Newsletter 23rd September 2022
Dear friends
I have had two wisdom teeth extracted through the course of my life. The first was some twenty years ago (it was growing horizontally and heading towards a nerve and possible paralysis!). The dentist struggled for ages to remove it (I don’t think he really had his foot on my chest as he pulled, but it certainly felt like it). I was in no pain beforehand and much for some days afterwards. By contrast, on Wednesday of this week, having been in considerable pain for ten days or so, a nice lady dentist removed by second wisdom tooth with one half-hearted tug, immediately relieving me of any pain. We are trained to regard pain as a bad thing (and when it’s keeping you awake at night it’s hard to think any other way). However, pain is largely nature’s (or God’s) way of alerting us to there being something wrong. This is true physically but also spiritually. This is the role of the conscience – causing us unease when we have got something wrong. If we ignore it for long enough, it may go away, but the problem it seeks to warn us about will not.
Sad news
We regret to announce the death of Arthur Matthews, churchwarden of Minsterley until last year. A wonderful man, who will be very much missed. Please join us in praying for Judith and the rest of the family.
Hope/Shelve
We are pleased to announce the formal merger of the Hope and Shelve parishes as one entity. Both churches will continue to offer twice monthly worship, but the parish will function administratively as one. There will be an Extraordinary Parochial Church Meeting on Monday October 24th at 2 p.m. when new officers and a new PCC will be elected. We are urgently seeking someone who will stand as treasurer. Please speak to Greg to find out more about what the post entails.
Shropshire Historic Churches Trust
The service at Shrewsbury Abbey celebrating 30 years of the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust, has been scheduled for Sunday 16th October at 3 p.m.
Celtic Service
Please come along to the second Celtic Service at St George’s at 7 p.m. on Friday Sept 23rd marking the Autumn Equinox. Many testified to how powerful and moving the service in June was.
Men’s Group
Please note that the Men’s Group has been cancelled this month because of Covid.
Chris & Camilla
Have extended an invitation to any member of the St George’s congregation who would like to attend their wedding on Friday 30th September at 12.30 p.m.
Webmaster for Pontesbury
We are looking for a webmaster to take on the responsibility from Richard Elliot. A draft job description has been produced. Please speak to Greg or directly to Richard if you would like to know more.
Sponsored Walk
The sponsored walk along the Shropshire Way from Church Stretton to Stokesay (approximately 15 miles) is taking place this Saturday. For anyone who wishes to join us, we start at Carding Mill Valley
car park at 9.30 a.m. We aim to reach the bottom of Hopesay Hill at 2 p.m. for anyone who would like to walk the last 3-4 miles. Sponsorship will be divided equally between the church of your choice and Shropshire Historic Churches Trust.
The Gathering
There is also a special deanery worship event, entitled “The Gathering” for praise and worship at 7.30 p.m. on Tuesday September 27th at Marton Village Hall; and a second evening on October 25th. Refreshments are served from 7 p.m.
Ecumenical Service
The ecumenical service has been rescheduled for Sunday October 9th at 6.30 p.m. at Pontesbury Congregational Church.
Foodbank
The Rea Valley Foodbank will officially launch on Sept 27th at Holy Trinity Ministerley, with a second session on Sept 29th at St George’s. Food can be donated at Holy Trinity, St George’s, and Hope Church, as well as in Pontesbury Coop. We are very grateful to those who have signed up to offer regular financial support, via a monthly standing order. Details of how to do this can be obtained from Jonathan Brown at support@reavalleyfoodbank.co.uk We are meeting to pray for this new venture at 9 a.m. on Tuesday morning. All welcome.
Tourism Conference
There is a national Churches Tourism Conference at Shrewsbury Abbey on Tues Oct 11th from 10-4.15. It would be really good if our group could be represented at this by two or three people. Further details can be obtained from Sarah Edwards at sarahedwards90@hotmail.com
Calendar for the Week
Fri 23rd
Flower Festival starts at St George’s until Sunday
Friday prayer at HTM at 9 a.m.
Choir Practices
Sat 24th
Sponsored walk along Shropshire Way
Harvest Supper at Pontesbury at 7 p.m.
Sun 25th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Harvest Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30
Tues 27th
Little Dragons at 10 a.m.
Minsterley Foodbank 10-12
Oasis at Minsterley Methodist Chapel 12-1.30 p.m.
Church Council at 2 p.m. at HTM
The Gathering at Marton Village Hall at 7.30 p.m.
Weds 28th
Pontesbury PCC at 7 p.m.
Thurs 29th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12
Trinity Tots
Food and Faith at HTM at 6 p.m.
Fri 30th
Wedding of Chris & Camilla at 12.30 at St George’s
Sat 1st Oct
Funeral of Bill Kimbrey at St George’s
Image photo by Cedric Fauntleroy: https://www.pexels.com/
