Newsletter 23rd February 2024
Dear Friends
Fran and I are delighted at the safe arrival of a new baby granddaughter last week after many years of praying for our youngest son and daughter-in-law to be able to have a child. However, it has not been all plain sailing since. The baby, Holly, remains in good health, and we are very grateful for this, but staying over for a few nights has reminded us how difficult being first-time parents is. Mum recovering from a major operation, a 15-month-old labrador running wild, and sleepless nights means bucketloads of anxiety and tension.
The truth is the greatest joy is often tinged with shadows. The pressure to appear overjoyed when you’re feeling exhausted and anxious can be huge. The one place we should never have to pretend is church, where we continue to “Rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn” Romans 12.15
Youth Worker
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Joseph Barnes as the new Pontesbury Youth Worker. Joe will be working half-time for Shrewsbury Youth for Christ and half-time for St George’s. His initial focus will be on supporting the two youth cafes and inputting into Mary Webb School. Joe will be introduced to the St George’s congregation on Sunday March 10th at the main service.
Year of Faith Event
On Thurs March 14th, there is a Bishop’s Study Day at the Craven Arms Community Centre, where Paul Williams and Andrew Ollerton of the Bible Society are leading us. Some of you will know Andrew Ollerton as the leader of the Bible Course that some of us have been following on Monday evenings. Tickets are available via the Diocesan website. Booking is advisable since the event is likely to sell out.
Lent Lunches
Please note that there will be ecumenical Lent Lunches at St George’s on Wednesdays 12-1 p.m. and on Thursdays at Hope Village Hall at the same time. All welcome. 40 people attended the St George’s lunch this week.
Ian Bradley
It is with regret that we announce the death of Dr Ian Bradley, who passed away earlier this week. His funeral will take place at Pontesbury Congregational Church on Friday March 15th at 3 p.m.
Website
Richard Elliot, after many years of loyal service, is going to stand down as Webmaster of the St George’s website at Easter. If anyone feels able to take on this responsibility, please speak urgently to Richard or Greg about this.
Richard’s Cathedral Placement
Please note that Richard is on placement at Hereford Cathedral until March 4th.
Christian Aid
Susan and Alistair Bates, after many years of sterling work, are unable to coordinate the Minsterley response to Christian Aid week this year. The week runs from 12-18 May. It may be possible for a small team to take this on, rather than one individual. Susan has promised a full handover. Please speak to Greg, Richard or a churchwarden to find out more.
Praise Evening
St George’s will be hosting a Praise Evening on Tuesday March 5th at 7 p.m. The evening will provide opportunity to sing/learn new Christian songs, to pray and to share God’s Word. All welcome. This gathering will happen bi-monthly, alternating venues with Minsterley, the next being on May 7th.
The Bible Course
Continues on alternate Mondays (the next on March 4th). If you want to catch up on what you missed, a link to the videos from the first two sessions can be sent you. Richard has this. Allen and Margaret Marsden are hosting at 3 Earls Court, Pontesbury, SY5 0QP. at 7 p.m. Missing earlier sessions is no bar to joining this very enjoyable and informative course.
Palm Sunday
Lent will soon be upon us and thoughts turn to the Palm Sunday Passion Drama, which will be enacted at St George’s at 10.30 a.m. on Sunday March 24th. If you are interested in contributing to this in any way (acting/stage management/music/narration/directing/technical) please speak to Greg at your earliest convenience.
Snailbeach
There is an open meeting for all residents of Snailbeach and Stiperstones or those with an interest in the life of St Luke’s Church at 7.30 p.m. on Thurs 22nd February.
Lent Carbon Fast
One possible Lenten observance as opposed to giving up chocolate is to consider a carbon fast. This doesn’t mean sitting in the dark for six weeks. There are various creative ways to engage with this. One possibility is the Christian charity, Climate Stewards. Details of what you might do can be found at https://www.climatestewards.org/resources/carbon-fast/
World Book Day
World Book Day is 7th March, as part of the Year of Faith, we are looking for recommendations of a book that has supported or is supporting your faith journey (or that of someone in your benefice). We will present the recommendations in a graphic montage format so I think we would just need: Please contact Rev. Richard Lonsdale
· a sentence or two about why they chose the book
· a photo of each person holding the book so we can see the cover (if they still have it)
They can be any age/gender (a mix of ages would be great).
Evening Prayer
A weekly service of Evening Prayer will be held at Holy Trinity Minsterley at 5 p.m. on Mondays, commencing Monday March 4th and every Monday thereafter.
Group Services
Please note that there is a Group Service this Sunday Feb 25th at 10.30 a.m. at St George’s, Pontesbury.
Songs of Praise
Pontesbury Baptist Church is hosting a Songs of Praise service on Sunday March 3rd at 6.30 p.m. to which we are all warmly invited.
Tea Service
The next edition of our monthly Tea Service takes place at St George’s on Tuesday March 5th at 2.30 p.m. A 30 minute communion service followed by tea and cake, to which all are welcome.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 23rd
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sat 24th
Church Council Away Day at The Deanery from 10-3
Sun 25th
Group Service at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
Retreat in Daily Life launch at St George’s at 4 p.m.
Mon 26th
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 27th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30 p.m.
Oasis at 12 at Minsterley Methodist Church
The Gathering at Marton Village Hall at 7 p.m.
Weds 28th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12
Lent Lunch at St George’s 12-1 p.m.
Habberley PCC at 2 p.m.
Youth Café at Pontesbury Baptist Church at 3.20
Thurs 29th
Foodbank at St George’s from 10-12
Lent Lunch at Hope Village Hall 12-1 p.m.
Pontesbury Safeguarding meeting at 3.30 p.m.
Fri 1st Mar
Gardening Club at St George’s 10-11 a.m.
Sat 2nd Mar
RiDL closing event at St George’s at 9 a.m.
Sun 3rd Mar
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
All age service at Pontesbury at 10.30
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Songs of Praise at Pontesbury Baptist Church at 6.30 p.m.
