Newsletter 16th September 2022
Dear friends
When I heard the sad news of the Queen’s death, I was unexpectedly moved by her passing (she was 96 years old after all). I was also unexpectedly surprised by the news (she was 96 years old after all). I had perhaps (being on holiday) missed the hints that were emerging via news feeds earlier in the day that all was not well. More than that, however, is the constancy of her presence in our lives. Perhaps it’s a facet of my age – not old enough to have experienced any other monarch’s reign, but old enough to have enjoyed the majority of her 70 years rule. Although everyone at some point will have wondered what kind of King Charles III would make, we may not have fully anticipated what it would be like to lose our Queen.
I was somewhat comforted on Sunday evening at Evensong at Habberley to find in the Book of Common Prayer reference to the King and not the Queen. The Prayer Book is 350 years old and even the Queen’s long reign coincides with a fraction of its own reign. In the same way, some of our churches have provided worship for its communities for centuries rather than decades. And most importantly of all, our faith has provided sustenance to the people of this nation for more than a millennium and a half. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever (Hebrews 13.8)
Service of reflection
There will be a service of meditation to reflect on the Queen’s life and service at St George’s on Sunday at 6 p.m. The service will climax with minute’s silence we have been requested to observe as a nation (this will be before 8 p.m.) Since this would have been a healing service, prayer for healing will be offered afterwards to any who seek it.
Hope/Shelve
We are pleased to announce the formal merger of the Hope and Shelve parishes as one entity. Both churches will continue to offer twice monthly worship, but the parish will function administratively as one. There will be an Extraordinary Parochial Church Meeting on Monday October 24th at 2 p.m. when new officers and a new PCC will be elected. We are urgently seeking someone who will stand as treasurer. Please speak to Greg to find out more about what the post entails.
Shropshire Historic Churches Trust
The service at Shrewsbury Abbey celebrating 30 years of the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust, scheduled for this Sunday afternoon has been cancelled in light of the Queen’s death.
Celtic Service
Please see poster advertising a second Celtic Service at St George’s at 7 p.m. on Friday Sept 23rd to mark the Autumn Equinox. Many testified to how powerful and moving the service in June was.
Webmaster for Pontesbury
We are looking for a webmaster to take on the responsibility from Richard Elliot. A draft job description has been produced. Please speak to Greg or directly to Richard if you would like to know more.
Pontesbury Youth Hub
For anyone interested in youth work in Pontesbury, there is a meeting at Pontesbury Baptist Church on Saturday at 10 a.m. This project sees three different churches working together, along with Shrewsbury Youth for Christ. We want to decide how to move things forward, with as many voices being heard as possible. Do come along if you can.
Sponsored Walk
A sponsored walk along the Shropshire Way from Church Stretton to Stokesay (approximately 15 miles) is planned for Saturday Sept 24th. Please do sponsor us generously. Sponsorship will be divided equally between the church of your choice and Shropshire Historic Churches Trust. There is a planning meeting walkers and support crew on Monday 19th September at 6 p.m. at the Deanery
Deanery News
Please note the attached poster advertising the deanery Bible Course. There is also a special deanery worship event, entitled “The Gathering” for praise and worship at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday September 27th at Marton Village Hall; and a second evening on October 25th.
Ecumenical Service
The ecumenical service scheduled for last Sunday has been rescheduled for Sunday October 9th at 6.30 p.m. at Pontesbury Congregational Church.
St George’s Explorers
Will be undertaking a short walk to enjoy the autumnal colours and the glories of God’s creation. The walk will be followed by a song, story, and prayer back at church. We meet at 3.30 p.m.
Foodbank
The Rea Valley Foodbank will officially launch on Sept 27th at Holy Trinity Ministerley, with a second session on Sept 29th at St George’s. Food can be donated at Holy Trinity, St George’s, and Hope Church, as well as in Pontesbury Coop. We are very grateful to those who have signed up to offer regular financial support, via a monthly standing order. Details of how to do this can be obtained from Jonathan Brown at Jonathan.starfish@hotmail.com
Calendar for the Week
Fri 16th
Coffee morning at St George’s 10-12
Choir Practices
Sat 17th
Pontesbury Youth Hub at 10 a.m. at Pontesbury Baptist Church
Sun 18th
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30
Morning Praise at Minsterley at 10.30
Service of Reflection at Pontesbury at 6 p.m.
Mon 19th
Walk planning meeting at the Deanery at 6 p.m.
Growing Leaders at St George’s at 7.30 p.m.
Tues 20th
Little Dragons at 10 a.m.
Habberley PCC at 1.30 p.m.
St George’s Explorers at 3.30 p.m.
Weds 21st
Flower demonstration at St George’s at 6.30 p.m.
Thurs 22nd
Men’s Group at 11 a.m. at the Pavilion
Foodbank training at 12.30 at Holy Trinity
Foodbank Board Meeting at 3.30 at the Deanery
Food and Faith at HTM at 6 p.m.
Deanery Synod at 7 p.m. at Leighton
Fri 23rd
Flower Festival starts at St George’s
Quiz and Chips at Minsterley Village Hall at 7 p.m.
Celtic Service at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Sat 24th
Sponsored walk along Shropshire Way
Harvest Supper at Pontesbury
Sun 25th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Harvest Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30
