Newsletter 15th September 2023
Dear Friends
One of the reasons that I don’t think the creation account in Genesis Chapter One is meant to be taken literally is the arrival of the Sun, Moon and Stars on Day Four. It’s not just that cosmologists have taught us to understand that the stars predate the planets, but that the definition of day involves the sun coming up and going down. The principle argument of Day Four is that the lights are introduced to bring a predictable order to things. We can know when the sun will come up, and when the moon will appear. We know when the sun will give us its warmth and will be weaker in its effect causing us to be cold. And most importantly, for the writers of Genesis, we can know when to plant and when to reap the harvest.
Except that we are now living through an age when we feel less confidence about these things. It rained throughout August, as those of us who chose to take our holidays can testify; and then there was a blistering heatwave in September. When I am most troubled about these things, I remind myself of the first words of the creation story: “In the beginning, God”. He brought the Universe into being with a word and still can be trusted to sustain it and us.
Minsterley Prayer
As part of the Year of Prayer, Holy Trinity Minsterley will be hosting an evening on Monday 25th September from 7-8 p.m. Those who come and are able will be invited to undertake a prayer walk as we pray for the whole village. Pray-ers will be sent out in groups of two or three with prayer resources provided to them. For those who want to pray but can’t walk very far, there will be prayer activities in the church building. We are hoping friends from other churches will join us, as well as a good turnout from the Minsterley Congregation.
Garden Service
Thanks to all those who supported the Garden Service (which turned out to be in the church hall) at Pontesbury Congregational Church last Sunday. We had a good time of ecumenical fellowship.
Message from Espe
Esperanza for whom £1400 was raised a few weeks ago in the face of a major operation has sent a voice message. Anyone who would like to hear it should email Sarah Edwards at sarahedwards90@hotmail.com who can transfer the message via WhatsApp.
Children’s Church
St George’s PCC has agreed to launch Children’s Church after the October half-term to provide Christian teaching and fun activity for children attending church on Sunday mornings. Since then, we have been encouraged by a number of parents coming forward to say that they will bring their children if we are providing something. We are therefore looking to recruit volunteers to form two teams, as well as a coordinator for this new ministry. Job descriptions are available for both roles, along with an application form. Please contact Krys Rodgers at officepontstip@gmail.com to request these. If you have any questions about either role, please contact Greg.
Singing new songs
There is a second opportunity to sing new songs, written over the last twenty years or so, this time at Holy Trinity Minsterley on Thursday September 28th at 7 p.m. We would encourage everyone to come along whether you are familiar with the songs or not. You will be by the end of the evening!
Jan McDermott
Many will have been saddened by the sudden death of Jan McDermott of Pontesbury Pharmacy last week. Her funeral will take place at Emstrey Crematorium.
Harvest
This year we are making the focus of our harvest celebrations support for the farming community. Our harvest appeal is for RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) who support farmers through difficult times. Retiring collections will be taken at our Harvest services.
Barn Dance
Holy Trinity Minsterley is holding a Barn Dance at Minsterley Parish Hall on Saturday Sept 30th at 7 p.m. Tickets which cost £12 are available from Richard or Sarah Edwards.
Foodbank news
Please find attached to this newsletter the bimonthly newsletter from Rea Valley Foodbank.
St George’s Open Day
St George’s will be holding an Open Day on Saturday Sept 30th from 10-4. The programme will include a presentation entitled Our Vision Your Gifts, guided tours of the church, the choir singing your favourite hymns, refreshments including a light lunch, culminating with a communion service at 3.30 p.m. The day is the climax of our stewardship campaign, which is being launched this Sunday and is encouraging members of St George’s to consider prayerfully what gifts they may have to offer.
Messy Church
A message from Revd Graham Phillips about Messy Church
We run two Messy churches each month during term time – Hanwood Village Hall (14-28 including helpers) and Pulverbatch Village Hall (24-30 including helpers) after school on a Monday from 3.15-5pm. It is great fun – craft, songs, story, prayer and a simple meal – e.g. French toast pizzas, Hot Dogs etc. We have been blessed with two wonderful chefs but both are unable to do it for the time being. Do you have anyone in your congregation who could please help us out and do the cooking? Our next Messy Churches are Hanwood on Monday 9 October, and Pulverbatch on Monday 18 September. We can manage at the Hanwood one but desperately need someone for Pulverbatch, especially for 18 September as two other leaders cannot come that day. The chef will need to have done the Health and Hygiene online course which we can provide access for free.
Graham can be contacted at revgrahamphillips@gmail.com
Sponsored Walk
A number of us are undertaking a sponsored walk on Saturday September 23rd of approximately 17 miles beginning in Leighton and entailing 2,500 feet of ascent before eventually finishing in Westbury. Please contact Greg or David Young if you would like to join us. It is perfectly possible to do just a few miles of relatively flat walking rather than the whole course. Details of where you can join us will be published next week. There are sponsor forms in each church. 50% of funds raised will go to the church of your choice, while 50% will go to Shropshire Historic Churches Trust. You can also use the following Just Giving link to sponsor Minsterley. https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-edwards-1692548711712
Autumn tidy up at HTM
The annual autumn tidy up will be taking place at HTM on Saturday 7th October from 10am. We’ll be tidying inside the church and outside in the churchyard so all skills will be needed – there’ll be plenty of coffee and cake to keep us motivated and fuelled! If you’re able to help can you let Sarah Edwards know or just turn up on the day.
Safeguarding Officer for Stiperstones
As of 1st September, Erin Hawkin is the new Parish Safeguarding Officer for the Stiperstones benefice. Erin may be contacted with any concerns or questions at safeguardinghtm@gmail.com
Calendar for the Week
Fri 15th
Prayer at Holy Trinity Minsterley at 9 a.m.
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sun 17th
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.
Shrewsbury Youth for Christ AGM at Crowmoor Baptist Church at 3 p.m.
Mon 18th
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 19th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Little Dragons 10-11.30
Weds 20th
Café at HTM 10-12
Habberley PCC at 2 p.m.
Meeting for walkers at 3.30 p.m. at The Deanery
Minsterley PCC at 7.30 p.m.
Thurs 21st
Foodbank at Pontesbury 10-12
Trinity Tots at Holy Trinity Minsterley 10-11.30 a.m.
Messy Church at Minsterley Parish Hall at 3.30 p.m.
Deanery Synod at Annscroft at 7 p.m.
Sat 23rd
Big Breakfast at St George’s
Sponsored walk
Sun 24th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Habberley, Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Snailbeach Harvest at 3 p.m.
