Weekly Newsletter for 8th August 2021
Dear friends
We were recently at the theatre in Coventry watching The Carpenter’s Story – this sounds like a Biblical epic but actually featured the music of Karen and Richard Carpenter. During the interval, we repaired outside to enjoy some fresh air and get away from the alarming crowds. The Belgrade Theatre is next door to a monument with a low-level wall. Throughout the interval of group of half a dozen skateboarders attempted tricks on the wall, invariably falling off and unable to complete them successfully. Their perseverance was admirable, their lack of any obvious talent chastening. In some ways, this seemed a paradigm of young people’s lives, apparently aimless, bearing little fruit.
However, fast forward a couple of weeks and Great Britain is winning Olympic medals for skateboarding and BMX, with a nation awestruck by the skill of its competitors. I don’t think any of the young people we watched in Coventry that night will go on to achieve global fame, but it provides a reminder that we should choose carefully what we consider to be of value. In the teeth of all economic sense, Jesus maintained that the Good Shepherd will leave the 99 to the mercy of the wolves, because the one is so precious. May we be guided by His Spirit to know what is precious in our own lives.
Group Service
On Sunday Aug 29th, there will be a service for the whole family to come together at Holy Trinity Minsterley at 10.30. The service is being led by Revd Carolyn, with Greg preaching. We are going to take in the opportunity to swear in all the churchwardens in the group. It will therefore be a special occasion in more than one respect. Our plan is to have a group choir, consisting of choristers from any of the six churches in the family. If you would like to sing as a one-off, please come to choir practice at Holy Trinity at 1.30 p.m. on Fridays 20th and 27th August.
Special services
Bishop Richard will be visiting Holy Trinity Minsterley on Sunday Sept 5th for the 10.30 service in order to dedicate the refurbished building. This service has been delayed from the Spring, but will still be very special. Also, on September 19th, we will be hosting joint services with the Methodists and Congregationalists at 10.30 at both Minsterley and Pontesbury. Please do join us if you can in order that we may celebrate that we are one church in the eyes of God.
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.
Minsterley Holiday Club
The Minsterley Holiday Club which is running on Thursday mornings from 10-12.30 at Minsterley Parish Hall has been expanded to include 9-14 year olds. Registration forms are obtainable from Barbara Norsworthy or simply turn up on the day.
Alpha
There will be an online Alpha course for the Deanery running on Tuesday evenings commencing Tuesday 21st Sept. There will also be an in-person course at Yockleton on Tuesday lunchtimes. Please contact Mark Hackney at mark.hackney@hereford.anglican.org if you would like to join one of these courses or want to find out more.
First Aid Training
There is a First Aid call available to anyone in the family who wants to be able to help if an emergency arises: ideal for those involved in children’s work or caring groups. The cost is £35 for a day’s training at Leominster Village Hall on Monday August 30th (they are aware that this is a Bank Holiday). Places may be reserved by contacting Lizzy Hackney at lizziehackney@hotmail.com
Minsterley Show
We still need volunteers to support our work at the Minsterley Show, joining either a Messy Church team or an Open the Book Team. If able to give an hour, please contact Greg or Mary Worrall.
