Newsletter 27th January 2023

Dear Friends
Next week sees the second anniversary of our arrival in Shropshire. It’s strange how that now feels like a very long time ago and yet some days I still feel quite new to the role. People regularly comment on the speed with which time passes. Perhaps one day scientists will discover that the earth really is travelling faster around the sun than it used to. But I suspect there are other factors at work in this instance at least. We arrived in Pontesbury in one of the most extraordinary periods of all our lifetimes: forbidden from entering each other’s homes, only able to converse with a facemask (which is bad enough when it’s someone you already know) and in person church services suspended. Was it all a dream? This is what makes the two years seem a very long time.
However, the business of being responsible for six churches after a lifetime of being able to answer the question, which is your church, by naming just one place of worship, remains daunting, confusing, and strange. I am encouraged by the verse, Hebrews 6:19. “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” God and His love for us never changes.
Group Service
Please note that this Sunday is a Group Service at St George’s at 10.30 a.m. All welcome.
Alpha
We had a lovely start to Alpha on Wednesday, with a convivial atmosphere and new friendships already being forged. However, because of a couple of last-minute withdrawals, we now have an additional two places. It’s not too late to join us. Please speak to Greg or Sue Townsend about this.
Cliffdale
We are looking to form an ecumenical team to take part in services at Cliffdale Care Home on the first Monday of each month at 11 a.m. If you would like to join the singing, do a reading or simply chat to residents afterwards, we would be delighted to have you on board. There is no expectation that team members should visit every month. Please speak to Greg or Mary if interested.
Celtic Service
The next Celtic Service, Welcoming the Light, Imbolc, will take place at St George’s on Tuesday January 31st at 6.30 p.m. The service provides an opportunity to explore the wisdom and spirituality of the Celtic Christians, based on ancient texts. Light refreshments will be available afterwards.
Prayer Ministry
Training is to be offered to those who would like to know more about Prayer Ministry. The first session is at Holy Trinity Minsterley on Monday Feb 6th at 7 p.m. Please contact Susan Lockwood at susanlockwood345@btinternet.com to register your interest.
Sermon Series
Today sees the continuation of a sermon series on worship at all the churches in the group at the regular times.
Jan 29th
Worship as praise
Feb 5th
Worship as mission
Feb 12th
Worship in difficult times
Puppy visiting
We have received a request from a woman in Minsterley, who has recently been made redundant and forced to take a new job that doesn’t offer home-working. She has two new puppies that are to be left on their own all day as a result. She is looking for someone who lives in the village who would be willing to pop in once a day to let the dogs into the garden. Please contact Greg if you would be willing to help with this, even in the short term.
Palm Sunday
This year, as last year, we will be dramatising the Passion Gospel at St George’s on Palm Sunday. This requires a cast of thousands (well twenty anyway). If you would like to take part, having even a non-speaking part or would like to help out behind the scenes, please speak to Greg asap. Having failed to find a donkey last year, it would be great if we were able to locate one for this. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Calendar for the Week

Fri 27th
Funeral of Myra Heap at St George’s at 1 p.m.
Burns Night at Hope Village Hall at 6.30 p.m.
Sat 28th
Marriage Prep at St George’s 10-3.0 p.m.
Sun 29th
Group Service at St George’s at 10.30
Mon 30th
Youth Café at HTM 3.30-5 p.m.
Tues 31st
Little Dragons 10-11.30 at St George’s
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Explorers Leaders at 2 p.m. at the Deanery
Celtic Service at St George’s at 6.30 p.m.
Weds Feb 1st
House for Duty interview at St George’s
Alpha week 2 at 7 p.m. at the Deanery
Thurs 2nd
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12
Trinity Tots 10-11.30 at HTM
Fri 3rd
Funeral of Terry Challinor at St George’s at 1 p.m.
Sat 4th
Pontesbury Youth Hub at 10.30 at Pontesbury Baptist Church
Sun 5th
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.

Photo by Engin Akyurt: pexels