Newsletter 22nd September 2023
Dear Friends
We are hosting two prayer events in our group in the next couple of weeks. There is a prayer evening at Minsterley on Monday and one in Habberley on Tuesday October 10th, both at 7 p.m. This gives rise to the question: why are we doing this? It is true that we have been prompted into action by Hereford Diocese designating 2023 as The Year of Prayer. However, the Bible makes it clear over and over again that where God’s people pray, He pours out His many blessings. The special privilege we have as the Church of England is that we regard the whole community as being ours not just the smaller community of worshippers. Hence, we have a responsibility to pray for that community. And who else is going to be praying for Minsterley and Habberley if we’re not?!
In short, we pray because we believe it makes a difference to the life of our churches and wider life of the villages, but also because we are seeking to demonstrate God’s love for all people. I hope to see you there.
Minsterley Prayer
As part of the Year of Prayer (see above), Holy Trinity Minsterley will be hosting an evening on Monday 25th September from 7-8 p.m. Those who come and are able will be invited to undertake a prayer walk as we pray for the whole village. Pray-ers will be sent out in groups of two or three with prayer resources provided to them. For those who want to pray but can’t walk very far, there will be prayer activities in the church building. We are hoping friends from other churches will join us, as well as a good turnout from the Minsterley Congregation. When we have finished, there is a warm invitation to the New Vicarage in Minsterley for Hot Chocolate.
Habberley Prayer
The Habberley prayer evening takes place on Tuesday October 10th at 7 p.m. The benefice choir will be singing and wine and soft drinks will be served afterwards.
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.
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.
Singing new songs
There is a second opportunity to sing new songs, written over the last twenty years or so, this time at Holy Trinity Minsterley on Thursday September 28th at 7 p.m. We would encourage everyone to come along whether you are familiar with the songs or not. You will be by the end of the evening!
Jan McDermott
Many will have been saddened by the sudden death of Jan McDermott of Pontesbury Pharmacy last week. Her funeral will take place at Emstrey Crematorium on Tuesday at 1.15 p.m.
Harvest
This year we are making the focus of our harvest celebrations support for the farming community. Our harvest appeal is for RABI (Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution) who support farmers through difficult times. Retiring collections will be taken at our Harvest services.
Barn Dance
Holy Trinity Minsterley is holding a Barn Dance with the excellent Priory Stompers Band at Minsterley Parish Hall on Saturday Sept 30th at 7 p.m. Tickets which cost £12 for adults or £5 children are available from Richard or Sarah Edwards.
St George’s Open Day
St George’s will be holding an Open Day on Saturday Sept 30th from 10-4. The programme will include a presentation entitled Our Vision Your Gifts, guided tours of the church, the choir singing your favourite hymns, refreshments including a light lunch, culminating with a communion service at 3.30 p.m. The day is the climax of our stewardship campaign, which is being launched this Sunday and is encouraging members of St George’s to consider prayerfully what gifts they may have to offer.
Rea Valley Foodbank
David Young stands down as Secretary of Rea Valley Foodbank from the end of this month. He has done sterling work since the very earliest days in getting the foodbank off the ground and we are enormously grateful to him for his dedication and reliability. Mike Kirk has kindly agreed to take on this role and can be contacted with queries at michaelkirk@hotmail.co.uk
The Walk
Anyone wishing to join the sponsored walk on Saturday should come to Long Mountain Road adjacent to the Beacon Hill Radio Mast for 12 noon. You will be able to join in a 4 mile long stretch (doing as much of it as you wish) along the top of Long Mountain with its glorious views. If you would like a lift, Greg and Stephen Winwood are available to transport people from 11.30 a.m. Please let one of them know as soon as possible. Don’t forget to sponsor us. You use the following Just Giving link to sponsor Minsterley. https://www.justgiving.com/page/sarah-edwards-1692548711712
Autumn tidy up at HTM
The annual autumn tidy up will be taking place at HTM on Saturday 7th October from 10am. We’ll be tidying inside the church and outside in the churchyard so all skills will be needed – there’ll be plenty of coffee and cake to keep us motivated and fuelled! If you’re able to help can you let Sarah Edwards know or just turn up on the day.
Safeguarding Officer for Stiperstones
As of 1st September, Erin Hawkin is the new Parish Safeguarding Officer for the Stiperstones benefice. Erin may be contacted with any concerns or questions at safeguardinghtm@gmail.com
Calendar for the Week
Fri 22nd
Prayer at Holy Trinity Minsterley at 9 a.m.
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sat 23rd
Big Breakfast at St George’s
Sponsored walk (Meet on Long Mountain at 12 noon)
Sun 24th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Habberley, Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Snailbeach Harvest at 3 p.m.
Mon 25th
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Minsterley Prayer Evening at HTM at 7 p.m.
Tues 26th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Little Dragons 10-11.30
Oasis 12-1.30 at Minsterley Methodist Chapel
The Gathering at 7 p.m. at Marton Village Hall
Weds 27th
Café at HTM 10-12
Thurs 28th
Foodbank at Pontesbury 10-12
Men’s Group 11-1 p.m. at the Pavilion
Open Day meeting in the WER at 3.30 p.m.
Singing New Songs at HTM at 7 p.m.
Sat 30th
St George’s Open Day 10-3.30 p.m.
Barn Dance & Supper at Minsterley Parish Hall at 7 p.m.
Sun 1st
Oct Harvest Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Harvest Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
