Newsletter 30th August 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
30th August 2024
Dear Friends
One of the great challenges for a Vicar is knowing when and how widely to consult. By nature, I am a team player, and want everyone on board (even the newest member) and want everyone to feel as though they have a stake in the decisions the church makes and in its direction of travel. As I’m sure you appreciate, this can be a challenge. One of my favourite passages from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy in which the earth is to be destroyed to make way for an inter-galactic bypass is the answer to the complaint from earth’s residents that they knew nothing about the scheme: that it has been clearly advertised in the locked drawer of a filing cabinet in a far distant council office. We have all harboured suspicions about people claiming they want to consult and find out what everyone thinks. Do they really?
In John 15, Jesus tells his disciples that they are his friends and to prove this, he shares His Father’s plans. That must be our model, even when we know that people don’t always read newsletters, see posters or take much notice of Facebook!
Morning Prayer
A new service of Morning Prayer is being launched at St George’s on 8th September and on second Sundays thereafter. The service will consist of the traditional readings, sermon, hymns and intercessions, along with choral canticles that the choir has been working hard to learn. Many thanks to Carolyn Lewis and Rob Pither for their hard work in producing orders of service.
Little Dragons and Trinity Tots
Trinity Tots will reconvene on Thurs 12th September with a new team in place, while St George’s Little Dragons will meet for the first time on Tuesday September 17th. We only have the bare minimum for each team, so would be very pleased to hear from anyone who might be interested in joining either team. Please speak to Greg, Val Butterworth or Sarah Young if you would like to know more.
Romans
The Bible Study group that is looking at St Paul’s letter to the Romans continues on Monday at 3 Earls Court, Pontesbury at 7 p.m. You are welcome to attend even if you have not been to any previous session.
Ephesians
This Sunday marks the start of our series on St Paul’s letter to the Ephesians with an introduction to one of his greatest epistles, focusing on Paul’s visit to Ephesus as recorded in Acts 19. You can read this by way of preparation in just a few minutes, or indeed you can read the whole epistle in approximately 15 minutes.
Interactive Singing
There is a new interactive singing for wellbeing aimed at Carers starting at Pontesbury Pavilion on Friday 13th September, for 6 weeks. They can also bring the person they care for if they would like to. It is a relaxing and uplifting singing session no experience needed as they will be interactive easy fun sessions with the aim of improving wellbeing. Sessions are Free and refreshments will be provided. Booking essential via Shropshire carers team 01743 341995 or email shropshire.carers@shropshire.gov.uk
Pet Service
Habberley is hosting a Pet Service on Sunday September 8th at 3 p.m. outside the Village Hall. All reasonably well-behaved pets are welcome. The service will be followed by refreshments in the hall. All welcome.
Health Survey
Shropshire Council is reviewing health provision via a community survey (see the link below). It’s important that our voices are heard if we want the best provision available. Please make time to do this if you’re able.
Service of Meditation
A new Ignatian style service is to be launched at St George’s on Sunday September 8th at 7 p.m. The service entails opportunities for prayer and reflection as well as refreshments served. Everyone welcome.
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.
Group Service
Thanks to all those who attended a wonderful Group Service at Shelve last Sunday. The next opportunity for us all to worship together is at Hope on Sunday September 29th at 10.30 a.m.
Praise evening
Our latest bi-monthly gathering to encounter the Lord in an informal setting, with the sharing of the encouragements God has given us over the last week or two, accompanied by contemporary worship, takes place at Holy Trinity Minsterley at 7 p.m. on Tuesday 3rd September. All welcome for this hour long gathering.
Richard & Claire
Please note that Richard & Claire remain on holiday until 1st September inclusive. All enquiries should be addressed to Greg or the relevant churchwardens.
Songs of Praise
We have been warmly invited to a Songs of Praise service at Pontesbury Baptist Church on Sunday Sept 1st at 6.30 p.m.
Newsletter content
Please be aware that while it’s great that members are using this newsletter to advertise a vast variety of events, we can only attach so many posters in any given week. Please bear with us. We will advertise events in chronological order. A few lines of text summarising an event can always be included if sent to Emma in time. A follow up email will go out with other posters on, that were not able to be attached to the newsletter email.
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
Ichthus
Tuesday 3rd September 2.30pm at Brookfield Waterwheel
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
Big Breakfast
St George’s Church are hosting Big Breakfast, 4 half hour time slots. Cost £10 to include tea/coffee and toast. Call Marianne McCall to book a breakfast time slot on 07944333830.
21st September from 9:00am-11:30am
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.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 30th
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
Sun 1st Sept
Holy Communion at Shelve 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.
Songs of Praise at Pontesbury Baptist Church at 6.30 p.m.
Mon 2nd
5-11s working group at Pontesbury at 3.30 p.m.
Romans Bible Study at 3 Earls Court at 7 p.m.
Tues 3rd
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Oasis Leaders Review at 12 noon
Praise Evening at HTM at 7 p.m.
Weds 4th
Drop in for new parents at St George’s at 9.15 a.m.
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Habberley PCC at 2 p.m. in church
Pontesbury PCC at 7 p.m. in WER
Thurs 5th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Foodbank Team meeting at 2 p.m. in WER
Sat 7th
Afternoon Tea at Merrilees from 1.30-4.30 p.m.
Sun 8th
Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Morning Prayer at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Pet Service at Habberley at 3 p.m.
Service of Meditation at St George’s at 7 p.m.
