Meithrin Gobaith Growing Hope www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi September / Medi 2017 Rebuilding Lives

It’s taken a while, says Catherine Hammond, but a pioneering, -led scheme for refugees is becoming a reality in Pembrokeshire and

URING the last 18 months Syrian refugee families Dhave begun to be resettled in West . Those involved have worked to build a bridge between two different worlds, between life in tents on the edge of a devastated homeland and life here, in Welsh communities, bounded by sea and farmland. As a Lay Reader I am used to bridge-building, but not on this scale. In the spring of 2016 I was asked “You go into school, could you be our link?” The request came from a lead worker in a growing resettlement team and so began my involvement in the ground-break- ing UK Community Sponsorship Scheme which has spread across Pembrokeshire and Ceredigion. Now, after more than a year, fami- lies have started arriving and we begin a new stage of the process. Looking round the plan- ning table in the early days, I was amazed to see how the necessary

skills for the project were all repre- America News: Henry Ridgwell of © Voice sented. People had been drawn Syrian refugee camp on the Turkish border for displaced people of the Syrian civil war from the community for the skills they had to offer and the will- ingness to work together. They nity and led by local people. Our buses to the Job Centre or going shared a deep-seated desire to do core group has different interests, with them to community events. something and the belief that our faith and no faith and members live Language learning is key to cross- communities could provide the in different areas of the town. This ing the bridge, but skilled language welcome these people needed. gives it enormous strength and the teachers, who are themselves part It has been a long process, but, ability to communicate across the of the community, can tailor teach- on the way, we have met with enor- community making the first stage ing to needs and back up formal mous generosity from local people. of bridge-building easier. teaching with learning experiences. As we submitted, and re-submitted, Now that some families have As one of the first community- applications to the Home Office arrived, other advantages are led schemes in the country it has we were asked “When are they becoming apparent – problems can been a lengthy process, we hope coming?” But, at last, at the end of be dealt with quickly, like rubbish that other schemes will now be able June 2017 the first family arrived; put out incorrectly or the time to proceed more quickly. For me wrapped in donated blankets they when the family arrived unexpect- the work stems from faith, others climbed out of a minibus into wind, edly at school. have a different motivation but rain and a new life. There are opportunities to together we are building bridges The Community Sponsor- be pro-active in integration – a from somewhere we cannot imag- ship Scheme runs alongside local tea party for neighbours to meet ine to a land that those travelling government resettlement schemes; the new residents, friendly team here cannot themselves visualise. both take in some of the most members to help with catching vulnerable refugees from camps on the borders of Syria. As we have Further information worked, we have seen advantages https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ in a scheme backed by a commu- apply-for-full-community-sponsorship FOCUS ON FAITH AND POLITICS – Pages 10 & 11 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 Leaving ‘The best job in the Gair y Dydd Published continuously since 1962, Gair y Dydd provides daily Bible readings and reflections in Welsh. Readers interested in ’ contributing to the publication, or buying copies, are invited to The Dean of St Davids, Jonathan Lean, retires in September. get in touch He spoke to David Hammond-Williams about what’s passed and what lies ahead AE Gair y Dydd yn cynnwys myfyrdod, T DAVIDS Cathedral has been But it’s the worship that comes M darlleniad Beiblaidd a gweddi part of Jonathan Lean’s land- first and foremost, as it has for S am bob dydd o’r flwyddyn ac yn scape all his life. 1500 years. “It frames the day in cael ei gyhoeddi pob chwarter. He went there first as a boy many ways and it’s something that Dyma’r unig gyhoeddiad Cymraeg for organ lessons and remembers I shall miss.” defosiynol sy’n cael ei gyhoeddi thinking, as the then Dean Edward And it is in the worship that yn rheolaidd ac y mae wedi ei Jenkins passed through the Nave, Dean Jonathan’s principal legacy gyhoeddi ers 1962 yn ddi-dor. what a fabulous job his must be. lies, thanks to the restoration Mae’n gyhoeddiad cyd-enwadol, But it was one he never during his tenure of the mediaeval gyda phob traddodiad yn cael expected to have. That said, he has shrine to St David. ei gynrychioli ar y Bwrdd served all his 42 years in minis- “It has had a profound impact Golygyddol. Cadeirydd y Bwrdd try within a stone’s throw of the on the ministry of the cathedral. yw’r Hybarch Hywel Jones, mother church including nine as It has spiritualised the building in . Y patrwm yw bod Canon Residentiary. So few know many ways and it provides a focal tri gwahanol yn cael gwahoddiad more about it than he does. point for people who come here. i gyfrannu mis ar gyfer pob And he’s well aware that St There seem to be more individuals rhifyn, ac yn ystod un flwyddyn Davids isn’t just any old cathe- making pilgrimage and I’m thrilled felly mae nifer o awduron â Glyn Williams, 12 Coed dral but ‘one of the jewels in the that there is now a place where they gwahanol yn rhan o’r pâtrwm y Glyn, Llandudno, Conwy crown – the national shrine,’ as he and of course the music.” can feel they’ve reached journey’s ac y mae hynny yn dod a lliw ac LL30 1JL 01492 581439 describes it. Music has always played a big end.” amrywiaeth i Gair y Dydd. Nid [email protected]. And, unlike so many of our part in both the life of the cathe- So, as he reaches his own jour- yw’n hawdd cael cyfranwyr, ond Apêl am gyfranwyr. Fe fyddem churches, it’s on the up. “It’s prob- dral and of its Dean. Until recently, ney’s end, what advice would he yr ydym yn awyddus iawn i gael yn ddiolchgar iawn i glywed ably the biggest change I’ve seen. he was also chorister. “We host offer whoever follows him? mwy o gyfranwyr o’r traddodiad gan unrhyw un (neu glywed am Cathedrals seem to be growth around 50 events a year. It takes a “Just enjoy the role. I think it’s Anglicanaidd a Chatholig. unrhyw un) y gallem eu gwahodd points,” he says. “It’s certainly true lot of time and effort but it attracts probably the best job in the Church Mae’r apêl hon yn ddeublyg i gyfrannu. Mae’r myfyrdodau yn here for both pilgrims and tourists. a lot of people. And I hope my in Wales.” felly. fyr iawn ac nid yw y gwaith yn And I think that’s due to the high successor will ensure that tradition Apêl am fwy o danysgrifwyr. drwm nac yn anodd i’r rhai sydd standard of liturgy and worship . . . is maintained.” Mae Gair y Dydd yn ryfeddol o yn myfyrio yn y Gair. Cysylltwch rad – fe allwch gael cyflenwad â Pryderi Llwyd Jones, Celyn, blwyddyn gyfan am cyn lleied Ffordd Caernarfon, Cricieth, â £10. Fe allech ei dderbyn Gwynedd LL52 0AU 01766 drwy’r post fel tanysgrifydd 523794 [email protected]. Something to celebrate this year unigol, neu fe all eglwys drefnu Llawer o ddiolch am i gael nifer o gopiau. Cysylltwch eich cefnogaeth. Philip Wyn Davies hails those who made the Book of Common Prayer and the New Testament accessible to Welsh speakers

ES, we have something to 1559 to 1567, the services in all our the original sources – and the origi- Ycelebrate this year, here in this churches had been in English, and nal language of the New Testament . Not because not many outside South Pembro- is Greek, a language from which this is supposed to be the ‘Year of keshire could understand English. Salesbury could translate. Legends’, we can delight in them at But now, in 1567, with the publi- , Bishop of St any time. A better reason for cele- cation of the Welsh translation of Davids, invited Salesbury to join bration in 2017 is the tercentenary the Book of Common Prayer, the him at Abergwili to undertake the of the birth of William Williams, had for the first time translation work, and the bishop Pantycelyn, the great Welsh services that they could understand. and Thomas Huet, Precentor of St Methodist hymn-writer, who was In 1567 the first Welsh trans- Davids (predecessor of the more ordained a deacon in this diocese. lation of the New Testament was modern deans), themselves trans- But has any attention been also published. The principal trans- lated some New Testament books. paid to the most prominent reason lator was , who, The bishop’s translations shows for celebration in 2017: the 450th it appears, was also the translator that although he was a scholar like anniversary of the publication of of the Prayer Book. Salesbury was Salesbury, he was unlike him in the Book of Common Prayer and from North Wales, and while stud- seeking only to produce translations the New Testament in Welsh in ying at Oxford he came under the that could easily be understood. 1567? influence of the Renaissance and Salesbury’s translations suffer For at least 1,000 years, from the Reformation. As a convinced from his attempt to create a more the time of early Christianity in Protestant he believed that the elevated Welsh diction, worthy Britain down to 1549, and again people should be able to read of Scripture. Bishop Davies also from 1554 to 1559, the people of Scripture in their own language. wrote an introduction, arguing that Wales had worshipped in Latin. Furthermore, as a Renaissance the Reformers were restoring the From 1549 to 1554, and again from scholar he believed in going back to early Christianity of Wales.

For more articles which, unfortunately, could not be accommodated in this issue, plus translations of some, please visit the PD Extra page of our website: www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/

© Llyfrgell Genedlaethol Cymru/The National Library of Wales Pobl Dewi, September 2017 3 What does your noticeboard Appointments say about you?

Anyone involved in any kind of commercial enterprise knows that it pays to advertise. Most churches have prime sites which cry out for an attractive and suitable noticeboard, says Jenny Kimber SK yourself how a casual noticeboard (or lack of one) will Try to avoid including any Avisitor or a new arrival to the draw assumptions from it about information that may date. Since area will find out about the times the state of the church – and they clergy now move, on aver- and nature of your services. Does need to be able to understand what age, every seven years, why not your noticeboard give up-to-date a noticeboard is saying. Words like consider using words like ‘Parish and clear information? ‘matins’, ‘surrogate for marriages’, Priest’ or ‘Vicar’ with the contact Remember, too, that people or ‘solemnisation’ are mumbo- number, instead of the name. who see a scruffy uncared-for jumbo to most people. If you’re in need of a new Revd Christopher Frost, Revd Gaynor Jones-Higgs, noticeboard, or planning to freshen to be Curate in Charge of Curate with responsibility for up the old one, here are a few w Blaenporth the Benefice of Llanpumsaint things to bear in mind. w , with Llanllawddog, The colour of your board needs to 1 October 2017 26 September 2017 be bright and sympathetic to its surroundings. Black is more suited to funeral directors than the parish paint and rotting wood is a real board professionally designed. church. Make the lettering as large turn-off. And do you have place for Appoint a small working party as you can and in a contrasting, removable, temporary information, rather than the whole PCC – they’ll though still readable, colour. such as jumble sales, or Midnight never all agree. Does the noticeboard tell people Mass? Then, once it’s done, make sure where further information can be If you can, let the board show a you look after it. Keep it clean. And, found and how access to the church little of the whole life of the church above all, make sure it’s always up can be obtained? not just the two hours of services to date. After all, you’re not adver- Do your notices still have to be that happen on a Sunday morn- tising the latest soap powder – you covered with clingfilm or put into a ing. Many noticeboards give the want to tell people about something This Oxfordshire church on a main road has made sure we’ll get freezer bag to stop the rain making impression that the church only life-transforming and life-affirming exists to run Sunday Services. and a good noticeboard is where the message! the lettering run? Your board really should be weatherproof – peeling If you can afford it, have the this might all start.

Herbrandston Hope Pet Service Following the annual summer carnival and fete, the village parish of Herbrandston, near Milford HORSE, two budgies and Revd Richard Davies who, in his Haven, held a three-day event called Herbrandston Hope, with various mission activities for all ages A a variety of dogs of differ- talk, took three animals mentioned based in a large marquee set up on the village green. Andy and Helen Bookless look forward to ent breeds gathered with their in the Bible – a donkey, a lamb building on the encouraging responses owners for Little Newcastle’s first and a lion – and related them to pet service, held on Sunday after- the life of Jesus. The very decent HERE were scenes of busy- ston, which is another parish in sion and action songs. noon, 13th August. Fortunately, the sized congregation adjourned to Tness each morning when, after our group. Other children’s activi- We welcomed the Salvation fine weather allowed the service to the Old School afterwards for light a Bible story all together, children ties included a Teddy Bears Picnic, Army band from Tenby another take place on the Castle Green. The refreshments engaged in a lovely range of craft hearing the names of each child’s afternoon, their music interspersed bilingual service was taken by the activities based around the theme bear and sharing the message that with testimonies and short talks, of each day’s story - these were Father God knows and loves each followed by a Treasure Hunt round our Messy Mornings, led by the of us by name, and an afternoon of the village. Our main speaker for Messy Church team from Hubber- Music in the Marquee with percus- the event was Canon Andy Herrick from with his wife, Sarah, who threw themselves into everything, including judging the Best Dressed Teddy Bear and the Dog Show. At the evening meet- ings Andy spoke about some of Jesus’ parables which also included worship and more testimonies of lives changed by knowing Jesus. Free refreshments and food were on offer throughout the event, along with prayer for healing. The committed team of helpers were identified by their specially-made Herbrandston Hope T-shirts. The village pub, the Taberna, hosted a quiz and Vicars in the Hot Seat – a Q & A session with parish rector Andy Bookless, curate Josh Maynard and Andy Herrick tack- ling a variety of questions from those present. The whole event was well received and appreciated in the village and we pray and trust that spiritual seeds sown, and friend- ships made and deepened, will bear kingdom fruit. 4 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 Ordinary Women: Extraordinary God

Holy Trinity Church, , hosted a festival for women in May, which provided spiritual and physical refreshment for those who came along. A good time was had by all, says Myra Bennett

STHER’S Banquet consisted beautiful expression of how our Eof a delicious meal and Fen extraordinary God had worked Strange talked about Faith, Free- in the lives of ordinary, and often dom and Feminism. We were overlooked, women. Biblical texts reminded of the courage of Esther and a spiritual application enhanced who put her faith in God, trusting each display. Our challenge is to Him that she had come to her royal be obedient to God. Refreshments position for such a time as this, were served and voluntary dona- thereby saving the Hebrew people. tions given to a local Women’s Anna Bement led a Quiet Day Aid. During the Family Service at Ffald Y Brenin entitled Women on Sunday a display was created of Faith. Opportunities were given by the congregation, depicting for worship, exploring the peace- how we need to come together to ful setting for contemplation and be the church. In order to flourish prayer then sharing our reflec- and become a lively, vibrant church tions. During prayers, one of our we need to be watered by the Holy number received a vision of a large Spirit. cake, from which people were only During the final celebration, taking a few crumbs, bringing us God-inspired Women, Samantha the message that God’s provision Wynne-Rhydderch spoke about is plentiful for all and we should women of faith who had inspired receive from Him. Anna gave us and encouraged her by their faith, an ABC of a woman of faith but hope, love, wisdom, courage, her sister noticed that the ‘V’ was contentment and prayer. Louise missing! She shared how God’s Broome played a range of music Bishop Joanna welcomed 30 members of the Fellowship of Vocation (FoV) to a barbecue in the love had corrected her marred self- to illustrate these gifts and she and garden of Llys Esgob in June. In her welcome speech, Bishop Joanna said that it was the first image and she now felt valued. We Amy Lewis sang beautifully. official function held there since her arrival. The event provided a great opportunity to meet, and all had an encouraging, uplifting Thanks be to God and all chat with, the Bishop, and each other and blessed day. concerned with this festival. ‘Now More information about the FoV at: http://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/fellowship-of-vocation/ A Fish and Film Evening to him who is able to do immeas- and Vintage Afternoon Tea gave urably more than we can ask or opportunities for fellowship in imagine . . . to him be the glory a relaxed setting. We were thor- in the church and in Christ Jesus, oughly spoiled by the food and forever and ever! Amen.’ Ephe- Looking to the future entertainment. sians 3:20-21. The Flower Festival was a David Hammond-Williams previews this year’s Diocesan Conference

HERE’S a positive look to overall. the formal business of the day. Tthis year’s conference agenda. Her words will be illustrated Conference will receive reports This will be Bishop Joanna’s by a series of presentations by from each of the diocesan boards, first Presidential appearance and diocesan members of staff, each directorates and committees, she will use the opportunity – in focusing on a particular aspect of detailing work done and plans for her presidential address – to flesh what she has in mind or what has the future. out her vision of the way forward been achieved so far. And, as always, worship will in the new Ministry Areas and the That will occupy the morning take pride of place at the start of Growing Hope strategy for growth sessions, leaving the afternoon for the day and at the end. Pobl Dewi, September 2017 5

Growing Hope

obaith eithrin G M Hope Growing The challenge of vulnerability Men’s breakfasts in encourage openness and engagement, as Patrick Mansel Lewis reports HEN I was an articled clerk could not participate. parishes contain no men’s groups. Win in 1974, I was Our first cook was a lady who It is widely known that men are informed by street-wise colleagues announced that God had told her less likely to be open with each that the last bastion of male chau- that she needed to feed people. She other than women. We certainly vinism was El Vino’s wine bar fed us once a month for approxi- know how to celebrate a milestone situated at the junction of the Strand mately 18 months, after which she or a success, but we tend to avoid and Fleet Street. There, male, but decided that she had got us off to making ourselves vulnerable. That Chef Ted Nicholas not female, lawyers and journalists an adequate start and that we could was not a pattern of life modelled gathered to order refreshments. fend for ourselves. Since then we by Jesus, who constantly made ment Christians would have found one-liner reporting some Greeks I started the men’s breakfasts have had an accomplished chef in himself vulnerable and frequently extraordinary. The name of Jesus saying to the disciple Philip: “Sir, at Stradey Castle in the summer of the form of Ted Nicholas, assisted broached topics which surprised is celebrated throughout the New we would see Jesus”. The men’s 2012 with an article in the parish by my wife Claire who generously his disciples. Testament by men writing to other breakfast ministry is directed magazine entitled ‘A new bastion lends a hand in the kitchen but does Being vulnerable and engag- men about him. I want to encour- towards that end, for all of us to of male chauvinism’. In giving her not eat with us. ing our faith involve an element age men to feel free to talk about enjoy the food, the company and consent to this new ministry our Church congregations normally of risk; maybe that is why western Jesus, so I ask all our speakers to the chance to hear a man telling rector, Canon Sian Jones, displayed (but not exclusively) contain notice- Christians find it difficult to confess try to be vulnerable in talking about other men what Jesus Christ means both a sense of humour and humil- ably more women than men. Not Christ outside church services, but their own, personal faith journeys. to him. ity over something in which she surprisingly, therefore, a number of it is something the New Testa- St John’s gospel contains a pithy Thy Kingdom Come The prayer initiative ‘Thy Kingdom Come’, launched by the Archbishop of Canterbury, was enthusiastically embraced by the parish grouping of Newcastle Emlyn, writes Dewi Roberts

E didn’t quite know what to location. The next day the weather on another ‘Prayer Walk’, but this Wexpect as we began the 11 was kinder for our theme ‘Praying time in Cenarth when the weather days of prayer with a Commun- For Friends’. This involved choos- was thankfully cooler. The theme ion Service on Ascension Day. ing from various memory joggers: for the following evening was On the following day, Friday, pebbles, prayer beads, knotted ‘Extreme Prayer’ during which we we embarked on a ‘Prayer Walk’ string and bookmarks to help us shared photos of individuals pray- to various locations in New- remember to pray for our friends ing in extreme locations, such as castle Emlyn. However, we hadn’t on a regular basis. inside an MRI scanner: truly an reflection concluded on the evening circle around the fire, was a Pente- anticipated the exceptionally hot Public prayer on the first extreme prayer moment. The next of Pentecost Sunday with a ‘Prayer cost-themed hymn composed by weather, which made the walk Sunday after Ascension was rather evening was devoted to ‘Praying and Praise’ service in Holy Trinity our curate, Viv Sayer, to the tune rather a test of endurance. But we poignant after the terrorist atrocity for Young People’, and a midday Church followed by a procession ‘Sosban Fach’. A moment we will returned to the church safe and in Manchester, as was the theme session of ‘Praying Through the out to the beacon of fire, led by the remember for a long time. sound having visited the castle for the following day: ‘Praying Lord’s Prayer’, with the clause Vicar carrying a lighted Paschal There is no doubt, ‘Thy King- grounds, the bridge, the doctors’ The News’, which involved scan- ‘as we forgive those who trespass candle and with everyone bringing dom Come’ was a fulfilling spiritual surgery, a retirement home, and ning first the good and then the against us’ being a particular chal- their own candle to light around the journey for all of us, which chal- our local primary school, using bad news items in a national news- lenge for some. beacon. The highlight of the devo- lenged and inspired us in ways we suitably prepared prayers for each paper. On Tuesday, we embarked Our 11 days of prayer and tion and praise, as we formed a had not expected.

coming each week, half of whom Being church in the community are from the home, the other half are church members from . Every week in the Parish of Llansantffraed, Ceredigion, there is We share communion and then a midweek Communion Service. The change of venue for these share fellowship over a cup of tea. services has proved beneficial in several different ways, This is just one idea that the as Julian Smith explains parish has adopted of being church in the community, and not expect- IMAGINE that there are such asked us if we wanted to have our ing the community to come to the I services in many parishes, midweek services in their lounge. church, which just wasn’t working. but what is different about these They were also more than willing However, the church being willing midweek services is where they are for people from the village to come to be in the community is working. held. The midweek Communion in. This was a very welcome invi- What benefits have we seen? Services for Llansantffraed Church tation, as, although we had always Well obviously the main one is that take place in the lounge of Hafan held monthly services for the resi- people who are unable to get to a yr Efail sheltered housing in the dents of Hafan yr Efail, the new church service now can. It saves village of Llanon. arrangement extended the invita- money for the church (a priority in This happened because mem- tion to residents of the village as Ceredigion!) because we no longer bers from Hafan yr Efail were well. The association is extremely have to heat a church building. It’s unable to make the journey to the keen to foster deeper community also a warmer and more comforta- church is active amongst them. now it is meeting a need and for church, and few villagers could bonds, and we, as church, have ble setting and, importantly, shows This isn’t necessarily going to that we are all very glad. come either. As a result, the Warden been pleased to be a part of this. the other residents of Hafan yr Efail work everywhere. We don’t know and residents of Hafan yr Efail Now we have nearly 10 people and the village community that the how long this idea will last. But for 6 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 We will remember them Leigh Richardson stresses the importance of remembering the fallen ICHARD Attenborough’s 1977 gen and visiting all of the bridges secured. Of course, anyone who Rwar film A Bridge Too Far that were to have been captured has seen the film knows that it told the story of the doomed allied and held, including the bridge at all got stuck at Arnhem with the operation Market Garden, intended Arnhem itself. I also conducted British paratroopers cut off from to finish the war by Christmas short services of remembrance at support and reinforcement and 1944. The intention was to take the various sites which were perti- eventually having to retreat back several bridges in The Netherlands nent to the Royal Monmouthshire across the river under the cover of in order to out-flank the Germans. Royal Engineers Militia. night. In March this year, I had the privi- Without going into the detail As often as not, during battle- lege, as a Reservist Chaplain, to too much, the operation depended field tours it’s the subplots and accompany soldiers on a three- on a lightning fast action, with the seemingly insignificant stories day battlefield tour of this famed troops being reinforced by a supply which capture your attention. The WW2 operation, staying in Nijme- line as soon as the bridges were broad picture is that it was down to the arrogance and ambition of certain generals – even their inex- perience – which led to the failure of the operation, but the minutiae is that there were almost 10,000 allied causalities, and 500 civilian deaths – not to mention the 13,000 German casualties. One story is of the retreating paratroopers taking shelter in Oosterbeek Church on the outskirts of Arnhem. The wounded and dying remain in the slaughtered in the church. The 24 of superpowers and see the grand- church as the able men continue year old Padre’s gravestone is in standing of politicians, we must the withdrawal and a young Oosterbeek Cemetery along with remember that within that bigger Roman Catholic Padre volun- the other young men who were picture, there is always a smaller teers to remain with them, to be killed in the church that night, their one playing out with individuals captured by the pursuing Germans. lives not given sacrificially but and families – lives which matter Only they are not taken prisoner, taken unmercifully. and which are as precious in the nor treated by German medics, but As we listen to the hyberbole sight of God. Feet, food and flopping Coastal path charity walk Andy Herrick and his daughter, Rachel, walked the length of the Stuart Bell spends five weeks walking the Camino de Santiago Ceredigion Coastal Path in 21 hours and 8 minutes in May. They and finds some surprising high moments raised £3,800 (including Gift Aid) for the British Lung Foundation QUARTER of a million pil- flopping (somewhere to lay one’s I thought that the highlight Cymru A grims walk to Santiago de head at the end of the day). Hostel would be in the climax of arriving Compostela in northern Spain each facilities vary enormously from 90 in Santiago, laying the Welsh flag year and there are as many reasons bed mixed dormitories to a dozen at the base of the altar in St James’ for walking this pilgrim Camino people in a restored chapel. Cathedral and praying for our (means ‘the way’) as there are However good the company, nation. In fact there were higher people who do it. One of the reasons it isn’t long before conversa- highlights earlier in the pilgrim- I heard expressed frequently was, tion becomes exhausted. That’s age. Cruz de Ferro is the highest ‘I want to find myself’. Isn’t it only the moment when prayer begins, point in the Galician mountains, when we find the Lord that we truly fuelled by the beauty of the coun- 400 miles from our starting point. find ourselves? tryside, the loveliness of nature, the It is there that pilgrims lay down a The Camino has a wonderful flowers and the bird song. Prayer – small stone which they’ve brought way of stripping the pilgrim’s life extensive, comprehensive, detailed, with them from home. Mine was down to the barest essentials. Feet lengthy, uninterrupted; and the felt a pebble from beach, which (oh, to be blister free!), food (walk- presence of the Lord. A pilgrimage I left in front of the cross with a ing seems to suppress the appetite has turned into a prayer walk, which prayer for God’s blessing on our so eating well is a decision) and is surely what it was meant to be. home churches. However, the highest high was having my feet washed in Hospital San Nicolas by an Italian hospi- talero. He was a volunteer and he washed the feet of all 12 of the pilgrims who were staying in the chapel that night, then he dried them, and then he kissed them! That was a moment for tears. One of the many lovely welcoming signs which greeted pilgrims read ‘Bed and Breakfats’! In fact the Camino did break some fats. It brought me home a stone lighter. That’s no bad thing. But I trust that the prayers will have had the greatest and most lasting impact. Feet hurting but feeling good Pobl Dewi, September 2017 7

runs right past the park gates! Work has already started in clearing the walled gardens, which Bishop The Tywi Valley Path Joanna has enhanced by allowing the bottom end of the ‘new’ Bish- op’s Palace gardens to be included (she opened the connecting gate- way in March). An exciting new project is underway in the stunning So, thinking along the lines of Tywi Valley, as Caroline Evans explains ‘paths’ and our modern pilgrims, the Diocese Tourism Group is negotiating with the County Coun- © Peter Shaw (cc-by-sa/2.0) cil to have the churches along the ED by Carmarthenshire County are between £5 and £8 million and valley signposted from the infor- L Council, the Tywi Valley construction has already started at mation hubs along the route. Path scheme involves the former the western end. It will be 3m wide The ‘Tywi Valley Church Trail’ redundant railway track between with a tarred surface, suitable for could incorporate the valley’s Carmarthen and Llandeilo being walkers and cyclists. unique churches, and list their brought back to life as a major Alongside the Path project, the various special features, from St deilo with its Gospels exhibition. David. Perhaps the successful leisure and visitor attraction. Old Bishop’s Palace at Abergwili Peter’s in Carmarthen, the painted There are all sorts of possibilities: Pembrokeshire ‘Art on the Faith Providing a 16-mile, traffic-free is also coming back to life. Fund- church at Pontargothi, the historic joint trail leaflets, website, church Trail’ concept could be copied or pathway through one of the most ing is being sourced by a trust to site at Llanegwad, St David’s at day-out events, even geocach- an Artisan Makers Trail? scenic areas of Wales, it will follow regenerate the park with a central Llanarthne, St Mary’s at Crwt ing all the sites (some are already And none of this need cost an almost adjacent route to that of facility of the ‘Tywi Gateway Henry, St Michael’s at Golden geocached – thanks Sulin!). The much money! the River Tywi as it flows from Centre’ which will house activi- Grove, St Cathen’s at Llangathen, trail could be included in the new For more information call me Llandelio to Carmarthen on its way ties, learning facilities and a coffee with its curvilinear churchyard, to Digital Heritage app being devel- on 01267 202305 or e-mail to Carmarthen Bay. Project costs shop – and the Tywi Valley Path the magnificent St Teilo in Llan oped by students at Trinity St [email protected]

Calling all Christian bikers Are you a Christian biker/motorcyclist rider or pillion passenger? Are you interested in joining a local group of like-minded people meeting initially in the Cardigan area but covering Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen? If so, Andy Brown would like to hear from you

HE aim is easy, local ride- membership is low. There is also local section requires a certain Touts on some Saturdays, not an excellent monthly magazine number of members. To make it Sundays. The stress is on easy. The produced called Trans:Mission viable we need more members as runs would usually start and end which lists the details of all the not all our local colleagues can in a café or similar with food and runs nationally. I have several make all the runs all of the time. tea stops on route. I am trying to copies of the paper ‘show edition’, Would it not be a positive move to start such a local group within the which includes membership appli- have a Christian presence among Fellowship of Christian Motor- cation forms for those interested. the local bikers? I believe that with consists of believers and non- [email protected] cyclists (FCM) of which I am a At present, the ‘local’ FCM most bikers are open-minded as believers, the disinterested, atheists tel. 01545 560418, member. Like most bikers, we are section covers the whole of long as you do not attempt to ram and pagans and yet we all get on or at Holy Trinity Cross Inn, near a friendly bunch with various types Wales plus West Mercia, which your views down their throats. The well as friends and fellow bikers. , most Sundays! of bikes. We just happen to be both is a geographically large area. local secular bike club that I ride I can be contacted at Christians and bikers. Something We have two runs a month during that some members of the public the warmer months, alternating still cannot grasp. between the two areas. However, All the details of the FCM can this presents problems due to the be found on the website at www. distances involved to the various Picnic in the park fcm-bikers.co.uk. This will show meeting points. Therefore, a local you that anybody is welcome section, or branch, would make on the rides with us but our core more sense. However to start a

At the end of an exciting week of beach mission in Aberystwyth, many of the churches in our town celebrated with a service of joint morning worship, followed by a picnic, in the Castle Park. It was good to be out in the open and to have so many Christians, from varied backgrounds, worshipping Father God and spending time together 8 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 What has the Children and Youth Team ever done for us?

Clare Williams provides some of the highlights

RAYER: We, as a team, have Messy Church. We have also begun questions. Resources will be avail- Pcommitted to praying for our regular meetings for youth leaders. able in Welsh and English, and our work and ministry in the diocese. We are opening up Continuing team will support you to run the We also pray regularly for all groups Ministerial Development sessions experience. Look out for 2018 train- which meet and for their leaders to all those involved with children ing from Prayer Spaces in Schools. at our Prayer Breakfasts. These and youth ministry. The next will Resources: One of the biggest take place in our host venues: St showcase what Plant Dewi does ways we provide resources is Peter’s Lampeter, Starbucks Cross- and how best we can link with through the blog www.stdavidsy- hands and St Katharine & St Peter’s them in our parishes. outhandchildren.wordpress.com Milford Haven and all happen at the We also support you in your which is updated every Tuesday. same time. Please join us to pray area with any specific training Please keep a look out for termly together at our next breakfast. needs and when beginning new planning for children and youth finishing by 9pm. The Bishop will are available twice a year and Training: Our Messy Meet projects. groups as well as many other join us for this evening. application forms are available by Ups have been popular ways of Schools work: We have offered resources and ideas. ‘Coming ready or not!’ is an emailing clarewilliams@churchin- sharing and learning together. The support with running Experience Events: We are hosting ‘Ignite’ event for children and families on wales.org.uk. Application deadline next one will focus on ‘Messy Easter and Advent Experience over on 30th October at Xcel Bowl, an Advent theme on 2nd December, 30th September 17. Festivals’ for those areas who may the last two years. This autumn, we Johnstown, Carmarthen, for young 2-5pm, in . The Full details of all this, and only be able to manage seasonal or will run a training session where people aged 10+. We will meet at day will involve crafts, games, activ- much more, can be found at http:// ‘one off’ events. This is for leaders you can see the Experience set up, 6pm for food and bowling followed ities, worship and food together. stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/ and those interested in beginning walk through it, have a go and ask by games, activities and worship, Grants: Grants of up to £200 children/

The great big sunflower

Evelyn Thomas, aged 10, from Llangwm Sunday School, has special help to grow her sunflower N the spring, when we went to when they got too big for the little Here is my great big sunflower, I Freystrop Church for our joint pots, I asked Grandpa to put them with Violet, my little sister, and service, we were given three seeds into three bigger pots. They grew me. Every single day there are bees each and we planted them in a and grew and they soon needed on it. I have cared for it but I had small pot. We put a cross made of canes to help them. They grew and special help from God. He made lollipop sticks in the pot and we put grew again and the wind blew them the soil it grows in; He sends the our initials on it. over so we tied the canes to the rain to water it; He brings out the I watered my pot once a week garden table. Now they need water warm sun which it needs to grow and after two weeks all the seeds every day even when it rains! and to open the beautiful flower sprouted two oval leaves. They We measured them with a for the bees. God gives us every- were baby leaves. The plants began metal measure and they are 9 feet thing we need and everything that to grow and soon they had different tall. They have massive, gorgeous is good. sorts of leaves. sunflowers on the top, which turn They grew quite quickly and, towards the sun.

task in a variety of ways – for Talented fundraising example, some pooled their money to organise summer teas and others Mothers’ Union members gathered on Mary Sumner Day – got children involved to wash cars 9th August – for their Diocesan Festival. Glenys Payne finds for parishioners. We are delighted it a moving and uplifting day that over £5,000 was presented to EFORE the main service, brought a tear to the eye. Mari at the festival, which will be B Canon Dorrien Davies con- It was a very fitting end to a given to the MU Emergency Relief ducted a short service in the year of celebrations to mark 140 Fund. Lady Chapel where a candle was Years since Mary Sumner founded It was a great joy to see so lit in remembrance of stillborn the Mothers’ Union (MU). Mari many members at the cathedral. babies. He also offered to pray Thomas, Fundraising & Commu- It is often said that MU members with members in the Lady Chapel nications Co-ordinator, had asked are too old to be active but we afterwards. branches to commemorate the year would do well to remember that Dorrien and Canon Bryan Witt with a challenge. She had given Mary Sumner had a vision and led the Festival Service. I am sure each member 140 pennies and was inspired to start this wonderful Mary Sumner would, like many asked them to increase this over movement after the birth of her first of us, have been deeply moved by the 12 months using their many grandchild. Remembering her own the prayerful atmosphere, beautiful gifts. The parable of the talents difficulties raising children, Mary singing and, of course, the proces- (Matthew 25:14-30) provided a wanted to bring mothers of all sion of over 40 banners down the helpful framework for thinking social classes together to provide aisle of the cathedral. This was about what could be done. support for one another and to be a wonderful sight and, as ever, Members eagerly took on the trained for motherhood, something which she saw as a vocation. The parable of the talents FINAL COPY DATE teaches us so many things. Some for the December edition of branches raised more money than others, but, collectively, when we Pobl Dewi work together, we can achieve 3rd November 2017 great things. Pobl Dewi, September 2017 9 Llan Llanast Penrhyn-coch

AE cyd-weithio gyda cyd-weithio gwreiddiol oddi wrth MChristnogion o enwadau Ms Zoe Glynne Jones, swyddog eraill yn golygu gwneud pethau Menter Gobaith yng ngogledd ychydig yn wahanol i’r arfer Ceredigion, ac ysbrydolwyd y a gweithio ychydig bach yn criw i fynd ymhellach yn dilyn galetach, ond mae’r hyn a enillir sesiwn hyfforddi ymarferol mor werthfawr fel bod yr ymdrech a gynhaliwyd gan Mrs Clare ychwanegol yn ymddangos fel Williams, cydlynydd plant a phobl dim. Dyna fu’r profiad yn Eglwys ifanc yr esgobaeth, ar gynnal S. Ioan ym Mhenrhyn-coch Llan Llanast yn llwyddiannus. wrth gyd-weithio gyda Chapel Bwriad Llan Llanast, neu Horeb, eglwys y Bedyddwyr Messy Church yn Saesneg, yw rhoi i ddweud wrth blant a phobl cyfle i blant a’u teuluoedd ddysgu ifainc y plwyf am gariad Duw am gariad Duw trwy gyd-chwarae, tuag atom ni yn Iesu Grist. cyd-ddysgu, cyd-addoli a chyd- Ers mis Rhagfyr 2016 mae fwyta. Mae’r elfennau hyn yn Eglwys S. Ioan a Chapel Horeb hanfodol wrth adeiladu cymuned wedi bod yn cynnal Llan Llanast Llan Llanast fel lle i ddod i Penrhyn-coch ar y cyd yn Neuadd adnabod Iesu Grist fel Arglwydd a yr Eglwys. Nid dyna oedd Gwaredwr ac i wireddu’r alwad i wirfoddoli a chymryd cyfrifoldeb. gyda’r eglwys neu’r capel i fod efallai y byddan nhw’n ei chael dechrau’r cyd-weithio rhwng garu a gwasanaethu eraill. Ac mae Ac mae’r ffrwyth i’w weld yn y yn rhan o deulu Llan Llanast. hi’n beth naturiol i’w wneud yn y y ddwy eglwys oherwydd ers Llan Llanast wedi dod yn rhan mwynhad mae plant, eu rhieni, a’u Camau bychain yw’r rhain dyfodol wrth rannu’r newyddion blwyddyn roedd yr ysgolion Sul bwysig o fywyd yn y pentref. teidiau a’u neiniau yn ei brofi o mewn gwirionedd ar ffordd llawer da gyda’u cyd-bentrefwyr. wedi cwrdd ynghyd unwaith y Yr hyn sydd wedi golygu ei rannu gyda’i gilydd. Mae’n hyfryd hirach tuag at gyd-weithio ym mis am yn ail yn y ddau adeilad. bod hi’n bosib cynnal Llan Llanast hefyd medru croesawu teuluoedd mhob dim, ond wrth i’n plant a’n Daeth y sbardun ar gyfer y yw parodrwydd cymaint o bobl i heb unrhyw gysylltiad blaenorol pobl ifainc brofi bod hyn yn bosib

Celebrating a year Not so scared at of Messy Meads Aberporth

The end of the academic year marked an important anniversary in the life of the Parish of Milford Haven, when the after school club, entitled Messy Meads, celebrated its first birthday

HE aim of the project was to uptake that children attended Speaking of the project, Fr Tbring the good news of the in rotation throughout the year. Harri Williams, the Vicar of Gospel into the classroom; thanks During the sessions the children Milford Haven commented: ‘This to the generosity and kindness of share their news, listen to a Bible has been a tremendous act of the headteacher and staff of the story, play a game, undertake an outreach within the parish. It has Meads Infant and Nursery School, activity and craft and conclude strengthened not only relationships this was made possible. with refreshments. They then between the church and the local Messy Meads is an after school take home their craft and a leaflet school, but also the confidence of club for children in Year 2 (aged informing parents about the week’s regular worshippers that they have 6-7) which runs every Monday for activity and how they might best the ability and the gifts to pass on an hour. The club is led by volun- support and pray for their child the message of the Gospel to the teers from St Katharine’s & St during the coming week, as well next generation. Happy Birthday Peter’s Church and has explored as advertising the Sunday School Messy Meads!’ a wide variety of Gospel passages which happens on a weekly basis and themes. So popular was the in church.

Our “David” is a very active 90+ years young, regular member of the congregation and our “little ones” vary in age but enjoy participating in our monthly All Age Worship. No-one was afraid of Goliath as “David” was there to protect them and of course “scared” becomes “sacred” but that’s another story. Sincere thanks to the lay leaders and retired clergy who have kept the services stimulating during our interregnum. We are looking forward to having Revd Chris Frost and family with us very soon 10 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 A natural partnership

Focus on Carol Cavill, a Sub-warden at St Nicholas & St Teilo, Penally, sees no conflict between faith and politics N my school days, we had a me and I was elected. I became the faith & politics I class entitled Civics which first fourth member of the Plaid Cymru aroused my interest in politics. I group on Pembrokeshire County spent all my working life in local Council, three of us being commit- government, as a librarian, and so ted, practising Christians. was naturally interested in local Because of my previous work politics. background, I felt my contributions Unity not My late husband was brought as a councillor were a continuation, up in Penally and we moved back helping people and doing my best here when I started working for for the community I represented. as a Librarian for Special Though I stood for a political party, uniformity Needs. That entailed working there was no conflict between this with anyone with special needs and my faith. The way I supported In the first of two articles, Jeremy Martineau introduces of a library service: the visu- my constituents was compatible Together for the Common Good, a movement which aims ally impaired, hearing impaired, with being a Christian. My main to celebrate diversity within harmonious communities disabled, the housebound, hospi- objective was to serve the people of tal patients, those in residential the ward as best as I could, particu- homes. This last job prepared me Meanwhile, we had become larly those who needed help – for for dealing with peoples’ problems involved in the church in Penally. example, by referring them to social even more than my previous career I became involved in applying for services, giving practical advice on in charge of a library. grants for the renovation of our many subjects within my remit and Once back living in Penally, church room. My husband and I using the knowledge gained as a we both became involved in poli- researched the history of the church county councillor. I found being of tics, as members of Plaid Cymru. and produced a booklet. practical use to people, rather than My husband joined the community In 1997, there was a by-election debating in the council chamber, council and soon became chair- for the county council for Penally was much more fulfilling. Indeed, man. This led the way for me when ward and Plaid Cymru persuaded I found my 15 years as a county I left work in 1996, when Dyfed me to stand. At the time there was councillor, helping the community, ceased to exist, to play a larger part little support for Plaid Cymru in very rewarding. in local politics. Penally. However, they supported

Mewn undeb mae nerth! Revd Lyn Lewis Dafis writes about his experience as a trade union representative in the workplace for over 20 years HRISTIANITY, as it has issues that communities identify Cdeveloped in western culture, within themselves. TFCG is the UES i’n swyddog undeb am Un o’r agweddau pwysicaf ar continues to adapt to being part of recipe needed for a healthy civil Bdros ugain mlynedd. Pan waith swyddogion undeb hefyd a more complex world with differ- society. It involves putting human fydd sôn am undebau llafur y peth yw eu rhan yn sicrhau iechyd a ent beliefs and religions having a dignity at the heart of economic, cyntaf sy’n dod i feddwl llawer diogelwch eu haelodau yn y lle right to expression. The prayerful civic and cultural life. yw streic, ond streicio yw’r peth gwaith. Yng ngwledydd Prydain relationship between two Bish- Those applying for UK citi- diwethaf ar feddwl swyddog lladdwyd bron i 150 o weithwyr ops in Liverpool – Derek Worlock zenship have to assent to British undeb. Prif waith undeb yw yn eu lle gwaith llynedd gyda and David Sheppard – in the last values. These are: Democracy; The cefnogi’r aelodau yn y gweithle llawer mwy yn cael eu hanafu. Yn decades of the 20th century laid rule of law; Individual liberty; and wrth geisio datrys problemau cyn aml iawn bydd y swyddog yno i the foundations for Together for Mutual respect; Tolerance of, those iddynt droi yn wrthdaro a sicrhau gefnogi mewn sefyllfaoedd trist the Common Good (TFCG) http:// with different faiths and beliefs and telerau teg. Wrth wneud hynny o’r fath ond y maent yno hefyd togetherforthecommongood.co.uk for those without faith (www.citi- daw rôl fugeiliol y swyddog i gyd-weithio gyda chyflogwyr i bringing together Catholic social zenshipfoundation.org.uk). These undeb yn glir a hefyd y gofyn leihau unrhyw beryglon cymaint â teaching with Anglican expertise values are being taught in schools am gyd-weithio’n adeiladol phosib ac osgoi hyn yn y lle cyntaf. in whole community engagement. and are one expression of the gyda chyflogwr er lles pawb. ar eu rhan pan oedd gwneud hynny Ond mae undebau llafur yn Every person matters (Col. 3:11). common good. TFCG goes further, Dyw bywyd ddim yn fêl i gyd, eu hunain yn rhy anodd. Wrth gwrs ymgyrchu dros les eu haelodau a’u As the fractures in our society asserting the need to care for the ac mae’r un peth yn wir am ein doeddwn i ddim gyda’r wybo- teuluoedd yn fwy cyffredinol. Eu make daily news, people long for earth as well as for each person. bywyd yn y gwaith. O bryd i’w daeth i ddelio â phopeth ac wrth hymgyrchoedd sydd wedi ennill harmony, justice and fairness. The Their website concludes thus: gilydd mae pethau’n mynd o le fod yn aelod o undeb llafur mwy llawer o’r hawliau mwyaf sylfaenol move away from a single dominant ‘What the common good will ac i aelod undeb bydd ‘na rywun roedd yn bosib tynnu ar adnod- sy’n cael eu cymryd yn ganiataol ethic, once provided by the Church, look like is up to you and your yno i droi ato am gymorth — y dau swyddogion profiadol llawn heddiw fel gwyliau blynyddol gyda leaves a rudderless ship. TFCG community to work out together. swyddog undeb. Fel swyddog amser oedd wedi’u cymhwyso’n thâl. Maen nhw’n dal i ymgyrchu looks forward to the churches, as It should be in a constant state of undeb roeddwn i’n barod i helpu yn y gyfraith er mwyn sicrhau nid dim ond yn lleol ond dros y byd people and institutions, becom- renegotiation, it needs to be regu- aelodau wrth iddynt wynebu tegwch a chyfiawnder mewn i gyd i sicrhau lles gweithwyr. A ing more outward-facing and more larly reviewed – it changes as we disgyblu neu pan oedd ganddyn unrhyw achos o’r fath. dwi’n dal i fod yn aelod o undeb! conscious of their role in civil change.’ nhw gŵyn yn erbyn eu cyflogwr. society. Are we creating conditions Fy ngwaith oedd sicrhau fod Many communities face the where every individual in the pethau’n cael eu gwneud yn deg, challenge of rebuilding confidence community can flourish? nid dadlau fod rhywun yn iawn Cyfraniadau ar gyfer Pobl Dewi in their ability to shape their own Wales has the benefit of two bob amser. Yn wir, ar brydiau Y mae croeso i erthyglau oddi wrth ddarllenwyr, ac yn arbennig futures, needing to draw on the Government Acts: Social Services byddwn yn gorfod sicrhau bod cyfraniadau Cymraeg. strength of their diversity, the expe- and Well-Being Act 2014 and Well- aelodau yn gweld y sefyllfa fel rience of their older people and the Being of Future Generations Act yr oedd mewn gwirionedd ac Dylid anfon erthyglau at y Golygydd: Tessa Briggs energy of their young. 2015. The Church is well advised nid fel roedden nhw’n dymuno [email protected] There are numerous oppor- to get involved and ways of doing neu’n meddwl y dylai hi fod. neu fe ellir postio ffotograffau ynghyd â 50 o eiriau at: tunities for sharing across the this will be explored in my next Pan fyddai aelodau wedi Pobl Dewi, generational, cultural, educational article. gwneud rhywbeth o’i le roedd gwir Swyddfa’r Esgobaeth, Abergwili, Caerfyrddin, SA31 2JG ranges, bringing together all the angen cefnogaeth. Dyna’r adeg am wedi’u nodi at sylw ‘Y Golygydd’ human resourcefulness to bear on gyngor cytbwys a rhywun i siarad Pobl Dewi, September 2017 11 The need for fairness Armenian pilgrimage There is a strong connection between religion and the to St Davids Cathedral trade union movement – and that connection is all about caring, writes Janet Wyer, Mayor of Fishguard & Goodwick The Armenian Apostolic Orthodox Church in Britain and Ireland is holding and lifelong trade union member a national pilgrimage to St Davids Cathedral on 3rd and 4th November. Anyone interested in going along would be warmly welcomed HAD a strict upbringing, and I was brought up as a Catho- HE pilgrimage is to cele- ter Garden, a brief talk by Canon lic, the fifth child of seven. But Tbrate the 10th anniversary of Patrick on the links between Wales at the core of that strict and the dedication of the first public and the Armenians, and a celebra- Catholic upbringing was the monument in Britain to commem- tion of the Badarak (Armenian underlying caring and kindness orate the victims of the Armenian Liturgy) by His Grace Bishop instilled in us by my parents Genocide. On their way to Pembro- Hovakim Manoukyan, Primate of from a very early age, which keshire the pilgrims will visit the the Armenian Apostolic Church in has made us all the caring monument in the garden of the Britain and Ireland. people we are today. Temple of Peace in to lay Some details have yet to be I volunteered for civic flowers and say prayers. finalised but for further informa- duties out of a sense of caring, They will be met in St Davids tion please contact Canon Patrick, I volunteered for trade union by Canon Chancellor Dr Patrick tel 01267 234183; duties out of a sense of caring. I We negotiate for better Thomas, the Honorary Chaplain to [email protected] joined a trade union on my very terms and conditions, safer Armenians in Wales, who gave an Armenians are very ecumeni- first day of work – not because working environments, protect- address on behalf of the churches cally minded, and if you would like I understood, but because my ing those vulnerable members of Wales at the original dedication to experience the sublime worship Dad told me I should! I then both at work and in their ceremony in Cardiff 10 years ago. of one of the most ancient Christian became active in the trade communities. By basing our Events at the Cathedral will churches we would be extremely union movement because I was local bargaining emphasis on include prayers in English, Welsh happy for you to join us. incensed by the unfair treat- negotiating we strive to be pro and Armenian at the Armenian The Armenian Memorial in ment of some of my colleagues active rather than reactive. We Martyrs’ Memorial in the Clois- St Davids Cathedral and could no longer sit back strive to work in partnership and watch. That was 17 years with employers to establish ago and I am currently Branch mutual respect for very much Secretary of UNISON’s Pem- the same aims – fair play brokeshire County Branch. and justice. To this end trade The trade union movement unions help employers appre- Reformation Anniversary grew from the needs of work- ciate, respect and value their ers to defend their living and workforces and set in place working standards and protect policies and procedures and (1517-2017) human rights to assist in the support mechanisms to support The diocesan celebration of the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation was held at St Elli Parish struggle towards a just and equi- employees, which in turn table society. Workers realised improves business. Church, Llanelli, on Sunday 20th August. Huw Mosford, St Davids Ecumenical Officer, reports the potential of unity is strength In these days of ever and the strength of numbers. This increasing workloads and a HE service was conducted is still the same today – but the ‘more work for less money’ atti- Ttrilingually (Welsh, English emphasis is based more on nego- tude, it is even more important and German) with the guest tiating, as it is the needs of our to be part of a trade union and preacher being Revd Albrecht members which is at the forefront ensure that our voice remains a Pastor of the German Speaking of what we do, not the Glory. loud shout not a whisper. Protestant Church in South and West England and Wales. His text was from Romans 3: 28, ‘For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law’. As ministry team lead of Bro Lliedi, I preached the Happy Band of Pilgrims second sermon, taking my text from Romans 10:17, ‘So faith comes from what is heard, and what is heard comes through the word of Christ’. This was a great celebration with Luther’s hymns and an appropriate anthem sung by the joint choirs. The Archdea- con of Carmarthen, , states and in many countries Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher pronounced the blessing at the end across Europe. Two years later, to the Papal Household, who said, of the service. King Henry VIII started to write “We need to start again with the The Reformation started in his Defence of the Seven Sacra- person of Jesus, humbly helping 1517 when Martin Luther chal- ments while he was reading Martin our contemporaries to experience lenged the church. Luther’s attack on indulgences. a personal encounter with Him On 31 October 1517 the protest Luther himself composed a . . . Justification by faith, for exam- of Martin Luther against the prac- reply to King Henry, answered in ple, ought to be preached by the tice of indulgences took expression turn by Thomas More. Although whole Church – and with more in 95 Theses touching on questions Luther’s writings were banned in vigour than ever. Not in opposition of grace, repentance and forgive- England, a small group started to to good works – the issue is already ness. He announced his intention to meet in Cambridge to study them settled – but rather in opposition to The Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage has run for over 20 years, defend his statements orally in that along with other material emerg- the claim of people today that they when hundreds of young Christians gather to share their faith, place or by letter with those who ing from the new movement on the can save themselves.” enjoy worship, participate in activities and enjoy life on a campsite. could not be present. Continent. Many of them would May each of us strive for a This year, 9 young people from the Prayer and Pizza Youth Group Reaction from church lead- become key figures in the English personal encounter with the living at St Katharine & St Peter's Church, Milford Haven, attended. ers and scholars, at first on a small Reformation. Lord. During the week they played a leading role in the worship and scale, gathered momentum with For me, the lesson of the Refor- one member of the group celebrated his 17th birthday. lives changed radically in German mation was put succinctly by Fr 12 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 Bringing home the seven churches Following a visit to Turkey, Christopher Frost offers readers free video resources on the message of Revelation MMEDIATELY after celebrat- phy and cultural makeup of each I ing Easter this year, my wife ancient city. However, what he has and I made a major trip to Turkey to say to those churches is just as to see the sites of the seven ancient vital and relevant for us today, here churches to whom Jesus speaks in Wales. So, my aim was to record in chapters 2 and 3 of the Revela- short videos about each ancient tion of John, and to make a series city, its culture, geography, and of short videos about them, with people, from the location itself; and support from the Isla Johnson then, to make other videos contain- fund. The sites of each one can ing teaching about the essence of be found on an ancient ring road Jesus’ message to those churches, in the south-west of the country, and how it might apply to churches from Ephesus near the Aegean Sea across Wales today. After a lot of and moving around further inland hard work in my editing room to reach Laodicea at the end. The (a.k.a. my office), these films are series of videos is called The Seven finally completed! The hope is that Messages of Revelation. they could be used as a teaching Jesus’ messages to each of resource for churches – either to these churches have always fasci- give context to a series of sermons, nated me: he has different messages a Lent course, or short course for of encouragement and correction Bible study. charge, on my YouTube channel for anyone who might find them copy: christopher_dominic_frost@ for each one, which are often full The videos are available to www.youtube.com/christopherfrost. interesting and useful. Please yahoo.co.uk. of references to the local geogra- watch on the internet free of They are also available on DVD email me if you would like a free

oedd yn yr adeilad. Pregethwyd fedyddfan a’r pulpud yn dal yn Gymraeg, a Chymraeg fu yno, fel petaent yn ein hatgoffa Capel y Groes prif iaith Capel y Groes gydol o’u pwrpas, ac yn dal i lefaru. y blynyddoedd. Aeth y dyrfa Mae’r amgylchedd yn gryno, Capel y Groes Church, near Carmarthen, was closed several years ago. Eileen gref i ysgubor Ffosygest, fferm a’r fynwent, lle gorwedd llawer Jones reflects on the church’s long history and its conversion for use today, gyfagos, i wledda amser cinio a o’r rhai fu’n aelodau defosiynol which would please St Francis the! Mae yna arwyddion pendant am flynyddoedd yn gorwedd, fod addoli ar y safle hwn yn mynd yn daclus. Mae yna dristwch AEWYD drysau Capel y tir – rhan o ystâd Penlle’r-gaer – Cafwyd datganiad gan Gôr yn ôl ganrifoedd, a chyflwynwyd yn fy nghalon wrth feddwl yn CGroes, Plwyf Abergwili rai gan y perchennog John Venables Abergwili, a chofnodir enw carreg yn dwyn arysgrif yn tystio ôl am yr amser pan oedd yr blynyddoedd yn ôl. Cariwyd Llywellyn, a gosodwyd y garreg pob un oedd yn gysylltiedig i’r ffaith i Amgueddfa Abergwili, eglwys yn gyfforddus lawn o y Groes gan yr aelodau, oddi sylfaen gan ei briod yn Hydref â’r ymdrech yn y llyfryn. Mae ac mae i’w gweld yno heddiw. wir addolwyr. Ond rhaid symud yno i’r Neuadd Gymunedol ym 1886. ‘Claddwyd’ llu o gopïau ein dyled yn fawr i Richard. Gwerthwyd yr eglwys, ac mae ymlaen a derbyn yr anochel. Mheniel, ac yno y gweinyddir y o gylchgronau o’r cyfnod, yn Ymwelodd yr Esgob eto ar yr 8 wedi ei haddasu fel man i drin Coffa da am y rhai a sicrhaodd Cymun Bendigaid yn fisol bellach. eu plith y Carmarthen Journal Medi 1888 i gysegru’r adeilad anifeiliaid bychan – cŵn yn fangre gysegredig inni yn yr ardal Cyhoeddwyd llyfryn diddorol a Y Llan. Daeth tyrfa o dros i wasanaeth Duw, gyda dros bennaf, sy’n dioddef o grud i addoli ynddi am flynyddoedd, gan Richard Huws – un o blant 300 i’r seremoni, 19 o offeiriaid 600 yn bresennol. Cynhaliwyd y cymalau. Yn ôl un aelod ac i bileri’r achos a sicrhaodd yr eglwys – yn 1988 i nodi’r wedi eu gwisgo, gyda’r Esgob yr oedfa yn yr awyr agored, mae’n siŵr y byddai Sant ei pharhad am dros ganrif. canmlwyddiant. Rhoddwyd y yn cyrraedd yn ei goets fawr. gan mai ond tua 160 o seddau Ffransis yn bles iawn! Mae’r

St Mark’s 50th anniversary

The 50th anniversary of St Mark’s Church, Caerbryn, near Ammanford, was celebrated on 28th May. To mark the occasion Bishop Joanna attended the service, along with Revd Canon Sian Jones, Revd Ann Howells, Revd Canon John Gravell and Revd Mair Owen Pobl Dewi, September 2017 13 Scarecrow at Ferryside Death by quiche!

A fund-raising evening loosely based on the Agatha Raisin book The Quiche of Death proved to be a success recently at Dafen and Felinfoel. Quiches were made by members of the congregation; prizes were awarded for the best-looking and the best-tasting quiches. The task of judging fell to Revd Huw Mosford, who is pictured with Eirwen Williams, winner of the best-tasting quiche prize. Competitions and quizzes were also part of the event, which raised £270 for the refurbishment of church toilets The Learned Society of Wales and the Church Pictured are some of the ladies from St Thomas’ Church, Ferryside, Carmarthen, with their entry in this year’s scarecrow competition, entitled ‘Welsh Legends and Myths’. The competition was held on 26th June and more than £3,000 was raised for the Ferryside inshore lifeboat. The scarecrow represents Twm Carnabwth from the Rebecca Riots.

Tafarn ‘Unnos’ Cilcennin

HE Learned Society of Wales year’s LSW General Meeting in T(LSW) was founded in 2010. Cardiff, shows Professor Kenneth Amongst other things, a key objec- Walters, a Founding Fellow of tive of the Society is to promote the LSW, with Professors Diane the sciences, arts, humanities and Kelly, Michael Woods and Andrew social sciences in Wales. The LSW Henley, who were elected to the now has over 450 Fellows and was Fellowship in 2017; their subjects granted a Royal Charter in 2015. are Ken (Mathematics), Diane Interestingly, four active (Microbiology), Mike (Geogra- members of St Michael’s Church, phy) and Andy (Economics). Aberystwyth, are Fellows of the Clearly, becoming a Christian Learned Society of Wales. All does not require the development are Professors in Welsh Univer- of a distaste for learning and sities. The picture, taken at this intelligence.

Mae gan bentref Cilcennin ysgol a chapel ac eglwys o hyd. Ddydd Sadwrn, 17 Mehefin roedd ganddo hefyd dafarn unwaith yn rhagor wrth i dafarn ‘unnos’ neu ‘Dafarn Dros Dro’ (pop-up pub) ymddangos yn Eglwys Y Drindod Sanctaidd. Roedd gan y ‘dafarn’ yma bwyslais arbennig ar gynnyrch lleol gan FINAL COPY DATE weini cwrw, lager a seidr o Fragdy Mantel Aberteifi, gwinoedd o Winllan Llaethlliw yn ogystal â for the December edition of thapas Cymreig. Bu dros hanner cant o bobl o’r gymuned leol yn cefnogi’r fenter gydag adborth cadarnhaol a phositif dros ben. Y cynllun ydy cynnal ‘Tafarn Dros Dro’ unwaith neu ddwywaith eto Pobl Dewi cyn diwedd yr haf yn yr Eglwys. Mae’n bosib y bydd hyn yn arwain at sefydlu ‘Tafarn Dros Dro’ gan 3rd November 2017 y gymuned yn y dyfodol 14 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 Listening, enabling, reflecting

Judy Webb reports from this year’s Cursillo weekend in Llangasty Retreat House, Brecon, which took place at the end of May

IX pilgrims and 11 team ing of Christian love, very well Smembers learned, prayed, organised, flowing from one encour- worshipped, laughed and some- aging event to the next, digging times cried together, sharing three deeper into one's faith together, wonderful days. Below are some drawn closer to our loving God and thoughts from the pilgrims: his family, transformed.” “Six newbies arrived at Llan- From St Davids Cursillo Lay gasty to a wonderful warm caring Director: “The 20th Cursillo week- welcome. The weather and the end at Llangasty was another people were amazing. The glory wonderful experience, for both of the Lord shone on us from the pilgrims and team members alike. beginning and continued through- Thanks to Judy for her leadership out the time we spent together.” and to David and Marina for their “We met the most wonder- spiritual guidance, we certainly ful people full of joy for the Lord. learned a lot from each other. Through the peace of the glori- For myself, three words sum up ous environment we renewed our the weekend: listening, enabling, spiritual bodies and left refreshed reflecting. We look forward to next and replenished, ready to spread year’s weekend which will take the good news as new disciples of place 10-13 May 2018 at Llangasty ‘leaven the leaven’. Our next event stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/ Director, Brenda, Jesus.” Retreat House.” is the AGM at Kidwelly on 14th cursillo-st-davids/ e-mail [email protected] “The Cursillo weekend was The weekend and Cursillo October, and the programme for You are very welcome to attend tel. 01554 890803. a truly blessed experience being itself are for all committed Chris- the rest of the year can be found any of these events; for further surrounded by a constant outpour- tians, ordained and lay – there to on the diocesan website at http:// information please contact our Lay Evensong Safari Gŵyl gorawl ddwy-ieithog yn Eglwys S. Silin,

35-40 singers from around West Wales participated in The Royal School of Church Music’s Evensong Safari in Aberystwyth on Saturday, 8th July. The day began at Holy Trinity Church, then everyone had lunch together in a town restaurant before reconvening at Eglwys y Santes Fair and, finally, at St Paul’s Methodist Centre for a short act of worship. Pieces learned Brynhawn Sul, 18 Mehefin, arweinwyd gwasanaeth yr Hwyrol Weddi gan Gôr yr Eglwys a’r included Jesu, Rex Admirabilis arranged by Palestrina, an Gymuned, yn Eglwys S. Silin er mwyn nodi Sul Cerddoriaeth yr Ysgol Frenhinol arrangement of The Lord’s Prayer by William Mathias and a chant Cerddoriaeth Eglwysig. Mae’r Ysgol yn penodi un Sul y flwyddyn fel ‘Sul Cerddoriaeth’ i ddathlu to Psalm 121. Thanks go to the conductor, Andrew Cusworth, gwaith cantorion, organyddion, offerynwyr ac arweinyddion y gân yn yr eglwysi. Gan gynnwys and organist, Simon Pearce, for their good humour, patience and Cymorth Rhodd, casglwyd £175 ar ddiwedd y gwasanaeth i’w rannu rhwng yr Ysgol Cerddoriaeth hard work, which made this a very enjoyable event Frenhinol a chronfa’r Côr lleol Pobl Dewi, September 2017 15 Getting personal

Since the 2014 Diocesan Conference there has been a formal link between St Davids Diocese and the Diocese of Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Despite Roger Dirokpa’s regular contributions to Pobl Dewi in recent editions, the problem can sometimes be that, although there is a formal link in place, it remains impersonal. Josh Maynard tells of a parish scheme which is being enjoyed by all concerned

HE Church of the Holy Spirit Church of the Holy Spirit Commit- Tin Hubberston has formed a tee of the link project between the “parish to parish” link with Panzi Dioceses of St Davids and Bukavu Parish in Bukavu. For around 9 in the DRC. We decided that we months, we have been in direct would like to support the project, contact with the Vicar of Panzi, and our parish was linked with sharing prayer requests with one Panzi. We began making regu- another, as well as regular financial lar monthly payments towards the giving which has funded signifi- building of their new church. cant building work for the church “As you may know, Revd Jennie in Panzi. Annis and her husband, Dave, have It was with great joy that we were been going to Bukavu for the last had been used, and learn of the vari- Panzi Church plays a vital role in has certainly helped to strengthen able to build on this link recently as 18 years and were planning another ous projects the church is involved identifying and assisting with the the link between us. We had such Shirley Harrison, a member of our trip in January this year. It was a with, both current and those in the needs of their parishioners. a warm welcome, and more than congregation, visited Panzi. Here is great opportunity to go over with pipeline. These include supporting Many individuals from the anything we gave, they most a brief account of her visit: them and strengthen the link we schools and orphans, a pig project, Church of the Holy Spirit have appreciated that we’d visited them “Over a year ago our Curate, have with Panzi. I was able to see, a micro finance scheme and plans since decided to support orphans personally, and that they remain in Josh Maynard, informed the first-hand, how the money we sent for an orphanage and health centre. in Panzi with school fees. The trip our prayers.”

Buki Liripa Burglary in Bukavu Early in the morning of 5th August, at around 0045hrs, the administrative offices of the Diocese of Bukavu were burgled by unknown armed bandits. Roger Dirokpa reports on a distressing incident

HE operation started at around the rooms vandalized; the burglars ended around 0230hrs when the T0045hrs when a group of also entered the cathedral where thieves left the building. six people, three wearing mili- they stole communion wine and The guard was then untied by tary clothes and armed and three priests’ clothes from the sacristy. locals who came to the rescue. No wearing civilian clothes, suddenly From the offices they took an injuries or casualties were reported. appeared in the church building. unspecified amount of money and The local police were contacted They tied up the guard, who was various equipment. The burglars and have opened an investigation. then held at gunpoint so as not to asked the guard to show them the Your prayers are requested for our give the alert. house of the dean of the cathedral diocese, and our country, during As a result of the burglary, the but the guard told them that the this particular period of trouble doors of 12 offices, including the dean was away on official business and insecurity in the Democratic Bishop’s, were broken and all of outside Bukavu City. The burglary Republic of Congo.

Pictured with Rev Dr Jennie Annis of St Mary’s, Fishguard, is Buki Liripa, the first of 150 Congolese children put through school by the Congo project, which Dr Annis set up, and which is supported by St Mary’s Church and St Davids Diocese. Buki was interviewed in lieu of a sermon, and he spoke movingly about his experiences, and of how support for him was now allowing him to do the same for others. Such a connection was “a story that does not end”. Buki, who speaks six languages and who has a business degree, is now staying for his doctorate in Chicago. He Am ragor o erthyglau, nad oedd hi’n bosib eu cynnwys yn y rhifyn hwn, ynghyd was on a flying visit to Fishguard with his wife, Sarah, and their three children. He thanked the congregation for their support, â chyfieithiad o rai ohonynt, ewch i dudalen saying it was the small acts of faith by Anglicans that had totally PD Extra ar ein gwefan: www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ transformed his life 16 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 The urgent need for engagement Lost, sad and All faiths have more in common than you would, perhaps, think, says Derek Davies, Diocesan Interfaith Officer bound by red tape N July, it proved to be another China Daoist Association with the Dr Martin Whittingham (Centre for Ihighly rewarding experience final address of the launch being Muslim-Christian Studies, Oxford) John Holdsworth describes Initiatives to help bewildered refugees to attend the second Inter-Faith delivered by the Venerable Master spoke to the subject The Future arriving in Cyprus Symposium, which took place Chin Kung of the Pure Land of the Past: Handling our Histo- at the Lampeter Campus of the Buddhist Educational Foundation. ries as we look ahead; Dr Shadaab HE Western media generally dren at the camp. Beyond this, there University of Wales Trinity Saint If one quotation from a delegate Rahemtulla (TSD) to the subject Thave little to say about refugees is need to help people navigate the David (TSD). Its two-day, two- might serve to reflect these open- I will hug my neighbour but not in Cyprus; yet we have hundreds complicated business of applying to part structure encompassed, firstly, ing contributions it would be the my sister: The need for Intra-Faith of families here from across the settle in new countries. an introductory ‘gathering’ and observation overheard during Engagement in Islam (bold empha- Middle East and North Africa. Few Through the generosity of the display of solidarity on the part of lunch that “if we hadn’t known sis mine), and Dr Catrin Williams of them expected to end up here. Diocese of Eastern Newfound- faith leaders followed by an acad- who was speaking, we wouldn’t (TSD) to ‘Toxic Texts’ and Inter- Many come by accident, blown off land and Labrador, places have emy-led exploration of the future have known which faith was being faith Relations: The case of John’s course from mainland destinations. been found for some refugees. One of inter-faith studies. represented”. Gospel and ‘the Jews’. Others are duped into believing family has a house and a welcome So, launching the event, the But that, of course, is not the The titles, alone, of their that, when they are landed here by awaiting them there. They came participants representing the Abra- whole story. Space allows me to respective papers speak volumes. their traffikers, they have actually from Damascus, via Turkey, after hamic faiths were the familiar mention, and by no more than mere So, whilst it would be insensitive to landed in Sweden. Yet others come a bomb near their house caused figures of Revd Dr Jeremy Duff title, only three of the eight or so selectively elaborate, there should here in desperation, as a possi- a wall to collapse on top of their (St Padarn’s Institute), Mr Saleem presentations which were to follow. be no hesitation in agreeing that ble way into Europe from Turkey. twin babies, who died. They have Kidwai (Muslim Council of Wales) Their content identified some of what they identify for us are issues When they do get here, there is been waiting for over a year to be and Mr Stanley Soffa (South Wales the challenges which lie ahead both which the mandate of Christ’s a structure to deal with them, in processed, with no timescale for Jewish Representative Council). for those charged with teaching teaching impels us to engage with theory at least, but the bureaucracy an outcome. It is hardly surpris- Others, in the same session, also our young people in academia and for the benefit and future flourish- that goes with that is mind-numb- ing that boredom is a problem, spoke movingly in representing indeed for all of us, consciously or ing of all humanity. ingly slow and far from transparent. since refugees cannot work, except the Skanda Vale Temple, the Zen not, as we teach within our tradi- At the main refugee camp, a within limited confines. Association Wales, the Whole tion, by example, in our daily lives. number of welfare organisations Christine, working with St operate. Local Curate, Revd Chris- Barnabas Church in Limassol and tine Goldsmith, chairs a committee local Catholic charity, Agapi, has at the camp that has helped to bring set up an imaginative scheme to organisation and focus to the work counter boredom and help locals to there. That gives the residents a see the refugees as fellow human voice; helps to ensure that help to beings with gifts to offer. Using which they are entitled arrives; and the church kitchens, refugees from offers liaison between the locals several countries demonstrate and the refugees. traditional cooking skills to locals. There are many local projects The culinary results are enjoyed by to provide the refugees with food, all, and any surplus is distributed to toiletries and other essentials. Chris- those in special need. tian organisations such as Oasis and Further details are available on Caritas organize language classes the Anglican Alliance website: and activities for children. At Christ- https://anglicanalliance.org/ mas, the Anglican Churches provide world-refugee-week-day-3-focus- presents for each of over 100 chil- cyprus/

Walking together on the way The new statement from the Anglican Roman Catholic International Commission (ARCIC) was agreed at Erfurt, Germany, on 17th May. Peter Sedgwick reports

RFURT was chosen as the Evenue for our latest meeting, because it is where Martin Luther found his vocation to be a priest and joined the Augustinian order. It is now 500 years since Luther began the Reformation at nearby Wittenberg. It was a Roman Cath- olic choice to go to Erfurt, and that in itself speaks volumes. For Roman Catholics like Pope Francis learn from each other as a Church realistic and soul-searching. How the Reformation is not something which is graced and has the Spirit decisions are made and where to be denied or ignored. Painful active in it. authority lies are crucial for church though it was, the Reformation, The Roman Catholics looked at life, and so ARCIC invites lay which began in 1517, was a period the way in which Anglicans work people, clergy and bishops to take of great spiritual renewal for both at parish, diocesan and provin- this text and join in open conversa- Anglicans and Catholics. cial levels, and how synodical life tion about how well each Church Having been Principal of St about the new statement, Walking church life are held together in works for Anglicans. Anglicans can works in these areas. What can we Michael’s College from 2004- Together on the Way, otherwise unity in some way. Each of us on look at how the Catholics express learn from each other? It is a new, 2014, and a past chair of the Church known as the Erfurt Statement, our pilgrim way is also, however, their unity and what we can learn very realistic and spiritual exami- in Wales Doctrinal Commission, which looks at the church local, very significantly wounded in our from this. Each side admits it has nation of how authority works; it is I have been a member of ARCIC regional and universal. church life. Roman Catholics and made mistakes, so questions about extremely practical and challeng- since the latest round of talks Anglicans and Roman Cath- Anglicans can recognise how each the exercise of authority in both ing and will have a profound impact began in 2011. I am very excited olics believe that these levels of of us is hurting and what we can Churches are very painful, highly when it is published in 2018. Pobl Dewi, September 2017 17 To Chennai and back Gwlad o groeso In the first of two articles, Shirley Murphy, ordinand in training in Enfys Tanner finds India a spiritual country, which taught her much our diocese, finds herself on a steep learning curve in remote Indian villages AFODD India effaith fawr golchi eu pechodau. Byddai cael goginio, oergell, un gwely a Carna i. Heb os, roedd yn eu hamlosgi ar lannau’r Ganges theledu mawr! Cawsom groeso N June, as part of my summer They are also very grateful that the brofiad i’r synhwyrau – y lliwiau yn eu rhyddau o gylch yr aileni. tywysogaidd a’r anrhydedd I placement, I had the opportunity team provides them with all the bendigedig yn y gwisgoedd, yr Cawsom ymweld â theml Jain, o rannu yn eu dathliadau. and privilege to go to Chennai, medical, hygiene and nutritional aroglau (rhai’n bleserus, eraill ac hefyd â theml Sicaidd â’i Gwelsom balasau crand a chaerau India, and work in a medical help they require free of charge. heb fod!), synau o bob math, yn chegin anferth yn cynnig bwyd gyda’u gwaith cerfiedig cain. mission called Perinabar Aalayam, The team vicar and evangelist are enwedig synau byddarol y canu am ddim i bob ymwelydd, beth Gwelsom y Taj Mahal yn ei holl which is part of the Church of revered as they provide all the corn diddiwedd a synau arallfydol bynnag eu crêd neu genedl. ysblander. Ond yr hyn sy’n aros South India Missionary Chapel pastoral and spiritual guidance the y defodau crefyddol, ac wrth gwrs, Gwelsom ble y gwnaeth Bwda yn y cof yw’r bobl a’r bywyd Church. In India, even though villagers need in their lives. This, blasau godidog y bwydydd. draddodi ei bregeth gynta, yn bob dydd – y gweithdai ar ochr Christians are in the minority, in itself, is extraordinary as the Ond y lle a gafodd yr effaith Sarnath, a dysgu mwy am y y ffyrdd yn trwsio popeth, y the churches are always full with villagers are not Christians. They ddyfnaf arna i oedd prifddinas grefydd honno a phwysigrwydd gwartheg, teuluoedd cyfan ar gefn regular attenders. are mostly Hindus but their faith in ysbrydol yr India, sef Varanasi. cywirdeb meddyliau a motorbeic, sŵn byddarol y canu As I am from Chennai, I was God, and their hunger and passion Cawsom yr anrhydedd o weld gweithredoedd – llinyn cyswllt corn ar y ceir, nid mewn dicter ond pleased to return and work at this for Christ, are very moving; all defodau ar yr afon Ganges gyda’r rhwng y crefyddau i gyd. jyst i ddangos eu bod nhw yno. mission, which is run entirely the people I spoke to told me they nos – y llafarganu, y peraroglau a Gwelsom dlodi annisgrifiadwy, Mae India yn wlad ysbrydol by a group of volunteers. The trust God and pray to him every miloedd o bererinion. Wedyn ar pobl dlawd mewn pethau materol iawn ac wrth ddysgu mwy am y team consists of two GPs, an eye day before work. Many had tragic doriad dydd y bore wedyn, gweld ond yn gyfoethog a hapus yn crefyddau yma rwyf wedi dod y pereinion hynny’n ymdrochi yn sicrwydd eu ffydd a’u gobaith am i’r casgliad bod mwy yn ein nŵr (heb fod yn rhy lân) y Ganges. fywyd gwell. Profon ni haelioni huno na sydd yn ein gwahanu, ac Dyna India – pobl o bob Caste y bobl yma pan wahoddwyd ni efallai y byddem i gyd yn elwa yn arddangos y fath ffydd yn eu i ddathlu Diwali gyda’n gyrrwr o ddysgu oddi wrth ein gilydd. crefydd, crefydd yr Hindw, ac yn ei dŷ, wel un ystafell mewn Ni welais i erioed gymaint o wenu! yn credu heb un amheuaeth, y tŷ. Roedd y teulu i gyd yn A hynny fydd yn aros yn y cof. byddai ymdrochi yn y Ganges, yn byw yn yr ystafell hon, ardal

surgeon/ophthalmologist, three stories but had found new hope nurses, four people involved in in Christ and, with appropriate registration, a team vicar and an help from the mission team, were evangelist. As part of their work, joyfully rebuilding their lives. they travel 100 miles to two This mission exists to demon- villages where the mission reaches strate God’s love by empowering the most underprivileged in society communities and helping them to and serves them, not just by carry- rebuild relationships. This experi- ing out medical and eye screening, ence made me realise the sacrifice but also preaching the Word of the made by the mission team to make Lord. a difference in the lives of these Accompanying the mission unchurched villagers. It also made team, I learnt a lot about the faith me realise that when you embark and hope, that these villagers have on mission, not as a “saviour” but in Jesus Christ. They are unedu- as a listener and learner, it can cated and do not have much, but revolutionise the way you see the they have more joy in their life world around you and refocus your than many who are materially rich. vision for mission at home. 18 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 Reflection Nature’s bounty

With harvest-time upon us, Anthony Wintle considers the cycle of life ESPITE having spent red kite circled overhead. What paradise. What’s more, the vary- Dmuch of my ministry in artistry of flight! What wheeling! ing colours of the sunsets defy the densely populated industrial What swooping! What elegance! description. Some industrial chap- areas of Llandaff Diocese, now According to atheistic naturalists, lains insist that we should be able I am fortunate to be caring for however, this is all the result of to find God as easily amid the blast the congregations of five rural the unplanned working of the life furnace and beside the conveyor churches in St Davids. Three times force! I do not believe it. It is the belt, but it does not work for me. a week, I travel over the Preseli creator’s handiwork. Symmetrical I am with Wordsworth and Ruskin hills from sunny Newport to minis- bird formations are also arrest- here: nature inspires me far, far ter in the Maenclochog area. The ing. Philosophers criticise Paley’s more. sight of the Welsh hills uplifts me watchmaker argument, yet such Some years ago, while I was in all weathers. While the view phenomena set me pondering still. rector of St Fagans, I walked beside may take in a lot of wild scrubland, My daily walk takes me along the Taff a little before Christmas to predominantly brown for much of Newport’s estuary path. One year I think about my sermon. Suddenly, the year, it is compellingly attrac- observed a pair of swans and, over the arc of a great rainbow formed, tive still, and I have not grown tired the coming weeks, I watched the encompassing the whole village: of it. development of the five cygnets. a glorious sight. It led me to think At the end of an afternoon’s During that time, one disappeared of the appearance of the angelic visiting recently, on a very hot – a prey to a natural predator – but, throng to the shepherds of old, day, I could not resist climb- a little later, I was privileged to see when the night sky was irradiated sentimental about nature. Any sustain life, rather than destroy it. ing two of the nearby peaks from some of the youngsters hitching a with the glory of the Lord. Back in theology of harvest, if it is to rise Despite the tragedies that occur, which I enjoyed the cooling gentle ride on their mother’s back, some- St Fagans, a long line of cars had above shallow optimism, needs it continues to provide us with breeze and the fine views from the thing I had never witnessed before. formed waiting for the railway to take account of natural disas- enough bread to feed the bulk of summits. I hope I offered a silent Another time, at high tide, I gates to be raised: few of the driv- ters, and the cost to human beings the world’s population. There may prayer to the creator for making watched a seal swim under the ers or passengers bothered to look of earthquakes, volcanoes, floods, be better ways of sharing it, and and preserving them, and enabling estuary bridge, doubtless searching up, yet the glory was shining all lightning bolts and disease. These we could do more to preserve the me still to climb them. for sewin. I have also photographed around. It struck me as a symbol pose a problem for the thinking planet, but that is for another day. On another afternoon, near herons, Canada geese, curlews, for our time: God is near, yet too Christian, yet, for all that, nature Meanwhile, give thanks unto the Maenclochog’s superb community cormorants and various types of few give him their attention. is generally reliable. Taking the Lord, for his mercy endureth for hall, I watched in fascination as a duck, for it is a bird watcher’s Yet it does not do to become world as a whole, it operates to ever. From the other side Patrick Thomas suddenly sees things from a different perspective

‘DIED’ at 4am on 18th March, incumbents, both of whom were ence. Two amiable retired clerics, I the day after my 65th birth- hospital chaplains. In 38 years of Canon Alan Meats and Canon day. Providentially I was in the ministry I had also visited a great John Walters, called in while I was Coronary Care Unit of Glangwili many parishioners in different hospi- in Morriston Hospital, and Revd Hospital at the time, and a wonder- tals. Now I found that instead of Michael Rowlands stumbled across ful team of doctors and nurses ministering I was being ministered me inadvertently while looking for succeeded in bringing me back to. It would be difficult to imagine a parishioner there, and immedi- again. “He’s lucky to be alive,” one a more gifted hospital chaplain than ately raised my spirits. of the nurses commented to my Revd Euryl Howells. He called in to The experience taught me two wife. I remembered the late Defi see me, pray with me, and celebrated things (apart from profound grati- Thomas, Gilfach-goch, one of my Communion for me in Welsh. Revd tude to the wonderful staff of the parishioners in Brechfa. “Good Dr Ainsley Griffiths also came to NHS). One was the importance luck,” a fellow patient remarked, as pray. When praying with patients in of sensitive hospital ministry, as Defi was being taken down for an hospital I had noticed how emotional shown by my colleagues. The other operation. “Luck has nothing to do they often seemed to become – now was my own duty to pray unobtru- with it,” the sheep farmer replied. I found that, as I was being prayed sively and quietly for my fellow “If the Good Lord wants me, I’m with, the same thing happened to me. patients (who were amazed to find ready to go.” In my case the Good My wonderful Associate Priest, a vicar among them), and to offer Lord had clearly decided that I was Revd Delyth Richards, kept me a listening ear whenever required. not quite ready yet. in regular contact with parish and I’m still feeling a bit like Lazarus, I hadn’t been a hospital patient diocesan news. Bishop Joanna paid but I’m very thankful that I was since I was 11 years old, but during me a kind visit, and her prayers resuscitated. my curacies I had assisted my have made an enormous differ-

Follow Pobl Dewi on www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk

www.facebook.com/pobldewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi Pobl Dewi, September 2017 19 Dealing with dementia Dementia is no longer the taboo subject that it was, but more still needs to be done. Parish priest Sharon Swain has chosen a different path towards understanding

HARON’S book, A Litany of commitments, including running a SDementia, tells of her expe- parish and being guardian for her HAT S ON AT rience caring for, and coping two grandchildren. W ’ with, her husband Adrian as he Yet, in some ways, they were succumbed to the disease that, last among her strongest allies. ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL . . . year, took his life. “Adrian had always enjoyed But this is no diary, more children’s company,” she says. Cloister gallery exhibitions memoir and more still guidebook. “Now they could make him smile, 26th September to 9th October Helen Elliott “I had no knowledge of demen- and he would team up with one of 10th October to 23rd October Ros Evans tia when Adrian first started them to play board games. 24th October to 20th November Arts and Crafts for Christmas showing the signs,” she says. “But “The church and the local pub I learned a great deal as time went were wonderful too. They under- Concerts on and the disease took hold. That can be problematic for a stood the situation and always Saturday 7th October, 7.30pm Hywel Girls’ Choir “I needed some practical help, petite woman, like Sharon, caring made him welcome and included & Hywel Boy Singers and most books seemed to be writ- for a strapping ex-military, rugby- him in whatever was going on.” Saturday 14th October, 7.30pm Landsker Singers ten for health professionals. So I playing husband. So maybe the best lesson Saturday 28th October, 7.30pm Goodwick Brass Band decided to write a hands-on book “I was lucky,” she admits. learned is that throughout all the Saturday 18th November, 7.30pm Dyfed Choir with practical tips and strategies “Adrian was always a very gentle suffering and heartache there can Saturday 16th December, 7.30pm Dyfed Choir for anyone who has to deal with man. But it was still a struggle still be moments of respite and someone suffering from dementia.” even to lift his legs – they were so happiness. The first thing Sharon learned heavy!” Sharon’s hope is that her Litany For further information about the above services and events was that dementia is not just about Another thing she learned was can help point people in the right please contact the Deanery Office on 01437 720202 memory. It’s physical – very never to ask questions or argue a direction. or email [email protected] physical. point. “Either he didn’t know what A Litany of Dementia (or Life See our website www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk “Dementia infects the brain,” I was talking about or he became with Adrian) is available from the Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter she explains, “and the brain controls distressed because he didn’t know author everything. So when dementia the answer.” [email protected] strikes, everything in the body This steep learning curve or from lulu.com; price £9.99. slowly begins to shut down.” coincided with Sharon’s other Forthcoming Events at Tŷ’r Pererin Getting ready Wednesday 25th October, 10am-4pm: Retreat Day Deep Peace: how do we find it? Led by Revd Diana Hoare for the winter Monday 30th October-Saturday 4th November Early August saw the start of an ambitious self-help project to refurbish Cathedral Adventure Pack St Clement’s Church Hall in Neyland. Offers of help would be very welcome, Tuesday 31st October, 11am-12.30pm & 2-3.30pm says Dorothy Cox Cathedral Explorers for children aged 5-11 and families E want to make the hall way at all – time, materials, know- hear from you: tel: 07960 733257; Wednesday 6th December, 6-8.30pm Wwarmer and more comfort- how, skills, or provisions for the e-mail: [email protected] ‘Carols before dawn: and other Welsh Christmases’ able for the coming winter for the workers – then John would love to A feast of Christmas to celebrate the launch of a new book numerous community groups who by Canon Patrick Thomas. use the building. The first phase was to remove More information the rotten cladding from the north wall, and also the old windows and Tel: 01437 729151 fire door. New cladding and insu- [email protected] lation will be put in place and the www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk windows will be replaced with double-glazed ones of a similar Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter design to the originals. The front of the hall will be painted to match the new cladding. Inside, the toilet facilities have been cleaned up and given a much- needed fresh coat of paint. It is also Penlan Farmhouse planned to improve the disabled access, and to provide baby-chang- ing and toddler group facilities. & Cottage The project is masterminded Just a short walk from the city and cathedral of St Davids, by curate John Hancock, who has and owned by the Diocesan Board of Finance, Penlan has successfully negotiated donations been converted into two luxury holiday lets. The farmhouse and discounts from building firms sleeps 8 and the cottage sleeps up to 6. for some of the materials needed. He also organises the team of Full details from enthusiastic volunteers from across the community. Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire It is hoped that this first phase www.penlancottagepembs.co.uk will be completed by the early www.penlanfarmhousepembs.co.uk autumn, but a lot of work will Tel: 01437 765765 remain to be done over the next two years. If you can help in any 20 Pobl Dewi, September 2017 Book Reviews

relentless, thus giving a voice to Christian perspectives: liberation, the voiceless. feminist, black, and Dalit. Other Small but powerful The resource then consid- world faiths’ experience and reflec- Out of the depths: written by the Interfaith Network ers the issue under three different tion on persecution (Islam, Judaism, Hope in times of suffering of the Anglican Communion for headings: Hinduism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Theological resources in times the Anglican Consultative Coun- 1. Scripture: identifying the Secularism) are also included. of persecution cil’s sixteenth meeting in Lusaka. voice within that speaks of future At the end of the main chapters An Anglican contribution to The background was 3 ecumeni- persecution, tracing it from the Old there are reflections, responses and ecumenical engagement cal landmarks in 2015: the fiftieth to the New Testament. It forewarns theological insights which I found Pub: Anglican Consultative anniversary of Dignitatis Humanae and prepares, but also speaks of The very helpful in facilitating a deeper Council; 2016 (the Vatican II decree on religious Lord’s identification with his suffer- grasp of the issues. In the final ISBN: 978-1-911007-06-7 freedom), the centenary of the ing people and of a day to come chapter the book provides informa- Price, inc UK p&p, £10.18 from Armenian Genocide and the consul- when this suffering will end. tion on how to engage in a worship www.anglicancommunion.org/ tation on religious persecution in 2. Tradition: considering the response, suggesting structure and resources/shop November 2015 in Albania. historical unfolding of persecu- content to formulate a worship gath- For various reasons I have always The introduction is very helpful and tion of the Church, seeking to learn ering that engages with God directly been interested in understanding gives the background to the discus- from its responses and resilience to over the issue of persecution. persecution motivated by faith or sions and work itself, describing the The authors wanted to make it. It also speaks of the persecution A wonderful, unpretentious belief. So, when asked to review methodology and understanding of sure that the book is earthed in real- of people of other faiths, and their resource to help our understanding Out of The Depths, I had no hesita- prayer in relation to persecution. I ity, so they listened to, and included reflections and understanding of of persecution and those who are tion in accepting. found the explanation of the perse- testimonies from, different parts persecution. suffering from it. This book is the Anglican contri- cution spectrum, from harassment of the world where persecution of 3. Reason: a theological reflec- Revd Mones Farah bution to ecumenical engagement, to obliteration, very helpful. Christians has been systematic and tion on persecution from a variety of

him. But it seems to me that it was easier to think of oneself as Welsh The social divide and conflicting loyalties in the Liverpool of that time than it Penny Lane and all that: between wealth and poverty, and much to the life of Liverpool when was in the Cardiff of my boyhood. Memories of Liverpool the fault line between the Protes- it could justly be called the capital A chapter entitled Church By Ann Carlton tant and Catholic communities. of north Wales. Though conscious was Fun remembers with pleas- Pub: Y Lolfa; 2017 Her own story reflects these condi- of their Welsh identity, they were ure fine choral singing and the ISBN: 978-178461-369-3 tions, but also involves a crossing church rather than chapel, and rich language of the hymnody, Price: £9.99 of barriers. Her father’s progress unable to speak the Welsh so often despite long periods of intense After a varied career in politics from relatively humble origins to heard in the community around boredom in the services. Sunday and journalism, Ann Carlton now the highest levels of local govern- them. Moel Famau was visible was the traditional Anglican diet lives in Pembrey, Carmarthen- ment administration marks out from their house, and Wales was the of matins, Sunday school and shire, with her husband, the former the family’s trajectory towards the favoured destination for holidays, then evensong (a pattern no doubt MP Denzil Davies. In this book, upper reaches of Liverpool society. but loyalties were complicated long since replaced by a Eucharis- she celebrates the rich diversity of The Roman Catholic family next and divided. Her father returned tic mono-culture). In those far off post-war Liverpool, the time and door provided the warm affection in tears from the public meeting in days before television and with place that shaped her early life. A and affirmation that the little girl’s the town hall about the proposed little else to do on Sundays, chapel sociology graduate of the London buttoned-up Protestant family flooding of the Tryweryn valley or church provided the centre for School of Economics, she has a found difficult to offer. to provide water for the city: the the social life of many people. We keen eye for the detailed workings Ann’s family’s roots are in the protester’s singing of the Welsh stand in desperate need of new centre of community life now. of a society marked by a great gap Welsh diaspora that contributed so national anthem had overwhelmed ways of moving the church to the Revd Peter Bement

a major centre of medieval pilgrim- establish St Davids as the seat of an the text which could have easily A life in context age and how his festal day has been archbishop by Gerald the Welsh- been avoided. Examples would be In pursuit of Saint David presented on pages 26-29 that the celebrated, also falls within the man and others. This is a major stating that Eleanor of Aquitaine Patron Saint of Wales monastic settlement could have compass of the book. strength of the book. was the wife of Henry I, when she By Gerald Morgan been moved to the present cathe- For each of the topics exam- Other strengths would include was the wife of Henry II (p 74) Pub: Y Lolfa; 2017 dral site after the death of David. ined, the author gives a clear and a readable style, it is fact-laden and stating that Llanddewi Felffre ISBN: 978-1784-613-723 The author successfully demon- simple historical backdrop, so that but not heavy, concise but with is in Carmarthenshire when it is in Price: £5.99 strates how David’s name was used readers unfamiliar with any partic- neat summaries of recent scholas- Pembrokeshire (p 153). In the forward to this book, Gerald to further many causes following ular period can easily place the tic research and opinions and, at Despite these minor slips, I Morgan states that the purpose of his death: national, military, political topic into context. Consequently, only 161 pages, its length should would have no hesitation in recom- his small volume ‘is to help people and ecclesiastical as well as examin- complicated issues become more not daunt anyone. If I had to mending the book. know about the many-sided figure ing his place in prose and poetry, in understandable, such as the reason- mention a weakness, I would say Revd Richard Davies who was and is the patron saint of Wales and beyond. The veneration of ing of Rhygyfarch in writing his that the occasional historical and Wales.’ the saint, leading to St Davids being Life of St David or the struggle to geographical mistake has crept into Has the author met his objec- tive? I would state most definitely he has and few, I would contend, will put the book down without Contributions to Pobl Dewi having learnt something new about our patron saint or how he has been We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, we remembered, honoured and utilised would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. over the centuries. Articles should be sent to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, The book is chronological in [email protected] its approach and naturally begins or photographs accompanied by a maximum of 50 words can be posted to: with the life of Dewi. The author examines critically the ‘facts’ as Pobl Dewi, The Diocesan Office, Abergwili, Carmarthen SA31 2JG, presented in the traditional tales marked for the attention of ‘The Editor’ and the reader is forced to re-assess long-held beliefs which were prob- Disclaimer Pobl Dewi and the diocese of St Davids take no responsibility, liability or share the views ably learnt in primary or Sunday or opinions of any articles contained herein. All information is the responsibility of the person or school. Personally, the idea I found organisation submitting the article. Pobl Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions most challenging was the one