Newsletter 20th October 2023
Dear Friends
Fran and I accidentally visited The Repair Shop recently. We had a mini-break on the south coast and visited the Weald and Downland Living Museum, a fascinating place, which unbeknown to us is the home of TV’s very own Repair Shop. Having spotted one of the stars in the café at lunchtime, we made our way to the part of the estate where filming was taking place. Although I have never watched a full episode of the programme, I live with someone who watches it avidly, and so am very familiar with the iconic lights and sign. It wasn’t quite a religious experience, but my heart beat slightly quicker. I did what any self-respecting tourist does in such situations and got out my phone to take a photo, at which point Fran drew my attention to the sign that insisted no photos should be taken to protect the privacy of the individuals who had brought items for repair. I began to argue: what harm could it do? My need for the photo surely trumped any stupid rule. From a distance, no individual could be distinguished. I just wanted a photo of Fran in front of the barn with its illuminated sign.
It was then that she produced the decisive argument. Think how cross you get at weddings when people ignore your instructions not to take photos. The truth is we are all tempted to break laws and rules which are inconvenient or whose logic we cannot understand. But we should keep God’s Laws, not out of fear of punishment nor out of a full understanding of why He orders things as He does, but out of the simple obedience that comes from a knowledge of His love for us.
Choir Leader for St George’s St George’s Church is seeking a new Choir Leader. An application form and job description is available from Krys Rodgers at officepontstip@gmail.com For an informal discussion, please speak to Greg or Carolyn Lewis. The closing date for applications is October 31st. Interviews on Nov 8th
Team Leader at Pontesbury Foodbank The Pontesbury arm of the Rea Valley Foodbank, which gives out food on Thursday mornings is looking for a new Team Leader. A job description and application form are available from Greg. Do speak to him if you would prefer an informal conversation. The closing date for applications is October 31st.
Vigil for Israel/Palestine St George’s is hosting a vigil led by Richard for Israel/Palestine on Sunday from 6-7 p.m. This is for everyone concerned to pray for the region or light a candle to come along.
Men’s Group A reminder that the Men’s Group jointly hosted by Community Good Neighbours and St George’s Church operates on the fourth Thursday of the month from 11-1 p.m. at the Pavilion.
Children’s Church St George’s PCC has agreed to launch Children’s Church after the October half-term to provide Christian teaching and fun activity for children attending church on Sunday mornings. Since then, we have been encouraged by a number of parents coming forward to say that they will bring their children if we are providing something. We are therefore looking to recruit volunteers to form two teams, as well as a coordinator for this new ministry. Job descriptions are available for both roles, along with an application form. Please contact Krys Rodgers at officepontstip@gmail.com to request these. If you have any questions about either role, please contact Greg.
Prayer at HTM Please note that there is no Prayer Meeting at Minsterley this Friday, but normal service will be restored next week.
Arts/Bake/Crafts The Arts festival scheduled to take place at St George’s this weekend has been postponed.
Carolyn & John Chadwick As many will know, Carolyn and John are going to be moving to Winchester at the end of next month. They will be much missed. Their last Sunday in Shropshire will be October 29th. Carolyn will preside that morning at the Group Service at St George’s. The service will be followed by a bring and share lunch at The Deanery from 12.30.
Pam Bickley Pam’s last service with us will take place on Sunday Dec 31st at HTM, which will be a Group Service over which Pam will preside. Coffee and cake will follow the service as we say farewell to our beloved friend.
All Souls Services Please note that there will be All Souls services at St George’s on Oct 29th at 4 p.m. and at HTM at 7 p.m. on Thurs Nov 2nd.
Advent Course A four-part Advent Course exploring the Lord’s Prayer will take place at The Deanery on Thursday afternoons, 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.
Sponsored Walk The final total raised by the sponsored walk is £1170, half of which will go to The Shropshire Historic Churches Trust and half to our churches. Thanks to everyone for their generous sponsorship.
Robert Currie POSTPONED DUE TO FLOODING.
Robert, following his recent trip to Japan is giving a talk entitled “Sumo Wrestlers and Ussuri Bears” at Habberley Village Hall today, Friday Oct 20th at 7.30 p.m. Tickets are £5 and are available from Pauline on 01743 790784 or by email stopford@mypostoffice.co.uk or on the night.
Gift Day at Minsterley Holy Trinity is hosting a Gift Day this Saturday October 21st. All members of the congregation have been encouraged to review their giving in light of the financial challenges that the church is facing. That morning, there is an opportunity to visit the church, hear about the difference that your gifts can make, enjoy refreshments and make your gift (whether one-off or an increase in the amount regularly committed).
Pontesbury Youth Café After many months of discussion, the launch of Pontesbury Youth Café takes place on Weds Nov 8th at 3.20 p.m. at Pontesbury Baptist Church, a unique partnership between the Baptists, Congregationalists and Anglicans. The café will meet every Wednesday during term-time to provide for Years 7-9 at Mary Webb School. Anyone interested in volunteering should speak to Greg or Stuart Carter.
Celebrating 150 Years of St Luke’s Snailbeach Thanks to all those who attended the 150th anniversary service at St Luke’s last Sunday. The church was full and it was a lovely service, enjoyed by all.
Deadline Please note that the deadline for the inclusion of notices in the weekly newsletter is Wednesday at 5 p.m. These can be sent to Greg or directly to Krys Rodgers at officepontstip@gmail.com
Calendar for the Week
Fri 20th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Robert Currie at Habberley Village Hall at 7.30 p.m. POSTPONED
Sat 21st
Minsterley Gift Day from 10-11 a.m.
Sun 22nd
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Habberley, Minsterley and Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Vigil at St George’s at 6 p.m.
Mon 23rd
Funeral of Clifford Whittall at HTM at 11 a.m.
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Minsterley Safeguarding Ctte at 7.30 p.m.
Tues 24th
Oasis at Minsterley Methodist Church at 12 noon
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Little Dragons 10-11.30
Weds 25th
Café at HTM 10-12
Thurs 26th
Foodbank at Pontesbury 10-12
Trinity Tots, Holy Trinity Minsterly 10-11.30 a.m.
Men’s Group at the Pavilion from 11-1 p.m.
Fri 27th
Prayer Meeting, Holy Trinity, Minsterley 9 a.m. Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sun 29th
Group Service at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
Bring & Share Lunch for Carolyn & John at The Deanery at 12.30 p.m.
All Souls Service at St George’s at 4 p.m.
