Newsletter 17th February 2023

Dear Friends
This week I was in Birmingham again. I’m looking for a permanent care home for my much-loved Aunt. So, on Wednesday, after shortlisting four homes, I went visiting. Unusually the M6 was quiet, so I was early for my first visit which gave me chance to look online again at the second home which I decided not to visit. Out of the three remaining homes, two were suitable – both had pros and cons but both provided good accommodation with lots of activities for my aunt who is a very sociable woman.
Over the next few weeks, after assessments, aunt will move to her new forever home and then my cousin and I will begin the daunting task of clearing out aunt’s flat. I’m sure many of you will have been in the same position and realise how difficult it is.
And then tonight, I was reminded of the gospel reading from last Sunday – Mathew 6, 25 -34.
Jesus says some wonderful things about not worrying about clothes to wear; what we will eat or drink. And the passage ends with this “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own”.
How true is that.
With blessings
Pam

Lent Lunches
Lent Lunches commence on Ash Wednesday this week at St George’s from 12-1 p.m. We will be focusing on the Lord’s Prayer as well as enjoying soup and fellowship. There will be an opportunity to donate to Water Aid. All welcome
Prayer Ministry
Training is to be offered to those who would like to know more about Prayer Ministry. The first session is at Holy Trinity Minsterley on Monday Feb 27th at 7 p.m. Please contact Susan Lockwood at susanlockwood345@btinternet.com to register your interest.
Worship Survey
This morning congregations at Pontesbury & Minsterley will be invited to complete a short survey on worship in their church. This does not preface any major change in worship style or direction but provides an opportunity to express what you value most and whether there is anything you believe might be improved. The survey is anonymous and can be completed on the day or brought back the following week. You can also complete them electronically and send them to Alison Bebb at officepontstip@gmail.com who will then forward them anonymously. Other congregations can email any one of the clergy to express their views.
Healing Service
Our monthly healing service takes place this Sunday at Hanwood at 4.30 p.m. All welcome whether you are seeking healing for yourself or another.
Ukraine One Year on
On 24th Feb at 6 p.m. to mark the anniversary of the invasion of Ukraine, there is a special zoom meeting organised by Citizens UK to celebrate the good news stories, lament the lives lost and to hear the experiences of refugees waiting to come to the UK. Please see the attached poster for further details.
Songs of Praise
Following the very successful Songs of Praise service at Pontesbury Baptist Church at the end of November, there will be another similar service on Feb 26th at 6.30 p.m. If you would like to nominate a hymn, please let Greg know.
Foodbank
An encouragement to continue to support the work of the foodbanks in Minsterley and Pontesbury after we ran out of food at Pontesbury last week. There are collecting points at St George’s , Hope and Holy Trinity.
St George’s Meadow
The newly established meadow in St George’s churchyard is growing well. In order to give the green hay seedlings a better chance of flourishing, another cut is planned. We will need volunteers to rake away the mown grass as mulch for the newly planted hedge. Mowing is planned for Saturday 4th March at 10.30 a.m. Please bring your own rake and wheelbarrow or builders bag.
St George’s Explorers
The next gathering of St George’s Explorers will take place at 11 a.m. this Tuesday, Feb 21st (Pancake Day) in St George’s Churchyard. Half term fun for all the family that will include pancake races and other outdoor activities, followed by the story of how Lent came into being. And of course, we will be eating pancakes. Do join us.
Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeal
Many will have been appalled at the terrible earthquake that has killed thousands in Turkey and Syria. One way of responding to this tragedy is via Tearfund. Donations can be made by visiting https://www.tearfund.org/campaigns/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal
Palm Sunday
This year, as last year, we will be dramatizing the Passion Gospel at St George’s on Palm Sunday. This requires a cast of thousands (well twenty anyway). If you would like to take part, having even a non-speaking part or would like to help out behind the scenes, please speak to Greg asap. Having failed to find a donkey last year, I am immensely grateful to Sarah Edwards who has successfully sourced one for this year.
Ash Wednesday Services
There will be services at both St George’s and HTM on Ash Wednesday at 6.30 p.m. involving the imposition of ashes. All welcome
Carbon Footprint
Many thanks to Gerald Worrall for his hard work in calculating the carbon footprint of St George’s, just over 21 tonnes of CO2 a year is our best estimate. This is the first step towards reducing the footprint. If you want to undertake this challenge as an individual, then you can visit https://www.climatestewards.org/carbon-calculators/

Calendar for the Week

Fri 17th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sun 19th
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 20th
Minsterley PCC at 7 p.m.
Tues 21st
St George’s Explorers at 11 a.m. in the churchyard
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Oasis team meeting at 1 p.m.
Beetle Drive at St George’s
Weds 22nd
Pontesbury Standing Committee at 9 a.m.
Lent Lunch at St George’s 12-1 p.m.
Ash Wednesday Services at 6.30 p.m.
Alpha week 5 at 7 p.m. at the Deanery
Thurs 23rd
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12
Men’s Group 11-1 p.m. at the Pavilion
Sat 25th
Pontesbury Youth Hub at 10.30 a.m. at Pontesbury Baptist Church
Sun 26th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley, Pontesbury & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Songs of Praise at 6.30 p.m. at Pontesbury Baptist Church