has decided to register with the Society of St Wilfrid and St Hilda so it was felt that having an opportunity to serve in a more liturgical setting will be of some benefit as he completes his curacy in 2025.
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
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
Ichthus
Tuesday 1st October 2.30pm at Brookfield, Waterwheel
Mark 10:2-16, Ephesians 5:18-21, Genesis 2:18-24
Barn Dance & Supper
Minsterley Parish Hall in hosting Barn Dance & Supper. 5th October at 7 p.m.
Tickets available via the link below, QR code on poster or contact Sarah on 07971984925.
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
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
Calendar for the Week – September
Fri 20th
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
Rise and Fall of Elvis at Hope Village Hall at 6.30 p.m.
Sat 21st
Big Breakfast at St George’s from 9.30-11.30
Minsterley Quiz at 7 p.m. at HTM
Sun 22nd
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
Tea-time Church at Minsterley Parish Hall at 4 p.m.
Mon 23rd
Minsterley Youth Café at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 24th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30
Oasis at St George’s at 12 noon
Hope PCC at 2 p.m.
Pontesbury Safeguarding Ctte at 3.30 p.m.
Pontesbury Festival Planning Team at 6.30 p.m. at The Pavilion
The Gathering at Marton Village Hall at 6.30 p.m.
Weds 25th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Pontesbury Youth Café at 3.20 p.m.
Minsterley PCC at 7 p.m.
Thurs 26th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM from 10-11.30 a.m.
Sat 28th
Sponsored Sing at St George’s 10-12
Sun 29th
Group Service at Hope at 10.30 a.m.
