Newsletter 24th May 2024
Now that the weather is drier and (sometimes) sunny, it is lovely to be able to get out and about on our local footpaths. We live in such a beautiful part of the world, and if we have health and strength to do so, then the fresh air and exercise of walking does us great good. Yet I know from conversations with farmers that ramblers can cause problems for farmers, damaging fences, harming crops, and disturbing livestock. When I am out walking, I try as hard as possible to keep to the paths, following those little yellow arrows and attempting to leave nothing but footprints behind me. Sometimes however this is far from easy. On a recent walk I found a footpath sign pulled out of the ground and thrown into the hedge. It was unclear which way the sign had been pointing and it would have been easy to get lost, especially as the stile in the next hedge was completely covered with brambles. This got me thinking about what kind of signposts we are as Christians. Who or what are we pointing to? In Matthew’s gospel, we read these words of Jesus: ‘let your light so shine before people that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven’. When the church shows mercy to those in need, when we are peacemakers, when we comfort those who mourn, when our hearts are pure, then we are signposts to the way God wants the world to be. But when we fall out, when we are unkind or thoughtless and when we ignore the needs of others, we are pointing in the wrong direction entirely.
Rev Fran
Romans Course
A course on the Book of Romans, St Paul’s great masterpiece, started last Monday and continues on June 3rd at 7 p.m. at 3 Earls Court. Please speak to Richard or Allen if you would like to know more. Missing the introductory session is no bar to attendance.
Benefice Council
We have established a new Benefice Council, consisting of churchwardens (or other substitute reps) from each of the four parishes and the four clergy. The hope is that this Council will ensure better communication and more strategic thinking about mission and ministry. We didn’t get off to the best of starts when three members went to the wrong venue for our first meeting (including the Vicar!)
Open Gardens
It was a truly wonderful afternoon last Sunday when 200 visitors explored the gardens of Pontesbury in glorious weather. Thanks to all those who generously opened their gardens, to those who worked so hard in church serving tea and cake, and above all to Martyn Cribb who masterminded the whole thing. Half the profits will go to Shropshire Historic Churches Trust and the other half to St George’s Church.
Songs of Praise
Thanks to all those who supported the Songs of Praise service at Pontesbury Methodist Chapel last Sunday. On 2nd June, there is another chance to sing at Pontesbury Baptist Church at 6.30 p.m. All welcome. Nominations to Greg before Thursday.
Plant Sale
The plant sale in Minsterley was also a great success, with £1200 raised for Holy Trinity funds. Many thanks to all those who supported the event, and a special thank you to Margaret Wainwright, the chief organiser.
Archdeacon’s Visitation
Our churchwardens will be sworn in by the Archdeacon at a Visitation Service at St George’s on Monday June 17th at 7 p.m. Do come along to this to hear the Archdeacon’s vision for the Deanery and support our wonderful churchwardens.
Helen Dickson
The funeral of Helen Dickson, a much loved member of the Minsterley Congregational Church will take place on Monday June 3rd at 11 a.m. at the Congregational Church followed by a reception at Minsterley Parish Hall
The Gathering
The monthly gathering of Christians from across the Deanery at Marton Village Hall takes place this coming Tuesday 28th May from 7 p.m. All welcome.
Catering Team
St George’s is looking to recruit a catering team who will occasionally be called into action to supply food for one-off events such as Harvest Supper or a Marriage Preparation Day. If you are potentially interested in joining the team, please contact a churchwarden or one of the clergy.
Table-Top Sale
June 1st. Tabletop sale. Tables £10. Book with Mary Worrall.
Duck race. Ducks £1, Starts at 12:00noon.
Hope and Shelve Fete
The Hope and Shelve Summer Fete will take place on Saturday June 1st from 2-4pm at Leigh Manor, Minsterley SY5 0EG.
We are looking for help on the day, as well as contributions of books, plants, cakes, raffle and tombola prizes. We also need someone to do face painting. Please contact Fran on 07982 324760 if you can help.
Minsterley Jumble Trail
Declutter your home and make some money for you and Holy Trinity! Minsterley Jumble Trail is taking place on 15th June from 10am – 2pm. Book a seller’s spot for £10 and your address will be added to the FREE Jumble Trail map which will be circulated to the wider community. For more information and to book your table contact Sarah on 07971 984925
Minsterley Show
The Minsterley Show is back again on the 17th of August, and we need people to start making delicious cakes! If you think you can bake some cakes and pop them in the freezer then please do start as your support is very much appreciated! This is a big fundraiser for Holy Trinity and our stall is very much appreciated by the show attendees due to our reasonable prices – we can keep our prices down due to the fact that cakes and sandwiches are donated. Keep the date in your diary and on your marks, get, set, bake!
The show ground is situated 5 miles Southwest of Shrewsbury on the B4386, Shrewsbury to Westbury Road.
SatNav users should input SY5 8PW as the postcode.
Callow Run
The Callow Run will be happening again this year on June 1st, organised by Anna Bayliss. Do contact Anna (07816 679216) if you would like to take part or for more info. The Run immediately precedes the Hope and Shelve Parish Fete at Leigh Manor, so why not make a day of it and enjoy both events?
Music Required
Does anyone have any old music books which have songs which would have been sung in the second world war? Would you be able to lend them to David Young for use at an event in June? Please contact David on 537081. Thank you.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 24th May
Coffee Stop at St George’s from 10-11
Wedding of Adam & Sinead at St George’s at 12 noon
Sun 26th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Tea-Time Church at Minsterley Parish Hall at 4 p.m.
Tues 28th
Foodbank at Minsterley 10-12
Oasis bereavement group at Minsterley Methodist Chapel 12-1.30 p.m.
The Gathering at Marton Village Hall from 7 p.m.
Weds 29th
Coffee Hub at HTM 10-12.
Rea Valley Prayer Group at 7 p.m.
Thurs 30th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12 noon
Sat June 1st
Tabletop sale and duck race at St George’s 10-12
Minsterley Away Day at Snailbeach Village Hall 10-2.30 p.m.
Hope Fete at Leigh Manor from 2-4 p.m.
Sun 2nd
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
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.
