Newsletter 19th August 2022
Dear friends
The cost of living crisis deepens. I write as inflation officially hits double figures for the first time in a very long time and (forgive another reference to foodbank) the manager of Foodbank Plus in Shrewsbury has suggested this week that she is for the first time ever worried about their capacity to feed people. Meanwhile, wages are decreasing in real time, the average wage increase less than 5% (and that’s more than clergy receive!) Where will all this end? We seem to be the victim of economic forces beyond our control and beyond our understanding. It’s tempting to think that a simple vote at the ballot box will put it all right, but one fears that whoever the next Prime Minister and the one after that, the seriousness of this crisis will be felt keenly for a long time to come. The challenge for the church is to demonstrate tenderness and compassion (see Phil 2.1) to those most hard pressed, even when we are hard pressed ourselves. Generosity is most powerful and most reliably reflects the God that we serve when it is offered at personal cost. St Paul continues in Philippians 2 to enjoin us to have the same attitude as Christ. May we be given grace to do this.
Treasurer for Minsterley
We continue to look for a new treasurer for Minsterley. If you know of anyone, please let Greg know. A draft job description is now available.
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.
Parking
All our churches predate the motor car, so it is not entirely a surprise that parking causes so much tension. I would ask our members to be considerate when parking (Minsterley is especially contentious) and to ensure that neighbours are not inconvenienced and that emergency vehicles are able to pass.
Confirmation
St George’s is hosting a confirmation service on Sunday October 16th at 3 p.m. We will be starting preparation very soon. Do let Greg know if you would like to join us.
Holiday
Please note that Greg and Fran will be on holiday from Fri Aug 26th through to Fri Sept 9th inclusive. Any questions during that period should be addressed to Pam, Richard or one of your churchwardens.
Sponsored Walk
A sponsored walk along the Shropshire Way from Church Stretton to Stokesay (approximately 15 miles) is planned for Saturday Sept 24th. As last year, half the monies will go to the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust and half to our own churches. Let Greg know if you are interested in walking that day, even if it is only a short section of the route; and it would be good to have a couple of drivers to staff a support crew.
Ecumenical Service
There will be a joint service with our Congregationalist and Methodist brothers and sisters on Sunday September 11th at 6.30 p.m. at Pontesbury Congregationalist Church. The service will offer the opportunity for thanksgiving and lament following the COVID years. Please make attending this a priority.
Foodbank
The Rea Valley Foodbank will officially launch on Sept 27th at Holy Trinity Minsterley, 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 also looking for financial supporters, those able to make a monthly standing order payment. Details of this can be obtained from Jonathan Brown at Jonathan.starfish@hotmail.com
Peter Fergusson
Peter, the new Treasurer for St George’s has undergone a knee replacement operation over the last week. We wish him a speedy recovery. In the meantime, please understand there may be a delay in dealing with finance matters.
Friday Prayers
There are no Friday prayers at Holy Trinity until 2nd September
Group Service
There will be a Group Service at St George’s on Sunday August 28th and no other services in the group that day. This is because of the unavailability of clergy.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 19th
Choir Practice at HTM
Sat 20th
Minsterley Show
Sun 21st
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Family Worship at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Tues 23rd
Oasis at Minsterley Methodist Chapel at 12 noon
Explorers planning meeting at 2 p.m. at St George’s
Foodbank meeting at the Deanery at 3.30 p.m.
Weds 24th
Café at HTM 10-12
Pontesbury Standing Committee at St George’s at 9.30 a.m.
Thurs 25th
Men’s Group at 11 a.m. at The Pavilion
Funeral of Derek Williams at Holy Trinity at 11.30
Minsterley Standing Committee at 7 p.m. at church
Sun 28th
Group Service at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
