Newsletter 20th January 2023

Dear Friends
As a young boy, growing up in Birmingham, I became familiar with the phrase “going all round the Wrekin”, I suppose my earliest ever association with Shropshire. I soon came to understand the meaning of the saying (taking a long time to get the point or taking the circuitous route) long before I knew what the Wrekin was or where it was. Fast forward fifty or so years, and this week I climbed the hill to spend a day of prayer, marvelling at the views across Shropshire, Staffordshire, and the Welsh mountains.
I was struck by the analogy with my Christian journey. I was convinced of the existence of God from the earliest age, but it was only later when I was in my twenties did I really take time to find out more about him and what other Christians understand about the faith. The Alpha Course is designed for those who have believed in God for a short or long time, but feel they would like to know more, with a closer first-hand experience. If that’s you, please read the notice below carefully.

Burns Night
There is to be a Burns Night Supper at Hope Village Hall on Friday Jan 27th at 7 p.m. This is aid of church funds. Tickets will need to be ordered in advance for catering purposes from either Sara Young or Joyce Graves on 01743 891901. We are down to our last handful of tickets, so don’t delay if you wish to come.
Alpha
A new Alpha course for anyone in the area who wants to learn more about the Christian faith begins on Wednesday 25th January at the Deanery and will run for 10 Weds evenings. The course assumes no prior knowledge and is perfect for those who are new to faith; those who want to know whether Christianity is for them and for those who have been coming to church for a long time but feel there is more to learn. As well as an opportunity to learn, there is wonderful fellowship and excellent food. To secure a place, please contact Sue at susantownsend267@gmail.com
Catering
If you would be willing to cater for a week of Alpha one Wednesday, Fran would be very pleased to hear from you.
Icthus
The next Icthus meeting will take place on 24th January at 2.30 p.m. Please contact Liz Jackson for further information.
Celtic Service
The next Celtic Service, Welcoming the Light, Imbolc, will take place at St George’s on Tuesday January 31st at 6.30 p.m. The service provides an opportunity to explore the wisdom and spirituality of the Celtic Christians, based on ancient texts. Light refreshments will be available afterwards.
PCC Secretary for Pontesbury
We continue to seek a new PCC Secretary for St George’s. If you have wondered whether Val will simply carry on if a replacement isn’t found, she won’t and she won’t be asked to. If you have thought you might be able to take on the post, but assume somebody else better qualified will come forward, they haven’t. Please consider this need very seriously.
Spring Harvest
There is to be a meeting of all those booked to go to Spring Harvest at Easter on Monday 23rd January at 7.30 p.m. at the Deanery. Anyone who would like to know more is welcome to join us.
Sermon Series
Today sees the start of a sermon series on worship commencing on Jan 22nd at all the churches in the group at the regular times. Note the 29th is a Group Service at St George’s.
Jan 22nd Worship that brings people together
Jan 29th Worship as praise
Feb 5th Worship as mission
Feb 12th Worship in difficult times
Christingle
St George’s will be hosting a Christingle Service on Sunday, January 22nd at 4 p.m. Anyone is welcome to attend.
Hedge planting
A new hedge has been planted in St George’s extended churchyard. Many thanks to Alison Holmes for all her hard work in coordinating the project from our end.
Puppy visiting
We have received a request from a woman in Minsterley, who has recently been made redundant and forced to take a new job that doesn’t offer home-working. She has two new puppies that are to be left on their own all day as a result. She is looking for someone who lives in the village who would be willing to pop in once a day to let the dogs into the garden. Please contact Greg if you would be willing to help with this, even in the short term.

Calendar for the Week
Fri 20th
Friday Coffee morning at St George’s 10-12
Sat 21st
St George’s Away Day 10-3.30 p.m. at Snailbeach Village Hall
Sun 22nd
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Christingle at St George’s at 4 p.m.
Mon 23rd
Alpha leaders at 6.45 at the Deanery
Spring Harvest meeting at 7.30 at the Deanery
Tues 24th
Little Dragons 10-11.30 at St George’s
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Oasis at 12 noon at Minsterley Methodist Church
Ichthus at 2.30 p.m.
Weds 25th
Communications Committee at St George’s at 10 a.m.
Alpha week 1 at 7 p.m. at the Deanery
Thurs 26th
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12
Fri 27th
Funeral of Myra Heap at St George’s at 1 p.m.
Burns Night at Hope Village Hall at 6.30 p.m.
Sat 28th
Marriage Preparation at St George’s 10-3.0 p.m.
Sun 29th
Group Service at St George’s at 10.30