Esgobaeth LLANDAF Diocese of LLANDAFF

YR EGLWYS YNG NGHYMRU | THE CHURCH IN WALES Winter 2017

Bringing the story of Christmas to life Inside Offering a listening ear Opening church doors to the homeless NEWS

We need to be positive about our evangelism, and about our role in society days is far too negative, sometimes we engage in better evangelism. even feel negative about ourselves,” he “That means understanding more said. fully what the Gospel means to us as “I want to encourage rehabilitation Church people,” he said. “But also what of what it is to be the Church, what it is the Gospel can mean to people outside The 13th Archbishop of Wales says the to be a Christian, what the calling of the the Church, because it is meant to be a Church must change its view of itself as Church is to be.” gospel of good news. it faces up to the future. That, he said, would involve being “We are often perceived as having Archbishop John, who was enthroned positive about its evangelism, positive nothing relevant to say to people outside, at Brecon Cathedral on December 2, about its role in society and positive and that’s something that needs to be succeeded Dr Barry Morgan, who retired about upholding people in that society. changed.” in January after 14 years as the leader of “One of the things we need to do Archbishop John has also called the Church in Wales. is change the Church’s view of itself. on people to “consider whether all the The first to be elected from the People need to understand better why buildings we have are assets”. Diocese of Swansea and Brecon, they come to church. It’s not just a habit, “Sometimes they can become Archbishop John said his focus would it’s not just belonging to a club, it’s burdens, quite frankly, because they be on a “word many wouldn’t associate about being encouraged and enthused can take up so much time and energy, with the work of an archbishop, and to become more active as Christian money and resources, and that can that’s rehabilitation”. people in the community.” distract us from what the Church’s real “The perception of the Church these He also called for the Church to purpose is.”

Bishop June to give Lent talks throughout the diocese A series of talks are to be delivered The dates and times are as follows: • Wednesday 28th February at by Bishop June in each of the three Archdeaconry of Morgannwg – 7pm archdeaconries during Lent. Venues: as below • Wednesday 7th March at 7pm The four-part Lent course will be • Sunday 18th February at 5pm - • Wednesday 21st March at 7pm delivered on Sunday evenings in St Margaret’s Church, Mountain Morgannwg Archdeaconry, on Ash Archdeaconry of Llandaff - Venue: Wednesday evenings in Margam • Sunday 25th February at 5pm Llandaff Cathedral Archdeaconry and on Thursday - St Fagan’s Church, Trecynon • Thursday 22nd February at 7pm evenings in the Llandaff Archdeaconry. • Sunday 11th March at 5pm - • Thursday 1st March at 7pm TBC, either St John’s Church, • Thursday 8th March at 7pm Aberdare or St Joseph’s Church, • Thursday 15th March at 7pm Cwmaman • Sunday 18th March at 5pm - St Donat’s Church, Abercynon Bishop June is to hold the Education and Nurture portfolio in the Province. Archdeaconry of Margam – Venue: St This means that she will act as the Mary’s Church, Nolton, Bridgend ‘lead Bishop’ for the Church in Wales • Wednesday 21st February at on education issues. 7pm

We are here to help if you have a project in mind Whether its funding to start a memory More than £140,000 was available grant awards from the Community café, cash for new equipment or the this year alone - including £100,000 from Development Fund. creation of a new lay post - the Diocesan the 2020 Parish Transformation Fund, For more details on what grants are Board of Finance has many grants £35,000 from the Diocesan Mission available and how to apply visit http:// available to help parishes make their Fund, £8,000 from the Churches llandaff.churchinwales.org.uk/parish- vision a reality. and Pastoral Committee and further resources/

2 | CROESO Winter 2017 NEWS

Collaboration critical in shaping character of diocese

The great pleasure of my autumn diversities are both enriching but also has been my visits to our eleven demanding of us. deaneries. Rhondda, Bridgend, Cynon Alongside that complexity, I have Valley, Pontypridd, Vale of Glamorgan, met enormous pride in our diocese Penarth and Barry, Llandaff, Neath, which has also been enriching. I Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil, Margam enjoy hearing about both histories head into an age when most of our and finally Cardiff is waiting for me in and staunch loyalties to local church citizens have lost any natural habit of January. On these days I have followed setting. The continuity of our Christian worship or affiliation with Church, we a programme organised by each Area heritage and the quality of life in our cannot afford clergy or congregations Dean, met the deanery clergy, seen local communities owe a very great to become isolated. Encouragement many of our church deal to the presence and confidence depend on us working buildings, heard of our buildings, together, in partnerships and trust. about local projects “Our aspiration is to our graveyards, The other factor is related: individuals can only achieve so much. Well co- and entered into be the Church not just the faithfulness of what many of you worship and the ordinated teams who combine skills, already know so well for our congregational prayers which are expertise and insights is how we best – the character of offered. achieve our goals. So whatever shape the Llandaff diocese. members but for the And everywhere ‘ministry areas’ take, they depend on As one of the Area whole community and I have been inspired the ministerial priesthood of the clergy Deans said to me “I by what is happening combining with lay ministries (Readers, have assumed you for every part of it.” in our parishes and pastoral visitors, Eucharistic assistants don’t want to smell benefices. My clergy etc) and lay leadership, both in the fresh paint” and he colleagues are hard- maintenance of the everyday but also in was right. I have truly appreciated working, dedicated to serving Christ the creation of new initiatives. the wonderful hospitality laid on, but and committed to making things And whilst we move forward in those I also wanted to meet normal life, not better. Alongside them, lay aspirations, we will continue to shape something manicured especially for officers – church wardens, treasurers the character of the diocese. Christmas the bishop. Though I confess I was and the like, are also is upon us and it is a time when many touched when one clergyman admitted impressively faithful And everywhere I he had vacuumed the inside of his car in fulfilling their“ of our neighbours especially for me! responsibilities. have been inspired will find their way I haven’t yet finished so I am not It will not surprise across our Church rushing to quick judgments but I can you to know that by what is happening thresholds. May they see some familiar themes which appear many of my first in our parishes and find us generous and in each of my excursions. At the conversations with compassionate, that Diocesan Conference in September, I people have been benefices.” they may also encounter heard many deaneries say how diverse about how we organise for themselves the they are and so it has proved to be. I ourselves for the future sustainability generosity and compassion of the knew our diocese to have contrasts of of these church communities. The God who we see in the face of Jesus vale and valleys, city, towns and rural diocese has allowed ‘ministry areas’, Christ. areas, coastline and hill country, lifelong the uniting of parishes and benefices Wishing you a blessed Advent and a residents neighbouring relatively into a wider, more cohesive unit, to very happy Christmas – Nadolig Llawen new arrivals. Yet within quite short develop at the pace and in the direction a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda. distances, there are huge contrasts to which seems right to local leadership. It be witnessed and different contexts are has been good to hear about progress very real. Our aspiration is to be the and to explore how such restructuring Church not just for our congregational can be built on two vital elements. members but for the whole community One is that we recognise the critical and for every part of it. So those importance of collaboration. As we

CROESO Winter 2017 | 3 FEATURE Remembering together: offering a listening ear How our churches are supporting those living with dementia and their carers

Kathie Mayer would have loved to have is no entry charge but a £1 donation for After a talk was given in church by had a ‘Forget-me-not’ café to visit when refreshments is welcomed. a local Dementia Champion, Kathie she was helping to care for a relative who “I knew there was a need as there leafleted both the church congregation was living with dementia. is a big gap between diagnosis and and all the many groups that met in the And it was that first-hand knowledge secondary services such as day centres hall from choirs to yoga and gathered of the need for somewhere to go for and I knew from personal experience enough volunteers to help run the both those living with dementia that it would have been fantastic if there weekly café and people who wanted and those caring for them that had been somewhere like this for us to to visit. Advice was also given by the prompted the retired teacher go,” said Kathie, People’s sub warden at Alzheimer’s Society. to set up the Forget-me-not café St Edward’s Church, in Roath, Cardiff. “We offer a listening ear and an and support group at St “It is not just for those living with endless supply of tea and coffee and Edward’s schoolroom dementia and their carers, it is for anyone since the very first café back in May we in May this year. in the community that is in danger of have been busy every week.” It runs every becoming isolated or feeling vulnerable. Ann Moir, 77, who suffers from Tuesday from 2pm to It is a safe place for people to relax, have Alzheimer’s goes to the café every week 4pm and offers activities some fun and chat to others in a similar with her daughter Trish Cassidy, 53. including games, puzzles, situation. In fact, they enjoy the café and the books, music, singalongs, “People want to help others, and this friendship that it offers so much that arts and crafts and a ‘stroll offers them the opportunity to do that by they haven’t missed one week since it down memory lane’. There coming along and lending a hand.” opened in May. Café ‘For the Young at Heart’

The Dementia Café at St German’s “The café is very much demand led, situation in a safe environment. Our Church Hall in Adamsdown was anything musical is always popular which slogan is ‘for the Young at Heart’. launched last year by church members is why we decided to hold a tea dance “Hilary and I are both Dementia Angela Parry and Hilary Lovitt. last month. Some people who come Champions and have held Dementia It meets on the second Monday of along just want to talk and that’s fine as Awareness Sessions starting with St each month from 2pm to 4pm, attracting well,” said Angela. German’s which most of the congregation up to a dozen visitors with activities “It provides somewhere for both attended, enabling us to work towards ranging from musical entertainment to people living with dementia and for their becoming a Dementia Friendly Church.” reading publications looking at the past. carers to chat to others in the same

The Llantrisant Parish ago. In addition to voluntary help from the 3rd Monday of every month Support Group meet parishioners, professionals from the at the Bonvilston Reading Room on the first and third local hospital Memory Clinic attend offering support to those living with Wednesday of every month in the and the chaplain for the elderly to give dementia and their carers. The café, parish hall from 11am to 2.30pm. It advice and information. Each week it which runs in the afternoon, was set was set up as a meeting place for welcomes around 30 visitors and has up in April by the East Vale Group of both those living with dementia and a dozen volunteer helpers. parishes following a grant from the their carers more than two years A monthly Memory Café, runs on Diocesan Mission Fund.

4 | CROESO Winter 2017 Ann Moir and her daughter Trish Cassidy

Ann said, “I really look forward to Trish and her mum feel so welcome coming here as people accept you as at the café that they have also started Dave Jewell you are. I will talk to anyone and everyone attending the adjacent church on here is so nice, they make me laugh and Sundays. we have such fun.” Parish helper Dave Jewell used to Her daughter Trish explained that work as an activities co-ordinator in a they had been looking for somewhere care home so has lots of ideas up his to go together where they both felt sleeve to help keep everyone entertained. comfortable when they heard about the “I am quite keen on art, so I often do café through the Alzheimer’s Society. some drawing and painting with people “It’s been a godsend as it gives us and I also enjoy playing dominoes somewhere to go where we feel safe and although everyone always accuses that rubs off and makes us both feel more me of cheating! Sometimes we’ll have confident. We started coming just to get some musical entertainment – a ukulele out of the house and have a change of band or a singer – which people enjoy scene but we’ve kept coming as there is especially when it’s the old songs. so much to do here. Quite often I’ll sit at “This café really is a lifeline for some a different table to my mum which means people, who we see becoming chattier that we both get the chance to chat to and more outgoing as the weeks go by.” other people.” Community mental health chaplain Sarah Harris is a Dementia projects for parishes Dementia Friends Champion which Churches across Llandaff are Developing Dementia Friendly Churches means that she can being encouraged to work towards was the theme of a recent special deliver information becoming dementia friendly, with interest CMD day held in Cardiff which sessions to enable churches to work some setting up special support around 70 clerics and laity attended. towards becoming dementia friendly. groups. The day was co-ordinated by the Revd But she is not alone, there are “This is an issue facing every Dr. Bob Friedrich – a retired priest from many other ‘Champions’ throughout community and something that churches the USA who is a PhD student at Bangor the diocese who have volunteered to can easily respond to,” said the Revd Jon University, where he is studying dementia encourage others to make a positive Durley CA, Community Development and spirituality, and the development of difference to people living with dementia Officer for Llandaff Diocese. dementia friendly churches. in their community. “There is a lot of work going on “It was a very successful training day “Many parishes have received the throughout the diocese, with some and for the first time we invited both information sessions and are working parishes having set up special cafés clerics and the laity to attend. It is hoped towards becoming dementia friendly or support groups to offer help to that more responses will be developed but I would urge all the ‘Champions’ out both those living with dementia and across the diocese, so that the Church there to advertise who they are on social their carers. There is also a network lives out its call to serve, particularly media so more churches can benefit. of Dementia Friends Champions, who those communities and individuals Let us know who you are and where you can deliver information sessions to whose lives are affected by living with are as well please,” said Sarah. parishes,” he added. dementia,” added Fr Jon. To contact Sarah email her at To help spread information, [email protected]

CROESO Winter 2017 | 5 NEWS

Dathlu 450mlwyddiant Cyhoeddi’r Llyfr Gweddi Gyffredin a’r Testament Newydd Yn Gymraeg Gan Y Parchedig Dyfrig Lloyd

Mae eleni yn nodi 450mlwyddiant gyfrifol am cyhoeddi dwy gyfrol Gymraeg dra gyfieithu phwysig yn hanes Cristnogaeth yng Llyfr y Datguddiad. Nghymru. Y gyfrol gyntaf yw’r Llyfr Y tri hyn oedd yn gyfrifol am y Gweddi Gyffredin a gyhoeddwyd ym mis Testament Newydd cyntaf yn Gymraeg. Mai 1567 a’r ail yw’r Testament Newydd Ar ôl cyhoeddi’r Testament Newydd a gyhoeddwyd ym mis Hydref yr un ym mis Hydref 1567, y bwriad oedd flwyddyn. Dyma ddwy gyfrol a ddaeth bwrw ymlaen a dechrau’r gwaith yn gonglfeini yn natblygiad Cristnogaeth o gyfieithu’r Hen Destament, ond yng Nghymru gan roi i’r iaith Gymraeg gwaetha’r modd cododd cynnen rhwng ei phriod le ym mywyd a gwasanaethau William Salesbury a Richard Davies cyhoeddus yr eglwys. hun”, meddai’n daer wrth y Cymry ynglŷn â chyfieithiad rhyw air neu’i Hanes diddorol sydd i hanes yn 1547, a phan basiwyd y ddeddf i gilydd, a daeth eu perthynas agos o cyfieithu’r ddwy gyfrol. Fe basiwyd ganiatáu hyn un mlynedd ar bymtheg weithio gyda’i gilydd i ben. Roedd yn deddf gan y Senedd yn 1563 yn yn ddiweddarach, roedd Salesbury rhaid i’r Cymry aros nes i Esgob William gorchymyn “i’r Beibl cyfan, gan gynnwys ei hun yn fwy na pharod a chymwys Morgan gyfieithu’r Hen Destament, dros yr Hen Destament a’r Newydd ynghyd â’r ar gyfer y gwaith. Roedd yn hyddysg ugain mlynedd yn ddiweddarach, ac i’r Llyfr Gweddi Gyffredin...gael ei gyfieithu mewn Hebraeg, Groeg a Lladin, ymhlith “Beibl cyfan” gael ei gyhoeddi yn 1588. gyda chywirdeb manwl”. Rhoddwyd ieithoedd eraill Ewrop, roedd ganddo Ond stori arall yw honno! y cyfrifoldeb o gyflawni’r ddeddf i ymwybyddiaeth fyw o’r Gymraeg a’i Esgobion Cymru ac Esgob Henffordd, thraddodiad llenyddol ac roedd eisoes This year marks the 450th anniversary of ond ar ysgwyddau Richard Davies, wedi ysgrifennu a chyhoeddi mwy nag the publication of the Book of Common Esgob Tyddewi y syrthiodd y dasg o un gyfrol yn Gymraeg. Prayer and the New Testament in oruchwylio’r gwaith. Yn ôl y ddeddf hon, Cyfieithodd William Salesbury y Welsh. In 1563 an Act of Parliament roedd disgwyl i’r gwaith cyfieithu gael ei Llyfr Gweddi Gyffredin yn Llys Esgob, commanded that “the whole Bible, gwblhau a’i gyhoeddi erbyn y diwrnod Abergwili ger Caerfyrddin, o dan containing the New Testament and the cyntaf Fai 1566, ond gwaetha’r modd oruchwyliaeth Esgob Richard Davies. Old, with the Book of Common Prayer… nid felly y bu. Does dim syndod chwaith, Mae ei gyfieithiad o’r Sallwyr, a hynny o’r be truly and exactly translated into the gan ystyried maint y dasg. testun Hebraeg, yn gampwaith ynddo’i Welsh Tongue. It was William Salesbury, William Salesbury (1520 – 1584), hun. Hefyd yn Llys Esgob fe gyfieithodd Richard Davies (Bishop of St David’s) and brodor o Lansannan, Sir Ddinbych a ran helaeth o’r Testament Newydd a Thomas Huet (Precentor of St David’s) gymerodd ati i wneud y rhan helaeth hynny o’r testun Groeg, gydag Esgob who were left with the task of completing o’r gwaith cyfieithu. Cyfreithiwr oedd Richard Davies yn cyfieithu I Timotheus, this work. The Book of Common Prayer Salesbury yn ôl ei alwedigaeth, un a Hebreaid, Iago ac I a II Pedr. Diddorol yw was published in May 1567 and the New oedd wedi’i ddylanwadu’n drwm gan nodi bod Esgob Richard Davies, yn ystod Testament in October of the same year, y Dadeni Dysg a syniadau’r Diwygiad yr un cyfnod, yn brysur yn cyfieithu rhai but it was another twenty years before Protestannaidd. Roedd yntau wedi o lyfrau’r Hen Destament o’r Hebraeg Bishop William Morgan translated the ymgyrchu’n galed i gael yr hawl i i’r Saesneg ar gyfer The Bishop’s Bible Old Testament and revised the New and gyfieithu’r Beibl i’r Gymraeg. “Mynnwch (1568). Roedd trydydd cyfieithydd hefyd, published the “whole Bible” in Welsh in yr ysgrythur lân yn eich iaith eich sef Thomas Huet, Cantor Tyddewi a fu’n 1588.

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6 | CROESO Winter 2017 NEWS

Margam Pilgrimage Centre The spiritual past, present, and future are being brought together in a new project being undertaken at Margam Abbey.

It is hoped the creation of Margam community, and in particular with the Pilgrimage Centre will enhance the role schools. A Grade I listed building, and of the ancient Cistercian abbey within “The Abbey is known for its traditional dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, the community, forging a dual role as a liturgy and services on a Sunday, but we Margam Abbey was founded by point of welcome for visitors and a place are working to develop its resources as Cistercian monks in 1147. for contemplation and prayer – as well a centre of welcome and nurture links The Abbey is believed to have as fulfilling its centuries-long role as the with the wider community. Next year for been built on or near the site of an area’s parish church. example we will be hosting an exhibition important Celtic monastic house, The man tasked with driving its about the role of women in World War I. and the Margam Stones Museum direction is Father Edward Owen, who “We work ecumenically too, most is a collection of nearly 30 locally became priest-in-charge of Margam in recently we welcomed for vespers a found ancient stone crosses and March this year. Roman Catholic party who had been monuments dating from the 6th He says, “Margam Pilgrimage Centre travelling the Cistercian Way by bicycle.” century. is a new chapter in the life of the Abbey Fr Edward is keen to welcome Adjacent to the Abbey the in its ministry of hospitality and prayer. organisations and groups from outside Museum is housed in a former We will be looking to develop the the parish too, particularly as there has schoolhouse and is managed by educational and historic resources of been a decline in suitable venues for the parish on behalf of Cadw. the Abbey and encourage more people spiritual and associated events in South to visit here for things like quiet days.” Wales. As a result, it is hoped Margam As the mission priest of the Centre will become a meeting point in the west – which includes the historic Margam of the diocese. Stones Museum, and the Abbot’s “The Abbey recently hosted a National Kitchen restaurant – Fr Edward aims Association for Flower Arrangement to develop use of the on-site resources Society competition, the Parish of Christ and broaden the visitor appeal. Church in Roath held a day pilgrimage, “We have the whole package here, and in February the Parish of Merthyr will and we want to develop a healthy plan hold a vision day here.” for a sustainable future by attracting The increasing importance of social more visitors from all walks of life. media, and the part it plays in connecting Pilgrims from across the world have the church with the community, is an been coming here for centuries – indeed area Fr Edward is keen to develop as Fr Edward was commissioned a group from Belgium following the means of communicating not just to as the new diocesan Spirituality Cistercian Way plan to visit us next those within the parish and Llandaff officer by Bishop June during year. We want to be able to offer today’s Diocese but further afield. Songs of Praise at Margam pilgrims the spiritual experience they are “Margam Abbey really is one of Abbey last month. He takes over seeking, and the facilities they need.” South Wales’ hidden treasures, and by as chair of the Llandaff Diocesan A former RE teacher, Fr Edward grew establishing the Pilgrimage Centre we Spirituality Group from Canon Dr up in the neighbouring parish, and is hope to uncover that treasure for all to Sarah Rowland Jones. keen to strengthen links within the local see.”

CROESO Winter 2017 | 7 FEATURE

The story of Christmas brought to life

A free Nativity play staged daily in the heart of Cardiff in the run up to Christmas proved so popular that it is now being staged in four other towns across South Wales.

‘Christmas – The Story’ was first staged The free drop-in event tells the classical • 36% of young adults under the eight years ago when the churches in Biblical story, using a mix of adult actors, age of 35 in Britain do not know Cardiff came together to perform daily for puppets and uses professional staging, the story at all. They don’t even three weeks at Tabernacl in the Hayes. lighting and costumes. It is staged know where Jesus was born. Every day eleven performances of the entirely by volunteers and is funded by • Only 44% of junior school 20-minute Nativity play were given free of local churches with performances given children know that Christmas is charge and the public loved it! in English and Welsh. meant to celebrate Jesus’ birth. It is now a regular feature every But is it all necessary as after all surely • Less than 2% of Christmas cards December with thousands of visitors, everyone knows the story of the Nativity? have a religious theme. shoppers and schoolchildren enjoying Well not so according to Cardiff “These statistics showed that the the play. And as word spread, towns church-goer Sally Humble-Jackson, who Nativity story is being forgotten and is across South Wales began to stage their came up with the idea of the free Nativity quickly disappearing from our Christmas own production with shows now also play after a shocking survey revealed celebrations. ‘Christmas – The Story’ being staged in Aberdare, Carmarthen, that there was a lack of knowledge of the aims to change this by making the Barry and for the first time this year in Nativity among young people. The survey Nativity accessible to everybody,” said Bridgend. showed: Sally.

Aberdare Barry Bridgend Aberdare, ‘Christmas – The Story’ Barry, ‘Christmas – The Story’ Bridgend ‘Christmas – The Story’ is hosted by St Elvan’s Church in will be held at St Mary’s Church, will be held at the Tabernacl Aberdare and runs from Monday Holton Road, Barry from Monday, Chapel on Derwen Road, Bridgend December 4, until Saturday, December 11, until Saturday, from Saturday, December 9, until December 9. For performance times December 16. Performances are: Saturday, December 16 (except visit www.cynonnativity.org.uk Monday to Saturday 10.30am and Sunday). It is being led by the 1.15pm, plus 2.30pm on Monday Revd Robin Samuel. and Wednesday, and 6.30pm on There will be three performances Tuesday and Thursday. daily at 10am, 11am and 1pm and also an evening performance on Thursday, December 14, at 6pm. The 11am Saturday shows will be in Welsh.

8 | CROESO Winter 2017 “If we want to see these statistics change, then it is the churches’ job to Cardiff make it happen. No-one will do it for us, so I figured that it was time we got out Cardiff, ‘Christmas – The Story’ is of the pews and made sure that people staged at the Tabernacl Chapel in could access the Nativity story as easily the Hayes from Friday, December as they could drop in to see Santa in his 1, until Wednesday, December 20 grotto,” said Sally. (except Sundays). Performances, The Revd Ben Andrews, Rector of which last 20 minutes, run every Barry, said, “We are delighted to bring 40 minutes from 10am except for ‘Christmas – The Story’ to Barry once lunchtime (12.20pm to 1.20pm) again and present the full-costume until 5.20pm. production. It has been very popular over the last two years attracting thousands The Cardiff production received a of people into church to watch the make-over this year with knitted performances. robins adorning the railings on “Staging the production has also been the Hayes after local knitters a very useful tool in bringing together were asked for help. In previous people from different parishes and years models of baby Jesus different churches across the town. Work were made and distributed at the on the project, which has a cast and crew performances. of around 50 local people, begins in mid September.”

An actor’s tale What is by Hanna Jones ‘Christmas – to a soundtrack which narrates the story. There are also opportunities to learn The Story’? puppeteering skills. ‘Christmas – The Story’ is lots of fun and very rewarding. ‘Christmas – the Story’ brings to life I’ve made new friends, helped put a the 2,000-year-old story of Jesus’ smile on lots of faces and re-told a birth using adult actors, professional wonderful story of hope which statistics costumes, staging, lighting and show is being forgotten and is quickly puppets. disappearing from Christmas. During their journey, Mary and This December, if you’re shopping Joseph encounter angels and in Cardiff city centre and you see some shepherds, soldiers and stables, donkeys on the Hayes, you’ll know childbirth, Magi and stars, not what it’s all about and would be most to mention the arch-villain Herod – welcome to pop in. before finally returning home safely to We’re always looking for more Nazareth. “I’ve been involved in ‘Christmas – volunteers so if you want to help keep The production aims to offer The Story’ since it started in 2010. It’s a the Christmas story at the heart of our audiences a greater understanding fantastic project which brings the story Christmas celebrations, please get in of our Christmas celebrations and of Jesus’ birth back into Christmas. Each touch.” cultural heritage. year we give hundreds of performances For more information and/or to to thousands of people. book a school visit please visit http:// For a project of this scale, we need the-story.org.uk/ volunteers, administrators, technicians, scene designers, costume makers, stewards and lots of actors. With 11 performances a day for three weeks, six teams of actors are needed and that’s how I help out. No acting experience is necessary, which is a relief for novices like me! There are no lines to learn, as actors act

CROESO Winter 2017 | 9 NEWS Mapping out the ‘Llandaff style’ “Let’s draw a common map of the diocese” – said Bishop June in her first presidential address to the Llandaff Diocesan Conference.

Mapping out the ‘Llandaff style’ is to be a priority for the new Bishop of Llandaff. Bishop June is inviting clergy and lay people to help her draw up a common map of the diocese by pinpointing where they see themselves and the part they play in it. Speaking at the annual conference at St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School, Cardiff, she said the aim was to ‘agree who we are’ and ‘how the Diocese of Llandaff does things’. She explained how she was getting to know the diocese with the help of a large geographical map which showed where the boundaries and buildings lay – but didn’t yet show where people placed themselves in relation to being part of the diocesan family. “I will go on studying and using my map of the Llandaff Diocese but there’s a female bishop represented a sphere response was to being ‘church’ in that another map going on which I’ve begun of unfamiliarity of where the map had place. to study and that is the map of the changed. “I want to honour and support your diocese which we carry in our heads,” “So, to those who have already sense of mission where you are but I said Bishop June. expressed to me your uncertainties I also believe that you will be stronger She said this map would be explored ask that you stay right at the heart of our in those responses if you see yourself during her visits to all the deaneries. diocesan life.” as belonging to, supported by and “I’ll be listening carefully to what you She spoke of her desire to find a contributing to the diocesan family. We think ought to be our priorities because pathway so that every parish felt known are not a congregational church. We they’re writ large on your maps of how and valued by their bishop and to do it in are better together because there are church should work. The purpose of such a way that respected the integrity of some realities of our faith which we can these discussions is that we might draw the clergy and lay leaders of each parish only hold on to by connecting with each for ourselves a common map of the - and encouraged them to flourish. other.” diocese,” said Bishop June. As part of the mapping process, To read the full presidential address She said that there would be Bishop June said she had been struck visit www.llandaff.churchinwales.org.uk challenges in drawing afresh a by how unique each church was and /news/2017/09/bishop-junes-presidential common map and that she herself as how distinctive each parish/benefice’s -address/

Intrepid, diverse, friendly and rural what made them distinctive. information, included Safeguarding, were some of the words used by In reporting back on the day, they Mothers Union, Messy Church, deaneries to describe themselves in were all asked to come up with three Open the Book, Calling Llandaff, factfinding sessions when members words to describe their deaneries, and Christian Aid, Churches Together of the Llandaff Diocesan Conference these varied from intrepid, diverse Bookshop, Mae Cymru and the met in September. and friendly to rural, serving and Community Mental Health Chaplain. More than 300 people attended collaborative. the day-long conference which Information from these sessions and focused on the deanery based brain that gathered over the coming months storming sessions to help plan the during Bishop June’s visits to all the way forward. deaneries was to be used to help draw Following the opening service, up a common map of the diocese, the the conference broke into eleven conference was told. deanery groups which were tasked • Various stalls were set up with gathering information about in the ‘street’ outside the conference what they celebrated, hoped for and hall for members to visit and gather

10 | CROESO AutumnWinter 2017 2017 AROUND THE DIOCESE Around the Diocese Throwing open church doors to the homeless Lord, when did we see you a stranger and welcome you? (Matthew 25)

For the last seven years different agreeing to host the Night churches in Cardiff have been hosting Shelter on Saturday evenings. a night shelter for the homeless during This means the homeless will others.” the worst of the winter be getting a cooked This year the host churches are: months. breakfast on Sunday Grangetown Baptist Church, St Mary’s And now for the morning just before RC Church in Canton, the Seventh first time the parishes the main services of Day Adventist Church, St Peter’s of St German’s and St the parish begin. It is RC Church in Roath, Calvary Baptist Saviour’s have joined hoped to offer a special Church in Canton, Capel Salem and St the Cardiff Churches service for the homeless German’s and St Saviour’s Churches in Night Shelter project to on Sunday mornings Adamsdown and Splott. offer refuge to those in in St German’s for the The Churches Night Shelter is need. Each night, from duration of the Night slightly different from the council just before Christmas Shelter. run shelters and seeks to give warm until the end of March, a Fr Phelim said, beds and two hot meals (evening and different church takes it “Caring for the homeless breakfast) to those who seek out their in turn to offer hospitality to those who and tending to the help. The churches are homeless. needs of those “Caring for the involved in this year’s The beds, laundry, food and labour considered least in Night Shelter come are all donated free of charge by the our society goes to homeless and tending from many traditions various church communities and its the heart of what to the needs of those and attract Christians members. Christianity and our who simply want to St German’s in Adamsdown and St faith is all about. considered least in help others. Saviour’s in Splott became involved As Christians, we The project starts when their priest-in-charge the Revd simply try to live our our society goes to on December 18 and is Phelim O’Hare was asked if either of his lives by following the heart of what always in need of help, parishes could help, when two of the the teaching and prayer and support. If seven churches involved in this ministry example of Jesus, Christianity and our you would like to get had to step back this year. who was often faith is all about.” involved or find out After consulting the parish homeless himself. more about the Night communities it was agreed that St He teaches us to Shelter please contact German’s hall in Adamsdown would bring comfort and hope to all who are Fr Phelim on 029 2241 1229 or visit the be best suited to host up to about 15- in any kind of need and to go out of church website for more details www. 20 homeless people, with St German’s our way to become ‘Good News’ to saintgermanwithsaviour.org Scarecrow festival in Wenvoe

A Vale of Glamorgan church held its Prizes were awarded for the best young third annual scarecrow festival as part person’s scarecrow, the best adult and of its harvest celebrations. the best organisation. A total of 16 colourful handmade More than £200 was raised for scarecrows were entered in the festival Christian Aid during the afternoon which at St Mary’s Church, Wenvoe as the included fun activities for children and Dinas Powys, Sully and Wenvoe Group refreshments for all. of Churches held their annual festival.

CROESO Winter 2017 | 11 AROUND THE DIOCESE

The Parish of Cathays celebrates the return of its monthly community café

The Meeting Room Café, held once a month in St Teilo’s Church, Woodville Street, Cathays, is host to a vibrant mix of community members, groups and individuals.

Usually on the first Saturday of the for everyone who wants it. We are an people of all walks of life, and of all faiths month, the café is often enjoyed by over inclusive church, welcoming to everyone coming together as a community here in 150 people, all chatting and enjoying a and for me the café epitomises our warm the café. It’s lovely to witness our parish range of homemade veggie food, cakes, friendly community”. working together for the good of our teas and coffees. The menu changes A recent Saturday café was host to community of Cathays”. each month and often includes falafel local violin and cello folk duo PegBox, The meeting Room Café runs the first mezze platters, lasagne and a range of entertaining the café community with Saturday of each month, 11-3pm. Follow vegan soups. melodic tunes and beautiful rhythms. @meetingroomcafe on Facebook/twitter The Meeting Room is run purely by St Teilo’s priest, the Revd Caroline for current information. volunteers offering a social space for Downs said, “It’s such a pleasure to see members of Cathays’ diverse community to come together and enjoy each other’s company. It is a community venture of St. Teilo’s Church, a welcoming, inclusive Church of Wales church in the heart of Cathays. One volunteer, Kate Marshall, said, “The reason we host this café is simply to provide a welcoming space Bishop June visits Foodbank

The Foodbank ministry at St Saviour’s especially to join us in prayer and Church, Cardiff received a visit from worship as we celebrated St Matthew’s Bishop June. feast day. It was a significant day in the The Bishop of Llandaff was shown life of St Saviour’s parish. The Bishop’s how the church is used as a distribution joining in with our Foodbank ministry point for Cardiff Foodbank during a was very encouraging for the whole recent visit to meet church members, team. The welcome and hospitality of St when she joined the congregation Saviour’s, as a faith and mission focused for evening mass on the Feast of St community, was clearly visible.” Matthew. Parish priest Father Phelim O’Hare How to join the fight against hunger said, “I was delighted that Bishop in your community: Page 16 June was able to visit us and

a city estate is to launch its first CD at able to learn a musical instrument. Hitting the its Christmas concert this month. The newly recorded CD will be Making Music Changing Lives was launched at the concert at the Church set up eight years ago by the Revd of Resurrection, Ely, on December 17, high notes Jan Gould in Ely, Cardiff, to give local at 3pm. All are welcome, admission is An orchestral music project that is children hope and ambition for the free with donations welcomed. transforming the lives of children on future through the opportunity of being

The church lit up from November Turning purple 1 to World Pancreatic Cancer Day on November 17. A charity breakfast St Martin’s Church in Caerphilly ‘went was held in church to conclude the purple’ for two weeks in November to awareness-raising campaign, with all show support for Pancreatic Cancer money going to Pancreatic Cancer UK. UK.

12 | CROESO Winter 2017 AROUND THE DIOCESE

Kelson makes history in first Neath Messy Church baptism

Messy Church is a firm favourite with children in the Benefice of Neath, and none more so than Kelson Williams, who has become the first person to be baptised during Messy Church.

Seven-year-old Kelson, who has baptised by the Revd Lynda Newman, additional learning needs, has not who leads the Messy Church sessions. missed a session of Messy Church Kelson, and Sara, have both since his mum Sara first took him along benefitted from joining Messy Church. three years ago. “He loves it, he’s a very hands-on Although not from a particularly child who always enjoys any form of arts religious background, a few weeks ago and crafts. There is always a wide range Kelson asked if he could be baptised – a of different and fun activities for him to request which surprised, but delighted, do,” said Sara. Sara who decided to be baptised along- “He doesn’t always find it easy to side her son. socialise in big groups or unfamiliar Sara said, “At Messy Church Kelson settings. At Messy Church Kelson is asked out of the blue could he be reborn. never judged, he is always made to I asked what do you mean? He replied, feel at ease there and he’s accepted, ‘to God, with water on my head’. it’s very friendly and hands-on with the “As a parent, I feel Kelson is his own children. person and knows his own mind and if “As he doesn’t always have socially it was what he wanted or needed to do acceptable behaviour, from my side of I was more than happy to give him my things, being a single parent it can be blessing and support.” hard to socialise, but Messy Church Bishop June visits Foodbank The following Messy Church Kelson gives me the opportunity to do this.” got his wish and he and his mum were Donkeys play Advent hide and seek

Last Advent, the shops and market service in St David’s Church. posted each day on the benefice’s stalls in Neath were asked “please The Revd Lynda Newman said, Facebook page.” would you look after one of our sheep?” “Little did we know how well this Messy So popular was the event, that this The result was a fun-filled festive event Nativity would go down. Shops built year a herd of donkeys will be hiding which brought together children from their Christmas displays around their around the town. across the benefice and businesses in sheep, children were given sweets by “We have been overwhelmed the town. the stall holders; and the adventures by the support we have received - Each of the knitted sheep were given of one stray sheep was donkeys have come in by the field full, names, and the children of the local shopkeepers have asked if they can schools were asked to locate ‘host’ one, and Neath Town Council them and bring their completed awarded us a grant to promote form - on the back of which the event in town and was the Christmas story get everyone - along to the Christmas involved.” Eve Crib

CROESO Winter 2017 | 13 COMINGS & GOINGS

Appointments Canon Edward Dowding Living the Prayer: The Everyday has been appointed chaplain to the retired Challenge of the Lord’s Prayer clergy and WODS (Widows, Orphans and What are we enthuses about Dependants Society) really saying the book being Canon Dowding, who when we say the “genuinely fresh lives with his wife Jean in Barry, retired Lord’s Prayer? and new… a great as Rector of Sully with Wenvoe and St What are we contribution from Lythans four years ago. Originally from expecting to an author rooted Caerau, Maesteg, he spent his entire 41- happen? Living the Prayer is the new in practicalities year ministry in the Llandaff Diocese. book from acclaimed author the Revd and compassion, “It is important to recognise the role Dr Trystan Owain Hughes, who is the and a reminder of the retired clergy and for links to be Director of Vocations for the diocese of the radical maintained,” he said. and priest-in-charge of Christ Church, power of some Roath Park. life-changing This is Trystan’s fifth book and words”. in it he challenges us to view the “The Lord’s Leaving Lord’s Prayer from a completely Prayer’s sixty-three Canon Dr Sarah Rowland fresh perspective. He shows that this words are a fresh and innovative way Jones will be leaving the revolutionary prayer demands that of viewing and acting in the world diocese in the Spring to we get up from our knees and work that are as relevant now as they were become Dean of St David’s towards making God’s topsy-turvy, 2000 years ago,” says Trystan, “these Cathedral. downside-up kingdom an everyday are words that should be radically Canon Sarah who is reality. challenging and transforming our daily currently priest-in-charge The book, published last month, lives”. of Cardiff’s city centre civic church of St has already had some high-profile Living the Prayer: The Everyday John the Baptist, is the first woman to be reviewers singing its praises. Elaine Challenge of the Lord’s Prayer is appointed to the post. Storkey, author and broadcaster, writes published by BRF priced £7.99, and It was four years ago that Canon that it is “a sensitive, thoughtful and is available from Churches Together Sarah, a former diplomat, returned to painstaking exposition of the Lord’s Bookshop (Windsor Place, Cardiff) and Wales after working in South Africa for a Prayer and a very fine contribution all other good bookshops, as well as decade, to take up her current post. to a subject which can never be from online booksellers (including BRF She said, “It will be a tremendous exhausted”, while Keith Hebden, and Amazon). privilege to join the community of those Director of the Urban Theology Union, who today bear the responsibility of sharing the good news of Jesus Christ with pilgrims and visitors from near and far. As I prepare to move, it will be my particular prayer that by God’s grace I grow in being “faithful in the little things” as St David taught.” ConsentKeeping for use of images ofchurch children safe

A reminder that the Church in Wales publications/downloads/safeguarding- Retiring Safeguarding Policy regarding consent policy-2016/ The Revd Stephen Pare for use of images of children refers to Safeguarding Training for laity is retiring as priest-in- both a hard copy and/or electronic continues to roll out across Llandaff charge of Llansantffraid, use. For example, if you want to post Diocese with approximately 300 Bettws and Aberkenfig a photo to celebrate or advertise a people now trained under our Safe in June next year after Church activity on a Church in Wales Church programme. This training eleven years in the post. website or Church in Wales social is valid for three years. If members He began his ministry at media site, you must have written of your laity have not booked onto St John’s, Cardiff, after being ordained consent from a parent/legal guardian Safeguarding training please contact in 1980. Other posts have included to use/take and store the image or the provincial safeguarding support Team Vicar at Llantwit Major, Deanery images. For more information please officer Liz Tibbatts on 07881 016187 Youth Chaplain, Chaplain to Cardiff refer to the our Safeguarding Policy elizabethtibbatts@churchinwales. International Airport, Education Officer 2016 (Section 8 / Page2) which can be org.uk and/or to check forthcoming and Ministry Development Officer found at http://www.churchinwales. training dates visit http://llandaff. (Mission). org.uk/structure/representative-body/ churchinwales.org.uk/safeguarding/

14 | CROESO Winter 2017 Tribute to the Venerable Bill Thomas The former Archdeacon of Llandaff, the Venerable Bill Thomas, who died suddenly on September 15, aged 73, was much loved throughout the Llandaff Diocese where he served his entire ministry.

After being ordained in 1970, Bill he was a modest man who came from to be told something unpalatable about served his parish ministry in Pencoed, a humble background and who had not what they had said or done, he did not Pontypridd St Catherine, Tonyrefail and had the benefit of a university education shirk from doing so. Neath where he was Rector. as many people of his generation had “And that is why he was so On appointment as Archdeacon of not. And he never pretended to be respected and loved in this diocese in Llandaff in October 1997, he became anything other than he was. which he spent the whole of his ministry Vicar of Caerau with Ely in 1998 until “Compassion, kindness and grace – what you saw was what you got and 2001. He remained were values by which that’s why I valued his knowledge and archdeacon until his Bill tried to live, as wisdom so much. I always knew that retirement in 2008. he ministered in the his advice to me was dispassionate, In his retirement, many parishes in given with my best interests at heart. Bill continued to which he served, There was never a hidden agenda, nor serve and was and those were did he play ecclesiastical games or tell chaplain to the retired the qualities he me what he thought I wanted to hear. clergy and also brought to his work Yet he was utterly loyal and supportive, maintained important as archdeacon qualities which any bishop needs and relationships with especially in his values in an archdeacon. clergy widows. He leaves a wife Jean relationships with the clergy and latterly “He also had an enormous sense and two children Michael and Sarah. as chaplain to the retired. of fun and humour. As the In the sermon given at his Requiem “And it was all done clock got nearer to 1 on the Eucharist at Llandaff Cathedral, the quietly and without fuss – a days the Senior Staff met, he former Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry reassuring word here and a would say from the other end Morgan, spoke of how Bill had been timely visit there – for a great of the table where he always respected and loved throughout the deal of the work of bishops sat ‘Archbishop, I don’t know Llandaff Diocese. and archdeacons is done, not about you but my tummy is “Bill was, as I said when he retired, so much in what appears in rumbling and I can’t think ‘the best archdeacon I did not appoint.’ official engagements and the straight anymore – it is time I inherited him from Bishop Roy and big occasions, but in the 1001 for lunch’. And once, knowing Bishop Roy was a shrewd judge of things that need attending to I was within earshot, he said character who saw qualities in people with total discretion and which to his fellow archdeacons, that were often missed by others,” said matter hugely to the people again with that smile on his Dr Morgan in his sermon. involved but which no one else will face ‘These bishops think they run the “And no one would have been necessarily know about. Church in Wales but we know don’t more surprised by his appointment as “But he was no pushover either – if we, that archdeacons are the ones who archdeacon than Bill himself – because a rebuke was needed or someone had actually do so?’”

Caption competition Thank you for all your entries to the Please send in your captions for caption competition. Remember this photograph to Alison Young, the picture from the last edition? Croeso, Llandaff Diocese, The First place went to Delyth Parry of Court, Coychurch, Bridgend, CF35 Pen-y-Fai for, “We’ve got him well 5HF or by email to alisonyoung@ trained, so thought he could come churchinwales.org.uk to church with us now!!!!!”

CROESO Winter 2017 | 15 Fighting hunger By Tony Graham, Wales Director for The Trussell Trust, which works to support churches and communities across South Wales to run foodbanks that provide emergency food and support for people referred to them in crisis. © The Trussell Trust Trust © The Trussell

“What do you think about as Christmas only this Christmas, but all year round. at church for a service. A list of most starts to draw closer? When is best to Volunteers from congregations sit with needed items can be found on your order the turkey? Will anyone actually people at foodbank sessions to have a local foodbank’s website, and it’s eat any Christmas cake this year? How chat over a cup of tea and find out more always good to check what they’re many mince pies will be needed for that about why someone has needed the running low on. carol service? Food is undoubtedly an foodbank’s help. Many churches host Financial donations are also a great integral part of the Christmas period. foodbank centres on their premises help to foodbanks in South Wales. But for a growing number of people and many more church groups donate There are lots of hidden costs to running across South Wales, the questions of to their local foodbank. Seeing God’s a foodbank, such as rent for warehouse food over Christmas revolve not around love in action and feeling that sense space, the cost of a van for deliveries, seasonal fare, but whether there will be of community across South Wales is insurance and utilities. Anything you anything for the family to eat at all. are able to give will help your Throughout the Trussell Trust’s foodbank to continue their vital network of foodbanks, December work stopping local people going is the busiest time of the year and hungry. Trussell Trust foodbanks here in Finally, you could contact South Wales see the same stark your local foodbank to ask picture. Many families find that about volunteering opportunities. reduced hours, heating bills, Volunteers are at the heart of and the absence of free school everything foodbanks do – without meals for their children during an army of selfless, dedicated the holidays, all exacerbate an volunteers across South Wales, already difficult daily struggle to foodbanks simply would not have © The Trussell Trust Alexandra Smart Alexandra Trust © The Trussell put food on the table. been able to provide support to Our latest foodbank figures everyone referred to them. The show that in April to September of both humbling and inspiring. Whilst we Bible challenges us as believers to this year, 42,807 three day emergency ultimately want there to be no need for give our lives away for those who are food supplies were provided to people foodbanks in the future, we are very vulnerable and in need. This challenge in crisis by Trussell Trust foodbanks grateful for the support so many give comes with no expectation or reward. in Wales, and those numbers show to make sure there’s somewhere for There really is something for everyone no signs of slowing. This could be our people to turn when crisis hits. to do, and your skills and desire to serve network’s busiest December yet. If you’re interested in getting could be just what a foodbank needs! The good news is hundreds of people involved, there are three simple things Churches across South Wales are have come together from communities you or your church could consider already committing time, money and across South Wales to stop people doing to support your local foodbank. food to stem the tide of hunger. Will going hungry. Many of these people Foodbanks rely on donations of food you join the fight against hunger in are inspired by the words in Mtt 25:35- - over 90 percent of the food given by your community? You can find the 36 in which Jesus commands us to foodbanks to people in crisis is donated contact details for your nearest Trussell care for the hungry and those who are by local communities. It’s really easy Trust foodbank by visiting https:// thirsty and in need. From Chepstow to to donate; many supermarkets and www.trusselltrust.org/get-help/find-a- Cardigan, many churches are already churches have permanent collections, foodbank/ . If you have any queries you working with their local foodbank to so you can buy a donation in store can email [email protected] help stop people going hungry not or drop something off when you’re

Croeso is edited by Alison Young and designed by Jeff Lewis (Space on White). The deadline for the next edition is February 16, 2018. Please send all copy and images to [email protected]