Newsletter from The Reverend Greg Smith 26th September 2021

Dear friends

What a wonderful time was had by all on our sponsored walk last Saturday! Thanks to all who joined me for their company, encouragement and conversation. The sun shone throughout the day, and it was wonderful to see people from different churches deep in conversation with each other as they got to know each other. Special thanks go to our wonderful support team from Coventry, who provided many lifts through the course of the day; to Susan, Joyce, Claire, Debbie and Jean who provided welcome refreshments at Shelve Church, Bentlawnt and Hope Village Hall. As taxing and tiring as the walk proved (19 miles and 2,000 feet ascent), as sore as walkers’ feet might have been afterwards and as great as the need might have been for a stiff drink on Saturday evening, I didn’t encounter anyone (there were at least 24 who walked at least some of the route) who regretted having taken part. And somehow, it felt like church: the warmth of the fellowship, appreciation of the wonder of God’s creation; the incredible encouragement people gave to each other to keep going; coupled with the prayer and scripture in each church. All this combined left me with the same feeling I hope to leave worship with each Sunday.

Children’s Society

Thanks to all those who supported the Children’s Society Coffee morning at Irene Parker’s home this week. Irene is now standing down in her role as Children’s Society rep at St George’s after a decade of loyal and faithful service. Many, many thanks to her. Over £250 was raised for the society by the coffee morning. Well done all!

Church Café

We are pleased to announce the reopening of the church café at Minsterley on Wednesday mornings from 10-12, commencing Sept 29th. Sarah Edwards sarahedwards90@hotmail.com has been appointed as the coordinator of the café and would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to volunteer at the café on a rota basis.

Ecumenical Services

Services at both Pontesbury and Minsterley were very well attended by our Methodist and Congregational brothers and sisters; and a wonderful atmosphere prevailed in both venues. Special thanks to Revd Carolyn Chadwick, who had to preach at no notice. Do pray for Revd James, the Methodist Minister, who is unwell.

Sponsored Walk

Anyone who kindly sponsored the walkers last Saturday should bring their sponsorship to the church of their choice at their earliest convenience. Monies can be placed in an envelope and clearly marked sponsored walk. If you have not sponsored the walkers, but would like to do so retrospectively, your gift would be gratefully received. Half of the proceeds will be sent to Shropshire Historic Churches Trust and half will be retained by the church of your choice.

Harvest Charity

As a family, we will be supporting the charity Water Aid. Each church will take a collection at the harvest service and we will then make a combined donation to this important charity that provides clean water to the developing world.

Harvest services are as follows:

Habberley Sept 26th at 10.30

Shelve Oct 3rd at 9 a.m.

Pontesbury Oct 3rd at 10.30

Hope Oct 17th at 9 a.m.

Minsterley Oct 17th at 10.30

Tea Service

St George’s is going to relaunch its Tea Service on Tues Oct 5th at 2.30 p.m. The service is open to anyone across the group who finds it difficult to attend on Sunday mornings. There will be a short communion service in the West End Room, followed by Tea.

Baptisms

Greg would like to review our practice in relation to baptisms across the family so that we can be consistent and welcoming to all the families who approach us. We will need to look at questions around administration, legalities, preparation and aftercare. Being part of a working group does not mean that you will be obliged to join a baptism team. Rather, it would be good to do some collaborative thinking together. If interested please contact him via rectorpontstip@gmail.com or 07902 794653