Newsletter 17th March 2023
Dear all
We live in an age of family planning. It must be almost impossible for young people today to imagine a time when couples didn’t have conversations about whether they were going to have children and if so, how many. For example, our son and daughter-in-law who now have ‘one of each’ are fielding questions about whether they plan to have any more. It was not always so. Before contraception, hysterectomies, and vasectomies, it would not be unusual to encounter very large families. Fran’s mum, for instance, was one of ten, although not all of whom reached adulthood.
I am not opposed to family planning. Better that children are born to parents who want them. Like dogs, children are for life and not just for Christmas. Nevertheless, it is an illusion that can undermine faith to think that we are our own masters. Was it Woody Allen who said if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans? I remember seeing a card that read: “we leave our family planning to God. And He loves children!”
Lent Lunches
Lent Lunches continue every Wednesday at St George’s from 12-1 p.m. All welcome
In the Stiperstones benefice, we are meeting on Fridays from 12-1.30 as follows:
17th. March Snailbeach at Stiperstones Inn
24th. March. Hope & Shelve at Hope Village Hall
Fundraising Committee
We are looking for new members for a Minsterley fundraising and engagement committee to plan events to reach out into the community, while on occasion also raising funds. If you are interested in joining the very small team, please speak to Richard.
Worship Survey
Many thanks to all those who responded to the worship survey over the last 3 weeks. Over 40 responses were received at St George’s and 20 at Holy Trinity. We will report in more detail in due course on the results. However, as previously stated, the broad message is a very positive one, and therefore it is unlikely any major changes will ensue. You may still return a questionnaire either to Sarah Edwards or Allen Marsden, although we can no longer guarantee anonymity!
I can immediately respond to two requests. I’m afraid I can’t pass on a written copy of my sermons, since they don’t exist. I do scribble some notes, but these aren’t comprehensible to anyone else and don’t always bear much relation to what I actually say. Sorry. However, I will try and get into the habit of forewarning you which passage I am preaching on. At Minsterley and Snailbeach this Sunday, it will be Luke 15.8-10 (The Lost Coin)
Healing Service
Our monthly service for prayer and healing, including Holy Communion will take place at St George’s this Sunday March 19th at 6 p.m.
Electoral Roll
The electoral roll is the church’s official record of membership and is open to anyone who attends any of our churches on a regular basis. The roll is updated annually at this time of year. If you regularly worship with us, we encourage you to join. At Pontesbury, please see Val Butterworth and at Minsterley Colin Edwards.
Mothering Sunday
There will be a special Mothering Sunday service at St Luke’s Snailbeach at 9 a.m.
Prayer Seminar
Pete Greig, who has a nationally recognised prayer ministry as the founder of the 24-7 prayer movement will be leading a day in Ludlow on Wednesday March 29th 9.30-3 p.m. This is a ticketed event, although there is no charge. Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bishops-study-day-how-to-pray-led-by-pete-grieg-tickets-477271530997
Passover
There will be a supper in remembrance of the Passover at St George’s on Tuesday April 4th at 6.30 p.m. Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. Places can be reserved by emailing Greg at rectorpontstip@gmail.com or writing your name on a list at the back of either St George’s or HTM. There will also be a compline service at Snailbeach that evening.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 17th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sat 18th
Quiz & Curry Evening at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Sun 19th
Services at Snailbeach & Shelve at 9 a.m.
Morning Praise at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
Healing Service at St George’s at 6 p.m.
Mon 20th
Prayer Team meeting at Minsterley Vicarage at 12 noon
Habberley PCC at 2 p.m. at Wain House
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Minsterley Standing Committee at 7.30 p.m.
Tues 21st
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30 a.m.
Palm Sunday rehearsal at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Weds 22nd
Lent Lunch at St George’s 12-1 p.m.
Alpha Week 8 at The Deanery at 7 p.m.
Thurs 23rd
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12
Men’s Group 11-1 p.m. at the Pavilion
Sat 25th
Alpha Away Day at Yockleton Church from 10.30 a.m.
Sun 26th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury, Minsterley & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Palm Sunday rehearsal at 12 noon
