Newsletter 24th June 2022
Dear friends
I cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdgnieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid aoccdrnig to rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it deosn’t mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.
Amzanig huh?
Were you able to read what I posted above? I read recently about the Christian missionary who encountered a lion in the jungle. He turned in the opposite direction to get away only to find a second lion waiting for him. With no alternative presenting itself, he sat down and read his Bible. The lions ate him. The moral of the story: never read between the lions! It is so tempting when passing on a story/message to add a detail or two that we assume must have been part of the original message. The problem being that the next person doesn’t know what is fact, and what is assumption. The story above reminds us that it can be a dangerous thing. Guard our tongues is advice from Scripture repeated in many places. Let us be quick to pass on important news but do so with scrupulous accuracy.
Treasurer for Minsterley
In light of ongoing health concerns, Bruce Norsworthy has decided to step down as Treasurer at Minsterley. We are still looking for someone to take on this role as soon as it can be managed. Bruce has promised a full handover. Anyone who wants to know more about the rule should speak to Greg or one of the Minsterley churchwardens.
Friends
We are trying to establish a Friends of St George’s Churchyard group, a group made up of church and community members to look after the churchyard. If you think you might be interested in this, please let Greg know.
Archdeacon Fiona
Will be leading the service at Holy Trinity Minsterley at 10.30 on Sunday, her first service at the church. We are grateful for her support.
Ukraine Concert
There is a concert to support the Stiperstones church conversion for Ukrainian families on Saturday July 2nd at Pontesbury Public Hall at 7.30 p.m. (please see attached poster)
Richard Lonsdale
Richard, Claire, Moray, and Liv have now moved into Minsterley. Please remember that Richard isn’t working until after his ordination. However, I am sure the family will appreciate messages of welcome to the area. He is ordained at Hereford Cathedral on July 3rd. While it’s a long way to expect anyone to come, everyone is welcome at the Cathedral and a few friendly faces will make all the difference. Wynford Wyke has two spare seats for anyone who would like a lift. Call him on 791320. The following Sunday, July 10th, we will host usual second Sunday services, but at 12.30, there will be a shared lunch at St George’s to which the whole family is warmly invited. You should find a list at the back of your church to sign up for attendance so that we have a reasonably reliable guest list. At the back of Minsterley and Pontesbury churches, there are also lists to sign up to help with the catering.
Beatles Night
There is a Beatles Night this evening, June 24th at Hope Village Hall. Tickets available on the door at 7 p.m.
Parish Safeguarding
There is face to face safeguarding training being provided by the Diocese on Saturday July 23rd at Brimfield Village Hall in Ludlow from 10-12.30. This is for anyone who has been unable to access the training online. Please speak to your Safeguarding Officer if you want to know more.
Baptism Team
We are seeking to establish a Baptism Team for our group to help welcome and support the many families that are coming forward seeking Christenings for their children. To this end, we have scheduled a “find out more” evening on Monday 27th June at 8 p.m. at St George’s. Just come along or speak to Greg if you want further information.
Celtic Service
Many thanks to Sue Townsend for a wonderfully moving Celtic Service on Midsummer’s Eve. We are hoping that the next one will take place on Friday September 23rd.
Hope/Shelve
A reminder of the change in the pattern of services offered at Hope and Shelve. There will be a service at Shelve on first and third Sundays at 9 a.m. and at Hope on second and fourth Sundays of the month, also at 9 a.m. Some of these services will be communion, led by Pam or Greg and some will be Morning Prayer, led by Richard.
Food Safety Training
Chris Kinnersley has kindly offered to provide food safety training for anyone who wants it. We have a couple of takers, but to make it viable we need a couple more. Please contact her directly at christinekinnersley16@gmail.com to find out more.
Spring Harvest
We now have a viable group to take a party from Pontesbury & Stiperstones to Spring Harvest next Easter, April 10-14 in Minehead. We will be booking this at the end of July. Costs are £160 and up per person (with discounts for children) depending on the type of accommodation. The event provides worship, teaching and fellowship for all ages and has been a joyous and upbuilding time for every church I have attended. If you want to know more, speak to Greg or Fran. It will be possible to book a place later, but the early bird discount will be lost, and you may not be accommodated near others from the church.
Charging Point
The Deanery plan to launch a new monthly service on 27th September. Charging Point will provide opportunities for worship, prayer, and testimony. There is an opportunity to pray for this new venture on Tuesday at Yockleton Church at 7 p.m. All welcome.
Stone Circle Service
There is an outdoor service on Stapeley Common on June 26th at 6 p.m.
Sponsored Walk
A sponsored walk along the Shropshire Way from Church Stretton to Stokesay (approximately 15 miles) is planned for Saturday Sept 24th. As last year, half the monies will go to the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust and half to our own churches. Let Greg know if you are interested in walking that day and it would be good to have a couple of drivers to staff a support crew.
Calendar for the Week
Fri June 24th Prayer at HTM 9-10 a.m.
Choir Practices
Beatles Night at Hope Village Hall at 7 p.m.
Sun 26th Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30 p.m.
Stone Circle Service at Stapeley at 6 p.m.
Mon 27th Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Baptism Team meeting at 8 p.m.
Tues 28th Little Dragons 10-11.30 at St George’s
Alpha week 8 at the Deanery
Charging Point prayer at Yockleton at 7 p.m.
Weds 29th Café at HTM 10-12
Pontesbury Standing Ctte at 9.30 a.m.
Thurs 30th Trinity Tots
Messy Church planning meeting at 3.30 p.m
Sat July 2nd Wedding of Lara Beard & Will Reemer at Habberley
Wedding of Sarah Holmes & Frank Baron
Sun 3rd Richard’s ordination at Hereford Cathedral at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Family Service at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m
