Rector’s Newsletter 13th June 2021
Dear friends
After many long months, this week I have finally been able to take in person assemblies. I can only do one class at a time and only in Pontesbury School (Minsterley are not ready for me yet!) This meant that I found myself telling the story of Jesus calming the storm no less than seven times over three mornings. The children were delightful, incredibly well behaved and the Bible knowledge of Year 1 was extremely impressive. One can never be quite sure how much of the overarching Christian story children may have grasped. Gone are the days when children know that the answer to any question a Vicar asks them is Jesus. I remember in my last parish attempting to tell a school hall full of children the story of one of Jesus’ healing miracles. I reached the point in the story where I asked them what should the man do? How could he get someone to help? One child confidently put her hand up and told me he could Ask Alexa. Sigh! I was reminded of the Church of England advert from a couple of decades back when the Mario brothers were all the rage. The advert read: does your child think the saviour of the world is a plumber or a carpenter? There is much work to be done. Please do pray that our children will hear the Good News in an accessible and understandable way.
Live recordings
Once again, we must express our gratitude to Alistair Bates for recording and then uploading the service from Minsterley last Sunday. The service wasn’t posted as soon as we had hoped because of technical difficulties, but is available to view now on either the St George’s or Stiperstones websites. Feedback, as always, is gratefully received. The next time we hope to record a live service is on Sunday July 11th from Pontesbury.
Evensong at Habberley
Please note that throughout the summer months, Evensong at Habberley will start at the new time of 6.30 p.m. All welcome.
PCCs
This week, we have PCCs at Habberley at 2.30 and Minsterley at 7 p.m. Both meetings take place in the respective churches.
June 21st
Plans are now well advanced for a special service on Monday June 21st at 7 p.m. at St George’s. This is an opportunity for the whole family to come together and welcome Greg and Fran and celebrate the start (albeit four months later) of their ministry. It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet all our new friends at the same time and to bid our old friends from Coventry a fond farewell. There will be a buffet supper served from 6 p.m.
Letterhead designer
It appears that the Stiperstones benefice has never had its own letterhead. Greg would be very pleased to hear from anyone who has the design skills to come up with something suitable.
Good Neighbours
Many thanks to those who have come forward to volunteer for Good Neighbours. There is still a pressing need for befrienders who will occasionally visit or telephone people living on their own. At present, the coordinator is unable to meet all the requests she is getting for a befriending service. If you feel you could spare an hour or so a week to befriend someone in Minsterley or Pontesbury, please let Greg know.
Harvey Trudgett
We mourn the passing of Harvey Trudgett, a former crucifer at Minsterley, who died on 29th May. His funeral takes place at Shrewsbury crematorium on Tues 15th at 1.15 p.m.. Please pray for his wife, Maureen.
