Newsletter 27th May 2022
Dear friends
The establishment of a wild meadow in the south-west corner of St George’s churchyard has been an occasion of joy for me. In part, this is because it grants us an opportunity to proclaim the extraordinary goodness of God’s creation over and above the supposed “improvements” that human beings attempt to make to it, generally in some way adversely affecting others of God’s creatures. Moreover, in this instance, I rejoice because of the wide nature of the partnership that has enabled this project to happen: the church; two charities (one secular, one Christian-based); Shrewsbury Youth for Christ and Mary Webb School. Last week, students from the school were at work in the churchyard, building six bird-boxes and four reptile mats (thanks to Alison Holmes for her help in all this). Further, the young people released slow worms into the wild – one of which was named after me. I am assured that this was meant as a compliment, although I fear one of my less charitable parishioners may use it against me. Nevertheless, what marvellous Biblical echoes this has. The first task God gives Adam (before the Fall) is to name the animals in the garden. I had always imagined that he had called them “elephant”, “tiger” or “slow worm”, but perhaps he called them “Jane”, “Tom” or “Greg”?
Friends
We are trying to establish a Friends of St George’s Churchyard group, a group made up of church and community members to look after the churchyard. If you think you might be interested in this, please let Greg or Stephen Winwood know.
Naming Rights
Interestingly, in light of the above, I have been asked to suggest possible names for the new housing estate that is to be built opposite the Horseshoes. Please contact Greg with any (sensible!) suggestions.
Richard Lonsdale
It is just five weeks until Richard is ordained at Hereford Cathedral on July 3rd. The following Sunday, July 10th, we will host usual second Sunday services, but at 12.30 there will be a shared lunch at St George’s to which the whole family is warmly invited. Fran will be coordinating the catering, so please speak to her if you are able to help. You should find a list at the back of your church to sign up for attendance so that we have a reasonably reliable guest list.
Christian Aid
Many thanks to Susan Bates for all her work in coordinating Christian collections and other events last week.
Baptism Team
We are seeking to establish a Baptism Team for our group to help welcome and support the many families that are coming forward seeking Christenings for their children. To this end, we have scheduled a “find out more” evening on Monday 27th June at 8 p.m. at St George’s. Just come along or speak to Greg if you want further information.
St George’s Explorers
The second gathering of St George’s Explorers will take place on Tues May 31st at 2 p.m. in St George’s Churchyard.
Celtic Service
St George’s will be hosting a special Celtic Service at 7.30 p.m. on Weds June 22nd. This is a wonderful opportunity to explore a different, gentle form of spirituality that might appeal to friends and neighbours who don’t regularly come to church. Further information from Sue Townsend at atxst3@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk
Hope/Shelve
From June onwards, there will be a change in the pattern of services offered at Hope and Shelve. There will be a service at Shelve on first and third Sundays at 9 a.m. (although not June 5th because of the Group Service) and at Hope on second and fourth Sundays of the month, also at 9 a.m. Some of these services will be communion, led by Pam or Greg and some will be Morning Prayer, led by Richard.
Food Safety Training
Chris Kinnersley has kindly offered to provide food safety training for anyone who wants it. We have a couple of takers, but to make it viable we need a couple more. Please contact her directly at christinekinnersley16@gmail.com to find out more.
Sidespersons
We are holding a thank you evening for our Sidespersons on Monday May 30th at 7 p.m. at Holy Trinity, Minsterley. All sidespersons in the group are warmly invited. This is also an opportunity for anyone who would like to find out more about this role to come along.
Messy Church
The Messy Church planning meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday 2nd June at HTM at 2 p.m. If you are interested in helping this new venture in Minsterley which launches on June 9th, please do go along.
Spring Harvest
We want to investigate whether there is any mileage in taking a party from Pontesbury & Stiperstones to Spring Harvest next Easter, April 10-14 in Minehead. Costs are £185 and up per person (with discounts for children) depending on the type of accommodation. The event provides worship, teaching and fellowship for all ages and has been a joyous and upbuilding time for every church I have attended. If you want to know more, speak to Greg or Fran. We need two more to make our attendance as a group viable.
Calendar for the Week
Fri May 27th Prayer at HTM 9-10 a.m.
Coffee morning at St George’s 10-12
Choir Practices
Officers’ Social at the Deanery at 7 p.m.
Sat 28th Open Garden at The Gables, The Grove, Minsterley 10-3
Sun 29th Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Family Service at St George’s at 10.30
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30
Mon 30th Youth Café team meeting at 3.30 p.m.
Sidespersons Evening at HTM at 7 p.m.
Tues 31st St George’s Explorers at 2 p.m.
Alpha week 5 at 7 p.m. at the Deanery
Weds June 1st Café at HTM 10-12
Thurs 2nd Arts Festival at St George’s until Monday
Sat 4th Hope Fete at Leigh Manor 2-4 p.m.
Sun 5th Group Service for Pentecost at St George’s at 10.30
Minsterley Fete at Minsterley Hall from 1.30-4 p.m.
Image credit: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:DuncanFoto&action=edit&redlink=1
