Newsletter for the 25th July 2021
Dear friends
I had the (very warm) joy of attending an open garden in Hope Valley and open day for Hope Church last Sunday afternoon. As I walked through the garden, one stranger passed me and said, “you must be the new Vicar!” I assented and enquired whether it was the dog collar that had given me away? She shook her head and then pointed to my cricket hat. Earlier that morning, I had met Revd Greg Forster for the first time at St George’s. Although I had seen him many times on screen, I didn’t recognize him (he wasn’t three inches high) and it was only when he spoke that I knew who he was. The Gospels are written to help us recognize Jesus. He was readily recognized by some e. g. the legion of demons in Luke 8; eventually recognized others e. g. St Peter in Matthew 16 and the woman at the well in John 4 and not at all by the religious leaders of his day e. g. Mark 15. The world is no different today. Some grow up knowing Jesus; others discover him along the way, while others never recognize him. It is perhaps also worth remembering that according to the story of the sheep and goats in Matthew 25, there are those who minister to him without recognizing him.
Worship and the Corona virus
The churches of our family have unanimously agreed that we will continue to require the wearing of masks at our Sunday services; and request as much social distancing as our buildings will allow. This decision has been taken in the light of the continued rise in infection rates. For the same reason, we will not encourage physical contact during the peace or reinstitute the common cup. However, we will allow congregational singing for the first time in nearly a year and a half and look forward to the great hymns being proclaimed loudly and cheerfully. This decision will be kept under careful review.
Alpha
We are planning two Deanery Alpha courses on Tuesdays starting in September: at lunch time at St George’s face to face and online on Tuesday evenings. If you or anyone you know would like to join either of these courses, please contact Mark Hackney at mark.hackney@hereford.anglican.org
Garden parties
Many thanks to those who hosted, worked at or attended two garden parties last weekend, enjoying sunshine, fellowship and cake! The open afternoon in Hope, hosted by Alan and Claire Terrill raised £357 for the Severn Hospice, while the Tea Party at St George’s raised £287 (and still counting)
Sponsored Walk
On Saturday Sept 18th, Greg will be leading a party of walkers around the six churches of the group, taking in Shepherd’s rock along the way, raising funds for local churches as well as the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust. The walk will begin and end in Pontesbury and will follow a clockwise route around the benefices. Fellow walkers are welcome to join us and leave us at any point along the route. In due course, we will publish an approximate timetable. Stephen Winwood has kindly agreed to provide administrative support and sponsor forms are available from him.
Prayer Walk
There will be a Prayer Walk for the youth of Minsterley, meeting at Holy Trinity at 6 p.m. on Monday July 26th.
Online Worship
We will be conducting a review of our online worship on Monday at 7.30 p.m. via zoom. Anyone who wants to join us for this is welcome. The link for the meeting is available from Greg.
Sermon
Carolyn Chadwick has kindly sent us a copy of a very powerful sermon preached at Holy Trinity on 4th July. Do take a few minutes to read it. Please find this Here.
Bed and Breakfast
We would like to compile a list of local Bed and Breakfasts. If you know anywhere, would you please send details to Alison Bebb at alisonbebb5@gmail.com
Streetwardens
Allen Marsden has kindly agreed to take on the role of Street Wardens’ Coordinator for Pontesbury, replacing the much lamented Bob Webb. Any queries about street wardening should be addressed to Allen.
