Newsletter 18th February
Dear friends
We had fun at our second Growing Leaders session this week. The wonderful group consisted of two rows of six participants. Towards the end of the evening, we had a handout that consisted of four separate pieces of paper. To save time, I gave two sets to the person on the left of the front row and two sets to the person on the left of the back row, with the instruction to take one of each and pass the rest along. Three-quarters of an hour later (okay that may be a slight exaggeration) we were still trying to ensure that each of our 12 disciples had the right four pieces of paper. Do you remember Bruce Forsyth’s Generation Game where families had to come on and following a demonstration had perform some complicated task to much hilarity?
It provided an entertaining reminder that team can stand for Together Each Achieves More but can also just lead to chaos. It was ever thus. The original twelve disciples achieved more than any group of people have ever achieved before or since, but at times as they squabbled and fell over each other, Jesus must have smiled at the thought that this disorganised bunch would one day change the world!
Lent
Please note there will be a full programme over Lent. There will be an ashing service on Ash Wednesday at both Minsterley and Pontesbury on March 2nd at 6.30 p.m.
Lent lunches will run at St George’s on Wednesdays from 12-1 starting on March 2nd and in the Stiperstones benefice at different venues on Fridays at the same time.
A Lent Group will run at the Deanery on Monday evenings, starting on March 7th at 7.30. We will be using the Stephen Cotterell booklet the Nail to explore the Passion. Anyone is welcome to join us, but we can ensure we have enough chairs if we know who might be coming. If you want to purchase the book in advance at a cost of c £7.50, please visit https://www.eden.co.uk/christian-books/easter-and-lent-books/the-nail/
Confirmation
Anyone who thinks they might be interested in being confirmed should speak to Greg
Healing Service
St George’s will be hosting a Healing Service with anointing with oil and Holy Communion on Sunday 20th Feb at 6 p.m. All are welcome whether you are seeking healing for yourself, a loved one or simply want to enjoy a quiet meditative evening service. Anyone who wants to pray for the service is welcome to join us in the West End Room at 5.15.
Face masks
The legal requirement to wear face masks in public worship is now lifted. It is therefore optional to wear a mask in any of our churches. However, we would ask you to be mindful that many in our congregations remain vulnerable and be sensitive to this.
Palm Sunday
On Palm Sunday, at St George’s, we will be dramatizing the passion story and therefore are looking for a cast of thousands (well twenty anyway). Most parts are only one line. We will also need technical people, stage managers and costume designers. If you are willing to help on April 10th, please speak to Greg. Please note, there will be the liturgy of the palms at Minsterley, led by the Stiperstones Brass Band.
Tea Service
The Tea Service that takes place at St George’s on the first Tuesday of the month at 2.30 is designed for the whole group, aimed at people who find getting to church on Sunday mornings difficult. At present, we are only attracting residents from Pontesbury parish and would like others to join us. If you know of anyone who might like to join us on March 1st or even more helpfully would be willing to pick someone up and bring them, please let Greg know.
The Messiah
Shropshire Charity Concerts will perform Messiah in Shrewsbury Abbey on Saturday February 26 at 19:30. Doors open 18:45, and seats are unreserved. Tickets cost £15 (including programme), and the money goes to local charities. Tickets available from the Abbey (01743 232723) The office is staffed 10-12:30 on weekdays.
Shelve
There will be no service at Shelve this Sunday because of illness in the team.
Friday Prayer
There is a prayer gathering on Friday mornings at Holy Trinity Minsterley from 9-10 a.m. All are welcome to attend. Further details available from Ruth Wadsworth at ruth.wadsworth1@gmail.com
Pontesbury Youth Hub
Fifteen people from four different churches attending a meeting last Saturday to consider the possibility of launching a youth club in Pontesbury. We agreed in principle that we would like to do this but will meet again in April to consider further how we might go about this. If you want to get involved, please speak to Greg or one of the St George’s church wardens.
Hereford School Venture
Anyone willing and able to help Mark Hackney with the Hereford School Venture, which runs from 18-20 March at the Pioneer Centre in Cleobury Mortimer, working with 60 years 4 and 5 children should contact Mark at mark.hackney@hereford.anglican.org
Calendar for the Week
Fri 18th Prayer at HTM 9-10 a.m.
Coffee morning at St George’s 10-12
Choir Practices
Sun 20th Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Morning Praise at Minsterley at 10.30
Healing Service at St George’s at 6 p.m.
Mon 21st Meeting with Wendy Coombey for Minsterley PCC at 7 p.m.
Weds 23rd Café at HTM 10-12
Thurs 24th Mission Committee for Minsterley at 3 p.m. at the Deanery
Deanery Synod at 7 p.m. via zoom
Sat 26th The Messiah at Shrewsbury Abbey at 7.30 p.m.
Sun 27th Holy Communion at Minsterley, Pontesbury & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
