Newsletter 18th March
Dear friends
The Ukraine fundraiser, organised at Holy Trinity, Minsterley, last Sunday prompted an incredible response from the church and the wider community. Each of the six churches of our family were represented and there were scores of people from outside the church family wanting to support this vital cause. The net result was £2,047 collected in cash and three carloads of supplies (nappies, medicines, toiletries etc.) I am conscious that many of us watch the news broadcast from Ukraine with a mixture of horror and helplessness. How can this be happening in Europe, so close to home? Hence, I suspect people’s response was driven by a mix of compassion and gratitude that at last there was some way of responding practically. As a witness of this generosity, I felt humbled and proud: proud that the church had organised this response and humbled by the knowledge that my faith had not dared to believe it could be so enormous. Much of this was repeated on Tuesday when we delivered the supplies to the industrial unit in town and saw that what we had done had been repeated over and over again across the region.
All this demonstrates an important spiritual principle. If you do the right thing with the right motives, God will bless and water the seed and produce a great crop (Isaiah 61.11)
Fiona Fields
Fiona’s funeral is today Friday March 18th at 1 p.m. at St George’s, followed by a reception at Pontesbury Public Hall. Please note the time which is not what was advertised last week.
Men’s Group
Working in partnership with Good Neighbours, St George’s has launched a monthly men’s group at the Pavilion from 11-1 on the fourth Thursday of the month. We play dominoes, cards, draughts etc. All men welcome.
Alpha
We will be running an Alpha course at The Deanery on Tuesday nights, commencing 2nd May for 10 weeks. The course is aimed at anyone who wants to explore the Christian faith or is new to the faith or simply wants to brush up on the foundations. If you yourself or you know anyone who might be interested, do let us know. We are limiting places to 12. We will also need help with catering. If you would be willing to help prepare a simple meal for 15 people once or twice during the 10 week course, please speak to Fran for further details.
Lent
The Lent Lunch being hosted by Stuart and Wendy today has been postponed until next Friday, 25th March
APCMs
Our annual meetings are fast approaching. They are as follows:
Minsterley April 3rd at 11.30
Habberley April 19th at 2 p.m.
Hope/Shelve April 20th at 6 p.m.
Pontesbury April 24th at 11.30
Oasis
The new bereavement group, jointly run by six local churches in Pontesbury and Minsterley has officially branded itself as Oasis. The group will run on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Minsterley Methodist Chapel from 12-1.30 and is for anyone who has suffered recent bereavement, launching on March 22nd. Please pray for the success of the launch.
Foodbank
Pontesbury and Minsterley PCCs have agreed to set up the Rea Valley Foodbank to feed the hungry in our respective villages. In due course, we will be looking for volunteers to hand out food and provide refreshments. However, in the first instance, we need four volunteers (I have one) to sit on the board and oversee the setting up of this new enterprise. Please get in touch with Greg as soon as possible if you think this might be you.
Imagine
Proved a great success, with all the women who attended the day testifying to its power and the encouragement it gave them. Thanks to Maureen Ross for delivering the day and to Ruth Wadsworth for organising it.
St George’s Explorers
On Tuesday April 12th at 2 p.m. we are holding the first gathering of St George’s Explorers. This is muddy church by another name and on this occasion will include an Easter Egg hunt and the retelling of the Easter story. It’s aimed at all ages who connect with God through the outdoors.
Calendar for the Week
Fri 18th Prayer at HTM 9-10 a.m.
Coffee morning at St George’s 10-12
Fiona Fields’ funeral at 1 p.m. at St George’s
Choir Practices
Sat 19th Minsterley Eisteddfod at the Village Hall
Sun 20th Holy Communion at Hope & Shelve at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury at 10.30
Morning Praise at Minsterley at 10.30
Mon 21st Youth Café at HTM at 3.30
Lent Group at the Deanery at 7.30 p.m.
Tues 22nd Little Dragons 10-11.30
Oasis launches at Minsterley Methodist Chapel at 12
Palm Sunday rehearsal at 6 p.m. at St George’s
Weds 23rd Café at HTM 10-12
Lent Lunch at St George’s at 12 noon
Open the Book meeting for Pontesbury at 1 p.m.
Thurs 24th Trinity Tots at HTM
Men’s Group 11-1 p.m. at the Pavilion
Sat 26th Safeguarding training at Westbury Church at 9.30 a.m.
Churchyard clear up from 9.30-12 at Holy Trinity
Sun 27th Mothering Sunday service at Snailbeach at 9 a.m.
Holy Communion at Pontesbury, Minsterley & Habberley at 10.30 a.m.
