Newsletter 21st July 2023
Dear Friends
I entertained the children at Pontesbury School by telling them the story of Jonah and the Whale. I thought I would add an educational element by sharing a few facts that I’d found out about blue whales. For example, did you know that a blue whale’s tongue is the same size as an elephant? Or that the noise they make is louder than a jet engine?! Of course, the first question I asked was whether they knew the size of a blue whale. (Do you?) The guesses from Year 6 were way off. They kept offering me numbers in the region of hundreds of metres, clearly therefore little idea. I was about to give up and tell them when the reception teacher told me that her class had been learning about blue whales. Rather taken aback, I asked one of the very little ones if they knew the answer to which she reliably responded 30 metres.
This is a reminder that young children are like sponges, soaking up information all day every day. Therefore, when we lament the lack of knowledge of Bible stories among children, we can be sure that it is not their capacity to learn that has changed. In truth, the Bible is so rarely taught these days. Thank God for the privilege of being able to go as ministers and as Open the Book teams. We must pray for more.
Please Pray
For the Lonsdale family as Claire continues to recover from her operation and with the death of Richard’s grandfather. He will be away Mon-Weds next week for the funeral.
Administrator
Krys Rodgers has now begun work as Parish Administrator for Pontesbury & Minsterley. Her email address is officepontstip@gmail.com
Benefice Choir
We are keen to establish a benefice choir to lead worship at Group Services and on other occasions. Please speak to Barbara Norsworthy at barbnors65@aol.com to find out more.
Youth Camp
Please pray for our youth camp in which four intrepid youth leaders and seven young people will be visiting north Wales to kayak, gorge walk and raft build. Hopefully, it will provide an opportunity to share something of God’s love at the same time.
Youth Worker Interviews
The Youth Worker interviews went well on Wednesday. We hope to be able to make an announcement in the next couple of weeks. Many thanks to Carolyn Lewis & Stuart Carter who sat on the interviewing panel; and to Mary and Marianne for catering for the event so generously.
Foodbank
A couple of the volunteers at Minsterley Foodbank have stood down in recent weeks and it would help if we were able to replace them. Volunteers would be asked to serve on a rota which would mean attending approximately every 3 weeks. Full training will be provided. Anyone interested should speak to Mike Kirk or Greg. There is also a dearth in food being donated while the need ever increases. Please consider whether you can purchase an extra couple of items in your weekly shop.
Group Services
The next Group Service will take place at St George’s on Sunday July 30th at 10.30 a.m. and then on Sunday Aug 27th at Holy Trinity, Minsterley.
Blackout Curtain
Holy Trinity Minsterley needs some blackout material to protect the two encased Maidens’ Garlands. If anyone has any to donate, please contact one of the churchwardens, Susan, or Sarah.
Holidays
Please note that Greg & Fran are on holiday from 31st July to 13th August; and Richard, Claire, and family 15th to 28th August. Revd Fran Brealey is around throughout the summer.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 21st
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
BBQ at the Bowens 12-2
Sun 23rd
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury, Minsterley & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Tues 25th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Oasis at Minsterley Methodist Chapel 12-1.30
Minsterley PCC at 7 p.m.
Weds 26th
Café at HTM 10-12
Foodbank Team meeting at 2 p.m. at HTM
Rea Valley Prayer Group at 7 p.m. at Hove-to, The Gravels
Thurs 27th
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12.00
Men’s Group 11-1 p.m. at the Pavilion
Hope/Shelve PCC at 2 p.m. at Hope Village Hall
Sun 30th
Group Service at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
