Newsletter 3rd March 2023
Dear Friends
This Friday, God willing, will see the birth of a granddaughter to Fran and I, to be named Jean. We are as you will imagine excited about the impending new arrival and praying hard that all will be well with mother and baby. Some of you will be old enough to remember a time when the date of the arrival of a child and its sex were unknowns only to be revealed in God’s good time. However, recent medical advances mean that the c-section is booked to spare our daughter-in-law the 72 hour labour she endured last time that only ended with an emergency caesarean; and has also revealed that she is carrying a little girl, whose name has been selected to replicate that of her great grandmother.
While I prefer life to be neat and ordered, I am conscious that we can miss out on the adventure of living life in the blissful ignorance of not knowing what is going to happen next but knowing that God does. I can think of many times when I have planned one thing and God has done something much better. I pray, therefore, that if there is any departure from the plan detailed above, it will be a happy deviation.
Holiday
In light of the above, Fran and Greg will be away from Friday, returning to duties the following Wednesday. Richard or Pam are available should anything urgent arise.
Lent Lunches
Lent Lunches have begun and continue on every Wednesday at St George’s from 12-1 p.m. We are focusing on the Lord’s Prayer as well as enjoying soup and fellowship (see below). There will be an opportunity to donate to Water Aid. All welcome
In the Stiperstones benefice, we are meeting on Fridays from 12-1.30 as follows:
3rd. March. Habberley. at Wain House.
17th. March. Snailbeach at Stiperstones Inn
24th. March. Hope & Shelve at Hope Village Hall
Please note the Snailbeach date, which is different from the one advertised last week.
Fundraising Committee
We are looking for new members for a Minsterley fundraising and engagement committee to plan events to reach out into the community, while on occasion also raising funds. If you are interested in joining the very small team, please speak to Richard.
Tea Service
Our monthly Tea Service, lasting no more than 30 minutes, takes place on Tuesday at St George’s at 2.30 p.m. All welcome.
Worship Survey
Congregations at Pontesbury & Minsterley are invited to complete a short survey on worship in their church. This does not preface any major change in worship style or direction but provides an opportunity to express what you value most and whether there is anything you believe might be improved. The survey is anonymous and can be completed on the day or brought back the following week. You can also complete them electronically and send them to Alison Bebb at officepontstip@gmail.com who will then forward them anonymously. Other congregations can email any one of the clergy to express their views.
Electoral Roll
The electoral roll is the church’s official record of membership and is open to anyone who attends any of our churches on a regular basis. The roll is updated annually at this time of year. If you regularly worship with us, we encourage you to join. At Pontesbury, please see Val Butterworth and at Minsterley Colin Edwards.
Prayer Seminar
Pete Greig, who has a nationally recognised prayer ministry as the founder of the 24-7 prayer movement will be leading a day in Ludlow on Wednesday March 29th 9.30-3 p.m. This is a ticketed event, although there is no charge. Tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bishops-study-day-how-to-pray-led-by-pete-grieg-tickets-477271530997
Foodbank
An encouragement to continue to support the work of the foodbanks in Minsterley and Pontesbury after we ran out of food at Pontesbury last week. There are collecting points at Holy Trinity, St George’s and Hope. Since opening, we have fed over 200 different people across the area.
St George’s Meadow
The newly established meadow in St George’s churchyard is growing well. In order to give the green hay seedlings a better chance of flourishing, another cut is planned. We will need volunteers to rake away the mown grass as mulch for the newly planted hedge. Mowing is planned for Saturday 4th March at 10.30 a.m. Please bring your own rake and wheelbarrow or builders’ bag.
Quiz and Curry
St George’s is hosting a Quiz & Curry evening on Saturday March 18th at 7 p.m. Tickets (teams maximum of 6 people) are £8 per person and available from Marianne McCall on 792444
Turkey/Syria Earthquake Appeal
Many will have been appalled at the terrible earthquake that has killed thousands in Turkey and Syria. One way of responding to this tragedy is via Tearfund. Donations can be made by visiting https://www.tearfund.org/campaigns/turkey-syria-earthquake-appeal
Calendar for the Week
Fri 3rd
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Lent Lunch at Wain House, Habberley at 12
Sun 5th
Morning Prayer at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30
Family Worship at Pontesbury at 10.30
Mon 6th
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 7th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Tea Service at St George’s at 2.30 p.m.
Weds 8th
Lent Lunch at St George’s 12-1 p.m.
Pontesbury PCC at 7 p.m.
Thurs 9th
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12
Funeral of Norma Davies at HTM at 12.30 p.m.
Sun 12th
Holy Communion at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley & Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
