Newsletter 25th August 2023
Dear Friends
Fran and I had the most wonderful news this week, with the announcement of the pregnancy of our youngest son and his wife. News of potential grandchildren is generally a cause for celebration, but rather more so in this instance in the wake of three failed IVF treatments and numerous early miscarriages, so many tears and so much heartbreak. She is at 14 weeks now and all the previous losses have been in the first six. When I say we had wonderful news this week, that’s not quite the full story. We have followed the treatment from the moment of implant through the arrival of nausea and two prior scans to check on baby’s health. However, we were forbidden to share the news until the 12 week dating scan. They say bad news travels fast, but so does good news. When something this wonderful happens, you want to run out into the street to proclaim it to the world.
In the same way, there is quite a lot of running in the Gospels, first the shepherds down the hillside to the stable and then Peter and John to the empty tomb. The word “Gospel” literally means good news. Really, we ought to be desperate to share it with others.
Derek Ditchfield
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Derek Ditchfield, who collapsed at the Minsterley Show on Saturday and died in theatre of a ruptured aorta later that evening. Our prayers are with Jean and the family. The funeral will take place at Minsterley at a date to be announced.
Garden Service
Please make a note in your diaries that there will be a joint service with the Congregationalists and Methodists on Sunday September 10th at 3 p.m. at Pontesbury Congregational Church (a garden service). The Anglicans have volunteered to provide a reader. Please let Greg know if you are willing and able to help with this.
Minsterley Show
Many thanks to those who helped at the Minsterley Show last Saturday, some putting in nearly 12 hour shifts. Special thanks to Richard for taking on the mantle of organiser in chief. £1140 was raised for Minsterley church funds.
Many thanks to those who helped at the Minsterley Show last Saturday, some putting in nearly 12 hour shifts. Special thanks to Richard for taking on the mantle of organiser in chief. £1140 was raised for Minsterley church funds.
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.
Foodbank
For understandable reasons, foodbank donations are down across the nation, as people tighten their belts. Nevertheless, the need is only growing. Even one tin makes a difference.
Sponsored Walk
A number of us are undertaking a sponsored walk on Saturday September 23rd of approximately 17 miles beginning in Leighton and entailing 2,500 feet of ascent before eventually finishing in Westbury. Please contact Greg or David Young if you would like to join us. It is perfectly possible to do just a few miles of relatively flat walking rather than the whole course. There are sponsor forms in each church. 50% of funds raised will go to the church of your choice, while 50% will go to Shropshire Historic Churches Trust.
Group Services
This Sunday is a Group Service at Holy Trinity Minsterley at 10.30 a.m. This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our identity as six churches, four parishes, two benefices but just one FAMILY.
Holidays
Please note that Richard, Claire, and family are on holiday until the end of August. Please allow them space for family time.
Songs of Praise
The next Songs of Praise service hosted by Pontesbury Baptist Church will take place on Sunday September 3rd at 6.30 p.m. All are warmly welcomed to attend. They are keen to have hymn nominations. If you would like to sing a favourite hymn, please let Mike Wells or Greg know.
Hereford Cathedral
Chirbury Group has organised a coach trip to Hereford Cathedral on Tuesday September 5th at a cost of £15 for an organ recital and tour of the building. A poster is attached with further details.
Congratulations
To St George’s on being awarded Silver Eco-church status. We will celebrate this when Kirsty Stevens from Caring for God’s Acre comes to speak at the service on Sept 24th.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 25th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sun 27th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Group Service at HTM at 10.30 a.m.
Mon 28th
Rea Valley Prayer group at 7 p.m.
Tues 29th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
The Gathering at Marton Village Hall at 7 p.m.
Weds 30th
Café at HTM 10-12
Pontesbury Stewardship Committee at 2 p.m.
Thurs 31st
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12.00
Sun 3rd
Sept Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley 10.30 a.m.
Morning Worship at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Songs of Praise at Pontesbury Baptist Church at 6.30 p.m.
Photo credits: RE – Minsterley Show 2015
