Pobl Dewi

Menter Esgobaeth Tyddewi . An initiative of the Diocese of St Davids Tachwedd / November 2006 Diocesan Group told Please come to Bethlehem

S Middle East politics enters a new phase, and Tony ABlair says that resolving the Palestinian issue is the key to success, a St David’s group has returned from the Holy Lands with one message ringing in their ears: “Tell the Chris- tians back home to come and support us.” The 28-strong group spent ten days travelling throughout the regions of northern and central by John Holdsworth Israel, and the West Bank occu- pied territories. Visits were also made to the Palestinian control- riencing something like a 90% led areas of Jericho and Bethle- drop in tourist income. hem, and the party was accom- The Christian population of modated for part of the time in Israel/Palestine is similar to that of occupied East Jerusalem. Wales. The vast majority of these Visits to the Lebanese and Christians are indigenous Palestin- Syrian borders showed some evi- ians who can claim a living geo- dence of the recent conflict, but the graphical link, in some cases, to the main victims that the group encoun- churches of the New Testament. tered were the Palestinians who Anglicans number around ten thou- In the town where Lazarus was raised from the dead, the local council depend upon western tourism for an sand. The last three bishops of Jeru- makes clear its feelings about the wall income. The group’s driver was just salem have been Palestinian. one example. He had been without Apart from visits to the Biblical contact and mutual understanding. ing from, the (Christian) Mayor of eration for two months and the local work for three months, with a fam- sites, pilgrims were encouraged to In fact, the group was struck by just Bethlehem, Dr Victor Batarseh. olive-wood workers have had little ily to support on minimal social see the contemporary relevance of how good community relations are Since Hammas came to power in the or no trade. His message was: “Tell security. Whole communities have the Christian Gospel in the area of in many parts of this region. Palestinian controlled areas no pub- the Christians of the West that it is been blighted in this way, and this Jesus’ initial ministry. A visit was The group was privileged to have lic sector workers have been paid. safe to come here.” He hoped that affects the Christian communities in made to a Christian hospital and to a personal meeting with, and greet- The post office has been out of op- our congregations might see Beth- particular. Near Jerusalem, the new an exciting school project in Naza- lehem as a focus for faith just as other boundary wall has added to the reth, funded largely by the Christian religions have their Mecca or Jeru- problem with towns like Bethany church overseas, which brings pu- salem, and that they might be able effectively cut off from the tourist pils of all faiths, especially Chris- to help support projects there. routes, and Bethlehem itself expe- tians, Muslims and Druze into closer The arrangements were made through a Palestinian Christian fledgling company with links to the Dyfodol Gobeithiol - staff uwch diocese. They were excellent throughout. The group had control Mentro Mewn Cenhadaeth gafodd chael digwyddiad esgobaethol over its itinerary, had a Christian y sylw pennaf unwaith eto pan mawr yn 2008. ^ guide who had real sympathy with gyfarfu staff hyn yr esgobaeth Nodwyd fod angen denu the aims of the group and was able, mewn cyfarfod preswyl ganol mis rhagor o bobl i’r weinidogaeth through Christian contacts to ac- Tachwedd. Er iddynt cael eu ordeiniedig, ond fod y sefyllfa cess things that other groups might calonogi o ddeall fod bron i bob ariannol yn ymddangos yn fwy have found difficult. plwyf wedi mynd i’r afael o ddifrif gobeithiol nag a fu. The group was led by the arch- gyda chreu cynlluniau cenhadu, Ceir rhagor o fanylion ar deacon of St Davids who said, mae’r staff yn awyddus i ddarparu dudalen 6. “This pilgrimage was an eye- pob cymorth i blwyfi. I’r perwyl This is an article about the re- opener for many people, who were hwn mae cynlluniau ar y gweill i cent residential meeting of the Di- very much affected by what they greu DVD newydd, cyflwyno ocesan Senior Staff – more infor- saw. At a time when we think and proses o gyd-rodio gyda phlwyfi a mation see page 6 talk about Bethlehem as it was 2000 years ago, it’s good to have The next edition of Pobl Dewi will be published on 18 March 2007. to think about what the Christian Articles, which should not exceed 400 words, should be sent to the lead Gospel means there now.” regional editor, Tessa Briggs, [email protected] by February 23. The web site of the company, This edition’s lead editor was Revd Nicholas Cale which all members of the group To contact us by post please address correspondence to: are happy to recommend, is The Editor, Pobl Dewi, St Davids Diocesan Office, Abergwili, Group Leader John Holdsworth is greeted by the www.inhisteps.com Carmarthen SA31 2JG Mayor of Bethlehem The Church & The Planet see page 5 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, November 2006

glad however to have been able to PR Supremo to Move be present at the press conference Y LlanLlanY - Dechrau Newydd? to announce +Rowan’s appoint- IÔN BRYNACH, the Church in ment to the post of ABC in late July AE Mainc Esgobion yr Eglwys yng Nghymru wedi rhoi hwb o’r SWales’ first professionally (and witness a little piece of history) M newydd i unig newyddiadur taleithiol papur yr Eglwys yng qualified Communication Director, and also to have been able to assist Nghymru - Y Llan. Wedi cyfnod o rai misoedd pan fu’r cyhoeddiad dan y is leaving his post to take up a new him and Jane during that truly trau- chwyddwydr ac yn cael ei ystyried gan grup o bobl a enwebwyd gan yr appointment with the BBC. Siôn, matic year for them all. I served esgobion eu hunain, swm a sylwedd y trafod oedd y dylai Y Llan aros ar ei whose name reflects a family Rowan therefore for the entire pe- wedd uniaith bresennol, o leiaf am y ddwy flynedd nesaf. history in North Pembrokeshire, has riod he was Archbishop of Wales Fel yr esbonia’r Esgob Carl Cooper – “Penderfynwyd dros flwyddyn yn been in post for seven years. Dur- and was with him at St Paul’s Ca- ôl fod angen ystyried o ddifrif pa un ai dyma’r ffordd orau o ddefnyddio ing that time he has helped develop thedral for the confirmation of his adnoddau prin talaith yr Eglwys yng Nghymru er budd amcanion yr a culture of communication at election on 2nd December 2002 Eglwys yng Nghymru, sef cenhadaeth a gweinidogaeth Crist yng Cathedral Road, and throughout the when legally he became Archbishop Nghymru?” province. of Canterbury. It was a great learn- Gyda phenderfyniad yr Hybarch Digon tebyg oedd casgliadau’r ail Siôn believes that comparisons ing experience for me in PR terms with Bernard Ingham and Alistair Meurig Llwyd i gamu i lawr o grup hwn hefyd, yn eu cyfarfod too – the first global story I had to swydd y golygydd ddechrau’r ddechrau mis Medi – roeddent o’r Campbell are misplaced, and cer- handle – with between 40 and 50 tainly does not accept that for the flwyddyn hon - wedi cyfnod farn fod angen cyhoeddiad taleithiol media calls most days from all parts eithriadol lwyddiannus wrth y llyw papur ar yr Eglwys yng Nghymru. Church to have a communication Siôn with Amig, his third of the globe.” director is a sell out to a society that - penderfynodd yr Esgob Carl Ym mis Hydref ystyriodd child, born on 3rd October Since 2003 he has been a mem- Cooper, sydd â chyfrifoldeb dros Mainc Esgobion yr Eglwys yng contains more spin than substance. ber of the re-formed communica- He says, “It’s nonsense to suggest oruchwylio materion yn ymwneud â Nghymru rhai o argymhellion y tions team for the diocese, and has chyfathrebu, fod y cyfle wedi dod i ddau gyfarfod a dod i’r casgliad eu that the spin has taken the place of Wales the first port of call when they been an influential part of the group substance as a result of the Church want a comment about the the is- edrych o’r newydd ar y bod yn awyddus, o leiaf am y ddwy responsible for, among other things, newyddiadur sydd a’i wreiddiau yn flynedd nesaf, i weld Y Llan yn getting more PR exposure. Commu- sues of the day.” Pobl Dewi, and the new diocesan nication is about mission and if Siôn has served the Church ymestyn yn ôl i ddechrau’r ganrif aros yn gyhoeddiad taleithiol web-site. Communiucations Chair ddiwethaf. Cymraeg yn unig. Fodd bynnag, we’re not serious about keeping the through a very interesting period of John Holdsworth said:”Of course rumour of God alive, then how can its history. He says: “Certainly I’r perwyl hwn gwahoddwyd maent yr un mor awyddus i sicrhau we wish Siôn well, though we shall criw o bobl o bob rhan o Gymru, fod Y Llan yn parhau i adlewyrchu we claim to be serious about our though the annus mirabilis was miss him. He has the rare talent of faith. The press and media can be 2002 – when, from the second nad oeddent cyn hyn wedi cael talaith yr Eglwys yng Nghymru yn being both theologically literate and cyswllt ffurfiol â’r Llan ond a oedd ei chyfanrwydd a’i hamrywiaeth, our allies or our enemies in this en- Arrchbishop George Carey an- an astute communicator.” It is deavour and my goal throughout the nounced his retirement, the specu- ag arbenigedd a phrofiad ym maes ac yn awyddus hefyd i sicrhau fod hoped that he will have a continu- cyfathrebu, i ymgynnull i drafod y pwyslais Meurig Llwyd ar yr past 7 years has been to make them lation about his successor meant the ing role with the team. allies by making the Church in phone was ringing constantly. I was mater. Cafwyd cryn amrywiaeth o Eglwys ehangach yn cael ei safbwyntiau yn y trafodaethau, ond gynnal. Pwysleisiwyd hefyd fod roedd consensws yn bodoli fod angen i’r Llan ehangu ei apel a angen cyhoeddiad taleithiol papur cheisio denu cynulleidfa ehangach o ryw fath ar yr Eglwys yng na’r cylchrediad presennol o 400. L PLATES OFF Nghymru. Mae grup bychan o esgobaeth Ym mis Mehefin, enwebodd yr Bangor – sydd wedi gwirfoddoli i by Dennis Wight: Vocations Adviser esgobion gynrychiolwyr o bob ymgymryd â’r dasg – wedi eu esgobaeth i ymgynnull ac ystyried gwahodd i ddechrau ar y gwaith OUR priests in the diocese have The congregation are quite excited process has given me more confi- rhai o syniadau’r grup cyntaf. hwn ac i ymateb i her yr Esgobion. Freceived a new role and licence about it; they think its great that our dence”. for their work in the Ordained Non bishop came to license me and pub- After Rhiannon’s licensing, she Stipendiary Ministry (NSM). licly complete what has been a very said “Its good to have my ‘L’ plates The Church in Wales’ Welsh language provincial newspaper, Rhiannon Johnson, Gwynne Lewis, long process”. taken off! It was such a moving serv- Y Llan, has recently been reviewed. At their meeting in Coralie Steel and Mary Thorley now “This will mark a time when ice because I never expected to re- October, the Bench of Bishops of the Church in Wales bear the office of “Associate Priest”. people will know that the apprentice- ceive the ‘cure of souls’; this means decided that it should continue in its present format for at Cecilia Charles and Ingrid Rose ship is over and that I am licensed a huge amount to me. Whilst I feel least the next two years, before being reviewed again early will receive their licence before publicly as someone who now works deeply unworthy I have been af- in 2009. The key question addressed by the review was Christmas. side by side with my vicar” said firmed in my ministry here”. whether Y Llan was the best way to use the Church in Wales’ “Assistant Curate” used to be Ingrid. Mary said: “ I feel that this is So, the ministry of these priests scarce resources at this time to support the purposes of the the only license available for these a recognition that I am maturing into enriches us – let us pray for more of Church in Wales, namely the mission and ministry of Christ experienced priests. In reality this the priesthood and that I am meant them. Is God calling you? in Wales. title has come to represent those who to be here. The whole experience and are “in training” and in their first or second curacy. Those named above represent some Thirty-Three years of established to plan our campaign. important – 88% of the population priestly ministry alone. They have A Fairer Deal for The first stage of the process is to agree that ‘Churchyards are impor- and continue to exercise varied min- gather some valuable statistics tant to the local community’ istries, which are valued, by the about our churchyards so we can 96% of Welsh adults agree that church. It is also important that we assess the scale of the problem and ‘Churchyards should be maintained begin a process whereby those who Churchyards? the support already given. properly’ are NSM’s and have “served their by Alex Glanville A questionnaire has been sent 33% feel that ‘The Church in title”, that is, shared ministry under Head of Property Services to all clerics responsible for church- Wales has plenty of money to main- the supervision of a training incum- yards to seek their help in provid- tain churchyards and burial Representative Body of the Church in Wales bent for a period of three years, are ing sound and significant data to grounds’ and 74% agree that ‘The able to be regarded as no longer in HE Church in Wales has responsibility for over 1,200 church back up the arguments we will Government should help pay for the training. Therefore, it is right that make to the politicians. maintenance of churchyards’. yards, the maintenance of which falls to parishes largely through these people who have grown into T Alongside this ‘internal’ re- We should not underestimate their priesthood are now given the the efforts of hundreds of volunteers across Wales. search we have conducted a survey how challenging a change in the recognition they deserve and thus be The Church in Wales has a churchyards receive little help or of public attitudes to our church- law will be. Anything that increases called Associate Priests. statutory duty to bury in its church- support. Churchyards that are open yards through an independent re- costs to local authorities (and thus For the Non Stipendiary Cleric yards (if there is space) regardless for burial do receive income from search company Beaufort Research. increases Council Tax) will be un- this “marks a change in how I am of religious denomination. How- fees (the level of which is state con- The findings are interesting: welcome. However, it is right that viewed” said Coralie. She continued: ever, it receives no direct aid for this trolled) but these are rarely suffi- Only 16% of the Welsh popula- we bring these issues to the atten- “Whilst I am regarded as a colleague duty and does not have, like the cient to cover the true costs of tion are aware that the Church in tion of our elected politicians. The by my vicar this public recognition Church of England, the right to maintaining a churchyard. Wales is legally obliged to bury Government of Wales Act is likely, makes the whole thing clearer”. transfer the maintenance of closed Trying to achieve a fairer deal people in its churchyards regard- in due course, to place this issue Gwynne said: “I feel different – be- churchyards to local authorities. for our churchyards has become a less of belief or membership of the firmly under the control of the fore I felt incomplete, still in train- Some local authorities, includ- major priority for the Church in Church Welsh Assembly and the new crop ing after ten years - now I am af- ing community councils, do assist Wales. A working group, under the Nearly half the population of members after the elections in firmed by the diocese, as I have been with the maintenance of these chairmanship of the Bishop of (47%) don’t see this as fair 2007 may well be interested to hear for some time by my parish priest. areas but the vast majority of Swansea and Brecon, has been Churchyards are regarded as about this important issue. Pobl Dewi, November 2006 3 Bishop’s take on VVVen Andy John, Archdeacon of Cardigan religious dress and by David Causton

HE ANNOUNCEMENT, early symbols Tlast summer, of the appointment S the debate about religious tion, the Church takes seriously its of Revd Andy John as Archdeacon Adress and symbols continues, responsibility to offer the best pos- of Cardigan was greeted with delight the bishop has given his own per- sible opportunities to our children across the Diocese. In common with spective on the debate as he was and young people.” said the Bishop. his predecessor, Ven Hywel Jones, involved in the launch of three The same day, he opened the he already knows his Archdeaconry “symbols” of Christian activity in 55th Community Development well. Born and brought up in the diocese. Project in the Diocese, under the Rhydyfelin just to the south of “As Christians we must never auspices of Plant Dewi, our Dioc- Aberystwyth where his father, Stuart, forget that the New Testament esan Community Development was a Senior Lecturer in French, and teaches that it is by the Fruit of the Agency. “Like our other centres and having served his entire ministry in Holy Spirit that we are to be identi- projects,” he said, “this Family Ceredigion, his knowledge is already fied. This fruit is described as love, Centre will serve the community of serving him well, allowing him to joy, peace, patience, kindness, Felinfoel and display the love of concentrate at the outset on the wider goodness, faithfulness, gentleness God in a very practical way, particu- issues of the Church in relation to and self-control. As a bishop, I larly among children and parents. local conditions. often wear distinctive, religious On 31st October it was the turn After leaving school, Andy went dress and symbols, including a of the new Sports Centre at Trinity to the University of Wales, Cardiff, cross. However, it is not by these College, Carmarthen, the only where he graduated in Law in 1986. outward signs that my Christianity Church Insitute of Higher Educa- After a year in which he remained at is to be recognised. In the words of tion in Wales. During the ceremony Cardiff as a Students’ Union Officer, Shakespeare’s Shylock, the Fruit of Bishop Carl said: “As a Christian he proceeded to St John’s Theologi- God’s Spirit should be the ‘badge institution we are committed to im- cal College, Nottingham, where he of our tribe’.” proving the well-being of people not only obtained a degree in Theol- On Thursday 19th October the and communities – intellectually, ogy but also met his wife Caroline. bishop opened the new St Non’s spiritually and physically. This As it happened, they were the first building in The Model Church in new Sports Centre will contribute married couple in the Church in Wales School in Carmarthen. “This significantly to our mission and Wales to be ordained together at the is one of 34 Church Schools in the ministry”. same service, in St Davids Cathedral in 1990. diocese. As a co-provider of educa- Cardigan’s new Archdeacon, Andy John, centre He then served, successively, curacies in Cardigan and Aberyst- chaplaincy there responsible for con- with Age Concern is located there. wyth, then as Team Vicar in Aber- ducting Sunday worship. In recent I am sure we will all pray for New Logo – ‘A Dancing Cross’ ystwyth for seven years, being in years he has been involved with sev- God’s blessing on Andy’s new min- New Logo – ‘A Dancing Cross’ charge of Holy Trinity Church; and eral Diocesan committees, notably as istry, and I will let him have the last since 1999 he has been Vicar of Chair of MENTER which produced word because it indicates the very the style reflects the variety of Aberaeron and the surrounding the Diocesan Process Evangelism positive anticipation that he has of textures of the mission task, and churches. During those times he has Course. his work as an Archdeacon. relies on geographical images to also been active in public life – Chair Andy is very much a family man. “Of the many things that Bishop give a sense of place, the logo is of Cyswllt Ceredigion (drugs and He and Caroline have a lively house- Carl wants me to pursue, the most direct and represents a modern and alcohol agency), Chair of Governors hold comprising Matthew (14), exciting for me personally is assist- flowing form of a Celtic cross. of Plas Crug School, and Chair of Bethany (13), Hannah (11), and ing and enabling churches to ven- Early reactions have been the Aberystwyth Branch of Christian Harriet (9). Happily, although the ture in mission. I believe churches positive. The Dean sees the Nevern Aid. He was also Bronglais Hospi- family has relocated to Cwmann just can grow spiritually and numerically, cross reflected in the design, and tal Chaplain, and a member of the outside Lampeter, the children are but we need the right kind of invest- several people have described the Steering Committee overseeing the still able to continue their schooling ment and risks, and a strong sense T DAVIDS Diocese has a cross as “dancing.” The bishop is building of a hospital chapel and the in Aberaeron uninterrupted, as of God in all that we do.” Slogo. This will replace the happy with that interpretation. He establishment of the ecumenical Caroline’s work as Project Manager diocesan crest in appropriate believes it holds on to the Celtic locations, such as diocesan heritage of the diocese but presents notepaper and on Pobl Dewi! that heritage in an imaginative and The logo complements the dynamic way. diocesan “style” design which has Electronic versions of the logo are In from the cold/I mewn o’r oerfelfelfel accompanied the early Venturing in available for download from the Mission publications, and which diocesan office. by Mark Ansell features on car stickers. Whereas ISHOP Carl Cooper is to lead churches will be encouraged to get mitted people become committed, Ba week of special events in involved, as they invite friends and and that we will establish a new Aberystwyth in March next year. relatives to special events. It is fringe of interested people around This unique occasion will draw hoped that the visit of this team will all of our churches. It’s not rocket together the five churches of the spur on the efforts of the local science, but it is within our reach’. Parish of Aberystwyth in a bid to churches to share the Gospel with One of the key factors in the share the love of God with the those who would not normally come success of a project such as this is people of the district. to church. the prayer commitment of the A team of ordinands and newly The week will begin with guest- Christians involved. To encourage ordained clergy will work closely friendly services in all of the the congregations to be fully com- with the Bishop, local clergy and churches on Sunday 18 March 2007 mitted to praying for this event the members of the churches in coordi- and culminate the following Sun- Bishop will be visiting the parish nating more than fifty different day evening with a huge bilingual to lead a bilingual united service at events in and around the town, un- celebration service in the Great 6pm in St Michael’s Church on 18th der the umbrella title ‘In from the Hall, which a thousand people are February 2007. cold/I mewn o’r oerfel’. expected to attend. The vision of all those involved The special events being Commenting on the week’s pro- is that this will not just be a one-off planned will cater for all age groups gramme, the Rev Canon Stuart Bell, event, but will unite the Christians and include children’s activities, Rector of the Parish of Aberystwyth in the Aberystwyth area to a long Archdeacon John Holdsworth has a relaxing few moments in the school visits, youth groups, student said, ‘Our aim is a simple one. We term commitment to share the good Dead Sea, and what better way to spend them than by reading events, meals for the elderly, hospi- want to bring everyone we can con- news of Christ with their friends Pobl Dewi! Where do you read yours? Send good quality photos tal visits and street evangelism. tact one step closer to Christ. Our and colleagues. to Pobl Dewi care of the Diocesan Office The congregations of the prayer is that we will see uncom- 4 Pobl Dewi, November 2006 Three Collars in the Market A Delicate Balance by Don MacGregor by Jeremy Martineau HE beginning of the Bible, Genesis, shows the basis of ecology – a Tworld in balance. God’s order in creation symmetrically balances day and night, light and dark, water and land, work and rest – every part relying on every other part. Day one has echoes in day four, day two in day five, day three in day six. Utterly good and beautiful! But it’s all in a delicate balance. It has taken many millions of the planet’s natural resources are years for the earth to find some sort used up to give us a comfortable of balance. Working according to lifestyle today with no regard for the the physical laws of God’s creation, suffering it may cause the rest of the checks and balances have evolved world’s population or our in the natural world – eco-systems. grandchildren’s generation, it is not Forces that God has placed in it just a mistake – it is a sin. Our work slowly but endlessly to heal comfortable lifestyle is being the world. Poisons get broken down maintained at the expense of the rest to harmless constituents in the sea of the world. We are using up the and air. Trees convert carbon world’s resources with a reckless dioxide that animals breathe out extravagance, at a frightening pace. into oxygen to breathe in. This is Our universe was created to be free, God’s plan for the planet, every part but the sin of humankind is injuring supporting some other part and the whole of creation. And when we every creature in its place. There are disturb the balance of the eco- numerous cycles that we see at sphere, it brings into play huge work, endlessly bringing the world forces of nature to try to restore that back into balance. balance – forces before which we But what happens when realise how puny we really are on humans invent chemicals so this planet! complex that the sea fights a losing There’s a biblical image in the battle to keep pace with the poisons letter to the Romans of creation poured into it? Or when humans longing ‘on tiptoe’ for the day when Surely a novel way of bringing the presence of the Church to where people are. Country Way pull down trees so fast that those God will intervene to put right all would like to hear from other people who are working outside the church in interesting ways left cannot cope with the vast that is wrong and renew this quantities of harmful gas we release ravaged Earth. (Romans 8:18-23). so that each of us can be driven Maybe that is what we should have HE FARMERS’ MARKET at for the stall. “As a priest I feed peo- many people with opportunity to around in our own little metal box? in mind when we pray: “Your Haverfordwest is one of the best ple with word and sacrament, and minister to them. Dave preaches T What happens when oceans are Kingdom come.” What is needed is in Britain. Market organiser Kate now with cake too; maybe not so regularly in about 20 local chapels over-fished, when fossil fuel runs nothing short of world-wide Morgan of the Pembrokeshire nourishing, but can be more fun,” and so we minister to hundreds be- out, when the ice caps at the poles repentance – literally “a turning County Council is pleased with the says Rhiannon. tween us. If we need space for deep melt? What are we leaving as an around”. Because planet earth is not way it gels with the town ethos and Jenny Annis, also a priest, is the conversation while on the stall we inheritance for our children’s ours, it is Christ’s. It was made by is welcomed by the permanent main drive in this enterprise which use the bench nearby – we call it children. him and through him (Colossians shopkeepers. People come from is as important for its pastoral as its ‘the office’.” God made a world of great 1:16, 17). At the end of time we are many miles around which means economic motivation. “We probably Between them they provide the abundance, and then gave humans told in the Bible that Jesus Christ that the Revd Andrew Johnson, par- pay ourselves little more than mini- stall, run under the W.I’s Country the responsibility to look after it will return to judge and assess ish priest at Broad Haven reports “I mum wage, so it’s not a way of Markets brand, in three places regu- (Genesis 2:26-28). This is an what’s gone on; He will ask, “What can have over 30 meaningful con- funding the parochial ministry. Hus- larly and sell for three main produc- honour which is not to be taken did you do to look after the beautiful versations a day if I am working on band David is the treasurer and tells ers. One of these, Helen, says “they lightly, the responsibility of planet I left you in charge of?” What the stall”. Andrew is supported by me they need to clear over £800 a see a lot more of their parishioners maintaining God’s ecology. When will our answer be? his priest wife Rhiannon who day to make it worthwhile. Dave here than if they were doing home spends 5- 6 hours a week baking does most of the baking. We see so visits”. Raising the Profile at St Mary’s

Angen Amaethu Gwyrdd AS part of its commitment to camaraderie in every rehearsal. Parch. Eileen Davies R.L.A Venture in Mission, St. Mary’s Whilst the seeming detachment Church, Tenby, is supporting the from the overtly Christian life of FERMWYR stiwardiaid y polisiau ‘gwyrdd’ ar gyfer y i’n brodyr a chwiorydd yng launch and upkeep of a new youth the church might seem to render it Fcread; ac am sicrhau tirlun dyfodol. nghefn gwlad Esgobaeth Ty choir, “inTune”. ineffective as “mission” it in werdd i’r dyfodol, ac felly wynebu Hau ar gyfer yfory glan, er Ddewi - pris teg am ddiwrnod teg This project is no simple church fact does the opposite. It is bringing her newid hinsawdd. Rydym yn mwyn sicrhau pris teg am o waith. choir for children – it is young people into direct contact with barod yn sylwi bod y tymhorau yn gynnyrch allai newid y tanwydd aimed directly at the very age group religious artefacts, buildings, music newid with i dywydd eithafol am sy’n gyrru injans ein ceir. Yn eu that Church choirs generally seem and even service. In the words of the gyfnodau hir beri rhwystyr i borfa plith mae hybu tyfiant “Oil seed In this article Eileen unable to keep involved. Andrew great composer Beethoven, “Music ac i gnydau dyfu. Gwelsom hyn rape” a “sugar beet” er mwyn Davies argues that all Cusworth is committed to bringing is mediator between spiritual and dros dymor yr haf eleni, gyda cynnyrchu ynni glan, a gollwng our creature comforts young people into contact with one sensual life” – through music this gwres toreithiog yn gynnar yn y allyrion i’r awyr. Beth am can be provided by another by blending a superb reper- choir is opening the door into the tymor o ddiwedd Fai hyd wresogi ein cartrefi gyda sglodion green methods. Bio toire with a cool image. higher plane that forms the very heart Orffennaf yn achosi sychder enbyd coed? Gellir hybu tyfiant gwiail, fuels to fuel our engines The choir is founded on the of the Church. a phorfa i wywo. a defnyddio gwastraff ein and woodchips to heat notion that choral singing is a blend inTune is open to any young Mi fydd rhaid edrych ar “pryd melinoedd coed mewn modd our homes or even of intellectual and physical stimula- person who is able to attend hau a medi”. Mae’r hyn yr ydym cynaladwy. Bwyd dybiwn i yw un provide electrical power tion and engagement not found in rehearsals and performances regu- yn ei hau a’r dulliau o wneud o brif bleserau dynol-ryw, ond a at a flick of a switch. In any other activity. If this musical in- larly. It rehearses in St Mary’s hynny yn fater amgylcheddol i’w ydym yn ystyried faint o filltiroedd the context of food, volvement is matched by a lively Church, Tenby, on Tuesdays (7-9 ystyried, er mwyn sicrhau mae ein bwyd yn teithio cyn Farm Assured and social side, a choir can become per- pm). If you would like to find out dyfroedd glan, a’r lefelau cywir o cyrraedd ein plant? Medrwn traceability rules means haps the ultimate community. To about it, feel free to come along to “nitrate” yn y ddaear. Mae’r leihau nifer y milltiroedd hyn trwy you can be assured of quote Connie Willis, “ . . . everything any rehearsal or get in touch with newid hinsawdd yn effeithio brynu cynnyrch lleol – yn top quality produce you need to know about the world Andrew Cusworth (01834 811775) arnom oll, ac mae’n rhaid i fod yn llythrennol o’r giat i’r plat. Mae’n literally from the Farm can be learned in a Church Choir.” or Michael John (01834 844330), stiwardiad effeithiol o bwysig cefnogi ein cynhyrchwyr Gate to your Plate. As such, inTune will have a good [email protected] or visit Greadigaeth Dduw a chefnogi lleol, gan sicrhau marchnad deg break for socialising and developing www.chorotica.com Pobl Dewi, November 2006 5 Faith and Power The Case for a Low Consumption, Non-Nuclear, Energy Strategy

by Dr Tim Cooper, Centre for Sustainable Consumption, Sheffield Hallam University, on behalf of Christian Ecology Link

N 2004 the UK Government invited greater dialogue with representatives of faith communities in Iorder to improve consultation on public policy concerning the environment and energy strategy. In response to this, Christian Ecology Link (CEL) produced a report earlier this year as a contribution to the important public debate on energy strategy. Christian Ecology Link is a UK-based charity with members from a wide range of Christian denominations which aims to increase environmental awareness and action in order to take proper care of God’s creation. Summary – This paper responds determination to reduce the nation’s that nuclear power is not indis- to an invitation from Government environmental impact, particularly pensable in order to meet a climate for greater dialogue with repre- the effects on global climate of change target of reducing CO2 sentatives of faith communities in excessive fossil fuel use. Christians emissions by 60%, although a 47% order to improve public policy. We will disagree on the detail of public reduction in energy demand would have sought an energy strategy that policy, but we believe that such a be needed. Research has demon- reflects love of the Creator, ex- strategy is the most appropriate in strated that such a reduction is presses care for the whole creation, order to take proper care of God’s feasible. and is informed by Christian creation. A key determinant of a nation’s principles of wise stewardship, Climate change and the im- energy requirement is the nature and peacemaking, justice, loving our pending closure of ageing nuclear direction of its economy. Faster neighbours and moderation in reactors have raised the prospect of progress is needed towards sus- consumption. a new nuclear reactor construction tainable development, requiring We propose a low consumption, programme. Links between nuclear changes to Britain’s economic, social non-nuclear, energy strategy. This power and nuclear weapons, and political systems that will have would require much greater atten- concerns relating to nuclear waste profound implications for lifestyle tion to promoting energy efficiency and radioactive emissions, excessive patterns and technological choices. and restraining consumer demand, costs, and the implications for An energy strategy based on The high consumption, nuclear stantially enhanced Government a bold switch from using fossil economic direction and political efficiency, conservation and restraint path may appear the easier for support for efficient, less profligate fuels to renewable sources of energy structures lead us to conclude that with decentralised supply and government to pursue in the short energy consumption and investment in electricity generation, and the the nuclear programme should not increased use of renewable sources term, but we believe that there is a in renewable sources of energy phasing out of nuclear reactors. be revived at the present time. would be relatively labour intensive moral duty to follow a more supply rather than nuclear power is Our reasoning is rooted in The Royal Commission on and improve the health of the challenging option. a moral imperative. Christian ethics and motivated by a Environmental Pollution concluded economy. We conclude that the sub-

ment has an intrinsic value beyond teaching and outreach, as well as our use of it. It is vital therefore, that how they are looking after their Climate Change: while scientists seek to understand church building and grounds, can more about climate change, Chris- then apply for our award. A Marine Scientist’s View tians demonstrate responsible Some examples of what your stewardship in responding to the by Dr Matthew Frost church can do to become more eco- challenges posed by global warming. friendly are: OR those working in the marine environment, one of the main challenges use Operation Noah resources Fis to try to understand and predict the impacts of global warming. Although Christians in Science is “an (www.operationnoah.org) to un- the influence of climate change on our coasts and seas is still a developing area international network of derstand global warming and how of research, there is already evidence of significant changes linked to rising those concerned with the re- to become more energy efficient temperatures. For example, recent research in the North Sea has shown stocks lationship between science and Christian faith, open to monitor how much energy you of cod, a cold-water species already suffering from the effects of over-fishing, to be gradually moving northwards in response to increasing temperatures. scientists, teachers, students are using, convert to green electric- and all those with an interest ity and use low energy light bulbs Decreases in cod stocks have also been linked to changes in the key food item for cod larvae as plankton also move north in response to warming. This inter- in this dialogue”. At a time share lifts to church action between climate change and more direct human influence (in this case, when there is a perception use local produce for your over-fishing) is one of the most challenging areas of research. that science and faith are somehow incompatible, CIS church meals and advertise the fact On rocky shores around the UK, increase in the number of harmful seeks to promote a better un- encourage bio-diversity in your the Marine Biodiversity and Climate algal blooms and a rise in sea level. derstanding of how these IVING more in tune with God church grounds, which could also Change Project (MarClim) found Higher Carbon Dioxide emissions two aspects relate to each and the earth’s resources is provide an educational resource for that many warm water species such that are contributing to global L other. There is also an em- good news for everyone. Eco-con- local schools as the toothed topshell have extended warming are also increasing acidi- phasis on promoting a re- gregation is designed to help their range in response to warming, fication of the ocean. arrange a church social event sponsible Christian attitude churches do this and, with churches moving further north along the coast Observing the growing evidence which involves helping out at a to the environment. living out the choices, people are of Wales, and further east into the of climate change impact is a local nature reserve Dr Matthew Frost is co- encouraged to do the same at home. colder eastern English Channel. challenge not just as a scientist but take responsibility for a bit of ordinator of the southwest Where do you start? Once again, the difficulty is identify- also as a Christian. The economic local derelict land branch of CIS based in Ply- Firstly, check what your church ing how much of this observed aspects as outlined in the Stern mouth and also coordinates is already doing and visit organise a community litter change is due to warming and how Report are important as the earth’s the Marine Environmental www.ecocongregation.org/ pick much is due to other factors such as resources should be used on a change Network (MECN). For englandwales for more ideas. For more help and information the increase in the number of sea sustainable basis so that poorer more details regarding CIS On the same site you will find on becoming an eco-congregation defences (in the English Channel countries as well as future genera- southwest or the MECN suggestions as to how to weave en- please contact: these structures effectively act as tions can benefit. However, as a please contact Matthew Frost vironmental issues into the preach- artificial rocky shores enabling Christian I also believe that part of Jo Rathbone, at [email protected]. You ing, worship and other areas of your species to use them as ‘stepping God’s purpose is for the natural Co-ordinator England and Wales, can also find information on church’s life. stones’ to increase their range along environment to be enjoyed (whether tel: 024 7685 3061 CIS at a national level at Churches who are taking crea- [email protected] the coast). Other effects of climate that is rockpooling or snorkelling on www.cis.org.uk tion care seriously in their worship, warming in our seas include an coral reefs) and also that the environ- 6 Pobl Dewi, November 2006 Y Drindod – Coleg Cyhyrog Cymru? Gohebydd Staff ANSIWYD Canolfan ddamweiniol mai iachawdwriaeth LChwaraeon newydd yng yw gwraidd y gair iechyd yn y Ngholeg y Drindod Caerfyrddin Gymraeg a’r Roeg. Fel sefydliad ddydd Mawrth 31 Hydref gan y Cristnogol rydym yn ymwneud â Gwir Barchedig Carl Cooper, meithrin ffyniant pobl a Esgob Tyddewi a Llywydd y chymunedau yn ddeallusol, yn Coleg. Mae’r Ganolfan yn ysbrydol ac yn gorfforol”. cynnwys y neuadd amlbwrpas Meddai’r Prifathro Dr fwyaf yng ngorllewin Cymru ar Medwin Hughes “Y mae hwn yn gyfer tenis, badminton, pêl-rwyd, adnodd ardderchog i’r Coleg. Yn pêl-fasged ac y mae hefyd yn ychwanegol, rydym yn awyddus i gartref i ystafelloedd ffitrwydd a hyrwyddo’r Ganolfan fel adnodd iechyd. Cafodd y Ganolfan ei i’r gymuned ehangach yng datblygu gan y Coleg a Chyngor Nghaerfyrddin Y mae hwn yn Sir Gaerfyrddin. enghraifft arall o ffrwyth Dywedodd yr Esgob Carl yn partneriaeth y Coleg gyda ystod y seremoni agoriadol ei fod Chyngor Sir Gaerfyrddin”. wedi perfformio nifer o Yn ychwanegol bydd y seremonïau tebyg yn ymwneud â Ganolfan yn gartref i Glinig Gofal phrosiectau cymunedol ar draws Cymal newydd fydd yn darparu yr Esgobaeth yn ddiweddar ac na arbenigedd mewn ffisiotherapi, fyddai mentrau o’r fath wedi bod ymgynghoraeth orthopaedig ac yn bosib heb gydweithrediad anafiadau chwaraeon ar gyfer partneriaid. Gan ddiolch i Gyngor cleifion yn dioddef o anhwylderau Sir Caerfyrddin am ei gefnogaeth i i’w cyhyrau / sgerbydau. Bydd y ddatblygiadau yn Ngholeg y Clinig yn croesawu ailgyfeiriadau the grass to eat their picnics in the Drindod, dywedodd “Fel Coleg gan Feddygon, Ffisiotherapyddion Party in the Cathedral sunshine, reminiscent perhaps of Eglwysig mae’n amlwg ein bod a phobl eraill yn ymwneud â gofal the crowds that would gather yn cael ein cymell gan werthoedd iechyd, ynghyd â chleifion preifat. by Lynn Chambers around Jesus. Cristnogol. Dydy hi ddim yn As the activities drew to a close, HERE was once a Diocesan But the day of the party dawned we gathered together for worship, Children’s Team who arranged and the cathedral came alive with T a mixture of ancient and modern, a great party and invited a lot of the sound of children’s voices. What loud and quiet, energetic and reflec- guests. When the party was ready, a great party we had – lots to do, tive. It was a golden day, a glimpse invitations were sent to all the chil- people to meet and new things to of the heavenly banquet to which we dren in the diocese, ‘Everything is discover. There were puppets and are all invited. ready! Please come.’ All were invited circus skills, pottery demonstra- but before the great day one guest tions, craft activities – so much to ‘He has taken me to the after another started making excuses do the time flew by. banquet hall, and his . . . football, shopping, other things As lunchtime approached banner over me is love.’ to do . . . (see Luke 14.16-24). people gathered in groups to sit on Song of Songs 2.4

or bad times, talk about their CMA History problems and worries and know that they will be listened to, not laughed by Robert Hughes-Burton at. We often see great need at these rallies so pray that the freedom only Christ can give will touch and change many lives. We produce our own magazine Chainlink and the Y Cynghorydd Clive Scourfield, Mark James (Prif Weithredwr prayer letter ‘fastrack’, as well as Cyngor Sir Gaerfyrddin), Dr Medwin Hughes (Prifathro) ac wrth other, helpful material for every day gwrs yr heini Esgob Carl Cooper! use. The CMA gives 10% of its income to other charitable organi- sations, in accordance with the Bible Senior Team look forward and as an expression of giving in return for what we believe God has given to us. to venturing further We have 30 UK branches, with HE next stage of Venturing selected parishes on a rolling approximately 500 members. North in Mission was high on the programme, and meeting with the & West Wales started as a ‘twig’ in T agenda at the Senior Staff resi- PCC in order to encourage and N 1979 a letter was published in In 1996 the CMA, in conjunc- 2005 with five members then, in dential in November. It was en- support. Ia national motorcycling magazine tion with the Bible Society, 2006, we became a ‘branch’ with ten Begin planning for a major asking if anyone was interested in published the Manual for Life, a members. Many of us wear a white couraging to see that almost every parish has produced and pre- diocesan event in 2008 to celebrate getting together with other Christian contemporary English version of the cross on the back of our jackets as a and stimulate Christian discipleship motorcyclists. The great response New Testament. witness to the glory of God. sented a mission plan, and the staff are keen to give more sup- and church life in the diocese. enabled the Christian Bikers’ We share our faith in many ways; We cover the counties of The team gave detailed attention port to parishes who have en- Association to be formed, later the most effective is building Gwynedd, Ynys Mon & Ceredigion; to pastoral reorganisation plans, and gaged with this process so read- renamed the Christian Motor- friendships and breaking down we hold meetings in Tywyn Baptist was satisfied that we are on track ily. Among the conclusions, it was cyclists’ Association (CMA) UK. barriers against “religion”, by being Church on the second Sunday of for a ministry model that is both In 1982 contacts were made with available to real people, whoever most months, between 3pm & 5pm. decided to: achievable and affordable – though the CMA in South Africa and the they are. We try to get to as many biker haunts Consider making a DVD to the need to recruit more priests, both USA and, more recently, we have We try to have a CMA presence as possible to share the GOOD help parishes develop their ideas, stipendiary and non-stipendiary – become affiliated to the CMA at as many biking events as possible NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST. and flesh out some of the plans, was noted with concern. International. We have also formed throughout the year. At some we run For more information, or if you which were clearly at an early stage. A detailed analysis of parish close links with Christian motor- a Holy Joe’s Café, serving tea, coffee would like us to visit your church, Introduce a “companion” pro- balance sheets produced interesting cyclists’ clubs throughout the UK and cold drinks, which is open until contact me on 01766 819102 or cess in which the bishop, results that confirmed the team’s and Europe, to help and encourage the early hours, creating a place for 07817679363, visit www.bike.org.uk archdeacon and area dean would be optimism. each other in sharing the Gospel. people to relax, chat about the good [email protected] responsible for spending time in Pobl Dewi, November 2006 7 Garden Party at the St Pauls Family Centre visit National Botanic Garden of Walesalesales

by Brenda Evans

HAT better place to celebrate There was also a display of support Wthe Mothers’ Union work of for The Mission to Seafarers. the last three years than the In Principality House there was National Botanic Garden of Wales an impressive display of items from at Llanarthne? the archives and a quiet room for Roy Thomas, Chief Executive of prayer, where meditations were held the Gardens, welcomed MU mem- every hour. All our visitors were in- bers, families and friends before the spired and uplifted by the wonder- service, paying tribute to the fact fully crafted ‘Spiritual Journey’, that, in the midst of creation, there where, with the aid of a book or a was an awareness of the nearness taped commentary, one could follow of faith brought by the group. the beautiful displays on the theme The focus for the day was the of the sayings of St John. service, on the 2006 MU theme On to the wonderful gardens ‘Called to Serve’, held in the Great where the favourite for many peo- Square. MU Chaplain Bryan Witt ple was the Walled Garden. Here with Revd Hywel Davies from the you can wander through the well- parish of Llanarthne & Llanddarog designed walks admiring the com- led the service. The president and plementary flower borders with su- trustees who are to retire at the end perbly planned colour schemes. of the year did the readings and in- Walking along the main pathway it tercessions and the organist was continues to fascinate as one follows Guests at Ty Hapus, the Felinfoel Family Centre Janet Jones, who stepped in at very the water trail, offset on that Satur- short notice. day by vast, spectacular borders of ICTURED at a recent visit to the All through the day people vermilion lilies. All the while it was PSt Pauls Family Centre in browsed the exhibition of MU a case of meeting friends and ac- Llanelli are the Parliamentary projects like the wonderful Literacy quaintances, renewing fellowships Under-Secretary of State for Wales, and Development work that is mak- and making new ones, in a relaxed Nick Ainger, MP, Nia Griffiths, MP ing a real difference in many coun- informal way. for Llanelli, and Katherine tries, notably Burundi, Malawi and If you were so minded there was Thomas, the local AM. Mr Ainger Sudan. Examples of work here in a Bible Plants Trail inviting com- used the opportunity to host a press the diocese took up a large area. petitors to find the locations of the conference at St Paul’s and also gave There were beautifully made ‘Toys plants mentioned in the bible. Did a number of media inter- for tragedies’ received with thanks anyone find them all? views. However, he was primarily by children’s wards in our hospitals. At the end of the day, everyone concerned with meeting the users of Most important is our AFIA (‘Away left with a wealth of enjoyment and the centre, parents, grandparents and From It All’) project – holidays for experience to reflect on, together children, together with the Plant families in dire need of a break, with the warmest thanks to the staff Dewi staff present and members of which is often linked with our sup- at the garden, the stewards and the management committee and port for Plant Dewi. Grateful ‘thank organisers. DCSR. In his remarks during the you’ letters for this were in evidence. course of his visit, and subsequently Mandy Bowness, Family Centre Co-ordinator and Bishop Carl by letter, he commended the Diocese and all who were and are responsible the Community Development Team, development work, has grown and for the delivery of this and the other indeed, I was the first member of the gone from strength to strength” Real Life excellent projects throughout the Credit Union it established in For further information contact: Diocese. Mr Ainger said “I have Pembroke Dock, one of the very first Ty Hapus, 43 Dan Yr Allt, Felinfoel, by Revd Michael John followed the work of the DCSR in projects undertaken. It, like so much Llanelli SA14 8AT; telephone Diocesan Youth Chaplain the Diocese since the formation of of this pioneering community 01554 771498 LAS DOLAU near Aberystwyth and of course there were trips out was the venue for the Summer too. The time set aside for worship P MU Enterprises [MUE] is the Houseparty for young people from and quiet was called ‘real time’ and New Mothers’ Union President trading arm of the MU, responsible the Diocese this year. It is a large this too was varied – sometimes for producing and selling cards and house with dormitories that can sleep focusing on a single candle in a NN GILL, who is taking over gifts as well as the production and up to about 35 people. The word darkened room and occasionally the mantle of MU President A distribution of ‘Home and Family’ ‘sleep’ is a bit misleading, not many using extravagant colours and mu- from Nan Warlow, is a retired within the Diocese. Profits from of us got much sleep at all. The high sic. It was a good time together. teacher living in Cwmgors, near MUE go to finance projects at home jinx and fun went on through the We had a reunion ‘sleepover’ at Ammanford. She is married to and abroad. nights. A few of the leaders did man- St John’s Church in Pembroke Dock Wyndham who, in turn, is a Even while she was in full time age some shut-eye though. The soon- in late October where some of those Diocesan Reader and they have one employment Ann found time to be to-be Archdeacon of Cardigan, the who came to the Houseparty had the daughter, Mair, who is a sonographer fully committed to the work of the nearly Venerable Andy John, was chance to catch up and share some in Nottingham. MU and, when she retired in 1997, granted the presidential suite, but more time together. Ann’s interest in the MU began gained enormous pleasure from those of us who were consigned to Over the August Bank holiday, when she started going to meetings being able to attend more of the the staff buffer-room, a sort of ‘no some of the leaders and young peo- with her mother-in-law at Christ organised activities in the Diocese. man’s land’ between the main ple from the Diocese went to the Church in Garnant and it was here She then joined her local branch She has always enjoyed meeting dorms, would like to formally record Greenbelt ‘Redemption Songs’ Fes- that she became enrolled as a at Llanfair Cwmgors, in due course members from different parts of the that we’re not bitter. tival held at Cheltenham Race- member in 1969. becoming its Secretary. 1995 saw Diocese, and further afield, and is Despite lack of sleep, the time course. Other groups went to Soul In 1975, Ann was appointed Ann elected as Deanery leader for keen to emphasise that she is we spent together was fun. We cre- Survivor earlier in August. Young Members’ representative for Dyffryn Aman and she is currently looking forward to meeting as many ated prayer leaflets and prayer Big thanks as always go to those the Diocese and thus began three very Branch Leader at St Catherine’s people as she can during her time beads, we used the Plant Dewi digi- people who give of themselves so eventful years during which the MU Church Brynaman. as MU President. lab, played games, watched films generously to make these events centenary celebrations coincided with Since 2001, she has also been indoors and even in the open air, possible. the birth of her daughter. Enterprise Buyer for the Diocese. 8 Pobl Dewi, November 2006 Smiles and Sadness ArmeniaArmeniaArmenia Dechrau Canu, at Romanian Orphanage – An Invitation to Pilgrimage Dechrau by Patrick Thomas by Camilla Lewis Cloriannu . . .? “WHY would anyone want to go Haghartsin in the woodlands of to Armenia?” the Dean asked in a northern Armenia, or Noravank, gan Hywel Davies throwaway manner. I suppose that with its delicate buildings set at the I should have answered “For the end of a spectacular gorge. AE gan y Sais ddywediad: same reason that people want to go I have visited Armenia twice in M“If it’s not broken, don’t fix to St Davids!” – but that would the past two years, and have been it!” Dyna’r neges dw’i’n ei have been flippant, and would enthralled by its rich spiritual her- chlywed wrth wrando ar bobl yn probably have cost me my coveted itage, its fascinating language and trafod diwyg newydd y rhaglen post as Canon Librarian. However culture and the kindness of its peo- ‘Dechau Canu, Dechrau Canmol’. one 19th century traveller actually ple. It is a country that has had to Pam bod rhaid newid fformat fu listed Etchmiadzin (the holy city of face huge economic problems in mor dderbyniol ac mor the Armenians) along with Jerusa- the wake of the collapse of the So- boblogaidd?, gofynnant. Gynt, yn lem, Rome, Santiago and St viet Union, but those difficulties amlach na pheidio, cynulleidfa Davids, as one of the great centres are gradually being overcome – eglwys neu gapel fu’n cynnal y of Christian pilgrimage. and one side-effect of pilgrimage canu. Efallai nad oedd y canu bob Armenia has been a Christian is the discovery of practical ways amser o’r safon uchaf, ac efallai country for 1,700 years. During in which we can help this small bod rhagor o seddi gwag o olwg y those times its faith has been tested Christian country on the fringe of camera na’r hyn fyddai’n by invasions, persecutions, earth- Asia. ddelfrydol – ond o leiaf canu quakes, massacres, deportations If you would be interested in profiad pobl Dduw, wedi ymgynull, oedd sail y rhaglen. T the beginning of the summer I travelled to Romania with a group and genocide – and yet has still sur- coming on a pilgrimage to Armenia, vived. That is one reason why pil- I shall be leading one from Friday Bellach, yn ôl y beirniaid, mae of about 20 young people to spend two weeks in an orphanage, A grims from all over the world are 19 October to Saturday 27 October sawr ‘perfformans’ ar y rhaglen. renovating it and making it liveable. When we arrived the toilets and increasingly drawn not just to 2007 (under the auspices of World- Mae’r canu, fel arfer, o safon showers were in a complete mess; most of them didn’t work and those Etchmiadzin, but to Khor Virap at wide Christian Travel). Please con- uwch, a phwy all wadu nad that did were filthy and unhygienic. By the end of our time there, the the foot of Mount Ararat, with its tact me for details on 01267-234183 ymwelodd y DC/DC newydd â rhai toilets, sinks and showers worked and were clean, the shower and toilet deep, dark pit where St Gregory the or [email protected] I o lecynnau mwyaf godidog Cymru; rooms were tiled and painted, so now they look much better – and I’m Illuminator was imprisoned for 13 will happily come to talk (either in ond och a gwae, mae rhywbeth ar proud to say that I can now stop a tap leaking! The orphans we were years, and to the beautiful churches English or Welsh) about Armenia goll. Cawn waith camera clodwiw, staying on the floor with were so grateful . . . it was really touching. and monasteries of Geghard, to any parish or other groups. cyfeiliant llinynnol hyfryd, We spent some of our free eve- When we left the hospital all of carved into the living rock, datganiadau corawl meistrolgar ac nings and weekends visiting people us were very upset, but found great artistiaid o’r radd flaenaf. and distributing gifts. We went to see comfort in the fact that he seemed Ond tybed a yw angerdd y two gypsy communities and gave happy and was obviously well profiad ysbrydol wedi’i aberthu er them some clothes and food, as they looked after. We all felt so privileged mwyn cyrraedd safon gynhyrchu had very little and were obviously having met such a special person that Bore Coffi Mwya’r Byd – eto! uwch? Gadewch i ni fod yn onest. desperate for help. we decided to put our money Roedd angen ail-wampio’r gan Hywel Davies A visit to children’s ward of the together and bought him a television, rhaglen. All yr un rhaglen deledu local hospital was a very difficult as it was something that could barhau yn ddigyfnewid o’r un Llanarthne and Llanddarog parishes raised over £1,300 experience. When we arrived there entertain him without needing to flwyddyn i’r nesaf. Hyd yn oed o for Macmillan Cancer Care as part of the annual Biggest was a sea of little children surround- move or upset him. We took it back dan yr hen drefn, ychydig iawn o Coffee Morning in the World ing us, and we gave them all some to him a few days later and were once gynulleidfaoedd oedd yn gallu cuddly toys, race-cars etc . . . they again touched by his smile. cynnal rhaglen heb help rhyw gôr NWAITH rhagor cafodd teisienod a chardiau Nadolig, a were absolutely thrilled! However I Since returning home I have kept neu gilydd. Roedd yna elfen plwyfi Llanarthne a derbyn rhoddion personol hael, was then asked to go into a side room in touch with Adam, and I feel so U ‘artiffisial’, felly, nôl yn yr hen Llanddarog fod yn rhan o Fore llwyddwyd codi dros £1300 at yr to give a special boy some toys. glad that I had the opportunity to help ddyddiau hefyd. Coffi Mwya‘r Byd er budd Cronfa achos. Mae’r digwyddiad yn un i There I met a boy called Adam. He such a special boy and like to think Tybed a oes cysylltiad gyda’r Gofal Canser Macmillan. Fore edrych ymlaen ato gan gymaint yr was 14 but looked about 7 as he had that we really made a difference to ymgais i achub canu’r dorf mewn Gwener, Medi 29ain roedd y hwyl a geid – a chan fod digon o wasted muscles and was very small. his life. gemau rhyngwladol? Ar wahân i Ficerdy yn Llanddarog dan ei sang bobl yn barod i helpu, dydy’r Ficer The nurse told me that when Adam On another day we went to a Delilah Tom Jones, Hymns and wrth i ffyddloniaid y ddau blwyf ddim gorfod poeni hyd yn oed am was a young child his parents had local orphanage for younger chil- Arias Max Boyce, a dwy linell olaf a’u ffrindiau gefnogi’r fenter olchi‘r llestri ddiwedd y bore! put him in a cardboard box and left dren, aged between 2 and 10 and emyn enwocaf Pantycelyn, beth flynyddol hon. Eleni agorwyd y Ymlith yr ymwelwyr eleni roedd him there, occasionally throwing took the orphans out for the day. They arall sy i’w glywed yn Stadiwm y digwyddiad gan Mrs Dr Scourfield aelodau Cyngor Ysgol Llanddarog. him scraps of food. When he was 12 were the most adorable children and Mileniwm erbyn hyn? Mae’r o Landdarog a soniodd am werth a Yn y llun gwelir Cadeirydd y the local priest found him and with despite the fact that they could speak sefyllfa mor dlawd nes bod chyfraniad yr eleusen wrth ofalu Cyngor Ysgol, yn cyflwyno siec the help of the hospital they rescued no English and we no Romanian, we dosbarthiadau hyfforddi yn cael eu am glaf gartre. am £50 i Mrs Avril Williams, him. He has lived in the hospital ever managed to communicate with them cynnal hwnt ac yma i ddysgu’r hen Wrth godi £2 y pen am y coffi Llanarthne, aelod o Bwyllgor Apel since. Due to this ill treatment by his and become friends . . . it was really ffefrynau i grwpiau o gefnogwyr y a‘r biscedi, trefnu raffl, gwerthu Macmillan, Caerfyrddin. parents, Adam is paralysed and sweet the way they clung on to your tîm cenedlaethol. cannot speak. His lungs are very hand and played with you un- Yn wir, ers blynyddoedd, weak and every time he tries to eat reservedly. After a picnic we took gwelwyd angen unawdydd i or drink he coughs and the nurses them back home and gave them each arwain canu hyd yn oed yr anthem have to use suction to clear his throat. a goody bag and some clothes. It was genedlaethol! Mae yna dlodi However, despite his tragic situation, very touching to see how simple ymwybyddiaeth o’r traddodiad when I walked into the room his face things such as toothpaste, flannels canu torfol yn y Gymru gyfoes. Ba lit up and broke into the most and lollipops made them so happy, ryfedd, felly, fod DC/DC hefyd yn beautiful smile. When we put a teddy although at the same time it was gorfod ail-ysryried fformat a bear in his hand his smile just lit up quite upsetting as these things which chynnwys y rhaglen? the room; it was breathtaking. we take for granted are such a luxury Ai gwell fyddai fod wedi I sat with him and held his hand to them. parhau gyda‘r hen fformat, gan for about 10 minutes on my own and I feel so privileged to have been blesio gwylwyr ffyddlon ond gyda was completely overcome by the able to help such loving, caring and llai a llai o eglwysi a peace and trust behind his eyes and inspiring people, and would ask that chynulleidfaoedd yn cymryd rhan – the way you could see how happy he if you ever have a chance to help neu ydy’r arbrawf bresennol yn was just to have somebody there similar people in need that you werth ei pharhau? with him. The group I was with took would do so. You really can make a Os oes gyda chi farn ar y mater, it in turns to sit with him and hold difference to their lives. pam na fynegwch hi trwy golofnau his hand. Pobl Dewi? Pobl Dewi, November 2006 9 SingSingSing protected her from the horrors of SPONSOR A CHILD poverty that we dare not describe. ‘The Crucifixion’ The Ripple Effect – And spread the Good News a community transformed at St MarMarat y’y’y’s,s,s, The impact of sponsorship permeated deeper still, Rajeswari FishguardFishguardFishguard OVERTY comprises many soon responded to the Good News, Pcycles of entrapment. One and as a consequence of her life T MARY’S Parish, Fishguard, obviously relates to those living in being changed, her sister’s, elderly Sin conjunction with the Royal the undeveloped world with no grandparents’, extended family’s, School of Church Music is organ- opportunities. Another is more subtle and community members’ lives were ising a ‘Come and sing’ event on and relates to us – Christians in a similarly affected. Saturday 31st March 2007. sophisticated world of abundant This immense impact was evi- This will give an opportunity to opportunity and resource, yet in our dent at every project we visited. any singer to come together to riches we can become poor. Lives are changed, family relation- perform ‘The Crucifixion’ by Sir Frequent media coverage of ships enhanced, communities John Stainer. hunger, nakedness and desperation transformed, poverty broken. This is This work is probably the best highlighted in earthquakes, famine, the Good News, this is Compassion. known of the entire Victorian and Tsunamis desensitize us. Stories If you would like more informa- repertoire which depicts the story of of corruption justify our reluctance tion, please contact Simon & Sharon Good Friday and Christ’s to part with hard-earned income. Shutler on 01558 668898. crucifixion. Less frequently we are reminded that Compassion UK, 43 High Street, The day will start about midday the benefits we enjoy are secured by Weybridge, Surrey KT13 8BB with singers assembling at St the exploitation of some of the Tel: 01932 836490 Mary’s and the afternoon will be world’s poorest people, including www.compassionuk.org spent in rehearsal in readiness for children. Maybe we want to help but the evening performance which will just don’t know what to do. children and through individual and Staff at the Compassion be in the form of a concert open to Compassion – a simple solution sponsorship engages a simple, project had identified her as the general public. There are many ways to describe biblical principle to break the cycle vulnerable and appealed for a Conductor for the event is compassion but one way to is to find of poverty. Compassion’s work is sponsor. Eight years on (after a Richard Stephens of Haverfordwest, out what breaks our Lord’s heart. church based, child focused and contribution of just 60p a day and and it is hoped that churches and Jesus felt that he was fulfilling unashamedly Christ-centered. writing a few letters a year), the chapels will send singers to Isaiah’s prophecy and had come to Rajeswari – a life transformed young lady before us was a well- participate alongside local choirs proclaim good news to the poor In November 2005, we went on an balanced, Christ centered person and singers. (Luke 4, 18-19). ‘exposure’ trip with Compassion UK with a realistic aim of becoming a For further information contact One charity that does just this, to India and had the chance to teacher. Val Lucas, Director of Music, St Compassion UK, has touched our experience the impact that We naively thought that we were Mary’s Church, Fishguard, on hearts in a way that has confronted sponsorship was having on the life ‘helping her along a bit’ but the 01348 873466 or Richard Stephens our very definition of what it means of one individual – that of our reality was that, through the on 01437 760269. to be a Christian. sponsored child, Rajeswari. Compassion program, the local Full details will be available in Compassion UK seeks out some At the age of six, Rajeswari Church had fed, clothed and January. of the world’s most vulnerable had been abandoned by her parents educated this young lady and

handle a budget of some £75m, and Making Leprosy History . . . Remembrance since soldiers as young as 17½ can OOKING ahead to February and by Rev Leigh Richardson, be sent on operations, veterans can LMarch next year, the USPG’s VERY year approximately half- through tendon surgery – to “mend” Padre to the Royal be younger than you think. The Lent study course for 2007 provides Ea-million new cases of leprosy hands & feet etc. that have been Monmouthshire Royal news of war too is no longer weeks an opportunity to look at how are detected in the world – in India damaged (i.e. to restore function). Engineers (Militia) away but can be 24hrs a day in your Christians are living the gospel in (where 70% of leprosy is found), Our work, however, is wide- living room and so we are all too Swaziland, India, Japan, Brazil and Africa, S.E. Asia and South America ranging in the way that we aim to HE 11th and this year the 12th aware of the current fighting in Iraq the Philippines. The course also (mainly Brazil). Yes, leprosy is still bring healing and hope to leprosy- Tof November saw many of us and Afghanistan and the cost in looks at the life and ministry of the alive and well on planet earth! affected people. We educate chil- gathering around war memorials in terms of human life, and we all have early church in the Acts of the Apos- The Leprosy Mission (TLM) is dren and train young people in life our villages and towns to ‘remem- our opinions on that. tles, challenging Christians in the working in Wales to raise aware- skills, so that they can work to make ber the fallen’. As the guns of the But how can we remember? In UK to reconsider their understand- ness and support to fight the disease a living. Great War fell silent at the 11th hour our act of remembering, we need to ing of how to be church. and to “make leprosy history”. The We help many patients to find of the 11th day of the 11th month in retrieve, recollect, and think. Re- The USPG’s Lenten journey be- good news is that leprosy can now work by giving loans and practical 1918 – a promise went out that no trieve some local history or some gins in Swaziland with Orma be cured; in 1982, multi-drug help. We enable people to have new such world-wide atrocity would be human stories, make it real – it’s Mavimbela, who gave up a well- therapy (MDT) became available low cost homes and we see their forgotten or repeated. Every com- not abstract fiction, it really hap- paid job in the civil service to look and has proved to be very effective. lives transformed through “self- munity had felt the effects of bat- pened; use that to recollect, to fo- after malnourished AIDS orphans Over the past 24 years, 15 million help” groups. We believe in giving tles hundreds of miles away, and cus on what it’s all about and then and, using mostly her own money, sufferers have been cured through holistic care and to integrate rather soon after the war ended, memori- reflect, think about the impact on set up three feedings centres for the these drugs; every new case that than isolate. als to the fallen began to be erected. that individual going to war, on their children. emerges today can be cured. How can we help? By giving Little did they know that within family, on their community. Re- Moving on, the course examines Leprosy is caused by Mycobac- “alternative Christmas presents” to twenty years the battle drums would member: retrieve, recollect and how churches in the Philippines are terium leprae, a bacterium which help leprosy-affected people . . . by be beating again across Europe think. exploring new forms of worship, attacks the peripheral nervous buying items from TLM’s catalogue which would lead to another gen- We not only have Regular Army how churches in India and Japan are system, causing people to lose feel- which embraces Fairtrade and gives eration of men (and women this units in the Diocese (although not reaching out to poor and ing in their hands, feet and face. work and dignity . . . and by taking time) making the ultimate sacrifice. many), but we have many families marginalised communities, and, in This can lead to self-inflicted dam- part in a sponsored walk up Pen-y- Since then, there has only been too of Territorial Army soldiers who the final week of Lent, visits Brazil age, infection, etc which causes Fan on Saturday 30th June 2007, one year, 1968, when Armed Forces are also away on operations. All of to see how a small Anglican com- deformity. with the specific aim of raising personnel have not been killed on these go through the daily struggle munity is demonstrating the love of The worst thing about leprosy money for low-cost housing. active service and so we must be of family life with someone miss- God by supporting one another. is the stigma attached to it; it’s a grateful to the Royal British Legion ing, and the constant fear of loss. If USPG General secretary, Contact Rev Martin Davies, Area very socially-isolating disease. The (RBL) for keeping the promise, “At you find it hard to remember, then Bishop Michael Doe, said: ‘We Co-ordinator Wales, people concerned have simply the going down of the sun and in remember them. As the famous hope that by taking part in this The Leprosy Mission, caught this bacterium (through the morning, We will remember Great War Padre ‘Woodbine Willie’ journey, you will discover afresh 25 Earls Court Road, Penylan, nasal droplet infection), but are them.” But sadly it is not only a case said, “You can pray with them what it means to be a part of God’s Cardiff CF23 9DE. shunned by society as a result. of remembering. It is one of con- sometimes, but pray for them al- global family: the church.’ Tel: 02920 198720. In quite a number of cases, the tinuing to remember – we will re- ways.” Free copies of the course and [email protected] bacillus has already caused damage member. There are almost ten mil- “At the going down of the sun more information from 020 7803 ww.leprosymission.org.uk and deformity by the time people lion ex-service people in the UK and in the morning, We will remem- 3422, [email protected] come for treatment. It is possible – eligible for help from the RBL. They ber them.” or visit www.uspg.org.uk 10 Pobl Dewi, November 2006 Is it true that Evangelicals have Imaging the Bible by Revd Dr John Morgan-Guy a Weak Doctrine of the Church? Research Fellow, Department of Theology and Religious Studies, University of Wales, Lampeter by Ven A. John ‘IS it true that evangelicals have a answer? Not surprisingly both yes world to make him known and to HE Bishop of Salisbury has Biblically-inspired artwork in our weak doctrine of the church?’ That and no. Evangelicals, he sug- make disciples.’ It is for this recently reminded us that the churches, recording significant was the question addressed by gested, often display a distinctly reason, he believed, that churches T church building should be “both a examples, and analysing the theo- Lord Carey, former Archbishop of individualistic and narrow under- that confess the Trinitarian faith, shelter for the community gathered logical and social issues that it can Canterbury, on Wednesday 18th standing of the church which are apostolic and authentic – around the table of the Lord and also raise. The St Davids diocese is full October at the Church Hall in diminishes and restricts the ability something that not everyone would an awesome place of trans- of fascinating as well as beautiful Fishguard. The St David’s branch to see beyond what God may or accept without some qualification. formation” where we are “taken on artistic and devotional imagery. of the Evangelical Fellowship of may not be doing locally. More- A number of questions were left a journey into the heart of our Have you seen, for example, the Church in Wales had been over, to overemphasize the unanswered by Lord Carey in par- encounter with God”. We are Martin Travers’ evocation of the challenged by Bishop Carl Cooper Kingdom of God may create an ticular relating to the character and familiar with our churches as “sacred Empty Tomb on Easter morning at some time ago to think prayerfully understanding of church robbed of nature of ministry and how we spaces” in which the liturgy is St David’s Carreg Wen, Mother and critically about its life in a much its glory. By contrast the determine whether such a ministry celebrated, but to what extent do we Maribel’s remarkable mural at St number of areas including its traditional strength of evangelical is authentic. The value of the see them, and especially the wealth Katherine’s, Milford, Wilhelmina understanding of the church. Lord doctrine has been in relation to the evening was of course in gathering of artwork they contain, as “visual Geddes’ challenging window of Carey took us through a whistle local and in particular to the parish. Christians together to hear a lucid aids” with a capacity to enrich the Our Lord’s call to Peter and stop tour of how the church came Lord Carey was at pains to mind speak with passion and prayer and devotion which is at the Andrew at St Peter’s, Lampeter, or to be formed and ordered, at least emphasize that the church dis- conviction on the need to unite heart of our Christian life? the stunning series of modern for us as Anglicans, from its first covers its true identity and under Christ. Ultimately it is this The creative imagination of windows in Little Newcastle? beginnings, through the medieval authenticity in relation to mission call to make Christ known which artists of all kinds down through These and many more wonderful period, Reformation and to the and Jesus. The church is, he said, must shape and order the life and the centuries has played a vital role works of art all help us on our current day. So, what was his ‘the body of Jesus sent into the ministry of churches. in presenting to us, often in journey into God. challenging and thought- Look around you; take time to singers through a treasury of choral provoking ways, the central truths ponder. What is this window, this John Rutter music, both his own compositions of our faith, and the stories and statue, this carving saying to you? returns to and that of colleagues such as Bob characters that fill the pages of the Icons have been called “windows on Chilcott, and everyone present Bible. Sadly, all too often we either eternity”, and that definition equally Pembrokeshire thoroughly enjoyed the experience. ignore or take for granted this great well fits the artwork which sur- The accompaniment was brilliantly wealth of spiritual experience and rounds us in our churches. Open HE internationally-renowned played by Timothy Noon, Organist insight which surrounds us. (When those windows, and look through Tcomposer and choral director and Master of the Choristers at St did you last hear a sermon them. And, please, tell us about the John Rutter made a return visit to Davids Cathedral and RSCM Area preached in your church on how a works of art in your church. Pem-brokeshire in September to Chairman. Timothy Noon also paid familiar stained-glass window Write to us, “Imaging the Bible direct a singing day, organised by tribute to the RSCM Area Secretary enriches our under-standing of the in Wales”, The Department of choral compositions and arrange- the Royal School of Church Music, Richard Stephens who had arranged event or the person there depicted?) Theology & Religious Studies, ments. West Wales area. Four hundred the bulk of the day, and also to the At University of Wales, Lam- University of Wales, Lampeter, There was a wide mixture of singers converged on Sir Thomas other members of the team for selling peter, we are engaged in a major SA48 7ED; [email protected] Picton School in Haverfordwest singers present from members of the the music and CDs on the day. research project exploring the from all parts of Wales, England various BBC Choruses and More RSCM events are and the Republic of Ireland. This Cathedral choirs to people who had planned, and if you would like was the second such visit by the only ever dreamed of singing as part further information then please Cambridge composer who is known of such a day. contact Richard Stephens on 01437 the world over for his wonderful Dr John Rutter guided the 760269 or [email protected]

Choir Bites into Big Apple T DAVIDS Cathedral Choir dously hard at fund-raising for this Sswapped the peaceful tranquility expedition and we are all really look- of rural West Wales for the hustle and ing forward to it.” bustle of America’s East Coast when The choir’s last US visit was in it visited Big Apple for the first time 1998 so for the majority of choris- at the end of October. ters it was a new experience to sing The choir had been invited to in North America. “Trips like this are sing Choral Evensong at the pres- extremely good for choir morale and tigious St Thomas’ Church on Fifth team spirit, and help to make the Avenue in New York. This came at commitment and dedication ex- the end of a ten day trip which in- pressed by the choir throughout the cluded concerts and services in Char- year really seem worthwhile.” said lotte and Winston Salem, NC, as Mr Noon. est in joining the team. No experi- well as Baltimore and Washington Timothy Noon is always pleased ence is necessary as training is Photo credit: Martin Crampin, ‘Imaging the Bible in Wales’ National Cathedral. Before the visit to hear from potential boy, girl and given. Contact him on 01437 Cathedral organist Timothy Noon adult choristers who live in the St 720128 or [email protected] for Wilhelmina Geddes, ‘The Calling of Peter and Andrew,’ 1946, said, “The choir has worked tremen- Davids area and who have an inter- an informal chat. Church of St Peter, Lampeter

The Cantabile Singers of Pembrokeshire No Choir School for St Davids Songsters by Richard Stephens T DAVIDS CATHEDRAL is in been offered by the Cathedral Foun- F you are thinking about engaging The choir is taking bookings to a high standard. The choir is also Sthe smallest city in the UK, which dation, and in particular by the Ca- Ia choir to sing for your church from September 2007 onwards for looking for new members, so if you has a population of around 1,200. The thedral Choir which is unique in the restoration fund then look no further weddings and/or concerts in aid of are interested and aged between 16 present Cathedral was built in 1181 UK in that its top line consists of girls than the new Cantabile Singers of church or chapel restoration appeals. and 65 then we would like to hear on the site of the monastery founded aged 8-18. There is no choir school Pembrokeshire. The new chamber The choir is a young-voiced choir from you. Please contact Richard by David, the patron saint of Wales. so choristers are recruited from the ladies choir is an auditioned female with members drawn from all areas Stephens on 01437 760269 During the middle ages St Davids city and the lay clerks of the choir choir based in Haverfordwest, under of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen- [email protected] was a major pilgrimage centre. Every work locally. The choir has released the direction of Richard Stephens, shire. The repertoire of the choir is or the Choir Secretary, Myfanwy year almost 300,000 people visit the several CDs (one selling over a mil- who is also the West Wales area varied and will include sacred as Davies on 01437 783812 Shrine and spiritual heart of Wales. lion copies), made many radio and TV Secretary for the RSCM. well as secular music, all performed [email protected] For over 1,400 years worship has broadcasts, and toured the USA. Pobl Dewi, November 2006 11

After a delicious lunch in the New Readers newly opened Refectory at the Ca- Bethan Jones: Cytûn yn penodi swyddog thedral, we settled down to the for- by Jo Penberthy mal business of the Association in N Saturday 21st October, St the Lady Chapel. The main item for Cyswllt newydd â’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol ODavids Cathedral hosted the consideration was the election next 92nd Annual Day for the St Davids year of a small executive committee IS wedi cychwyn y swydd Association of Honorary Readers. to run the business of the Associa- Mmae Bethan Jones, The Bishop presided at the celebra- tion between its AGMs and to liaise Swyddog Cyswllt newydd Cytûn with the Provincial Readers Com- tory Eucharist in the morning, at gyda’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol, mittee and Diocesan Ministry to sup- which the new Archdeacon of Car- yn ddigon gonest i gyfaddef fod port and further the work of Readers digan, the Venerable Andy John, y cyfan yn dal i chwyrlio o’i preached. Readers came from across in the Diocese. With the Diocese’s Venturing in Mission direction en- chwmpas braidd! “Bu gan fy the diocese and it was a joy to be rhagflaenydd, Aled Edwards gathered in such a worshipful and couraging clergy and lay people to work together in mission and min- (sydd bellach yn dal swydd Prif historic place. It made the licensing Weithredwr Cytûn, yn dilyn of the five new Readers, Hazel Burn, istry, it seemed sensible for the Read- ymddeoliad y Parch Gethin Maureen Henneveld, Vanessa Hope- ers of the Diocese to take a greater Abraham Williams) broffil mor Bell, Robert Lewis and Judith role in overseeing their affairs. The Morton even more special. Bishop and the Warden of Readers, uchel yn y swydd, nes y bydd The new Readers have com- the Revd Jo Penberthy, expressed rhaid i mi ail-ddiffinio’r swydd pleted a three year training course their deep gratitude for all that Read- yn llwyr rwy’n credu dros y run by the Bangor School of Minis- ers contribute to the worshipping life misoedd i ddod! try for St Davids diocese. The course and mission of the parishes. “Bu Aled yn llwyddiannus tu comprises a mixture of distant learn- The day ended with a quiet and hwnt wrth feithrin cysylltiadau ing courses and residential week- prayerful service of Evensong led by gydag aelodau’r Cynulliad ends where students have a chance the Dean and the Canon in residence, Cenedlaethol, a hynny yn ystod y to learn together with other trainee the Revd Canon John Gravell. As we cyfnod pan yr oedd y sefydliad yn Readers. Fellow parishioners, as travelled back to our respective parts ei fabandod. Bellach, gyda’r gwlad Dyfed – a bu’n gweithio gwleidyddiaeth a chrefydd. Mae’n well as family and friends, joined of the diocese, we felt so privileged Cynulliad ar fin mabwysiadu am gyfnod hefyd yn adran addysg dod yn gynyddol amlwg i mi fod with the Diocesan Readers to cel- to have St Davids Cathedral as our newidiadau pellgyrhaeddol Deddf Amgueddfa Genedlaethol Cymru dyletswydd arnom ni fel eglwysi ac ebrate their admission and licensing mother church and already began to Llywodraeth Cymru 2006, golyga Sain Ffagan. Gweithiodd hefyd fel Cristnogion unigol i leisio barn by the Bishop and to pray for them, look forward to next year’s Annual hyn y bydd angen newid ffocws y am gyfnod fel athrawes hanes yn a chyfrannu at drafodaethau as their incumbents vested them with Day, due to take place on October swydd. I raddau helaethach nag Ysgol Gyfun Gymraeg Glantaf cymdeithasol a gwleidyddol yr oes. their new Readers scarves to mark 20th 2007. o’r blaen rwy’n gobeithio yng Nghaerdydd. Fodd bynnag, yn “Wedi gweithredu’r the start of their new ministries. gweithredu fel rhywun fydd yn ystod hydref 2000 cafodd Bethan newidiadau a ddaeth i’r fei o gwneud gawith ymchwil ar bolisi y cyfle i fyw hanes yn llythrennol. ganlyniad i Ddeddf Llywodraethu a deddfwriaeth arfaethedig a allai Cafodd ei dewis yn un o’r 17 o Cymru 2006, yn dilyn etholiadau gael effaith ar yr eglwysi o fewn bobl i fyw yng Nghastell Henllys, mis Mai nesaf i’r Cynulliad Cytûn, yn ogystal â chynorthwyo’r Sir Benfro (hen gaer o’r oes Cenedlaethol, bydd hyd yn oed eglwysi gyda materion Haearn) ar gyfer rhaglen deledu mwy o gyfrifoldeb arnom fel gwleidyddol sydd o gonsýrn ddogfennol y BBC, “Surviving the eglwysi a bydd angen mawr i ni iddynt.” Iron Age”. “Doedd e’ ddim yn leisio ein barn a dylanwadu ar Mae dod i weithio i Cytûn yn brofiad hawdd” medd Bethan, wleidyddiaeth y Cynulliad yn fenter newydd i Bethan – cyn iddi “ond rwy’n falch ‘mod i wedi gyson, yn glir ac yn benderfynol.” gychwyn ar y swydd hon ganol mentro a chael y profiad o fyw fel Mae amser cyffrous o flaen mis Medi, bu’n gweithio ers un o drigolion yr Oes Haearn. Yn Bethan ac o’n blaen ninnau fel Rhagfyr 2001 fel cynhyrchydd sicr roedd yn brofiad unwaith eglwysi ac aelodau o Cytûn. teledu ar gyfer ITV Cymru gan mewn oes – ac yn baratoad go dda arbenigo ym maes rhaglenni hefyd ar gyfer gweithio i elusen hanes. Yn enedigol o Lanelli ac yn BMS World Mission yn Albania Thirty-one-year-old un o efrydwyr Ysgol y Strade, mae yn ystod Haf 2001.” Bethan Jones from hanes yn bwysig fel pwnc i Beth felly mae Bethan yn Llanelli who recently Bethan sy’n 31 mlwydd oed. gobeithio ei gyflawni yn ei swydd began in post as the new Astudiodd hanes ar gyfer ei gradd ddiweddaraf fel Swyddog Cyswllt Cytûn National Assembly yng Ngholeg Prifysgol Cymru yr Eglwysi â’r Cynulliad liaison officer. Previously Caerdydd – gan arbenigo ar Cenedlaethol? Bethan worked as a gyfnod cynhyrfus y bedwaredd “Yn sicr mae her y swydd television producer for ganrif ar bymtheg pan yr oedd newydd wedi fy ngorfodi i ail- ITV Wales, specialising Back: Revd Jo Penberthy, Robert Lewis, Bishop Carl Cooper, Merched Beca yn herio asesu fy marn ynghylch y in history documentaries. Judith Morton, Vanessa Hope-Bell; Front: Maureen Henneveld anghyfiawnderau yng nghefn berthynas cydrhwng and Hazel Burn

Christina will preside and The Revd TTTen YYen ears On – Where are they now? Where will they be?be?they Canon Joy Tetley, Archdeacon of Worcester will preach. Everyone is by Mandy Williams-Potter welcome to this service. N a bitterly cold day in January (we did give him some opportunity Alongside our Diocesan celebra- the timidity that sometimes holds us This anniversary is an opportu- O1997 twelve female deacons to respond as well!). It was an im- tions there is also a Provincial Con- back. We need to encourage every- nity for us as a Church to stop and were priested at St David’s Cathderal portant day for those involved, and ference being held at St Michael’s one – women and men, of all abili- reflect on how far we have come and as were their counterparts in other a process has begun that will take College, Llandaff: Celebrating the ties, giftings and backgrounds to be how far we have to go. There will be dioceses in the Province. It was the us through the anniversary celebra- Past, Imagining the Future. Key active in faith and to contribute to the stories to tell and record, there will beginning of a new era, uncharted tions in January 2007 and beyond. speakers are Canon Mary Stallard, discovery of God’s unfolding story” be lessons to be learnt and new risks territory, a brave new world. Ten Exactly 10 years on we shall be cel- Provincial Selection Secretary; the The Conference will run from Jan to take in furthering the mission of years on and these women, along ebrating with a Eucharist at St theologian Mary Grey, Emeritus Pro- 22-24, and is open to men and the Church in this Diocese. with the church at large are asking Davids Cathedral on Saturday 13th fessor at the University of Lampeter, women, lay and ordained. There are the question: How has it gone? January at 2pm, at which the Bishop and Bishop Christina Odenberg, the residential and non-residential places Christmas Tree FestivalFestivalree What difference have women will preside and Revd Jenny Wigley, first woman bishop in the Church of – contact St Michael’s College for made? What are the joys and the one of the 12 from 1997, will preach. Sweden. booking forms on 029 20563379 or St Twrog’s Church, sorrows? What next? It will be an opportunity for us as a Responding to her invitation to [email protected]. Llanddarog, A few months ago the women in Diocese to give thanks for all that address the Conference, Canon Mary On Tuesday 23rd January at 7pm December 14th -17th ordained ministry in our Diocese has been, and to pray for what will Stallard said: “One of the most im- there will be a Provincial Celebra- in aid of Dolen Cymru were treated to a day with Bishop be: this brave new world with some portant things we need to do as tion of the 10th Anniversary at and local charities Carl where we talked and he listened distance to go. women in the church is to overcome Llandaff Cathedral where Bishop 12 Pobl Dewi, November 2006

I found this story difficult to put Y Gwaddol Crefyddol Nid oedd yr elfen ysbrydol na Capel Llandeilo a sefydlwyd Reviews down and the only disadvantage to Cyhoeddir ‘Mam-gu, Siân chwaith yr elfen foesol yn amlwg yn 1714 yw’r hynaf o eiddo’r using it as an Advent Calendar is Hwêl a Naomi/Grandma, iawn yng ngweinidogaeth rhai o Annibynwyr ond o ganlyniad i The Advent Calendar that you will have to limit your- Vicar Howells and Madame ficeriaid yr Oesoedd Canol. Yn anghytuno y sefydlwyd Pergamus selves to a chapter a day! The story 1743 penderfynodd 17 o neu Hen Gapel ym Maenclochog Steven Croft Tussauds’ is filled with codes, biblical pic- blwyfolion Maenclochog anfon ac yn ystod y gynnen gwelwyd ISBN 0-232-52680X Golygydd/Editor: Hefin Wyn gan tures, and experiences which teach cwyn at Esgob Tyddewi ynghylch aelodau’r hen gapel yn dwyn Published by Darton Longman Todd Gymdeithas Clychau Clochog. them and us about the deeper and Pris £10. Cyhoeddwyd gyda ymddygiad ficer y plwyf, William drysau’r capel newydd. Yn WHILST at the Greenbelt Christian real meanings of Christmas. They chymorth grant o Gronfa Crowther am nad oedd yn cyflawni ddiweddarach pwdodd nifer o Arts festival in Cheltenham this meet famous figures from the bible, Ewropeaidd Amcan 1. ei ddyletswyddau a’i fod yn aelodau’r Hen Gapel oherwydd summer I happened to attend a book but not as you’ve seen them before! feddw’n amlach nag oedd yn sobr. anghytuno ynghylch y dewis o WRTH gyhoeddi llyfr am hanes reading by Steven Croft of his new The story is not only about the “Ad- Yn y cyfnod hwnnw y weinidog a bwrw ati yn 1844 i ardal yn y parthau hyn ni ellir novel “The Advent Calendar”. In- vent Calendar journeys” but also gwelwyd pangfeydd sefydlu capeli ffurfio Capel Tabernacl o fewn peidio â rhoi sylw helaeth i’r spired by the idea and what I had about the lives of Sam and Alice and anghydffurfiol yn y cylch ac ni ellir tafliad carreg. cefndir crefyddol Cristnogol. Does heard, I bought a copy, asked Steven ond edmygu arwriaeth yr Ond ni ellir gwadu dylanwad dim rhyfedd felly bod yn agos i Croft to sign it, and went home to arweinwyr cynnar yn wynebu llesol y capeli ar foesoldeb ac ar draean o’r 470 tudalen o’r llyfr read it. erledigaeth a charchar. Dyna fu ddiwylliant yr ardal dros gyfnod o dwyieithog ‘Mam-gu, Siân Hwêl a I don’t know about you, but I hanes nifer o sefydlwyr Capel 200 mlynedd a mwy. Mae darllen Naomi/Grandma, Vicar Howells a love the idea of Advent Calendars Rhydwilym megis William Jones a atgofion yr Athro T. J. Jenkin am Madame Tussauds’ yn cofnodi and the way in which they should Griffith Howells am bregethu’r ddylanwad y capel ar fywyd ei hanes sy’n ymwneud ag eglwysi a help us to build the excitement and efengyl y tu hwnt i ffiniau’r eglwys aelwyd yn Budloy yn agoriad chapeli Bro Clochog. expectancy as Christmas ap- wladol. llygad. Pwy sy’n gwybod bellach Sonia Anthony Bailey am y proaches. Of course, for many of us Erbyn canol y 19ganrif roedd beth yw ystyr ‘cadw dyletswydd seintiau Celtaidd a frithai’r fro yn adults we don’t bother to buy one gan y Bedyddwyr a’r Annibynwyr deuluol’? ystod y canrifoedd cynnar cyn anymore and if we do, then it can bresenoldeb amlwg yn yr ardal. A gyda llaw, mae’r straeon am goresgyniad y Normaniaid. Roedd be a struggle to find something Ond er sicrhau’r hawl i addoli yn y Ficer Howells yn rhan o len ganddyn nhw gysylltiad clos ag vaguely religious – in fact often now ôl eu cydwybod yn rhydd o afael y gwerin Bro Clochog, ac os ydych Iwerddon, a Gwyddel o’r enw they are called “countdown calen- wladwriaeth doedd yr am wybod beth oedd y cysylltiad Brynach oedd un o’r seintiau dars” and some even bypass Christ- anghydffurfwyr ddim yn brin o’r rhyngddo â ‘Grandma’, rhaid i chi amlycaf yn y cylch. Credir iddo mas and go on giving us “a choco- gallu i ffraeo ymhlith ei gilydd. ddarllen atgofion Margaret Ward. gael ei erlid yn ystod cyfnod o late a day” up until the New Year! lanhau ethnig ac iddo o bosib “The Advent Calendar” is a ymsefydlu yn Braunton yng unique and wonderful book to read. The is a reference to the religious heritage of the Bro Clochog Ngogledd Dyfnaint. For me, it helped to recapture the area which features in the recently published 470 page Erbyn heddiw mae yna whole idea of Advent as a prepara- bilingual book entitled ‘Mam-gu, Siân Hwêl a Naomi/Grandma, the way in which the experiences ddiddordeb o’r newydd ym tion for Christmas. The first chap- Vicar Howells and Madame Tussauds’. Rev Anthony Bailey of the calendar affect them. By the mucheddau’r seintiau cynnar a’u ter is dated 30th November and contributes an article on the Celtic spirituality of the area. time they reach Christmas, life for hymrwymiad at ddiogelu’r introduces us to the characters of Reference is made to the heroism of the early Baptist them both will never be the same amgylchedd a byd natur. Cred rhai teenager Alice and her unreliable dissenters at Rhydwilym who were persecuted and jailed for again. For readers this will certainly y gall ailddarganfod yr Uncle Sam. Unexpectedly Alice preaching beyond the confines of the established church. be an enlightening if not life chang- ysbrydolrwydd Celtaidd cynnar receives a letter telling her that she Professor T. J. Jenkin recalls the influence of strict Puritanism ing experience too! yna gyfrannu at ddiogelu dyfodol has been selected to receive a spe- during his boyhood at Budloy. But to find out what exactly It is an enthralling tale – one dynoliaeth wrth i fwy a mwy o cial Advent Calendar. She asks was the relationship between ‘Grandma’ and Vicar ‘Howells’ which I shall reread daily during bobl chwilio am werthoedd amgen Uncle Sam to fetch it for her and is you must buy the book! Advent. I also intend to buy lots of i fateroliaeth. a little disappointed when it arrives. copies for friends and family as It is wooden with initially only one Advent gifts too – what better rec- door, number 24, but has strange ommendation can I give than that! Around God’s Acre Chapels, Churchyards and Memo- casual observer could hardly be ex- numbered buttons along the bottom The story is suitable for Adults and in south-western Wales rials, chapels, as we might under- pected to notice. Beginning around by Cyril Treharne edge. It is these buttons which open older children alike. It can be read stand the word today, are not that Carmarthen the journey takes us Gwasg Carreg Calch up the world of the Advent Calen- on many levels. In some ways it is much in evidence. Vicars and their along the Tywi valley, to the south £7.50. 278 pages dar when codes arrive via text mes- an easy read, in other ways it will parishes take pride of place. Per- of the county, moving north into ISBN: 1-84527-087-8 sages on Sam’s mobile phone. As challenge you deeply! haps this is not so unexpected con- Ceredigion and thence to Pem- Sam and Alice punch in the num- As an added bonus by Advent FOR Longfellow, ‘God’s Acre’ re- sidering the antiquity of many of the brokeshire before ending where we bers they are mysteriously taken to an interactive website will also be ferred to burial-grounds, and in this sites visited and the role of the started, back in Carmarthenshire. worlds of which they have never available extending the experiences useful book by Cyril Treharne, churchyard in parish life – and As an introduction to the wealth of dreamed. Each chapter is a new day with games and puzzles – surely a Reader at Llangunnor parish death. More unexpected in an itin- historical information to be gleaned – another door appears. Sam and great way to encourage those who church, burial-grounds loom large. erary such as the book suggests is by visiting churches, chapels and Alice become so excited and can’t prefer the computer to the book to He makes an interesting point in the absence of any maps or pictures. churchyards, the book is invaluable. wait for the next day. get involved! – Heather Cale contrasting the paucity of inscribed But it is not only churchyards It is a good read, and well worth detail on modern gravestones with that await the putative traveller. buying, especially for all those who the plethora of information con- Cyril Treharne takes us inside the want to share something of our past The Life and Times of Rev tained on those of previous centu- churches too, pointing out many, with visitors and tourists. Ebenezer Morris ries. The same is true, of course, of many items of interest that the – Hywel Davies by Ken Jones, edited by monuments and tablets inside our William and Benita Rees churches. Historians of the future CDRom £21.49 inc p&p will surely have a much harder time Available only from Meiros of it in seeking out sources and data Notices received Publications, 12 Craddock than their counterparts today. Street, Llanelli SA15 1BE The author leads us through [email protected] burial-grounds and churchyards Pilgrim Adventure Programme 2007: ‘Christian journeys in www.llanelli-history.i12.com across the diocese, though, in fact, small informal groups to places on the edge – island, hill, shore …’ Details Pilgrim Adventure journeys through Celtic Christian The Life and Times of Rev Ebenezer those of Carmarthenshire are given Britain and Ireland are now available, as are details of South Morris is a most welcome entry into pride of place. It is also the case that Winds Journeys for next year. For information call 01834 844212; the Carmarthenshire history arena: rascally old Llanelli vicar, Ebenezer although the book is sub-titled as [email protected]; www.pilgrim-adventure.org.uk an absorbing read with a wealth of Morris, was his great-great-great a Miscellany of Churches and information for researchers of local grandfather. Ken has completed an history. Ken Jones, Benita and extensive family tree, recording in history. Much of what has been William Rees, have done a splendid detail Ebenezer Morris’ wives, written previously has been con- The Desmond Tutu Community Build, working with Habitat job of bringing to life this colourful children, grandchildren and other cerned with the vicar’s court cases for Humanity, challenges anyone interested to help build 20 houses local character placing him in the descendents. Benita and William and disputes that seemed to be a in Cape Town, South Africa, in one week between 26 May and 3 context of his family and the events Rees have, for many years, been regular part of his life. This June 2007. Each team of 10 volunteers will work with a family, of the time. involved in researching local history CDRom aims to provide a clearer who are currently living in a shack, to build them a new home in Ken Jones began researching their growing number of CDs picture of Ebenezer the man, his just 7 days. For more information, costs of the trip and how to his family tree in 1999 and it wasn’t making an important contribution children, grandchildren and their book contact Rod Watson on 01295 220184; [email protected]; long before he discovered that the to the publications on Llanelli’s descendants. – Joyce Mollet www.habitatforhumanity.org.uk/dtbuild.htm