Newsletter 16th December 2022
Dear friends
I can’t be the only one who has admired Frank Butterworth’s new speaking machine. Rather like an iPad, he has a menu of phrases that he is able to say, simply by pressing a button and allowing the machine to talk for him. With my voice really struggling this week, it hasn’t just been admiration, but envy that has overtaken me. How helpful it would be to avoid conversation and let the machine do all the work. This raises the question what phrases would I find most helpful? Frank was giving “good morning” and “have a nice day” a good work out on Sunday morning. I would definitely need “Daisy no”, a phrase I use all the time and doesn’t work if I am croaking hoarsely. Actually, it doesn’t work at the best of times!
The question seems especially apposite at this time of year. We would all want “merry Christmas” at our disposal and “where are you for Christmas?” But we also should expect to proclaim the Christmas good news. It’s clear from the nativity story that God wants people to know. A host of angels is sent from heaven, a star rises in the East and prophets forewarn the people for centuries. Will you use your voice to share this good news with others?
Cards and Calendars for sale
There are Christmas cards (designed by Cara, one of our younger members) and a Wall Calendar for sale at HTM. Cards are £1 each, calendars are £7.50 each and both are available from Marie (791508) or Sarah (07971 984925). All proceeds will go to HTM.
Congratulations
To Ellie Harper who has been appointed as the new Director of Shrewsbury Youth for Christ. Ellie has spoken at St George’s and will be working closely with us on the recruitment of a youth worker for St George’s. Do pray for her as she takes up her new role on 1st January.
New Year’s Day
Please note that there will only be one service in the group on Jan 1st. This will be a said communion service at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
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.
Windows at Marton Church
Please see the attached poster for a festival at Marton Church this weekend.
The Gathering
A time of praise and worship for the whole Deanery at Marton Village Hall on Tuesday December 20th, a 7.30 start, with refreshments served from 7 p.m.
Matthew Carr
We regret to announce the death of Matthew Carr, well known as a presenter on Radio Shropshire and a resident of Stiperstones for many years.
Heat Hub
The churches of Pontesbury are providing a warm place for people to go over the winter. We are very
grateful for the pool of volunteers who have made this possible
The full programme is as follows:
Mondays 10-12 The Pavilion
Tuesdays 11-2 Pontesbury Baptist Church
Wednesdays 10-12 Pontesbury Congregational Church
Thursdays 10-12 St George’s
Fridays 10-12 St George’s
We are hoping to launch something similar in Minsterley and are especially looking for volunteers available on Monday mornings from 10-12
Cliffdale
We will be singing carols in Cliffdale on Monday December 19th at 11 a.m. There is no limit on numbers attending, so do come along if you’re able.
Crib Services
Please see the attached posters advertising our crib service at Minsterley and Pontesbury on Christmas Eve. This is a great service to invite families to. It’s not too late to volunteer for a small part.
Prayer workshop
The Diocese is hosting a prayer workshop in Church Stretton in the church hall on Saturday Jan 14th from 10-1 p.m. Let Greg know if you would like to attend. Places are free but need to be booked in advance.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 16th
Friday prayer at HTM at 9 a.m.
Friday coffee morning at St George’s 10-12
Choir Practices
Sun 18th
Holy Communion at Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30
Nine Lessons and Carols at St George’s at 6.30 p.m.
Mon 19th
Cliffdale carol singing at 11 a.m.
Crib Service rehearsal at 3 p.m.
Crib Service meeting at 6 p.m.
Tues 20th
Minsterley Foodbank 10-12
Oasis Christmas Party at Minsterley Methodist Chapel at 12 noon
The Gathering at Marton Village Hall at 7 p.m.
Weds 21st
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12
Hope Carol Service at Hope Village Hall at 6.30 p.m.
Thurs 22nd
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12
Fri 23rd
Christmas Hampers at St George’s at 10 a.m.
Sat 24th
Crib Service at Minsterley at 2.30 p.m.
Crib Service at Pontesbury at 4 p.m.
Habberley Carol Service at 5 p.m.
Carols on the Green at Pontesbury at 6 p.m.
Midnight Communion at 11 p.m.
Sun 25th
Holy Communion at Shelve & Snailbeach at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Image: Pexels
