Menter Esgoboeth Tyddewi . An initiative of the Rhif 2 – Mawrth 2004 Number 2 – March 2004

Am ddim Pobl Dewi Free Bluestone project has Church at its centre HE CONTROVERSIAL Bluestone project may breathe Tnew life into a mediaeval church. The multi-million pound project has now had outline planning consent, and detailed con- sent is expected in the Summer, enabling work to start later in the year, according to William McNamara, whose vision has been driving the project for the last six years. It was revealed last week that workers at the Village. Visiting the the plans for the Holiday Village, site this week, Archdeacon John situated adjacent to Oakwood Park Holdsworth said that he could see near Haverford-west, will include a valuable partnership in prospect. the restoration of the mediaeval “There is a real irony that this church of Newton North. This church may come back to life, church is documented from at least whilst the one which led to its clo- the twelfth century, and elements sure is redundant,” he said. A large may survive from this time. curtilage area in front of the church At one time it was owned by will form a ‘Village Green’ whilst St Dogmael’s Abbey before be- water from what is marked on an- coming part of the parish of cient maps as a Holy Well, will run Slebech and Minwear in 1844. through the Village. When the new parish church at When the development is com- William MacNamara and Archdeacon John Holdsworth inspect the ruined church of Newton North Slebech was opened, Newton plete it will provide accommoda- which is set to be the centre-piece of a new holiday development North closed and fell into disrepair. tion in 340 timber bungalows. The Spiritual heart battle to achieve planning consent It is hoped that the church will has been long. Mr MacNamara be- form a spiritual heart for the new lieves that local people are very development, along the lines of much behind it, as it will promote Gearing Up, not similar churches in Center Parcs local produce and attract more busi- villages, where they have been ness to the area. The aim is to give proved to play a valuable role. Mr guests a holistic experience of MacNamara hopes there will be , including the regular weekly services and pasto- spiritual dimension. Winding Down! ral cover for holiday makers and See Body and Spirit page 3 SENIOR STAFF ENCOURAGE HOPEFUL APPROACH S THE SENIOR TEAM prepare to launch the new Diocesan be realistic we believe that our Forget “Planet Church”, A initiative Diocesan spokesmen this week were at pains to point clergy are important resources for out that the Diocese is planning for growth, not decline. “We are mission. Figures being considered by the Church in are said to gearing up, not winding down,” said Carl. show that more people attend Readers told The Archdeacon of St David’s ministry throughout the Diocese church in St David’s Diocese than was said to be “disappointed” by which are designed to enable in any other Diocese in Wales, T A MEETING which was the first of its kind, last month, Press reports about the new growth.” Elsewhere, rumours that including those with vastly greater AReaders and their Incumbents were urged to have a more developments in ministry in clergy numbers are to be reduced populations. The Bishop is said to imaginative and inclusive view of ministry. In the keynote address, Castlemartin Deanery, which provicially were described as be keen that the Final Rowe Bishop Carl encouraged a view of Reader ministry which gets away seemed to suggest that the only “misleading” by a member of the Beddoe Report, expected later this from a service-orientated, Sundays-only understanding; and begins reason for them was a fall in clergy senior staff. He said “I believe year, take full account of the real to see it as more integrated with the whole ministry of the church. numbers. “This is an exciting decisions about staffing and situation in the Diocese and does Pointing out that Readers are project” he said this week. It is just deployment ought to be made at not put achievements to date in be related to ministry in the world already licensed to preach, teach, one example of new initiatives in Diocesan level, and whilst we must jeopardy. which everyone else inhabits. lead prayer and, in some circum- The purpose of the meeting stances, pastor; the bishop foresaw was to explore how agreements a ministry which included, for ex- could be established which would Prifathro yn feirniadol o gynlluniau ample, leading mid-week prayer set out exactly what expectations and study groups, work with young there were for each Reader-Incum- cyllido Llafur Newydd people, confirmation preparation bent relationship. A lively feed- and social involvement. back session highlighted the need Derec Llwyd Morgan, Prrifathro Coleg Primsgol Cymru, Aberystwyth Child of God to work at the diocesan strategy for MESUR YN YMWNEUD â Ac na chaniateir inni godi ffioedd Cymru yn astudio yn Lloegr a The meeting at Trinity College a change of culture with regard to phrifysgolion Lloegr yw’r tan o leiaf 2007. llawer o Saeson yn astudio yng was attended by over ministry. Questions were raised Mesur Addysg Uwch y bu Ond noder tri pheth: Nghymru. Os bydd amodau a hundred people. They heard the about the limits of Reader minis- cymaint o sôn amdano’n (i) Gan fod prifysgolion Cymru ariannol astudio yn y ddwy wlad bishop say that all Christians are try as well as its opportunities; ddiweddar. Ynddo rhoddir grym yn cystadlu â phrifysgolion eraill y yn wahanol i’w gilydd, a gaiff called to ministry. Anyone who about Child Protection policy with i’r Cynulliad Cenedlaethol Deyrnas Unedig am fyfyrwyr, staff Saeson ddod yma am ddim? Ac understands themselves to be a regard to Readers, and about train- drefnu fel y mynn ar gyfer a grantiau ymchwil, ni allwn ni a fydd y Cynulliad yn noddi child of God, a baptised believer, ing and development. The organ- prifysgolion Cymru. Bob tro y fforddio bod yn dlotach na nhw. Cymry i fynd dros y ffin? a disciple of Jesus and a member iser of the event, Revd Jo gofynnir i weinidog Addysg (ii) Os codir ffioedd – fel y Gallwn nodi rhagor o of Christ will inevitably be Penberthy, Warden of Readers, was Llywodraeth y Cynulliad beth a disgwylir – yn Lloegr yn 2006, bethau. Ond dywedais ddigon i thinking about what they are called well satisfied with the event. She ddigwydd yma, yr ateb a rydd rhaid digolledu sefydliadau Cymru ddangos mor gymhleth yw’r by God to be and do. It was no part said, “It really was encouraging to yw ei bod yn mynd i sefydlu hyd at tua £40 miliwn. O ble y pwnc hwn y mae Llywodraeth of diocesan vision that church see so many people here and to Gweithgor i edrych ar holl fater daw’r arian? Llafur Newydd yn ei drin mor people should live on “planet sense their excitement about devel- myfyrwyr a’u cynhaliaeth. (iii) Y mae llawer o fyfyrwyr gafalîr. – More on page 2 church” but rather that their opments in ministry. This gives us understanding of vocation should a great base on which to build.” 2 Pobl Dewi, March 2004 Vice-Chancellor Slams Tourism and Leisure Body and Spirit top-up fees by Philip Johnes, Rural Life Advisor OR CENTURIES agriculture was the main employer of our Fdiocese. This is now longer the case. Tourism and leisure is now URING the two the largest employer. However most of the employers in this field Dmonths leading up to employ fewer than six people. These establishments range from the Christmas 2003 and for the village pub offering food on a small scale, to farmers who have first four weeks of the New turned redundant farm buildings into holiday accommodation. Year, British universities were There are very few major tour- visitors are usually not welcome rarely out of the news. ism employers in the diocese. The there. So how do we connect with The general subject was – and small scale ones like the farmer most them? is – university funding. Universities likely uses family labour to clean and The major employers will of in the UK lack funds. Everyone rec- service the accommodation, or course have proper rest areas for ognizes their need. But because the perhaps a couple of youngsters to their staff. These allow people a New Labour government avoids help out on change over days. chance to sit down and talk to the raising direct taxes like it avoids the Youngsters also help out in the others in their break time, but if it plague, it proposed instead to raise restaurants and pubs in the a small establishment, the chance money by allowing universities to evenings. Most of the people who of having someone else there at charge their students variable fees are employed in tourism and leisure the same time is slim. So for a of up to £3000 per annum which are working, when the rest of us, are teenager or indeed for many other would be repaid by them in later relaxing. If people are still clearing people being seen talking to a dog life. Students are also expected to up at 1 am after a nights work in a collar in such a public place hardly repay the loans taken out for living restaurant do they really feel like gives them street credibility. and other university expenses. getting up to go the church later that The furore created by this pro- morning, especially if they have to Responsibility posal in the ranks of Labour MPs be back at work at around 11 am to It all comes down to the priest- was such that the Government an- start over again serving people. In hood of all believers. In other nounced several caveats in the Bill: village churches teenagers are often words it is not just the clergy who students from impoverished parts of lost at morning worship simply, have the responsibility for visit- society would receive government because they have been working the ing people. It belongs to every grants and bursaries (paid for by the night before. Many others are not one. Parishes need to make links universities from their new fee- there because they have been out as with the places of leisure in their funds); moreover, a new regulatory well, as customers of the leisure communities and see what they agency, the Office of Fair Access trade, but that is another story. want from the church. If it is a (OFFA), would try and secure ad- Sunday worshippers farm park how about an animal Derec Llwyd Morgan, equate places in the very best uni- So how do we as a church min- service there, not necessarily on a Vice-Chancellor, University of Wales, Aberystwyth versities for – again – students from ister to those who work, when the Sunday. Middleton (The National disenfranchised families. this Government has promised its saries. Although I applaud the in- rest of us are at play? If the church Botanical Garden) has held carol Bill opposed principled and unprincipled rebels tention to help support impover- is to be of any reality to those out- services and Christingle services, I opposed the Bill from the out- that it will not discuss raising fees ished students, I abhor the inten- side the usual Sunday worshippers, which were run with the help of set. The Government should have again until 2010, another six years tion to turn part of the university we must find ways of reaching the local clergy and Plant Dewi tackled the question of university will go by before parliament again system into an instrument of social them. That can be very difficult in staff. Hotels can offer all sorts of funding in 1997 when it received discusses seriously university fund- engineering. every day situations, let alone tour- opportunities for contact points not the Dearing Report, or in 2003-04, ing. If they raise the maximum fees ism and leisure. A small pub would only with staff but with visitors as Bill passed or should have conducted a com- for all courses, the universities will not take too kindly if the staff spent well. A parish could give them prehensive review of funding pos- secure no more than a fifth of their The Bill passed by five famous time talking instead of working. some custom in the form of a par- sibilities, instead of satisfying itself recognized requirement. votes on the 27th January makes The cooks will not have spare time ish lunch on the fifth Sunday in the with one-stream extra funding That will be reduced further by none of us any favours. It is a dog’s to talk as they work, and anyway month. A door has been opened use which hits graduates only. Now that the legal obligation to create bur- dinner. kitchens are dangerous places, and it for the glory of God.

RSCM How to hold your youngsters up West Wales Area by Rhys Davies AREA CHOIRS’ RITING THIS at the beginning of a New Year provokes reflec as music, literature and the per- the smaller, less public events, (I FESTIVAL AND SERVICE Wtion over the past twelve months. And for me, one of the most forming arts, interactive events spent an evening with some Ben- th distinct memories of 2003 was the trip to Greenbelt. where Green-belters can discover edictine monks!), or even start up Saturday 8 May new talents. an event of your own! I’m not kid- (10.30 a.m. onwards) For those who are not aware, Each Greenbelt festival has a Mornings at Greenbelt are ding. Some of us from the Towy Greenbelt is a gathering of theme, and the one this year was likely to be devoted to modern valley sat down on a massive open Service 5 p.m. at Christians for three days of fun and the injustice present in worship, moving into the after- area as a group, but this gradually St. David’s worship. international trade, where larger, noon lectures and venues, where a got bigger until we had one hun- Greenbelt has been active for more stable countries unfairly treat Directed by number of celebrities are able to dred people in a massive circle, in- thirty years, the first event being less-developed countries. Nowhere speak their views on Christianity teracting with folks they would Dr. David Flood staged on a farm at Clun, near was this feeling stronger when on and give you the chance to speak never have had a chance to meet Craven Arms. Monday morning the whole Organist and your mind. otherwise. However, when a bunch of Greenbelt population got together Master of the Music of teenagers from the Diocesan for a massive group worship and Entertainment Greenbelt is amazing. Its not Canterbury Cathedral disembarked from our minibus in to campaign for trade justice. A But it is in the nightlife that just a chance to worship God in a the last week in August, we were at stirring and moving occasion. Greenbelt really shines. Numerous new, and exciting way, but an in- Open to ALL Cheltenham racecourse, right in the Greenbelt makes an excellent Christian bands, such as The Tribe, ternational event where you can Choristers (bring your robes). shadow of the beautiful Cotswolds effort to cater for all types of peo- appeared in the evenings to pro- learn new things, meet new peo- An invitation is extended to all hills. ple through its varied schedule. Fa- vide entertainment, and there were ple and have an amazing amount church choirs to send of fun. I’ll be going to the next There is no accommodation cilities have been provided for eve- many nightclubs where you could representation provided at Greenbelt, participants ryone, from restaurants to fast food dance the night away and meet new event in 2004, and I hope many of Further details available from have to pitch tents on the multi- catering in all types of cuisine, mu- people. you will be inspired to join us. acre racetrack, with the actual sical arenas, an inflatable play- Greenbelt is a massive event Please contact, Richard Stephens venue being held in the grandstand ground where kids (and big kids!) and has a great effect on the world. The Rev. Adrian Legg on (RSCM Area Secretary) can burn their energy, even a cin- Representatives from Europe, complex. Our group was lucky to 01550 777343. get an area reserved for our tents ema and cyber-cafe (40p an hour, America and even Africa had Telephone 01437 760269 The dates are August 27-31. near the Grandstand, but the less terminals are limited!). turned up to make a contribution. E-Mail fortunate could be up to a mile Another prominent feature But don’t be afraid to think Minimum age 14 years. [email protected] away! was discussions on themes such outside the box. Join in some of Pobl Dewi, March 2004 3

under him, so did the settee through which he descended becoming stuck. Prince’s Trust Farewell D.V.L. The laughter went on for a full five by Jane James, newly appointed Director, Prince’s Trust in Wales minutes led with gusto by a former WAS first licensed as a Reader occupations were linked to the pri- FTER almost twenty years’ service Mr Vincent Lloyd retired on Bishop of St. Davids. One might say 27 February 2004. To many, he is the private man behind the I in the in 1987. mary industry of agriculture which A the rise and fall of D. V. Lloyd. The role almost came with an in- we both love. barricades of the Diocesan Office, appearing in public once a year on Bishop Carl said “the Diocese is struction – be a bridge! That’s what It is this desire to communicate the platform at the Diocesan Conference. Those who have known greatly indebted to Mr Vincent Lloyd I believe is the role of the Reader in and articulate worship which I en- and worked with him recognise that there is more to him than that. for the stewardship of its finances, to the life of a parish – a bridge between joy in my role in Church as a Reader. Shortly before retiring he was in- tion Act, Health and Safety legisla- which he had contributed so much the liturgy and the working week. Now in 2004 I’ve been ap- terviewed by Roger Hughes for Pobl tion, Charities Act etc. and for the wisdom and experience In 1987 I had two small children pointed Director of The Prince’s Dewi and said “The Diocese I leave In retirement Mr Lloyd is look- which had been so valuable to me and – they’re pretty grown up now! Hus- Trust in Wales. is so different from that which I ing forward to spending more time my predecessors as of St band Richard and I were running the The Christian perspective of joined, and the role of Diocesan Sec- with his grandchildren, while con- Davids during his period of office. We family farm and my love of commu- “reaching the hardest to reach” is retary has changed with it”. There is tinuing to be active in his local com- wish both Mr and Mrs Lloyd every nicating and the liturgy led me to central to the work of The Trust. no doubt that Vincent Lloyd sees munity, serving his local Church and blessing for retirement.” train as a Reader in the parish of “Delivering tailor-made himself in terms of service and min- Parish, as a governor of schools and As one era ends, another begins, Wiston – then part of a bigger group- programmes” istry. For him, it is not “just a job”. magistrate. As to whether he will take Mrs Val Hockey comes to us from ing of six parishes. He equates this with his activities up once more his drama career re- Monmouth Diocese. We wish Val I’d previously been organist and Young offenders, unemployed, within his own local parish where mains to be seen. His last appearance well and greet her warmly. We look choir mistress and those are all parts under-achievers in school and those he is both a Churchwarden and on stage saw him having to sit down forward to working with her and of the jigsaw that make up my rela- leaving care are the target groups for Church Treasurer. heavily on a settee well past its sell sharing a cup of coffee! A profile tionship with worship. The Prince’s Trust. I’m leading a The Diocesan capital asset base by date, which had been reinforced will be included in the next edition team of staff in Wales to deliver of Pobl Dewi. “Reaching tailor-made programmes to these has grown during his period of of- by a wooden plank, it gave way the hardest to reach” fice from £300k to over £3m, with young people. We all bring different perspec- changes to accompany this growth, This role with some of our tives to our worship on a Sunday, but “more rapid than in any other 20 year most disadvantaged young people for the Reader that is particularly in- period of the Church in Wales’ exist- in Wales will now inform the formed by the activity of the week. ence. This brings in its wake huge “bridge” which I bring to the par- Our lifestyle on the farm has demands upon all who are part of it.” ish worship on a Sunday. changed in line with the changes to Mr Lloyd is keen to stress that It is also true to say that we are traditional farming seen all over Brit- his role as DBF secretary has been all different styles of bridges in our ain. We diversified, setting up an Off about “more than money” which he lives as Christians and that there are Road Drive Training School and I agrees is the usual perception. He is many opportunities for Lay Minis- began working in agricultural pub- a man concerned as much, if not try to help build even more. lic relations. We sold our herd of more, with the well being of all those dairy cows in 2000 and Richard con- that the Diocesan structure serves centrated on training drivers whilst and for whom it cares, clergy and I was managing a Food Technology laity alike. Not only does Mr Lloyd Centre. look back, but he also looks to the We both enjoy this act of com- future, concerned for the Church at municating our chosen spheres to the implications of the Data Protec- PRINCE’S TRUST Goodbye Vincent, Hello Val! others and curiously both those 21st century will be state of the art! The the Very Rev. J. writes . . . NE OF THE more congenial aspects of my work as Dean is Obeing able to welcome all of you when you come to St Davids for Diocesan events or Provincial services. It reinforces for me the sense of the cathedral as the Mother Church of the Diocese and indeed as the Mother Church of Wales. It demonstrates the ministry of hospitality which the Cathedral extends to those who visit this centre of pilgrimage. As a practical extension of this properly conserved and displayed; a ministry, Chapter has over the past meeting room/education resource few years decided to upgrade the fa- centre for the use of the many cilities on offer at the Cathedral; to groups, especially from school and encourage access and understanding parishes who visit the Cathedral; an of the site; and enable people to have exhibition area; vestries; and toilets, a better and more long lasting expe- including facilities for the disabled. rience of the Cathedral and Close. In St Mary’s Hall, a new mezzanine Thus, in 1999 we launched our Mil- floor will almost double the usable lennium Appeal to rebuild the organ, space. On the main and mezzanine restore Porth y Tur, add two bells to floors there will be a Refectory the ring of eight and reface the West which will enable us to offer greater Front and to recover the Cloisters hospitality to parish and other The first four elements have now groups which come to visit the ca- been completed, leaving the Clois- thedral; and also furnish display and ters project as the culmination of exhibition space. The undercroft the campaign. will house a choir room, music li- brary and badly needed storage Recreate cloisters space. With the Cathedral and St The project aims to recover and Mary’s Hall linked again, circula- recreate the 14th century cloisters, tion will be far easier and we will destroyed in the 17th century, which be able to provide much better ac- originally connected the Cathedral cess for the less mobile. with what is now St Mary’s Hall. The Cloisters Project will cost Project, ground level plan This will allow us to provide the Ca- just over £2.4 million. Our Millen- thedral with sorely needed facilities, nium Appeal, which has already therefore have just under £1 million every gift to the Cloisters Project is Please contact Maggie Hem- for its own mission and ministry as funded the four major restoration to find. not only valuable in itself, but helps ming our Appeal Secretary (01437 I noted above and also for the and development projects men- We are currently preparing ap- us to obtain major grants. We hope 720204) if you would like to play 280,000 visitors who come to the tioned above at a cost of £1.8 mil- plications to the European Regional you will wish to contribute to this your part in bringing to fruition this Cathedral each year. lion, has also raised £1.4 million to- Development Fund and the Wales visionary project which is a practi- most important aspect of the life and The Cloisters themselves will wards the Cloisters Project, includ- Tourist Board for substantial grants. cal expression of the cathedral’s mis- work of . accommodate a Treasury in which ing a grant of £590,000 from the These bodies, like HLF, require us sion to the church in the diocese, the Cathedral’s treasures can be Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF). We to provide “partnership” funding, so Wales and the world. 4 Pobl Dewi, March 2004

Bishop Saunders Davies, Contemplating who was elected Bishop of Esgob Saunders yn dewis Bangor in 1999 announced Prayer in November that he ymddeol i esgobaeth ei febyd intended to retire in A day school in Christian February. A native of the Contemplative Prayer diocese of St Davids, (for beginners!) Bishop Saunders has been in the ordained ministry for with two talks by forty years and has served Patrick Thomas in parishes across Wales. His retire-ment led to an Journey electoral college in mid- March in order to elect a into Prayer successor. The electoral and college’s membership and meeting arrangements are Help laid down in the Church in Wales’ constitution. The on the Journey electoral college is made up of both lay and clerical [Canon Patrick Thomas representatives. For this was trained for the election Bangor diocese priesthood at the College had six clerical and six lay of the Resurrection, members at the college with Mirfield, where his tutor the five other dioceses of in Spirituality was the Church in Wales having Dr Rowan Williams] three clerical members and three lay members attend- CHRIST CHURCH ing the meeting. The Bench Esgob a Mrs Davies yn dathlu eu priodas ruddem gyda’r teulu ym mis Rhagfyr 2003 of Bishops of the Church in CARMARTHEN Wales are also members of DIWEDD mis Tachwedd daeth yn Ficer Eglwys Dewi Sant gyda phobl ar adegau o lawenydd Saturday March 27 the electoral college – 47 diwethaf, cyhoeddodd Esgob yng Nghanol Dinas Caerdydd. mawr neu dristwch mawr a members in total. At any D 10.30 am-3.30 pm Saunders Davies, Esgob Bangor Daeth ei benodiad nesaf ym rhannu’r profiadau hynny gyda round of discussion, ei fwriad i ymddeol ym mis 1993 pan wnaed yn Archddiacon nhw. Mae wedi bod yn fraint fawr Bring your own members can put forward Chwefror gan nodi ei fod yn Meirionnydd a Rheithor Cricieth hefyd cael pregethu Gair Duw yn sandwiches – tea/coffee names for consideration. bwriadu ymddeol i esgobaeth ei gyda Threflys, a bu yn y swydd wythnosol a rhannu ffresni’r provided. The electoral college has up febyd – Tyddewi. Wedi deugain honno nes ei gysegru a’i osod yn Efengyl gyda’r rhai hynny sydd yn to three days to choose a The day is free but mlynedd o weinidogaethu, mae’r Esgob Bangor ym mis Ionawr dod ar ei draws neu yn ei bishop-elect who needs to donations towards the St Esgob a Mrs Davies wedi 2000 yn dilyn trosglwyddiad y archwilio am y tro cyntaf. gain two thirds of the votes David’s Church penderfynu ymddeol i Aberteifi. Gwir Barchedig Dr Barry Morgan Aeth yr Esgob ymlaen i cast in secret ballot. After Restoration Appeal are Yn enedigol o Gwm Gwaun i fod yn Esgob Llandaf. Mae’n ddweud: “Mae wedi bod yn achos that time, the decision always welcome. yn Sir Benfro, addysgwyd Esgob awdur Y Daith Anorfod, llawenydd medru rhannu fy becomes one for the Bench Saunders yn Ysgol Gynradd astudiaeth o Efengyl Luc ac yn ngweinidogaeth gyda chynifer o of Bishops of the Church in A second day on Llanychllwydog, Ysgol Ramadeg gyd-olygydd Euros Bowen Poet- gyd-weithwyr dros y blynyddoedd. Wales. The Bishop-elect Abergawun, Coleg Prifysgol Priest. Cyhoeddwyd y ddwy Byddaf yn cofio’n annwyl Difficulties in Prayer has forty-two days from the Cymru Bangor, Coleg Selwyn gyfrol ym 1993. Yn 2002 fe’i gynhesrwydd y cyfeillgarwch and date of his election in which Prifysgol Caergrawnt, Coleg gwnaed yn Gymrawd er hwnnw. Roedd yn fraint cael fy to decide whether or not to Diwinyddol Mihangel Sant, Anrhydedd yng Ngholeg Prifysgol ethol yn Esgob Bangor ym 1999 Prayer as Lifelong accept the appointment. Caerdydd a Phrifysgol Bonn yn yr Cymru, Bangor. ac rwyf wedi gwerthfawrogi Pilgrimage The meeting began on Almaen. Yn fab i ffermwr mae Diolchgarwch oedd byrdwn gweddïau’r clerigion a’r will be held later in the year. Tuesday 16th March with a wedi bod yn bugeilio mewn sylwadau ‘r Esgob pan plwyfolion wrth i ni gyd-weithio celebration of the Holy plwyfi led-led Cymru. Wedi ei gyhoeddodd ei ymddeoliad. fel partneriaid mewn Phone 01267-234183 in St Deiniol’s ordeinio yn Eglwys Gadeiriol “Pan gychwynnais fy gweinidogaeth a chenhadaeth for details Cathedral, Bangor. At the Llandaf ym 1963 cychwynnodd ei ngweinidogaeth ordeiniedig, fy “Rwy’n edrych ymlaen yn conclusion of that service, weinidogaeth fel curad ngobaith didwyll oedd cael yr fawr at rannu fy ymddeoliad which was open to the cynorthwyol ym mhlwyf Caergybi iechyd i fedru gwasanaethu fel gyda’m gwraig annwyl ers public, the business of the ar Ynys Môn, cyn symud i fod yn gweinidog am ddeugain mlynedd deugain mlynedd, Cynthia, ac o college began and gaplan yn yr Eglwys Gadeiriol ym a rwy’n rhoi diolch i Dduw ‘mod weld mwy o’m plant a’r wyrion.” members were locked into Mangor (1967-1969). Daeth yn i wedi medru gwneud hynny. Ganed y diweddaraf o wyrion the cathedral so that all Rheithor plwyf Llanllyfni gyda Rwyf wedi cael y fraint a’r pleser y ddau ym mis Rhagfyr. Mae gan discussions could take Phenygroes a Thalysarn ym 1969. o wasanaethu fel diacon ac Daniel frawd o’r enw Tomos, place in private. Members of Ym 1975 fe ‘i penodwyd yn offeiriad mewn plwyfi led-led cefnder o’r enw Pwyll, ac mae the electoral college are Ganon yn Eglwys Gadeirol Cymru ac wedi cael boddhad ganddo yntau chwaer fach o’r also expected to sign an Bangor ac yn Ganon Cenhadwr mawr yn fy ngwaith ar hyd fy enw Mali. Maent i gyd yn 3 undertaking that the nature esgobaeth Bangor. Ymgymerodd â ngyrfa. Mae’n fraint fawr cael mlwydd oed neu’n iau. and content of all swydd Ficer Gorseinon ger gwasanaethu fel bugail gan ei fod Siôn Brynach, discussions will be kept Abertawe ym 1978 ac ym 1986 yn rhoi’r cyfle i rhywun fedru bod Swyddog y Wasg i ‘r Archesgob. confidential.

Dr. Patrick Thomas

Pererindod Padrig i mewn i’r gangell. “Mae’n gwbl Hwlffordd a Thyddewi, a daeth i’w derfyn ar y dydd Gwener wrth i’r un o aelodau’r eglwys bastwn wyrthiol na chafodd neb niwed,” cerddwyr fynd yn hamddenol yn yr arbennig gyda wyneb Dewi Sant Parchedig Ganon sawl clerigwr i fendithio’r cerddwyr dywed Canon Patrick, “Er gwaetha’r wrth iddynt fynd trwy eu plwyfi. haul ar hyd llwybr yr arfordir o wedi’i gerfio arno i’m cynorthwyo Dr Patrick Thomas her sydd o’n blaen ni i adfer yr Solfach i Gapel Non. Cynhaliwyd wrth gerdded. Roedd fy nghyd- YN YSTOD Y Canol Oesoedd eglwys, mae gennym lawer i ddiolch Mae’r traed yn dost ond yr gwasanaeth arbennig i roi diolch am gerddwyr yn bobl hyfryd a’r heidiai pererinion o bob cwr o Dde i Dduw amdano.” ysbryd yn uchel y pererindod yn Eglwys Gadeiriol derbyniad ar hyd y ffordd yn Cymru i Eglwys Gadeiriol Tyddewi. Man cychwyn y pererindod Ar y diwrnod cyntaf cerddodd y Tyddewi yn y prynhawn. ardderchog. Gwerthfawrogaf Ar ddydd Mawrth 17 Chwefror oedd y Clos Mawr, pen dwyreiniol pererinion mor bell â Hen Dy Gwyn, Gweinyddwyd y Cymun Bendigaid garedigrwydd pobl Caerfyrddin a’r cychwynnodd y Parchedig Ganon Dr plwyf Dewi Sant. Dymunwyd yn lle roddwyd croeso arbennig iddynt gan y Deon, Y Tra Pharchedig J. Wyn cylch sydd wedi noddi’r pererindod Patrick Thomas, Ficer Eglwys Dewi dda i’r Canon a’i gyd-bererinion yng Nghanolfan Hywel Dda. Aethant Evans. gyda haelioni neilltuol. Nid yw’r Sant ac Eglwys Crist, Caerfyrddin, gan Gadeirydd Cyngor Sir ymlaen trwy Arberth i Glwb Golff “Cawsom gymorth gan lu o bobl arian i gyd wedi dod mewn eto, ond ar yr un daith. Cerddodd Canon Gaerfyrddin, Y Cyng. Dilwyn Hwlffordd ar y dydd Mercher. Ar wrth baratoi ar gyfer y pererindod,” rydym yn ffyddiog ein bod wedi codi Thomas 50 milltir i godi arian ar Williams, a Maer Tref Caerfyrddin, ddechrau trydydd dydd y daith medd Canon Patrick. “Trefnwyd y rhai miloedd o bunnoedd at yr gyfer gwaith atgyweirio i Eglwys Y Cyng. Peter Hughes Griffiths. cafwyd derbyniad swyddogol i’r daith yn ofalus gan Mr Malcolm atgyweirio. Dewi Sant. Ym mis Tachwedd y Croesawyd y pererinion yn ystod eu pererinion ym Mharlwr Maer Jones a Mr Eric Jones, ac rwy’n Bellach mae’r traed yn dost ond llynedd cwympodd darn sylweddol taith gan y meiri yn San Clêr, Hen Hwlffordd. Teithiasant i Solfach y ddiolchgar dros ben iddynt ac i bob yr ysbryd yn uchel a’r galon yn o dalcen dwyreiniol corff yr eglwys Dy Gwyn ar Daf, Arberth, diwrnod hwnnw. Daeth y pererindod un arall a fu’n helpu. Comisiynodd llawen tu hwnt.” Pobl Dewi, March 2004 5 Living Churchyards

HE WORD “wildlife” these days, is so often used as a Tcollective noun for the non-domestic animals that surround us – though, I feel, it’s rare that most people include slugs, greenfly or earwigs! But, of course, plants, if they’re living and not cultivated, must be wildlife also. And neither plants nor animals can stand on their own. Even an animal that eats only flesh, is probably taking creatures that have lived by grazing. In the same way, except for plants such as grasses which are wind-pollinated, continuity of the species requires visits from insects such as bees. However, even if they can’t ex- had a chance to drop their seed. ist separately, it is possible to write However, even this ideal must be about them separately – so I’ll try to compromised if the beautiful, bright confine myself to plants in the first yellow flowers of the Common Rag- place and animals later on. wort (Creulys Iago) show them- The big dichotomy in church- selves. Up until recently, the exhor- yard management, is the tidiness re- tation to remove all of these plants quired for access to graves together which pose such hazards to domes- with desire to leave nature to flour- ticated grazing animals, especially ish. Even worse, the churchyard horses, has tended to fall on deaf ears Llandyfeisant church near – let to the Dyfed Wildlife Trust where all the grass is mown regu- when we see it blooming freely be- larly – such as St. Peter’s, side our highways. I spent a whole (Tegeirian Coch) shouldn’t be at In any churchyard there’ll be Whether many are as old as they’re Carmarthen (a special case of afternoon some years ago in home in same as well. It blooms as Mosses of course, both hidden in the made out to be is doubtful in my course) is so often so much admired, Llangathen churchyard, pulling up, freely, after all, along so many grass as well as more prominently mind. Certainly measuring their girth and in the days when strimmers are roots and all as best I could, every hedge-banks. on the gravestones – as well, sadly and consulting the table has made so widely used, the whole area can Ragwort that presented itself. But The wildflower I’ve always as- – most unwelcome on the paths. me wonder. The only reliable way be one big lawn. Even in St. Peter’s seeing it unmolested along the roads sociated with graveyards – church or There’ll be Ferns as well, but most of determining their age is to take a though, the ubiquitous tiny Meadow was no encouragement. Now how- chapel – however is the Orange noticeable are likely to be the Li- core-sample – and that may not do Daisy (Llygad-y-dydd) can’t be kept ever, things have changed. Public Hawkweed. Known to me usually as chens. Growing on trunks of older the tree any good. down, nor, better still, can the lovely bodies are now charged with its re- Fox and Cubs, because of its habit trees, it’s on church walls and grave- But I’ve not mentioned Ivy blue Self Heal, (Craith un nos) moval – under penalty I presume. Oh of a central floret coming out before stones that they stand out. In many (Iorwg). Yes, we’ve all torn it away which may easily be blooming at a yes, I’ve seen it blooming freely in its surrounding family of buds, an- different patterns and shades of from the walls of gutters and uncov- height of two feet or when less two a churchyard only recently, right be- other fanciful name is Grim the Col- green grey and yellow, the Lichen ered the gravestones – but it really inches. Indeed, so plentifully do they side the boundary walls in full view lier, from the black hairs clothing the (Cen y cerrig) proves such decora- has its uses in nature. The flowers, bloom in parts that they show up as of all the town folk. I trust this won’t stem. (I can’t give the Welsh name. tion. An Alga and a Fungus living in which bloom so late, are a welcome sheets of blue. happen in future years. My wretched book which I’ve al- harmony, Lichens pose no threat to source of nectar to many insects and Other churchyards may never But, thankfully, many of our ways praised till now has let me trees or stone. the berries come in useful to many know any form of cutting at all. churchyards are, in part, quite good down. The Latin though is I don’t suppose many of the trees birds when there’s little else to be had. Then can then form the last reposi- wildflower meadows. Taliaris Hieracium aurantiacum). Why this in our churchyards have arrived there And they make such wonderful nest- tory of who knows what plant life, churchyard is praised by many bota- should be seen so often in these situ- of their own volition like the flow- ing sites to so many little birds also. a marvellous home for mice, moles, nists for its wildflower display, es- ations I can’t say. It also shares much ers have – except for the Elder I can’t finish though without shrews, snails, spiders and insects pecially in spring when Cowslips of the boundary of the churchyard (Ysgawen) of course which can even thinking of the Daffodil (Cen-hinen galore. Few of us, though are happy, (Briallu Mair) are blooming. I hope with that Ragwort. One day, hope- sprout out from the base of the Bedr). How glorious some church- I feel, to have to contend with an it’s still the same, and, if so, long fully, it will have the space to itself. church wall itself. The Yew (Ywen) yards are when they’re ablaze with assault course to tend the graves of may it continue. And in Llanfynydd, Then, of course, if you keep the is found so often of course. It is said gold in the spring. Most have prob- our loved ones. So probably the those Cowslips appear in many grass down to lawn-level you don’t that it was cherished for making the ably been planted but our true na- ideal churchyard management is to shades of combinations of red and enjoy the range of grasses there are. I longbow in a churchyard because of tive species may well have there it- trim regularly beside the main paths orange as well as the basic yellow. can remember finding twelve differ- the wall keeping stock out – it being self. (Always small, always nodding, to the church and the access ways to Others are well-known for Orchids ent species with a class of children in so poisonous. Nevertheless, you of- always with very pale outer petals). the graves. There is absolutely no (Tegeiriannau) – usually the pinkish- one country churchyard in Mid Wales ten see little yew seedlings spring- How they “lift the spirit”! reason at all though, so far as I can mauve Common Spotted, but the – and you don’t get much more than ing up where the red berries have Sadly, we rarely see these days a see, for any attention to be paid to lovely white Butterfly Orchid in at a dozen different species in one rooted – though how many of these meadow such as Samuel Pepys de- parts which are clear of graves ex- least one I’m told. And I can’t see situation anywhere. So many are so have a chance to grow tall them- scribed, “the most flowery spot the cept for the one cut at the end of the any reason why the earliest flower- beautiful when you look at them selves is questionable. And, of sun even beheld”. We can work on summer months when everything’s ing, the Early Purple Orchid singly – and so easy to tell apart. course, they’re always ‘ancient’. it though – it’s up to us.

‘Meet the Archbishop’ Bywyd gwyllt mewn Mynwentydd

F YOUR CHILDREN would like to meet the then N SICR mae ystyr y gair unrhyw chwynyn bach i dyfu a egnio, blaguro, blodeuo a hadu. Iyou might like to put a mark down in your diary for the 22nd May. Y“bywyd gwyllt” yn cynnwys hadu. Ond yn anffodus, oherwydd Mae rhai mynwentydd yn The Archbishop, the Most Reverend Doctor Barry Morgan, will be visit- teyrnas y planhigyn a theyrnas yr ein obsesiwn am gymhennu a enwog am eu Tegeiriannau ing the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells for a Children’s Fun Day. anifail. O reidrwydd, mae un yn thacluso, gall fynwent y plwyf (Orchid) Cennin Pedr, Briallu This is the first event of its kind since dibynnu ar y llall. Er dweud fynd yn dirwedd aniddorol, Mair ac ati. Ond oni fyddai he was inaugurated in July last year. hynny, mae’n bosib i anffrwythlon – megis lawnt tamaid o dir yn garped o Lygaid y Children and Families Officer ganolbwyntio ar un yn unig. fowlio i gerrig beddau gloyw Dydd a Blodau Menyn yn llawn Rev. Kay Warrington said, ‘As well Yn nheyrnas planhigion ein glan. mor hardd? Dwedwch yn wir, oes as meeting the Archbishop, families cenedl, gall mynwentydd Wrth rheswm, nid oes neb rhaid torri’r cloddiau mor gynnar will be able to enjoy all sorts of ac- ardaloedd trefol fod yn “oasis” ac eisiau torri llwybr trwy y flwyddyn fel y gwneud yn tivities like face painting, badge yn fwrlwm o fywyd naturiol. Gall ddiffeithwch i ymweld â beddau Swbwrbia? A beth am y making, parachute games and so on. hyn hefyd weithredu mewn chyndeidiau. Serch hynny, fe allau Rhosynnau gwyllt a’r Mwyar Rev. Roly Bain, the award winning ardaloedd gwledig – er gwaethaf adrannau gael eu gadael tan duon. Oes rhaid diwreiddio clown priest, will also be coming ymdrechion modern a dwys ddiwedd haf i dyfu’n wyllt gan roi Iorwg? Mae’r blodau yn rhoi along to keep everybody entertained ffermio tir âr lle ni chaniateir siawns i’r planhigion a’r blodau i neithdor i’r pryfetach ac aeron i’r with his various antics’. The Arch- adar yn nhymor y gaeaf. bishop, the Most Reverend Doctor BBC SUNDAY WORSHIP Ymddiriedolaeth Natur De a Gorllewin Cymru sydd yn cynnal Barry Morgan said, ‘I am really look- Sunday April 18 – Radio 4 8.07 am ing forward to the Children’s Fun a chadw mynwent Eglwys Day and to meeting families and At the invitation of Philip Billson, producer of BBC Religion and Llandyfeisant yng ngwarchodfa Ethics, “Sunday Worship” on 18 April will be transmitted from the cliffs children from across Wales’. Coed y Castell ger Llandeilo. Tu of Pembrokeshire, in fact from the Hookses, Dale. hwnt i’r beddau – mae mynediad The day will begin at 11 am and This popular forty minute programme will be produced by Philip Billson The Archbishop, iddynt – mae natur yn gorwedd end at 4 pm following a short act and introduced by Nick Page. John Stott will lead it, assisted by Francis The Most Rev. Dr. Barry Morgan of worship. A video and photo- Whitehead and Matthew Smith (his secretary and study assistant mewn heddwch. Photo: Siôn Brynach graphic record will be made during respectively) and by Dennis Wight, the vicar of Dale and Rector of Denys Smith, Stella Hughes © RG Church in Wales the day for promotional purposes. St Brides with Marloes. (Llangathen) 6 Pobl Dewi, March 2004 FLOWER John and Anna open ‘a small window’ ARRANGING by Dennis Wight by Donald Morgan, Llanrhystud For this issue of Pobl Dewi I decided OHN AND ANNA BRASSINGTON recently welcomed me into to go for spring flowers, and have two Jtheir home, the White House in Saundersfoot, which is also a designs. Christian Orthodox sanctuary for addiction recovery. A few minutes Easter Garden into the visit and I was sitting in silence with John in the Orthodox Items needed Chapel, a large wooden shed in the garden, filled with Greek icons, 1 flat oasis tray candles and altar – enough space for 15 people – cosy and ethereal. 1 block of oasis 6 empty egg shells Regular prayer services are held in the chapel, as well as the Foliage occasional Orthodox Divine Liturgy Eucalyptus They have called the centre vealed that 80% of those with ad- Box THURIS which, amongst other diction stated that spirituality was the Conifer things, means a “small window” or main aid towards recovery. John Flowers “a way through”. This sums up very states: “Addiction and addictive be- 6 bunches of daffodils well in image form John and Anna’s haviour are a result of unfulfilled 1 bunch of white tulips 3 stems of Mimosa work and why they moved from spiritual hunger”. Worcestershire to set up a sanctuary You could use Gypsophila or Solidago for those seeking to conquer their ad- Sanctuary Method diction or make sense of what is hap- Those who come to the sanctu- 1. Soak oasis. Place in tray and tape. pening to a family member or close ary are people who wish more than Cover all oasis with foliage. friend. Those experiencing addiction anything for a life free of addiction. 2. Place cocktail sticks up the stems of the daffodils and place in oasis. know that it cannot be conquered However, Thuris is not a “detox” or Anna Brassington of the Thuris Centre, Saundersfoot alone and this is borne out by groups “drying out” facility. Rather it is a 3. Cut tulips short so they look out of foliage. like Alcoholics Anonymous. This place where people can begin to get selves once more. John and Anna are not; which was probably a cause 4. Place egg shells in the gaps, and particular society was begun by in touch with themselves and be- also have an “open house” policy for of them becoming addictive. fill in with Mimosa or Gypsophila Christians who believed that a vital come aware again, or perhaps for the addicts or family members just to The whole project is driven and or Solidago. aspect towards recovery was the rec- first time, that God is with them in come along for the day to talk and resourced by John and Anna. The Now you have created an Easter ognition that spirituality formed the their brokenness. Using the tried and pray about their problems. costs are met in part by John’s Com- garden. Happy flower arranging! core of the rebuilding process. tested “12 step recovery plan” within It has been said that there is a puter Network Company and the rest Whilst this is still the belief of many a Biblical framework, Anne and close proximity to extreme lowering from donations and gifts. They are Spring Garden in Basket Items needed recovery programmes it seems to John have developed and set up pres- and extreme lifting. John and Anna very willing to give presentations on 1 to 1½ blocks of oasis have dropped down the list of pri- entations to help this process. As part have a tolerant pluralism in relation spirituality and addiction to parishes 1 bunch of daffodils orities in favour of rationality. of a small retreat group lasting for to other religions yet believe and are or groups. To find out more about 1 bunch of pink tulips John, a recovering alcoholic and five days individuals go at their own convinced that the Gospel can meet The Thuris Christian Orthodox Ad- 1 bunch of red tulips Anna whose daughter was a heroin pace. Once they have become famil- addicts at their deepest need and diction Recovery Sanctuary visit the Hyacinths addict believe that the care of the iar with each other’s stories people Christ’s risen power will help them website on www.thuris.org.uk or Grape hyacinths human soul can be of enormous help seem to find space to be honest about to recognise that they are valued by phone them on 01834 813766. Heather to beginning recovery. This is borne who they are; they are able laugh him as they are, rather than the de- Meanwhile pray for them and all Forsythia out by a recent survey which re- again and even begin to like them- sire from within them to be who they who suffer the illness of addiction. Viburnum tinus Arum italicum ‘Pictum’ Catkins number of years. Whilst working for all the time”. Having also worked Contorted willow Euryl Howells – the bank he found himself in as in a rural parish he is quick to high- Conifer many as 8 places in 10 years and in light the positive aspects of work- Method A man with a mission many different situations, even ing as part of a team compared to 1. Fill basket with soaked oasis having his lunch delivered by the often isolated experience of 2. Place the willow in the back for by Emma Gait-Carr Securicor when undertaking training rural clerics. movement. in Handsworth! Euryl also has the opportunity to OW WAS the Archbishop of Canterbury appointed? This is just one 3. Place the catkins and Forsythia to At this time Euryl was involved be involved in lecturing at Trinity the left side. example of the questions faced by Euryl Howells in his role as chap- H with the church as a lay reader, College. This gives him the incen- 4. Place the Arum italicum in front lain at Glangwili Hospital, a position he has held for the past 3 months. though he’d felt a calling to minis- tive to read up on wider subjects af- 5. Place the daffodils in front of the When I met with him on the 20th priest for Trelech a’r Betws, Abernant try for quite some time. Initially he fecting the health profession such as willow, and the Grape hyacinths in January his obvious passion for his and Llanwinio. thought about training as a non-sti- palliative care, organ donation and the front of them, then the pink tulips new role came across as he spoke of In a world ever more aware of pendiary minister but decided he controversial issue of cloning. to flow from them. 6. Place the red tulips in line in front, his calling to the ministry and the de- health issues, with programmes like “couldn’t serve two masters”. In His experience shows people are and the heather of your choice to sire to be ‘alongside people’.This is Casualty and Holby City becoming 1990 he began training at St. generally receptive to the work he the side of the tulips, and the hya- the first time the chaplaincy has been Michael’s Theological College in does. He says, “People are increas- increasingly popular, Euryl plays a cinths to the right side. combined with a parish outside of vital role in making sure people know Cardiff. During his training he at- ingly aware of their mortality and Carmarthen as Euryl is also parish there is someone they can talk to, tended a three week course in Guild- there is a sense in which they are look- Now you have a nice spring basket for window decoration or welcoming even if it takes some time to get to ford and knew the area of hospital ing for a link to God, I can help pro- in your church or home. what he calls the ‘nitty gritty’. ministry was something he definitely vide that link”. His path through These designs are only ideas. You wanted to explore. Euryl points to banking and previous ministries can create an arrangement of your Card system Norman Autton as a being instru- equips him well to deal with people own on the same lines using your The challenge is one he relishes. at all stages of life whilst his vision mental in developing his vocation in favourite flowers. Creating is He said, “My goal is to get alongside this area through his enthusiasm. for the future of his role ensures he enjoying; so, happy flower arranging. people on a day to day basis so they His observations on the chal- won’t let the dust settle. know I’m there to support them; this lenges faced by the healthcare includes both staff and patients”. A service are particularly noteworthy. close working relationship with other An increasing lack of time and the denominations is crucial and Euryl is need for prioritisation mean staff working on fostering stronger links cannot spend as much time with with parish priests to help them ex- patients as they perhaps used to. tend their ministry through the serv- The fear of litigation is another ices he can provide. The introduction growing problem for health of a card system in the hospital chapel professionals. Euryl also highlights will also help ensure no patients slip the importance of referral within the through the net by allowing people NHS as hospitals increasingly have to record the names of individuals to recognise another hospital may who would appreciate a visit. have better skills or facilities. With around 12 ministers in Taking all these issues into account Euryl’s family history, his current it is possible to see the vital role occupation seems somewhat Euryl plays in supporting and aiding inevitable. His path firstly took him both staff and patients. to banking, another popular family It isn’t enough, he notes, to occupation, where he worked as an merely be there in the emergencies, The introduction of a card system in the hospital chapel Photo: Siôn Brynach assistant branch manager for a “people need to know you are there will also help ensure no patients slip through the net Pobl Dewi, March 2004 7 Bring your own overalls! Church Rural Project Training Day

HAT ON EARTH is a something for each of the churches at Gelli Aur Wchildren’s workshop you in our group, last year each church might say, well let me explain. They got an Easter Frontal and the chil- HIS ONE YEAR government-funded project, very much a first for the Church in Wales, was launched are great fun for everybody con- dren were delighted to see their Tin September last year. The project was a practical response to the conference Looking to the Future cerned, from the children to the work on the altars over the Easter in 2002 and aims to assist Church people in their work with people in crisis in our rural communities. adults who run the different activi- period. They have also made a Following the questionnaire ties for the children. In the parish chasuble and a stole from the sent to all rural clergy last was very much on young people Johnes in the months ahead. of Llanegwad with Llanfynydd we younger ones with their hand prints December (if you have not returned given the venue. Useful websites are on the have held Good Friday Workshops on for the Vicar to wear at Easter. yours there is still time) unprece- Afterwards participants had a Church in Wales website for the past nine years. Ours last The food break is essential for dented evidence of the scope of visit to the recently installed ‘robot www.churchinwales.org.uk/ from 9.30 until 12 noon and always all concerned. Hot cross buns and rural ministry has emerged together milking parlour and learned first ruralproject and please contact end up with a simple act of wor- biscuits plus a hot or cold drink with a remarkable consensus on hand of the predicament faced by Caroline if you have ideas or ship bringing the morning’s activi- goes down well. ‘We don’t have a training and information needs to dairy farmers at the moment. would like to know more on ties together. A letter (complete with hall to hold a workshop in you support this role. The project team Further training will be organ- 01938 810302 or e-mail health form and parents’ permission) might say.’ Easy, simply put table is now putting together training for ised by the project, with Revd [email protected] around our two local schools invites tops across the pews and let the clergy and lay people on, for the children. youngsters work on them! example, stress awareness, team Each child gets to take home Don’t fancy a Good Friday one? building, listening skills, net- three or four things. Our past ac- Too busy, well, why not organise working with those providing tivities have included making an one at Pentecost, Harvest, or Lent? expert help (e.g. Citizens Advice, Easter garden in a seed tray for each The Cathedral hosts an Ascension Relate, Local Government), agri- child, plate decoration, cross mak- Day Workshop for the local schools. cultural awareness (wellies on!), ing, card making, badge making, Cardigan church once organised a computer skills and more. stained glass work, and writing an Water day for the whole family, With the assistance of Diocesan Easter hymn, the list is endless and with sessions on making water Rural Life Adviser Revd Philip only needs imagination or a couple rockets, water experiments, a talk Johnes a meeting took place at of books on craftwork from the with samples on pond life, and end- Coleg Gelli Aur 12 February in- local library. We always try to make ing up renewing our baptism vows. volving church people from two Deaneries – Llangadog & Llandeilo and Lampeter. Mary Richards, a lecturer at the College and Caroline Davies led the meeting and dis- cussion of the many issues con- Rural Ministers meet – Carwyn Jones, Minister for Rural Affairs, tributing to distress and the practical greets Rural Life Advisor, the Rev. Philip Johnes at the Royal response. Understandably the focus Welsh Winter Fair MULDP, The Mothers’ Union Literacy Development Programme OW FOND we are in this day and age of using initials and Barbara Lawes, MU Overseas Hjargon Everybody is familiar with CADW, NHS, DEFRA, Project Officer, met with trainers DVLA, CIA, and DVD to mention a just a few, and some would say, from all over, and an external not all of them summarise much achievement. Now take a little time evaluator. They brought with them to read what MULDP has done to improve the lives of so many women facts and figures, letters and mes- Children participating in a Good Friday Workshop sages which prove beyond doubt in some of Africa’s poorest communities. It is not just the women how valuable it all is. themselves, but the whole family and community who benefit. It is interesting to note that in Women are the main providers There are no text books, because the developing world only 13% of Mothering Sunday of care, earn most of the income and most learn in the local languages, adult literacy programmes succeed grow and prepare the family food but they do need chalk and black- and are sustainable, but MULDP OTHERING SUNDAY is lets to take to church or give to their Yet they are the ones who get very boards, then they build up their has reached and passed its targets the fourth Sunday of Lent. mother as a small gift. M few opportunities for education or understanding and vocabulary by with 400 circles (they had hoped for Although it’s often called “Moth- Refreshment Sunday other forms of support. These same writing it down in their own note- 300). ers Day” it has no connection with Mothering Sunday was also women recognised that being books. One example of the methods Now the programme is secured the American festival of that name. known as Refreshment Sunday be- literate is the most important factor used is for the learner to write down for the next five years. The MU still Traditionally, it was a day when cause the fasting rules for Lent were in solving their problems. on bits of paper the syllables learnt, needs to commit major resources of children, mainly daughters, who relaxed that day. Originally both The scheme is for adults, so is and then try putting them together staff time and money. had gone to work as domestic serv- Old and New Testament lessons on based on discussion, using the skills to make new words. We know we shall get prayerful ants were given a day off to visit this Sunday made a point of food. and knowledge the learners already The work has continued for and financial help from members in their mother and family. Today it The Gospel reading in our present possess. In the chosen Diocese a three years now, with necessary our Diocese as the programme is a day when children give presents, Church in Wales Book of Common literacy trainer visits and offers the small changes made as it pro- plans to increase the number of flowers, and home made cards to Prayer tells the story of how Jesus programme. If they accept, locally gressed. With financial support circles in existing Dioceses and to their mothers. fed five thousand people with only chosen facilitators are trained, and from enthusiastic members the expand into others in Burundi and Mothering Sunday: five small barley loaves and two are then supported by MU workers. programme has grown. Last year Malawi. Its origins small fish. Most churchgoers today worship Now there was much grass in cluded). Traditionally, sugar violets at their nearest parish church. Cen- the place; so the men sat down, in would also be added. The name Plant Dewi Focus turies ago it was considered impor- number about five thousand. Jesus Simnel probably comes from the tant for people to return to their then took the loaves, and when he had Latin word “simila” which means PLANT DEWI works to promote Step Families, Growing in Love. home or “mother” church once a given thanks, he distributed them to a fine wheat flour usually used for positive relationships within the Our most recent venture has year. So each year in the middle of those who were seated; so also the baking a cake. family. Family centres have been es- been to license Plant Dewi Project Lent, everyone would visit their fish, as much as they wanted. (John Mothering Sunday Today tablished throughout the Diocese Workers in the delivery of the ‘How “mother” church, or the main church 6:10-12) We give thanks today for our that provide low key ongoing sup- to drug proof your children’ pro- or Cathedral of the area. Inevitably The food item associated with mothers and the ministry of our port to enable parents to develop gramme. This programme focuses the return to the “mother” church Mothering Sunday is the Simnel “Mother Church”, the cathedral positive relationships within their on increasing children’s self esteem, became an occasion for family re- Cake. church of St David. Finally, we can families. In partnership with the confidence and positive relation- unions when children who were Simnel Cake enjoy some good food together on Mothers’ Union, parenting pro- ships with others so that they have working away returned home. (It A Simnel cake is a fruit cake this refreshment Sunday remember- grammes are facilitated to enhance choices available to them. was quite common in those days for with two layers of almond paste, ing to say thank you to God before parenting skills and relationships For further information please children to leave home for work once one on top and one in the middle. we eat. Today is a good day to throughout the family life cycle. Pro- contact Sue Fletcher, Project they were ten years old.) As they The cake is made with 11 balls of reintroduce the practice of saying grammes include From Pram to Pri- Manager, Plant Dewi on walked along the country lanes, chil- marzipan icing on top representing grace before all meals! mary, What Can the Parents of a 01267 221551, dren would pick wild flowers or vio- the 11 disciples. (Judas is not in- – Dennis Wight Teenager Do?, Step Together for email [email protected] 8 Pobl Dewi, March 2004 Meditation Reviews

Dwelling in a Strange Land For Better for Worse The Cross of Christ John Holdsworth, Ven Elwyn Roberts Canterbury Press, £7.99 Gwasg y Bwthyn, 2003 The Revd John Stott, Rector emeritus of All Souls, Langham Place, THERE ARE two basic sorts of Lent THE AUTOBIOGRAPHIES of has had a house at Dale for the last 50 years. Book. One kind is superficial and Archdeacons might not be at the top NYBODY who investigates (emblem of the incarnation), or the insubstantial. It is easy to read, but of everyone’s reading list but For A Christianity for the first time carpenter’s bench (affirming the dig- makes no lasting impression. It ends Better For Worse by Ven Elwyn is struck by the extraordinary con- nity of manual labour), or the boat up on the bookstall at church bring- Roberts, a former Arch-deaon of centration which his followers put from which he taught the people, or and-buys, unable to attract a pur- both Meirionnydd and Bangor, is a on his death. the towel with which he washed and chaser even at the knock-down price strong candidate for inclusion on When the gospels came to be wiped the disciples’ feet (symbol of of 5p. The other type is more de- anyone’s list. written, the four gospel-writers de- humble service), or the tomb from manding. It informs the reader and Some of his portrayals of the voted a disproportionate amount of which he rose again, or the throne makes him or her think. Once Lent more light-hearted episodes of par- space to the last week of his life on he occupies today (representing his is over such a book remains on the ish life during a long and produc- Ven. Elwyn Roberts Photo courtesy Gwyn Roberts earth “ in the case of Luke a quarter, sovereignty), or the dove or the fire bookshelf, to be taken down and re- tive ministry are laugh-out loud of Matthew and Mark about a third, (emblems of the Holy Spirit). Any ferred to again. moments. One example might be the Most Rev G. O. Williams – more and of John as much as a half. one of these could have been an ap- John Holdsworth’s book be- occasion when he was Chaplain of closely resembling a drowned rat And the reason for this emphasis propriate symbol of the Christian longs to this second category. It is a hospital in the Bangor area and had than a rector! is that they had seen it in the mind faith. But the church passed them all a reflection on the significance of left a suitcase containing his cassock From the perspective of minis- of Jesus himself. It set him apart by in favour of the cross, which the Exile during which the books of and surplice in the matron’s office terial developments, Elwyn de- from the other religious leaders in stands for the necessity and central- the Old Testament were shaped. ‘for safekeeping’. When he next scribes the first tentative steps, history. They died of natural causes ity of his death. Archdeacon John looks at ways in opened the case some time after strongly encouraged by Archbishop in a good old age, having suc- Why then this relentless empha- which both the metaphor and the leaving the hospital the vestments G. O. Williams, towards the estab- cessfully completed their mission. sis on the cross? Why did Christ experience of exile can provide pat- had been substituted by the nurses lishment of the non-stipendiary Mohammed was 62, Confucius 72, die? Many have no difficulty in giv- terns, possibilities and inspiration for and replaced by an array of ladies’ ministry and of the fears and hopes the Buddha 80, and Moses 120. But ing their answer to these questions. 21st century churches. underwear! Not something easily which that initial process entailed. Jesus died the horrible death of He died, they say, because he was a Sections of the book are im- explained to your church-warden. His descriptions of the ministry of crucifixion in his early thirties, preacher of subversive doctrines. mensely stimulating – particularly Elwyn’s slim volume of 92 an archdeacon, as more than just an repudiated by his own people, He was a revolutionary thinker who where the author is displaying his pages, is also interesting for its so- ‘oculus episcopi’, are also insight- apparently a complete failure, yet so disturbed the prejudices of his outstanding gifts as an erudite and cial history as well as its ecclesiasti- ful. claiming to fulfil his mission by his contemporaries that they had to get imaginative Old Testament scholar cal perspective. He describes grow- Elwyn makes only passing ref- death. Indeed, during his last few rid of him. He died as the victim of (any friend of Walter Brueggemann ing up in a clerical household in the erence to the Parkinson’s disease small minds, as a martyr to his own is a friend of mine). There are also north-west of Wales during the which he has endured for almost greatness. This martyr-theory is true some flashes of engaging wit. No 1930s and war years – the sound of twenty years. But his brief descrip- as far as it goes, but it does not go doubt, as Archdeacon John himself bombers heading for Liverpool over- tion of the effects of that disease on far enough. It ignores the fact head and the presence of evacuees his ability to fulfil the simplest tasks, (which the narratives make plain) in their midst. provides an insight into the effort re- that he went to the cross of his own Having decided to follow his quired in the writing of this short free will. ‘I am the good shepherd,’ father into the ordained ministry autobio-graphy – all in long-hand by he said. ‘The good shepherd lays within the Church in Wales, Elwyn Elwyn himself – and makes one ap- down his life for the sheep. No one served in several different capacities preciate too the bravery of the indi- takes it from me, but I lay it down within the church – as a curate in vidual concerned. of my own accord. I have authority Bangor, as a lecturer at St Michael’s Priced at £6.50 (with 50p from to lay it down and authority to take Theological college in Cardiff and the sale of each copy being donated it up again.’ (John 10: 11, 18). as Rector of Llandudno. It was dur- to the Eryri Parkinson’s disease But why did he go voluntarily and ing his time at Llandudno that he fund) and available in both English Rev. John Stott deliberately to the cross? Why did he agreed to conduct a funeral service and Welsh, this is an autobiography days on earth, he was still looking lay down his life for us? Several rea- at sea for the local life-boat and made which is well worth reading and en- forward to the accomplishment of sons could be given, for the cross is the mistake on the return trip of ask- joying. Copies are available direct his work. too rich an event to be given a single ing the life-boatmen the fateful ques- by post (p&p £1) from the Bangor It is clear then that Jesus’ death explanation. But three stand out. Ven. John Holdsworth tion, ‘how fast can this boat go?’ diocesan office, Cathedral Close, was central to his own self-under- First, Christ died for our sins (1 They were only too happy to dem- Bangor, LL57 1RL, tel: 01248 standing. On three separate and sol- Corinthians 15:3). Death being the suggests, you need a highly devel- onstrate and returned Elwyn to shore 354999, from the author on 01248 emn occasions he predicted his penalty for sin, he endured it in our oped sense of humour to be a life- – immediately to go on to a service 355515, or from all good bookshops. death, saying ‘the Son of man must place. Or, as Peter put it, ‘he bore long Leeds United supporter. It is with the Archbishop of Wales, the Siôn Brynach suffer many things . . . and be killed our sins in his own body on the tree’ also encouraging to find that aca- . . . .’ (Mark 8:31; 9:31; 10:32-34). (1 Peter 2:24). demic circles have finally discov- He saw his mission as being com- Secondly, Christ died to reveal ered the importance of ‘practical Enlli – Llio Rhydderch, pleted by his death, and therefore his the character of God. In his great theology’ (the sort of theology CD + DVD. Fflach death as inevitable. It must take letter to the Romans, Paul wrote of which you and I have spent most place, he said. He also referred to the cross as being a ‘demonstra- of our lives doing, consciously or MAE ENLLI – yr ynys sy’n his death as the ‘hour’ for which he tion’ of both the justice and the unconsciously, in our everyday wrest- gorwedd oddi ar bwynt mwyaf had come into the world. At first this love of God (Romans 3:25, 26; 5:8). ling with God). gorllewinol penrhyn Llþn - yn ‘hour’ kept being delayed, but at last His justice in judging sin and his It is highly dangerous for an or- gyfarwydd i ni i gyd, gyda’i he could say ‘the hour has come’ love in forgiving it were reconciled dinary parish priest to accuse an chwedlau a’i hanesion a’i lle fel (John 12:23-24). And finally, during on the cross. Archdeacon of anything less than cyrchfan pererinion canol oesol a the Thursday evening, while he was Thirdly, Christ died to conquer perfection, but I shall (for once) be modern. Lle o ramant, lledrith a taking supper with the Twelve, he the powers of evil. What appeared brave. The final vision of the church chyfaredd. deliberately made provision for his to be a defeat was in reality a vic- that is offered has, to my mind, a bit Mae’r cyfaredd hwn i’w own memorial service. They were to tory. In vivid imagery Paul pictures too much of the 1960s in it - but then glywed yn glir ar CD diweddaraf Dyma ddisg y gellir ei take, break and eat bread in memory the powers of evil closing in on Je- I came to faith in the 1970s and was y delynores Llio Rhydderch, a chymeradwyo heb amheuaeth fel of his body given for them, and to sus, and Jesus stripping them from trained by monks, so my own views gynyrchwyd gan gwmni Fflach yn cerddoriaeth i’w fwynhau, i drink wine in memory of his blood him. He made a public spectacle of are more than a little eccentric. There Aberteifi. Wrth wrando ar rai o’r fyfyrio arni, ac fel adlewyrchiad poured out for them. Thus he gave them, triumphing over them in the is also rather a disturbing amount of traciau, ac yn enwedig felly ar o’r gorau o gerddoriaeth gyfoes instructions as to how he wished to cross (Colossians 2:15). jargon in places, perhaps the residue ‘Enaid Enlli’, mae rhywun yn cael Cymru sydd er hynny yn rhan o be remembered; it was for his death. Using only a single word for of theol-coll-speak. The ‘down- ei atgoffa o syniadaeth JR Jones uniongrededd gerddorol sy’n For death speaks to us from both the each explanation of the cross, we belows’ will soon cure their Arch- gyda’i bwyslais ar gyd- mynd yn ôl ganrifoedd. elements – the broken bread and the may say that it was an atonement, a deacon of that. ymdreiddiad tir ac iaith – er yma Gellir cael rhagor o fanylion poured out wine. Nothing could in- revelation and a conquest – an Nevertheless Dwelling in a wrth gwrs y gerddoriaeth sy’n trwy fynd at dicate more dramatically than this atonement for sin, a revelation of Strange Land is a considerable llefaru. http://www.fflach.co.uk. the meaning of the commemoration God, and a conquest of evil. achievement. It will be plundered for Gyda 13 o draciau ar y cryno- Mae’r pecyn yn cynnwys DVD yn which Jesus instituted. God forbid that we should glory many sermons, give rise to some in- ddisg, mae ‘na wledd o ogystal a chryno-ddisg. Ar gael So the church has been right to in anything except the cross of our teresting arguments, and remain gerddoriaeth yma. Ond yn ogystal mewn siopau recordiau neu’n choose the cross as its symbol for Lord Jesus Christ! [Extracted from worth reading for many years to â hynny, mae yma hefyd ôl uniongyrchol oddi wrth Fflach Christianity. It could have chosen the Why I am a Christian, John Stott, IVP, come. myfyrio dwfn a chymorth i ninnau trwy ffonio 01239 614691. crib in which the baby Jesus was laid 2003.] Patrick Thomas yn ein tro fyfyrio ar y tragwyddol. Siôn Brynach