www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi Mehefin/June 2013 From Maintenance Anyone for a dip? to Mission The series of deanery meetings held over the past two months is now at an end. David Hammond-Williams assesses the mood as the deliberations over their conclusions begins produced and 9th October has HIS second round of open priate financial provision has been been designated a day of prayer for Tconsultation on the diocese’s made. this process of restructuring, and Strategy For Growth was as well However, doubts and fears re-imagining ministry, in St Davids Full article on page 8 attended as the first, with over two remain. Whilst delegates over- Diocese. hundred attending some of the whelmingly accepted the need for The views and conclusions of meetings. change, there are worries about the group sessions will be collated Each was introduced by the losing the old, tried and tested and reviewed by Bishop Wyn and Bishop with the Archdeacons parish structure and about the abil- senior staff, in conjunction with leading the debate on three main ity of present-day parishes - future the strategy consultant, Ven Bob questions: ministry areas - to find the ‘right’ Jackson, during the coming month A date for your diary • In what terms do you define people from within their midst to (June). Updates and developments growth? meet the new challenges. will be posted on the diocesan • What do you consider to be So, all in all, there’s rather a website, Full article on page 2 your responsibility in turn- lot to be praying about. Indeed, www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk. ing aspiration for growth into an anthology of prayer is being reality? • In your ministry area, how would you create the conditions necessary for development and growth? A set of Frequently Asked 9 November 2013 9.30-16.00 Questions was also circulated covering Eucharist, focal ministry, ministry areas, ecumenism and the role of retired clergy. Each meeting split into groups to consider these, alongside a strat- egy paper and maps setting out proposals for how the new ministry areas might look. The latter, it was stressed, were not set in stone. People at the meeting in Peniel get to grips with what the The strategy paper outlined the future might look like goals, the priorities and the require- ments for change and emphasised the importance of prayer, which underpins the entire process. Much of the group discussions centred on the new areas, the ministers – clergy and lay – that would oversee them and how, and by whom, they would be trained. (See Focus on Local Ministry on pages 10 and 11 in this issue of Pobl Dewi for more details on roles and training) Booking essential: £30 fee per Benefice admits 10 people. And finance, of course. Bishop Wyn confirmed that the Diocesan Refreshments and lunch included. Board of Finance is committed to About 130 people attended the Deanery meeting Save the Date! Further details to follow. enabling change and that appro- at St Peter’s, Lampeter on 14th May

FOCUS ON LOCAL MINISTRY – Pages 10-11 Am ddim Free

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 1 05/06/2013 13:14:46 2 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 Growing Hope: A day for all Working with the media On Saturday 23rd February, The Lay Ministry Team hosted its first training event of 2013 at St Martin’s Church Room, who want their church to flourish Haverfordwest, on how to make the best use of media in the context of faith and religion today. Nick Barroccu enjoyed the day 9 November 2013: University of Wales: Trinity Saint David Carmarthen “For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Jeremiah 29.11

ROWING HOPE on 9 Novem- so many ways in which God has Here is the preliminary Gber 2013 is a day to encourage blessed our diocese. programme to whet your appetites. us all to look towards the future After worship, prayer and More detailed, bilingual informa- with optimism and a renewed sense a welcome by Bishop Wyn, the tion and booking arrangements will of excitement and purpose. keynote speaker at Growing Hope be available nearer the time: Growing through change will be the Venerable Bob Jack- Please discuss this in your son, who is helping and guiding churches and let us know if you are By now, many of you will be our diocese through this time of interested in coming. We will need aware of the St Davids Strategy for change. Bob has considerable to know: the name of your bene- Growth and will have seen or heard experience of working with Angli- fice and the number of delegates about some of the changes already can churches and dioceses and has who would like to attend. You underway. Change can be diffi- written The Road to Growth, which will be contacted by email in due cult to understand, uncomfortable helps churches to imagine a new course. and hard to accept but it is widely HE session was led by Jenny be involved? If you see, hear or future. e-mails expressing interest to: agreed that we need to discover Kimber, a licensed Reader read something that you regard as Each Benefice will be invited [email protected] T new ways of telling the Christian from Lampeter, who possesses a being very good (or bad), write to to send a group of delegates, the story to the world. However, many wealth of experience of media and the originator and say so. Take part day is open to anyone, although we people wonder how to make that BBC radio broadcasting. where you can, phone in, give your would encourage PCC members change and feel they lack the gifts We began by looking at the point of view, offer ideas, if you and those in leadership positions Growing Hope: or tools to even begin to hope for history of religious broadcasting have any. to come. We would appreciate a growth and new life in Christ. Programme for the day in this country, which started in Various aspects of media contribution towards the costs and 1923 when Lord Reith, the first contact were looked at, includ- Growing through hope that each benefice will be able 09.30 Registration & Coffee Director General of the BBC and ing how to compile articles for sharing experience to make a small contribution of £30 10.00 Worship & Prayer a committed Christian, realised the press, TV or radio – do you At Growing Hope, a selection of per group of 10 people or pro-rata. 10.10 Welcome from the the tremendous potential of the have a ‘press relations’ person in people will inspire us by explain- In return you will have: an inspir- Bishop radio as a means of broadcasting your church? If you have a special ing how they stepped out in faith ing, hope-filled day; refreshments religious matters, and the value of event, write it up for your local and prayer to launch successful at break times; a simple lunch; 10.15 Hope for the Church Christian broadcasting in its own paper, offer an article or picture, new ventures in their communities. an opportunity to hear good news today. A survey of ways in right. We all have a message to because there is universal inter- We offer you these as ‘tasters’, in stories from across our diocese; a which churches across the proclaim, and the means to do so. est in religious affairs; how to celebration of the signs of growth chance to renew acquaintances and country are changing and We need to look realistically grab, and keep, attention; how to and new life around us, as there are to make new friends. growing today. Ven Bob Jackson at the form and level of language comment on a given topic and, of in which our media contact is equal importance, how and when 11.15 Coffee conducted (as well as our church NOT to comment. 11.45 Rays of Hope. A range services). While the best way of All in all, a day which turned of workshops focussing on communicating will always be face out to be surprisingly engaging and different aspects of change to face, the Bible, with its huge interesting, unanimously enjoyed and growth range of vision, drama, songs, by all who were there. 9 Tachwedd 2013 9.30-16.00 narratives and parables, is a true The next lay training day, led 12.45 Lunch ‘multi-media’ form of communica- by Bishop John Saxbee, entitled 13.45 Signs of Hope. A chance tion. We just need to bring it to life. ‘Being There’, will be on 22nd to take a walk around Jesus didn’t sit and wait for people June. displays from each bene- to come to him. More details from Vanessa fice showing initiatives for There is nowhere in this coun- Hope-Bell, growing the church that try that cannot be reached by [email protected]. are working in St David’s modern media, so how should we Diocese today 14.15 Rays of Hope. An oppor- tunity to take in a second workshop focussing on different aspects of change and growth Information from the 15.15 Hope at Home. Meet in church or benefice groups. Diocesan Advisory Committee An opportunity to work out what God might be leading Please be reminded that the Listed Places of Worship you to do as a result of the Grant Scheme (LPWGS) website has now been updated experience of this day. to reflect the new arrangements for refunds of VAT incurred on both repairs and alterations to listed places of worship. 15.40 Sharing Hope. Sharing with other churches what Under the new arrangements payments are being made ideas and inspirations you monthly instead of quarterly. Rhaid cadw lle: codir tâl of £30 ar gyfer pob bywoliaeth (hyd at 10 o bobl) are going home with. Bring On 2nd April, The Department for Culture, Media and Darperir lluniaeth a chinio a mobile phone! Sport (DCMS) moved to 4th Floor, 100 Parliament Street, Cadwch y dyddiad! Manylion pellach i ddilyn. 15.50 Closing Worship London SW1A 2BQ. General Enquiries: 020 7211 6000 16.00 Depart

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 2 05/06/2013 13:14:47 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 3 What is a Suspended Benefice? Good news about Paul Mackness, Secretary to the Diocesan Nomination Board, answers this frequently-asked question Gift Aid! HAVE been asked as the Secre- Do we lose our vicar? Information in this article could be worth up to an extra £1,250 Gift I tary of the Diocesan Nomination To all intents and purposes, a priest- Aid tax back each year, including anonymous loose collections Board to write a few words about in-charge is the same as a vicar, and donations to your church. Mike Chambers, Financial Suspended Benefices. From Octo- rector or incumbent. Although the Stewardship Team Co-ordinator, encourages parishes to be ber 2012, the Diocesan Nomination title is different, for most people the proactive to get the maximum benefits Board, at the request of the Bishop, two are synonymous. The average agreed to the suspension of all new parishioner cannot see the differ- HERE seems a lot to get your and existing vacancies. ence between a priest-in-charge head round when you look at and an incumbent as, in terms of T What is a Suspended changes to Gift Aid tax reclaim the ministry delivered, there is no Benefice? legislation which came into effect difference. The Church in Wales operates a on 6th April but it’s really not diffi- four-turn cycle of nominations to Are parishes still going to be cult – just read on and follow the vacant benefices. This is known involved in the appointment links below. colloquially as the Turn of Nomi- of clergy to their benefices? Online Gift Aid nation: Bishop, Diocesan Board, Strategy of Growth, to allow flex- There is a common misconception From later this year, most parishes Provincial Board, and Diocesan ibility within the diocese to help that the Diocesan Nomination Board will need to claim Gift Aid online. Board again, before going back to create Ministry Areas. The Bench (which has parish representatives The new system went live on 22nd Bishop and beginning the cycle of Bishops, as a body, has decided on it), or the Provincial Nomina- April, but the current R68i forms Mike Chambers again. When a new benefice is to recommend this to all the tion Board, appoint clergy. The can continue to be used until the news for parishes, and will enable created the Bishop always has the dioceses to help this. only person who appoints clergy to end of September 2013. Latest most churches to claim an additional first turn of nomination and a new a benefice is the Bishop. However guidance will be made available on £1,250 Gift-Aid style payment on cycle begins again. When a bene- What does this mean? the Bishop and Nomination Board the Parish Resources website, www. cash donations received without a fice is suspended this means that In the main it means no change. are keen to ensure that parish repre- parishresources.org.uk/giftaid/, Gift Aid declaration. the Bishop, in consultation with Since the implementation of sentatives are still involved in the where you can find a detailed, step- the parishes involved and with the A couple of tips Common Tenure for Clergy, and interview process for any vacancy, by-step guide to claiming under the When downloading, if you get a consent of the Nomination Board, the Terms and Conditions of as they are the people who will new system, including screenshots message “download failed”, or can freeze the cycle of nomination Service that all clergy must sign on work with any future minister. to simplify the process of moving something similar, try again – I in order to place a priest-in-charge taking up a new post, clergy have At the request of the Bishop, across. found the file then opened. in place rather than an incumbent. more protection now than ever. It guidelines have been drawn up to Gift Aid Small Donations The links get you to the Church The Bishop must give his reasons is a common misconception that ensure that the process is still open Although donations became eligi- of England Parish Resources for a suspension, which generally there is such a thing as a Freehold and transparent, while allowing the ble for the scheme on 6th April, website. The information is valid relate to pastoral or wider consid- in Wales. The Freehold has not Bishop, as the Chief Shepherd of Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs for the Church in Wales. HMRC erations, usually to do with the existed since disestablishment. For the Diocese, to deploy his clergy as (HMRC) have not, at the time of have been very “last minute” in reorganisation of parish boundaries the person in the pew it means that is pastorally necessary and strategi- writing, produced guidance. What releasing all this and it will be worth and groupings. you will still be served by a parish cally effective. you need to do now is to check the revisiting the website from time to Why are all existing and new priest, who will still do all of the If clergy or laity wish to seek right record keeping is in place. It’s time as it will be updated when new vacancies being suspended? things that your former incumbent further clarification about any not demanding and a simple guide information becomes available. The Bishop and the Nomination did. It is true that the Bishop can matter relating to the Nomination on how to do this is available on the The web links contain a wealth Board have decided to suspend move a priest-in-charge, but it is Board or Suspended Benefices Parish Resources website, www. of very practical help and tips, but all existing and vacant benefices equally true of an incumbent, if the please contact me on 01437 762303 parishresources.org.uk/giftaid/ if you do get stuck email me and in order to help bring about, and Bishop feels that there is a pasto- or [email protected]. I smalldonations/. I’ll see what I can do to help. further, the aims of the Diocesan ral need. will be happy to help. This has been developed in Mike Chambers consultation with HMRC. Informa- Financial Stewardship tion on claiming will come later. Team coordinator This scheme is extremely good [email protected] Funds raised at

Cawl lunch CHARITY REGISTRATION LANDYBIE Parish Anticipated Statutory Changes in March 2014 LChurch with Llandyfan and St Mark’s Cwmcoch WILL affect your Benefice/Parish held their annual Cawl We will be making Deanery presentations on the above Lunch on Saturday 2nd in the autumn and are also considering including March. presentations on: This year, the money raised was divided equally CHANGES TO GIFT AID between the parish and the & A presentation to say ‘thank you’ local charity, Hafal, which NEW MINISTRY SHARE FORMULA supports those suffering Dennis and Nansi Rees recently retired after completing, on from mental illness. Revd Please advise the Diocesan Office behalf of the Parish of Penbre with Llandyry, thirty four years’ Ann Howells, together with if you wish these 2 subjects to be part of the Deanery presentations charity work – formerly in aid of The Children’s Society and church members, presented latterly for Plant Dewi. Their enthusiasm and commitment was a cheque for £475 to DATES AND VENUES WILL BE NOTIFIED LATER THIS YEAR acknowledged with gratitude as the vicar, Fr Dewi G. Davies, Carwyn from Hafal. Val Hockey presented them with a restaurant voucher. A bouquet of flowers Diocesan Secretary was also presented to Nansi

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 3 05/06/2013 13:14:49 4 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 A life-enhancing evening Values for Life When the students of St Michael’s Theological College were offered the Following the excellent training event at Trinity St David opportunity to host Stuart Townend, one of the leading worship songwriters of Carmarthen, hosted by Jean Voyle-Williams in October 2011, St his generation, they embraced the chance as one of ecumenical outreach and Aidan’s VA Primary School has adopted ‘Values for Life – Teaching mission. Sulin Milne, and an audience of more than 450, enjoyed the evening Christian Values in Primary Schools’. Pupils and teachers are enjoying the themed topics, writes Wendy MacGarvie FTER months of planning, AStuart Townend, who is an ALUES FOR LIFE (VFL) autumn term, ‘Thankfulness’ was excellent worship leader and song- is produced by Glouces- the topic, around which daily writer best known for his songs Vter Diocese, written by collective worship was centred, How Deep the Father’s Love for Shahne Vickery, their Diocesan culminating in a family assembly by Us, The Power of the Cross and Adviser for School Development. Class 2. Sarah James, class teacher, In Christ Alone, arrived to do the VFL aims to help schools identify had used aspects of storytelling to concert at the All Nations centre on a set of Christian values which will help the children present ‘The Enor- 16th April. underpin the life of their commu- mous Turnip’ and it linked perfectly As well as the Church In Wales nity and inform the school’s vision, into the work the school had been network, many other organisations aims, ethos, design of curriculum, doing on harvest. The pupils also had come on board to promote the policies, planning for spiritual looked at the story of bread and event, such as the Baptist Union, and moral development and its who should be thanked for the loaf the Evangelical Alliance, Ignite, management and governance. As we buy in the shop. Cytun, and other Christian associa- a school we are now in our second After half term, the theme was tions and churches. year of implementing the scheme ‘Compassion’. Heather Davies and More than 450 people came and are finding it very successful. Class 3 linked this into the Nativ- to the concert from a variety of One value is taken as a focus ity. The assembly began with churches and denominations across for each term and the VFL mate- the children giving examples of Wales and the atmosphere was rial is used as a key resource to compassion and then concentrated fantastic. All those who attended support the theme in collective on the nativity story, beginning were treated to an evening rich in worship. The Kingdom values with Mary and Joseph arriving at performance, prayer and worship ness of one of the charities they parcels every month to those in real demonstrated, and lived out by, Bethlehem and ending with the that engaged the audience in a very often support, the Rainbow of need. Rooted in prayer, they hold a Jesus Christ are the basis for the 18 explanation that the innkeeper had exciting way. Stuart demonstrated Hope. This charity works with Bible study programme as well as themes. Every opportunity is taken showed compassion, as had God the depth of his own spirituality in the homeless, disadvantaged and free advice on benefits, debt, hous- to celebrate the outworking of by sending his son to save us. The his prayer and teaching that accom- asylum seekers of Cardiff and ing and employment issues. Their these in children’s behaviour, both children had written the prayers we panied his beautiful songs of praise provides food and drink on the vision is to run a 24 hour centre for at school and in their communi- used during the assembly and the and hope. streets of Cardiff every night. They those who are in need. ties, and interactive displays inside display board featured a collage of The college hoped to use the organise lunchtime fellowship The concert has raised over and outdoors at the school encour- the stable scene. event to raise money and aware- meals and provide over 250 food £2,200 to support their work. age children to reflect on aspects As a school, we feel the chil- of the values which are pertinent dren have greatly benefitted from at the time. Additionally, a themed VFL, which is running over a display is created in the entrance three-year cycle, and Revd Nick hall every half term. Cale, who visits weekly, is a keen Service of thanksgiving During the first half of the supporter of our work.

N 16th April, a service of at this informal service, which was with the sympathetic re-ordering, Othanksgiving was held at well-attended by local clergy and which was completed in near- St Michael’s Church, Llanfihan- congregations, and Ellen Jones and record time, and Revd Peter Jones gel Genau’r Glyn (Llandre), near Anwyn Jenkins recited, respec- thanked all those who had been Aberystwyth, for completion of the tively, The Vale of Llanfihangel involved with the project. extensive re-ordering works at the Genau’r Glyn by Revd Isaac St Michael’s is one of the west end of the building. Williams and Steddfod yn fy stafell. twelve churches and chapels Bishop Wyn gave the address All present were impressed in North Ceredigion which are involved in the new Church Herit- age Trail. A further, larger service officially to open and dedicate the trail is planned for the early autumn.

Bishop Wyn with left, Ellen Jones and below, Anwyn Jenkins

Don’t forget to send your articles for the September edition of Pobl Dewi to [email protected] or post them to: Pobl Dewi, The Diocesan Office, Abergwili, Carmarthen SA31 2JG, marked for the attention of ‘The Editor’ no later than August 23rd

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 4 05/06/2013 13:14:51 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 5

supported by the Church in Wales The Archbishop’s Presiden- and the Methodist Church, with tial Address was as controversial Governing Body funding from the Archbishop’s as ever and followed two sepa- Paul Mackness reports from the spring meeting of the Governing Fund for Children and St Teilo’s rate themes, the first talking of the Body, which was held in Lampeter on 10th and 11th April Trust. The leaders gave a very ministry of all the baptised, and moving presentation and answered the importance of the laity in both S usual there was a packed • The reorganisation of the local GB members’ questions, perhaps the ministry and mission of the Aagenda. There were two group church into Ministry Areas; showing us a potential vision for Church, echoing sentiments in the discussion sessions built into the • The provision of ministry via the future of pioneer ministry in Church in Wales Review and our programme, the first relating to the Ministry Teams, incorporat- Wales. own Strategy for Growth. Perhaps Church in Wales Review and the ing lay and ordained ministers Rural in character a bit more controversial were his second to do with the Ordination of working to a collaborative There was an equally moving comments about the Marriage Women to the Episcopate (Women model; presentation from the Church In (Same Sex Couples) Bill. Bishops). • An integrated programme Wales Rural Life Advisers who After explaining the back- The Church in Wales Review of training for ministry for Revd Canon Eileen Davies, highlighted their very wide-rang- ground to the bill and the Church is being co-ordinated by an Imple- laity and ordained ministers Diocesan Adviser on Rural ing work and the problems facing in Wales’ position, he went on to mentation Group appointed by the intended to develop leadership Affairs rural and farming communities report that the Bench of Bishops Provincial Standing Committee, skills and collaborative work- innovative, mission-based project at present. In a province that is at had asked the Doctrinal Commis- and the chair of the group, Helen ing practices. is focused on the Duffryn Estate least 75% rural in character, their sion to examine the whole issue of Biggin, delivered a report on where The Implementation Group in Newport, with the aim being role is becoming more and more same sex relationships, with a view the review was at present. The will bring back proposals for a to transform lives by engaging in important as part of our mission to to further discussion in the future. Implementation Group (of which provincial framework for Ministry mission with young people and the communities we serve. The GB Further details and a more I am a member) has categorised Areas to the September Governing their communities in disadvan- wholeheartedly voted to support detailed report are included in the 50 or so recommendations into Body (GB). Watch this space! taged areas. a motion that would continue to Highlights, available in parishes three categories, A, B and C. The One of the most powerful and A group of young people under affirm and support the ministry and and on the Church in Wales three recommendations that had thought-provoking presentations at the ministerial oversight of a mission of the church in rural areas website, been identified as key and priori- this session was The Lab Project, forward thinking priest are the key and the establishment of a Provin- www.churchinwales.org.uk ties were: based in Monmouth Diocese. This players in this initiative which is cial Rural Life Group.

co-operation with the local Roman Catholic parish was stunning. Intense discussions in Brazil Our discussions were very Peter Sedgwick reports from the latest meeting of the Anglican intense and hard going. We were Roman Catholic Commission trying to reach common ground on a range of ethical issues, such as HE Anglican Roman Catho- Portuguese in 1590. Today Brazil contraception and remarriage after Tlic Commission (ARCIC) is changing fast. 20% of the 200 divorce. We also looked at Angli- met again in Rio de Janeiro at million people now have no faith, can and Roman Catholic structures the beginning of May for a week. 20-25% are evangelical Pentecos- of decision-making. Members We continued to look at how the tal, and less than 60% of Brazil of ARCIC come from across the local church (meaning diocese or is practising Roman Catholic. world, including Southern Africa, province) relates to the univer- There is a tiny but strong Anglican Nigeria, Toronto, and so on. sal, or worldwide, church and how Church, made up of local Brazil- Culturally there is wide variation in churches in the light of this local/ ians as well as ex-pats. One of the how far laity are included in deci- universal relationship discern right most impressive days was spent in sion making, but our approach was

ethical teaching. a slum, or favela, on the edge of trying to read the scriptures (we ACNS/Neil Vigers photo: Rio was a fascinating place Rio, called (ironically) City of God. concentrated on Acts 15 and John to meet. We stayed in a 400 year All the street names are biblical: 17) and listening to the tradition of a difference. The national Roman have already noted that a change old monastery, the Monastery Jesse, Cana, Matthew and so on. It the church to find a way forward. Catholic magazine The Tablet in style in Rome could put organic of St Benedict, or Monastero de is one of the toughest slums in Rio, Much of the debate had said on 4th May ‘Anglican church union back on the agenda. ’ We San Bento, which was very spar- guarded by 300 police. There is, the election of a new Pope and leaders, who had come sadly to meet next year in Ghana. Who tan (cold showers and narrow however, quite magnificent work appointment of a new Archbishop terms with the fact that no further knows what will happen then? beds) and which was built as part being done by an Anglican church, of Canterbury in the background. It progress towards visible unity with of the conquest of Brazil by the and its priest, Nick Wheeler. Their is too early to say what will make the Catholic Church was likely,

HE congregation of St TJerome’s Church in Llangwm Llangwm churches unite Aberystwyth Confirmations braved the cold weather and started a new trend when they processed through the village singing the for Walk of Witness hymn All Glory Laud And Honour in advance of their Passion Sunday Service. They were joined on the Walk of Witness by the congre- gation of Llangwm’s Methodist Church and their minister, Revd Hugh John Wilson. “It was most moving,” said Revd Jane Goupillon, Llangwm’s Rector. “Fifty people took part in the procession and it was lovely that our Methodist brothers and sisters felt able to take part with us. I think we’ll be doing it again.” After the service, many members of the congregation gath- 12 people – 9 from Aberystwyth, one from Borth and two from ered at The Cottage Inn for a Parish Llanddewi Brefi – were confirmed by Bishop Wyn at St Michael’s lunch. Church, Aberystwyth, on 12th May

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 5 05/06/2013 13:14:54 6 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 Appointments

New Archdeacon of St Davids Ven Dennis Wight has been installed as the new Archdeacon of St Davids; he will remain as Bishop’s Chaplain & Diocesan Director of Ministry. Speaking of his appointment, the Archdeacon says he is ‘pleased to be working in and around Pembrokeshire again – wonderful place, Revd Gareth Reid, wonderful people.’ appointed Priest in Charge Revd Nicky Skipworth, of Llandysul w Bangor Teifi appointed Team Vicar in w Henllan w Llanfairorllwyn w Llangynllo, 21 June 2013 Revd Canon Andrew Davies, the Rectorial Benefice of Rector in the Rectorial Benefice Carew with responsibility for of Tenby; to serve also as Area Pembroke Dock St John, St Dean of Pembroke Deanery, Patrick & St Teilo, 21 February 2013 21 March 2013

On 13th April, at a special service held in the chapel at Abergwili, Revd Dewi Roberts Bishop Wyn licensed Mrs Maureen Kilby of Rhosmaen, Llandeilo, Vicar of Newcastle Emlyn w as a Reader in the diocese. Photo L to R: Archdeacon Roger Llandyfriog & Troedyraur w Hughes, Associate Warden of Readers Gaynor Ford, Maureen Brongwyn & Cenarth, & Area Kilby, Bishop Wyn Dean of Emlyn, to serve also as Canon of the Cathedral, occupying the Stall of Clydau, 20 June 2013 Revd Canon Bryan Witt A Family of Families Honorary Canon & Incumbent of St Clears w Llangynin & Llanddowror & Llanfihangel, to serve as Canon of the Revd Sarah Geach Cathedral, occupying the Stall Rector of the Benefice of of the 2nd Cursal, Begelly w Ludchurch & East 28 April 2013 Williamston, to serve also as Canon of the Cathedral, occupying the Stall of Caerfarchell, 20 June 2013 The confirmation at All Saints’ Church, Walton West on Sunday 21st April was certainly a family affair. Bishop Wyn baptised and confirmed Owain Closs-Parry and his fiancée Sarah Butcher who will be married Revd Canon David Tizzard, in the church in August. Also confirmed were Seth Morris, and three to serve as Interim Minister, cousins – Medbh Johnson, Rhianwen Davies and Sioned Davies. Cilgerran w Bridell & Llantwyd Medbh is the daughter of Revd Andrew and Rhiannon Johnson and & Eglwyswrw, 23 June 2013 Sioned and Rhianwen are their god-daughters

‘The MBE of agriculture’ EVD Canon Eileen Davies, of stress, financial problems, ill The vicar of Llangeler w RSt Davids Diocesan Adviser health and paper overload can lead Revd Capt David Evans, Penboyr, Revd John Gillibrand, on Rural Affairs, and Priest-in- to worry and depression. She also appointed Associate Priest has received high acclaim for charge of Llanerch Aeron w Ciliau works closely with other organisa- in the parishes of Dale & St his book Disabled Church – Aeron & Dilhewyd & Midroilyn, tions which help farmers in distress Brides w Marloes/St Mary’s Disabled Society at a major has been made an Associate of the and is involved in the Church in literary awards presentation. Herbrandston w St Ishmaels Royal Agricultural Societies. She Wales Rural Issues Hub which is John was one of six authors & St Andrew, Robeston West, and her husband, Dyfrig, run a 300 run in conjunction with the Welsh shortlisted for the Michael acre dairy and sheep farm at Llan- Government and the Royal Welsh 5 February 2013 Ramsey Prize for theological llwni, Pencader, Carmarthenshire. Agricultural Society. writing, which was presented Eileen has received the award Speaking of her award, Revd Illtyd Protheroe by its founder, the former for her pastoral work concerning Eileen said she was delighted and Vicar of Llan-llwch w Llangain archbishop of Canterbury, Lord the welfare of farmers, especially honoured to receive the ‘MBE of & Llangynog; to serve also as Rowan Williams, at the Hay those working in isolation where agriculture’. Honorary Canon, 20 June 2013 Book Festival in May loneliness and the accumulation Revd Canon Eileen Davies

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 6 05/06/2013 13:14:57 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 7 To be ordained Deacon on 29th June in St Davids Cathedral

Mrs Pat Rogers, to serve Ms Sulin Milne, to serve as Mr Marcus Zipperlen, to serve as Curate in the Parish of Mr Jim Rollinson, to serve Curate in the United Parish of as Curate in the United Parish Llanrhian & Mathry w St as Curate in the Parish of Mrs Delyth Richards, to Catheiniog of Haverfordwest Edren’s & Granston w St Carmarthen St Peter serve as Curate in the Parish Nicholas & Jordanston of Carmarthen St David To be ordained Priest on 29th June in St Davids Cathedral

Mr John Cecil, to serve as Curate in the Parish of Hubberston Revd Noel Cox, to continue serving as Curate in the Parish of Llanbadarn Fawr

Revd Alex Grace, to continue To be ordained serving as Curate in the Revd Victoria Jones, to Priest Rectorial Benefice of Tenby continue serving as Curate Revd Ben Read, to continue in the Parish of Llangwm and serving as Curate in the Parish on 30th June Freystrop and Johnston of Carmarthen St Peter at All Saints, Llangorwen We keep in our prayers all those to be ordained Archbishop honours church musicians Organists, choral leaders and singers were presented with awards and certificates by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, at a ceremony on 27th April at St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny

Revd Dr David Ceri HERE are two types of pres- He is the director of the cathedral’s val, most notably in its outreach icates of Merit: Meurig Watts, Jones, to continue serving entations – the Archbishop of voluntary choir, the Cathedral to local schools through the Festi- Organist at St Mary’s, Cardi- T as Curate in the Parish of Wales’ Award in Church Music Singers, who completed their first val Children’s Chorus, and serves gan, founder of the St Mary’s Llanfihangel Genau’r Glyn recognises people of outstanding CD in 2004. He has also played as Chairman of the RSCM in West Singers who have added to the litur- & Llangorwen & Talybont musical ability who contribute to an important role in the work of Wales. gical worship of the parish; Mrs worship, while the Certificate of the St Davids Cathedral Festi- The following received Certif- Isobel Scutt, Organist at Golden Merit pays tribute to the talents and Grove Church, Carmarthen, for devoted service of musicians who more than 50 years; Mrs Marga- contribute without being profes- ret Body, Chorister at St Martin’s, sionally trained. The awards are Haverfordwest, since 1979, a open to musicians from all denom- founder member of the St Davids inations of Christian worship. Cathedral Singers and Chairman of Simon Pearce, Assistant the Dyfed Choir. Organist at St Davids Cathedral For more information about since 1998, received the Arch- the awards, including how to bishop of Wales’ Award in Church nominate someone for next Music. Simon has played a pivotal year, please visit www.churchin- Mr Oliver Waterer, role in the development of the wales.org.uk/structure/bishops/ appointed Organist and

choir and has accompanied for Brookes photography photo:© J L church_music_awards Master of the Choristers at BBC broadcasts on Radio 3, 4 and Archbishop Barry, Margaret Body, Isobel Scutt, Meurig Watts and St Davids Cathedral the numerous cathedral choir CDs. Simon Pearce

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 7 05/06/2013 13:14:59 8 Pobl Dewi, June 2013

March until it was 4 degrees, with the water about the same. Given Anyone for a Dip? the circumstances, I gave myself the When asked to do a full immersion baptism, Don Macgregor was concession of a wetsuit under the pleased to make all the arrangements for the ceremony to take cassock! Strong winds were fore- cast as well, but on the afternoon place off the quay in Fishguard – then watched the temperature they died down, and about 95 people plummet! turned out to line the quay, many of HAD never done a full immer- and we investigated the slipway to whom were not churchgoers. I was I sion baptism before, so when I make sure it wasn’t covered in slip- in black and Ben was in a white had a candidate who was up for it, pery seaweed, so the plans were all robe. After Ben made his declara- I got quite enthusiastic! We have a set. An article was placed in the tion of faith, we all sang a rousing baptistery at St Mary’s Fishguard, Western Telegraph, the Yacht Club chorus of ‘Amazing Grace’ then he so the first thought was to use that, was booked for afterwards and we and I walked down the slipway and until someone suggested doing it in were ready for an open air, full waded in! the River Gwaun, as they used to. immersion baptism. What a round of applause when Ben Jones, the candidate, was very As the day approached, excite- he came up out of the water! It was keen, but the river bank is very ment grew in the congregation. most real and meaningful baptism muddy and we wanted some of the There was a lot of interest around I have ever done. For Ben and for older folks to be able to get there as the town, with many comments of the Church it was a witness to the well. So why not do it off the quay “You’d better have a word above commitment undertaken by some- at Lower Town? about the weather.” Last year, the one who really decides to follow A bit of research told us that temperature was about 20 degrees Christ. I would certainly do it the tide would be about half way in March. This year the tempera- again. And I didn’t even get too on Sunday 24th March at 2.45pm, ture gradually dropped through cold! Anyone for a dip? Girl power in Christ’s name Marianne Osborne enjoys an evening with the Felinfoel branch of the Girls’ Friendly Society

HE Girls’ Friendly Society GFS run by Glenys Payne and by volunteers like Glenys, who T(GFS) has changed a great her team of volunteers and I was encourage personal and spiritual deal since it was first set up within surprised and delighted by her development through friendship, the Anglican Church in 1875 to group of young women. The club mutual support and new skills. support young girls moving from was fun-filled, which is always Creative crafts like games, art rural areas to work in domestic important when dealing with and performing arts are often part service! Today the GFS reflects youth, but I could see a wonderful of the evening’s activities as is the needs of young women in an community dynamic of everyone a focus on physical well-being, ever-changing world but the one caring for one another, celebrating such as healthy eating, cookery constant throughout the many the good times and supporting each classes, swimming and outward changes has been the organisation’s other in difficult times, with their bound courses. The girls and young commitment to faith, friendship faith as the foundation on which women at parish-based branches on future life skills for the girls I’m certain you’ll receive a warm and the importance of achieving their community is built. are encouraged to participate in themselves. welcome into the GFS Felinfoel personal goals. GFS Platform has about forty community events and be active If you think this could be for family. I spent a fantastic Friday even- branches in England and Wales in their local area, which can only you please contact Glenys at ing with the Felinfoel branch of which meet weekly. They are run be seen as having a positive impact [email protected].

courage to tell all our friends about God’s love. In Jesus Christ’s name. Sir Ifan’s dream Amen” The parish and community of the Gothic Church of St Colman, in Ysgol y Frenni presented the the Maenordeifi Group of Churches, were proud to celebrate the colours of the Urdd in flowers, with Urdd Eisteddfod 2013 at Boncath with a flower festival. the words – “Take a psalm, and John Powell has a great time bring hither the timbrel, the pleas- ant harp with the psaltery. Let us HE flower festival reflected the who has dreamt before us. Thank sing with the children of the Frenni- Tmeaning of the colours of the you for the Urdd and for Sir Ifan’s learning to love our language and Urdd logo: White for Christ, Red dream and thank you that genera- our fellow human beings.” for Fellowship or Fellow Human tions of Welsh children thank you Many visitors came to share Beings and Green for Wales. The for Jesus Christ. Thank you for our celebration and some stayed displays reflected Welcome, Peace the invitation to share this dream, for the Eucharist each day. It will and Goodwill, Fellowship, Wales to see love, forgiveness and peace be long remembered. – Land of Song, Music and Cere- rule the world. Give strength and monies of the Urdd. The children 23 candidates from churches in the Deanery of Lampeter and of Llechryd School presented a Ultra Aeron pictured with Bishop Wyn after their confirmation in prayer – “Father, help us dream February dreams, dream with everyone

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Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 8 05/06/2013 13:15:02 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 9

The scene portrays the inci- dent recorded in John chapter Wiston Rood 20. At first, Mary did not recog- nise Jesus, but on speaking her EDICATED on Easter Day usually installed on the chancel name she recognised his voice this year, this unusual rood arch or just in front of it. D and greeted him with the title installed in Wiston Church was What makes the new rood in “Rabboni”, meaning Teacher. created by local woodcarver, Wiston Church unusual is that it Jesus told Mary not to try to David Thomas. Traditionally, features the Risen Christ meeting hold on to him as he had not yet a rood (old English for cross) Mary Magdalene in the Garden of ascended to his Father in heaven, features the crucified Christ with the Resurrection on the first Easter but told her to go and tell the St John and St Mary the mother morning. The central cross of the other disciples that she had seen of Jesus standing either side of traditional rood has been replaced him. Mary Magdalene was there- the cross. Sometimes, variations by a palm tree, perhaps reflecting fore the first person to proclaim feature such things as the risen the Tree of Life, with the figures the good news of the risen Christ, Christ, or Christ in Majesty, as of Jesus and of Mary Magdalene and is the saint to which Wiston featured on the rood in St Martin’s reaching out to her Lord, on either Church is dedicated. Church, Haverfordwest. A rood is side. National Ar gefn tractor ar Sul y Gweddïau

Sheep Association Rogation Sunday in the parishes of Llanerchaeron, Ciliau Aeron, Dihewyd and Mydroilyn saw the parish boundary literally being beaten, when the fields, farmers and all living in the area were prayed for, from a tractor. The roar of seventy other visits St Davids tractors following vicar Eileen Davies around the parish certainly turned heads and prompted the question ‘What is this in aid of?’ What a great way of spreading the Gospel message in a small rural area using the resource found on every farm HIS was a true celebration of bitterly cold, long winters. As we sheep and a showcase for the all know, the number of sheep far T R arfer ar Sul y Gweddïau versatility of the sheep industry, outweighs the population of Wales fyddai i’r offeiriad plwyf promoting what Wales is able to and the financial input gained from Y gerdded o amgylch ffiniau’r produce best: Welsh Lamb, reared this sector is of vital importance to plwyf i estyn gweddi dros y caeau on the side of the most mountain- our economy. oddi fewn i’w blwyf er mwyn ous areas in Wales and on the sweet On display were many different derbyn tyfiant da a chynhaeaf ar grass of the lowlands. breeds of sheep and many different ei ganfed. Nid cerdded a wnaeth Sheep also provide us with forms of handling equipment to y Ficer Eileen Davies ond yn wool, the most eco-friendly form make the shepherds’ work easier. hytrach gyrru o amgylch pedwar of insulating our homes as well Good shepherds also displayed plwyf Llanerchaeron, Ciliau as clothing us in warm comfort- their skills in the sheepdog trials, Aeron, Dihewyd a Mydroilyn able fleeces which protect from the shearing and lamb judging; even ar dractor. Yn ei dilyn hi roedd saith-deg o dractorau eraill – rhai yn hen ond dal yn edrych ac yn swnio ar ei gorau, ac eraill yn dractorau modern a newydd. Dechreuodd y dydd gyda gwasanaeth ar glos Fferm y Plas yn Llanerchaeron, ac yna taith o ugain milltir o amgylch y plwyf, eth i’w ryfeddu a chyfle i borthi’r ydym yn gwybod fod y tywydd yn gwireddu geiriau Iesu yn Efen- pum mil, cyn ocsiwn a raffl i godi wedi creu blwyddyn anodd a hir gyl Ioan, “Myfi yw’r ffordd, y arian tuag waith y pedair eglwys. i’n amaethwyr, a’n gweddi yw i gwirionedd a’r bywyd”, ac yn sicr Diolch i bawb am eu cefnoga- gariad Duw amgylchynu pawb yn dilyn y llwybr cul! Teithiwyd eth hael, ac am y cyfle i gyffwrdd yng nghefn gwlad drwy ein gwed- heibio i bob Eglwys yn yr ofala- â bywydau pobl cefn gwlad, gan dïau. “Agos yw yr Arglwydd at y eth yn ei thro, gyda thorf tu fas weddïo ar i Dduw fendithio pawb rhai oll a alwant arno; at yr rhai oll i bob un yn barod i’n croesawu. sydd yn llafurio yn y caeau ac yn a alwant arno mewn gwirionedd.” Wedi’r daith mwynhawyd llunia- darparu bwyd ar ein byrddau. Yr

some famous names tried their eu gweithredu er mwyn gwella’r yw’r Bugail Da, yr wyf yn adna- hand at cooking our best produce ddiadell a’r oen y maent yn ei bod fy nefaid, a’m defaid yn fy (this should not have been too gynhyrchu. Dymunwn yn dda i’r adnabod i, yn union fel y mae’r difficult – quality meat just needs pâr ifanc hwn wrth iddynt fentro Tad yn fy adnabod i, a minnau’n tender loving cooking). ar ysgol amaethu mewn diwydi- adnabod y Tad. Ac yr wyf yn rhoi A difficult year weather-wise ant sydd â chyfartaledd oedran fy einioes dros y defaid . . . Yna in 2012, followed by horrendous yn bumdeg ag wyth mlwydd oed. bydd un praidd ac un Bugail.” lambing weather, showed the resil- A diolch hefyd am weledigaeth We, as a church, will be at the ience of sheep farmers, and, as dau frawd sydd yn rhoi cyfle i following events this summer and shepherds of the flock, we show deulu ifanc i wneud hyn. “Myfi look forward to seeing you there: our love and compassion towards those who walk the hills, work long, unsociable hours and provide Friday 2nd August, Fishguard Show us with high quality food on our Friday 9th August, Lampeter Show plate. Y sialens hon yn sicr sydd yn Tuesday 13th to Thursday 15th August, wynebu’r pâr ifanc, Siôn a Claire, Pembrokeshire County Agricultural Show The All Wales National Sheep Association event was held at the a Harri bach, wrth iddynt ymgym- aptly-named farm Beili Ficer Farm in the Parish of Llansawel ryd â’r gwaith o fugeilio ym Meili Tuesday 15th October, on Tuesday 21st May. Eileen Davies admires all that the sheep Ficer. Rhaid eu llongyfarch ar All Wales Dairy Show, Carmarthen industry has to offer y dulliau diweddara y maent yn

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 9 05/06/2013 13:15:03 10 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 Focus on Being a Focal Minister We all know we have to find a new way of leading the churches and imagining ministry for the future. Asking each vicar to lead six or ten churches is asking the impossible. Local Ministry Churches usually work best with their own hands-on leader who is the focal point of their local church community and focussed upon it. Venerable Bob Jackson explains the role of a Focal Minister

AVING a Focal Minister for churches will work together on Heach church, plus a paid priest initiatives best done together, such An introduction giving oversight, vision and coor- as youth ministry and planting new dination for a wider Ministry Area, forms of church. Dennis Wight provides an overview of the plans for is not about organising decline but Ultimately what it means to be about starting new growth. a Focal Minister in the resurgent emerging Ministry Areas The danger with the old model church of the future is to be called is that the vicar does the ministry by God to serve his people, grow HE local church will prosper while the congregation is passive his Church and give hope to the when we listen carefully to T and, in some cases, powerless. world. the story of the early church. For The Focal Minister will not be example in Acts 2:42-47 we read a part time, unpaid, second- Ven Bob Jackson Explanatory background: a brief description of how the first best parson. Their emerging role One part of the new Diocesan disciples devoted themselves to will be to enable and lead the Strategy is about reorganising worship, service and having every- * To help every church member ministry of all the people of the parish life. We are going to trial thing in common. The developing grow as a Christian disciple and church, to empower and energise new arrangements in which each tradition of the church has brought have their own ministry them for pastoral care, worship church has its own Focal Minister us the threefold order of bishops, * To lead the mission of the local and mission, from a position at the as its leader, with a Ministry Area priests and deacons. The message church in its community heart of the church community, not Leader having oversight over, but of the Gospel about transformed * To help the church develop its as a visitor from elsewhere. not direct responsibility for, all lives and this provision of ministry own vision and strategy for mission So, focal ministry is about role, the churches in their area. Focal has resulted in a worldwide move- and growth not status. Some Focal Ministers Ministers might be ordained or not, ment. It is still growing in many * To encourage the church to work may be ordained and paid, others and might be paid or not. Ministry parts of the world. with others in the Mission Area and Ven Dennis Wight neither. All will be trained and Area Leaders would be stipendi- However, our Anglican tradi- the wider Church supported. My own understanding ary clergy. This reorganisation is tion has grown into, and we have An important part of the ethos of Focal Ministers should not be of the role is: partly a response to falling clergy become accustomed to, the fact that this is that people who are rooted responsible for buildings, finance * To be present at and contribute to numbers and partly an attempt everyone lives in a church parish and grounded in their communities, and administration. These should most of the main church services to find a new pattern of church and receives a “cure of souls” and who are already recognised be handled by a paid professional and other church events leadership that empowers every which belongs to the bishop and is as servants of Christ, and already or by suitable volunteers. Focal * To ensure that pastoral care and church member to play a full role shared with a parish priest. On the ministering in significant and vari- Ministers must not be isolated Christian community function well in the ministry and mission of their one hand this still feels good and ous ways, are recommended by the but supported by the Ministry * To pray for the church and help church. right; a precious gift to be treas- cleric and the PCC as Christians Area Leader and meet together others do the same ured. On the other we have given who may have a vocation to sacra- in fellowship themselves. Local our present clerics an impossible mental ministry. So, alongside one task if they are not allowed to share or several full time and existing this “cure” with the local people deployable voluntary clerics there of God. Ministry has become a will be some who will have been Clergy? God only has the laity to choose from chosen locally (and selected with “professional” task which cler- This is a well rehearsed response to complaints from parishioners about their clergy. ics and laity have thought ONLY provincial monitoring) to serve as However, it contains a more important and less cynical insight as well. Rt Revd John belongs to the Bishop and the ordained ministers in the Church of Saxbee, Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of St Davids, explains cleric. I often hear “That’s the God. vicar’s job not mine”. We have to To enhance this locally-focussed seek out again what it means to ministry, it is also envisaged that T the root of church member- Ministry (OLM) offers a truthful have everything in common whilst Focal Ministers, who already live Aship is baptism, and by virtue and timely reminder that being the holding fast to the tradition of and work in a specific area, will of our baptism we are members of laos in a particular place entails parish ministry. have a pivotal part to play. The role the laity. We are God’s people and the calling and equipping of local So, the big idea arising out of of a Focal Minister, ordained or lay, comprise the Body of Christ. Some people to deliver ministries of the series of deanery consultations, is an evolving one as the process members of the laity are ordained, word, sacrament and pastoral care. and lots of discussion, is to create of re-imagining ministry contin- but they do not thereby cease to OLMs represent God to their Ministry Areas which are sustain- ues, but they, too, will be central to be part of the laos – the people of communities, and their communi- able, in several ways, as natural parish life as team players in each God. See especially I Peter chapter ties to God. Hence the importance clusters led by a trained stipendiary Ministry Area. 2 verses 9 and 10. of them being locally identified, cleric. The cleric will have over- As you will have heard at the Sometimes in the history of appropriately equipped and reli- sight for all the people of God to latest series of Deanery meet- the church this truth has become ably supported by their colleagues equip them to be devoted to Christ ings, the hope is that, through this distorted. Perhaps there has been in the community. in worship and service. He or she process of re-structuring, Ministry a tendency to see ordained people Rt Revd John Saxbee Of course, it is not ordination will also direct and facilitate the Areas will be able, and have enough as apart from, rather than a part of, which is localised. Ordination is development of sacramental and funds, to recruit some help with the laity. A church almost entirely ised Christian ministry and mission always catholic and apostolic. But pastoral ministry in the area. Train- administrative tasks, thus taking the dependent on full-time clergy to from its earliest days. ministry is local to the extent that it ing will be provided as we go, not burden of day-to-day office work deliver its commitment to procla- It is true that many itiner- is subject to a Bishop’s Licence indi- just for the clergy but also for those off the desks of clergy and freeing mation of the gospel, administration ant witnesses to the good news of cating the area within which such with particular gifts (charisms). them up to answer their calling. of the sacraments and provision of God in Christ carried that gospel authorised ministry is to be exercised. We have already witnessed the Through faith, prayer, hard work pastoral care is certainly in danger to places far from home – and In the case of OLMs the licence is training of members of our congre- and due diligence, we anticipate that, of losing touch with the fact that continue to do so. But the estab- specific to the place or places which gations in ministry as preachers, in time, every parish within a Minis- all are called and gifted through lishment of local worshipping they know best, and where they are worship leaders and servants in try Area will be blessed with local, baptism to share those tasks. and witnessing congregations has known best. So OLMs are fully pastoral care, as well as those recognisable pastoral and priestly Furthermore, a church which always been a strategic priority, ordained and fully local, and minister who minister to the young and the ministry, as well as good and effec- typically calls, trains and deploys especially for Anglicans who still under the oversight of a stipendiary old. Another transitional stage, to tive administration. It will be a long such clergy with little or no refer- see the local parish as the core colleague and in collaboration with develop the culture that we have road but it will be worth strength- ence to the local communities from context for ministry and mission. all their partners in ministry. They everything in common in the local ening the virtue of parish ministry which they come, and to which Without any detriment to the can, and will, enrich the life of our church and diocese, is the develop- whilst holding on to the example of they will be sent, flies in the face of continued importance of full time churches in these changing and chal- ment of Ordained Local Ministry. New Testament Christians. that localness which has character- deployable clergy, Ordained Local lenging times.

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 10 05/06/2013 13:15:04 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 11 An extraordinary ten years Mission in today’s Heather Evans reflects on her personal journey towards being selected for Ordained Local Ministry training church RETURNED to regular church that gave me enormous strength. Sadly that service was to be John’s I worship ten years ago follow- I suppose that might be when this last as our vicar. On Saturday 9th March, those studying ‘Christian Mission’ as ing the death of my husband, and extraordinary journey to Ordained As time passed I took on more part of the Exploring Faith course across the diocese met in St if anyone had suggested then that Local Ministry (OLM) began. In the responsibility. For the past 18 John’s Church, Carmarthen, for the term’s Saturday School. ten years on I would be training for years that followed I became more months I have had the privilege of Heather Cale found it a worthwhile experience priesthood I would have laughed involved in church life, leading leading the members of St David’s out loud. Yet here I am about to do intercessions and reading regularly Church, Capel Bangor, near Aber- HE day was organised to his calling and becoming “a reluc- just that! as well as participating in study ystwyth. They have demonstrated Tenable further reflection on tant priest”. He expressed honestly The time leading up to, and groups and serving as a church- incredible team spirit in all aspects examples of mission in our diocese the difficulties of making disciples following, my husband’s death was warden. Inspired and supported by of church life. Together we have today. Revd Dr Rhiannon John- and the reality of small numbers in naturally very difficult, yet even on our vicar, Revd John Livingstone, embraced change and are commit- son introduced the five invited churches. the darkest of days I was aware that I moved on to be Worship Leader. ted to spreading the Gospel to the guests and interviewed them on It was a very worthwhile day. I was never alone. I think I must I vividly recall John’s words at my wider community and sharing the our behalf. It was rather like “Piers Our thanks to Rhiannon Johnson have appeared a very solitary person commissioning service. “Nobody joy that Jesus brings to our lives Morgan’s Life Stories”! and the speakers, who willingly to many people, even close friends, chooses their particular ministry, it with others. We began with Bishop John shared experiences and left us at that time but I knew that I was is God alone who calls a person to I know without doubt that God Saxbee who shared his thoughts wanting more! One word kept alone in the presence of God, and the ministry He chooses for them.” has called me to do His work in about ministry as a bishop and recurring through each speaker my community, to serve Him, and his strong belief of leadership by during the day – relationships. to represent Christ’s people before example. He described how “all They all expressed how the church God; to pray for them, and with are called – all are gifted” and his needs to be people-focussed, build- them, also to be sensitive to the passion to be an encourager of ing relationships and sharing God’s particular needs and opportunities others. grace and mercy with uncondi- of our locality. We heard from Revd Paul tional love. A challenge to us all! The whole concept of OLM Mackness, self-described as “the The Church and the is exciting. It is a complementary Diocesan Civil Servant with a Churches ministry with complementary gifts dog collar.” Fr Paul eloquently in which the OLM focuses on team explained his role working on the The following Saturday the work. I look forward to a ministry implementation of the Harries group studying ‘The Church that crosses boundaries of place and Report. He spoke about diocesan and the Churches’ met to look class, which will build relationships priorities and the need for the right at how various denominations for the benefit of people who are not structures to facilitate mission. have come to exist in Wales since yet members of the church. Revd Marianne Osborne shared the reformation. Revd Dr David her vision as Youth Chaplain, Jones, who teaches the subject at encouraging and enabling others Aberystwyth University and will to work with young people. She be priested in the diocese this shared a biblical quote from Paul’s summer, very ably led us from the Letter to Timothy “not to let others Growing our own confusion of an English-speaking look down on you because you are reformation for a Welsh speaking While, in Rome, the cardinals met in conclave to choose a new pope, at St Non’s a selection was young.” nation, through the translation held for the first group of people training for a new ministry in our diocese. Unlike the vicars you will Steve Traynar, the Chaplain of have had in the past, these people come from, and will train in, the communities they are going to the Mission to Seafarers at Milford of the Bible into Welsh, waves serve. Rhiannon Johnson explains Haven, revealed experiences of of revival, the creation of a mission in the port. He spoke of Welsh identity shaped by non- HEN you know, more or than one who comes in fresh. the importance of a ministry of conformity, the breaking of the Wless, where people are going In devising training for our new presence: not pressurised mission nation’s religious heart through to serve once they are ordained, it Ordained Local Ministry (OLM) but, rather, a ministry of friend- war and theological uncertainty makes a big difference to how you ordinands, we are trying to honour ship, “where we go on board with to the present day. We learned a select and train them. The refer- that local calling. Much of their a Bible, but it’s in the back pocket.” great deal about where we have ences from their sending parishes learning will take place in their Revd Dewi Davies spoke of his come from, in the hope it will matter more. These are the people home areas, shadowing the clergy involvement with Faith in the City show more clearly where God is they will have to go back to and who work there, gradually taking in the 1980’s before experiencing leading us. work among. So the willingness of more responsibility, working a parish to accept a person’s minis- alongside others in the parishes to try is a significant part of selection. understand them and work on tasks Previously we assumed that, to benefit them, learning in Explor- to be called to ordained minis- ing Faith groups close to home as try, you had to be able to go well as being taken out for occa- almost anywhere, to be deploy- sional placements, and residential able. When we select people for ones, to gain some insights which that type of ministry, we look for they can then take back to their a very strong internal sense of call- made. But these are human rules own parishes. ing that will enable a person to not God’s. So the parishes that send OLM make all the changes and sacri- We believe that God really is candidates for selection have a real fices necessary to uproot their lives calling some people to ordained role and responsibility in training and their families and go where ministry in the Church in Wales them. Do you want a parish priest the church needs them to go. This while still calling them to stay who really understands you? Then rules out some people who do have where they are. Believing that, we help them understand. Do you a call to ordained ministry but have are now selecting and training for want one you can trust and work responsibilities that keep them in this particular ministry as well as with, then show your trust and a particular place, or an equally the more familiar ones. Make no faith and willingness to work with strong sense of calling to that one mistake, a local ministry is just as them? Do you want a minister who community. heroic and sacrificial as a deploy- will show you forgiveness and help Since training for deploya- able one. There is no moving away you grow? Here is your chance to ble ministry involves such a big from troubles or conflicts. A minis- forgive and grow together. change of life, we can only accept ter working among people who How do you get the kind of Back row: Revd Rhiannon Johnson (Course Director, Exploring for training those whose lives are knew him or her for years may minister you want? Help grow your Faith), Front row, l to r: Revd John Saxbee, Revd Paul Mackness, at a point where that break can be have to work harder to earn respect own. Mr Steve Traynar, Revds Dewi Davies & Marianne Osborne

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 11 05/06/2013 13:15:05 12 Pobl Dewi, June 2013

St Davids Cathedral What’s on at st DaviDs CatheDral . . . June 20th 6.00pm Choral Evensong with the Installation of Canons Summer Concerts 2013 22nd 7.30pm Fundraising Concert for H.O.P.E MS Therapy Centre 29th 10.30am Diocesan Ordination Service Wednesdays at 7.30pm

July 2nd 12.00pm Informal Concert by Charles Timberlake (piano) Tickets: £7 (£5 concessions, children free) at the door 8th 10.30am Diocesan School Leavers Service 10th 10.00am Day of Refreshment for the Soul July 10th 13th 7.30pm Concert by Dyfed Choir St Davids Cathedral Choir Fauré Requiem 14th 3.00pm Plant Dewi Service 17th Carleton Etherington Tewkesbury Abbey 19th 7.30pm Concert by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra 24th Daniel Cook St Davids Cathedral 25th 10.00am Chapter Day Eucharist 31st Adrian Lucas International Concert Organist 26th 7.30pm Concert by the Orchestra of the Welsh National Opera August August 1st 7.30pm Concert by the National Youth Orchestra of Wales 7th Simon Pearce St Davids Cathedral 3rd 12.00pm Informal Concert by the Grampian Concert Orchestra 14th Peter Holder Westminster Abbey 5th 1.00pm Young Musicians’ Platform Concert 21th Michael Slaney Organ 12th 1.00pm Young Musicians’ Platform Concert James Bartlett Piano 28th Chester Cathedral 17th 7.30pm Concert by Côr Meibion De Cymru Philip Rushforth 19th 1.00pm Young Musicians’ Platform Concert September 25th-30th Holiday Club in Tŷ’r Pererin 4th Steven Grahl New College Oxford 11th St Davids Sept 14th-15th Festival of the Friends of the Cathedral Cathedral Organists Popular Organ Music 21st 10.00am Day of Refreshment for the Soul 18th St Davids 28th 7.30pm Concert by the Dalesman Male Voice Choir Cathedral Choir Choral Classics

Don’t Forget . . . Art on the Faith Trail 2013

will be on throughout the month of July at St Davids Cathedral; St Aidans’s Church, Solva; St Rhian Church, Llanrhian; St Hywel, Llanhywel; Holy Martyrs, Mathry; St Gwynedaf’s Church, Llanwnda; St Mary’s Church, Fishguard; St Brynach, Pontfaen and St David, Llanychaer

and will feature the work of Raul Speek, Nigel Sutton, Heather Nixon, Heather Bennett, Richard Blacklaw-Jones, Deborah Withey, Robert Jakes, Sara Crisp, Lainey Star, Pauline Beynon, Angela Samuel, Sally James, Dawyn Tootes, Jackie Stone, Ed Bowie, James Ramage, Miriam Scott and Pauline Le Britton

The Trail for 2013 will be launched at St Davids Cathedral by Bishop Wyn at 4pm, Monday 24 June

Come and enjoy a diversity of artistic talent in a variety of sacred places

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 12 05/06/2013 13:15:06 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 13 Celebrating our churchyards Sarah Geach reports from The Beautiful Burial Ground Conference held on 23rd April at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales

HE conference marked the which can offer a variety of undis- place for grass-cutting and how to Tlaunch of the Caring for God’s turbed wildlife and habitats, as encourage different habitats. Acre project: Beautiful Burial well as being places of reflection, After lunch, workshops ranged Grounds. This 4-year initiative, remembrance and heritage. from how to recruit volunteers, involving 15 Welsh and English This theme was developed by raise funds, care for trees, grass- dioceses, will help those who look Harriet Carty, a Project Officer, land and flagship species, and after churchyards, chapel grounds who illustrated how to begin a how to record and conserve your and cemeteries to create a haven local initiative by finding out about churchyard and welcome visitors. for wildlife, heritage and the people the trees, plants, fungi and small We were also encouraged to make who visit them. mammals in your churchyard and the most of the growing interest We were welcomed by the tran- mapping them. She emphasised in genealogy, and Rob Scourfield, quil music of a yew harp, played it was important to involve your from Pembrokeshire National Park by Fred Hageneder. He later community . . . and then to review Authority demonstrated how spoke about the history of yew and celebrate! stonework in churchyards provides trees, reminding us that they go Bruce Langridge, the Inter- social history, as well as revealing back to the time of the dinosaurs, pretation Officer at the National the architectural styles, materials and explaining their extraordi- Botanic Gardens, spoke of how and craftsmanship of the time. nary regenerative powers, which we can enjoy and understand our All in all, a very inspiring, made them a compelling symbol of burial grounds and the need to informative and interesting day. resurrection thus underlining their clarify the information we want to The Beautiful Burial Grounds association with churchyards. disseminate. Project will be arranging more Opening the conference, Colin Lizzie Wilberforce, Conser- workshops on practical aspects of Wright, from Caring for God’s vation Manager from the Wildlife churchyard management, such as Acre, told us there are 20,000 Trusts of South and West Wales, scything and dry stone building, burial sites, with an average size of discussed how wildlife and people and will conduct an in-depth survey one acre, in Wales and England. So go hand in hand in a churchyard, the at St Ishmaels, Pembrokeshire. everyone is near to a burial ground, need for a management plan to be in Watch this space . . . World harmony in Lampeter

Jenny Kimber reviews the first ever Lampeter Festival of World Sacred Music which took place in March HIS brand new festival, held existed for more than 250 years. presented the first prize to Melerie Tduring Palm Sunday weekend, The discussion which followed Davies, Ysgol Bro Pedr, (pictured, attracted people from a wide area focussed on the importance of right) for ‘Libera Me’ – this being – and it seems to have been a hit! music, especially singing, in every the winning piece it will feature in The opening concert provided faith community. next year’s festival; second was a fascinating blend of Welsh music The highlight of the festival Fleur Snow, Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi from local choirs, poetry which was a performance of ‘The Armed with ‘Drachenfels’ and third prize spoke of harmony of the soul and Man: A Mass for Peace’ conducted went to Ianto Jones, Ysgol Bro music from the Eastern tradition. by its composer, Karl Jenkins, the Pedr, for ‘Kyrie’. The festival was the brainchild most-performed living composer The Palm Sunday procession of Eva Skalla who, having experi- in the world. With its strong anti- and Eucharist in the College Chapel enced similar festivals abroad, felt war message, the piece is based was followed by lunch, hosted by that Lampeter should have one, around the Catholic Mass and was Canon Brendan O’Malley, with too. performed to the packed hall by a Chinese harp music afterwards. There were two lecture/ one-hundred strong mixed choir, Evening Vespers in St Peter’s workshops, the first on Natural drawn from Côr Ger y Lli from the Church with Gregorian Chanting Harmonics and Eastern Music – Aberystwyth area, the Trinity Saint from Revd Chris Webb left every- the search for Nada – the essence David University Choir and Côr one with a feeling of peace and, of vibration of the sound of music. Godre’r Garth from Pontypridd appropriately enough, of harmony. The second session featured the old with the British Sinfonietta and Plans are already being made Ymwadiad Welsh tradition of bible-chanting soloist Marlena Devoe. for the Lampeter Festival of World Nid yw Pobl Dewi nac Esgobaeth Tyddewi yn cymryd cyfrifoldeb, yn atebol, called ‘Pwnc’ given by Revd Eirian The festival had organised a Sacred Music March 2014. For nac o anghenraid yn cytuno gyda’r farn a fynegir yn unrhyw erthygl yn y Wynn Lewis and the congrega- competition for secondary schools more information contact: info@ cyhoeddiad. tion of Rhydwilym Baptist Chapel in Ceredigion to produce a new worldsacredmusic.com or write to Mae’r holl wybodaeth yn gyfrifoldeb ar yr unigolyn neu’r mudiad sy’n near Narberth, a chapel which has piece of sacred music. Karl Jenkins 2, Bridge St, Lampeter, SA48 7HG. cyfrannu’r erthygl. Nid yw Pobl Dewi yn cymryd cyfrifoldeb dros unrhyw gamgymeriad neu Music Sunday 2013 ddiffygion. HURCHES throughout the sations to put on a fundraising Cyfraniadau ar gyfer Pobl Dewi Cworld will celebrate the use Music Sunday event, with proceeds of music within their worship – shared on a 50:50 basis between Y mae croeso i erthyglau oddi wrth ddarllenwyr, ac yn arbennig cyfraniadau and honour the musicians who the hosting body and the RSCM. composer Benjamin Britten, which Cymraeg. make it – by celebrating RSCM In 2012, many churches used their some churches will mark with Dylid anfon erthyglau at y Golygydd: Tessa Briggs Music Sunday later this year. It is Music Sunday event as a musi- performances of his sacred music. an annual initiative of the Royal cal celebration of the Queen’s Details of how to take part [email protected] School of Church Music (RSCM), Diamond Jubilee. Some churches along with ideas for events, down- neu fe ellir eu postio at: which itself marks the event on and choirs will be commemorating loads including suggested prayers, Pobl Dewi, Sunday 23 June 2013. the 60th anniversary of the Corona- readings and music can be found Swyddfa’r Esgobaeth, Abergwili, Caerfyrddin, SA31 2JG The RSCM invites churches, tion in June this year. 2013 is also on the RSCM website wedi’u nodi at sylw ‘Y Golygydd’ choirs, schools and other organi- the centenary of the birth of the www.rscm.com/musicsunday.

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 13 05/06/2013 13:15:08 14 Pobl Dewi, June 2013

yn dweud, heb feddwl beth yw ystyr hynny mewn gwirionedd, na Cofio fyddwn ni byth yn anghofio rhyw- Lyn Lewis Dafis of Aberystwyth, a member of staff at the National beth neu’i gilydd. Ond a ydym Library of Wales, remembers the recent fire at the library, thinks ni’n sylweddoli faint o waith yw cofio a bod angen help arnom ni about how fragile memory can be and about Jesus’ command i wneud hynny yn aml iawn? for us to remember his precious death until his coming again. Rydym yn cymryd ein cardiau Remembering the past allows us to look to the future and we give post a’n swfneîrs o deithiau that up at the peril of losing our grasp on hope a gwyliau yn ganiataol. Mae meddwl am briodas heb gofnod WI’N falch fy mod i’n ffotograffau, llawysgrifau, fideos, - boed hwnnw’n waith ffoto- Dmedru ysgrifennu’r pwt mapiau, lluniau, gwefannau a graffydd proffesiynol neu’n fideo hwn a dweud nad oedd pethau rhagor – sy’n cofnodi hanes ein ar ffôn symudol – yn amhosib. Yn dim byd tebyg i’r hyn y gallen cenedl o’r dechrau. Ar un adeg yr un modd rydyn ni fel cenedl yn nhw fod wedi bod yn dilyn y tân wrth sefyll yn y maes parcio yn dibynnu ar gofnodion o bob math yn y Llyfrgell Genedlaethol yn gwylio’r tân yr oeddwn i’n dychm- i’n hatgoffa ni ac i’n sicrhau ni o’n Aberystwyth. Roedd ’na ddifrod ygu sut fyddwn i’n wynebu colli’r gorffennol fel ein bod yn medru difrifiol i ran o’r adeilad a rhai cyfan. Diolch i waith rhyfeddol gwneud synnwyr o’n presennol. yng nghysgod coffáu dioddefaint nerthu ac i gadarnhau ein ffydd colledion, ond ar un adeg wrth y gwasanaethau brys ac ymrod- Fel Cristnogion mae cofio bendigedig, atgyfodiad nerthol, ni ynddo ef. Ond nid cofio sy’n weld y fflamau yn lledu roed- diad di-flino cyd-weithwyr ni fu’n yr hyn mae Duw wedi’i wneud a dyrchafael gogoneddus Iesu. edrych yn ôl yw hwn yn unig, yr dwn in ofni’r gwaethaf – ac fe rhaid gwneud hynny wedi’r cyfan. er ein hiachadwriaeth yn rhan Nid gwaith hawdd yw edrych ymlaen i’r dyfodol – nes wnaeth hynny fy ysigo i’n llwyr. Ond bob tro fyddai’n edrych annatod o’n bywyd fel ei bobl cofio, mae’n cymryd ymdrech. ei ddyfod drachefn – a’r ofn yw Dwi wedi gweithio yn y ar y lluniau o effaith y tân yn y yn ei eglwys. Cawn ein gorchy- I’n cynorthwyo i gofio’n fwy ein bod ni wrth roi’r gorau i gofio Llyfrgell ers rhyw chwarter canrif, Llyfrgell dwi’n cael fy atgoffa o’r myn i ddod at ein gilydd yn effeithiol rhoes Iesu y bara a’r wedi colli ein golwg ar y dyfodol mae’r Llyfrgell ei hun yn gan hyn a allai fod wedi digwydd ac gyson i gadw coffa gwastadol gwin i ni yn sacrament swper hwnnw ac wrth wneud hynny mlwydd oed, ac mae’n gartref i o ba mor fregus yw’r cof mewn am angau gwerthfawr Iesu Grist. yr Arglwydd, tystion diogel ac colli golwg ar ein gobaith hefyd. bob math o ddogfennau – llyfrau, gwirionedd. Yn aml iawn byddwn Yr ydym i fyw ein holl fywyd arwyddion effeithiol o’i ras i

and pricing goods for sale. As Bea Food for thought says “God has been very good at Top-selling fairtrader providing the right people at the St Aidan’s Church in Wales VA School was invited to take part right time.” in a competition, supported by Fair Trade Wales, to design a At its meeting in April, the Governing Body passed a resolution So successful has the stall been logo for the ‘Fair Trade in Football’ Campaign. Every child was which aims to turn the Church in Wales into the first Fairtrade that Bea has become not only the involved, reports Wendy MacGarvie province in the Anglican Communion. We have been set a good top-selling fairtrader in Wales, but example by Bea Sutton and her friends in Pembroke, writes near the top in the whole of Brit- HE aim of the competition collage of the Fair Trade symbol ain, with a turnover of more than Amelia Gardner Twas to ignite enthusiasm and and matched pictures of the farm- £8,000 per year. As she and Audrey support for Fair Trade in football, ers to the produce. They then used N 1999, Bea Sutton was watch- since moved on, and, sadly, both approach the tenth anniversary of and to design an original logo for speech bubbles to explain the feel- Iing a programme about children Bea and Audrey are now widows. their first market stall, let us salute the campaign. The winning logo ings of the farmers and to show dying from starvation in South However, local, retired men from all that they have achieved on will be produced by a local, envi- the difference that Fair Trade had America. She learned that the their churches act as porters, carry- behalf of the marginalised produc- ronmentally conscious printing made to their lives. reason these children had not been ing heavy boxes to the cars that ers of the food we eat, and the tea, company, on official campaign Year 3 children focussed on fed was that their parents were ferry them from Bea’s house, coffee and cocoa we drink. May we materials. These will be used to sugar growers. Using a picture of farmers who used to grow coffee where her dining room is totally in some small way emulate their promote Fair Trade in football, one of the farmers they also wrote alongside the food they grew to dedicated to displaying, storing zeal. and the use of Fair Trade footballs, about what the growers might say feed their families. Then the multi- locally and nationally. if they were being interviewed. nationals urged them to grow only St Aidan’s school recently They then thought about the advan- coffee so that they would get more invited Sharron Hardwick into tages and possible disadvantages money. However, the increase in school for an assembly to support of Fair Trade. The advantages they coffee production caused a glut the work being done for Fair Trade. listed were many but they also real- which reduced the price the farm- Sharron explained how football ised that the middle man would be ers were paid, so that they were stitchers only get paid a few pence against it, as he would lose out, and no longer able to feed their fami- for every football they make, but that some people could be unhappy lies. Bea was so upset that she if they become Fair Trade stitch- about paying more for a product. resolved to become a fairtrader to ers they will be able to provide for help ensure a fair price for produc- their families because this guaran- ers such as those she had seen in tees a fair wage and safe working the programme. conditions whilst also providing a premium to help develop their Passionate supporters communities. In 2003 a new curate, Huw Greg- Every class had been very busy ory-Smith, arrived in Pembroke. during Fair Trade fortnight and He and his wife, Jeannette, were each child contributed towards a passionate supporters of the Fair- presentation in the hall. The infants trade movement, and quickly made a collection of packaging, teamed up with Bea to set up a stall which was displayed, along with every Thursday morning outside a collage of the logo and pictures the Town Hall – a cold, sunless of themselves around it, to encour- spot in the teeth of the wind. When age everyone to buy fairly traded it rained they retreated across the products. road to the church vestry, but, Class 3 looked at two Power later, were allowed to set up their Point presentations: Where in the stall at the back of the Town Hall. World and Making a Difference. Every Thursday since then, except They discussed the meaning of over Christmas, Bea and her friend Fair Trade, the difference it makes Audrey, or other faithful support- to the lives of people all over the ers such as Margaret and Barbara, world and listed the products that have sold Traidcraft food and have they were familiar with. become well known in the town. Year 2 children created a Caitlin Gardner The Gregory-Smiths have long Audrey Beharrell (left) and Bea Sutton

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 14 05/06/2013 13:15:10 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 15 Llwyddiant Eisteddfod Sul Y Fam Beth Davies congratulates Graham Thomas of Eglwys S. Iago, Beth Davies reports on the Rhos Llangeler on his success in the Llanfihangel-ar-arth/ special Mothering Sunday Pencader Eisteddfod. He is an adult learner of Welsh and reads services held in the churches the Welsh lesson in the services at S. Iago. His tutor is Beth of the parish of Llandysul herself RAHAM THOMAS o OEDD Sul y Fam eleni yn GRhos Llandysul yn ennill Rddiwrnod arbennig iawn i cwpan yn eisteddfod Llanfihan- mi, nid am fy mod yn fam, ond gel ar arth/Pencader yn Adran oherwydd ym mhlwyf Llandy- y dysgwyr. Mae Graham yn sul mi gawsom dri gwasanaeth mynychu dosbarth i ddysgwyr hyfryd iawn lle’r oedd y plant Cymraeg yn Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi. yn bresennol ac yn cymryd Fel darllenydd lleyg yn rhan yn y gwasanaethau. neoniaeth Emlyn rwyf yn cael y Cafwyd y gwasanaeth cyntaf pleser o fynd i amryw o eglwysi yn Eglwys Llandysul gyda’r i arwain gwasanaethau ar y Sul. plant yn ymgymryd at y gwaith Un o’r eglwysi hynny yw Eglwys o gyhoeddi`r emynau a gwed- S. Iago yn Rhos Llangeler ac yno dïo gan wneud eu dyletswyddau un sydd o help mawr i’r gynul- yn arbennig o dda. Ar y diwedd y leidfa ac i minnau yw Graham gwasanaeth hwnnw cyflwynodd y From left to right - Brenda Evans, Diocesan President; The Bishop Thomas. Rwyf yn ffodus iawn plant flodau yn rhodd i’w mamau. of St Davids, Rt Revd Wyn Evans; Helen Williams, Provincial o’i gael yn darllen llith i mi ym Ym Mhont-siân roedd y Secretary; Ann Gill, Provincial President; The Archbishop of mhob gwasanaeth, ac er nad oes plant wedi paratoi gwasana- Wales, Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan; Canon Bryan Witt, Provincial Mr Thomas yn darllen y llith yn dim byd rhyfeddol yn hynny o eth arbennig gan defnyddio’r MU Chaplain beth yr hyn sydd yn ddiddorol yr eglwys yn Gymraeg. Roedd gair “MAM”. Cafwyd canu ac yw fy mod yn gweld Mr Thomas yn hyfryd wedyn gweld ei fod adrodd arbennig o dda yma yn yn llawn ar gyfer yr achlysur. Diolch i bawb a ddaeth bob nos Lun hefyd yn fy nosbarth wedi ennill cwpan yn Eistedd- ôl yr arfer. Derbyniodd y mamau Ymlaen wedyn i eglwys i’r gwasanaethau arbennig Cymraeg yn Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi, fod Llanfihangel-ar-arth/Pencader yn y gynulleidfa anrhegion a hardd Llangynllo a chael hyn ac a gyfrannodd yn Llandysul lle rwyf fi’n diwtor. am ei waith ysgrifenedig. Da chafwyd hwyl wrth i’r plant gwasanaeth arall ar gyfer y plant eu gwahanol ffyrdd. Oherwydd y cysylltiad hyn mae’n iawn chi a llongyfarchiadau ymateb i’r sgwrs ar y diwedd. lle y buont yn cymryd rhan fraint ac anrhydedd i mi glywed oddi wrth yr aelodau i gyd! Braf iawn oedd gweld y neuadd yn y gwasanaeth a’r sgwrs. How much of the Bible In Memoriam 2014 The Eglwyswrw Community Council and the Eglwyswrw Heritage Society have can you read been investigating sites around the village to determine where a war memorial to commemorate the centenary of the First World War can be erected. Such a monument will make a fitting and dignified mark of respect, says Robert Smith

in 24 hours? REQUEST is to be considered Aat the next PCC meeting of St St Ishmael’s Parish (Ferryside & Llansaint) undertook a twenty- Cristiolus to locate the memorial four hour Bible reading marathon from mid-day on Tuesday in within the church grounds on land Holy Week to mid-day on Wednesday below the historic rose window at the entrance to the building.

Permanent monument It will establish a permanent monu- ment in the village to commemorate those who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars, as well as other conflicts around the world. Currently, the only memo- rial in the village is located inside St Cristiolus to three members of the church who died in the First World War.

World Wars Research is on-going to confirm the names, regiments and details of all those from the village who lost their lives in the First and Second World Wars. So far 18 names have Pupils from Ysgol Glan-y-fferi take part in the reading marathon been identified from the former and in St Thomas’s Church one from the latter. The memorial will be a grate- IFTY-SIX people took part, There were many widely different ful and worthy tribute to the We pray for the young people of the day. Fensuring that the Bible was opinions about how far we would servicemen and their families May they never see the flames of war or know the depths of read aloud, continuously, even read. In fact, we only got as far as and a dignified focal point for the cruelty to which man can sink. during the small hours of the night. the first book of Kings – which is community at their annual Service of Remembrance. Grant that in their generation they may be better men and women The event took place in the Lady about a quarter of the Bible. and more faithful servants and soldiers of Jesus Christ. Chapel of St Thomas’s Church.

Pobl Dewi June 2013.indd 15 05/06/2013 13:15:12 16 Pobl Dewi, June 2013 Clydai: daughter, sister and saint St Paulinus, Ystrad Ffin Continuing her series on our early saints, Travel north in the Tywi Valley until you find yourself in Twm Siôn Cati country. Less well-known there is Ystrad Ffin, a beautiful Mary Baker explores the life and times of St Clydai and peaceful place, with connections to the early years of the AM drawn to Clydai’s Place, a Christian Church. John Rogers explores its history church and its surrounds in the I T the roadside, opposite the of Brittany. He was not allowed very north of Pembrokeshire. It sits house where Twm lived, the solitude he longed for, but was alone bordering ancient woodland, A stands the church of St Paulinus, hauled off to be made bishop of St a well worn green lane and several an 18th century building, since Pol de Leon. bubbling springs. The place has an restored by Lord Cawdor, but of Lives of the Welsh Saints, writ- ancient, special and very calming far more ancient foundation. In ten by Canon Doble, the Cornish atmosphere. It is a place that seems the middle ages monks came here scholar and authority on Celtic in harmony with nature itself. I am from Strata Florida to minister to saints, reveals that, when Pauli- sure that not too much has changed the sparse population. However, nus left Llanddeusant two of his since the 5th-6th century when St centuries earlier it was a hermit- brothers, the twins, Notolius and Clydai herself founded her retreat age of Paulinus, Peulin in Welsh. Potolius, took charge of the monas- here. According to some ancient docu- tery there. There used to be a Clydai is another saint that ments, Peulin was a son of Dincat, great festival at Llanddeusant on we know very little about; hardly lord of the area now known as 10 October, St Paulinus’s day in surprising really when the era is Llandovery, whose parish church Brittany. known as the Dark Ages and we is named after him. He is reputed St Paulinus, Ystrad Ffin, is have little archaeological, and to have been one of the the many in the parish of Rhandirmwyn, very sparse documented, evidence children of Brychan Brycheiniog, grouped with Cilycwm and Cyng- to assist our search. She is said and therefore a brother of Tudful hordy. The people of Rhandirmwyn to have been one of the children and of Gwladys, who was queen of and the other two parishes look of Brychan. He was a prince who those of royal parentage! Wales a fair bit if the churches Gwent and mother of Cadoc, one after St Paulinus, which is never came from Ireland and became We must remember that the dedicated in their names indicate of the better known persons from locked. On one Sunday in each of king in the area named after him early Christian Church and, indeed, them having resided or visited the Age of the Saints. Paulinus and the four summer months an after- here in Wales: Brecon. He appar- early medieval society as a whole those spots. Cadoc were educated at the great noon service is held, at 2.30pm ently had three wives and was said treated men and women with The church and circular enclo- monastery at Llanilltud Fawr in the – details as shown below, in St to have had as many as 13 sons respect and equality. There were sure that bears Clydai’s name Vale of Glamorgan. Paulinus. It is hoped that this will and 24 four daughters, many of male, female and mixed monastic now marks the place where she Paulinus returned to Ystrad lead to more people visiting the whom became saints and founded settlements. It was only decreed retreated into the beauty and peace. Ffin to seek the solitary life of church on those Sundays, and at churches throughout Wales. later that women could not be She probably lived in a simple hut a hermit and later at a place on other times too. One can imagine that Brychan priests, and the church, for the next alone or perhaps with followers. the Mynydd Ddu which became and his wives were either terrifying 30 June – The Eucharist 1400 years or so, organised a male- Maybe, upon her death, a small known as Llanddeusant. Respected parents who sent their offspring Revd John Rogers dominated priesthood. church would have been built. for his great learning and deep running away from them to retreat 28 July – Evening Prayer Clydai probably did give The church now contains three spirituality, Paulinus attracted a from the world, or that the west of Doctor Brinley Jones counsel and advice, she possi- wonderful ancient stones inscribed number of pupils to Llanddeusant, Wales was engaged with Chris- bly preached and she may have with both Ogham and in Latin, and among them Dewi and Teilo. Then 25 August – The Eucharist tianity and a calling was both travelled. It would seem that her I wonder, did her eyes see them he moved on, first to Cornwall Revd John Rogers acceptable and desirable, even to brothers, at least, did get around too? and, later, an island off the coast 23 September – Cymanfa Ganu Festival Evensong a Triumph! On Saturday 11th May, The Royal School of Church Music (RSCM) West Wales hosted its annual Festival Evensong and Awards Ceremony at Lampeter University Chapel. This event was a huge success in the eyes of the committee, with over fifty participants in the massed choir. Jonathon-lee Brookes reports HE choir sang anthems by worship and presented the awards one, not just young choristers, TWilliam Mathias and Charles to all the candidates. We would like making these events accessible Wood, and a Canticle setting in B to congratulate Ffion Richardson, to all ages. We hope to see more Flat by Charles Villiers Stanford; Lowri Richardson, Anne Williams, people taking these exams in the it was so good to see people from Eunice Jones, Gwenno Giffiths and future. If you wish to enquire about all across the diocese attending to Carwyn Teifion who received the taking an RSCM exam please support those who have achieved Bronze Award, Fergus Turtle the contact the Area Secretary, Mary various awards in the RSCM Silver Award and Abigail Ingram Evans, at scheme. the Gold Award. [email protected]. Very Revd Jonathan Lean, Dean The beauty of this award of St Davids Cathedral, led the scheme is that it is open to every- New look for Mothers’ Union magazine Teulu Non, the regular journal of new editor, has brought her organ- St Davids MU has had a makeo- isational skills and knowledge to ver. The new look publication was bear to produce a magazine which launched on 4th June at St Anne’s will have something for everyone Community Church Hall, Penpar- and underpin the zest we all feel in cau, Aberystwyth, at the MU our work.” council meeting. To obtain copies of the maga- Speaking at the launch, Brenda zine, or for more information, Evans, Diocesan MU President, please contact the editor, telephone said how pleased she was to be 01267 233578, or e-mail overseeing such a modernising [email protected]

photo © JLBrookesphotography project so early in her presidency. She continued “Enfys Thomas, the

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Commissioning Service On Saturday 23rd February, the Mothers’ Union of the Province of Wales and the Diocese of St Davids held a Commissioning Service at St Davids Cathedral. Officiating were the Archbishop of Wales, Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan, the Bishop of St Davids, Rt Revd Wyn Evans, The Dean of St Davids, Very Revd Jonathan Lean and the Provincial Mothers’ Union Chaplain, Canon Bryan Witt. Eiryth Thomas reports

NRHYDEDD mawr oedd a adroddwyd gan Ann Gill, am y dair blynedd nesaf gan Acael bod yn y Gadeirlan yr ail emyn oedd “Argl- Archesgob Barry, gyda Canon i gefnogi ein aelodau wrth wydd cymer f’einioes I”. Bryan Witt yn Gaplan i’r Dalaith From left to right - Brenda Evans, Diocesan President; The Bishop iddynt gael eu sefydlu i wahanol Cawsom bregeth bwrpasol a Helen Williams (Abertawe of St Davids, Rt Revd Wyn Evans; Helen Williams, Provincial swyddi. gan yr Archesgob yn pwysleisio a Aberhonddu) yn ysgrifen- Secretary; Ann Gill, Provincial President; The Archbishop of pwysigrwydd rhan merched o nyddes. Ar ôl canu yr emyn “I, Cafwyd croeso gwresog Wales, Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan; Canon Bryan Witt, Provincial fewn yr eglwys. Nid dim ond i the Lord of sea and sky” tro arferol y Deon Y Gwir Barche- MU Chaplain dig Jonathan Lean, ac wrth i ni wneud te a brechdanau a bod yn swyddi yr Esgobaeth hon oedd. ganu yr emyn gyntaf “In praise warden yw ein lle ond i fod ar Yn gyntaf comisiynodd Esgob fendith. Cawsom wasanaeth officers within the province of Mary Sumner” gan Brian Jones bwyllgorau o fewn yr Esgobaeth Wyn Brenda Evans yn Lywydd, hyfryd yn llawn llawenydd, especially this diocese; we wish derbyniwyd baner y Dalaith a ac yn y Dalaith lle mae pender- wedyn y Bwrdd Ymddiriedol- cariad, gweddi, a gair Duw. you every blessing as you step baneri o bum Esgobaeth – Aber- fyniadau pwysig iawn i wneud. wyr, ac aelodau pwyllgorau’r Coronwyd y cyfan wrth i ni out in this new triennial. Thank tawe a Aberhonddu, Bangor, Mae’n bryd i Undeb y Mamau gwahanol unedau i ddilyn. ganu emyn o waith y diweddar you also to all concerned in Llandaff, Mynwy a Tyddewi. ein cymell a’n cefnogi ni. Canwyd yr emyn “This is Hybarch J. S. Jones Llanllwni; providing a prayerful and inspir- Daeth y darlleniad allan Comisiynwyd Ann Gill i our God, the Servant King” “Dduw mawr ein hen gyndeidiau”. ing Commissioning Service o Genesis – Hanes y Cread fod yn Lywydd Talaith Cymru cyn i Archesgob Barry roddi’r Congratulations to all new to encourage us on our way.

A night of prayer The Living Room Credwn yn y Stafell Fyw fod triniaeth yn golygu’r modd rydych chi’n “trin” pobl – gyda chariad, trugaredd ac mewn amgylchedd at Dewi Sant Church, Tumble hamddenol a thawel sy’n lleihau trallod emosiynol ac yn gwneud pobl yn gyfforddus On the evening of 1st March, the church opened its doors to the local community for the celebration of the international, multi-denominational Women’s World Day of Prayer. HE Living Room, Cardiff, their knowledge and understand- Angela Jones reports Tsupported by the Pantyfedwen ing of the nature of addiction, Foundation, has recently rolled out behavioural change, the recovery LTHOUGH it was a bitterly this could bring. The members of which should, in future, make indi- a new project which aims to up-skill process and its impact on a variety cold night the welcome was the congregation were invited to viduals more aware of the way they A and increase the confidence of of situations, e.g. lifestyle, family very warm and everyone received think about where they had under- treat strangers in their churches clergy and church leaders through- relationships, housing, employ- a soft drink on arrival. The theme gone similar experiences. We were and communities. The address was out Wales on how to respond more ment, are invited to contact Carol for the evening was ‘I was a stran- reminded that the scripture upon recorded so that parishioners who effectively to those addicted to Hardy at The Living Room. ger but you made me welcome’ and which the service was based was could not attend had the opportu- alcohol and drugs (prescribed or the programme had been prepared taken from Jesus’ teaching that nity to hear it. Telephone: 02920 493895; illicit), or other harmful behav- by the Christian Sisters of France. in welcoming strangers we are The evening continued long [email protected] iours, in their congregations and To honour the French sisters, the welcoming him but, in not doing after the service finished when or visit surrounding communities. church had been decorated in the so, we are rejecting him. It was a those who had attended took Any clergy or church lead- www.livingroom-cardiff.com French colours – red, white and thought-provoking address that their time chatting as they left the ers who would like to increase blue. The Vicar, Revd Dr Marc everyone could identify with and church. Rowlands, some of whose ances- tors came from France, welcomed everyone in French as well as Welsh and English. Representatives of all the local churches and chapels took part, through the medium of Welsh, following the set script. Non-Welsh speakers were given the English translation so that they could also follow the service. We were addressed by Mrs Andrea Rowlands, in French, Welsh and English. The address included examples from her time living and working in Paris, where she was a stranger but was welcomed into her local church. She spoke about being a new person in a strange place and

about the fear and isolation that Photo: © M. Rowlands

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dar and laws – but no longer. Now we each have the responsibility to PARISH OF ST MARY, BEGELLY Restoring harmony establish this pattern for ourselves and our families, of setting this As the holiday season approaches, Sarah Geach reflects on the WELCOME balance between work, rest and need to balance mind, body and spirit in today’s busy world worship. For generations Christians have S the evenings get lighter, While an essential part of this gathered here to worship. Aand temperatures have risen pattern is a commitment to Sunday All were on a journey – well, for some of the time – our worship, it needn’t stop there. For – so we invite you thoughts turn to holidays. This is our churches also give us a unique to retrace their footsteps the time of the year when we often opportunity to holiday at other in your exploration look forward to an opportunity to times and to share that possibility of this beautiful 13th century church get away for a well-earned break, with those who are locals or visi- and, judging by the number of tors to our communities. Having to discover the riches visitors in West Wales, we are not our churches open throughout the that were so meaningful to them alone in this hope. What is more we day – even if we can only do that for and to the present generation know that the next few months will a day a week or during the summer of Christians who worship here be a peak time for airports, railway months – means that people can stations and ferry terminals, as well to get away from the hectic activity come in and discover a living sign Notice on the church door at St Mary’s, Begelly as for those who work in tourism of daily life. After all, this is what of God’s presence and the faith that and in the hospitality industry. makes our holidays both enjoya- has shaped the community in which But what if our holidays didn’t ble and essential, but they are only a church is set. In an increasingly PARISH OF ST MARY, BEGELLY need to be restricted to certain times at their very best when there is this busy and noisy world, a church of the year and instead we could balance and harmony of body, mind can offer us the chance to be still We hope that you have enjoyed your visit always be on holiday? The word holi- and spirit. and quiet, and in that silent reflec- to our much loved church and encountered day originally meant Holy Day, and So this means we can holi- tion be open to the presence of God something of its peace and tranquillity. this means it is connected with holi- day even more frequently than we within us. For this is a holiday suit- ness, not in the purely religious sense realise, for there is a pattern to this able for everyone, with no check-ins Please visit us again before too long. but because holiness is linked to the wholeness of lifestyle built into or check-outs, no waiting around, idea of wholeness. For, as we are God’s teaching and plan. It is found no crowds. Last year we opened St May the road rise to meet you, increasingly coming to understand, in the early pages of the Bible, Mary’s at Begelly for the first time, May the wind be always at your back, to enjoy the best of health, happiness particularly in the Ten Command- not quite sure what to expect, and May the sun shine warm upon your face, and contentment we need harmony ments, which includes keeping one our visitor numbers reached four May the rains fall softly upon your fields. in our lives, a balance between body, distinctive and special day each figures! Among those who came Until we meet again, mind and spirit. However, it is often week – the Sabbath. For Chris- regularly were those who wanted the last of these that is neglected and tians of course this means Sunday, to be still and experience the peace May God hold you in the hollow of his hand. becomes squeezed out. Hence we and for many centuries this balance that the church offered (we know Source unknown (Celtic) look forward to a holiday, seeing it between, work, rest and worship that from their comments in our as an opportunity to relax, unwind, was enshrined in our national calen- visitor’s book), and those who came . . . and a blessing as they leave the church to pray and light candles. And this Lord, teach me to silence my own heart, is a scenario being repeated daily a holiday this year, even if we stay essential balance of body, mind and that I may listen to the gentle movement of the Holy Spirit within me, in many churches that are open and at home! Let’s open our churches spirit that leads us close to the heart and sense the depths that are of God. offering a welcome to visitors. to give ourselves and others a holi- of God, in whom lies our eternal (from a 16th century prayer) So let’s make sure we all have day moment, so that we can find the destiny and true happiness.

Days of Refreshment for the Soul in the cathedral Please note the follow- ing alteration to the programme for Days of Refreshment for the Soul (Pobl Dewi, March 2013). Wednesday 10th July is now ‘St Bridget: the Fire and the Cross’ led by Revd Rhiannon Johnson and Wednesday 20th November is ‘I give you my Peace’ led by Gina & Trevor Silverman.

More information and booking: Rebecca Lewis telephone 01437 720202 [email protected]

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N 15th July 1974, as my wife Owas giving birth to our first New Sunday child, the radio was on in the deliv- ery room. The news was that there had been a coup in Cyprus and an Postcard from Cyprus School makes a splash attempt to overthrow the fledgling government of this relatively new, N days of yore people used Group of Churches’ new Sunday post-colonial, republic. Little did I Ito march in procession round School recently learned the lesson think that 40 years later I would be the edge of their parish on Roga- a gentler way – by exploring the living and working with the after- tion Sunday, beating landmarks stream near Clydau Church. math of that. The attempted coup to impress the parish boundaries The Sunday School is a grow- gave way to a full scale invasion of on their minds – especially those ing initiative following a training the island by Turkey (depending on of their younger members. Some- day on work among young people, your point of view, this was either times they used to beat the younger and attracts children from across a benign humanitarian act or an act members as well, just to ram the the group of four Pembrokeshire of unwarranted aggression), which message home. churches. has resulted in huge ethnic cleans- A party from the Crymych ing and a divided island to this day, with its capital, Nicosia, being the last divided capital in Europe. In 1976, the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf was formed from what John Holdsworth, Executive Archdeacon in Cyprus and the had been the Archbishopric of Jeru- Gulf, considers the turbulence, past and present, in Cyprus and salem, and, during the last 40 years, admires the nation’s response to the latest crisis both church and island have been developing at a pace: both show- after a short time insisted on a hair- widespread. The Orthodox Church ing resilience and determination; cut that left most of them weak has played a huge part in facilitat- both proud of their achievements. and dependant on sovereign funds. ing this, but ordinary people have The diocese has churches on both Governments had to borrow at responded magnificently. It is sides of the green line, and, indeed, very disadvantageous rates and the common to hear people say: “We this year St Andrews Kyrenia, with austerity that is being experienced survived 1974. We can survive a fabulous position overlooking the throughout Europe was exacer- this.” The Anglican Churches, Venetian Harbour, celebrates its bated in the south. And who did though a very small community, centenary. The year began with a they borrow from? Yes, Germany. comparatively, are playing their Flower Festival (pictured), and will Suffice it to say, Angela Merkel part. Most have food banks or reach its climax on St Andrew’s is hardly flavour of the month, distribution programmes. Special Day. Congregations are generally though, of course, other narratives events are being held to aid local growing at all our island churches are available. charities. One church has a special and it is a great place to work as a The response of Cypriots has relationship with a local school, to Christian Minister. been one of determined pride. which they take crates of food each However, suddenly Cyprus They feel humiliated and bullied. week. is in the news again. Once more, They are resolute in their determi- Every week we pray for the it’s a matter of whose narrative nation to work through this crisis island of Cyprus; for the breaking Churches invited you believe, but a favoured one in and re-establish their credibil- of barriers and the restoration of the south goes like this. Germany ity as a nation. One has to admire relations. Let’s hope we shall not unloaded all its Greek debt on to them. The food aid programmes on still be doing that in another 40 to discover southern European banks, then the island have been effective and years. their hidden talents at Harvest The Anglican charity Us (formerly USPG) is encouraging the choir, sang ‘Myn Mair’ by churches to discover the wealth of skills, talents and resources Celebratory concert contemporary Welsh composer, within their congregations, sometimes hidden from view Bryan Hughes. Melody Meadows, A concert to celebrate the induction of Revd Canon Michael despite being a competent pianist HE inspiration behind the Us This autumn Us wants churches Rees, Vicar of Betws w Ammanford, was held on Friday, 22nd and violinist, chose the flute for TBring what you have harvest in Wales to consider their own February, at the Miner’s Theatre, Ammanford. Ven Roger her performance, during which campaign is a community in the riches as well as the needs in their Hughes, Archdeacon of Carmarthen, welcomed everyone the audience enjoyed music by Philippines which has adopted a own communities and around the Poulenc and Bonet and were capti- new approach to development. world. To help with this, Us has ÔR Merched Tybie, under medley of 20th Century immor- vated by an exciting performance Rather than asking for hand- produced the Bring what you have the leadership and accompa- tal popular songs on the theatre’s C of The Great Train Race by Prof outs from outside the community, harvest pack, containing Bible niment of their Musical Director, refurbished Bechstein grand piano. Ian Clarke. Melody was accompa- the people of Pangao, encouraged studies, worship resources, fund- Desna Pemberton, sang a varied Soprano Frances Morgan, a Year nied by Gerald Jones. by the local church, chose to look raising ideas, and more. programme of popular, classical 11 pupil at Ysgol Maes yr Yrfa, Canon Michael Rees expressed first at the gifts and talents already at Us Chief Executive Janette and sacred music. showing evidence of her classical his thanks and appreciation. All their disposal. They wanted a more O’Neill explained: “We want you Guest artist Gerald Jones gave singing lessons, performed Lieder monies raised will go to parish efficient water supply to support its to make use of the skills, talents a thrilling Chopin recital and a in German and English, and, with funds. agriculture. So the church organ- and gifts in your church and raise ised meetings during which the as much money as you can – then small community examined Bible divide the money you raise 50:50, passages such as Jesus’ feeding of with half benefiting your local the 5,000 and considered Jesus’ community, and half supporting words to the crowd: ‘What have you the community work of Us in part- FINAL got?’ The community then took an nership with the world church.” inventory and discovered they were Money donated to Us will COPY DATE rich in terms of time and energy, support training in this new method for the September plus practical skills such as carpen- of biblical development. edition of try, agriculture, know-how, and so To pre-order the Us Harvest on. Now the people of Pangao have pack, which is available now, visit Pobl Dewi built their own water system, using www.weareUs.org.uk/harvest, hoses to bring water from nearby phone 020 7921 2200 23rd August streams. And there are plans to or email [email protected] upgrade the system with pipes and plumbing.

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windows tell theirs about Bibli- cal scenes and lives of the saints, A labyrinthine path although, as is the case with the A good resource for windows, sometimes they can be a The Cleaner of Chartres little difficult to decipher. By Salley Vickers Agnès’ life, like that of Job, Biblical storytelling Pub: Viking; Nov 2012 raises the question of suffering. On the whole she herself is a force for ISBN: 978-0670922123 Creative Ways to tell a Bible good, subtly transforming the lives Price: £16.99 hardback; (£7.99 Story of those she meets, although there paperback – this review refers By Martyn Payne are insinuations of guilt arising to the hardback edition) from her disturbed past. Pub: The Bible Reading IF you visit Chartres Cathedral, it’s On the whole Agnès is far more Fellowship; 2013 best to go on a Friday, the only day sinned against than sinning, and ISBN: 978-0-857-46-113-1 of the week when the Labyrinth the unmerited malicious gossip Price: £8.99 is uncovered, and you can walk directed against her, by the preju- ONE of the most challenging tasks along its complicated path. It is the diced Madame Beck, is potentially for any Christian working with Labyrinth that draws the nineteen- more harmful than any of her self- children or young people is to year-old Agnès Morell to Chartres. inflicted bodily wounds. Although make your own knowledge of the A foundling, with a history of self- the book doesn’t attempt to solve Bible interesting and engaging. If harming she is again discovered the philosophical question of the you lack confidence or feel that sleeping rough in the North Porch problem of evil, it does suggest that all you can do is to read the story by the gentle Abbé Paul under the Agnès is not defeated by it, thanks aloud then look no further than this carving of Job who is exhibiting to the restorative power of the new book by Martyn Payne to help the marks of his own suffering. thine path, being led first toward, kindnesses she is capable of offer- you. Payne’s work Creative Ways Admirers of Miss Garnett’s and then away from, the mystery at ing and, at crucial times, receives. to Tell a Bible Story provides the Angel, an earlier book by Salley its centre. In the process we learn Perhaps this is best expressed by necessary resources and techniques disciples. There is also a suggested Vickers, will not be surprised to about the wounding and healing some words usually misattributed to equip leaders of all abilities with year’s programme for those who learn that one of the characters in she experiences at the hands of to Camus. “Don’t walk behind me; the methodology to share Bible tell Biblical stories regularly, this narrative, Alain, is a restorer others. I may not lead. Don’t walk ahead stories in an exciting and explora- whether through school assemblies at work in the Cathedral who By piecing together a cast of of me; I may not follow. Just walk tory way. or in children’s groups. befriends Agnès when she works characters and series of events beside me and be my friend.” This book is full of ideas to Martyn Payne comes from as its cleaner early every morn- Vickers tells Agnès’ story as Highly recommended. equip leaders in opening up the a strong background in ministry ing. We accompany Agnès and elaborately and colourfully as – Revd Peter Lewis Bible and to tell the many well- to children, having undertaking discover her story along a labyrin- the cathedral’s 156 stained glass known stories in a creative manner. a leadership position within The The book is divided into three Bible Reading Fellowship for over sections enabling the reader to ten years. As a qualified teacher develop the concepts of introduc- and as an active participant in the tion, narrative and exploration work of Messy Church, Payne is Valid for all work across generations when undertaking Biblical pres- well placed to offer this excellent entation. Payne has organised resource. This new book obviously the book well, enabling it to be comes from many years of experi- Making disciples in Messy are not a fan of Messy Church, the easily navigated and accessible for ence and enables those who use it Church – Growing faith in an book’s subtitle, “Growing faith in anyone at any level of skill. This to apply the basic principles to any all age community an all age community” is surely book, however, is not merely a setting. For anyone seeking a good something we are all interested By Paul Moore useful tool for children but also resource for Biblical storytelling I in. However good the recommen- Pub: The Bible Reading offers helpful reflections to even would certainly recommend it. dations, the temptation to jump Fellowship; 2013 the most well-versed of Christian – Revd Harri Williams straight to the end and miss out ISBN: 978-0-857-46-218-3 the central discussion is worth Price: £8.99 resisting. THIS book of 120 pages divides Be inspired by the world church this summer Melting pot into three. The first section looks Christians across Britain and Ireland are invited to find out about the work at what it means to be growing I admit to having been predisposed of the world church this summer at an annual conference, entitled ‘Brave as disciples of Jesus and where to recommend this book. I was Steps’, organised by Us (the new name for USPG), which will take place in this might be happening in Messy already convinced that the princi- Hertfordshire from 24th to 26th June. ples of Messy Church are simple, Church. The second considers More information at www.weareUs.org.uk or phone 020 7921 2203 discipleship in scripture and how achievable by most congregations, that might affect Messy Church. and that they can create the melting The third offers recommendations. pot of church and community in which disciples might grow. I was Disclaimer Prototype disciples hoping for ideas to add to my Messy Pobl Dewi and the diocese of St Davids take no responsibility, If you are familiar with models of teaches us to model discipleship Church to encourage that grow- liability or share the views or opinions of any articles discipleship, the first section will where responsibility is given early, ing of disciples. (And the book did contained herein. probably offer little that is new, and and where learning is, initially, challenge me about the need to be All information is the responsibility of the person or “success” stories from elsewhere largely through experience and “intentional about faith building.”) organisation submitting the article. are not always encouraging. The doing. Similarly in Acts, it is So, did I get some ideas? Yes. Very central section gives much food argued, baptism comes early to the much so. The book assumes that Pobl Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions. for thought: Abraham and Sarah as disciple, followed quickly by doing there is a core team overseeing the prototype disciples and the messi- and serving; catechesis comes only Messy Church. I need to identify ness of their situations; how, in the later. Does Messy Church mirror that core team. Contributions to Pobl Dewi Old Testament, growing in disci- that of the epistles in being more If we can study this book We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, pleship was done with others, as a rooted in the everyday and less- together, the accompanying we would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. people. Community is a recurring focussed on “the special”? It’s thought, discussion and prayer Articles should be sent to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, strand, and the “doing together” not just about Sunday morning – might, God-willing, move on our element of Messy Church does there is a space for hospitality and Messy Church from being a melt- [email protected] help to build relationships. serving and not just for worship ing pot into a crucible in which or they can be posted to: How do we grow a community services. faith is forged. Pobl Dewi, of disciples, rather than concentrat- The conclusions are well – Revd Alan Chadwick The Diocesan Office, Abergwili, Carmarthen SA31 2JG, ing on the individual? Jesus and the drawn and they are valid for all marked for the attention of ‘The Editor’ apostles formed a community that work across generations. If you

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