Newsletter 10th March 2023
Dear Friends
I had the joy and privilege of baptising a baby boy yesterday (I say baby, but he was a big lump!).
I am sure he will be one of the most relaxed children that I will ever baptise; he slept through the whole thing, curled up so close to my chest that most of the baptismal water ended up down my front! He awoke briefly with the third soaking and looked around as if to say, “what is going on here then?” before settling back down to his slumbers.
As I said during my talk – baptism is where death, life and resurrection all come together in one symbolic moment, where God’s love for this child but also for everyone else present is made manifest, however briefly it may seem. We get pale glimpses of glory and delight, hints of what is to come before the clouds close up again.
I’d encourage you to get baptised if you haven’t already – it’s a good time to consider it with Easter approaching.
Richard
Joyful News
Greg and Fran are delighted to announce the birth of their granddaughter Jean Frances Smith last Friday, weight 7 lbs 15 ozs. We are very grateful for your prayers and good wishes.
Lent Lunches
Lent Lunches continue every Wednesday at St George’s from 12-1 p.m. We are focusing on the Lord’s Prayer as well as enjoying soup and fellowship. There will be an opportunity to donate to Water Aid. All welcome.
In the Stiperstones benefice, we are meeting on Fridays from 12-1.30 as follows:
17th. March Snailbeach at Stiperstones Inn
24th. March. Hope & Shelve at Hope Village Hall
Fundraising Committee
We are looking for new members for a Minsterley fundraising and engagement committee to plan events to reach out into the community, while on occasion also raising funds. If you are interested in joining the very small team, please speak to Richard.
Worship Survey
Many thanks to all those who responded to the worship survey over the last 3 weeks. Over 40 responses were received at St George’s and 20 at Holy Trinity. We will report in more detail in due course on the results. However, as previously stated, the broad message is a very positive one, and therefore it is unlikely any major changes will ensue. You may still return a questionnaire either to Sarah Edwards or Allen Marsden, although we can no longer guarantee anonymity!
Healing Service
Our monthly service for prayer and healing, including Holy Communion will take place at St George’s on Sunday March 19th at 6 p.m.
Electoral Roll
The electoral roll is the church’s official record of membership and is open to anyone who attends any of our churches on a regular basis. The roll is updated annually at this time of year. If you regularly worship with us, we encourage you to join. At Pontesbury, please see Val Butterworth and at Minsterley Colin Edwards.
Mothering Sunday
There will be a special Mothering Sunday service at St Luke’s Snailbeach at 9 a.m.
Prayer Seminar
Pete Greig, who has a nationally recognised prayer ministry as the founder of the 24-7 prayer movement will be leading a day in Ludlow on Wednesday March 29th 9.30-3 p.m. This is a ticketed event, although there is no charge. Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bishops-study-day-how-to-pray-led-by-pete-grieg-tickets-477271530997
Quiz and Curry
St George’s is hosting a Quiz & Curry evening on Saturday March 18th at 7 p.m. Tickets (teams maximum of 6 people) are £8 per person and available from Marianne McCall on 792444
Calendar for the Week
Fri 10th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sun 12th
Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley & Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Mon 13th
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Service Leading Workshop at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Tues 14th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30 a.m.
Explorers Planning Meeting at 12 noon at St George’s
Weds 15th
Lent Lunch at St George’s 12-1 p.m.
Alpha Week 7 at The Deanery at 7 p.m.
Thurs 16th
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12
Sat 18th
Quiz & Curry Evening at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Sun 19th
Services at Snailbeach & Shelve at 9 a.m.
Morning Praise at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
Healing Service at St George’s at 6 p.m.
