Weekly Newsletter for the 3rd September 2021
Dear friends
As many of you will know, I stare out of my study window every day at a life size figure of a baker, replete with chef’s hat, reminding me of the store of goodies available inside Hignett’s (other bakers are available). If I had a pound for every time someone had pointed out how good (or bad) it must be to live directly opposite to such a ready supply of cakes, I think I’d have enough to launch a takeover. I’ve often thought that if I was in charge of training people for ordained ministry, I would introduce two modules that as far as I know are not currently available to would be clergy. The first would be a module on how to handle fold-up tables and chairs, something all Vicars spend many hours having to battle with; while the second would be how to resist home-made cakes. The challenge is twofold: not only do the cakes themselves speak to you, pleading to be eaten but the person who has baked them is so eager to bless you with food that it seems outrageously ungrateful to refuse.
Nevertheless, I battle on. In seven months, I have not yet bought a cake from the aforementioned baker, and I have generally speaking braved the wrath of all those amazing cake makers I have visited. James chapter one says that it’s not God who tempts us, but our own desires (true enough). It also suggests that giving in to those desires (whether it’s to eat cream cakes or indulge in unkind gossip) only leads on to much worse things. He also says if we are struggling and need help, we should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault!
Group Service
Thanks to everyone who attended the Group Service last Sunday at Minsterley. It was wonderful to see the church so full. Pam’s challenging sermon was recorded and has been posted on the respective websites for anyone who missed it. Thanks again to the nine wonderful churchwardens who were sworn in for another year’s faithful service.
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.
Sept 5th
Bishop Richard will be visiting Holy Trinity Minsterley this Sunday Sept 5th for the 10.30 service in order to dedicate the refurbished building. Archdeacon Fiona will be leading the service at Pontesbury that morning. At 3 p.m. at St George’s, we are hosting Messy Church, aimed at children and their families. All are welcome, but since the service includes provision of food, if you are able to let us know in advance your intention to attend for catering purposes, that would be appreciated.
Sept 19th
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. That evening, there will be a Healing Service with Holy Communion at St George’s at 6.30.
Icthus
The Icthus home group is going to relaunch next month. The group, which looks at the following Sunday’s bible readings and discusses them, is open to anyone from any of the six churches in the family. It meets fortnightly on Monday afternoons from 2.30-4 p.m. commencing 6th September. The venue changes from week to week, so please contact Liz Jackson at jackson.liz8315@gmail.com to find out more.
Sponsored Walk
Takes place on Saturday Sept 18th. The projected timetable will be republished nearer the time, but we have added one call to our route, and will now be visiting Lord’s Hill Chapel at around 10.45 where we will be graciously welcomed by our Baptist friends. Anyone is welcome to join us for one or more stages of the walk. If you are able to help with transport for part of the day, do get in touch. Operations Manager for the day is Paul Chylinski whose number is 07962 028625. If you call or text him, he will advise you as to whether we are in front or behind schedule. We are raising funds for local churches as well as the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust. Stephen Winwood has kindly agreed to provide administrative support and sponsor forms are available from him.
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.
Prayers
Apologies to Jean Ditchfield, whose knee condition I somewhat exaggerated in last week’s bulletin. In fact, she had keyhole surgery (not knee replacement) and is recovering well. Pray for Sheila Bebbington’s family following her death. The funeral will take place at St George’s on Sept 15th.
Snailbeach collection
Many thanks to those who supported the collection at Snailbeach Village Hall on Bank Holiday Monday for Afghan refugees. There was an amazing response.
