Newsletter 6th May 2022

Dear friends

On Wednesday, we celebrated our grandson’s third birthday. This principally involved dinosaurs (either buying them or his doing an imitation of one at the ballpark where he terrorised children much older than him with a convincing impersonation). It is extraordinary to think that this is his first birthday outside of lockdown. The first was spent in his front garden in Nuneaton, when even meeting for 20 minutes in his front garden, just us and his parents were strictly breaking lockdown rules (but I’m not planning on lying to parliament about it any time soon and no alcohol was involved). His second was spent in his back garden in Birkenhead. This was within the rules, although again no alcohol was involved. These times now seem like a different age, like my parents trying to explain to me what it was like during the war. In the same way, when we read the Bible, it can seem as though we are reading tales from a different age. The trick is to work out which aspects of its teaching are for all time (keep a tight rein on your tongue for instance) and which were just for that age (women wearing head coverings in church perhaps). Of one thing we can be sure, the claims Jesus makes about himself (I am the bread of Life; I am the Light of the world; I am the good shepherd) are for all time.

House for Duty Priest

Sadly, we failed to make an appointment when we interviewed for the House for Duty position last week. The decision not to appoint was unanimously made and I believe right. However, the resulting situation is that my workload is not currently manageable. I will try my best not to get too grumpy, which is what tends to happen when I am overloaded, but I would ask your understanding if I appear forgetful or not as responsive pastorally as you would want me to be.  I am extremely grateful to all those who contribute so wonderfully to the ministry and for those who have offered to help. We will have to make the best of the situation and pray that when we reinterview in July, the right person will present themselves.

Alpha

Our Alpha course started this week, and a good time was had by all, as we considered the question: who is Jesus? We continue on Tuesday. It’s not too late to join us. Please contact Sue at atxst3@exmail.nottingham.ac.uk if you would like to come along.

Cynthia Webb

We are very sad to announce the death of Cynthia Webb, whose funeral will take place at St George’s on Monday May 16th at 1.30 p.m.

Church wardens

The APCM season is now over, and appointments of churchwardens have been made as follows:

Habberley: Pauline Stopford & Pearl Hannigan

Hope: No appointment made

Minsterley: Susan Lockwood & Sarah Edwards

Pontesbury: Allen Marsden & Mary Worrall

Shelve: Wynford Wyke

Christian Aid Week

Events planned as follows:

Saturday 14th May. – Breakfast/Coffee Morning 9.30 – 12noon Holy Trinity Minsterley

Sunday 15th May – collection at HTM after Morning Praise

Saturday 21st May – Collection at Minsterley Co-op

Any enquiries to Susan Bates 01743 891985

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.

Treasurer

We continue to seek a new Treasurer for Pontesbury, following Gerald Worrall’s retirement.

Vocations

Please find attached a letter from Elizabeth Wild about Vocations, which may be of interest.

Healing Service

There will be a Healing Service at Hanwood Church on Sunday May 15th at 4.30 p.m.

Repair Shop

St George’s is looking to host a repair shop on Saturday mornings in July. If anyone has any repair skills to offer (clothes, machinery etc.) please contact Greg who will pass on your details to the Pontesbury Climate Change Group who are organising this event.

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. 

Beatles Evening

The new date for the Beatles evening at Hope Village Hall is Friday June 24th. Tickets previously purchased are still valid. 

Imagine

There is a reunion event for those women who attended the Imagine day at Holy Trinity Minsterley last month. This is scheduled for Sat 14th May from 10-12 at 78 Orchid Meadow, Minsterley.

Calendar for the Week

Fri May 6th Prayer at HTM 9-10 a.m.

Coffee morning at St George’s 10-12

Choir Practices

Sat 7th Gardeners’ meeting at 7 p.m.

Sun 8th Holy Communion at Minsterley & Pontesbury at 10.30

Evensong at Habberley at 5 p.m. 

Mon 9th Bryan Petrie’s funeral at St George’s at 12.30

Youth Café at HTM at 3.30 p.m.

Tues 10th Little Dragons at 10 a.m.

Minsterley Finance Ctte at 10 a.m. at the Gables

Tony Hamer’s funeral at St George’s at 1 p.m.

Alpha week 2 at 7 p.m. at the Deanery

Weds 11th Café at HTM 10-12

Pontesbury PCC at 7.30 p.m.

Thurs 12th Deanery Synod at St George’s at 7 p.m.

Sun 15th  Holy Communion at Hope & Shelve at 9 a.m.

Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30

Family Praise at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.

Healing Service at Hanwood at 4.30 p.m.

Photo by Cup of Couple

Safeguarding

The Parish Safeguarding Officer is June Cribb 07947 482066. The Diocesan Officer is Carl Steventon 07598817717

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Eco-church

St George's church supports Eco-church. We have reached the silver award. To find out more, please visit this  link:

About St George's

St George’s Pontesbury, is a Christian Community providing a loving and spiritual environment in which to embrace, explore and experience faith in order to serve our community. We hope you find what you are looking for. Please do contact us for further help, advice or information.

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