Newsletter 13th January 2023

I must confess to having a bit of a post-Christmas dip in the days between Christmas and New Year. The busyness and focus on all the various services and events very suddenly drops away to nothing and it is a bit of a shock to the system. I was left with a slight “is that it?” feeling; imagine playing Snakes and Ladders, getting to the top of the board game only to land on the biggest and longest snake and slide all the way back to the second square and you get a sense of the comedown. 
However, the words of the psalmist in 43:5 come to me – “why are you cast down O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God, for I shall again praise him, my help and my God.”
2023 is going to be a great year and I trust that God is going to do great things in the churches across our benefices. Let’s trust in him for the coming year in all areas of our lives.

Rich

Burns Night
There is to be a Burns Night Supper at Hope Village Hall on Friday Jan 27th at 7 p.m. This is aid of church funds. Tickets will need to be ordered in advance for catering purposes from either Sara Young or Joyce Graves on 01743 891901. We are down to our last handful of tickets, so don’t delay if you wish to come.
Alpha
A new Alpha course for anyone in the area who wants to learn more about the Christian faith begins on Wednesday 25th January at the Deanery and will run for 10 Weds evenings. The course assumes no prior knowledge and is perfect for those who are new to faith; those who want to know whether Christianity is for them and for those who have been coming to church for a long time but feel there is more to learn. As well as an opportunity to learn, there is wonderful fellowship and excellent food. To secure a place, please contact Sue at susantownsend267@gmail.com
Catering
If you would be willing to cater for a week of Alpha one Wednesday, Fran would be very pleased to hear from you.
Messy Church
The next Minsterley Messy Church takes place at the Village Hall at 3.30 p.m. on Thursday. All ages welcome. The service is as much for regular church attenders as for new people.
Methodist Covenant Service
Both St George’s and Holy Trinity will be hosting the annual Methodist Covenant Service this Sunday January 15th at 10.30 a.m. Do join us for what has previously been a very uplifting service.
Icthus
The next Icthus meeting has been rescheduled for 24th January at 2.30 p.m. Please contact Liz Jackson for further information.
PCC Secretary for Pontesbury
After ten years of wonderful service, Val Butterworth will be stepping down as PCC Secretary at St George’s at the next APCM. Although this is a little way off, she is offering a full briefing/induction to her successor, providing an opportunity to shadow her in the coming months. Anyone interested in this role should speak to Val or Greg. A role description is available.
Spring Harvest
There is to be a meeting of all those booked to go to Spring Harvest at Easter on Monday 23rd January at 7.30 p.m. at the Deanery. Anyone who would like to know more is welcome to join us.
Sermon Series
This month sees the start of a sermon series on worship commencing on Jan 22nd at all the churches in the group at the regular times. Note the 29th is a Group Service at St George’s.
Jan 22nd
Worship that brings people together
Jan 29th
Worship as praise
Feb 5th
Worship as mission
Feb 12th
Worship in difficult times
Year of Prayer
Last Sunday marked the beginning of the Year of Prayer. If anyone has any ideas about how to promote more prayer and perhaps unusual ways to pray, do let us know
Christingle
St George’s will be hosting a Christingle Service on January 22nd at 4 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Healing Service
Our monthly healing service takes place at St George’s this Sunday 15th January at 6 p.m. All welcome.
Hedge planting
A new hedge is to be planted in St George’s extended churchyard in Bogey Lane on Monday 16th January from 9.30 a.m. until about 1 p.m. All willing volunteers warmly welcomed. We are extremely grateful to Caring for God’s Acre and The Countryside Charity for the provision of the trees and bushes and some of the labour.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 13th
Friday Coffee morning at St George’s 10-12
Sat 14th
Prayer Ambassadors Event at Church Stretton 10-1
Baptism at Shelve at 1 p.m.
Sun 15th
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Methodist Covenant Service at HTM & St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
Healing Service at 6.30 p.m. at St George’s
Mon 16th
House for Duty Shortlisting meeting via zoom
Tues 17th
Little Dragons 10-11.30 at St George’s
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Funeral of Sandra Weston at HTM at 12.45
Weds 18th
Pontesbury PCC at 7 p.m.
Thurs 19th
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12
Funeral at St George’s at 1 p.m.
Habberley PCC at 2.30 p.m. at Wain House
Messy Church at Minsterley Village Hall at 3.30 p.m.
Sat 21st
St George’s Away Day 10-3.30 p.m. at Snailbeach Village Hall
Sun 22nd
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Christingle at St George’s at 4 p.m