Newsletter 2nd August 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones Newsletter
2nd August 2024
Roadwork’s seem to be a regular part of life these days. When it is just a question of waiting for the lights to change, only a little patience is required (unless the lights have broken). But sometimes we are obliged to follow a lengthy diversion on perhaps unfamiliar roads. This can be a nuisance, especially if we are on a tight timetable, but does mean we may get to see new places and new views that we might otherwise have missed. Most of us can look back and see unexpected diversions on our path through life.
Sometimes we did not choose these changes, and they may have been quite unwelcome. But others were the result of our considered decision. They may have led to new opportunities, jobs, or relationships, some of which we could not possibly have foreseen, and for which we are now very grateful.
Robert Frost’s poem, The Road not Taken, warns against endlessly regretting the way we didn’t go, the choices we might have made differently: ‘I shall be telling this with a sigh, somewhere ages and ages hence … I took the road less travelled.’ The good things we experience on the road we did take seem a much better focus than what might have been on the road we chose not to follow.
Whatever road we are on, those who travel with us make all the difference. God
promises always to be with us, wherever we go, and this can strengthen and
encourage us in good and in difficult times. In the words of an Irish blessing:
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind be always at your back.
May the warm rays of sun fall upon your home.
May a friend always be near.
May God hold you in the palm of his hand.
Rev Fran Brealey
Survey
A national survey investigating the views of ordinary church members is available at
Little Dragons and Trinity Tots
We continue to look for additional volunteers to supplement our new Little Dragon and Trinity Tots teams. Please speak to Greg, Val or Sarah Young if you would like to know more.
Romans Course
A course on the Book of Romans, St Paul’s great masterpiece, continues on Monday August 5th at 7 p.m. at our regular venue of 3 Earls Court.
Ecumenical garden service
On Sunday 11th August there will be an ecumenical garden service at Pontesbury Congregational Church at 2.30pm, followed by refreshments. All welcome (indoors if wet!). We are looking for someone to do a Bible reading. Please contact Fran Brealey revfran@btinternet.com, tel.07982324760 if you could to do this.
The Melody Makers
15th August. Singing Workshop 7:30pm – 9:00pm at Minsterley Methodist Chapel led by the amazing Charlotte Woodford. Open to all, ages 16+. Arrive 7.15pm for a 7.30pm start; enjoy a cuppa and a chat after. Just £10 per person; booking essential. For more information contact Karen on 07917 620110, or David Young on 01743 537081.
Minsterley Show
The Minsterley Show is back again on the 17th of August, and we need people to start making delicious cakes! If you think you can bake some cakes and pop them in the freezer then please do start as your support is very much appreciated! This is a big fundraiser for Holy Trinity and our stall is very much appreciated by the show attendees due to our reasonable prices – we can keep our prices down due to the fact that cakes and sandwiches are donated. Keep the date in your diary and on your marks, get, set, bake!
The show ground is situated 5 miles Southwest of Shrewsbury on the B4386, Shrewsbury to Westbury Road. SatNav users should input SY5 8PW as the postcode.
Minsterley Show baking
Could our fabulous bakers please let me know what you’ve already baked and frozen and / or what you’re intending to make for the refreshment tent at Minsterley Show please. I’m trying to ascertain how much more we need to organise or if we’re on track.
You can email me on sarahedwards90@hotmail.com or call/message 07971 984925
Hope Summer Praise
On the third Sunday of the month, over the summer months at 2.30 p.m. there will be a service at Hope Village Hall, continuing on August 18th. We hope to attract new worshippers but would encourage all our folk to come along to support this new venture.
Group Service
Please note that the next Group Service will be at Shelve at 10.30 a.m. on Sunday August 25th
Ride and Stride
The annual sponsored walk raising funds for our churches and the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust will take place on Saturday Sept 14th. This year the plan is to walk around the six churches of the group so that walkers can do as many or as few legs as they are able. If you want to walk for Pontesbury, please speak to Stephen Winwood, for Minsterley to Sarah Edwards and for Hope/Shelve Fran Brealey. If anyone would like to be an organiser for Habberley, please speak to Greg.
Calendar for the Week
Sun 4th
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Family Worship at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Mon 5th
Duck Race at Minsterley Village 10:30 a.m.
(Meeting Parish Hall car park, BBQ and prize giving Holy Trinity, Minsterley)
Tues 6th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Weds 7th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Thurs 8th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Fri 9th
Coffee Stop at St George’s 10-12
Sun 11th
Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Morning Prayer at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
