Newsletter 17th November 2023

Dear Friends
I have recently read an exceptionally good but troubling report on food poverty, where the central message was that as the cost-of-living crisis has deepened and increasing numbers are unable to feed their families, the amount of food donated to foodbanks across the country has decreased.
Locally, this means that one Shropshire foodbank is closing because it simply cannot meet the need; while Barnabas in Shrewsbury, our partners, have had for the first time in twenty years of operation had to put a limit on the number of Christmas parcels it will distribute this year because of financial pressures. I was speaking to a referrer earlier this week who was in tears because she knew the hardship this would create.
Jesus taught us to pray give us this day our daily bread, to look to God to supply our needs. But He also taught us to pray for the Kingdom to come. Let us continue to respond to the Spirit’s prompting to be generous and renew our prayers for the Kingdom to come. The Parable of the Sheep and Goats suggests that when we feed the hungry, we feed the Lord.

Carolyn & John Chadwick
John and Carolyn’s new address is: 80 Chesil Street, Winchester, SO23 0HX

Scams
A reminder not to be taken in by requests from the Vicar to part with money. Email scams get ever more sophisticated. Always double check before giving away sensitive information like Dates of birth or bank details.

Men of Pontesbury
Natasha Leigh-Willets has produced a magnificent book recording all those men from Pontesbury who lost their lives in the two world wars. This will remain on display at St George’s for another week. A similar book was produced some years ago in Minsterley, but has subsequently disappeared. If anyone knows its whereabouts, do let Greg or Richard know.

Emma Stevenson
As mentioned last week, Emma Stevenson is the new administrator for Pontesbury and Minsterley. She will work Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays and will be available via the same email address used by Krys at officepontstip@gmail.com. We are grateful to Krys and Alison Bebb for ensuring a smooth handover.

Crib Service
The 2023 Crib Service to be hosted by St George’s at 2 p.m. on Sat Dec 23rd and HTM at 3.30 p.m. We are looking for cast members. If interested in performing or helping backstage, please speak to Greg.

Confirmation
There will be a Confirmation Service at St George’s on Sunday January 7th. If anyone would like to join the four candidates in being confirmed, please speak to Greg, Fran or Richard as soon as possible.

Photoboard
St George’s has introduced a photoboard. This is a display for all members to post their own photos (preferably fully clad) of themselves. The intention is that it should make us more welcoming as a church, but also help people to identify each other. No one needs any further permission to post a suitable photo.

Advent Course
A four-part Advent Course exploring the Lord’s Prayer will take place at The Deanery on Thursday afternoons at 1.30 p.m., commencing Nov 30th. The course produced by 24-7 Prayer entails watching a short video presentation and then discussion around such topics as Petition, Adoration, and unanswered prayers. All welcome. Please speak to Greg or Fran Brealey for further information.

Robert Currie
Robert’s talk on his trip to Japan has been rescheduled for Friday November 24th at Habberley Village Hall.

Minsterley Christmas Fair
Holy Trinity Minsterley is looking for cakes (whole cakes and slices) at
their Christmas Fair. Anyone able to help should contact Sarah Edwards at sarahedwards90@hotmail.com

Songs of Praise
Pontesbury Baptist Church has extended a warm welcome to us all to join them for Songs of Praise on Sunday Nov 26th at 6.30 p.m. If you would like to request a hymn, please let Greg know or go direct to Pastor Mike Wells.

Calendar for the Week
Fri 17th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12

Sun 19th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Morning Praise at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Holy communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.

Mon 20th
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.

Tues 21st
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Ichthus at 2.30 p.m.

Weds 22nd
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12
Pontesbury Youth Café at 3.20 p.m.
Pontesbury PCC at 7 p.m.

Thurs 23rd
Foodbank at Pontesbury 10-12
Minsterley PCC at 6.30 p.m.

Fri 24th
Robert Currie at Habberley Village Hall at 7 p.m.

Sun 26th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Habberley, Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Songs of Praise at Pontesbury Baptist Church at 6.30 p.m.