Newsletter 7th July 2023
Dear friends
This time last week I was down in Hereford preparing for my ordination to the priesthood.
It was a good, if tiring, few days – who knew having so much time in silence could be so exhausting?! We had various seminars or reflections led by Rev. Guy Bridgewater who is the Rector of Bath Abbey which was very challenging – focusing on Jesus’ last words to his disciples in the Gospel of John, as follows:
John 13 – Called to serve;
John 14 – Called to faith;
John 15 – Called to obey;
John 16 – Called to boldness;
John 17 – Called to love and be loved; and finally
John 18 – Called to follow
So having these talks, the awareness of imminent ordination as well as minding my P’s and Q’s while eating next to the Bishop, meant that by the end of the Retreat I was done in and ready to go home!
However, the ordination itself was fantastic and it was wonderful to turn to face the congregation and see so many smiling faces from across the Benefices and then later at the BBQ as well. Thank you very much for your kind gifts, cards, thoughts and prayers – they are much appreciated.
Now onwards and upwards and to see if I can respond well to the call laid down before me, but with God’s help then I will certainly give it a go and I know I am not alone, because of course our Lord’s charge wasn’t just to Priests but to all his disciples and so I look forward to following this road together!
Richard Lonsdale
From the Rector
I am continually encountering people who work in the helping professions (schools, NHS etc.) who are at their wits end because of the pressures they face. They are tasked with doing more and more with less and less. This is a vicious circle, since stress is likely to result in time being taken off work or to feeling undervalued and thereby persuaded to go on strike. This further results in even greater pressures on the system. Users of the system (parents, patients, and clients) get ever more frustrated. Who do they take it out on? The very same harassed staff who need our prayers and not our anger.
I am reminded of Psalm 107:26-28. “in their peril, their courage melted away…they were at their wits end. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.” As God’s people, let us renew our prayers for those who seek to help us and for those responsible for mending a broken system. Greg
Administrator
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mrs Krys Rodgers as the new Parish Administrator for Pontesbury & Minsterley. She will take up post on July 17th. Contact details will be provided in due course, although please do give her a bit of settling in space. Thanks to Allen Marsden and Susan Lockwood for all their support during the recruitment process.
Benefice Choir
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.
Repair Shop
The bi-monthly Repair Shop, hosted by St George’s, will take place this Saturday from 10-12. All manner of items have been repaired over the months. Do take advantage of this wonderful facility rather than send to landfill. Payment is by donation.
Truth be Told
We are keen to work with Truth be Told, an organization whose mission is to encourage toddler groups to visit care homes and share in an act of worship with them. However, no one has yet come forward to explore this ministry, and we cannot offer this service to Cliffdale who are exceptionally keen to welcome us without one or two committed volunteers. There is a video link to a session that Greg would be pleased to share with anyone who wants to know a little more without commitment.
Strawberry Cream Tea
The Worralls are hosting a Strawberry Cream Tea at 15 Manor Park, Pontesbury, on Sunday 9th July from 2-4 p.m. in aid of church funds and the haematology unit. All welcome.
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.
Group Service
The next Group Service will take place at St George’s on Sunday July 30th at 10.30 a.m.
Healing Service
Our final healing service (for now) takes place at Hanwood Church on the 16th at 4.30 p.m. All welcome.
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
Many thanks to all those who supported Songs of Praise, Bingo Night and made donations to support Espe’s medical treatment. The total raised was a magnificent £2049, which will be sent to Espe’s family shortly. Particular thanks to Sarah Edwards and Pam Bickley for coordinating the fundraising efforts.
Minsterley Primary School Fete
Minsterley Primary School Fete is on the 15th July at the Crown and Sceptre (on the old bowling green). Everyone is very welcome. We will be supporting this by providing some tables and chairs which Richard will take over on the evening before – can anyone volunteer to help bring them back to the church on Saturday evening as Richard will be away with the youth cafe kids in North Wales. Also if we can also provide the bunting used for the recent plant sale then that would be super. The PTA have worked very hard at this and it will be the first such fete since Covid – there are lots and lots of prizes and so everyone will be welcome.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 7th
Coffee at St George’s 10-12
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.
Strawberry Cream Tea at 15 Manor Park from 2-4 p.m.
Mon 10th
Youth Café at 3.30 p.m. at HTM
Tues 11th
Foodbank at HTM 10-12
Pontesbury Stewardship Committee at 1.30 in WER
Weds 12th
Café at HTM 10-12
Pontesbury PCC at 7 p.m.
Thurs 13th
Foodbank at St George’s 10-12.00
Healing Team at Minsterley Vicarage at 9.30 a.m.
Sun 16th
Morning Prayer at Hope at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30 a.m.
Morning Praise at Minsterley at 10.30 a.m.
Healing Service at Hanwood at 4.30 p.m.
