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YR EGLWYS YNG NGHYMRU | THE Winter 2018 Lighting the way to Christmas

Inside Remembering WW1

How faith is shaping our Diocesan Vision © Huw Ryden SCHOOL NEWS

Big Concepts, Big Story, Big Ideas An exciting new learning resource entitled ‘Understanding Christianity’ is being trialled in schools in Llandaff.

Diocesan Director of Education, Andrew this, children from 4-14 have begun Rickett explains how it seeks to embed to explore the significant theological an understanding of the Christian concepts within Christianity as part narrative through seven concepts which of developing their wider religious, thread through the Bible: God, Creation, theological and cultural literacy. The new Fall, People of God, Incarnation, Gospel, resource also seeks to support teachers Salvation and the Kingdom of God. in developing their own knowledge and “Religious education is about helping understanding of Christian theology ‘big story’ of the Bible as an artistic children and young people develop to be able to teach with confidence. response. The Big Frieze is designed their own thinking and understanding Understanding Christianity seeks to to give teachers the opportunity to about faith. It contributes to their embed a strong understanding of make pupils aware of the wider context understanding of the world and their the Christian narrative through seven of each concept, placing it within the own experience and place within it. As concepts which thread through the whole Christian narrative. Reminding classroom subjects go, this is a pretty whole of the Bible: God, Creation, Fall, pupils regularly of where a particular text big ambition. People of God, Incarnation, Gospel, occurs within the ‘big story’, by pointing A high-quality religious education Salvation and the Kingdom of God. it out on the Frieze, helps to build up curriculum is essential for all maintained Through these concepts, children and a coherent understanding of the core schools to meet the statutory young people encounter a range of concepts and the relationship between requirement to deliver a broad and biblical texts, placed within a wider them. Children have been exploring the balanced curriculum. At the heart of theological context. The challenge and Big Frieze with many of them interpreting religious education in Church in Wales expectations within this programme lay sections of it in their own way. From schools is the teaching of Christianity, down excellent foundations for further November, all schools explored part of rooted in the person and work of Jesus study at GCSE and beyond. the Incarnation concept in the run-up to Christ. In the summer term all schools in the Christmas. To help our church schools diocese attended training and agreed In the New Year, all schools will share deliver the highest quality teaching to trial Understanding Christianity experiences about what went well and of Christianity we have taken the this autumn. In preparing for this new prepare for the next unit during the lead decision to introduce a new resource approach to the teaching of Christianity, up to Easter. This new and exciting called ‘Understanding Christianity’. schools have been exploring the innovation led by big concepts and big The aim of Understanding Christianity ‘Big Frieze’. Artist Emma Yarlett was ideas, will bring challenge and rigour is to see all pupils leave school with a commissioned to create a wall frieze to the teaching of Christianity to the coherent understanding of Christian to illustrate the seven core concepts. 8,500 children who attend our 25 church belief and practice as a living faith. For Effectively, this presents a view of the schools.”

Chris Gascoigne, deputy head at St Paul’s CW Primary in Grangetown said, “I’ve never seen children so eager to begin Religious Education learning and to hear cheers when you announce a lesson that day is truly wonderful! The Understanding Christianity curriculum is bringing a new energy to our teaching of Christianity, with vivid imagery and specific information provided to non-specialist teachers giving a renewed confidence for this area of learning.”

Join the Independent Education Appeals Panel The Diocese of Llandaff is looking parents’ choice. When this happens, appeals panel members and a clerk for volunteers for the Independent independent panels meet, if parents is always available to give legal and Education Appeals Panel - the body bring an appeal against the decision procedural advice. If you are interested that adjudicates on parents’ appeals made by the school’s admissions in becoming a panel member or a against school admissions decisions. committee. The panel then decides clerk, please email karenkaneen@ Several schools in Llandaff Diocese whether to admit a child to the school churchinwales.org.uk to request an have insufficient places to ensure or not. application form or call 01656 868858. that every child gets the place of their Full training is provided for new

2 | CROESO Winter 2018 NEWS

A shared vision of the future When I was first visiting the parishes edition of ‘Croeso’ though we don’t of the diocese a year ago, I heard a intend to formally launch the vision very similar request being expressed. and plan to the wider world until the Members of our congregations asked beginning of March. The beginning for “a sense of clarity and purpose”. It of Lent seems like a good moment felt as if there was great appetite for for us to commit ourselves to a new the diocese to have clearer priorities, plan. The Archdeacons and I will be a greater confidence in who we are coming to all the archdeaconries and what we do. In a time when to offer Lent addresses as part churchgoing seems to be going out of of that launch, and there will be fashion and many churches struggle to an invitation to all the parishes to attract the ‘Millennial’ generation, we engage with how we can make that all need a shared vision of the future future live. which renews our hope. Following the launch, several Which is why I have spent much things will happen quite swiftly. of this year in conversation with the The clergy are learning together © Huw Ryden © Huw Ryden diocesan community – parishes, about pilgrimage at their Clergy boards and councils, clergy and laity, School in May 2019. The Diocese those who run our life and those who will be making a substantial bid to and St John’s, Nelson, wish us well but from afar. It’s been the ‘Evangelism Fund’ set up by the and the Debt Advice Centre at St a conversation aimed at determining Representative Body of the Church Catherine’s, . We will only together what our immediate future in Wales to help fund some of our grow stronger if we look outwards. looks like. initiatives to support parishes. And I There’s a greater focus on children, I remember once participating in hope there will be preparation in all our families and young people including an Anglican Communion Conference parishes for making 2020 a ‘Year of the 18-30-year-old, an age group called ‘Towards Effective Anglican Pilgrimage’, marking our centenary as almost entirely missing from our Mission’ (or TEAM for short) and an independent Anglican province by Sunday congregations. listening to an address by the then inviting our communities to walk with There’s a desire to lessen the , Archbishop us, sometimes literally on a pilgrim burden of our buildings and to use our Rowan Williams. route or to a place of imagination in how to mobilise them to He spoke quite a special significance, better use. lot about strategic “The priorities and as we do to tell a Such are the ‘strategic goals’ we planning and strategic of our new joyful story. are setting before us and which you goals. Afterwards It is my hope that will hear much more about as we I said to him that I plan are those each and every parish make changes to grow our capacity thought he disliked the will find support and for good. This is our shared vision of word ‘strategy’. He requested by a way to contribute the future. We hope to engage with acknowledged that to the strengthening one another as we build the kingdom yes, he didn’t much parishes” of our life. Let me of God in our local communities. And like it, “but you have to repeat - the priorities we hope to be able, with God’s grace use it don’t you?”. of our new plan are those requested and strength, to do it together. As a In that same spirit we’ve responded by parishes and we are implementing diocesan team to move strategically to what the parishes said and written those desires. towards effective Anglican mission. a ‘strategic plan’ to help strengthen There’s a greater focus on outreach Wishing you all a blessed and our life together. Earlier this year our because our lifeblood flows out of our peaceful Christmas. Nadolig Llawen! shared ambitions went through several desire to serve our communities in months of consultation and scrutiny Christ’s name. There are already so during which time the goals and how many inspiring examples such as the we express them were adapted. Then community shop run by St Mary’s, the Diocesan Conference endorsed it which distributes £30,000 in September. There’s an early taste a year to local good causes, the Food of our new vision and goals in this Co-operatives in St Catherine’s, The way ahead: Pages 8, 9, 10

CROESO Winter 2018 | 3 FEATURE We have not forgotten

Commemorative services and events were held in churches throughout the diocese to mark the centenary of the end of WW1. Striking silhouettes, made of Perspex, were installed in many churches as part of the There But Not There campaign, while others staged exhibitions featuring stunning poppy cascades and decorations. One church – St Mary’s in Whitchurch - projected a specially made Remembrance film onto the outside of its walls in the run up to November 11.

Image by MLA Photography

Image by MLA Photography

Image by MLA Photography Image by MLA Photography MLA by Image Photography

4 | CROESO Winter 2018 We have not forgotten Tower’s tribute to its five lost WW1 bell ringers

The grandson of one of five bell ringers articles on my family and on ‘The Fallen’ from one church who lost their lives in of Llantwit. I was then taken up some World War One joined his successors as dauntingly precipitous stone steps into they rang out for peace on November 11. the belfry where I was able to watch the It is believed that 1,400 bell ringers lost modern bell ringers in action. All in all, their lives during WW1. They included five I wish to thank all involved for having from St Illtud’s Church, who accorded me such a great and enjoyable are not as yet listed on the national bell privilege.” ringers’ Roll of Honour. Peter Mayle, vice-captain of the Today’s bell ringers at the church Llantwit Major bell ringers, said, “We remembered them, along with 30 others were very pleased to be able to welcome from the small coastal town who were Edward and his niece to the bell tower killed, as they joined in the ringing for to watch and listen to the ringing. The peace on November 11. ringing went well and both our guests The ringers killed were the young bell enjoyed the experience as neither of them captain, Bruce Davies, 29, his brother had seen church bells being rung before. Max, 24, blacksmith David Legge, hay- Coincidentally the Llantwit Major History cutter and deputy bell leader William Society in one of its publications had Thomas, 28, and Daniel Rees, 35, a farmer included a photograph of Daniel Rees with who died in the influenza epidemic that his wife and three children. We showed followed the war. Edward the photograph and he was able After reading about it in a newspaper to identify his grandfather for us. We gave article, the grandson of one of the bell Edward a copy of the History Society ringers travelled from for the publication when he left and, although service to pay his respects. he had never met his grandfather, we Edward Rees’ paternal grandfather hopefully also provided him with a lasting was Gunner Daniel Rees who died of the image of his grandfather ringing in the Spanish Flu in March 1919, never having tower at Llantwit Major.” returned home to his wife and three sons, While the names of the five bell ringers one of whom was Edward’s father, Howell were all included in the town’s Roll of Rees. Honour, for some reason they were not “I was completely unaware of my included in the Central Council of Church grandfather’s bellringing activities, Bell Ringers’ Roll of Honour. However, believing him to have been less than their role as bell ringers came to light in temperate – although I now understand May this year when a box containing the this would not have been wholly minutes of the meetings of the Llantwit inconsistent with the extramural habits of Society of Bell Ringers from 1908-25 was the bell ringers of his day!” says Edward, handed over to David Bounds when he who lives in London but was in Treorchy took over as Ringing Master for Llantwit visiting family. Major and . Following further “I was met at the church and given research with the town’s historical society, such a warm and friendly welcome by Dave and his wife Hilary are now applying the bell ringers and members of the Local to the Central Council to include the five History Society. I was given two volumes men from Llantwit Major in their revised of the Society’s Journal which featured Roll of Honour.

CROESO Winter 2018 | 5 AROUND THE DIOCESE Around the Diocese Celebrating major cash boost for church refurbishment

An exciting new £200,000 project to revitalise a church in the Caerphilly borough has been given the green light – after winning a major investment boost.

The church of St John the Baptist estimated project costs – the parish the Mothers’ Union and Brownies, located on High Street in Nelson is has worked hard securing a number of Slimming World, Crochet, Knit and to receive a complete revamp after modest grants, which have now been Natter and other community groups receiving £95,000 from the Garfield complimented by the substantial award looking for a place to meet locally. Weston Anniversary Fund. from the Garfield Weston Anniversary “By transforming St John’s into a This award, along with other Fund.” modern and flexible community space, fundraising and grants, means that work “St John’s is committed to reaching whilst addressing some urgent and on the project to help breathe fresh life out and serving the communities of essential repairs, we will be turning this into the church and local community can Nelson and Llanfabon; this project dream into a reality,” said Fr Gareth, who now start early next year. will help us do just that by having thanked the diocesan grants and funding The re-ordering project centres on an accessible, modern and flexible advisor Helen Embling for her help and the creation of a flexible community community space available at St support in securing funding. space within St John’s Church; works John’s.” The Garfield Weston Foundation is a include the installation of a kitchenette The well-used adjacent church hall family-founded charitable grant-making and servery, new toilets, a new heating is no longer fit for purpose, and once foundation which supports causes system, as well as some urgent repairs the repair and refurbishment project has across the UK with grants totalling and redecoration. been completed, the various community over £60m each year. The Weston The Revd Gareth Coombes, priest- groups that currently meet in the hall, will Anniversary Fund was launched earlier in-charge of the parish of , then be able to enjoy the new facilities at this year to provide funding to charities and and Llanfabon St John’s. to improve their existing facilities said, “We are delighted to have These range from the successful or provide new ones as part of the secured the grant funding to meet the weekly community food co-operative, Foundation’s 60th year. Remembering together in

Every Thursday morning is now Café, which is made so worthwhile when dementia friendly at St Gwladys Church you see visitors reminiscing together Hall, Bargoed – with its weekly coffee as a result of the conversation prompts morning relaunched as a Dementia provided. As well as the café, a shorter Friendly Café. Holy Communion service is held in the As well as serving tea, coffee and church from 10-10.30am, perfect for biscuits, the dementia friendly cafe those who now find longer, variable provides games and simple conversation services harder to follow”. prompts so that every visitor can feel a have been provided by the Town Centre The cafe is open from 9.30am until part of the community. Management Team. 11.30am every Thursday and is free of Memory aids in the form of archive The volunteers who run the café have charge, with a suggested donation of £1 photographs of local town centres which attended training and are equipped to to cover costs. featured in Caerphilly County Borough support those living with dementia. For more information on visiting the Council’s popular ‘Choose the High Fr Rob Lindsay from St Gwladys café or becoming a Dementia Friend, Street Past & Present’ exhibitions are Church said: “It’s wonderful to welcome please call the Church Hall office on also available for visitors to view and visitors to our new Dementia Friendly 01443 836600.

6 | CROESO Winter 2018 Sweet treats, slime and volcanos

Sweet treats, slime and volcano-like explosions were the order of the day when Messy Church ran a science showcase in Merthyr.

The Parish of , St David powders; sugar, bicarbonate of soda and partnered with Swansea and cornflour, which look similar to the University Medical School to host a naked eye. ‘Messy Church Does Science’ event. “Microscopes were used to look The Revd Charlotte Rushton said closely at each white powder to “I was very excited when we were demonstrate that under magnification approached with the idea of a science each looks very different and possess showcase in church. Many believe properties that make them unique - very that science and religion are mutually much like people! God’s vision for us. exclusive, but we wanted the younger Sugar was used to make a sweet treat generation to see that science is by decorating biscuits. Cornflour was amazing, and has been used to work out mixed with water to produce Oobleck how things work, but that doesn’t mean slime. that there isn’t space for God. It leads us “Children were encouraged to to ask different types of questions – we decorate sleeves for bottles which can move from how are we made to why contained bicarbonate of soda and are we created?” water, and after worship, vinegar was love “The premise of the day was to added to the bottle which caused a science and really wanted to explore Psalm 139:14-15 through volcano-like explosion!” try and bring that joy and enthusiasm story, craft and scientific experiments. Dr Claire Price, postdoctoral to a wider audience. What better place We examined three simple white researcher at Swansea University said: “I than Messy Church to do that?” New £500,000 community centre opens in ‘A church to some, a resource for others and a lifeline for many’

Tŷ Santes Fair - a new £500,000 of September, has a small meeting room we wanted the Church to reach out to purpose-built community centre – built for private consultation, a kitchen that the community and try to address some on the site of the Old St Mary’s Church could be used by training groups and of the growing needs in this time of in Skewen has been opened by Bishop a large conference space ideal for all austerity, especially for the vulnerable June. sorts of activities. It also has landscaped among us. The centre provides up-to-date grounds in which a community garden is “With our own funds, a substantial disabled friendly facilities for local to be created. grant from the Welsh Government, community groups and organisations further funding from WREN a not-for- as well as providing a base for hosting profit business that awards grants for the parish events and occasional services. community, also support from the local The facilities on offer include community, local businesses, council conference and sound equipment and private donations, we have been as well as Wi-Fi, which will provide able to realise our vision. opportunities for training and support “It has not been an easy journey, groups that seek to help a wide range but with hard work and a lot of prayer of needs within the community ranging we have built something that will be a from combating isolation and adult Fr Chris Coles, priest-in-charge church to some, a resource for others training to debt counselling and mental said, “When the old St Mary’s fell into and a lifeline for many.” health support. A Drop in Café already disrepair the parish decided that rather • The grant from WREN was runs every Tuesday and a Dementia than spend a fortune trying to patch it up from funds donated by FCC environment Cinema Club is planned. a new vision was needed. We therefore, through the Landfill Communities Fund. The centre, which opened at the end after much consultation, decided that

CROESO Winter 2018 | 7 FEATURE

Forging the way ahead

You may have heard of the Diocesan Vision and wondered what it is all about. Here, Bishop’s advisor Sarah Rickett tells how it was drawn up, what are its priorities and what happens next

Remember those days of endless emphasis on church schools as being an and became the focus of the Diocesan sunshine and temperatures topping 30 integral part of our Diocese, as well as Conference at the end of September. degrees? That was our summer and the commitment to supporting parishes that was when the Diocesan draft five- with their buildings, increasing the role The Vision year Vision and plan was opened up to of the laity and reaching out pro-actively Our vision is that all may encounter comment from groups and individuals to communities.Lots of comments came and know from right across the Diocese. On back on things that should be included the love of God through truth, beauty some of the hottest nights of the year, such as a greater focus on young and service, open meetings took place in each people, the wellbeing of clergy, the living full and rich lives through faith. Archdeaconry attended by a mixture of Welsh language and ensuring it was all clergy and parishioners. Ten different firmly rooted in faith. The Vision has three shared aims: focus groups met, ranging from a group • Telling a joyful story of students at St Teilo’s Church in Wales • Growing the Kingdom of God High School to the Cathedral Chapter. • Building our capacity for good Adding in those who took part in the online survey or who sent individual The Vision goes on to outline responses in by post meant that more the many aspects that we need to than 250 people took part in helping focus on to achieve these aims from shape the future focus of the Diocese. the transformative work parishes Every single response was collated undertake in communities to opening and analysed. People’s thoughts were As a result of the consultation, up opportunities for worship, from our very varied and wide-ranging, indicating significant changes were made to the connections with young people, to great strength and depth of feeling about first draft, worked on by a group led increasing the voice of the laity. where we should focus our attention as by the Bishop. This revised version But with so many different ambitions the Church in Wales in Llandaff. There was then offered to the Diocesan some prioritisation is needed. As part was strong support for the increased Standing Committee for their approval of the Diocesan Conference, members

Faith Matters We have • 116 parishes, 228 churches We believe faith matters. • 36 Messy Churches, 126 clergy Our calling as Christians is to live in such a way that we • 110 active retired clergy and 58 tell a joyful story and bear witness to faith in Jesus Christ. lay Readers We seek to do this in our parishes, and as a Diocese that • 424 volunteer parish officers, 225 churchwardens, 106 is strong, confident, prayerful and living in faith, engaged with PCC secretaries and 93 PCC the realities of life and serving others in God’s name. treasurers Faith matters because it can change the story we tell. • 25 church schools Faith matters because it brings us closer to God. • 8,459 pupils and 186 foundation Faith matters because through it we live lives to the full. governors Our vision is that all may encounter and know the love of • 4 dementia cafés and 300 people God, through truth, beauty and service, living abundant lives trained as Dementia Friends through faith. • 4 hosted foodbanks, 2 food co- operatives and most churches Bishop June are collection points for their local foodbank

8 | CROESO Winter 2018 were asked to indicate what they Support and communications: four priority areas. One piece of work will thought were the key areas of work here we will be looking at how better be to contribute ideas on evangelism for within the Vision that will help us tell a to support activity across the Diocese a funding bid for a substantial amount joyful story, grow the Kingdom of God through good financial management, of money being made available by the and build our capacity for good. Here support for parishes with their buildings, Province to the six . are the four priority areas: more robust processes and structures The Bishop is keen that our Outreach to communities: this is and stronger communication of our Diocese as a whole spends some time about shifting the focus of church life to identity as the Church in Wales in reflecting on the work outlined within outreach, the joy of service, partnerships Llandaff. the Vision. She is currently preparing and outward-facing projects that with colleagues a programme of activity make a difference to people’s lives in for Lent which will help parishes and our communities. It is about building schools think about their own role in confident, joyful local churches. telling this joyful story. Education, children and young Bishop June said: ‘I am very excited people: this priority emphasises the by the possibilities, the hope and joy opportunities for transforming lives that are laid out in this Vision. All of this through education, in our Church of course is set within the context of a Schools and in community schools, and future that is not simple but will rely on for encouraging and nurturing children, us all working together in prayerfulness young people and young adults in Since the conference, work has busily as one team. We need to be hopeful, addressing and exploring matters of faith. continued on shaping how the plan will confident, encouraging of each other. Ministry: this key area will be now be delivered, the turning of the I know there is a high level of faith, focussing on how we can provide the Vision into reality, what resources will be commitment and dedication within our right people in the right place, care needed and how that work will progress Diocese. God through Christ calls us all for those who lead our churches and and be monitored over the coming to play our part.’ schools, shape how we recruit and years. Four groups comprising both The formal Diocesan launch of the encourage people to their vocation and clergy and lay members from across Vision will take place in Lent 2019, with offer both clergy and lay members the the Diocese have been set up to outline a packed programme of activity for best training opportunities. what needs to be done in each of the everyone to get involved with.

We have So where will How a community cinema was set the money up in a church hall for the Vision When the only cinema in a seaside Magnificent Seven’ to ‘Easter Parade’ town closed down, film lovers from a and ‘Victoria and Abdul’. The ticket come from? local church decided to set up their price includes a glass of wine or soft own picture house. drink and a snack during the interval We will fund our Vision outside Now a year later the monthly movie which is themed to the film. of the annual budget. Up to nights staged by All Saints Church Jane McLaughlin of the Church £3 million will come from the in have proved so popular Social Group that set up the Church in Wales that capacity audiences of around 80 community cinema said, “While the Evangelism Fund; pack out each screening and a move film nights have been supported by the rest will to larger premises may be on the our church folk we also have a large come from our horizon. number from the community so this reserves, funds Starting with ‘The Italian Job’, has been an incredibly successful and grants. screenings have varied from ‘The outreach project.”

CROESO Winter 2018 | 9 NEWS

Reach out to your community, urges Bishop June The best way to celebrate our faith and grow was through reaching out to those around us, said Bishop June in her presidential address to the Llandaff Diocesan Conference.

Presenting the five-year diocesan strategy the said outreach was a top priority. More than 300 people representing churches across attended the annual conference which this year took place at College. The Bishop explained how the new strategy – the Diocesan Vision - had been compiled following extensive consultation across the diocese. She said, “So many of our parishes already have a marvellous instinct for reaching out into their communities, responding to the needs they find there burden of our buildings better in the centenary in 2020 and the 900th and becoming part of what builds up next five years and how urgent is this?” anniversary of . the common life of where they are. Other themes in the Strategic Plan “My hope is that all our parishes will “It is where sustaining our future include communications and how to find some expression of pilgrim life in lies. It’s the best possible way to better reach young people plus the 2020. It may be that your congregations celebrate our faith. It’s who we are support and well-being of clergy and will consider joining the Diocesan as Anglicans: the small miracle of equipping of lay Christians. Walsingham Pilgrimages or your young sustaining a Christian presence in every “We risk becoming an exclusively adults will join me on a Diocesan Youth community.” elderly church and so we need to take Pilgrimage to Taizé in July of that year. She acknowledged that there were some initiatives which will convince It may be that you invite everyone in the obstacles for many. “We could do it those under 35 that the Church in parish to walk to a site sacred to your better,” she said. Wales has something to offer them. community, perhaps a war memorial or “Our buildings are often a limiting We’re a diocese packed with colleges to a place of local historic significance.” factor rather than fit for the purpose of further and higher education: 80,000 To read the full presidential address of outreach, but some have produced university students in Cardiff alone visit https://llandaff.churchinwales.org. fantastic solutions. Make a visit to St and our ministry to that age group is uk/diocesan-conference-2018/ Paul’s if you want to see an negligible so we need to take some new innovative solution to an intractable initiatives.” problem motivated by a desire to serve The Bishop also urged everyone to Shifting the focus of the church to the local community. support the Year of Pilgrimage planned outreach was seen as a top priority “But not everyone can build a brand, to coincide with the Church in by many in the group discussions new community centre and so our Wales’ which focused on what excited buildings are another theme in this them about the Diocesan Vision. Plan. Can we In reporting back on the day they share the were asked to categorise bullet points within the Vision into urgent, important and non-essential – with shifting the focus of the church to outreach being seen as a top priority by most. Information from these sessions is being used to help finalise the Vision. Displays by 14 church schools were set up outside the conference hall.

10 | CROESO Winter 2018

10 | CROESO Autumn 2017 FEATURE Out of the pews and into the pub

A trip to the local pub has replaced Evensong at one Cardiff church once a month. But there are no half measures when it comes to discussing faith publicly at the ‘Ponder and Pint’ nights in Grangetown, says priest-in-charge the Revd David Morris

Over a few decades, Evensong sung Mary, both within and outside of the by a fairly large choir every Sunday at church. Our latest session was on St Paul’s, Grangetown, had diminished Remembrance Sunday when we to a said Evening Prayer with hymns discussed the poignant topic of ‘war once a month, for an average of three and peace’, fifteen of us discussed people. This led me to consider how questions around whether war can we might better use this time on the ever be justified and whether peace is second Sunday of the month, with possible. Our next meeting will be in an activity that could include both the new year. churches in the parish and also satisfy both discussions. The third discussion So far our gatherings have consisted my desire to get us out of our church covered the topic of “life after death”, of parishioners mostly, but we have buildings more often and discuss faith where attendance jumped to twenty attracted individuals from neighbouring more frequently and more informally. or more – clearly, people wanted to parishes and other denominations, So, the idea of “Ponder and Pint” was talk about where they were heading! which has enriched our conversations born. Something interesting happened with even more. Ponder and Pint is Ponder and Pint is a discussion our fourth meeting - the topic was enabling church members to grow in group that meets at a local pub at “depression and loneliness” and for discipleship and to talk about faith 6pm on the second Sunday of each some reason only three people turned publicly. But my hope is that gradually month. The discussion topics vary, so out. This was more intriguing than the non-churched might either overhear we discuss matters of faith, as well as disappointing, because it struck me our discussions and join in or might feel other big questions and hot topics that that there might be some topics some compelled to turn up for a particular we find in wider society. I mooted the people might not want to discuss or are topic, so that Ponder and Pint becomes idea to the parish first, suggesting that I not ready to discuss, because the topic a place of engagement between the would not proceed with the idea unless may be too personal and emotive. So I church and others who are seeking and people were going to turn up and I found that this experience informed my searching for answers to some of life’s garnered enough support to proceed. preaching the following Sunday, where big questions. We’ve held six P&Ps so I highlighted what had happened, far. During the first reassured people that nobody had to two sessions we share anything personal in the P&P discussed “the sessions, but that maybe this was an resurrection of issue that we needed to be more open Jesus” and “faith about so we can support one another in schools and better as a church and reach out to faith schools”, others who were struggling with these with between issues in our local community. twelve to The following month the discussion fifteen topic was “Mary, the mother of people Jesus”, and thankfully attendance for improved again as we discussed different opinions and beliefs about

CROESO Winter 2018 | 11 COMINGS & GOINGS

Chaplain of the fleet who set sail from Llandaff The Venerable Martyn Gough QHC, and spent much of his early ministry who began his ministry in the Llandaff working in Devonport, deploying with Diocese has become Chaplain of the Type 22’s. Other sea time has included Fleet and Archdeacon for the Royal an appointment to HMS Invincible and Navy. Chaplain to the Hydrographic Squadron. Born in South Wales and educated Shore postings have included Amport at the University of Wales, Cardiff and St House (the Armed Forces Chaplaincy Stephen’s House, Oxford, Martyn was Centre), Royal Naval Air Station ordained in the Llandaff Diocese and Culdrose, Britannia Royal Naval College served as curate of St Theodores, Port Dartmouth and HMS Drake. Talbot and then in , Cardiff, before In 2013-14 he was appointed as the being appointed contemporaneously tri-service senior chaplain in Afghanistan to a position in the European Union in and was responsible for the removal of Northern Italy and as Chaplain of Milan chaplains and chaplaincy resources from was responsible for the implementation and Genoa. that theatre. Martyn was promoted to of chaplaincy operations and human He joined the Royal Navy in 1998 Deputy Chaplain of the Fleet in 2014 and resources.

a huge wrench to leave Canton - I am in The Revd Edward my 20th year at St Luke’s and my 17th Le Brun Powell Appointments year at St Catherine’s and St John’s – currently assistant The Revd Sarah but it is an exciting prospect to join the curate at Llandaff Jones has been Dean and the Cathedral team, helping to Cathedral has welcomed to the develop a new strategy there for the life been appointed as diocese as priest- and work of the Cathedral as the Mother assistant curate in in-charge of the Church of the Diocese.” the Rectorial Benefice of and city centre parish The Revd Mark Caerphilly. of St John the Prevett has The Revd Caroline John is the new Baptist, Cardiff. been licenced as Chaplain to Cardiff and the Vale University Sarah, who was previously Rector priest-in-charge Health Board, replacing Canon Alan Tyler. of the Benefice of Ross with Walford of the Parish of Canon Ruth and Brampton Abbotts in the Diocese Christ Church, Moverley takes of Hereford, said, “I have a passion for Merthyr Tydfil, over as Area social justice and equality and I believe and remains priest-in-charge of Merthyr Dean of the that a church community can do great Tydfil, St David and Abercanaid. from things if it puts its mind to it. The Revd Jeffrey the Revd Haydn “The unique central location of St Thomas has been -Simon. John’s puts it in an ideal spot to be the licensed as priest- While the Revd Ian Hodges has taken window of the diocese in the capital in-charge of Dinas over as Area Dean of Bridgend from the city. It’s perfectly placed to engage with and , Venerable Mike Komor. local government, the university, city remaining priest- Mr Mark centre workers and shoppers as well as in-charge of Brampton has those who live in the parish.” Newydd. The Revd Terry Cox is the new been appointed as Canon Mark priest-in-charge (NSM) of Parish resources Preece, currently with and Williamstown. He advisor. For the Rector of the and the Revd Thomas have been cross- time being he will Rectorial Benefice licensed to each other’s parishes. continue to deal of Canton, has The Reverend Marc-Ashton with any Ministry Area related questions. been appointed Walford from the St David’s Diocese, Mrs Bernie to the newly- has been licensed as assistant curate in Bettison has created post of Canon Precentor at the Rectorial Benefice of Llantwit Major joined the Llandaff Cathedral. The role involves and will be based in St Bride’s Major. diocesan office being responsible for the music, The Revd Chris team as reception worship and liturgy of the Cathedral Burr, currently administration as well as being part of the core team Vicar of the Parish officer, replacing implementing the overall work of the of has the Revd Jude Peter, who left earlier in Cathedral in the life of the diocese and been appointed as the year. the city. a CMD Tutor at St Ms Jo Chapman is Bishop June’s Father Mark, who will take up the Padarn’s Institute, new PA, replacing Mrs Denise Morgan, appointment in January, said, “It will be Cardiff. who left earlier this year.

12 | CROESO Winter 2018 From castles to churches – it’s all in a day’s work for the new DAC chairman The curator of Cardiff castle, Matthew Williams, is to join the diocesan team as the new Diocesan Advisory Committee chairman. He will take up his appointment from Easter 2019, and comes with a wealth of experience after nearly 30 years at one of Britain’s finest Gothic Revival castles. Born and brought up in Cardiff, Matthew has lived in Llandaff for many years and is a steward at Llandaff Cathedral. He has enjoyed a lifelong interest in ecclesiastical architecture. He trained as an art and architectural historian before undertaking postgraduate Museum Studies.

Matthew lectures widely on the subject © Betina Skovbro of design for museums, universities and the National Trust. He said, “I very much look forward to He was welcomed to the diocese “He brings a distinguished serving the diocese by becoming chair by Bishop June who said, “The background in the care of historic fabric of the DAC. Having worked in an historic appointment of Matthew Williams as the and artefacts, including his years as building for nearly 30 years, I am all too new chairman of our Diocesan Advisory curator of Cardiff Castle, and we are aware of the importance of respect for Committee is great news and I’m indeed fortunate to be able to draw on its fabric, whilst adapting to the needs of delighted to welcome Matthew into such his enormous expertise and skills.” those using it.” an important role within the diocese.

Tribute to Canon Peter Leonard Tribute has been paid to Canon Peter beyond spent time at Ty Teilo. Leonard, former warden of the diocesan During his time as Rector, Peter retreat house Ty Teilo, who died in was twice Area Dean of the Vale of October, aged 71. . He was Diocesan Chaplain Born in Waterlooville near to the Mothers’ Union from 1996 – 2003 Portsmouth, Peter enjoyed a nomadic and Provincial Chaplain to the Mothers’ childhood following his civil engineer Union from 2004 – 2006. He was also father all over the UK with his mother chaplain to RNA for a and two brothers. The family finally decade from 1999. settled in Portsmouth, where Peter Peter, who returned to live in Llantwit went to secondary school and then Major on retirement leaves a wife to Portsmouth University to read Tyann, son Ollly, daughter Bea and four geography - where he met his future wife and Porth from 1988 until 1996 before grandchildren, Amy, Sam, Teddy and Tyann. a move back to the Vale and 16 years Daisy. After graduating Peter worked as a in the Rectory at . He served Speaking at his funeral Olly said, “We town planner in Peterborough before as Rector of , Llandow & recall many happy events from his past moving to Cardiff with Tyann and was until his retirement in 2012. life, the wonderful tapestries he crafted, called into ministry from St Margaret’s It was at Llandow that Peter and often documenting family events. He also church in Roath. He trained in Salisbury Tyann set up the retreat house in the kept annual holiday diaries with sketches before returning to South Wales where former stable block of the Georgian of people and scenery which form an he began his ministry as curate in rectory. The award-winning building was archive going back 30 plus years. Llantwit Major. the Millennium Project of the diocese. “He was a creative, artistic and loving Next came eight years in the Over a 15-year period many hundreds family man who will be sadly missed by Rhondda where he was Vicar of Cymmer of people from all over the diocese and friends and family alike.”

CROESO Winter 2018 | 13 COMINGS & GOINGS Meet our new Archdeacon.... The Venerable Mike Komor, Archdeacon of , tells us about his new role.

As a new Archdeacon I’m finding that I’m on the receiving end of many questions. At the moment the question that I’m most frequently asked, following my appointment and licencing as at the end of September, is, ‘Have you moved yet?’. (No, is the answer – probably early in the New Year.) Trying to explain my new role to friends, people of other denominations and even life-long Anglicans who are not well-schooled in the structures What does an Archdeacon do? Are you missing being in a of the Church can be something of a The old chestnut is that ‘the parish? challenge, and so the Editor of Croeso Archdeacon is the crook at the head Actually, I am still closely connected has asked me to write a short article of the Bishop’s staff’. If that were to several parishes, having been about my experiences of the last few ever true I don’t think it is now; the licensed on a part-time basis as months. Some examples of the kind Bishop’s staff includes the Dean (the Associate Priest to the LOG parishes of other questions I’m asked might senior priest of the Diocese), the three just north of Bridgend. It keeps provide a useful way of going about Archdeacons, Director of Mission me rooted in parish ministry, while this. (Canon Lowndes), ‘Dean of Area Deans’ allowing me also to work across the (Fr Michael Gable), Diocesan Secretary archdeaconry (ie the four Deaneries (Mrs Rowena Small) and the Bishop’s of the , Bridgend, Chaplain (the Revd Dr Sarah Rogers). Margam and ). The point is that the Bishop’s staff is a substantial team, and we have monthly Lots of travelling then? meetings to discuss wide-ranging Indeed; I don’t know how issues connected with the life of the representative September was (the Diocese. most recent month at time of writing) Archdeacons have been better but I covered more than 1,000 miles, described as ‘the oil in the machinery of mostly behind the wheel. Around the Diocese’; often we seem to act as Bridgend I used to ride my cycle all the signposts to both clergy and lay, and time, and now, where possible, I’ll use a are involved in (but don’t often make on combination of train and bike; but that’s our own) decisions affecting parishes, still a relatively small proportion of the churches or their people. It’s only in time. the matter of trees in churchyards that Archdeacons appear to have ultimate What are the best parts of the authority! new job? I get a real lift from meeting Is it all meetings? new people and coming to know There are indeed lots acquaintances on a deeper level; the of meetings, both with new role gives a lot of scope for that. I individuals and as part see a key part of my ministry as coming of various Diocesan alongside people, and as has been committees that for the rightly said, ‘Time is the currency of most part I’ve not served relationships’ – so there are lots of cups on before, eg DAC, DBF, of coffee in lounges, studies, churches Mission Fund etc. But in and halls. my last parish we had It’s also a great privilege to have lots of meetings too! first-hand experience of some of the wonderful things that are going on in many places around the Archdeaconry. I’m finding that together they have the potential to combine in a very joyful story.

14 | CROESO Winter 2018 NEWS IN BRIEF

Caption competition Thank you for all your entries to the caption competition. Remember the picture from the last edition?

First place went to Alan Bowen of St Catwg’s, Cadoxton, Neath, for “Which Wise Man are you?”

Please send in your captions for this photograph to Alison Young, Croeso, Llandaff Diocese, The Court, , Bridgend, CF35 5HF © Christian Aid or by email to [email protected]

Giving thanks for the past and The Paradise Tree looking forward to the future – remembering Bishop June visited Roath in October activities. loved one to celebrate and preach at a special This year’s celebration was In Advent, and indeed before, it seems Patronal Festival Eucharist at St attended by several former clergy and that Christmas Trees can be seen Edward’s Church, marking 50 years parishioners, some of whom were everywhere. But as soon as Christmas since the nave was erected and present at the 1968 consecration arrives, they often disappear. Now consecrated, completing the building service. in Advent an addition to the Advent which was dedicated as a First World In her sermon, Bishop June spoke Crown or Advent Wreath can be seen War Memorial Church in 1921. of the need always to look to the future in St Illtud’s Church, – A In 1992 a hall was added, and today and referred to the work of the recently Paradise Tree. the whole site is very busy throughout launched “Forget Me Not” Café for The Paradise Tree originates in the week with music, art and community people living with Alzheimer’s. Medieval Europe and had an important role to play in Mystery Plays but at the end of December it was hard to find a tree with apples still attached! So, branches had imitation apples tied to the Paradise Tree and with time other items made from pastry were added. These Paradise Trees, following their starring role in the Medieval Mystery Play, often moved into people’s homes. Having seen a wonderful modern Paradise Tree in a church in Ross-on- Wye, the Parish of Llantwit Fardre was Quiet Garden able to have a similar tree created. This went up in St Illtud’s church on Advent The St Francis Quiet Garden has opened gardens, at the side of the church. Sunday and on the ‘apples’ the names within the grounds of the award-winning The Quiet Garden, as well as of departed loved ones could be added. St Peter’s Community Garden in Cardiff. the church and hall are available Having the ‘apples’ on the tree has Open every Tuesday, Wednesday for Quiet Days, PCC planning enabled loved ones to and Thursday (weather permitting) from sessions etc. Contact administrator be remembered 9.30am to 3.30pm, it is situated in a Suzie Rees, on 029 2056 5550 throughout secluded location away from the main [email protected] Advent, Christmastide and Epiphany, up until Candlemas to All together the very end Nearly 60 treasurers and gift aid Each event, held in a different part of of the season secretaries gave up their time to attend the diocese, provided the opportunity to associated with one of the three diocesan ‘Get Together’ meet colleagues, hear brief updates and the Birth of Christ. events held in the Autumn. share knowledge with each other.

CROESO Winter 2018 | 15 A day to explore spirituality and prayer

Llandaff and Festival of Prayer 2019

Whether you want to deepen your will start with a Eucharist led by Bishop walk with God along familiar paths, or Richard of Monmouth, followed by the try something new, you should find first of three choice workshops of the something to suit at the popular Festival day. of Prayer Day. There are 20 workshops to choose There will be prayer through dance, from, each standing alone and lasting an The Revd Moira Spence, secretary of talking, singing, walking and silence at the hour, with most offering a time of prayer. the Llandaff Diocesan Spirituality Group day-long event that offers the chance to Amongst those leading the workshops said, “It’s such a great day that you go explore a wide range of different spiritual will be internationally known speakers home on a real high. Book your place perspectives and approaches from such as John Bell from the Iona now to ensure your spot!” across the Christian spectrum. Community who will talk about ‘Shopping Some comments from people who Launched three years ago by the for Thrills or Yearning for Faith’ and ‘The attended this year included: Llandaff Diocese, the Festival has enjoyed Strange Silence of Biblical Women.’ “I learned about Muslim spirituality, such success that it is to be extended Whilst local speakers such as the walked a labyrinth, and sang and prayed next year and run as a joint event with our Revd Peter Lewis of St Catherine’s Taizé style – thank you for a prayerful and neighbouring Monmouth Diocese. Church, Pontypridd will talk about varied day!” It will be held at St Teilo’s Church ‘Spirituality in Church Outreach and “Circle Dancing was a most enjoyable in Wales School, Cardiff, on Saturday, Mission’ and Dean of Newport, Lister session. Being able to use my body in July 13, from 10am to 4.30pm. The day Tonge, who will speak of ‘Praying with prayer was new to me”. Ignatius of Loyola’. “Would that it could have continued There will be the for two days, having to choose just three opportunity to learn items from such an embarrassment of about spirituality and riches was really difficult.” prayer in the Islamic The day costs £25, including tea/ traditions with other coffee and lunch. For more information, topics ranging from and to book visit www.festivalofprayer. ‘The Gospel According co.uk and/or contact the Revd Moira to Hollywood’ to ‘The Spence on 01656 881960 enquires@ Worship of Taize’. festivalofprayer.co.uk Workshop leaders

Broadcaster, teacher and retreat-giver John Stephen Ashton will be looking at men’s Bell is an ordained minister of the Church spirituality, wondering why ‘our churches are of Scotland and a member of the Iona two-thirds filled by women and our prisons 98% community. He is also a well-regarded by men?!’ and encouraging men to ‘stop being hymn-writer and creator of new liturgy over-age teenagers’ and find the possibility of a which speaks into our current context and grown-up spirituality. Stephen, together with his always sides with those who are poor and wife Mary, runs Llansôr Mill, near Newport, an marginalised. ecumenical centre for spirituality.

Dean of Newport Lister Tonge will be Revd Dr Trystan Owain Hughes, Llandaff sharing his own passion for Ignatian Diocesan Director of Vocations and priest-in- spirituality and encouraging people in the charge of Christ Church, , Cardiff, will many forms of prayer found in the Spiritual talk about ‘Give us this Day our Daily Bread: What Exercises of St Ignatius of Loyola and has prayer got to do with wealth?’ The published interpreted for today’s world. author is a regular voice on the radio and blogs at www.trystanowainhughes.com/blog

Croeso is edited by Alison Young and designed by Jeff Lewis (Space on White). The deadline for the next edition is February 15, 2019. Please send all copy and images to [email protected]