Newsletter 25th October 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
25th October 2024
Dear friends
I recently changed the head of my electric toothbrush (what an exciting life I lead!) I was aware that the old head was somewhat worn, but since I brush my teeth first thing in the morning when I am in a rush to get on with the day and last thing at night when I am generally very tired, I no doubt delayed the exchange of brush heads longer than I should. When I fitted the new head, I was astonished at how different it was. I realised that it was only feeling the difference a brand-new brush head made that I realised how worn the old one must have been.
Our spiritual lives can be much the same. We plod on doing the same things, too busy or too tired to consider making a change. But the investment of taking the trouble to try something new (a new way of praying, attending a different service or a different place of worship) can be revolutionary. Why not try something new this month? You may be astonished at what a difference it makes.
Colin Hurford
Revd Colin Hurford will be speaking this Sunday at St George’s on the church’s response to climate change.
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.
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, 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.
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. We have sold/distributed all the tickets but would benefit from another waiter to help. Please contact Greg if you’re able to help
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.
as follows:
19 November 2024
17 December 2024
21 January 2025
17 February 2025
18 March 2025
November Services:
3rd November
9:00am Holy Communion – Shelve
10:30am Family Worship – Pontesbury
10:30am Holy Communion – Minsterley
4:00pm All Souls Service – Pontesbury
5:00pm Evensong – Habberley
10th November
9:00am Holy Communion – Hope
10:15am Remembrance Service – Pontesbury
10:50am Remembrance at the War Memorial then Church – Minsterley
3:00pm Remembrance Service – Snailbeach
17th November
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
October/November
Fri 25th Oct
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
Stuart Carter Concert at Habberley Village Hall at 7 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.
Tues 29th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Minsterley Community Meal at 5 p.m. at Parish Hall
Weds 30th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Thurs 31st
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Funeral of Jean Airey at 2 p.m. at Hope Church
Sat 2nd Nov
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.
