Newsletter 30th September 2022
Dear friends
Twice in the last couple of weeks have I walked from Church Stretton up Carding Mill Valley to the top of Long Mynd. The first time was to scout the route for our sponsored walk (15 miles is far enough to walk at my age, without the added miles of getting lost) and then the second time being the opening stretch of the walk that took us (eventually) to Stokesay Church. The climb up Carding Mill Valley is something of a challenge. On my first visit, a gentleman coming the other way who clearly wasn’t a local from his accent, suggested “you don’t want to go this way, mate”. The steepness of the climb means that you spend much of the time staring at the ground with an occasional glance at the horizon trying to reassure yourself that it is getting closer. There appears nothing remarkable about the ascent other than its gruelling nature. However, when you stop and turn around to look back, the view is outstanding: the valley itself suddenly seems so much more special, with Wenlock Edge magnificent in the distance. Such is life. It is so easy to be bogged down in the here and now of getting through the next few steps, never pausing to turn around. But so often when we look back, we see the glory of God’s work in our lives.
Quiz Night
The Vicar’s ignorance of the royal family was sorely exposed at the Minsterley Quiz night, but a good time was had by all. The evening raised over £250. Thanks go to Alistair and Susan Bates as quizmaster and organiser.
Hope/Shelve
We are pleased to announce the formal merger of the Hope and Shelve parishes as one entity. Both churches will continue to offer twice monthly worship, but the parish will function administratively as one. There will be an Extraordinary Parochial Church Meeting on Monday October 24th at 2 p.m. when new officers and a new PCC will be elected. We are urgently seeking someone who will stand as treasurer. Please speak to Greg to find out more about what the post entails.
Shropshire Historic Churches Trust
The service at Shrewsbury Abbey celebrating 30 years of the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust, has been scheduled for Sunday 16th October at 3 p.m.
Tea Service
Our monthly Tea Service (25 minute communion service in the West End Room) will take place on Tuesday at 2.30 p.m. at St George’s
Celtic Service
Thanks to Sue Townsend for what was by all accounts a wonderful Celtic service last Friday evening.
Webmaster for Pontesbury
We are looking for a webmaster to take on the responsibility from Richard Elliot. A draft job description has been produced. Please speak to Greg or directly to Richard if you would like to know more.
Sponsored Walk
Anyone who kindly sponsored the walkers last Saturday should pass on their sponsorship to either Stephen Winwood (Pontesbury) or David Young (Stiperstones). It’s not too late to sponsor us.
Ecumenical Service
The ecumenical service has been rescheduled for Sunday October 9th at 6.30 p.m. at Pontesbury Congregational Church.
Foodbank
The Rea Valley Foodbank launched this week at Holy Trinity Minsterley and at St George’s. Seven clients were fed at Minsterley, each one given enough food for them and their family for the week. Food may be donated at either church or financial contributions via our Treasurer, Jonathan Brown. Details from support@reavalleyfoodbank.co.uk
Harvest
Thanks to all those responsible for the harvest supper at Pontesbury and for the magnificent flower festival. It is Minsterley, Shelve and Snailbeach harvests this weekend and Habberley and Hope next.
The Chalice
We have taken the decision to reinstitute the chalice from this Sunday for those who want it. We want to stress that taking the cup is entirely optional and that no one should feel embarrassed about declining it.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 30th
Coffee morning at St George’s
Wedding of Chris & Camilla at 12.30 at St George’s
Friday prayer at HTM at 9 a.m.
Choir Practices
Sat 1st Oct
Funeral of Bill Kimbrey at St George’s
Minsterley Harvest Supper at Parish Hall at 6.30 p.m.
Sun 2nd
Harvest Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Harvest Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Family Service at Pontesbury at 10.30
Harvest service at Snailbeach at 2 p.m.
Mon 3rd
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 4th
Little Dragons at 10 a.m.
Minsterley Foodbank 10-12
Tea Service at 2.30 p.m. at St George’s
Weds 5th
Pontesbury Safeguarding meeting at 2 p.m.
Harvest Supper at Hope Village Hall at 6.30 p.m.
Thurs 6th
Pontesbury Foodbank 10-12
Trinity Tots
Friends of St George’s Churchyard at 2 p.m. at St G’s
Food and Faith at HTM at 6 p.m.
Fri 7th
Funeral of Alan Hughes at HTM at 10.45
Wedding of Mark & Nicola at St George’s at 1 p.m.
Sat 8th
Repair Café at St George’s
Diocesan Conference at Bishop’s Castle 10-4
Habberley Harvest Supper
Image – From Long Mynd by RE
