Newsletter 8th November 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
8th November 2024
Well, as I write Donald Trump has won the US presidential election, who knows what that will bring over the coming four to five years, uncertainty is never nice, but hopefully you aren’t all needing a lie down in a darkened room! I imagine our PM and Foreign Secretary will have to rebuild some bridges pretty darn quick though!
It interesting that my reading this morning was from Daniel chapter 2 where Daniel is having to make known and then interpret Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and it is very clear, exceptionally so in fact, that any authority on earth is entirely given at God’s hand and that these authorities will eventually pass away and God will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. Daniel of course was alive during the greatest earthly kingdom, that of Babylon, well before the arrival of Jesus Christ, and so never saw the beginning of God’s eternal kingdom made through our Lord’s sacrifice. However he knew the truth of his interpretation, and it is a good reminder for us that when the world makes a big song and dance about a particular strong man or woman, no matter how powerful, that they will all ultimately pass away and that the Word of the Lord stands forever.
Rev. Richard Lonsdale
Fran
Apologies to anyone who was praying for Fran on the 31st. We neglected to tell everyone that her knee replacement operation had been postponed until Monday November 18th. Please note that Greg will be on leave the week following the surgery. Fran will continue to value your prayers.
Little Dragons
Little Dragons now has a new email address for anyone who wishes to contact the leadership team of Mandy, Leah & Helen. It is: littledragonspontesbury@gmail.com
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
Evening Prayer
A reminder that there is a short service of Evening Prayer at Holy Trinity Minsterley every Monday at 5 p.m.
Youth for Christ Prayer Breakfast
There is a Youth for Christ Prayer Breakfast this Saturday, November 9th at 8.30 a.m. at Pontesbury Baptist Church. All welcome to attend.
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
Meditation
St George’s hosts its second service of meditation this Sunday at 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to spend time in quiet contemplation, and is a service shared with the Hanwood benefice. Refreshments will be served. All welcome.
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
Messy Church will be this coming Wednesday – if you can help provide sandwiches, sausage rolls, crisps etc then speak to Richard and we will be setting up from 1pm for a 3:30(ish) start. Richard does NOT need any more jam jars thank you!
Deanery Synod
The meeting of Deanery Synod on Thurs Nov 14th at 7 p.m. and via zoom is open to anyone who is involved in or interested in Messy Church. Please ask Greg or Richard for the link if you need it.
Tombola and raffle prizes for HTM Christmas Fair
Could all donations for the tombola and grand draw at the HTM Christmas Fair on 7 December please be given to Marie no later than Wednesday 27th November.
Remembrance
Please see the weekly calendar for our Remembrancetide services. Do make a careful note of times, which in the case of Minsterley and Pontesbury are different from the regular. In the case of Minsterley, please note that the meeting place is at the War Memorial.
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
10:00am Minsterley Praise – 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 8th Nov
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 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.
Minsterley Youth Café at 3.30 p.m.
Evening Prayer at HTM at 5 p.m.
Minsterley Standing Ctte at 7 p.m.
Tues 12th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30 a.m.
Weds 13th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Messy Church at Minsterley Parish Hall at 3.30 p.m.
Thurs 14th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM 10-11.30 a.m.
Benefice Council in WER at 4 p.m.
Deanery Synod at 7 p.m. via zoom.
Sun 17th
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Minsterley Praise at Methodist Chapel at 10 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Habberley at 5 p.m.
