Newsletter 25th March 2022
Dear friends
The first meeting of our bereavement group, the wonderfully titled ‘Oasis’ took place this week. If I celebrate its success, please don’t think that I have lost sight of the fact that at the centre of any bereavement group are those who have lost loved ones and are in some cases experiencing the greatest pain imaginable. Having said that, it is still a matter for rejoicing that six churches in Minsterley and Pontesbury have set aside any historical or theological differences to work together. At the first gathering, there were volunteers from each of those six churches (indeed we had more volunteers than we needed), some setting up tables, some serving soup, some chatting to guests. What a wonderful example of the church coming together and making a difference to the world. This is how it should be!
I am reminded that the launching of Jesus’ healing ministry (Luke 5 and Mark 1)seems to be in response to his compassion for a leper: seeing suffering and moved to do something about it. May the church continue to be moved into action in a similar way.
Alpha
We will be running an Alpha course at The Deanery on Tuesday nights, commencing 2nd May for 10 weeks. The course is aimed at anyone who wants to explore the Christian faith or is new to the faith or simply wants to brush up on the foundations. If you yourself or you know anyone who might be interested, do let us know. We are limiting places to 12. We will also need help with catering. If you would be willing to help prepare a simple meal for 15 people once or twice during the 10 week course, please speak to Fran for further details.
Congratulations
To Holy Trinity Minsterley on receiving the Silver Eco-Church Award
Covid Restrictions
This coming week, the Church Council (churchwardens from all the churches in our family) will be reviewing Covid restrictions, specifically considering whether to reintroduce the common cup. If you have any strong views about this, please let Greg know. Be advised that individual cups have never been allowed in the Church of England and that recent CofE guidance has forbidden intinction by the congregation.
APCMs
Our annual meetings are fast approaching. They are as follows:
Minsterley April 3rd at 11.30
Habberley April 19th at 2 p.m.
Hope/Shelve April 20th at 6 p.m.
Pontesbury April 24th at 11.30
Oasis
Oasis will run on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Minsterley Methodist Chapel from 12-1.30 and is for anyone who has suffered recent bereavement.
Supporting Ukraine
Following last week’s message, if anyone would like to volunteer and help out loading lorries that are taking supplies out to Poland, we are attaching directions to the industrial unit kindly supplied by Robert Currie.
St George’s Explorers
On Tuesday April 12th at 2 p.m. we are holding the first gathering of St George’s Explorers. This is muddy church by another name and on this occasion will include an Easter Egg hunt and the retelling of the Easter story. It’s aimed at all ages who connect with God through the outdoors.
Passover
On Tuesday April 12th, there will be a Passover Supper for the whole group at 7 p.m. hosted by St George’s. This event is part service and part meal. We will use the liturgy with which Jews will be familiar, while exploring how Christians have come to reinterpret its meaning. And there will be plenty of food and wine! This is not a symbolic meal. As such, you will only be able to attend if you have reserved a place (limited to 30) on a first come-first served basis. Please contact Greg or Fran to reserve a place.
Revd Stuart Carter
We pray for Stuart as he takes his first service among us on Sunday at Habberley, especially in light of his only having just recovered from Covid.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 25th Prayer at HTM 9-10 a.m.
Coffee morning at St George’s 10-12
Lent Lunch at The Wain in Habberley at 12
Choir Practices
Sat 26th Safeguarding training at Westbury Church at 9.30 a.m.
Churchyard clear up from 9.30-12 at Holy Trinity
Shrewsbury Brass Band at 7.30 p.m. at St George’s
Sun 27th Mothering Sunday service at Snailbeach at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury, Minsterley & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Mon 28th Youth Café at HTM at 3.30
Lent Group at the Deanery at 7.30 p.m.
Tues 29th Little Dragons 10-11.30
Church Council at 2 p.m. at St George’s
Foodbank meeting at 3.45 at the Deanery
PCC at Minsterley at 6.30 p.m.
Weds 30th Café at HTM 10-12
Lent Lunch at St George’s at 12 noon
Pat Evans funeral at 2 p.m. at St George’s
Palm Sunday rehearsal at 6.30 p.m. at St George’s
Thurs 31st Trinity Tots at HTM
Minsterley Mission Committee at 3 p.m. at the Deanery
Sun April 3rd Holy Communion at Hope & Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30
APCM at HTM at 11.45
Ed: Image courtesy www.LumoProject.com
