Newsletter 3rd November 2023
Dear Friends The conflict in Israel/Palestine inevitably provides grist for the mill for those who like to argue that difference of religion invariably leads to conflict. This is mistaken in three ways. First, to describe the leadership of Hamas and the Israeli government as religiously motivated is as accurate as describing Boris Johnson’s tackling of the Covid crisis as being motivated by his Christian commitment. Second, it is to ignore the many terrible things perpetrated by atheistic regimes: Stalin, Pol Pot, or the French Revolution. Murderous, genocidal fanatics all, but also anti-religion. Of course, people will use religion where it helps to bolster their cause, but the religious allegiances are a disguise not the underlying cause of the conflict. Third, the very notion that people should be allowed to live in peace, free from discrimination is a Christian one.
When Jesus proclaimed that we should love our enemies as he does in Matthew 5. 43-48, the message provoked bewilderment and hostility; a reaction that meant that his enemies, both political and religious, responded by putting him to death. One fears if he were to walk the streets of the Holy Land in November 2023, He would meet with a similar fate. But that’s humanity’s problem, not religion’s.
Carolyn & John Chadwick Thanks to all those who attended last Sunday’s farewell service for John & Carolyn. It was a very special occasion.
Remembrance Sunday Please note the starting time for Remembrance Day services is 10.15 at Minsterley and Pontesbury
Parish Administrator Further to last week’s message, Krys will cease work for Pontesbury and Minsterley on Nov 5th. We do wish her every blessing for her future. We are pleased to announce the appointment of Emma Stevenson as her replacement. She will take up post on November 6th and will be available via the same email address of officepontstip@gmail.com. We are grateful to both parties for the flexibility that has allowed a smooth handover.
Bingo, Bangers & Mash St George’s are hosting a bingo evening in the West End Room on Saturday 4th November at 7 p.m. Tickets available from Marianne McCall include a Sausage & Mash meal.
Facebook Page – Hope and Shelve Parish Hope and Shelve parish now has its own facebook page at facebook.com/HopeandShelve. If you use facebook, please like or follow us to raise our profile locally.
Photoboard St George’s has introduced a photoboard. This is a display for all members to post their own photos (preferably fully clad) of themselves. The intention is that it should make us more welcoming as a church, but also help people to identify each other. No one needs any further permission to post a suitable photo.
Carers A message from Richard Lonsdale regarding live-in carers. If you know of anyone in the benefice who may be interested in a live-in carer please contact him and he can provide further details.
Wellbeing Bus The Wellbeing Bus returns to Pontesbury on Monday November 13th from 10-12 and will be parked outside the Pavilion. Free mental health support and advice. Anyone is welcome to pop in for a brew and a chat.
Duck Race The Duck Race in Minsterley was a great success even if one of the little ducks looks a little lost!
Advent Course A four-part Advent Course exploring the Lord’s Prayer will take place at The Deanery on Thursday afternoons at 1.30 p.m., commencing Nov 30th. The course produced by 24-7 Prayer entails watching a short video presentation and then discussion around such topics as Petition, Adoration, and unanswered prayers. All welcome. Please speak to Greg or Fran Brealey for further information.
Children’s Church St George’s will launch its Children’s Church on November 19th to provide Christian teaching and fun activity for children attending church on Sunday mornings. We have been encouraged by a number of parents coming forward to say that they will bring their children if we are providing something. Alison Holmes has kindly agreed to act as coordinator, and we have recruited two members of the team. However, we need a minimum of at least one more if this group is to be viable. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Greg.
Tea Service Our monthly Tea Service lasting 25 minutes, followed by tea and cake takes place at St George’s next Tuesday at 2.30 p.m. All welcome.
Robert Currie Robert’s talk on his trip to Japan has been rescheduled for Friday November 24th at Habberley Village Hall (weather permitting!)
Free Advice and Information Day – Friday 10th November 10:00am – 3:00pm
- Confused about what support is out there to keep you independent at home?
- Need Information regarding financial support for care?
- Caring for another adult and need support?
- Want to see what assistive technology there may be to support you at home?
Come along to Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s office, where there will be representatives from Shropshire Council’s Adult Social Care team to assist you and show you examples of assistive technology in action, and Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin staff will be available to talk to you about their services.
Toy sale
Holy Trinity Minsterley is having a toy stall at their Christmas Fayre. Anyone with good condition, second-hand toys to donate should contact Sarah Edwards at sarahedwards90@hotmail.com
Calendar for the Week
Fri 3rd
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
Sat 4th
Bingo, Bangers & Mash at St George’s at 7 p.m.
Sun 5th
Holy Communion at Shelve at 9 a.m.
Family Worship at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Holy Communion at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m.
Mon 6th
Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.
Tues 7th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Little Dragons at St George’s 10-11.30 a.m.
Tea Service at St George’s at 2.30 p.m.
Weds 8th
Café at HTM 10-12
Pontesbury Youth Café launches at 3.20 p.m.
Thurs 9th
Trinity Tots, Holy Trinity Minsterley 10-11.30 a.m.
Foodbank at Pontesbury 10-12
Minsterley Standing Committee at 7 p.m.
Sat 11th
Repair Shop at St George’s 10-12
Remembrance Service at Hope at 11 a.m.
Baptism of Wilfred Hamer at 1.30 p.m.
Sun 12th
Remembrance Sunday Services
Hope 9 a.m.
Pontesbury & Minsterley at 10.15 a.m.
Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
Snailbeach 3 p.m.
Image by Gemma Ray at Pixabay
