Newsletter 15th November 2024
Pontesbury & Stiperstones
Family of Churches
Newsletter
15th November 2024
Dear Friends,
I have been dismayed this week by the news of the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury, an event unprecedented in my lifetime. We must never lose sight of the terrible ordeal suffered by the victims of John Smyth. However, I confess I don’t really understand the ins and outs of the Archbishop’s decision. I am saddened that an essentially good man has been forced to relinquish office and am reminded that the mistakes we make can look very different in the harsh spotlight. The things we thought weren’t quite the best suddenly look far worse when the whole world is poring over our actions in the finest detail.
My overwhelming sense is that there but for the grace of God go I. Jesus promised that nothing that is hidden will not be brought out into the light. Thankfully, this is not just true
of the evil that we do, and the mistakes that we make, but also the quiet good that millions of Christians perpetrate day by day. Galatians 6.9 says “Let us not become discouraged in doing good”. I pray that for you as I hope you might pray that for me.
Remembrance
Thanks to all those who attended and/or participated in our Remembrance Sunday services.
Quiz Night
Thank you to Rob & Marianne McCall for last Saturday’s very enjoyable quiz at St George’s which raised £227 for church funds.
Fran
Fran and Greg would continue to be grateful for your prayers following a further cancellation of her knee replacement operation. Please pray that she gets a new date soon and doesn’t have to wait too long. Greg will still be on leave from Mon Nov 18th -21st inclusive, back working on Friday 22nd .
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
Survey
A reminder to all those who attend St George’s (regularly or irregularly) that we would very much value your completing the survey that was sent out a couple of weeks ago. Please either return to Greg or the address shown on the survey. If you can’t locate a copy, contact Emma at officepontstip@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
Espe has now had her surgery (a more complicated operation than was originally expected) and is back at home recovering. She’s sleeping a lot and it is likely to be a long, slow process. We’ll keep you updated – please continue to hold Espe and her family in your prayers.
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
The Gathering
The monthly act of worship, prayer and testimony at Marton Village Hall takes place on Tuesday at 7 p.m. The Gathering is open to everyone.
Tea-time
Due to the unavailability of Minsterley Parish Hall, the next tea-time church on Sunday November 24th at 4 p.m. will take place at Minsterley Church.
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 25th at 7 p.m. with thanks to Lynda Munton our hostess. Anyone is welcome to join us.
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.
Minsterley Christmas Fair
Our annual Christmas fair takes place on 7 December from noon – 3.30pm at Minsterley Parish Hall. If you’ve not already been nabbed, we’re looking for volunteers on the day plus donations for the tombola, craft stall and cake stall. We also need Christmas trees to decorate the hall. Contact Sarah on sarahedwards90@hotmail.com or 07971984925.
From Darkness to Light
‘From Darkness to Light’ is a musical written in 2019 that has been revised and extended on its five-year anniversary. It tells the Christmas story from a fresh perspective, including more unusual characters that don’t normally get included (such as Zechariah and Elizabeth!), and shares a new perspective on the refugee aspects of Jesus’ early life.
The show is being performed by the Shrewsbury Theatre Singers and is on Saturday 21st December at Bayston Hill Methodist Church at 7pm (with a preview performance at Yockleton Church on Sunday 15th December at 4pm).
The original show was performed in three towns/venues, including Hereford Cathedral, and is suitable for all ages. Tickets are available here: https://www.kscleaton.co.uk/event-details/from-darkness-to-light-a-musical
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
Calendar for the Week – November
Fri 15th Nov
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10 a.m.
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.
Mon 18th
Minsterley Youth Café at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 19th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30 a.m.
Ichthus Programme The Blessing Snailbeach 2.30 p.m.
The Gathering at Marton Village Hall at 7 p.m.
Weds 20th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Pontesbury PCC at 7 p.m. in WER
Thurs 21st
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Trinity Tots at HTM 10-11.30 a.m.
Sun 24th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Tea-time Church at HTM at 4 p.m.
