Newsletter 14th July
Dear friends
Well, as I write this, Claire is still in hospital, which means I am taking my mind off things by making myself very busy. Thus far, I have got the kids up, breakfasted and off to school in more or less one piece; I have hoovered; walked the dog; ordered some bits and pieces online; cleaned the toilets and now doing some admin work for my actual job! I am as good as the next husband at claiming the martyr’s role when the Mrs is unwell!
I don’t mind really. I’m quite good at working around the house, my mother was very determined that her children would be able to look after themselves and also contribute to chores etc!
However I am also aware that it’s very easy to use this activity to keep more troublesome things at arms length – whether it is family illness, personal challenges, things that worry us or countless other problems and challenges that make up so much of life, when perhaps we’d all be better to spend some time in the momentary quiet to give them over to the God who cares for us and therefore trusting in him even when we can’t see any immediate solutions. The Psalmists were excellent at doing that – maybe take some time to find one that catches your situation? Psalm 43 says:
“Why are you cast down, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
Hope in God; for I shall again praise him,
my salvation and my God”
Richard
Please Pray
For Claire Lonsdale who underwent emergency surgery this week and is now at home convalescing. Please understand that Richard may not be available for his regular commitments.
Administrator
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Krys Rodgers as the new Parish Administrator for Pontesbury & Minsterley. She will take up post on July 17th. Her email address will be officepontstip@gmail.com
Benefice Choir
We are keen to establish a benefice choir to lead worship at Group Services and on other occasions. Please speak to Barbara Norsworthy at barbnors65@aol.com to find out more.
Youth Camp
Please pray for our youth camp in which four intrepid youth leaders and seven young people will be visiting north Wales to kayak, gorge walk and raft build. Hopefully, it will provide an opportunity to share something of God’s love at the same time.
Truth be Told
We are keen to work with Truth be Told, an organisation whose mission is to encourage toddler groups to visit care homes and share in an act of worship with them. We are looking for Storytellers who will lead these sessions. There is a video link to a session that Greg would be pleased to share with anyone who wants to know a little more without commitment.
Strawberry Cream Tea
Thanks to Mary & Gerald for opening their garden last Sunday (and their house when the heavens opened!) £285 was raised which will be shared between St George’s Church and the haematology unit.
Congratulations
To Val Butterworth, Allen Marsden and Mary Worrall who were licensed as Lay Worship Leaders at St George’s last Sunday.
Youth Worker Interviews
Please pray for the youth worker interviews that are taking place on Wednesday as St George’s in conjunction with Shrewsbury Youth for Christ seek to employ a youth worker for Pontesbury.
Foodbank
A couple of the volunteers at Minsterley Foodbank have stood down in recent weeks and it would help if we were able to replace them. Volunteers would be asked to serve on a rota which would mean attending approximately every 3 weeks. Full training will be provided. Anyone interested should speak to Mike Kirk or Greg. There is also a dearth in food being donated while the need ever increases. Please consider whether you can purchase an extra couple of items in your weekly shop.
The bimonthly newsletter is attached.
Group Service
The next Group Service will take place at St George’s on Sunday July 30th at 10.30 a.m.
Healing Service
Our final healing service (for now) takes place at Hanwood Church on the 16th at 4.30 p.m. All welcome.
Espé
Many thanks to all those who supported Songs of Praise, Bingo Night and made donations to support Espe’s medical treatment. The total raised was a magnificent £2049, which will be sent to Espe’s family shortly. Particular thanks to Sarah Edwards and Pam Bickley for coordinating the fundraising efforts.
Blackout Curtain
Holy Trinity Minsterley needs some blackout material to protect the two encased Maidens’ Garlands. If anyone has any to donate, please contact one of the churchwardens, Susan, or Sarah.
Concert
On Wednesday 19th July Unlimited Voices will be visiting Holy Trinity, Minsterley, at 4pm where they will be singing for 45 minutes as part of their week long tour of Shropshire. They would be delighted to have an audience. There will be no charge and refreshments will be provided. Do come along if you have time. We are very honoured to have been chosen to be included in their tour.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 14th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sat 15th
Youth Camp in North Wales
Sun 16th
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.
Healing Service at Hanwood at 4.30 p.m.
Mon 17th
Youth Café at 3.30 p.m. at HTM
Tues 18th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Minsterley PCC at 7 p.m.
Weds 19th
Café at HTM 10-12
Youth worker interviews at St George’s
Unlimited Voices at HTM at 4 p.m.
Thurs 20th
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12.00
Messy Church at Minsterley Parish Hall at 3.30 p.m.
Baptism Preparation at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Sun 23rd
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury, Minsterley & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
