Newsletter 26th October 2023
Dear Friends
I recently saw the film The Great Escaper. Without wanting to give away too much of the plot, based on a true story, it features Michael Caine playing the part of an elderly gentleman, who “escapes” from a care home in order to attend the 70th anniversary celebrations of D-Day in Dunkirk. In response to a care worker astonished that a 90-year-old should have crossed the channel without a carer or escort, his wife (played by Glenda Jackson in her last ever film) responds: “he’s done it before, except last time, they were shooting at him!” The film’s central premise (one widely accepted) is that old age necessarily limits what people should expect to be able to do.
We ought to be grateful that Almighty God hasn’t got that memo. Noah, Abraham, and Moses are all old enough to be in a care home when God calls them to do those things which we now celebrate them for. We need to be wise about what we can and cannot do, but we shouldn’t allow others to limit our expectations of what God might call us to do.
Carolyn & John Chadwick
This Sunday’s Group Service at St George’s gives us an opportunity to say farewell to Carolyn and John who are moving to Winchester. They will be much missed. Carolyn will preside on Sunday, and we will pray for them on the next stage of their journey. The service will be followed by a bring and share lunch at The Deanery from 12.30. All welcome.
Choir Leader for St George’s
St George’s Church is seeking a new Choir Leader. An application form and job description is available from Krys Rodgers at officepontstip@gmail.com For an informal discussion, please speak to Greg or Carolyn Lewis. The closing date for applications is October 31st. Interviews on Nov 8th
Parish Administrator
It is with regret that we announce the resignation of Krys Rodgers as Parish Administrator for Minsterley & Pontesbury. Although Krys has only been with us a short while, we have very much appreciated her hard work and commitment to our family. We are currently negotiating an end date in November. Further details to follow.
Congratulations
To Tom Lowrie-Herz who has been appointed as the new permanent Headteacher at Pontesbury Church of England Primary School.
Team Leader at Pontesbury Foodbank
The Pontesbury arm of the Rea Valley Foodbank, which gives out food on Thursday mornings is looking for a new Team Leader. A job description and application form are available from Greg. Do speak to him if you would prefer an informal conversation. The closing date for applications is October 31st.
Bingo, Bangers & Mash
St George’s are hosting a bingo evening in the West End Room on Saturday 4th November at 7 p.m. Tickets available from Marianne McCall include a Sausage & Mash meal.
Photoboard
St George’s has introduced a photoboard. This is a display for all members to post their own photos (preferably fully clad) of themselves. The intention is that it should make us more welcoming as a church, but also help people to identify each other. No one needs any further permission to post a suitable photo.
Children’s Church
St George’s PCC has agreed to launch Children’s Church after the October half-term to provide Christian teaching and fun activity for children attending church on Sunday mornings. Since then, we have been encouraged by a number of parents coming forward to say that they will bring their children if we are providing something. We are therefore looking to recruit volunteers to form two teams, as well as a coordinator for this new ministry. Job descriptions are available for both roles, along with an application form. Please contact Krys Rodgers at officepontstip@gmail.com to request these. If you have any questions about either role, please contact Greg.
All Souls Services
Please note that there will be All Souls services at St George’s on Oct 29th at 4 p.m. and at HTM at 7 p.m. on Thurs Nov 2nd.
Advent Course
A four-part Advent Course exploring the Lord’s Prayer will take place at The Deanery on Thursday afternoons at 1.30 p.m., commencing Nov 30th. The course produced by 24-7 Prayer entails watching a short video presentation and then discussion around such topics as Petition, Adoration, and unanswered prayers. All welcome. Please speak to Greg or Fran Brealey for further information.
Robert Currie
Robert’s talk on his trip to Japan was postponed last Friday because of floods in Habberley. Please watch this space for a new date.
Jigsaw Choir
The Jigsaw Choir are performing at Minsterley on 12th December. Please see attached poster.
Pontesbury Youth Café
After many months of discussion, the launch of Pontesbury Youth Café takes place on Weds Nov 8th at 3.20 p.m. at Pontesbury Baptist Church, a unique partnership between the Baptists, Congregationalists and Anglicans. The café will meet every Wednesday during term-time to provide for Years 7-9 at Mary Webb School. Anyone interested in volunteering should speak to Greg or Stuart Carter.
Toy sale
Holy Trinity Minsterley is having a toy stall at their Christmas Fayre. Anyone with good condition, second-hand toys to donate should contact Sarah Edwards at sarahedwards90@hotmail.com
Deadline
Please note that the deadline for the inclusion of notices in the weekly newsletter is Wednesday at 5 p.m. These can be sent to Greg or directly to Krys Rodgers at officepontstip@gmail.com
Bible Sunday
This Sunday is designated by the Church as Bible Sunday and our readings and sermon will reflect this.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 27th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sun 29th
Group Service at St George’s at 10.30 a.m.
Bring & Share Lunch for Carolyn & John at The Deanery at 12.30 p.m.
All Souls Service at St George’s at 4 p.m.
Mon 30th
Duck Race in Minsterley at 11 a.m.
Funeral of Ben Worrall at St George’s at 2 p.m.
Youth Café team meet at 7 p.m. at the Deanery
Tues 31st
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
The Gathering at Marton Village Hall at 7 p.m.
Weds 1st
Nov Café at HTM 10-12
Pontesbury Standing Committee at 9.30 a.m.
Thurs 2nd
Foodbank at Pontesbury 10-12
All Souls Service at HTM at 7 p.m.
Sat 4th
Bingo, Bangers & Mash at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Sun 5th
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Family Worship at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
