Newsletter 30th June 2023
Dear friends
I hope you will join with me in praying for Richard on the day of his ordination (Saturday) even if you are not able to attend in person. It’s not always straightforward to understand what is going on. Some say: ordained? Again? Others think of the “priesting” as a kind of passing out parade, a bit like a graduation at the end of the curate’s probationary year, to declare his success. But the Bishop will not shake his hand as he presents a certificate but will lay hands on him as he prays for the anointing of the Holy Spirit. Becoming a Priest is not a result of a successful job application, but a lifelong ministry, ordained by God, the one who calls and then equips.
Richard will now be able to preside over Holy Communion, pronounce absolution of sins, bestow a priestly blessing and conduct weddings. He needn’t be saluted or genuflected to, but we should celebrate a calling that none can deny or undo.
Administrator
A verbal offer has been made and accepted by an individual for the post of Parish Administrator for Pontesbury & Minsterley. Full details will be shared after we have taken up references.
Choir
As many will know Dr Paul Bracken has resigned as choirmaster and organist at St George’s. We wish to place on record our thanks to Paul for his gifted leadership of the St George’s choir over the last two years. Going forward, we are grateful to those who have agreed to accompany the worship on a rota basis. We are also grateful to Carolyn Lewis who has agreed to act as choir secretary and should be contacted if any message needs to be conveyed to the whole Pontesbury choir.
Benefice Choir
Following on from the above, we are keen to establish a benefice choir to lead worship at Group Services and on other occasions. Please let Greg know if you would like to join.
Truth be Told
Truth be Told, an organization dedicated to taking toddlers and toddler groups into care homes are offering a seminar via zoom on Tuesday at 1.30 p.m. and again at 7.30 p.m. The seminar will show a film of one of their sessions to explain what they do and how they do it. Greg would be delighted to hear of anyone interested in finding out more, and he will supply the link.
Bishop’s Visitation
Six of our churchwardens (Marianne, Mary, Pauline, Pearl, Sarah, and Susan) were duly sworn in at the Bishop’s Visitation in Ludlow on Monday. Their oaths were pretty daunting, so do pray for them as they begin their vital ministry. Barbara Venables will be sworn in at Church Stretton on July 12th.
Richard’s Ordination
Richard will be ordained priest (see above) at Hereford Cathedral on Saturday 1st July at 10 a.m. If you are not able to attend the ordination (everyone is welcome), you are warmly invited to The Deanery that evening at 6 p.m. for a BBQ to celebrate this milestone. Please bring a chair and something to drink. There will be enough food for the 5,000!
Congratulations
To Val Butterworth, Allen Marsden and Mary Worrall who are being licensed as Lay Worship Leaders at St George’s at the service on 9th July.
Foodbank
A couple of the volunteers at Minsterley Foodbank have stood down in recent weeks and it would help if we were able to replace them. Volunteers would be asked to serve on a rota which would mean attending approximately every 3 weeks. Full training will be provided. Anyone interested should speak to Mike Kirk or Greg.
Healing Services
In the light of low numbers at Healing Services in recent months, we have decided to make the service at Hanwood on July 16th the last. Thanks to all those who have supported the service over the last year.
Group Service
The next Group Service will take place at St George’s on Sunday July 30th at 10.30 a.m.
Prayer Breakfast
Pontesbury Congregational Church is hosting a Prayer Breakfast for Shrewsbury Youth for Christ next Saturday, July 8th at 8.30 a.m. Everyone welcome to attend.
Espé
We invite your prayers for Espé, the granddaughter of Michael Dennis, who has just undergone major brain surgery in Chile, where she lives. Please pray for a full recovery and that no long-term damage has been sustained by the brain.
Ichthus
There will be no Ichthus next Tuesday. The next one will be held on 18th July.
Songs of Praise
Many thanks to all those who supported the Songs of Praise service at Holy Trinity last night in aid of Espe. Special thanks to Sarah Edwards who organised such a successful event at very short notice.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 30th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sat 1st
July Richard’s Ordination at 10 a.m. at Hereford Cathedral
BBQ for Richard at The Deanery at 6 p.m.
Sun 2nd
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Morning Worship at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Mon 3rd
Funeral of Arthur Wilding at the Crematorium
Youth Café at 3.30 p.m. at HTM
Tues 4th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Explorers planning meeting at St George’s at 12
Truth be Told seminar at 1.30 & 7.30 p.m.
Tea Service at St George’s at 2.30 p.m.
Weds 5th
Café at HTM 10-12
Habberley PCC at 2 p.m.
Thurs 6th
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12.00
Wedding of Emma & Steven at St George’s at 1.30 p.m.
Sat 8th
SYFC Prayer Breakfast at 8.30 a.m. at Pontesbury Congs
Sun 9th
Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley & Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Morning Worship at Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
