GORFFENNAF / J ULY 2008 Catalyst Confounds its Critics

HE Catalyst celebration of church schools made presentations TChurch life finally went ahead to a packed house before receiving on 5th July. Despite the weather, late a certificate of attendance from the withdrawals of key speakers and archbishop. the doubts of those who thought In the main pavilion Claire Jones, the timing was wrong, the day was the Royal Harpist, was a great immediately pronounced a great success. Question Time provided success. Around 3,000 people atten- lively discussion, Riding Lights ded the event at the attracted great interest, the Diocesan showground, and the question on choir gave a superb performance most of their lips, as they left, was: and BBC’s Chris Needs was a “When’s the next one?” predictable favourite. The pavilion The archdeacon of St Davids, hosted the final service at which the who chaired the committee which archbishop spoke of looking forward, organised the event, said: “We and, noting the great diversity of always had confidence in the vision activities on offer, of the value of of a ‘church day’ along the lines of diversity. His address won applause. those that have been so successful Letters of appreciation have in Germany, and a fantastic effort been received from around the with lots of hard work by dedicated diocese. Archdeacon John said: “It’s people has seen it through. We are incredible to read letters that use delighted.” terms like ‘spirit filled’ and ‘life There was plenty for everyone enhancing’. The most heartening to see and do, and every tent and comments are those which say that activity area reported interested this was just what the diocese crowds. A vast range of resources needed at this point, and that and a farmers’ market added to the Catalyst might just come to be seen ambience of the day and made sure as a turning point for us.” it had the widest appeal. Several Lambeth bishops receive a Pictures and comments pages 7, 8, 9, 10 warm St Davids welcome A Royal visit to the HE bishops who visited the Hospitality Initiative. The Rt Revd Rt Revd Keith Slater, Bishop of Tdiocese over the second week- Apimeleki Qiliho from the Diocese Grafton, Australia, and the Rt Revd Cathedral Cloisters end of July certainly received a warm of Polynesia, the first indigenous Frank Brookhart, Bishop of welcome, despite the cool weather. Fijian Anglican Bishop, unfortu- Montana, USA, and his wife Susan Our diocese had been asked to host nately failed to obtain a visa and arrived as planned. – full story page 3 – three bishops as part of the Lambeth was unable to travel. Thankfully the Both bishops experienced some Welsh culture during their visit. Bishop Frank visited Welsh medium primary schools and was taken to see the memorial to the poet Waldo Williams. Bishop Keith attended a Welsh service at St James’ Church, Cwmann on the Sunday morning, whilst Bishop Frank and Susan attended St David’s, Meidrim. The bishops were special guests at the Plant Dewi service at the Cathedral. Archdeacon John Holds- worth asked them about their home dioceses. Grafton Diocese is long and thin, following the coast of New South in South Eastern Australia. Bishop Keith described it

Bishops Keith Slater and Frank Bookhart continued on page 2

Menter Esgobaeth Tyddewi . An initiative of the Am ddim Free

??????????????????????? 2 Pobl Dewi, July 2008 GSUS Live New-look Governing Body A themed introduction to Jesus for young people in , September to October 2008 says ‘No’ to Women Bishops Paul Mackness reports on the proceedings

N April 2008, the new look, 144- conscience, accept women bishops. detailed explanations of the pro- Imember, Governing Body (GB) There were those who wished to see cedure and contents. The order will met for the first time in and an effective extra-territorial diocese, return to a future GB meeting for was noticeably smaller than in others who wanted no provision authorisation. previous years. made other than the Pastoral prin- A welcome relief from the heavy Prior to the business of the GB, ciples laid down by the Bench of business was the “Renewable the Sacred Synod had met to confirm Bishops, and a number who wanted Energy” DVD produced by the the election of Very Revd John some form of provision similar to that Standing Committee for GB mem- Davies as the new Bishop of which presently exists with the bers. The DVD looks at some of the Swansea and Brecon. Provincial Assistant Bishop, Rt Revd innovative ways in which Churches The main item of discussion for David Thomas. across the Province have dealt with many was the Bill to allow the It became obvious that it was the challenges of being the Church Ordination of Women to the Epis- going to be a close vote in the House in the 21st Century. It is presented copate (Women Bishops). Members of Clergy. As a “controversial” bill, and masterminded by our own had received a copy of the bill and a it needed 2/3 majority in all three Archdeacon of St Davids, Dr John number of proposed amendments. houses. The Bill failed to make the Holdsworth and copies are available Only two of these, however, had 2/3 required in the House of Clergy from Area Deans. HAT is it? – GSUS Live is be needed to present the programme been recommended by the Select and subsequently fell. Full details of the April 2008 Wan opportunity, free to to students attending the secondary Committee. The debate was very Two other items of business Governing Body can be found on the schools, to introduce young people school in their town. The only civilized, good natured and of high aroused great interest. The first was Provincial website, or in Highlights to Jesus via up-to-date, computer- qualifications are a heart for the quality – a far cry from the GB the new order for Morning and magazine (download from the ised, interactive materials contained Lord and a heart for young people. discussions on the ordination of Evening Prayer that is gradually website or hardcopy circulated to in a large lorry, similar to a super- Presenters need to be able to relate women as priests more than a decade making its way through the necessary parishes). market delivery vehicle. The class- to young people. They may be of any before. procedures for a liturgical bill. A review of ‘Renewable Energy’ room is a pod, which pulls out from age and from different churches and The primary areas of dispute Members were given a draft copy of can be found in page 16 of this issue the trailer and is supported on fellowships, although at least one arose from the provisions to be made the services, and Bishop David and of Pobl Dewi. hydraulic legs. Within the classroom should be a young person, i.e. under for those who could not, in all Revd Catherine Haynes gave very are sixteen computers and seating for 35 years. thirty two students. Seven secondary Volunteers are needed to take schools in Pembrokeshire have down the classroom, prepare the agreed to have the trailer on their trailer for transportation to the next premises for a week each. The venue each Friday afternoon and set How is a new Bishop appointed? materials are based on the themes of up ready for Monday morning. Paul Mackness explains the process Fear, Rejection and Forgiveness. The Training is available for volun- aim is to present the materials to as teers on Saturday 6 September in OLLOWING the resignation of To be a Bishop you must be a have been scheduled for 10 and 24 many young people as possible using . Any willing Bishop Carl, there is a vacancy male Anglican and over 30 years July. the school’s timetable of five to six person who fits the bill should call F in the See of St Davids. But how do of age and the successful candidate The role of the facilitators is lessons each day. It will be possible 01373 823013, [email protected] we get a new Bishop? must secure at least a two thirds threefold: to impact over 4,000 students in or visit www.gsuslive.co.uk. Unlike the , majority in the College. He must 1 To meet the Electors and dis- Pembrokeshire. It is focused on Key To round off the project there the Bishops of the Welsh Church are then signify his willingness to cuss what the vacant diocese is Stage 3 (11 to 14 years), although will be a youth event on Saturday elected by a 47-member Electoral accept the Bishopric within 28 looking for from a new bishop. the materials are suitable for all 25 October in the hall of Sir Thomas College, made up as follows: days, after which a Sacred Synod, 2 To meet the Electors to discuss, students aged 11 to 18 years. Picton School, , 7.00 The 5 other Diocesan Bishops consisting of all the Bishops, meets and produce, a profile of the A team of local Christians will to 8.30pm. (Archbishop is President) to confirm the Bishop Elect. In due vacant Diocese. Timetable 3 Clerical and 3 Lay Electors course the Archbishop together 3 Finally, they meet the Electors from the 5 other Dioceses with the other Bishops of the to oversee a discussion that Milford Haven School 8 to 12 September 6 Clerical and 6 Lay Electors , consecrate the mentions names for potential Sir School, Haverfordwest 15 to 19 September from the vacant Diocese. new Bishop, and, later, he is candidates. This is to ensure that Tasker Milward School, Haverfordwest 22 to 26 September The College traditionally meets enthroned at a service in his own the vacant Diocese’s Electors at Ysgol Preseli 29 to 3 October in the Cathedral Church of the Cathedral Church. least come with some names to vacant Diocese. It begins with a However there is now a pre- the Electoral College. (However Pembroke School 6 to 10 October Eucharist for the Guidance of the Electoral College procedure as the facilitators have no role in Greenhill School, Tenby 13 to 17 October Holy Spirit and then everyone, other well. The Archbishop, as President putting forward names, and the , Fishguard 20 to 24 October than the Electoral College and their of the College, appoints a facili- Electoral College is free to elect staff, must leave, as the proceedings tator, or facilitators, to assist the anyone who fills the correct are conducted in private. If the Electors of the vacant Diocese. In criteria to be a Bishop.) College cannot come to a decision our case the Rt Revd Roy Davies, The Electoral College will meet within three days then the decision former , and the on 1st September and the new passes to the Bench of Bishops (as Rt Revd , former Bishop will be ordained in Llandaff occurred with the election of the last Bishop of Bangor, have been asked Cathedral on 29th November. Bishop of Bangor). to serve as facilitators. Meetings

continued from front page on to ask the congregation to look out hosts. Not surprisingly meals formed for news reports of the bishops an important part of their pro- as very green, similar to Wales. The demonstrating in London in support gramme, providing an opportunity Diocese of Montana in the North of the millennium development goal for fellowship and sharing whether West of the United States is very dry, to eliminate extreme poverty (people over a barbecue, a bring and share and according to Bishop Frank, it living on less than $1 a day) by the lunch, or around the table in a gets very cold in the winter. year 2015. Bishop Keith said that the family’s home. The bishops were asked whether most valuable thing about the As our visitors join the other there was anything on the agenda at conference was the opportunity it bishops and their spouses at the The induction and installation of Revd Ian Girling as Team Vicar the Lambeth Conference which gave of networking with fellow University of Kent in Canterbury of Holy Trinity Church, , took place on 28 April 2008. would interest the congregation. bishops from around the world. please remember the Conference Ven Andy John, Archdeacon of Cardigan, officiated, accompanied Bishop Frank raised a laugh by The bishops also had time for rest participants in your prayers. by Revd Brian Thomas, Area Dean of Llanbadarn Fawr saying ‘Probably nothing!’ He went and relaxation in the company of their – Ann Howells Pobl Dewi, July 2008 3 Thoughts An Encounter with Poverty in Ghana

CYNIC is sometimes hustled back into the dusty crowd from an Adescribed as “A person who with the baby. knows the price of everything and Sadly, people like this woman the value of nothing.” Living in can become engrained cynics as they earthquake today’s materialistic and secular struggle to survive amidst the grip society it is often easy to relate to this of economic, social & spiritual sentiment but it is worth considering poverty. Life is so hard that true zone why this is also true for those who values are extinguished; a precious live in desperate poverty. baby is seen simply in economic by Canon Patrick Thomas on In July last year a colleague terms – either as an extra mouth to his return from Armenia travelled to Ghana in West Africa to feed or as a means of feeding other visit her sponsored child – an 8-year- mouths if sold on. HE television in the corner of old boy called Amos. As she walked Oscar Wilde devoted much of his Tthe café was showing Chinese through the busy local market to meet life to amusing writings that explored earthquake victims being rescued Amos at the school he now attends the truths and ironies of our western from the rubble. No-one reacted. because of her sponsorship, she felt society. Poverty, however, does not Perhaps the pictures awakened too a tug on her tee-shirt. A young even have time for the moral debate. many painful memories. For this Ghanaian woman had something she It ensures that people are deprived was Gyumri (formerly Leninakan), wanted to sell for £20 sterling – the of knowledge as they do not have to be informed of the strategic intent and ensure they are not trafficked into the city that bore the brunt of the beautiful six month old baby girl in access to communication infra- of the child trafficker. a life of deprivation and misery. Armenian earthquake in 1988, her arms. My colleague, stricken structures and are too poor to pay Compassion UK is a Christian For more information please during which tens of thousands died. with horror, tried to explain through school fees. The woman who was long-term development agency that contact Simon and Sharon Shutler Twenty years on, the scars remain. the charity representative who trying to sell the baby may sincerely is helping to break the cycle of (Compassion Area Coordinators Beside the pot-holed track to accompanied her, why she could not believe that all westerners are good poverty through individual child for Wales) on 01558 668898; Marmashen are ghostly shells of accept the offer. The Ghanaian charity workers as this may be her sponsorship. It only takes 60p a day www.compassionuk.org apartment blocks intended to house woman uttered her disgust and limited experience of them. She is yet to sponsor a vulnerably poor child the survivors. The Soviet Union collapsed, Armenia was blockaded, a bitter war broke out in Nagorno- Karabakh, and the building pro- gramme ground to a halt. Many people still live in wretched Royal approval for ‘temporary’ accommodation. On the road to Spitak is another heart- rending memorial: the massive earthquake cemetery. Each of the Cloisters project polished granite headstones has the face of a lost loved one engraved N Monday 23rd June their was met by the breathtaking view upon it. ORoyal Highnesses The Prince which establishes for most visitors On the square, the Church of the of Wales and The Duchess of that St Davids Cathedral is indeed Mother of God and the Seven Cornwall paid a visit to St Davids a very special place. They were Wounds, though still under repair, Cathedral as a part of their annual welcomed by a great crowd made is functioning. The parish priest, an Wales week. The purpose of the up of people of the town, visitors elderly Iranian Armenian, comes visit was the inauguration of the and the children of Ysgol Bro forward to greet me. “Once we were new cloisters, the rebuilding of Dewi. seven priests,” he says. Now he is which is the culmination of 80 In the Nave the couple met and alone. Unlike most Armenians, he years of vision, hard work and chatted with many of the people is able to slot Anglicanism into his fund-raising. The royal couple who are involved in all aspects of Christian world-view. “Canterbury arrived at the Cathedral in bright Cathedral life, and were offered a was here,” he smiles, “after the sunshine, stopping at Porth y Twr stunning rendition of ‘A prayer of earthquake.” and walking down the thirty nine St David’ by Alexander Mason, the Sanctuary steps. This was the Duchess’s first Organist and Master of Choristers, official visit to St Davids and she sung by the girls of the Cathedral He takes me to his church’s greatest Choir. treasure. In a little room to one side In the North Transept the royal of the sanctuary is a small picture. couple met representatives of those It shows Christ’s broken body, with The painting is a reminder that responsible for the realisation and rays of light shining from his seven Christ has shared their wounds and execution of the design of the wounds. Mary looks at her son with through him God understands their Cloisters Project. It was approved love and sorrow. “This is two pain. Our Lord’s grieving mother and encouraged by both the thousand years old,” the priest states is one with all the bereaved mothers diocesan and secular planning confidently. “It was painted by Saint of Gyumri – which may explain authorities, funded through the Luke himself.” why the statue of Lenin, destroyed efforts of the Appeal Steering Scepticism kicks in. The painting during the earthquake, was Group and carried out by a team of looks suspiciously like a copy of a replaced by one of Mary, holding skilled designers and craftsmen Counter-Reformation print, perhaps an enormous cross. What matters working under the direction of dating from an unsuccessful 16th is not the painting’s authenticity or Peter Bird, Cathedral Architect. As century Roman Catholic mission. otherwise – but simply the message Patron of the Cloisters Project, the And yet there is something about that it teaches. Prince took time to question and Mary’s face which recalls the sixth century Cathedral. Here the reflected on the style and skill Tears listen to those involved and was century portrait of her in the Etch- sympathetic design and precise skill exercised in the execution of the The gentle priest puts his hand on impressed by the finished scheme. miadzin Gospels. Perhaps the of the building team speak for Scheme and the benefit to the my head to give me a blessing. picture really is an ancient one. The New Treasury themselves. Cathedral and diocese, parish and My guide is worried that I’ll be old priest contemplates it with quiet The Prince and Duchess passed The young and enthusiastic community of such an ambitious but offended. “Kahane e” (“He’s a reverence. through the new Treasury and were refectory staff next met the royal successful project. priest”), she hisses to the old In the corner of the room a man able to view previously unseen couple who then went up into the The day was a great success and man. He takes no notice, but stands lost in prayer. Suddenly the treasures now available to the Refectory where they met the a fitting culmination to many years concludes his prayer. My eyes fill true significance of the picture public. Cathedral Chapter and numerous of hard work and vision – and in all with tears. There could be no strikes me. The priest and his In the Cloisters there was a contributors to the project. a fine testament to the drive and greater privilege than to be community have experienced moment to stop and appreciate the The Prince completed the determination of Wyn Evans, Dean. blessed by this holy man. appalling suffering, living for two new building, bathed in sunshine Inauguration by unveiling a plaque – Maggie Hemming decades with the resulting trauma. within the setting of the twelfth to commemorate the event. He 4 Pobl Dewi, July 2008 Tantur: Building a Giving Church: ‘A Journey of Reading a Living Church ITH young people in mind, Reconciliation’ Wand the need to ‘get the message of financial stewardship across early’, the Investing in John Powell tells of Mission Team has published an reconciliation efforts in a imaginative children’s activity corner of the Holy Land brochure, entitled ‘Building a ARLIER this year I was Giving Church: Reading a Living Eprivileged to be part of a group Church’. which visited the Holy Land. This The 4-page booklet includes was made possible by the British specially commissioned art work, Trust for Tantur and the individual illustrations from vintage photo- efforts of Lord Carey, who is one of graphs, word games and instruc- the trustees. tions for children to cut out and Members of the group were assemble their own ‘giving church’. drawn from various churches which Two related Bible stories are also ensured that we would have an there – The House on the Rocks, ecumenical outlook on ‘Reconcilia- (Luke 6:47-49) retold in a fast- around the Cathedral’, at St David’s tion’, which was to be our theme for moving rap-style poem, and The on 28 August, to which everyone is study and reflection. Widow’s Mite, (Mark 12: 41-44) welcome. Tantur, meaning ‘a little hill top’ accompanied by some interesting ‘Building a Giving Church: in Arabic, sits in a strategic position facts about mites – the money not the Reading a Living Church’ was on the southern edge of Jerusalem midges! launched at Catalyst on 5 July, overlooking Bethlehem and we The booklet is copyright free and accompanied by helium-filled were told that soldiers from both easily photocopiable, providing an balloons and pin badges proclaim- sides of the hostilities met here, on opportunity to introduce children to ing that God loves a cheerful giver: neutral ground, during recent fight- the Investing in Mission message and Mae Duw yn caru rhoddwr llon, ing. It commands breathtaking highlighting the 2008 National Year publicising our Building a Giving views, but, beautiful as it may be, of Reading. Church campaign. the reality of the situation is very within it there are a hundred ‘What is God saying to me?’ One The ‘cut and build’ church will Copies are available from Chris different. nationalities and people from all over of our worship sessions began with feature as a craft activity at the Stephens, tel: 01437 541272 These are divided communities the world have made their mark on the question ‘What is God saying NYOR children’s event, ‘Reading and the first thing to catch the eye is this tiny state. The non-Jewish to me during this worship time?’ a large wall stretching into the population comprises one-sixth of God and neighbour were seen as local leaders, being a place to meet had offered me the opportunity to distance, known as the ‘Separation the total, including Muslim, Christian two essentials for the journey and rest and offering a neutral ground interact with such amazing local Barrier’ by the Israeli Government, Arabs and Druze. towards reconciliation which, in for debate. It also holds three-week leaders. The potential for peace in who erected it to prevent suicide We held conversations with a itself, is seen as the very mission of and three-month courses for lay and this region is immense; the potential bombers from entering Jerusalem, as Jewish Rabbi, a Christian scholar, the Church. ordained people from all over the for bloodshed is always a possibility. they had done in the past to such a Christian pastor, a Muslim worker Tantur represents reconciliation world. Let us pray that peace and justice will devastating effect. for peace and others. We were told and reaches out to communities I came away feeling privileged prevail. Israel may be one nation but to listen to their stories and then ask around it by holding discussions with to have been part of this group which Cyfieithu ar Gyfer Catalydd Wales is World’s First Despite the fact that being a translator makes you feel basically oedden nhw yn ei wneud. Er mai Fair Trade Nation weak and lonely – you have to make yourself invisible and work dim ond un aelod o’r tîm yr wyf on your own – Lyn Dafis says the experience of working with the wedi cyfarfod erioed, rwy’n Catalyst team was a very positive one. If the translation of teimlo fy mod yn eu hadnabod ITH the help of dedicated materials enables the Church in Wales, and the Diocese of St nhw i gyd yn dda. Un o Wvolunteers from churches, Davids, to fulfil its mission to proclaim the good news about Jesus uchafbwyntiau Catalydd i mi fydd Wales has become the world’s first in a way which is relevant to the people of west Wales then it is cael i gyfarfod â gweddill y tîm Fair Trade Nation and is pioneering more than worth it wyneb yn wyneb a dod i’w the way in helping poor, developing hadnabod yn well. world producers get a fair price for AE bod yn gyfieithydd yn ddiolchgar a gwerthfawrogol Credaf ei bod hi’n bwysig their products. Mgwneud i rywun deimlo’n oeddent, nid oedd hi’n bosib iawn fod yr Eglwys yng First Minister, Rhodri Morgan wan. Mae’r teimlad hwn yn derbyn unrhyw atborth go iawn Nghymru, ac yn arbennig congratulated the many hundreds hawdd i’w deall oherwydd nid oes ganddynt. Weithiau, pan rydych Esgobaeth Tyddewi, yn of local volunteers for their work dim gan y cyfieithydd i’w wneud chi wedi llwyddo i gyfieithu defnyddio’r Gymraeg yn naturiol in ensuring this remarkable land- ond cyfieithu. Gall golygydd rhywbeth sy’n arbennig o anodd yn ei bywyd bob dydd fel rhan o’i mark was achieved. benderfynu ar beth sy’n i’w ddeall yn y Saesneg chenhadaeth i bregethu’r Fair Trade leaders from de- ymddangos yn ei gyhoeddiad, ac gwreiddiol i’r Gymraeg mae dyn newyddion da am Iesu mewn veloping countries marked the mae’r awdur yn cael ysgrifennu yn teimlo ei fod wedi cyflawni ffordd sy’n berthnasol. Os yw occasion by starting a Fair Trade yr hyn y mae’n ei ddymuno yn y camp ac mae angen rhyw ffurf ar hi’n rhaid cyfieithu er mwyn Wales flag journey. They pre- 22 counties. Moreover, in less ffordd y mae’n ei ddymuno yn ei affirmiad. Mae sylwadau creu’r amgylchiadau lle mae sented Welsh Assembly Govern- than a year over 400 schools have ysgrif. Ond gwaith y cyfieithydd beirniadol yn hanfodol hefyd, gan hynny’n bosib yna dwi’n teimlo ment Minister for Environment, committed to learning about yw bod yn gwbl anweledig; y bod cyfieithydd yn ei chael hi’n fod y gwaith yr wyf fi a Sustainability and Housing, Jane Fairtrade and using Fairtrade funud y mae’n dod i’r amlwg ac anodd iawn i ddianc yn llwyr oddi chyfieithwyr gwirfoddol eraill yn Davidson, with the flag at a Fair products. mae’n tynnu sylw at ei hun – fel wrth gysgod yr iaith y mae’n ei wneud yn bwysig iawn. Ond Trade conference in Newport on We are reminded, however, arfer oherwydd camgymeriad neu cyfieithu ohoni, yn enwedig pan hoffwn ein gweld ni yn meddwl 7th June to celebrate the start of that being a Fair Trade Nation is a gam gyfieithiad – mae rhywbeth taw Saesneg yw’r iaith honno. yn fwy diwinyddol am sut a pham its journey. The flag will visit journey, not a destination, and that wedi mynd o’i le. Ond mae’n rhaid imi ddweud, yr ydym yn defnyddio’r Gymraeg every county in Wales over the the awareness and consumption of Roedd bod yn gyfieithydd ar er gwaetha’r ‘cwynion’ hyn, ei fel rhan o’n ffordd ni o fod yn coming months, finally arriving in Fair Trade products by the people, gynllun Catalydd yn medru bod bod hi wedi bod yn fraint i fod yn eglwys Crist yn y rhan hon o’r Cardiff in time for St Davids Day, organisations and businesses of yn waith unig. Nid oedd yr un gyfieithydd ar gyfer Catalydd, a byd ac yn ddilynwyr i Iesu yng 2009. Wales must continue to grow. This aelod arall o’r tîm golygyddol yn bod yn rhan o dîm a oedd yn Nghymru’r unfed ganrif ar Today in Wales there are Fair is something with which we can deall Cymraeg ac felly, er mor credu yn angerddol yn yr hyn yr hugain. Trade groups in 58 towns and all all get involved. Pobl Dewi, July 2008 5 Open Church Day 2008

John Winton encourages churches to open their doors on 6 September

HE former Bishop of Swansea Wales by opening their doors for a partnerships with other churches Tand Brecon, Anthony Pierce, few hours on the designated day. and attractions can help to maximise had the idea of one of the European Churches Tourism Network Wales publicity. Having events in the Heritage Days being dedicated to (CTNW) has been engaged by the church on that day for different Open Church Day. 2007 was the first Church in Wales to administer this groups can help to make a closer real attempt at this and it was project on their behalf. contact with the “new” people who successful in that more than 150 A Toolkit (www.ctnw.co.uk/ will be attracted through the door. churches throughout Wales took part. toolkit) has been produced which There will be a connection The simple objective is to en- gives many ideas about how the between the amount of marketing courage and help all churches and churches can “go the extra mile” and publicity undertaken by chapels to regain their place and make the visitor’s experience churches and the number of visitors. amongst the Heritage Attractions of even more memorable. Creating Using local media and community websites, distributing fliers and putting up notices in shops, pubs, libraries and so on, will make a significant difference. The Journey Whether or not the day is a success is a matter of expectation. I received two letters after last year’s event – the first said how pleased Continues they were that five people, who would not otherwise have visited the Daphne Evans explains why church schools in the church, enjoyed their visit – the diocese will receive a Catalyst pack second said that it wasn’t worth opening because only six people ITH eight of our Church biblical activities, music, art and came! Wschools performing at drama. It should be remembered that Catalyst and two more displaying The pack, compiled by working most visitors to churches are affected by the “wow” factor – the children’s work and photographs, group, will contain a wooden cross, The St Davids Tourism Group whole experience, the sights, smells exemplar projects and if any church we wanted Catalyst to be the illustrations of the Millennium is a contributor to CTNW and is and warmth of welcome. Very few in the diocese would like to get in beginning and not the end of a new stained glass window at PentipVA chaired by Jeremy Martineau, with visit for some architectural artefact. touch about this, or would like chapter in their spiritual journey. School and the award winning life Dennis Wight and Sarah Geach as When planning the interpretation of advice, please contact Jeremy at The Schools’ Committee size Dewi Sant at the Model School, members. It is hoped to have three the building the maxim should be [email protected]. Catalyst Working Group has there- as well as prayers, songs, poems, churches in each archdeaconry as fore decided that in September, on bible readings, word searches, Tell the Story not the History. their return from holidays, each bookmarks, a parish CD Rom, ideas Church school in our Diocese will for new spiritual opportunities and receive a free Catalyst pack to memorable photographs taken on 5 enable them to create a display in July to celebrate a wonderful day. their school hall or foyer. It is hoped We hope that the pack will be a Pererindodau Bach Cymraeg that the display will inspire pupils, catalyst for schools to develop new teachers, parents and school initiatives, provide exciting worship After the loss of their church building, the Welsh-language congregation of Dewi Sant, governors to use Catalyst as a and design an enhanced RE Carmarthen, now shares a building with the English congregation of Christ Church. Canon springboard for reflection, prayer, curriculum. Patrick Thomas explains that, recognising the former congregation of Dewi Sant needed encouragement after such a shock, he has instigated monthly ‘little’ pilgrimages. These visits to local churches for a service followed by meal and a time of fellowship have proved to be a time of refreshment and encouragement for the congregation

ETH mawr yw colli eglwys, hanesyddol. Yn y cylch Wedi Ar ôl y profiad diflas o gau’r Pond dyna oedd profiad anodd cyrraedd yno fe gawn wasanaeth eglwys, mae’r pererindodau ffyddloniaid Dewi Sant, Caerfyrddin. Cymraeg, anerchiad am hanes yr wedi adfywio ein cynulleidfa Ar ôl i ran o’r adeilad gwympo i eglwys benodol a chyfle i edrych Gymraeg, gan roi hunan-hyder lawr yn annisgwyl, daethpwyd o o’i hamgylch. Wedyn fe awn i newydd i ni a dyfnhau hyd i ddiffygion strwythurol gael bwyd mewn ty^ bwyta lleol a cyfeillgarwch (a ffyddlondeb) yr eraill a bu’r cost o atgyweirio yn chyfle i gymdeithasu. addolwyr. Rwy’n credo y ormod i’r gynulleidfa, er Mae’r pererindodau hyn yn byddem i gyd yn barod i gwaethaf ymdrech arwrol i digwydd bob mis, ac maent argymell yr arferiad i eglwysi godi’r arian. Bellach mae’r erbyn hyn yn rhan hyfryd o eraill sydd am gael hwb bach i aelodau wedi ymgartrefu fel y batrwm bywyd y plwyf. Yn godi’r galon. gynulleidfa Gymraeg yn Eglwys ogystal ag aelodau o’r Cynulleidfa Gymraeg Eglwys Crist, Heol Awst. Cawsom gynulleidfa Gymraeg, mae sawl Crist, Caerfyrddin dderbyniad twymgalon yno gan cyfaill Cymraeg o’r gynulleidfa selogion ein chwaer-eglwys Saesneg yn ymuno â nhw. Fel Saesneg. arfer rhwng 20 a 25 sy’n dod (a Tua diwedd 2007 dim yr un rhai bob tro). Fe penderfynodd y ficer, Canon rannwn geir er mwyn arbed y Patrick Thomas, fod angen planed – a rhoi cyfle i’r rhai nad gweithgarwch arbennig i godi ydynt yn gyrru. Hyd yn hyn calonnau a chryfhau cyfeillach y rydym wedi ymweld ag eglwysi gynulleidfa Gymraeg. Gyda Pontargothi, Llanddowror, chymorth Mr Eric Jones, warden Llanarthne a , gan y gynulleidfa, fe aeth ati i gael croeso arbennig ym mhob drefnu’r cyntaf o’r un, gan fwynhau pryd o fwyd ‘Pererindodau Bach Cymraeg’. blasus ar y ffordd yn ôl. Y syniad yw i grw^ p o’r Llansaint yw’r eglwys nesaf ar y eglwyswyr ddod at ei gilydd ar rhestr, ac mae digon o eglwysi fore dydd Gwener a mynd i weld diddorol eraill i’n cadw ni i fynd Pentip VA School’s Millennium window eglwys o ddiddordeb am flynyddoedd maith. 6 Pobl Dewi, July 2008 Living Stones Ordinations – 2008 Richard Wood, a regular contributor to Pobl Dewi, is the newly-ordained Assistant Curate in the Benefice of with and Llanddewi with Llanbadarn Trefeglwys (which he now pronounces with ease!)

HE last time I wrote for Pobl So, a week and a half into the TDewi, I, and six others in this role, what has being a Deacon and Diocese, were beginning the final Curate been about so far? Rather approach to our ordination; some as reassuringly; people and God. deacons and others as priests. Now, Hospital visits, the drop-in centre, on the other side of a relatively meeting churchwardens, school nerve-wracking service, I’m assemblies and lunch clubs, services officially a ‘Reverend’, and have in care homes, a day at Catalyst – started working in the parish. It took and there have been Sundays too! less than a week before my first Seeing God at work in people’s lives “Morning, Father”, and as it came is a beautiful thing – and it’s from an elderly gentleman, it was a happening all over the place! particularly unusual experience. I My first sermon (delivered managed to refrain from quoting wearing my shiny-and-far-too-new- Left to right: The Very Revd Wyn Evans, Dean St Davids; Canon Aled Griffiths, Acting Diocesan Matthew 23:9, and simply returned looking preaching scarf) was based Director of Ordinands; Peter Davies (Priest); Richard Wood (Deaconed); Hilary Morgan, Acting a greeting! around Jesus’ question to Peter; Registrar; The Most Revd Dr , ; Revd Brian Jones; Jennie Evans “Who do you say I am?” from (Priest); Peter Jones (Deaconed); Peter Ratcliffe (Deaconed); The Ven John Holdsworth, Archdeacon Matthew 16. Peter, as we know, got of St Davids; Peter Neil (Deaconed) and John McHale (Deaconed). the answer right, and prompted Jesus’ famous response. Of course, getting on with it. Christians visit the Diocese and the whole Church. His way. That’s my job as a Deacon there are a couple of ways of hospitals, run the drop-in centre, are Being a living stone is taking our and Curate, but it’s also our job, the understanding Peter being called the churchwardens, work in the place in what God is building, and role of the whole Church. As we ‘the rock’, but Peter himself went schools, help in the care home and knowing our place, our vocation, minister together, ordained or on to recognise (in 1 Peter 2:4-5) gather to worship on Sundays – and calling or ministry is all-important. otherwise, let’s keep pointing to our that the Church is made up of living far more besides! Each and every John the Baptist knew who he was foundation stone. stones, with Jesus as the foundation. one has a ministry in the parish, because he knew who he wasn’t. He [email protected] The living stones that I’ve met here whether they know it or not, and I’m wasn’t the Messiah, he was the one http://ornamentalsheep.blogspot.com have been showing me what ‘being sure that extends to the whole who was to point to Him, to prepare Richard Wood with The Most the Church’ and ‘doing ministry’ is Revd Dr Barry Morgan all about, because they’re already Imaging the Bible in Wales in the 19th and 20th centuries -Guy reports from the conference

VER one hundred people paintings of Ivor Williams of Llandaff; Liturgy’, in which the Revds Tom Oparticipated in an important Dr Hannah Dentinger (USA) on the Devonshire Jones (founding Director conference held at Aberystwyth engravings of David Jones; and Dr of Art & Christianity Enquiry), Brian University between 31 March and 3 Sharman Kadish (Manchester) on the Doolan (until recently Dean of St April. Entitled ‘Imaging the Bible in art and architecture of Jewish Chad’s Catholic Cathedral, Wales in the 19th and 20th centuries’, synagogues in Wales. Birmingham), Jean Lamb (like Fr the conference was an outcome of the There were also papers by Vessey, a working priest-artist); and Arts & Humanities Research Council- distinguished scholars based locally; the internationally-known stained- funded project based in the Alun Adams (Swansea) on Karl glass artist Amber Hiscott – who has department of Theology at University Parsons, one of whose most impor- work in this diocese at Cardigan and of Wales, Lampeter, with the same tant windows is in St Mary’s, Tenby; – took part. name, and was organised and hosted Peter Lord (Swan-sea) on Artisan Associated with the conference by that project’s research team, Dr Painters and Popular Print-Makers in was an exhibition of new Biblically- Martin O’Kane, the Revd Dr John Wales; and Dr Andreas Andeopoulos inspired artwork by students from the Morgan-Guy and Martin Crampin. (Lampeter) on the theology and School of Art, which remained open The conference began with a significance of Orthodox Icons. There to the public subsequently, and the public lecture at the National Library was a stimulating panel discussion, launch of a book, recently published of Wales given to a packed audience chaired by the Revd Andrew Vessey by SPCK and edited by Dr O’Kane, by Professor John Harvey of of St Mary’s, Swansea – himself a Imaging the Bible: An Introduction Aberystwyth’s School of Art, entitled practising artist – on ‘Biblical Art in to Biblical Art, which arose out of the ‘The Bible and Art in Wales: A the Service of the Church and the project’s first conference in 2006. Nonconformist Perspective’. There then followed, over the ensuing three days, an intensive programme of Contributions to Pobl Dewi lectures and seminars. These included Dr Alison Smith of Tate Britain We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, speaking on one of the foremost we would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. Christian stained-glass artists of the Revd Don MacGregor [email protected], 20th century, John Petts, whose work is the lead editor of the next issue and will be pleased to is well represented in this diocese, hear from anyone who would like to submit an article. where he lived for many years; the The other regional editors can be contacted as follows: Revd Professor Christopher Rowland Revd Nicholas Cale [email protected], of Oxford, on the Images of the Tessa Briggs [email protected] Apoca-lypse engraved by the ‘The Good Shepherd’, Victoria Road (United Reformed) Chapel, Alternatively, articles can be posted to:Pobl Dewi, The Gregynog-based Blair Hughes- Newport, Monmouthshire Diocesan Office, , Carmarthen, SA31 2JG marked Stanton; Professor Philip Esler of St Photo: Martin Crampin for the attention of ‘The Editor’. Copyright: Imaging the Bible project, University of Wales, Lampeter Andrews on the Biblically-inspired Pobl Dewi, July 2008 7 Catalyst Roundup

“Question Time was absolutely brilliant!”

“Chris Needs was a big hit”

”We left the Schools Tent on a high”

“‘Claire Jones was a joy, and absolutely delightful with the children”’

A 4-page pullout of photos taken at the event 8 Pobl Dewi, July 2008 Cof Cenedl

“The hat stall was great fun”

“God’s rainbow people gathered to sing to the Lord of wind and rain” Pobl Dewi, July 2008 9

“The highlight for me was Riding Lights Theatre Group – they were fantastic. You wouldn’t need any sermons in church if you had them” 10 Pobl Dewi, July 2008

“A life enhancing experience”

“It was a privilege to be there”

“It was a truly inspirational event”

You’re never too Time for a cuppa! young to pray!

The end of the day Pobl Dewi, July 2008 11 Religious Education in the Foundation Phase Planting Potatoes Heather Cale, Pembrokeshire Foundation Phase Training and Support Officer, considers the part RE can play in the new curriculum for 3-7 year olds Provides Parish EPTEMBER sees the beginning There has been much media for every 8 children means that our Sof a new era for education for hype about children playing all day, youngest children will be able to 3 -7 year olds in Wales. The “Foun- but the Foundation Phase is about learn in small groups, appropriate Profits dation Phase” aims to provide an much more than children playing. It to their level of development and appropriate curriculum for the aims to provide children with individual needs. For 5-7 year olds By Nick Cale youngest children in our education practical, relevant and experiential this will become 1 adult for every system. Children will be taught opportunities for learning. Children 15 children. through seven areas of learning: will be involved in planning their What part does RE have in this Personal and Social Development, own ideas as well as being involved new curriculum? An Additional Extra, Cultural Diversity and Well Being; in planned adult-led activities. or A New Opportunity? I strongly Language, Literacy and Communi- By involving children in their believe that RE can find a place right cation; Mathematical Development; own learning, they should be highly at the heart of this new curriculum if Physical Development; Knowledge motivated and the Foundation Phase teachers think and plan flexibly and and Understanding of the World; seeks to find a balance between creatively. The Foundation Phase is a Creative Development and Welsh encouraging children to develop framework for children’s learning, Language Development. independent problem-solving and “not a straightjacket”. Any topic/ The intention is that learning and thinking skills whilst providing theme can be explored; all it takes is teaching will not happen in distinct appropriate guidance to ensure that a little commitment and imagination. separate sessions, but rather that a children make appropriate progress. From a Religious Education point of holistic, thematic and flexible There will be a greater emphasis view this is great news, as we have approach will be adopted. Religious on learning in the outdoors, too – the freedom to make religious-based Education will also be taught something which many children themes our starting points, rather than alongside these areas, but it can also currently do not experience in their an additional after thought. Let us not be taught through any of the other everyday lives. For 3-5 year olds an be afraid to take up the challenge! areas too. increased adult/child ratio of 1 adult

Davids reputation for musical and liturgical excellence. Friends Forever Neither are the Friends merely a Harri Williams, Secretary of The Friends of St Davids financial organization. They exist as Cathedral, explains the history and purpose behind the a network of individuals, corporate worldwide association which supports our ‘Mother Church’ groups and parishes who pray for the work of the Cathedral, and who, URING the 1930’s there arose responsible for providing that through their membership, actively Damongst Britons a deep concern financial support. witness to its mission and ministry. for the welfare of cathedrals and The Friends, throughout their 75 The Friends is a worldwide associa- in many cases ‘Friends of the year history, have consistently tion which has the Christian message Cathedral’ were born. St Davids was supported the building projects of the of care, faith and fellowship at its certainly no exception, and under the Dean and Chapter; from the heart. IKE many other parishes, the their labours. Interest centred around leadership of Dean Watcyn Morgan restoration of St Mary’s Hall in the The role of the Friends is, there- LSocial and Fundraising Com- the weighing table, to see who had in 1932 the Friends of St Davids 1960’s under Dean T. E. Jenkins, to fore, to continue to support the mittee of Wiston Church had been managed to grow the heaviest crop, Cathedral was founded. the Millennium Project under the maintenance and development of our struggling, at their meeting earlier whilst home-made barbecue food The official purpose of the leadership of the present Dean, Cathedral Church, which welcomes this year, to come up with some new and drinks were served in the nearby Friends is ‘to assist the Dean and which includes the re-building of the hundreds of thousands of visitors and and interesting ideas for fundraising. barn. Some people were confident of Chapter in the maintenance of the medieval cloisters. pilgrims each year and seeks to offer All the usual ideas such as coffee a heavy crop, having given much Cathedral, to provide monies for the The Friends’ work is not confined a place of worship and hospitality, a mornings, treasure hunts and fetes attention to their potato plant, whilst beautifying of the fabric of the to building projects. They also building of splendour and beauty. were suggested, but nothing really others were less confident, having Cathedral and its environs, and to provide the annual salary of a lay If you are interested in becoming caught our imagination. That was left their potatoes much neglected to raise capital sums for emergency member of staff, purchase vestments a Friend, or would like your parish until one of our members, Mrs Gill the elements. projects.’ Due to the disestablishment for the Cathedral, have in the past to become a corporate member and Morris, suggested an idea she had One person (who shall remain of the Church in Wales in 1920 the provided housing for a Minor Canon, support the ‘Mother Church’, then heard of from a parish elsewhere. nameless, but suffice to say he was Dean and Chapter were left without and beginning in September, are please contact The Friends’ Secretary The idea was to sell parishioners the only person at the event wearing any form of endowment to maintain heavily financing the creation of three at Deanery Office, the Close, St and friends a single potato and a large a clerical collar!) came close to and enhance Wales’ national shrine choral scholarships in the Cathedral. Davids, Pembs, SA62 6RD. By bucket. Each person was then given winning a prize, but the crop dug and so the Friends have been This latest venture will secure the St joining us you will secure the future the task of growing the potato in up coming ready-wrapped in a of our Cathedral Church and join whichever way they thought would Tesco Value plastic bag quickly hundreds of individuals who keep the be most successful, as long as it was gave the game away! Cathedral in their hearts, their minds grown in the bucket provided. The The true winning crop was and in their prayers. potatoes and buckets were supplied awarded to Mrs Yvonne Morgan in the spring, and a date arranged for and her two daughters, who had a family barbecue evening, to be held managed to produce a magnificent in the parish in July, to which the 6lb 8oz of potatoes – enough to feed Final copy date growers were asked to return them, the whole family for Sunday lunch still hopefully growing in their the next day. Other prizes were for the next issue buckets, to be dug up for a weigh- awarded to the most amusing shape in. of potato, being won by a decidedly of Pobl Dewi The enterprise quickly roused the duck-shaped potato, and a booby interest of many in our parish, with prize awarded to the smallest crop. everyone wanting to have a go, from Altogether, the enterprise proved is experienced potato farmers to novice to be a novel way to raise funds for gardeners. Potatoes and buckets the church, with over £1,000 in total 7th November were sold for £5 each to over 80 being raised by the event, including people, raising over £400 for church the barbecue, and a fun, family Lead regional editor is funds. orientated event was enjoyed as a Dedication of Nave Altar Frontal in memory of Mr Ray Tarr. The weigh-in took place in early bonus. There are already calls for Pictured are (l to r): Mr Harri Williams (Secretary), The Dean, Revd Don MacGregor July, when many parishioners and another event next year, unless the Ms Adele Pearson (who made the frontal), Mrs Shirley Tarr, Canon [email protected] friends gathered at the barbecue Committee come up with another Jonathan Lean (Canon Residentiary) evening, eager to see the results of exciting new idea. 12 Pobl Dewi, July 2008 Parishioner A Joyful Noise wins Global Award Jonathan Copus reports from this year’s RSCM West Wales area Festival Service Author of children’s educational books, Valerie Wood-Gaiger orty talented and enthusiastic MBE, who was featured in Pobl Dewi in March 2007, has Fsingers from all over West Wales now won a Global Women Inventors and Innovators Network arrayed behind St Davids Cathedral ‘Special Recognition Award for Innovation in Education’ Choir on a spring Saturday evening? T the presentation ceremony, that people like my mum can do What can it be? The twentieth annual Aheld in Cardiff in March, with her grandchildren.’ area Festival Service of the Royal Operational Director of GWIIN, Dr Valerie explained that the School of Church Music, that’s what. Sheila Ochugboju, said, ‘Like many ground-breaking educational con- After hearing Gibbons’ fluid and other working women, I could not cept in her books was not the only effortlessly-worked introit ‘Almighty do my work without support from innovation, and that she and her and Everlasting God’, a setting of the my mother who cares for my friend, Carol Nunnerley, have also traditional Collect of the Third children while I am away. Valerie’s developed a new system which will Sunday after Trinity, it’s tempting to books, with their unique Learn with enable minority languages to be wonder why other composers didn’t Grandma educational pages, are printed together, which will dram- simply lay down their pens. designed to bring the stories to life atically reduce printing costs. Fortunately, they didn’t, and the and suggest all sorts of fun activities choir went on to sing works as diverse as the atmospheric opening to Elgar’s ‘The Apostles’, Tchaikovsky’s ‘Hymn to the Trinity’ (patently designed for Russian basses weaned on vodka) and professional in his field was a of awards in the RSCM’s Voice for the mighty, dramatic anthem for eight- thoroughly inspiring and illuminating Life training scheme. The Dean’s part choir, semi-chorus and organ ‘I experience. Paul’s high standards Award was won by Gina Edwards saw the Lord’ by John Stainer – were demanded with engaging (Distinction), Helen Howell (Merit), written when he was only 18 and humour, and drew the best from the Sarah Helliwell (Merit), all of deservedly a staple of the Victorian group of dedicated amateurs (in the Canticum Novum; Martha Park- anthem repertoire. true sense of that word). hurst (Distinction) of Lampeter Under the baton of Paul Spicer, In the afternoon we were joined University Chapel; and Rebecca Conductor of the Finzi Singers and by singers of an altogether more Deeley and Abigail Ingram of the Professor of Choral Conducting at exalted status in the form of the Cathedral. the Royal College of Music, singers Cathedral Choir, who seem to go The Bishop’s Award was won by drawn from RSCM-affiliated choirs from strength to strength in their Helen Davies (Merit) and Sarah in the area gathered in the Cathedral’s tonal quality, sensitivity and Helliwell, both of Canticum Novum; Music School for a morning of hard responsiveness. Janet Webb of St Peter’s, Carmar- but productive rehearsal. All agreed Ending the day with an act of then; Alison Wood of Lampeter that working with such an eminent worship rather than a performance University Chapel; and Sarah Dixon not only puts the music in context but of the Cathedral. adds a vital dimension and purpose. Dr Margaret Wilkins of Canticum As always, the proceedings Novum won a Gold Award. What Dads Add – included the presentation by the Congratulations to all! Dean, the Very Revd Wyn Evans, The MU extends support to Fathers

OTHERS are far more likely Mthan dads to arrange the baptism of their child. But recent Get Online! research by the Church of England has revealed that dads feel an equal It’s never been easier for a parish to make its presence responsibility toward the spiritual felt in cyberspace, reports Jonathan Copus nurture of their child. Working with the Church, and AT your heart out, Gutenberg! incumbent’s permission, just con- Family Life and Marriage Education EIt took you over half a day to tacts the Church in Wales HQ in network, the Mothers’ Union has typeset just one page of your famous Cardiff and asks for a username and produced a pocket-sized card which Bible – and then you had to print it password. These give access to an can be given to fathers having their and bind it. Just over 550 years later, online guide and an on-screen form baby baptised. ordinary folk can publish anything to fill in with details of the parish. they want on the Web, and within Then you click on ‘Create Website’, The role of father seconds the results can be read by and that’s exactly what happens. The card, called ‘What Dads millions the world over. You can return as often as you like Add’, includes ideas for giving As people get used to finding to update news, events, times of spiritual care, prayers and an information online, websites have services and so forth, or to add explanation of the Baptism promises become an increasingly important photographs. Because all the hard as well as affirming the role of a part of the mission and ministry of work has been done by professional father. the Church. At a parish level, the website designers behind the scenes, It also promotes a website snag has always been that it’s taken your website instantly has that www.whatdadsadd.co.uk which someone with a bit of computing polished feel to it. gives further resources and ideas for savvy to build and maintain it. Now, Websites can be set up by Dads and churches. though, all that has changed. The individual parishes, rectorial bene- Although it has been encourag- Church in Wales Parish Website fices or benefices with groups of ing and equipping parents to Scheme means virtually anyone who parishes – though duplication isn’t develop the faith of their child for can write an email can set up a site allowed. Parishes with existing many years, this is the first time the with a really professional look, and websites can also apply to join the Christian charity has reached out update it at the click of a mouse. No scheme. And the best part of all is specifically to fathers. special skills or software are needed that it’s entirely free. What Dads Add cards can be – just an Internet connection and a For more information visit obtained from the Mothers’ Union, little spare time. http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/ by calling 020 72225533, or The process couldn’t be simpler. parishwebsite/ [email protected] Any member of the parish, with the or contact [email protected]. Pobl Dewi, July 2008 13

with , when the Children’s Society pulled out of Wales, and it Obituary The High Sheriff and Plant Dewi exists to serve the needs of children, young people and vulnerable families CLAIRE Mansel Lewis, recently installed as High Sheriff of Dyfed at a service in in the county. The charity works in BASIL RICHARDS Parish Church, considers her forthcoming year in office and explains, in an interview with conjunction with Social Services to Tessa Briggs, why Plant Dewi is her nominated charity deliver parenting classes, quality HE death of Mr Basil child care, after school clubs, work HE Office of High Sheriff is at particular concern to her are those work of Plant Dewi and has chosen TRichards deprived our with teenage mums, a mobile youth least 1,000 years old. It is the surrounding drug, alcohol and it as her nominated charity during her diocese of one of its most T project for rural areas and family oldest continuous secular Office domestic abuse, sexual violence and year in office. faithful and devoted servants. centres and groups. This work is under the Crown and carries with forced marriages, which is why Plant Dewi was formed in the The son of a being done day in, day out, at grass it, amongst other things, the duty to Claire passionately believes in the Diocese of St Davids, coterminous country priest, Basil became roots level and, in an increasingly work with, and support, all those a solicitor in Carmarthen and secular world, follows the Christian who seek to maintain law and was the Diocesan Registrar imperative of looking after the order. There is a High Sheriff for for many years, as well as vulnerable and marginalised, which each county in England and Wales serving for a period as Chair- has brought the charity its well- and Claire’s appointment was man of the Diocesan Board deserved reputation for being rele- announced by Buckingham Palace of Finance. vant, involved and always prepared in March this year. A devout old-fashioned ‘to go the extra mile’. Descended from the Vivians, Low Churchman, he atten- Claire’s intention is to inextric- who were 19th Century copper ded Evensong in Christ ably link her role as High Sheriff industrialists in Swansea, Claire is Church every Sunday, with that of Plant Dewi and, con- fiercely proud of her Welsh ancestry reading the English lesson. sequently, to raise the charity’s and has lived in Carmarthenshire Three times a year (Christ- profile as much as possible at the since her marriage to Revd Patrick mas, Easter and Whitsun) he same time. She is holding two Mansel Lewis 23 years ago. They would also communicate at garden parties in June, for a wide have three sons. the early Eucharist, as the variety of guests, as part of her A brief glimpse at Claire’s Prayer Book requires. His contribution to support agencies official diary, which includes pres- wise counsel as a PCC working in the community. Other entations, military parades, and member was invaluable on plans for the year include an ceremonies, leaves one wondering many occasions. Basil was a Advent Service in St Peter’s Church, how she finds the time to continue devotee of the novels of Carmarthen, at which guests will working as a Couples Counsellor at Anthony Trollope and a paid- be invited to make a financial Relate, where she strives to improve up member of the Trollope contribution to Plant Dewi. family relationships. Other issues of Sue Fletcher with Claire Mansel Lewis Society. He particularly en- joyed observing the machin- ations and absurdities of ecclesiastical politics at the Governing Body of the Church in Wales and elsewhere. Plant Dewi Live MU Delegates Although by nature a rather private person, Basil by Sue Fletcher equip themselves had a wonderfully dry wit, equip themselves which made him excellent LANT DEWI LIVE was held in (Emotional Health of very young company. He had a great Pthe community hall in the children), Steph Tindall (Parenting with tools for the trade enthusiasm for sport, Arms on Tuesday 26 work) and Peter Arnold (Dads watching rugby and football February. The day celebrated the against boredom), three of Plant Gwendoline James, Mothers’ Union Diocesan Training Officer, enthusiastically, but perhaps Christian mission of Plant Dewi and Dewi’s Project Workers. is heartened by a training day his greatest delight was its supporters, and was the official The format then changed with cricket. His annual holiday launch date for the new website. Plant Dewi staff moving between UR MU Training day in April own diocese, can become involved was always a visit to Lords. Opening addresses were made supporters’ tables answering ques- Owas entitled ‘Tools for the in the unit’s work. He was also a pillar of the by the Archdeacon of Carmarthen, tions about the organisation’s work. Trade’. The trustees and I were Later in the morning, Tyann, British Legion at . Alun Evans, celebrity Sulwyn The launch of the brand new pleased that so many had joined us, Glenys, Revd Bryan, Val Petherick A side of Basil which he did Thomas, and the High Sheriff of Plant Dewi website by Dr Nigel especially those members who had and Diane Martin led workshops on everything he could to hide Dyfed, Claire Mansel-Lewis, who Ford, its creator, was followed by a not previously attended diocesan Worship and Social Policy, Bible from public view was his has chosen Plant Dewi as her charity lunch of cawl, cheese and Welsh meetings. Revd Hugh James wel- study and the work of the Faith and extraordinary kindness and for the year. cakes. comed us, and, with our Diocesan Policy Unit within the diocese, generosity. A surprising The scene was set for the day The very successful day was Chaplain, Revd Bryan Witt, led us respectively. number of clergy and their with a keynote speech by Sue brought to a close by an act of in the opening prayers at the After a bring and share lunch families have confidentially Fletcher, Plant Dewi’s Project worship led by Archdeacon Alun Gwenllian Hall, . the afternoon session was on mentioned the help that Basil Manager, followed by faith-led Evans, supported by musicians from Our speakers for the day were branch administration. Speakers Richards gave them when presentations by Anne McLavy his parish. Tyann Leonard, Llandaff Diocesan were our President, Ann Gill, they needed it most, and President, and Glenys Payne, the Secretary, Brenda Evans, and there were also members of Social Policy Officer for the diocese, Vireen Davies, diocesan Treasurer. his own profession whom he both of whom are also members of Later I joined them and we led assisted when they were in the Faith and Policy unit. workshops on Branch and Deanery difficulties. Tyann gave a presentation on leadership and the work of the He is missed by his faith and how it is the root on which Branch Secretary and Treasurer. fellow solicitors, by his all our work and commitment to the At the end of the day, the evalua- devoted staff at Trant & MU is based. She encouraged us tion papers were very encouraging Richards, by our congre- to use imaginative branch worship with many ideas and suggestions for gation in Christ Church, by and the resources available to reach future sessions. Overall impressions his wide circle of friends in out with a caring heart and get to were that the day was well organised, Carmarthen, St Clears and know the needs and hurts of our informative, rewarding and con- beyond, and by the Diocese neighbours. fidence-building. of St Davids as a whole. The next presentation was by Thanks were expressed to all Basil Richards was a man Glenys, who told us about the work the speakers and worship leaders, of utter integrity – a of the Social Policy Unit and the Action and Outreach committee Christian gentleman who explained how it is not only in- for their exhibition and Wyndham represented much that is volved with the social and ethical Gill for the sales table. best in our church and dio- issues being discussed by parlia- Last but not least, we are cese. We should be grateful ment, but it also helps and supports grateful to the management of the for his contribution and Dr Nigel Ford, Sue Fletcher, Heather James and the families by faith and action. We Gwenllian Hall and to the Kidwelly example. – Patrick Thomas Archdeacon of Carmarthen, Ven Alun Evans were then told how we, within our branch of the MU for their hospitality. 14 Pobl Dewi, July 2008 Dathlu deugain mlynedd St TTSt eilo’eilo’eilo’s: The VVs: ision, The Reality and The AAand warwarwarddd St Teilo’s successful re-ordering project is a winner

N 16 May the re-ordered Ointerior of St Teilo’s Church was named ‘Building Project of the Year’ at the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveryors Wales Award Ceremony. In the late 1990’s, diocesan inspectors identified repairs which had to be carried out to St Teilo’s and the PCC was also aware that the Grade II listed Victorian building was not well adapted to the life of a 21st Century Church. A vision gradually took hold that St Teilo’s could be developed to house a range of Church activities and, at the same time, be available to community groups. In 2001, following a series of meetings and after visiting re- ordering schemes in other locations, ideas began to take specific shape with the help of Architect, Paul Regan. From an early stage it was agreed that the north aisle would be Mae Ficer , Y Parchedig Ganon John Gravell, wedi dathlu the main site of development; a deugain mlynedd yn y Weinidogaeth Sanctaidd ar Wyl San Pedr. mezzanine floor would be installed Gwelir, o’r chwith i’re dde: Y Parchedig Ganon John H Gravell, to maximise usable space; other voluntary labour as possible, and now available for different groups. BA, Ficer Plwyf Llandybie, ei wraig, Morfudd,a’r Tra Parchedig J plans included a church office, a willing hands were found amongst The hall and meeting rooms have Wyn Evans, BA, BD, FSA, Deon Ty^ Ddewi well-equipped kitchen, a lift and the church community. As the work been used by several community new toilet facilities with access for proceeded, gifts in kind of materials, groups and the Llandeilo Festival of Bu gwasanath arbennig i’r holl blwyf i ddathlu Gwyl San Pedr disabled people. skilled labour and expertise were Music finds the re-ordered building ar brynhawn Sul, 29ain o Fehefin yn Eglwys Llandyfân gyda’r It was agreed, on ethical grounds, forthcoming, without which it is ideal, for both its large scale con- Deon yn pregethu. Cafwyd lluniaeth i ddilyn wedi ei baratoi gan that no Lottery Funding would be doubtful whether the project could certs and intimate recitals. wragedd yr Eglwys yn y neuadd, pryd y dangosodd y plwyfolion sought and only the relatively small have been completed. The work was The RICS Awards Scheme has eu gwerthfawrogiad o Weinidogaeth y Ficer yn eu plith. amount of £18,700 was secured in managed in such a way that the been running internationally for grants. Nevertheless, the decision Church was constantly in use as a about 18 years and the regional was taken to move forward in faith, place of worship. winners in the four categories proceeding step by step as finances The new facilities have trans- (Building Conservation, Regenera- A Celebration of the allowed, with fundraising targeted on formed the life of the Church, tion, Sustainability, Community specific needs. Michael Wheatley, according to the Vicar, Rev Dr Peter Benefit) now go forward to the 175th Anniversary ofofy the Project Manager, used as much Bement, with a variety of spaces Grand Final in London in October. the OxforOxforthe d Movement Information Matters to Rural Communities

HELTER CYMRU provided mation volunteers to help vulnerable to local efforts to embrace the social Shousing advice to 1,567 people people avoid homelessness and justice agenda. Free and informative in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire improve the quality of their lives. presentations, training and events and in 2005-2006. The organisation will be working are on offer. However, surveys suggest that this alongside rural clergy, community To find out more contact Ceri is just the tip of the iceberg and that councils, health visitors, Merched y Davies, Project Co-ordinator on rural homelessness and poverty is Wawr, Mothers’ Union, Young 01267 225937, more hidden and stigmatised than Farmers Clubs and other local email [email protected]; in towns. The Survey of Rural groups, thus providing a huge boost or visit www.sheltercymru.org.uk Services revealed that, in 9 out of 10 communities in rural Wales, no local support services are available for the unemployed, homeless groups, people with drug problems or women suffering from domestic violence. Now, an innovative Shelter Cymru project, funded by the Big On Saturday 3 May nearly 80 people from Wales and Lottery from 2007 to 2010, is beyond gathered at Lampeter for a celebration of the 175th seeking to make a real difference to Anniversary of the Oxford Movement. Prof Nigel Yates’ the lives of vulnerable people across lecture revealed how much Lampeter had contributed Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire through its staff and students. The University Library also and Ceredigion and has produced an testifies to that tradition in its collections – holding, for Information Matters pack, focusing example, the personal library of the Welsh Tractarian, poet on housing, debt, welfare benefits and hymn writer, Isaac Williams. The university Chapel was and rural well-being. As well as full for the Solemn Eucharist which was a joyful and unified distributing 3,000 of these packs, celebration in the catholic tradition. Shelter Cymru will be delivering local briefings and recruiting infor- Pobl Dewi, July 2008 15 Golwg ar un o gewri Tyddewi, Recipe for Life: Harvest Appeal USPG, the Anglican mission agency, is inviting churches y Parchedig Robert Holland to focus on Uruguay this Harvest, by considering the ingredients that are needed to make life special Adrian Morgan, our Adviser, casts a light onto the life of Robert Holland (1556/7-1622) a Priest and religious writer of great importance. Holland was N economic crisis in 2002 cost of a health clinic and train station, ordained at Bangor but spent the greater part of his ministry in Pembrokeshire. Amany Uruguayans their sav- thus providing a recipe for life which ings and their livelihoods and the has helped marginalised people to AIF Robert Holland ymhlith goroesi, ond fe’i hailargraffwyd yn Cyfieithodd destun arall gan country now has high unemploy- pull together and support themselves. Scymeriadau disgleiriaf Cyfarwydd-deb i’r anghyfarwydd Perkins, sef: The Foundation of ment accompanied by social Free USPG Harvest resources Esgobaeth Tyddewi. Fe’i ganwyd yn 1677. Christian Religion yn 1622. Er problems, with many families living are available, including collection yng Nghonwy yn 1556/7, yn fab i Ymddangosodd ei draethawd nad oes copi o’r gwaith wedi below the poverty line. envelopes, posters, photos, a DVD Huw Gwyn Holland a’i wraig yn erbyn consurwyr, ei Ymddiddan, goroesi, hwn oedd sail argraffiad The appeal focuses on the focusing on the work of the Jane. Yn ystod y Pasg 1577, yn 1600. Nid oes copiau o’r arall a ymddangosodd yn 1649. impoverished settlement com- Anglican Church in Villa Felicidad ymaelododd â Choleg Clare, Caer- gwreiddiol wedi goroesi. Ond ceir Ailargraffwyd hwn, wedi iddo munity of Villa Felicidad, near – including a specially-recorded grawnt; graddiodd yn B.A. o fersiwn diweddarach yn Llawysgrif gael ei aildrefnu a’i ymestyn, yn Montevideo. It also looks at the Welsh language version, and Goleg Magdalene yn 1577/8, ac Cwrtmawr 114B, ac fe’i 1672. work of Deacon Alejandro Mansoni, workshop material. yn M.A. o Goleg Iesu yn 1581. hailargraffwyd yn Canwyll y Aeth sawl testun, y who has helped set up cookery Details from 020 7378 5678; Urddwyd ef ym Mangor a Cymru. Cyhoeddwyd ei Darmerth bwriadwyd eu hargraffu yn 1597 workshops, kitchen gardens, a [email protected]; thrwyddedwyd ef yn gurad ym neu Arlwy i Weddi yn yr un a 1603, ar goll yn ystod Pla theatre group and the refurbishment www.uspg.org.uk mhlwyf Weston Colville, swydd flwyddyn. Nid oes copi wedi Llundain. Yn eu plith oedd Gaer-grawnt. Bu’n gweithio am goroesi ond gallwn ddyfalu cyfieithiadiau o rhan gyntaf y Two gyfnod fel ysgolfeistr yn ynghylch natur y gwaith drwy Treatises a’r Direction for the Dullingham hefyd. gadw’r teitl mewn cof. Government of the tongve gan Ymsefydlodd yn Esgobaeth Ei destun enwocaf yw’r Perkins; gwaith Henry Smith, A Tyddewi ac ar 28 Ebrill 1591 cyfieithiad o’r Basilikon Doron Preparatiue To Mariage; a derbyniodd fywoliaeth Prendergast. gan y brenin Iago. Dau gopi fersiwn Cymraeg o gyfieithiad y Ymddiswyddodd ohoni yn 1607 i anghyflawn a oroesodd, y naill yn Frenhines Elisabeth o Le miroir dderbyn Castell Gwalchmai fel y Llyfrgell Genedlaethol, a’r llall de l’âme pécheresse. Hwyrach rhodd oddi wrth James Perrot. Ar yn Llyfrgell Ganolog Caerdydd. mai Holland oedd eu cyfieithydd. 12 Rhagfyr 1612 derbyniodd Casglodd George Owen Harry Os diystyrir y posibilrwydd Robeston West; a cyn 1600, achau Cymreig Iago a’u trefnu ar fod Holland wedi cyfieithu’r derbyniodd Llanddowror hefyd. ffurf tablau fel atodiad i’r gweithiau ychwanegol gan Bu farw yn 1622. Basilikon: dyma’r Genealogy of Elisabeth, Perkins a Smith, mae Mae ei weithgarwch llenyddol the High and Mighty Monarch rhestr ei gyhoeddiadau yn parhau yn drawiadol. Yn 1594, James (1604). i fod yn drawiadol. Mae ei cyhoeddodd gyfrol o farddoniaeth Yn 1613, cyhoeddodd farwnad gyflawniad yn ysgrifennu neu’n Saesneg, sef Holie Historie a fe’i i George Owen, Henllys. cyfieithu o leiaf chwe gwaith yn cyflwynwyd i Anne Philipps o Gwachul, ar y cyfan, oedd safon ei un nodedig ac mae’n fwy na Bictwn. Yn 1599, ymddangosodd farddoniaeth ond mae’r farwnad i theilwng o le anrhydeddus yn ei gyfieithiad o An exposition of Owen yn pefrio â theimlad hanes ein Hesgobaeth ac ymhlith the Lords Prayer gan William Cristionogol, dwys barch ac ysgrifenwyr Cymraeg y Cyfnod Perkins. Nid oes copi wedi ymdeimlad o golled. Modern Cynnar yng Nghymru.

people who find in adult life that they just can’t stand it any longer. Closing a door on Hell It is the only charity of its kind in West Wales and a frequent comment HAVE been offered the chance on the evaluation forms which Ito make known to you something clients are asked to complete is about Seren. It’s not an easy subject, ‘Thank you for giving me my life but please read on . . . back.’ A dedicated group of coun- Perhaps the best short summary sellors volunteer their services – the might be . . . We are trying to close a work is gruelling and demands door on Hell. special skills and training. Modern-day publicity is helping Room hire, travel expenses, some child victims of sexual abuse supervision, training, books, station- but not the majority. It is seldom ery, telephone, co-ordination etc have SWANSEA UNIVERSITY reported that most abuse is perpe- steadily drained the funds available Theology Public Lecture Programme – Michaelmas Term 2008 trated by a family member or friend. for this highly skilled work. The Tuesday, 30th September, 2008 at 7pm in the James Callaghan Often the child does not tell, or, if charity itself is perpetually being Lecture Theatre, James Callaghan Building (s)he does, may not be believed. asked to re-invent itself in order to “He comes to us as one unknown”: Discussions of the historical This triple betrayal of adults’ chronic anxiety, low confidence and qualify for a grant under the latest Jesus in more recent scholarship – By Dr James Carleton-Paget responsibility for the care and relationship problems become un- scheme and, without the steadfast, (Senior Lecturer in New Testament Studies at Cambridge University Fellow protection of the young can have bearable, or a chance incident will but time-limited, support of Cere- and Tutor at Peterhouse Cambridge) appalling consequences later in life. trigger memories which are as sharp digion County Council, it would have Tuesday, 21st October 2008 at 7pm in the Faraday Lecture Theatre A, A child who is not heard, as the dreadful days when the abuse had to close its doors before now. Faraday Building ‘After death, then what?: “Near Death Experiences” in a hospital context’ believed, loved, comforted and occurred. Seren has, therefore, stopped assess- – By Dr Penny Sartori (Intensive Care Staff Nurse at Morriston and Singleton supported will still become an adult Unhelpfully, many unaffected ing new clients and has, in the last Hospitals in Swansea. Leading Researcher into ‘Near Death Experiences’) and what then? Expectations are that people prefer to ‘turn a blind eye’ ten months, had to put people ‘on Tuesday, 9th December 2008 at 7pm in the James Callaghan they will participate in the world of and certainly do not want to talk hold’, which is heartbreaking. Lecture Theatre, James Callaghan Building relationships, trust, responsibility, about this difficult subject, thus The charity is in need of three work and pleasure. However, what com-pounding the alienating kinds of help: financial, clearly; ‘William Blake and the Bible’ – By The Reverend Professor Christopher trust have they learned and what is effects of the original betrayal. It volunteer trustees; those who can put Rowland (Dean Ireland Professor of the Exegesis of Holy Scripture at Oxford University, Fellow of Queen’s College Oxford) the meaning of ‘love’ and ‘respect’, is estimated that about 60% of pressure on the Local Health Boards. for themselves and others? How can psychiatric hospital admissions If you can help please visit ALL LECTURES WILL BE HELD AT SWANSEA UNIVERSITY , they face the shadows in the night, (excluding psychotic patients) are www.seren-wales.org.uk, e-mail SINGLETON PARK, SWANSEA SA2 8PP the waking nightmares, the anger? associated with a history of child- [email protected] or call EVERYONE WELCOME How can they relax, have confidence hood sexual abuse but, despite this, 01239 711772 / 0845 4561657. ADMISSION FREE and, most importantly, function? the NHS cannot release funds for Does Seren deserve to live? I For further information please contact: the Reverend Nigel John Surprisingly, a large number of specialised counselling. think Christ’s answer is plain. (Anglican Chaplain at Swansea University ) these victims do function but The charity, Seren, was founded – Carol Nixon Telephone 01792 205678 Ex. 4442 sometimes the general malaise, in 1994 to offer free help to those [email protected] 16 Pobl Dewi, July 2008 Reviews

Getting Started with the Bible chapters we find a description of the Renewable Energy Pembrokeshire the movement has in Holywell in St Asaph Diocese [A Guide for complete writing and answers to the following Jonathan Copus savours a been more literal, by taking over a aims to provide something for beginners] questions: new bilingual DVD resource community hall for multi-sensory everyone. In the Swansea Valley, the by John Holdsworth What do we need to know to for parishes worship involving writing prayers on ancient concept of Table Fellow-ship Published 2007 make sense of this material? ‘Oh, no!’ I thought when I saw the boats and playing with water. brings people together, as well as SCM-Canterbury Press How can we use this material? DVD had been produced by the Striking instances abound of the raising money in an innovative way. ISBN 9781853118463 This last section includes selec- Church in Wales. ‘Not another shaky Church rolling up its sleeves and Study courses in theology, vibrant £8.99 ted portions of the Bible to read and home video packed with pontifi- engaging with real life, as in youth services, a placement scheme THIS book begins by expressing the questions to provoke thought on the cating parsons.’ Church Army Officer Sister Wendy’s as part of a degree course for aspiring concern that, for occasional visitors content, which, the author suggests, And I was right. There’s not a specialised ministry in the night clubs youth workers – all are examples of to church, it is difficult to make sense might encourage regular reading. shake in sight in Renewable Energy, of Cardiff, or the multi-cultural café points where the Church is ‘bursting of the Bible. Most of the books of the Bible are which is imaginatively directed and in Swansea where different cultures with energy’, as one vicar described The author says he wants to help included although some interesting beautifully photographed to the interact through a digital media a vivid painting in his exhibition. And to “rehabilitate” the Bible by making minor prophets are not mentioned. highest production standards. It has project. that’s not a bad description of the it more accessible to the general This overview of the Bible is nothing to do with wind turbines – Porthmadoc’s Prifio arts festival DVD itself. reader. He chooses a simple frame- preceded by three chapters designed at least, not in the literal sense – but uses ancient Welsh mythology (and To cavil, there are some small work through which to discuss the to answer first-time readers’ highlights places across Wales where sex) to explore the deeper meaning signs of post-production haste, different sections. Chapters 4-15 questions: Am I bothered?; The the Church is being renewed with an of life; fresh music revitalises particularly on the sound side, and share the opening phrase “Getting Bible in Ten Minutes; What is the energy which palpably radiates from traditional worship in Newport; an there are still a tad too many dog started on . . . ” and cover Genesis Bible about? the screen. old stable block in Llanendwyn has collars for my liking (if it’s a pride and Exodus, Old Testament History, The style is provocative at times. Often, the renewed energy comes been converted to a children’s of lions, is it a humility of parsons?). Prophets and so on. Within the Whilst this can be a powerful tool in from moving the church into the heart resource and a drop-in centre where But these criticisms are churlish in face to face discussion, I am not sure of the community. Sometimes, this villagers can benefit from therapeutic comparison with what many that it works so well in a written movement is metaphorical, as in massage, aromatherapy, healing and parishes will find a truly inspiring guide for complete beginners who Cwmanan, where an almost-derelict pastoral counselling. resource. I for one sat down to are, perhaps, taking their first steps church was moved into local people’s A new mezzanine floor in Llan- review it and leapt up at the end with towards faith in God. consciousness by providing such deilo makes creative use of that dead renewed energy. Sometimes the vocabulary ass- diverse delights as computer classes, space in the church roof which used Renewable Energy is available umes familiarity with theological pottery and Indian head massage. In just to eat up the heat. A new build through your Area Dean. and ecclesiastical concepts. The use of CE and BCE (to denote Common Era and Before Common Era), though appropriate in the field of religious studies, was probably Oberammergau passion play 2010 an unhelpful choice in a book about the Christian faith where BC and ENNIS and Sian Wight are AD would have been quite appro- Dorganising a 10-day holiday to priate. Austria and Oberammergau in I am glad to have had the chance September of 2010! They are asking to read this book, which asked me if you would like to join them – some interesting questions. obviously there is a price but it is very – Judith Aveson competitive! The itinerary includes a seven The Fat Jesus is. Instead, Isherwood’s ‘Fat Jesus’ night stay in Fuschl, with optional by Lisa Isherwood is the God who took on human flesh excursions and a Mozart dinner concert in Salzburg. Darton, Longman and Todd and glorified it, one who shared The group will then travel to Published 2007 feasts with his friends, a generous body, a broken body, a shared body. Oberammergau for two nights to see ISBN-10 0-232-52638-9 the Passion Play, which has a £12.95 How can it be right, Isherwood asks, that Christian diet courses significant story behind it. Towards AS a woman of very traditional encourage women to waste food in the end of the thirty years war there build I was intrigued to be asked to a world where unchosen hunger is a was an outbreak of the plague in review this book. It explores how reality for many even though there is Bavaria. The elders of the village of Jesus Christ can be good news for enough for all? How can it be right Oberammergau, in an effort to fat people, particularly women. This that women starve themselves in protect their village, decided to seal is most definitely not a slimming order to fit an ideal of beauty which it off from outside contact. But an book, telling you that God will give is unnatural in all but a child? Why itinerant worker returned, bringing you the will power to turn aside is the number of people who believe the plague with him, and it swept from the temptations of cream cakes themselves to be fat so much greater through the village. Whereupon the and chips, rather it seeks to show than the number who actually are? people solemnly vowed that, if God how hollow, self- defeating and Can it be right that young children would show His compassion and lift of Oberammergau have performed to get numbers together now because morally bankrupt such an approach see dieting as a way of gaining love the scourge, every ten years they the Passion Play at regular intervals the 20 or so places left are at a and respect? Can it be right that adult would enact the Passion of our Lord. ever since. In modern times it takes premium. If you are interested please women believe themselves unlovable The plague left the village in 1633 place every ten years. call us on 01646 636255 or at because of their body shape? and, as a perpetual thanksgiving and Dennis and Sian have the [email protected] These very real questions moti- re-affirmation of faith, the villagers brochures and the details. We need vate Isherwood’s book and involve her in discussions of the politics of the objectification of men and the the diet industry and the issues they generalisations about them hard to The Quiet Garden Movement raise for people of faith. It is all the stomach, especially on a book greater pity, therefore, that the book fighting so hard against the UIET Gardens offer a variety 01753 643050; or via e-mail at: is not easy to read (I would advise objectification of women and Qof local venues which provide [email protected]; their reading chapters three and five first generalisations about us. opportunities to set aside time to rest website is at www.quietgarden.co.uk. and then attempting the rest). The Nonetheless, I am glad I perse- and pray. These may be in private book deals mainly with American vered with this book and am grateful homes and gardens, retreat centres, examples and was written before that someone is raising these local churches or inner city areas. the worries about global food questions. “How” Isherwood asks, Some simply offer a quiet space poverty that surfaced this year. “will we know that the oppression whereas others offer more structured Personally, I would be happier with of women is over? Well, when Fat programmes. this book if some of the arguments Jesus sings, of course”. Full details are available from were better developed. I also find – Rhiannon Johnson The Quiet Garden Trust, telephone: