Newsletter 10th February 2023
Dear Friends
I am a Harry Potter fan. It started when a headteacher at Stiperstones school read the second chapter of the first book – it was during literacy week and she wanted to tell us about this wonderful new book. Well, I was hooked. I borrowed the book, returning it the very next day and went to buy number two!! My PA at work, Karen, and I used to wait for the release of the next book, read it until the early hours of the morning and then talk about it for weeks. When the last book came out, a hefty tome, I read it over a weekend. Karen and I were in tears the next work day as we remembered all the wonderful stories and characters.
I know there are some Christians who disapprove but these are books that cover friendship and loyalty. It is the fight of love over hate, good over evil and it ends with death and resurrection. Does that sound familiar?
Love is the key theme of all the books so here’s one of my favourite quotes from 1John 4:18 – “there is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear”. Why not give the books a go?
Blessings
Pam
Prayer Ministry
Training is to be offered to those who would like to know more about Prayer Ministry. The first session is at Holy Trinity Minsterley on Monday Feb 27th at 7 p.m. Please contact Susan Lockwood at susanlockwood345@btinternet.com to register your interest.
Worship Series
This Sunday sees the final instalment of our sermon series on worship: worship in difficult times. Following on from this series, congregations at Pontesbury & Minsterley will be invited to complete a short survey on worship in their church. This does not preface any major change in worship style or direction, but provides an opportunity to express what you value most and whether there is anything you believe might be improved. Other congregations can email any one of the clergy to express their views.
Beetle Drive
There is to be a Beetle Drive in Pontesbury on Tues Feb 21st at 7 p.m. in the WER. Tickets costing £5 are available from Val Butterworth.
Songs of Praise
Following the very successful Songs of Praise service at Pontesbury Baptist Church at the end of November, there will be another similar service on Feb 26th at 6.30 p.m. If you would like to nominate a hymn, please let Greg know.
St George’s Meadow
The newly established meadow in St George’s churchyard is growing well. In order to give the green hay seedlings a better chance of flourishing, another cut is planned. We will need volunteers to rake away the mown grass as mulch for the newly planted hedge. Mowing is planned for Saturday 4th March at 10.30 a.m. Please bring your own rake and wheelbarrow or builders bag.
St George’s Explorers
The next gathering of St George’s Explorers will take place at 11 a.m. on Feb 21st (Pancake Day) in St George’s Churchyard. Half term fun for all the family that will include pancake races and other outdoor activities, followed by the story of how Lent came into being. And of course, we will be eating pancakes. Do join us.
Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeal
Many will have been appalled at the terrible earthquake that has killed thousands in Turkey and Syria. One way of responding to this tragedy is via Tearfund. Donations can be made by visiting https://www.tearfund.org/campaigns/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal
Palm Sunday
This year, as last year, we will be dramatizing the Passion Gospel at St George’s on Palm Sunday. This requires a cast of thousands (well twenty anyway). If you would like to take part, having even a non-speaking part or would like to help out behind the scenes, please speak to Greg asap. Having failed to find a donkey last year, it would be great if we were able to locate one for this. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Table Top Sale
The Rea Valley Congregational Churches will be holding a table top sale on Saturday 15th April at Pontesbury Congregational Church to raise money for Christian Aid. Tables cost £10. Further details available from janewardropper@btinternet.com
Calendar for the Week
Fri 10th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Funeral of Ken Pugh at St George’s at 1.30 p.m.
Sun 12th
Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Mon 13th
Youth Café at HTM 3.30-5 p.m.
Youth Café team meets at 5 p.m.
Minsterley Standing Committee at 7.30 p.m.
Tues 14th
Little Dragons 10-11.30 at St George’s
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Oasis for the bereaved at Minsterley Methodist Chapel at 12
Weds 15th
Alpha week 4 at 7 p.m. at the Deanery
Thurs 16th
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12
Trinity Tots 10-11.30 at HTM
Deanery Synod at 7 p.m. via zoom
Sun 19th
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Morning Praise at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
