Meithrin Gobaith Growing Hope www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi December / Rhagfyr 2016 An historic moment

HE election of Canon that the future may look different as the from the past but feeling encour- Tnext of St Davids aged that Jesus Christ is the same was ‘an historic moment’, in the yesterday, today and forever and words of Archbishop Dr Barry is as relevant to in the 21st Morgan. century as He has been through the he described her as ‘a warm, centuries until now. But how that charismatic, caring priest with plays out may look very different.’ considerable gifts – she is an excel- Canon Joanna is no stranger to lent preacher and communicator the diocese, of course. She was who can relate to all sections of the Priest-in-charge and then Vicar community, and someone who is of w & full of joy.’ from 1999-2010 and also a Sacred Synod was due to served as Adult Education Officer meet to confirm the appointment as and Warden of Readers during that Pobl Dewi went to press. time. The new bishop will be conse- She was the first woman to crated in Llandaff Cathedral on be made a Canon of the Cathe- 21st January and enthroned in St dral in 2007. She transferred to the Davids on 11th February. diocese of Bath & Wells in 2010 and then it’s down to business. and most recently has been Rector In her first interview, she told Pobl of Glan Ithon (Llandrindod Wells). Dewi of her hopes for the future: ‘I’m looking forward to coming The first priority is ‘to encour- back, to catching up with what the age us that we are not simply trying diocese has been doing over the to keep the show on the road but last six years, particularly the 2020 we are trying to live out our gospel Vision which has emerged while of the risen Christ and the reality of I’ve been away, and to play a part God’s Holy Spirit and to live that in the diocese’s ongoing journey.’ out in our real communities. We wish her every success. Please ‘I will be encouraging people to pray for our new Bishop as she live out their faith in surprising and starts out on the next stage of her different ways, not feeling guilty journey.

Ymweliad Kirsty Williams, Spiders steal the show at Ysgrifennydd y Cabinet dros Addysg ag Ysgol Penboyr Llandyfan Church ynhaliwyd gwasanaeth Mrs Williams o amgylch yr ysgol open day Carbennig i groesawu’r a’r dosbarthiadau gan Gadeirydd Ysgrifennydd Addysg Mrs Kirsty ac Is-gadeirydd y Cyngor Ysgol Williams a rhai o’i chydweithwyr a’r Pennaeth a dangosodd yr yn y Senedd i’r ysgol ar ddydd arweinwyr digidol wefan yr ysgol Iau, Medi 29. Roedd yn fraint iddi. Roedd nifer o wahoddedigion ac yn anrhydedd i ni gael ei yn bresennol hefyd ar gyfer phresenoldeb yn yr ysgol. Fe ei hymweliad: y Canon Brian wnaeth dwy o’r disgyblion arwain Witt (Cyfarwyddwr ysgolion y gweddïau yr oedden nhw eu eglwysig), yr Archddiacon Roger hunain wedi eu hysgrifennu, Hughes (Cadeirydd pwyllgor canodd y côr y gân ‘Ffrindiau’ a addysg yr esgobaeth), y Parch phlant yr ysgol gyfan gân Dathlu Ddr John Gillibrand (Cadeirydd y 150 yr ysgol, a luniwyd gan Y llywodraethwyr), Marian Morgan Prifardd Ceri Wyn (geiriau) a Mrs (Ymgynghorydd her yr ysgol), Wendy Organ (cerddoriaeth). Yn a’r Cynghorydd Ken Howells. Full story page 15 dilyn y gwasanaeth, tywyswyd

GROWING HOPE – Page 7 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, December 2016

lost but the second and the third This session was the last GB for (the amendment) were passed. our own Bishop Wyn and for the Appointments Age-related matters However, it did prove that it was Archbishop. The Archbishop paid Paul Mackness reports from the September meeting of the possible for parishes, deaneries tribute to Bishop Wyn and referred Revd Huw Davies Governing Body (GB) held in Lampeter and diocesan conferences to bring to him as “the reluctant Bishop” motions to the GB for debate. acknowledging his previous work to serve as Priest- OLLOWING the Working wardens generally; this was passed a motion to increase the normal as Dean of St Davids, his role in in-Charge of the FGroup’s report on age limits, and I, as proposer, was only sorry retirement age of clergy from 65 to bringing the diocese together again Lampeter Velfrey and an amended Private Member’s that I hadn’t thought of it first. 67 was also passed. I think it would and his work as the lead Bishop for Llanddewi Velfrey Motion was brought to the GB The second amendment was be fair to say that this was despite Ecumenism. and Eglwys Gymyn by Elizabeth Thomas and me on to bring in a suspension period of complete confusion, especially Judge Philip Price (Chairman Group & & behalf of the diocese. the age limits until 2020, instead of amongst the clergy as to what the of the provincial Standing Commit- Llanmiloe within the (i) Remove all age limits relating removing them. This was rejected. implications were. For clerical tee) and the Bishop of Swansea and Local Ministry Area of to Churchwardens and Sub- It was agreed that the motion readers all I can advise is to consult Brecon, Bishop John, paid trib- Landsker, wardens with immediate effect. could be taken in parts and, sadly, the HR department as subsequent ute to Archbishop Barry. Taking 2 October 2016 (ii) Strongly encourage dioceses the first clause of the motion was paperwork still is as clear as mud! advantage of the fact that the Arch- to enforce the six-year rule in bishop is not one for formal titles, Revd Trevor Copeland relation to the length of time a Bishop John referred to him as to serve as Priest in Churchwarden or Sub-warden ‘Your Grace’ about nine times in Charge of Cydweli & holds office and to monitor a minute! He spoke warmly of the , the need for, and number of, Archbishop’s work in leading the 14 September 2016 dispensations granted. over his archi- The amended motion, approved by episcopate and also of his role Revd Dr David Ceri our Standing Committee, was to as Bishop of Bangor and, more Jones remove the 75 age limit placed on recently, Llandaff. The Archbishop appointed (NSM) churchwardens and sub-wardens. received a standing ovation from Assistant Curate in The debate was lively and repre- members. the Rectorial Benefice sentatives from the diocese spoke Further details of GB business of Aberystwyth & the both for and against the motion. and news are in Highlights avail- Local Ministry Area of Two amendments were proposed. able in churches or online. Aberystwyth, The first was that there should be 16 September 2016 a report into the role of church-

nifer o weithgareddau wedi’u cynnal yn y babell. Bob dydd, Bod gyda’r bobl cynhaliwyd gwasanaeth y Cymun Readers celebrate Alun Evans, Curate in the United Parish of Haverfordwest, Bendigaid. Ar ddydd Mawrth yr Esgob Wyn oedd yn llywydd, ac shares a little of his experience of serving in the Diocesan Tent at ar y dyddiau eraill y Parchedig the Pembrokeshire Show this summer and its important ministry 150 years Geoffrey Gwyther a’r Hybarch of welcome to those attending Dennis Wight oedd yn arwain y Wyn Maskell felt privileged to have been asked to read part of LENI, fel yn y blynyddoedd o bobl wedi ymweld â’r maes. gwasanaeth. Hefyd, roedd Plant scripture in the medium of Welsh, and to represent the Diocese Esydd wedi mynd heibio, bu Ac felly, roedd y babell wedi bod Dewi yn gyfrifol am drefnu of St Davids, at the service celebrating 150 years of Reader Esgobaeth Tyddewi yn gyfrifol am yn brysur iawn dros y dyddiau gweithgarwch bob dydd ar gyfer ministry in London drefnu Pabell yr Eglwys ar faes hynny. Ac mae’n dda medru plant oedd yn ymweld â’r babell. Sioe Sir Benfro yn Hwlffordd. O dweud fod mwy o bobl wedi Yn y babell hefyd roedd ‘na NUMBER of readers from our ganlyniad i dywydd braf iawn dros ymweld eleni na’r flwyddyn gynt. nifer o stondinau ar gyfer y bobl A diocese made the journey to dridiau’r sioe roedd llawer iawn dros gyfnod y sioe, roedd oedd yn galw heibio i edrych All Souls, Langham Place, London, arnyn nhw. Roedden nhw’n and it was encouraging to see many cynnwys stondin gan Undeb y from all over Wales present to cele- Mamau, siop llyfrau Cristnogol, brate 150 years with an exciting stondin gan Ardal Weinidogaeth future ahead. In all there were 600 Hwlffordd (mae maes y sioe lay ministers at the service. Today, yn yr ardal weinidogaeth hon) there are more than 9,000 active a stondin arall am broject yr readers in England and Wales. Esgobaeth yn Congo. Roedd The service was led by the Arch- cyfle hefyd i ffermwyr i ddysgu bishop of York, the guest preacher am waith Tir Dewi, corff sy’n was the Bishop of Sodor & Man estyn cymorth i ffermwyr sydd – Rt Revd Robert Paterson (Chair- mewn amgylchiadau anodd. man of the Central Readers Roedd y babell yn Council), and our patron, the Duke canolbwyntio ar groesawu a of Edinburgh, was in attendance. darparu lletygarwch ar gyfer One can only describe the service ymwelwyr â’r sioe. Bob dydd as very uplifting, spiritual and a roedd aelodau o Undeb y Mamau blessing to be gathered together in yn bresennol ar gyfer rhannu the name of Jesus Christ. te, coffi a bisgedi.Ac roedd tîm “More than ever today, the Church bugeiliol yno hefyd yn barod i needs people who can take what’s wrando ar ymwelwyr oedd am going on in the world and reflect on specialism, which is why the train- rannu a siarad am bob math o it with a theological perspective”, ing is tough and demanding.” bethau. Weithiau, roedd pobl yn the chairman told the congregation. He welcomed proposals to dissolve galw heibio oedd eisiau gwybod “And the world needs people who the Council and enable its replace- rhagor am y ffydd Gristnogol. can put into words what they know ment to fund regional lay ministry Roedd pawb oedd yn dod i’r of God and his love, and reflect on projects. The future is exciting babell yn derbyn croeso cynnes it in secular life, outside the bound- for this movement, and he said iawn. Roedd yn gyfle da i gyfarfod aries of the Church. Readers are “confidence is returning”: words â phobl gan gynnwys nifer sy’n ideally placed to meet this need.” of encouragement to all readers ddim yn mynd i’r eglwys fel arfer. Bishop Robert went on to say that who feel that they are used as gap- Roedd y babell o ganlyniad yn dod “Readers work on the boundaries fillers. He emphasised the need â’r eglwys i fod ymhlith y bobl. of the Church and world; they have to think of ministry as a whole, a distinct ministry. You are trained and for “clergy to see ministry as Y Parchg Alun Evans in theology; God-talk is your everyone’s business”. Pobl Dewi, December 2016 3

to engage in the conversation. Very often people’s negative behaviour toward one another is born out of We must cut out misunderstanding and the situation is not always what it seems to be. The mediator does not make judge- the dead wood ments nor decisions, but enables all Richard Wood makes a plea for boldness in a time of declining those taking part to be heard in a membership safe and confidential environment so that outcomes can be agreed by HE figures presented at the parties themselves. TSeptember’s Governing Body Don’t wait until it’s too late So, the message is “nothing is meeting confirm a long-term trend: too trivial”. If you need to improve membership is down, particularly The Church in Wales (CiW) Mediation Service was launched at communication, have a difficult amongst young people. Since 1990 the Governing Body in April 2014 and since then the Mediation conversation with someone, or if our average adult Sunday attend- Team, comprised of members from all the dioceses, has helped your PCC is struggling to reach ance has fallen by nearly 54%. with several situations where conflict has occurred. The mediation agreement about issues, then the For the first time in our history, service is available to lay and ordained members of the CiW Mediation Team can help. adult attendance at Church in Some members of the team have Wales churches is below 1% of the FTEN differences of opinion people do not really understand been trained to deliver Conflict population. Ocan create tension; differences what mediation is and how it can Awareness sessions which provide as I said at the meeting, this and tension together can lead to help. some simple techniques that can be is a disgrace. Many present felt conflict. Although conflict is often Put simply, mediation is a process used to understand differences and that we should even acknowledge died and give life to that which is seen as negative, Bridge Build- for facilitating a good conversa- aid the decision-making processes. a need to repent of what we have growing? To do so, we must know ers, who trained the Mediation tion in which anger and emotion These sessions are ideal for those done to God’s Church. Strong stuff. which is which. This responsibil- Team, has taught us to realise that are not given the opportunity to get parishes that are struggling with Whilst the strategies coming out of ity lies squarely with our , conflict really is normal. It hurts in the way of reconciliation. This the difficult decisions. the 2012 Review and 2020Vision who, more than ever, need bold- those involved and is at its most relies on all parties being willing are seeking to be faithful to God’s ness; but we share it as well. A damaging when it is suppressed, call for renewal, there is something culture of ‘not wanting to upset avoided or allowed to escalate out missing. anyone’ doesn’t sound very much Details of where and when these sessions are taking place of control. However, handled well like Jesus to me. can be obtained from Diocesan Training Officer, Hope and with assistance from an inde- We spend a huge amount of time, Radical force Archdeacon Will Strange, pendent third party (the mediator), effort, energy and money on prop- I am not without hope for the [email protected]; conflict can bring about posi- ping up that which has failed. Church in Wales. In fact, the oppo- tel: 01570 422385. tive transformation. Research has Instead we need to be provid- site is true. The Gospel is always shown that the earlier assistance is A copy of the CiW policy and procedure can be found at: ing this ‘oxygen’ to those parts of active in drawing people into faith. sought, the better the outcome, but www.churchinwales.org.uk/structure/representative-body/hr our church where there is hope. Again, I guess that growth – new we are sometimes contacted too Contact the Mediation Team in confidence: While new and pioneering forms faith – is clearest where this hope is late for a lasting resolution to be tel: 029 2034 8200; e-mail: [email protected] of ministry need time to start bear- most evident; where the Gospel is achieved and this may be because ing fruit, how many years have we shared with expectation and where been waiting for fruit from dead God’s fully trustworthy Word is trees? (cf Luke 13:6-9) taught and applied such that the My guess is that, across our Church is a radical force for good Church, faith is weak or has died. in its community. Many churches Nationally, we have become small in Wales (both Anglican and non- Farewell, Bishop Wyn and insignificant, but continue Anglican) and beyond are growing to act as though we are large and and seeing new faith. We need to David Hammond-Williams reports from this year’s Diocesan Conference important. There is nothing wrong learn from them, discern God in HE hall in Lampeter was the financial front. And he pledged ous teams and groups in the diocese with pruning; any gardener will them, and let go of that which is Tfuller than usual for this year’s to continue seeking ways to reduce and this year’s was by Cursillo (of tell you it’s essential to health. Can anything else. conference. the burden of Ministry Share. which more can be found on page we not call time on that which has dozens of people who wouldn’t Meanwhile, the Board had been 15. And, away from the hall – but normally be there turned up to able to support a variety of projects not far – the inaugural meeting was say farewell to Bishop Wyn as he and initiatives: Pioneer Ministry, taking place of the new Diocesan retired from his episcopate after Children & Youth projects, Social Youth Forum (of which more, also, eight years in Llys Esgob. Responsibility and the link with on page 9). Activity day at Llain and that was pretty much the Bukavu Diocese in the Congo, The Forum also led the inter- only item on the agenda although where fundraising is under way to cessions in the Eucharist that there were a few preliminaries. provide a new library. followed and during which Bishop DBF Chairman Nick Griffin Presentations offer conference Wyn delivered his final presidential reported that all was “stable” on an insight into the activities of vari- address. it revolved around the question asked of Philip in John’s gospel: “Sir, we would see Jesus.” it’s an aspiration that has been apparent many times and in many places during the last eight years, in which so much has changed; not least in the meetings, conversations and – above all – worship that have characterised his three-year jour- ney In the Footsteps of St David. “The opportunity to meet with so many of you, and witness for myself the good things that are happening, has been an honour and a delight,” he said. “This diocese,” he concluded, Nearly 30 young people from the diocese attended an activity day “is getting ready to respond to out at Llain on 26th October. They enjoyed climbing, kayaking the unexpected question: Sir, we and a (very!) muddy assault course. Both leaders and young would see Jesus. Pray God that we people enjoyed fellowship and time together as a group. We may answer it.” hope to see more of this in the future 4 Pobl Dewi, December 2016

with Christians in many countries and of many traditions. it can be a The end of the road symbol of our shared dependence on God and of our shared mission. iShOP wyn’s three-year pilgrimage to visit every parish and every in a video invitation, http:// church “in the footsteps of St david” reached its end in the week B www.thykingdom.co.uk – avail- before he retired. The last of the 330 churches was – fi ttingly perhaps – the able with a number of international one he’s visited most often, the cathedral itself. subtitles – archbishop welby says: In his fi nal blog from the journey he refl ected: “I have been immensely “we are seeking to pray for people heartened by what i have seen and heard: by the devotion and loyalty to Prayer at Pentecost to know who Jesus is. we pray for church and to people; the sense of mission and ministry and service; the the holy Spirit to empower every readiness to change in the face of the challenge of a moving church land- The call to prayer at Pentecost began in 2016 as a Church of Christian – all of us – to give us a scape and change in society.” passion for sharing and witnessing you can read the blog and review the whole journey on the diocesan England initiative: next year it is to be hoped that it will go global the Good news we have in Jesus website at http://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/bishop/bishopsblog as the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Justin Welby, invites every province of the Anglican Communion to take part Christ – that sense of what he has from 25th May to 4th June. Ian Aveson encourages us all to done for us – how amazing it is to participate know that we are loved by Jesus, & Pendine that there is salvation; when we hy pray? Motivation to every way with a particular focus turn to him in repentance we fi nd wpray may come partly from on evangelism. forgiveness; when we turn to him a sense of our need and also from This is not just for anglicans – in despair we fi nd hope – just the a sense that God has not given up. the Catholic Bishops’ Conference most extraordinary miracle. . . The period between ascension and of England and wales has commit- “let’s get together in calling Pentecost is a good time to remem- ted to playing a full part and several out to God in prayer, in whatever ber that Jesus is still lord and that Free Church groups also intend to way we like, wherever we are. That God is still at work by the holy participate. This in itself is a sign of our often lukewarm or cold hearts Spirit. Perhaps that is why arch- hope – God’s Kingdom is greater are set on fi re with love for Jesus; bishop welby has proposed this than any one denomination. that he is the answer to the fears, as a period to join together to pray here is our opportunity to take the despairs of all around.” “Thy Kingdom Come” – a prayer part in a wave of prayer around for God’s purpose to be fulfi lled in the world, a sign of our fellowship

holy Communion, was held in the A joyous occasion Fishermen’s Chapel, St Julian’s, on Tenby harbour. This heartfelt Blustery winds and occasional rain greeted the delegates in Tenby celebration of Christ the King on With Babs at the Pendine Museum of Speed for the 2nd Annual Fellowship of Vocation (FoV) Conference, the last Sunday in our Christian which was held over the weekend when we celebrate Christ year was crowned by a wonder- the King. Two hours later, laughter and loud talking greeted the ful sermon from Revd ian Girling, Llawhaden & Uzmaston latecomers in what has now become the signature sound of this leader of the diocesan vocations event, says Robb Wainwright, St Davids FoV Co-ordinator advisors, who is retiring in Janu- ary. his personal testimony closely OllOwinG Friday night’s were shared and fears relieved. echoed much of the Saturday Fdinner, Revd Canon Paul Mack- archdeacon dennis wight was teaching. ness, Bishop’s Chaplain, welcomed on hand on Sunday morning to a list of FoV chaplains can us all on behalf of the diocese. stress the importance the Bish- be found on the diocesan website. Saturday proved to be an op’s senior staff attach to ongoing Please contact me for details of extraordinary day for many as our membership of the FoV for those how to join a local FoV group: keynote speaker, Revd Jean artley, in any kind of training for minis- [email protected]. delivered a wonderful, thought- try. The fi nal worship, a service of provoking testimony of her lifelong calling by God to various ministries; a masterful exegesis of the book of Jonah and an insightful and challenging explanation of the nature and variety of God’s call to all of us. worship over the weekend was The 125th is buried in Uzmaston churchyard varied in style with meditations from the northumbria Commu- nity used to provoke and prompt Dewisland a response from those who came with questions on their hearts and minds. There was plenty of time to share our stories with each other and to meet as small groups for talk and prayer. Three FoV chaplains, three vocations advisors and i were on hand to spend time listening or to off er advice, comfort, prayer and thanksgiving to any who wished to talk to us. Once again, signifi cant, personal epiphanies were the order of the day for some, while others simply enjoyed the opportuni- ties to listen, absorb and refl ect on what they were seeing and hear- ing. The hotel was fi lled with the sounds of laughter while more than The fi nal foosteps – choral evensong in the Cathedral a few tears were shed as burdens Pobl Dewi, December 2016 5 The amazing journey of baptism

The arrival of a child into a family changes everything. It is one of life’s key moments, giving rise to big thoughts, big feelings, big questions, and yes, big changes. Sandra Millar, Head of Projects and Developments: Life Events, in the Church of England, and who recently led a Continuing Ministerial Development day in our diocese, takes a closer look at baptisms ESEARCH has given the RChurch of England (CofE) fresh understanding into why parents choose to have a child baptized. It has underpinned the development of new resources to help the church make the most of the opportunities that come through meeting families at this special time. ‘Christening’, which is the word over 10 times more likely to be used in online searches than the word ‘baptism’, is a great starting point when families want to talk and we respond by sharing all that begins when their child is baptized at a christening. Many parents have positive memories of their own childhood ‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon faith experiences and see baptism you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me as giving their child the same everywhere – in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, opportunity, and as opening the and to the ends of the earth.’ Acts 1.8 possibility of a faith journey which their child will explore as they grow older. Parents want their child to grow up making good moral choices, and the values and ethics of the church are still appre- ciated as a framework. Above all, baptism is about celebrating with family and friends, and being part of a community; 93% of respond- ents said one of the most important THE Diocesan Lay Development Team issues an reasons for wanting a child baptised invitation to the third in the series of Growing Hope confer- was to give them godparents. ences, which will be held at University of Wales Trinity St Godparents are a long term David, . relationship, seen as part of the really helpful for parents in under- or Christingle service to baptism The theme for the day is Pioneer Ministries. Our Keynote wisdom offered to families over the standing that the christening is not families? You never know, they, Speaker will be Revd James Henley, who has been a key years. In response to this, the CofE an end but the beginning of a life- too, might journey to the stable member for some seven years of the successful project developed a special card to encour- time of discovering the fullness of and discover more of the God who ‘The Lab’ in Newport, where he also provides a lead for the age prayer and also launched a relationship with God and God’s gave himself to the world in the missional hub for the Duffryn Estate in Newport. james is Godparents’ Sunday, to be held on people. Christ child. also an ordained Pioneer Minister and Fresh Expressions 30 April 2017. Families have a real desire Christening is the beginning of Associate and Associate Pastor of St Pauls Church, Newport. The research also explored how to hear from the church after the an amazing journey – and we have and why families might engage baptism. Many want to experience good news to share as we build long- Some of the speakers providing workshops will be: with church long-term, discovering something of the nativity story, so term relationships with families. Clare Williams, Diocesan Children and Youth Co-ordinator that the language of ‘journey’ is why not send an invitation to a crib Revd Pat Rogers of Letterston and The Street Pastors For more information and ideas see Revd Andy Herrick of Lampeter with Maestir, Silian, www.churchsupporthub.org and www.churchofenglandchristenings.org Llangybi and Betws Bledrws Sister Val Legge, Merlins Bridge Project Andy Hughes of The Urban Saints (English and Welsh) finishing on 15th December at Revd Marianne Osborne, Fellowship of Vocation Chaplain Escape to Egypt Yr Aifft (Egypt) in Denbighshire. Revd Paul Boyle of Jeffreyston Full details of the route, and how ‘The people walking in darkness have seen a great light’ – A Representative from ‘The Lab’ in Newport to support us, at http://www.chris- Isaiah 9:2 tianaid.org.uk/cymru/news/escape. Ven Bob Jackson, formerly Archdeacon of Walsall 2016 has been a difficult and unset- aspx The Reverends Nick and Heather Cale will be leading us tling year. Too often the news has Our continuing work in 40 in worship at the opening and closing of the day. been dominated by stories of hate countries is a living commitment The cost remains £3 per person (payable at the time of and fear, of senseless violence, and by Christians in this country to booking), and in return you will have: an inspiring, hope- man’s inhumanity towards man. As love their neighbours overseas, filled day; refreshments at break times; a simple lunch; an the weak and defenceless suffer, and to offer hope where there opportunity to hear good news stories from across our the world has felt like a very dark is despair. From responding to diocese and beyond; and a chance to renew acquaintances place indeed. their homes to seek sanctuary. Our the recent hurricane in Haiti, to and to make new friends. as we are confronted by images Christmas appeal seeks to ease protecting villagers from floods in in the news of people fleeing their suffering and, to help promote Bangladesh, to campaigning for For booking enquiries please contact violence, we remember how our our appeal, Christian Aid Wales global action on climate change, saviour, Jesus Christ, was himself staff and supporters will be doing Christian Aid continues to serve Mrs Lindy Wainwright a refugee, forced to flee the perse- a 140-mile sponsored walk across and speak out for the poorest of the [email protected] cution of Herod. Today, 65 million Wales starting on 4th December at poor. people are displaced, having fled Bethlehem, , and 6 Pobl Dewi, December 2016

ful to make the distinction between what we are good at and what we Beth yw pwrpas Inspirational and are passionate about. Sometimes we are just good at things because we have done them a lot. This was Conffyrmasiwn? challenging helpful, causing many to go away thinking more about what they Over the weekend of the 21-23 October, St Michael’s, From the First Sunday of Advent this year, those receiving might be called to. Aberystwyth, had the privilege of hosting Revd Dr Jeremy Duff Holy Communion in our churches need not be confirmed. He is more than happy to visit and for a weekend conference entitled ‘Breaking Boundaries’ Ainsley Griffiths considers the question ‘What is the purpose of lead sessions, days and weekends Confirmation?’ BOUT 35 of us joined the was good to have Jeremy amongst to encourage local parishes and Sul Cyntaf yr Adfent eleni gyfoethogi Conffyrmasiwn drwy Asessions, which started on the us to talk about his own calling and LMAs in thinking and engaging O ni fydd angen i’r rhai sy’n ddod â’r agweddau pwysig Friday evening and resumed on the journey with God. with fresh and thoughtful engage- derbyn y Cymun Bendigaid yn ein hyn i’r golwg o’r newydd. Saturday, in which Jeremy looked Jeremy shared how it is often help- ment with mission and ministry. heglwysi fod yn rhai sydd wedi Canolbwynt litwrgi’r at the way Jesus in the gospels, and derbyn Conffyrmasiwn. Bedydd Conffyrmasiwn yw’r weddi a the early church from the book of yn enw’r Drindod Lân – ac nid adroddir dros yr ymgeiswyr sy’n Acts, broke many boundaries of conffyrmasiwn – sydd bellach cofio am yr enedigaeth newydd a the perceived norms to reach out yn cael ei ystyried fel y ‘porth’ maddeuant pechodau a roddwyd to the outsider, it was truly inspira- sy’n caniatáu mynediad llawn i yn y bedydd. Gweddia’r Esgob y tional and challenging. On the final fywyd a breintiau’r Eglwys, gan bydd Duw yn ‘tywallt (ei) Ysbryd session on Saturday afternoon he gynnwys sacrament yr Ewcharist. Glân arnynt, Ysbryd doethineb left us with the hard hitting ques- Trwy wneud hyn, cofiwn mai a deall; Ysbryd cyngor a nerth tion ‘What is it that we do that is rhodd Duw i ni bechaduriaid yw’r oddi mewn; Ysbryd gwybodaeth extremely precious to us which Cymun Bendigaid, rhyfeddod a gwir dduwioldeb’ fel y bydd ‘eu God could be asking us to sacrifice sy’n tarddu’n llwyr o’i ras helaeth hyfrydwch yn ofn yr Arglwydd.’ for the sake of those who would yet yn y Crist croeshoeliedig ac Dylem orfoleddu bod Duw yn still join us in belonging to Jesus atgyfodedig. Nid rhyw wobr i’w cynysgaeddu ei annwyl blant â’i and his church?’ ennill ydyw felly, na rhywbeth Ysbryd Glân er mwyn iddynt On the Sunday morning Jeremy i’w haeddu drwy sancteiddrwydd dderbyn y doniau angenrheidiol preached for us at St Mikes, and neu ddealltwriaeth ddiwinyddol hynny a fydd yn eu cymhwyso then he joined our Fellowship of bersonol. Crist yn unig sy’n ein i fyw fel disgyblion Crist, yn Vocation (FoV) group for Sunday gwahodd i’w swper a’n gwneud llawen, egnïol ac ymroddgar. lunch together. The FoV aims to yn deilwng i’w dderbyn. Dônt felly yn offrwm byw i’r encourage people in their individ- Ond yn nhraddodiad yr Eglwys Arglwydd a’i Eglwys, pobl sy’n ual callings and provide a support Orllewinol, gan gynnwys y ceisio gwireddu eu galwedigaeth network for those on the journey Cymundeb Anglicanaidd, cysylltir bersonol fel oedolion, rhai sydd of pursuing their calling, whatever Conffyrmasiwn â’r Cymun Cyntaf. wedi derbyn yn helaeth ond sydd this may be. With this in mind it Felly o dan dysgeidiaeth newydd hefyd am roi eu hunain mewn yr Eglwys yng Nghymru beth fydd gwasanaeth. O ganlyniad efallai yn digwydd i Gonffyrmasiwn? byddai derbyn Conffyrmasiwn Mae rhai’n darogan na fydd ychydig yn hwyrach yn beth doeth cymaint am gael eu conffyrmio – tua deunaw oed efallai – pan fo The journey gan eu bod eisoes yn medru penderfyniadau am siâp a phwrpas derbyn y Cymun Bendigaid bywyd fel oedolyn yn gwestiynau There will be a service in St Davids Cathedral on 7th January to celebrate 20 years of yn rhinwedd eu bedydd. Serch byw. Gallem ymddiried women’s ordinations. Sian Jones, who was in the first cohort of ordinands, reflects on hynny, gellid dadlau bod y Cymun felly y byddai ymgeiswyr ag the past 20 years Cyntaf yn mynnu gormod o ymwybyddiaeth ddyfnach o WAS made a Deacon in St agement had never wavered. sylw yn litwrgi’r Conffyrmasiwn freuddwyd Duw ar eu cyfer a’r I Davids Cathedral on 25 June January 1997 marked an impor- fel bod elfennau allweddol gras i ddilyn y llwybr unigryw 1988. It is difficult to describe tant turning point in our journey; it eraill yn cael eu hesgeuluso. hwnnw yng ngoleuni’r Ysbryd, the contrast of those early days was a day that I will never forget Felly gallai’r drefn newydd mewn ffydd, gobaith a chariad. with 2016. It is also important to nor take for granted. All of us were acknowledge the huge contribution filled with thanksgiving for being A translation of this article can be found at made by those Deaconesses who afforded the opportunity to serve http://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/pdextra/ had quietly served with dedication God as a Priest in His Church, and together with a fuller, theological paper by Ainsley Griffiths for many years prior to the rest of the world saw an inclusive Church and Archdeacon John Holdsworth entitled ‘Confirmation us being made Deacon. which was prepared to utilize the detached from admission to Holy Communion’ (July 2010). in 1993 Bishop gifts of all. made me Deacon-in-Charge of in 2000, I became an Area Dean the Parish of and (for my sins I still am!) and in 2009 Llanybri. The parish was very became Canon in St Davids Cathe- Confirmations at gracious and incredibly support- dral. Such possibilities were never ive, but devastated when the vote entertained in 1988 but 1997 acted Dafen & to ordain women failed in 1994; as a catalyst for exploring new they became very proactive in their possibilities and utilizing people’s support. As we know the Bill was gifts more fully. passed in 1996 and the Epiphany The most remarkable event Ordinations took place in 1997, has just taken place: Revd Canon when 70 women were ordained by Joanna Penberthy is our Bishop- the Church in Wales. Elect. Joanna is a person of calibre St Davids Cathedral was full and Godly presence, and she will and the atmosphere was joyously bring tremendous gifts of leader- reverent and warm. This posed a ship to the Church. contrast to the weather which was January 1997 was a turn- cold, dark and foggy! However, ing point, a day of celebration nothing could diminish the joy and a day of appreciation to those and privilege that we felt because who had journeyed with us. The our vocation had been recognised appointment of the first woman The Benefice of Dafen and Felinfoel welcomed Bishop John by the Church. It had been a long Bishop is the most amazing way to Saxbee on 9th October, when he confirmed six candidates. The wait, filled with disappointment, celebrate the journey from 1997 to service took place in St Michael and All Angels Church, Dafen, but there was immense gratitude to 2016. those whose support and encour- and was followed by tea and cake Pobl Dewi, December 2016 7 Growing Hope Hope for the future These are exciting times, says Sophie Whitmarsh, after attending Growing Hope an event for focal ministers S I write, the news is fl ooding the people we are serving and not in that the Bishop-elect for for ourselves. we must be enabling baith a o eithrin G M Hope Growing our diocese is Revd Canon Joanna of others and help people to fi nd Penberthy. Goodwill wishes and their gifts. prayers for the future are fl ooding Someone said to me that they my Facebook and Twitter feeds. felt we were going over old ground, There is a defi nite sense of excite- and perhaps, to some extent, we What now? ment and enthusiasm for a future were. however, as Bob Jackson that promises to bring growth and pointed out, since implementing When a group gets to the end of the Exploring Faith (EF) course, what are they to a renewed sense of mission. the diocesan strategy ‘growth has do? This was the question the Bow Street group had to ask at the end of four years it was this sense of enthusi- begun’ and that should encour- studying together and, says Peter Jones, they seem to have found the answer asm and anticipation that struck me age us. he gave us a framework at the ‘Focussed on hope’ day for for growing our churches, which E didn’t want to go on to do focal ministers, which was attended i personally found quite useful, wthe following two years, but, by 50 or 60 people. i was impressed and although some seemed obvi- on the other hand, having enjoyed and delighted to see such a mix of ous, it did highlight that some of learning as a group for so long, we lay and ordained members. the simplest things can make a wanted to keep meeting up. it felt i think we were all a little diff erence. important to continue wrestling unsure of what to expect from the It was the fi nal slot with with Christian issues, with scrip- day, but in his opening address Malcolm Colmer that had the most ture, and to keep growing in our archdeacon will Strange made it profound eff ect on me. ‘Hope faith together. clear that the day was about the in the new’ was introduced with The answer was to start up a ‘Key element in the diocesan strat- isaiah 43.18-19: making a way in weekly book club. we meet up egy: the training and equipping of the wilderness, not dwelling on for an hour over lunch (bring your focal ministers’. the past and embracing the new own sandwiches; tea and coff ee Malcolm Colmer, an inspira- were the key themes. For me, and provided) and discuss a chapter of tional speaker, spent some time particularly for our churches, this a set book. whoever is to lead the on the concept of ‘team’, under- is a priority. These are exciting week (normally not a cleric) opens pinned by Scripture. he said that times but for some members of our with a few moments of creative ‘the ministry of church belongs congregations they are also quite worship. The preparation for lead- to the whole body of Christ’, and daunting. as Malcolm said, we ing the group is also very simple that we should be ‘defi ned by the must devote our time to learning, and normally involves reading people God sends us and not by the Fellowship, the Breaking of Bread the set chapter a couple of times frequently been deep and thought meetings. This has also opened incumbent or focal minister’. For and Prayer within our churches: and thinking up a few provocative provoking. This is partly because up wider pastoral discussions for a me this was really important – if this will lead to growth. questions to ask and keep us on of the content of the book that we few that have home communion. we are to succeed, we must be for track. are studying. But it is also because you may well be asking: what we promoted the idea in the everyone is enjoying a forum in is the book? we have started with Bro Padarn lMa and llanbadarn which they can ask and explore Paula Gooder’s Heaven. her schol- Fawr deanery and found that it has questions of faith and biblical arly approach and yet readable raised quite a bit of interest from understanding. style are a wonderful combina- the wider church community. it is Some who attend are not tion for this sort of group and it fortunate that the vicarage dining involved in any other Christian enables people of varying abilities table is a good size to accommo- groups. a few who could not get to engage at diff erent levels. date all those who have come. to the lunchtime meetings have The challenge now is going to The challenge has often been to purchased the book anyway and are be fi nding a follow-on book in the contain the discussions that have reading it in parallel with the group new year.

Nurturing growth Building on the well-received, inaugural Leading your Church into Growth (LyCiG) course held in Aberystwyth in 2014, the next one will be a residential course at The Fourcroft Hotel in Tenby, from 6th to 8th March. Dennis Wight encourages clergy and lay leaders to attend yCiG is designed for clergy interspersed with opportunities for land lay leaders from across worship and refl ection. diff erent traditions who are look- How useful is it? ing for help and encouragement in The response from course members Cyfraniadau ar gyfer leading their churches into growth. tends to be overwhelmingly enthu- all leaders on the residential course The course is particularly relevant siastic. Typical comments from should fi nd it valuable in itself but Pobl Dewi for local Ministry areas, whether evaluation forms include: we hope that many will also feel they are already well-established, • i wish i had come years ago – able to lead lyCiG-local courses Y mae croeso i erthyglau oddi wrth ddarllenwyr, ac yn arbennig new and currently taking shape, or this course should be standard back home in the year following the cyfraniadau Cymraeg. planned for some future date. The for all clergy . . . residential. lyCiG-local has a full Dylid anfon erthyglau at y Golygydd: Tessa Briggs course takes the form of an open • i have come home charged and set of resources, including a dVd, [email protected] seminar with interactive talks and ready to go . . . to make delivering this as straight- neu fe ellir postio ffotograffau ynghyd â 50 o eiriau at: practical exercises. Each course is • There were things worth taking forward as possible. it is hoped that led by members of the experienced away from every session . . . this new and powerful combination Pobl Dewi, lyCiG team, who are mainly prac- • i am going back to my parish of a residential and a local course Swyddfa’r Esgobaeth, , Caerfyrddin, SA31 2JG titioners from a mix of anglican refreshed and inspired, with will enable every church to fl ourish wedi’u nodi at sylw ‘Y Golygydd’ traditions. Training sessions are loads of enthusiasm . . . and grow in the future. 8 Pobl Dewi, December 2016

afflicted the Church, openly name the guilt and offer an opportunity to take steps toward reconciliation. Ecumenism and the Ultimately it was Pope Francis’ 2013 Apostolic Exhortation Evan- gelii Gaudium (“The Joy of the Roman Catholic Church Gospel”) which provided the theme for this year, when it used the quote: In May the Anglican-Roman Catholic International Commission “The Love of Christ Compels Us”. (ARCIC) met again in Toronto. Peter Sedgwick, a member of With this scripture (2 Cor 5:14), ARCIC since 2011, is hopeful that a shared, ecumenical vision taken in the context of the entire for the future can be achieved fifth chapter of the second letter to N October 2016, during the Greek word) refers to the congre- the Corinthians, the text announces first week, 35 bishops from the gation meeting in the house of that God has, in Christ, reconciled I Huw Mosford, Ecumenical Officer for St Davids Diocese, believes Anglican Communion and the Prisca and Aquila. In 1 Corinthi- the world to himself. The love of that ecumenical engagement needs some renewed enthusiasm. Roman Catholic Church met, first ans 10:32 Paul uses the same word Christ compels us to be ambassa- What better way of highlighting our ecumenical work with symbolic in Canterbury and then in Rome, to describe the universal church of dors of this reconciliation, which is mutual respect, recognition and, above all, collaboration than by to commit themselves to a strat- God. How do the two, local and enacted by dismantling the walls. taking part in the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity? egy of mission and evangelism. It universal, relate? Clearly there With the fall of the Berlin Wall, is true that we live in a hard time is tension, and Acts 15 describes OLLABORATIVE events versary of the Reformation that the Germany experienced how a seem- for ecumenism, when there is how the early church resolved this: Cemphasise to the world that Council of Churches in Germany ingly insurmountable wall could be little progress on churches unit- Peter gives a theological explora- whenever Christians meet together took up the work of creating the brought down. The fall of this wall ing with one another. There is also tion; Paul and Barnabas describe they are part of one family. resources for 2017. It quickly is a symbol of hope that, with the much talk of schism about various their experiences evangelising the As always, Churches Together in became clear that the materials love of God, nothing is impossible. issues, including of course gender Gentiles; and James makes a deci- Britain and Ireland (CTBI) has would need to have two accents: 500 years ago the Reformation and sexuality. Yet the meetings in sion. Now all of this is similar to provided a framework based on there should be a celebration of changed much in the life of the Toronto, Canterbury and Rome debates in the Church in Wales on an international theme (this year God’s love and grace, the “justifi- Church. As scripture shows, it is also show the opposite reality. Pope evangelism, baptism, sexuality or originating in Germany) entitled cation of humanity through grace important not to be limited by what Francis and Archbishop Justin take gender. Why ARCIC is discuss- Crossing Barriers. The material alone”, reflecting the main concern happened in the past, but rather to a keen interest in these talks. ing it is to see if the Anglican can be easily adapted and comes of the churches marked by Martin allow the Holy Spirit to open us The Toronto talks were about Communion and the Roman Cath- with many other suggestions for Luther’s Reformation; the materi- to a new future in which division synodical government. In what olic Church can agree on what this activities during the week 18th to als should also recognise the pain is overcome and God’s people are way should the laity, clergy and sort of synodical discussion means 25th January – the octave of St of the subsequent divisions which made whole. bishops of a church meet together? in practice. Pope Francis is very Peter and Paul. This is partly about how the Spirit keen on this, and wants to get away The material can be down- An ecumenical service for the Week of Prayer for can inspire such a gathering. It is from the idea that what the Pope loaded free of charge at https:// Christian Unity will be broadcast from Holy Trinity Church, also how a local (meaning diocese, says is the way to end arguments ctbi.org.uk/week-of-prayer-for- Aberystwyth, on BBC Radio Wales. ‘Celebration’ will air such as St Davids), regional (mean- next year ARCIC will issue a christian-unity-2017, where you on 22nd January at 7.30am, repeated at 6.30pm, and be ing a province, in this case the joint statement. Meanwhile Arch- will find a bilingual version. available on iPlayer for 30 days thereafter Church in Wales) and the universal bishop Justin is in Rome as I write it was in the context of the anni- (meaning the worldwide Anglican sharing strategies for mission and Communion) can relate together. evangelism with Pope Francis. Similar structures exist in the Ecumenism is not entirely irrele- Roman Catholic Church across the vant, after all . . . MAE Cymru AGM world. In Romans 16.5 ekklesia (a

At the AGM of Merched a’r Eglwys (MAE Cymru) held in Newtown on 5th November, the trustees were delighted to have the opportunity to congratulate Canon Joanna Penberthy, Bishop-Elect for St Davids. Joanna is pictured sitting next to Revd Canon Enid Morgan, chairman of MAE Cymru Above: Group with hosts, the Anglican nuns of St John’s Convent Below: Group dialogue with Archbishop Sir David Moxon, Anglican Co-Chair of ARCIC and Director of the Anglican Plant Dewi award Centre in Rome

Plant Dewi was presented with an award by the High Sheriff of , Dr Medwyn Hughes, on 19th October, in recognition of the diocesan charity’s “professional service, care and committed support offered to members of the community” Pobl Dewi, December 2016 9

debates and discussions. The young people were Young people with enthused about the possibilities and decided the youth forum should be for: very definite ideas • Representation – not only on a diocesan level but they want During Diocesan Conference on 1st October, 12 young people to be represented in their own met to form the first ever Diocesan Youth Forum. Discussions churches, LMA forums and were fruitful and encouraging, reports Clare Williams PCCs ATHERED from across the and enjoying time together. They • Decision making – to be part Gdiocese representing parishes, also discussed their interests and of how the church runs and at LMAs, deaneries and archdeacon- ideas as young Christians. the forefront of their minds in ries, a spread of ages and interests, This is part of a wider initiative October was the election of a Rachel, Lowri, Trystan, Bethan, for a Provincial Youth Forum repre- new bishop Sophie, Hannah, Tom, Chloe, senting the Church in Wales. Two • Getting to know other young Jasmin, Josh, Louisa and Poppy young people from our forum will people and be part of putting came together to be the voice be chosen to represent the diocese on activities for youth across of young people in the diocese. in Cardiff during April 2017 when the diocese During the main business of the Provincial Forum will meet for • Working with children – conference the young people spent the first time, give a presentation to they wanted to visit primary time getting to know each other Governing Body and take part in schools and be part of build- ing up numbers of children in churches This is what they hope to achieve: • To see more children in church • Fundraising – to support more youth activities • Change older people’s ideas about young people • Get to know the new bishop • Trips and activities • Help lead worship at Diocesan Conference 2017 • Able to relate to the real world with wisdom and experience They would like the new bishop • Willing to go and visit churches • Able to deal with different to be: and meet people situations • Dynamic • Young in attitude we look forward to hearing • Able to make a BIG impact • Able to relate to young people more from our Youth Forum and • Friendly and approachable • ‘Everyone’s Bishop’ finding outmore about what sort of • Aged 24-50 • A quick decision maker – but Church they hope to see.

one. Suddenly a girl asked me if I was Santa’s dad! I was repeating Messy beginning Never say never this story to the head teacher when Alan Kent is pleasantly surprised to find he enjoys working I learned that she had told the chil- with children dren to look at me very closely and try to think who I reminded them AM aware of my spiritual gifts. The following week I agreed of. Suddenly it all made sense; it I I am also very aware of what my to meet some of the children at also occurred to me that perhaps I gifts are not, and one of them is the church to teach them about could work with children. working with children, no way, no baptism and we duly baptised Stef- we recently had our annual place, never. fan ‘Squarepants’, (Squarepants, Harvest Service in St Tydfil’s Don’t get me wrong, I have noth- played wonderfully by a toy doll, Church, Llechryd, which virtually ing against children’s work; I just being my idea) which broke the ice the whole school attended; they believe that there are specially and made us all feel relaxed. After sang, read the lessons and did the gifted people who can do this the service we retired to school for prayers. It was a wonderful service, work far better than me, so I let champagne (lemonade) and cake and, who knows, perhaps one day them get on with it! That probably where I was once again surprised I might discover that I do have a explains whilst on ordinand train- at how some of the children were new gift. But please keep that to ing I was sent on a placement with still looking at me very closely, as yourselves. Plant Dewi to work with families if looking for something, or some- and children; aren’t our trainers thoughtful? Messy Church held its first session on home ground in Dafen however, several months later Church Hall on 9th October (the previous sessions having been imagine my surprise when I was held in local primary schools). Michelle Lloyd and her volunteers asked to be the Focal Minister for from the benefice were pleased with the turnout and a good time three parishes in the Maenordeifi was had by all Group; it was a wonderful oppor- tunity, until I realised that there is a primary school in the group. The head teacher is a church THE CHURCHWARDEN’S YEARBOOK 2017 warden so when she asked me to used by over 5,500 churchwardens (and clergy) pop into school to take assembly, I in England and Wales, is now available. replied ‘Yes, of course’. On arrival Price: £13.95; Special price: £12.95 (inc p&p) when I found the children sitting down ordered directly, either by post or by phone, from waiting for me. As I told a story I noticed that they sat very still, Churchwarden Publications without taking their eyes off me the PO Box 420, Warminster BA12 9XB whole time – very strange, and they Tel: 01985 840189; [email protected] continued to study me closely as if I were a chocolate cake. 10 Pobl Dewi, December 2016 PCC key to safeguarding The PCC has a key role to play in ensuring that the Church in Wales (CiW) Safeguarding Policy is followed in our parishes and ministry areas. Lynn Rees, Safeguarding Support Officer, outlines the responsibilities placed on PCC members under Section 1 of the policy ACH PCC must adopt the CiW providing the PCC with advice and policy is also required with regard ESafeguarding Policy. This assistance on safe recruitment and to any concerns or allegations should be formally recorded in practice and to ensure the PCC brought to the attention of the PCC, the minutes, then the accompany- adheres to the Church in Wales’s which should not be investigated ing Safeguarding Policy statement safeguarding policy as directed by by the Safeguarding Co-ordina- signed and displayed in each the Province.” tor. Records must be maintained church and church premises. The Ensuring that safe recruitment in accordance with the Data PCC must ensure that worship and procedures are followed for all Protection Act, and notified to the activities comply with the policy paid and volunteer workers extends provincial safeguarding officers. and recommended procedures. beyond the completion of disclo- implementing these require- The PCC must also appoint a sure and barring (DBS) checks. ments is ongoing. However, each you are not alone. The Parish “Safe Church awareness” course, parish or ministry area Safeguard- The PCC is also responsible for parish should have a Parish Safe- Safeguarding Co-ordinator has a lasting approximately 2 hours, is ing Co-ordinator – this may be ensuring that there are clearly iden- guarding Co-ordinator in post, who key role to play in supporting the available. for a specific church, or it may be tified roles and responsibilities has completed a DBS check and PCC and I am also available to Please contact me if your PCC appropriate to identify a co-ordina- with approved job descriptions; Safe Church training. The PCC provide advice and assistance. would like this training: tor who is responsible for a number references and DBS checks are should be cognisant of the wider in addition to the “Safe Tel: 07881 016188 of churches in a group. The safe- obtained; appropriate training is safe recruitment criteria and safe- Church” training currently being [email protected] guarding policy clarifies the role of provided and a probationary period guarding must be included as an delivered to Parish Safeguarding the Parish Safeguarding Co-ordi- undertaken. agenda item at each PCC meeting Co-ordinators and children and nator, who is “responsible for Compliance with the CiW – there is plenty to discuss! youth workers, an abbreviated

Dydd Agored a Chymanfa Fodern i Ddathlu 150 mlwyddiant Ysgol Penboyr Belonging and the ynhaliwyd Dydd Cagored i’r gymuned gyfan ddydd Sadwrn, 24 Medi i ddathlu need to change 150 mlwyddiant Ysgol Penboyr a daeth tyrfa fawr ynghyd i Having visited many Mothers’ Union (MU) 140th anniversary gefnogi’r ysgol. Dechreuodd y celebrations during the year, Glenys Payne feels greatly blessed prynhawn wrth i’r disgyblion to have had the opportunity to meet and talk to so many people ganu a thorrwyd y gacen gan HAVE heard many stories from knowing that we are being regu- Mrs Wendy Thomas a Dr Carol members who feel privileged to larly supported in prayer, not only James, pennaeth presennol yr I have belonged to our wonderful through the worldwide ‘Wave of ysgol. Diolch i Mrs Stella Jones, MU for many years. In a rapidly Prayer’ but also locally through the cyn athrawes a llywodraethwraig changing world, the plight of fami- diocesan prayer chain. am wneud y gacen ardderchog lies has never been more acute, not nevertheless, physical activity ac i Mr Richard Jones am gasglu only world-wide but, sadly, also in is very important and with current hen luniau a’n helpu gyda’r our own diocese, and our work has MU members being less active and arddangosfa. Hefyd, diolch i’r never been so badly needed. able to serve there has to be a need Frigâd Dân am ddod i’r iard Unfortunately, many members for change. One possible avenue of er mwyn i’r disgyblion a’u are no longer able to serve as they change could be asking others to teuluoedd gael cyfle i wisgo’r used to, but take great pride in still carry out our work on a needs must dillad ac eistedd yn yr injan dân. belonging. ‘Belonging’ – such a basis without burdening them with Parhawyd â’r dathlu a’r cyfeilyddion oedd Mrs Wendy o 1989 i 2006. Roedd côr yr ysgol simple word for a huge concept. regular meetings or commitment. drannoeth pan gynhaliwyd Organ, Mrs Rhian Williams a a’r staff hefyd wedi canu eitemau. A sense of belonging is a human an example of this is the pilot Cymanfa fodern yn Eglwys Sant Mr a Mrs Harwood (rhieni) a Cafwyd noson o fawl arbennig i need, just like the need for food and scheme set up a year ago in the Llawddog, Penboyr ar y nos Sul. Mr Deiniol Organ ar y drymiau. ddiolch am gan mlynedd a hanner shelter. Our Lord encourages us to Parish of Dafen and Felinfoel with Arweinyddes y noson oedd Dr Cadeiriwyd y noson gan Mrs o addysg yn Ysgol Penboyr. reach out to others, to welcome the introduction of a new group Carol James, Pennaeth yr ysgol Wendy Thomas, pennaeth yr ysgol the stranger, love the oppressed called EMUs – Evening MU – (see and comfort the lonely. We are all Pobl Dewi, June 2016). The flex- called to a service of faith and love ibility and the ability to serve in a in action. less structured way has been the Being ‘active’ doesn’t neces- key to the success of this group. sarily mean being physically Please prayerfully support this Follow Pobl Dewi on active; spiritual activity is also so venture in the hope that it will www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk very important. Prayer is central spread throughout the diocese and to our work in the MU and each enable our wonderful organisation day, at midday, members pause to continue for another 140 years. to pray. We take great comfort in

www.facebook.com/pobldewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi Copy deadline for March is 6th February Pobl Dewi, December 2016 11 Workshop worship

When St Elidyr’s Church in East Williamston (Pembrokeshire) needed to close for refurbishment in May, its small congregation was resigned to meeting in the village hall for Sunday services. However, when one of the congregation happens to be the local wood carver, it seems more options are available, says Caroline Mansell ERRy and Jill Thomas have Ka workshop-come-studio in the adjacent village where they welcome coaches of visitors who WHAT’S ON AT come to watch Kerry and his son david create and carve unique love spoons. They generously opened ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL . . . up their doors and welcomed East williamston parish to worship Saturday 10th December 7:30pm Dyfed Choir Concert there on Sunday mornings. worshipping in an environment Sunday 11th December 6:00pm Choral Vespers including Britten’s Ceremony of Carols other than a church building can take Monday 12th December 7:00pm Cathedral Singers Carol Service, Abergwili some getting used to and adjust- Saturday 17th December 7:30pm Organ recital by Simon Pearce ments had to be made. There was obviously no pulpit nor lectern, so Thursday 22nd December 7:00pm Nine Lessons and Carols sermons and readings were off ered Saturday 24th December 11:00pm First Eucharist of Christmas ‘from the fl oor’. There was no altar 2017 but, instead, holy Communion was received while standing together in Monday 2nd January 2:15pm John S Davies Singers New year’s Day Concert a semi-circle around the wood carv- Saturday 7th January 11:00am Service to celebrate 20 years of women’s ordination er’s large wooden workbench. The Sunday 8th January 6:00pm Epiphany Carol Service shape of worship was quite diff er- ent here. Sunday 5th February 6:00pm Candlemas Vesper and Procession Moveable furniture was liber- Sunday 26th February 6:00pm Stations of St David ating, it allowed for a service of Tuesday 28th February 7:00pm Choral Eucharist and imposition of ashes Celtic evening prayer to be held in Wednesday 1st March 10:00am Schools’ service the round, which was a new expe- 11:15am Pilgrimage walk from St Non’s Well rience for many. The worship then and blessing of the City on Cross Square had a central focus, where symbols were placed – a driftwood cross 12:30pm Prayers at the Shrine of St David made by the Caldey monks, a dove 6:00pm Choral Eucharist for the Feast of St David carved by Kerry, a tree branch and pebbles from the local beach – allowing meditation upon the Celtic connections with nature and For further information about the above services and events creation. The service was a special please contact the Deanery Offi ce on 01437 720202 one, where worship drifted into worshipping at the wood- or email [email protected] that ‘thin’ place where heaven and carver’s workshop has given the See our website www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk earth meet, that liminal space so congregation much to refl ect on as Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter revered by the Celts. they move back into their church when harvest came, Kerry building next month: that worship showed the congregation one of can be liberated by movement, his special love spoons in the shape change of position and shape; of two outstretched hands, carved worship is creative and prayerful when Ethiopia was crying out in when symbols are used; and that its hunger in the early 1980s. The church buildings are not the only harvest focus that day became the place where God can be encoun- Forthcoming Events at Tŷ’r Pererin prayer tree on which was hung tered and worshipped. Family days prayers of thanksgivings and prayers of pain for those who still For more love spoon 22nd, 23rd, & 27th-30th December cry out at harvest time with hands information see Follow the Star: A nativity treasure hunt outstretched. www.l ovespoons.org.uk 18th-26th February 2017 Cathedral Adventure Pack: Dress up in a monk’s habit; wear a pilgrim’s shell; play cathedral i-Spy; draw and write in the handmade book Friday 24th February Cyfeiliant Emynau Cymraeg Find the Little Things: A day of fun in and around the cathedral. Pick up a leafl et from and begin a traditional treasure hunt aRaTOwyd set o PGrynoddisgiau o gyfeiliant i Retreat days: 10am-4pm emynau Cymraeg i’w defnyddio Saturday 21st January mewn eglwysi heb organydd. Fearfully & Wonderfully Made: knowing God, knowing ourselves and knowing others Mae’r ddwy ddisg yn cynnwys led by Revd Pat Rogers 25 o emynau gorau ac mwyaf Saturday 4th March poblogaidd Cymraeg i gyfeiliant Introduction to Meditation in the Christian Tradition organ, gydag alawon at ddant led by Revd Don & Mrs Jayne MacGregor defnyddwyr mewn unrhyw iaith. does dim lleisiau ar y recordiadau More information & to book a place: hyn, dim ond cyfeiliant organ. Tel: 01437 729151 e-mail: [email protected]; www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk Ceir manylion llawn ar http://www.hymncds.com/wel sh.html 12 Pobl Dewi, December 2016

spent some time imprisoned in Chepstow Castle in 1655 but was Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667) back in London in the later 1650’s. He moved to Ireland in 1658 and and Golden Grove was nominated as Bishop of Down and Connor by the restored Charles Next year marks the 350th anniversary of the death of Bishop II in 1660. 1660 also saw the publi- Jeremy Taylor, one of the leading religious figures of the cation of Ductor Dubitantium or seventeenth century, who did much of his most significant The Rule of Conscience, the book writing while sheltering with the Vaughan family at Golden Grove which Taylor saw as his main in Carmarthenshire in the years after the Civil War. Bill Hines achievement, though later genera- summarises Taylor’s life and works tions have regarded his Golden Grove writings as more valuable. AYLOR came from a fairly Earl of Carbery, becoming chap- Holy Living served as a manual Thumble background but was lain to the family at their Golden for Anglicans seeking a virtuous educated at Cambridge University Grove estate near . life in difficult times, and reflec- and became chaplain to Archbishop it was here over the next tions such as – “God has appointed Laud. During the Civil War he decade or so that Taylor produced one remedy for all the evils of served as a chaplain to the Royal- many of his great devotional writ- the world and that is a contented ist forces and frequently preached ings, including The Rules and spirit”, or “there is some virtue or before the King at Oxford. In early Exercises of Holy Living (1650) other to be exercised, whatever 1645 he was captured by the Parlia- and Holy Dying (1651), which happens”, will provide consolation mentarians outside Cardigan Castle remained influential for two centu- and inspiration today. but was freed within a few months. ries or more. Other works from Relatively few relics of Taylor at weekends, and there are splendid first half of 2017 there will be He became a teacher at Newton this period included the devotional remain in the area today. The portraits of Richard Vaughan and a display of material relating to Hall in Carmarthenshire and came manual Golden Grove (1654) and grounds at Golden Grove are under his wife in the Carmarthenshire Jeremy Taylor in the Hugh Owen to the notice of Richard Vaughan, Unum Necessarium (1655). Taylor restoration and open to the public Museum at Abergwili. During the Library at Aberystwyth University.

the advent of the Methodist revival Christ. In his death, the Reformers Celebrating in the 18th century that Wales argued, Christ paid the penalty for became a thoroughly Protestant our sin, once and for all, and not nation. to be repeatedly re-enacted in the the Reformation how should we remember or Mass; Christ alone’, sola Christus, celebrate the Reformation? I’d like was at the heart of everything. 2017 marks the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, to suggest three theological truths Third, the early Protestants or, more particularly, of Martin Luther’s nailing 95 Theses to the we should be thankful that Luther placed the Bible into the hands of door of the Castle Church at Wittenberg on 31 October 1517. It rediscovered. everyone – imagine the shock of was an event that was to have ramifications across Europe and Calvin once said to a Catholic turning up in church one Sunday beyond for centuries to come, writes David Ceri Jones opponent that the essence of the morning and hearing the words difference between them was the of Jesus in one’s own language HE occasion of Luther’s When Luther was finally doctrine of justification by faith – for the first time! Sola Scriptura, Tprotest was the selling of Indul- excommunicated from the Catho- sola fide, or ‘faith alone’, as they ‘Scripture alone’, was the means gences – slips of paper by which a lic Church in 1521, the division often called it. This was Luther’s by which faith was kindled, and the person could buy time off Purga- that opened between Protestants Commons © Wickimedia great discovery in 1516, that we sole authority in all matters of faith tory for oneself or one’s departed and Catholics tore Western Chris- are accepted by God through and practice. relatives. So outraged was Luther tendom apart. As Anglicans, we are missionary activities of William grace accessed by faith in Christ, do these watch-words still by this trade in salvation, that his a Protestant and Reformed church Barlow in St Davids Diocese, and not through works or any merit in shape our understanding of the initial, local protest quickly broad- – that is, a church that has its roots the translation of the Bible into ourselves. gospel? If not, perhaps the time for ened into a full-blown challenge to in the Reformation. Although it Welsh by William Morgan by we should also be thankful for another Reformation is at hand. the Roman Catholic understanding was something of a slow burner 1588, laid strong Protestant foun- the Protestant stress on the suffi- of salvation. in Wales, the ground-breaking dations. However, it was not until cient and substitutionary work of

Archesgob Caergaint yn 1613. ‘Yr Hen Ficer’ (Ficer Prichard) O ganlyniad roedd yn dal bywoliaeth Llandingad a . Revd Rhys Prichard (1579-1644), the author of ‘Cannwyll y Gwenllïan oedd gwraig y Ficer Cymry’, was born in and lived much of his life in the a Samuel oedd eu hunig fab. Bu’r area. Raymund Thomas considers the man and his works flwyddyn 1643 yn un drist i’r teulu am i’w mab gael ei lofruddio gan Dwed y bydd y dydd diwedda’ Cafodd ei addysg Lladin a Francis o deulu Lloyd o Maes-y- Lai o gosb i dre Gomorra Groeg yn ‘Ysgol Ieithadurol felin ger Llanbedr Pont Steffan. Nag a fydd i dre Llan’ddyfri Aberhonddu’, a graddiodd o Roedd Francis mewn perthynas Ac i Lanfair a Llanedi Goleg Iesu Rhydychen yn 1602. odinebus gyda Bridget merch Roedd ei swydd gyntaf yn Oakley Leigh un o gyndeidiau ANWYD y Parchedig Rhys Witham, Essex cyn dychwelyd i Edmund Leigh, curad Llanedi o GPrichard yn Llanymddyfri yn fywoliaeth Llandingad ac eglwys 1762 i 1812. Mae’n debyg fod 1579. Does dim llawer o’i hanes Llanfair-ar-y-bryn. Gwrthododd y Ficer wedi melltithio teulu’r cynnar ar gael heblaw bod ei dad y Ficer fyw yn y ficerdy ac aeth Lloyd a’u cartref yn Maes-y-felin. yn berchen ar eiddo yn yr ardal. i fyw yn yr Hen Neuadd yn y Bu farw’r Ficer yn 1644 yn ôl yr hanes pan yn ei Stryd Fawr yn Llanymddyfri a mae’n debyg fod lleoliad ei arddegau cafodd dröedigaeth i mewn tŷ o’i eiddo ei hun. fedd yn Llandingad yn ddirgel fod yn ddilynwr ffyddlon i Grist. Un o blwyfolion mwyaf oherwydd bod milwyr Cromwell Mae’n debyg bod ganddo fwch nodedig y Ficer oedd Syr George wedi ymgartrefi ym mynwent St Edith’s Church, Llanedi, c 2007 gafr oedd yn ei ganlyn i bob man, Deveraux a oedd yn byw yn yr eglwys yn ystod gwrthryfel a rhyw dro cafodd sesiwn yfed Llwyn-y-brain. Roedd yn ewythr Deveraux â Joan merch Syr daeth y Ficer i adnabod gartref y cyfnod hwnnw. gyda’r afr nes i’r anifail feddwi. i Iarll Essex, ac roedd hwn John Price o Aberhonddu ac ar â’r Iarll ac fe’i penodwyd yn Roedd y Ficer yn enwog Ar ôl y digwyddiad fe sobrodd; ni mewn perthynas â’r Frenhines ôl ei farwolaeth yntau priododd gaplan iddo. Galluogodd hyn fel awdur Cannwyll y Cymry a fynychodd yr un dafarn eto yng Elizabeth I. Pan dorrwyd pen yr hithau â Thomas Jones o’r iddo dderbyn Rheithoriaeth argraffwyd gyntaf gan y Parchedig nghwmni’r afr a ni chymerodd Iarll yn 1601 daeth Syr George yn Fountain Gate ger Tregaron, Llanedi a gyflwynwyd iddo gan Stephen Hughes yn 1659. yr un diferyn o ddiod feddwol. warcheidwad i’w fab. Priododd sef yr enwog Twm Siôn Cati. y Brenin Iago drwy ganiatâd Pobl Dewi, December 2016 13 Identifying priorities Representatives from Anglican churches and agencies across the Middle East gathered in Larnaca, Cyprus, last month, for the first Anglican Alliance consultation in a region which has very particular needs, as Archdeacon John Holdsworth reports

HE Alliance is a Communion- Building and Human Trafficking been providing microloans and Twide network that coordinates and Modern Day Slavery. It heard vocational training, and support- and encourages churches, as they how trafficking routes have been ing girls’ education to enable them seek to fulfil their discipleship set up, and how the trafficking of to become financially independ- in terms of social outreach. This body parts is becoming a particular ent. Stories from the Mothers’ consultation brought together concern. Union also spoke of the power of people from the Province of Jerusa- across the region Angli- savings groups to drive economic lem and the Middle East, including can churches have been working empowerment, building commu- countries in north Africa and the to address barriers to economic nity resilience as well as individual Levant as well as Cyprus, who are empowerment and provide oppor- freedom. Conversations identi- dealing on a daily basis with the tunities for the most vulnerable. fied the unique role of the Church results of violence and poverty, The group heard from represent- in connecting people and organi- the local Anglican Church of St concerns of the Alliance in terms seeking how to fashion a Chris- atives in Jordan who had been sations to work together, whilst Helena and enjoyed Cypriot hospi- of Development, Relief and Advo- tian contribution that might make a involved in education and skills making sure the voices of the tality at a local village taverna. cacy all find focus in the region and difference to the lives of ordinary training to enable deaf students to marginalised were heard. The Alliance, which already province. The gathering demon- people. enter the workforce; from Cyprus The group had some opportunity has offices in south America and strated the incredible diversity of The delegates identified four on the Church’s work in helping to visit local places of interest, includ- Asia is hoping to establish a more the province with its many nations priorities: Economic Empower- migrant workers access service ing St Lazarus Church, founded permanent presence in the Middle and several languages, and its ment, Migrants and Refugees, industry training; and from Egypt by the saint himself, according to East, recognising it as an area particular interfaith and ecumeni- Inter-religious Living and Peace- who, through EpiscoCare, had legend. They attended a service at of significant need. The wider cal challenges and opportunities.

Sacred Journey: Re-entering the land

With almost no experience of the Anglican Communion outside the Church in Wales it was with some trepidation that Sulin Milne set off on the journey from her parish, St Peter’s in Carmarthen, to a work placement with St John the Divine in Courtenay on Vancouver Island, Canada. She reflects on the time she and her children spent in the Diocese of British Columbia

LTHOUGH 4,700 miles people when we were invited by a Aapart, the two churches have First Nations family to the ‘Young much in common – in worship, in Eagles’ Christian Youth Camp. church life, and in the problems There we experienced a powerful they face. The vicar of St John’s, combination of traditional music Revd Anthony Divinigracia, with- and singing along with some spirit- out the benefit of ‘Leading Your filled contemporary worship. The Church into Growth’ training that young people welcomed us so we have in our diocese, has instinc- warmly that my teenage son didn’t tively put the principles of that want to leave! programme into practice and the although his walk is complete, church is growing. the Bishop acknowledges the St John’s daughter church, St his wife have adopted First Nations process of reconciliation with the Andrew’s, has a particular interest children into their family. First Nations is only just beginning. Help us rebuild for me as I am a Pioneer Minis- My children and I experienced The Sacred Journey continues. ter here at home. It is an original ministry amongst indigenous Roger Dirokpa, Chairman of the Link Committee in the Diocese pioneer church, established by the of Bukavu, gives a few details of items which would be of great early settlers some 140 years ago. help to our friends in Bukavu Unfortunately, this early settlement HE Diocese of Bukavu is houses, sexual violence based on by Europeans was often to the detri- located in the eastern part of gender and illiteracy with adverse ment of the indigenous population. T DR Congo in South Kivu Prov- consequences on the health and The First Nations people of ince, which is one of 26 provinces food security of the population. All the area have suffered atrocities of the country. Since 1994, the this has affected the population of and persecution at the hands of the Province of South Kivu has South Kivu in general, and espe- incomers since those early days and faced several disasters including cially the Christians of the Diocese even now fall victim to prejudice. tribal and ethnic conflicts, insur- of Bukavu, scattered throughout Over the past few decades more gency of local and foreign armed the province. So, your assistance than 500 indigenous women have groups, natural disasters (such as in sending gardening tools, build- gone missing, believed murdered, earthquakes and floods) which all ing tools, clothing, bed linen and with some estimates being double upset the socio-economic status other useful items will be of great that figure. Bishop Logan McMe- of the population. This situation importance to relieve the deprived namie is actively engaging in a has caused the displacement of Christians of Bukavu Diocese. process of healing and reconcilia- people, destruction of fields and tion between the Anglican Church and the indigenous people. during Lent of this year the Bishop and his dog, Morag, walked Am ragor o erthyglau, nad oedd hi’n bosib the length of the island, some 290 eu cynnwys yn y rhifyn hwn, ynghyd â miles, as a penitential sacred journey, undertaken as an act of chyfieithiad o rai ohonynt, ewch i dudalen personal repentance and on behalf of all Anglicans in the diocese. He PD Extra ar ein gwefan: has also taken this reconciliation www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ seriously in his home life as he and 14 Pobl Dewi, December 2016

In my view . . . claiming to be Christians would be against ‘peace and welcome.’ There are other important issues for Christians that were at This is democracy stake in the Brexit vote. Adrian Hilton suggested for Christians It was striking to read Archdeacon John Holdsworth’s article, in Politics that, ‘The question ‘Against the grain’ (Pobl Dewi, September 2016), reflecting of leaving or remaining can’t be on the impact of the Brexit vote in Cyprus. However, there is reduced to any single issue. But a Christian case for Brexit, suggests Joel Barder in response . . . it is about liberty, democracy, transparency, accountability, and Y Jewish family were divided. Surely all would agree the right to sack those [who] rule Mimmigrants to the UK, with Holdsworth’s comment that over me.’ (http://www.christiansin- where they soon integrated in we ‘understand the importance of politics.org.uk/eufocus/eu-latest/ the mid-19th Century, having peace and welcome.’ However, thedemocratic-imperative-a-chris- fled Krakow, Poland, less than voting “Brexit” need not mean a tian-case-for-brexit/). Peace and 80 years before the rise of Adolf lack of understanding of the signif- reconciliation, perhaps at the heart Hitler (under whom nearly all icance of these issues. of the EU’s formation, are Chris- Polish Jews were murdered). Polls are by no means “gospel,” tian virtues, but those mentioned © Furfur, EU Single Market, wikimedia.org This is almost certainly the but of the nearly 12,400 people by Hilton also have significance There is no Christian monopoly on as even the commander of reason I am here today – God’s questioned by Lord Ashcroft after for Christians; and the EU has “Bremain” or “Brexit.” We now the Army of the Lord did not gracious keeping of the Barder the referendum, 58% of those changed. need to assist the nation, in its often take sides in Joshua 5, I suspect family. Immigration is often describing themselves as Christians it was important to respond to wonderful diversity, to heal. This it would be wrong to say Jesus wonderful. voted to leave the European Union. John Holdsworth, not to dimin- means seeing the good reasons on was pro-Brexit or pro-Bremain. individuals in all nations If this is accurate nationwide, and ish his words or wisdom, and for both sides, praying for, and loving, God’s people are found here will respond differently to we cannot know for sure, it seems whose ministry we give thanks, but each other, helping bring good out on both sides. That is good Brexit and Christian opinion is unlikely that the majority of those to give the Christian case for Brexit. of the ongoing negotiations. democracy.

We now live in a different age. In addition to perceived needs The search for truth for organisational change and a We should embrace inter-faith dialogue as a means to greater response to advances in commu- understanding, says Derek Davies nication technology the Church will surely be called upon to adopt HEN reference is made to of the “truth” of competing faith a rather more open perspective on Winter-faith matters then hope- claims. truth claims than some, at least, fully the idea of dialogue follows. With different subject matter, of its secondary literature has, to Dialogue, true dialogue rather than internal dialogue of this nature date, indicated. merely assertion and counterclaim, within the Church is not new, of So, although we may recall Edna leads to the possibility of greater course. The contributions of the St Vincent Millay’s “Euclid alone mutual understanding and recogni- natural sciences from such individ- has looked on Beauty bare”, and tion of our common humanity. The uals as Copernicus and Darwin were tile patterns from the Islamic ever-growing evidence of dialogue challenges to orthodoxy in their world remind us of Thoreau with between faiths can only be for “The day and new interpretations of the his “the most distinct and beauti- Good” but there is another conver- data of the physical world continue ful statement of any truth must take sation which still appears to be to inform us. The results of biblical at last the mathematical form”, I rather in its infancy – an internal textual criticism continue to consti- find myself in agreement with dialogue within the Church which tute a challenge for many but the Andrew Shanks when he observes similar theme is to be found in is my hope that the great treasure might have as its focus the ques- findings may not be ignored. Social that “The western philosophical other contemporary authors such which is our Anglican Church will tion which greater interfaith literacy attitudes have changed markedly tradition and mainstream Chris- as Michael Martin who invites his find within herself the resources to will inevitably pose, because the within a generation. tian theology have a common readers to re-imagine theology, take some of these ideas into the welcome dialogue of the first sort all this said, these are chal- flaw: both have failed consistently philosophy and poetics through the area of inter-faith dialogue. seeks a response to the question lenges within a faith boundary. to appreciate poetic truth”. A lens of Sophia – Divine Wisdom. It

Andy Herrick walks The Somme Photos © Ed Smith Photography

Prayer at Lochnagar Crater (pictured left) at the start of our 68- mile walk in three days across the battlefields of The Somme. Physically challenging and emotionally draining, but in every way exhilarating. £3,000 raised personally to add to the £185,000 total by the whole group of 100 walkers for ABF The Soldiers Charity Pobl Dewi, December 2016 15 Changing lives Spiders steal the show October’s Diocesan Conference featured a presentation on the Cursillo movement. Richard Iwanek is inspired On 17th September, Llandyfan Church, near , held its first open day under the Cadw Open Doors initiative. The response was amazingly encouraging, says Chris Gray EVD David Payne, the let herself in for. Kath then went RCursillo Spiritual Director, on to describe, in vivid terms, the S it was our first time, our opened the presentation and then transformation that took her from Aexpectations were low. We handed over to Hazel Burn the reluctant pilgrim to passionate expected to spend most of the day current Lay Director. The move- convert, whose ministry has been wondering why we had spent so ment, Hazel explained, started in enriched by membership. Her feel- much time cleaning and decorating Spain during WW2, spread rapidly ing of being loved as never before the church and making refresh- and has now become international came across loud and clear; she ments and cakes available should involving many thousands of also described times when the anyone decide to visit. To our Anglicans worldwide. power of the Holy Spirit was so surprise and delight the visitors Kath Nicholas, a Worship strong that it almost felt physical. started arriving shortly after we Leader and Eucharistic Assistant Revd Alun Evans from opened at 10am and continued at a from , then gave her testi- Haverfordwest then spoke enthusi- regular rate until we closed at 4pm. mony. Speaking without notes, her astically about the ‘Cursillo effect’ We had over 80 visitors during the amusing and enthusiastic descrip- changing lives, describing how he day and most stayed for at least an tion of her first Cursillo weekend was firmly nudged to follow his hour and many stayed longer. moved many hearts. Kath started calling. One member of our congre- from the beginning and, to empha- a Cursillo weekend can have gation, Anne Saunders, had put sise this, she removed her Cursillo a huge impact on those who come together two boards with photos of cross (a symbol of membership) along, be they lay or ordained. Full the various weddings and baptisms and started at the point when she details of forthcoming events can be that had taken place over the years, was preparing for the course and found at: http://stdavids.churchin- together with photos of the congre- ness and scorbutic humours were a few who, once they saw wondering what on earth she had wales.org.uk/cursillo-st-davids/ gation going back many years. This (whatever they are!). The spring that their heads would be near the proved to be of great interest, not is housed in a chamber alongside spiders on the roof, decided to send only to examine the change in fash- the pool but has never been open their children in to look while they ion that has taken place over 60 to the public and, in fact, hasn’t waited outside. years, but also to see people now been open for many years. We it was a very successful day. long gone but fondly remembered. thought we would open it to create We had a number of visitors who however, the stars of the day something of interest. Inside the wouldn’t normally come to church; were the spiders. We have an chamber were many large spiders, we had the opportunity of showing external baptismal pool, fed by an with their nests hanging from the them what a pretty church it is and underground spring. The pool itself low ceiling. The spiders would what a friendly congregation we has been a place of pilgrimage for cling around these nests to protect are; we had over £200 in donations, hundreds of years as the water is them whenever we went inside. and we hope that some of our visi- said to have healing properties Most visitors weren’t afraid of the tors may decide to come and see us which are particularly effective in spiders and were happy to look at on a Sunday in future. curing paralytic afflictions, numb- them, up close. However, there Harvest and history St Lleian’s Church, , extended a warm welcome to nearly 100 adults and children on Sunday 16th October. In addition to its Harvest Festival, the church was also celebrating the 150th David Payne Anniversary of the National School which was dedicated by the Bishop of St Davids on 13 September 1866. Everyone enjoyed themselves, says Winsey Taylor EVD Victoria Jones high- Davids consecrated the building on Gorslas Community Council, Cllr Rlighted the events of 7 January 18 April 1879. Wyn Edwards and Mrs Edwards. 1867 when 31 children were admit- Guests of honour at the service The children of Gorslas Primary ted to the National School for the were the Chairman of Carmarthen- School performed delightfully and first time. The architect and builder shire County Council, Cllr Eryl were lively in response to Victo- was Thomas Jenkins, Llandeilo Morgan, with his consort Mrs ria’s questions about harvest. (1813-1871) who was noted for Morgan, and the Chairman of the planning and construction of Llandeilo Bridge, the largest single span bridge in Wales at that time. The last entry in the National School log book was 23 December 1876. In (holiday) business The first recognition we have of St Lleian’s Church in parish records is when the Ecclesiasti- cal Commissioners endowed the St Davids Diocese is going into the holiday business. Over the living with £300 per year on 16 past two years, work has been going on to completely restore October 1872. A new ecclesiastical and renovate the farmhouse on Penlan Farm in St Davids – a parish was formed in 1879 from property owned by the Diocesan Board of Finance – and turn it parts of the parishes of Llanarth- into two holiday lets. Diocesan Secretary Val Hockey described ney, and Llanfihangel the venture as “an exciting and innovative project which offers Aberbythych. The new church was an opportunity and further scope to creatively use this historical dedicated to St Lleian, a daughter property.” of the noted Brychan Brycheiniog The properties are available through Coastal Cottages at and sister of St Tybie. Revd David http://www.penlancottagepembs.co.uk Harwood Hughes was appointed and http://www.penlanfarmhouse.co.uk vicar in 1879 and the Bishop of St 16 Pobl Dewi, December 2016 Eglwys S. Ioan, Penrhyn-coch yn cael help llaw gan Osian Roberts Meriel Ralphs reports on how Osian Roberts, Asssistant Manager of the Welsh National Footbal team, gave St John’s Church, Penrhyn-coch, a helping hand with some fund-raising over the summer

DIWEDD Awst eleni fe 2016. Ond ar ben hynny roedd e pêl-droed lleol yn y gynulleidfa Dgroesodd addolwyr Eglwys hefyd wedi trefnu siaradwr gwadd sydd wedi bod ar y cyrsiau y mae S. Ioan, Penrhyn-coch y ffordd ar gyfer y noson, sef Osian. e’n eu dysgu, yn ogystal â nifer yn llythrennol – sef o adeilad yr Croesawyd pawb gan y o bêl-droedwyr ifanc oedd yn eglwys i’r Clwb Pêl-droed lleol – ficer, y ParchgAndrew Loat frwd i ofyn cwestiynau iddo. ar gyfer digwyddiad i godi arian. a drosglwyddodd yr awenau Cyn gorffen cyflwynodd Dai Ond yn sgîl hynny fe ddaeth ag un i ddwylo diogel Dai Alun er Alun lechen i Osian gyda geiriau’r o’r wynebau mwyaf adnabyddus mwyn iddo gyfweld ag Osian. Anthem Genedlaethol arno er o ymgyrch tîm pêl-droed Cymru Esboniodd hwnnw sut yr oedd mwyn dangos gwerthfawrogiad yng nghystadleuaeth Euro 2016 yn wedi derbyn addysg mewn Eglwys S. Ioan am iddo roi mor Ffrainc i’r pentref, sef y rheolwr prifysgol yn yr Unol Daleithiau hael o’i amser a’i gefnogaeth. cynorthwyol, Osian Roberts. ganol yr 1980au a chwarae’n yn dilyn y sgwrs cafwyd Y tîm ym Mhenrhyn-coch: Glyn Collins, Osian Roberts, Dai Alun Trwy garedigrwydd Mr Dai broffesiynol yrAmerican Soccer cyfle am dynnu lluniau gydag Jones a’r Parchg Andrew Loat (Llun: Edward Roberts) Alun Jones, is-lywydd Cymdeithas League cyn symud ymlaen i reoli Osian cyn symud ymlaen i’r Bêl-droed Cymru, gŵr un o a hyfforddi yno cyn dychwelyd arwerthiant oedd yng ngofal Mr adael i’r eglwys gynnal y noson do, mae’n wir i’r noson fod wardeniaid Eglwys S. Ioan, Mrs i Gymru. Ers dod nôl adref mae Glyn Collins. Prynwyd y crys gan yno. Diolch hefyd am gefnogaeth yn un llwyddiannus wrth godi Jane Jones, inni gynnal arwerthiant Osian wedi hyfforddi mewn dros Mr Lloyd Edwards o’r pentre fel hael gan D J Evans Trefnwyr arian, ond roedd yn llwyddiannus o grys pêl-droed a phêl wedi’u 60 o gemau rhyngwladol ar y rhodd i’w nai. Prynwyd y bêl gan Angladdau, Dylan Roberts o Salop hefyd wrth i’r eglwys a’r gymuned harwyddo gan holl aelodau’r lefel hŷn. Roedd yn falch iawn Mr Clive Gale, stiward y clwb Leisure a Will Lloyd Williams ddod i adnabod ei gilydd yn well. sgwad yng nghystadleuaeth Ewro hefyd i weld rhai o’r hyfforddwyr pêl-droed a fu’n garedig iawn i Cigydd (Machynlleth) i’r noson.

the edges of the book. Do not be Walking in the light of God Preservation and tempted to get the Hoover out and give a book a quick once-over. If Llandyry Church, near Kidwelly, was founded as a resting place conservation mould, mildew or insect damage is on a drovers’ route. It was, therefore, fitting that 28 parishioners, extensive, it is best to seek profes- representing all four churches in the Glannau Tywyn Local Many of our churches contain old Bibles, Prayer Books and sional advice from a qualified Ministry Area, set off from there on 24th September to walk Parish Registers. Though many were made by hand and are conservator. the 9 miles to Holy Trinity, Pwll, calling on the way at St Illtyd’s, robust, churches are very difficult environments to store them in. Tears to pages, splitting of joints and St Mary’s, . Trevor Sage enjoys the day Allan Barton offers some advice on caring for old books and detachment of boards is a common occurrence with antiquar- NDER grey, if not threaten- the coastal path to Pwll Park and TORING books in damp, a cool, dry environment for several ian books. Never try and rectify this Uing, skies with the promise of thence up to Holy Trinity, where Shumid conditions is an invi- months and, on a warm summer’s sort of damage yourself nor use any rain before the end of the afternoon, we received an equally warm tation for them to be attacked day, take a soft bristled brush and form of adhesive tape, which does the initial route was on marked, if a reception and afternoon tea. by mould and mildew. Heating gently brush away the residue on untold damage and is extremely little overgrown, footpaths. Having although the sun did not shine churches, though good for us, can the surface, before returning the costly to put right. When sticky enjoyed spectacular views from on the righteous, we did not get be detrimental to books, which are book to a dry, cool environment. tape ages it breaks down and leaves the top of Pembrey Mountain over rained on. made from natural materials; shifts Insect infestation residue can be a residue in the fibres of paper and the Burry Estuary and Carmarthen Glannau Tywyn LMA has in temperature and too much heat similarly treated. Proceed gently, destroys the surface of leather. If Bay, we descended the aptly named been founded by merging the two can dry out leather and cause it to always working outwards towards a book is damaged but still needs St Illtyd’s Way to Pembrey, where parishes of Burry Port with Pwll become brittle, as well as encour- we had light refreshments and were and Pembrey with Llandyry. Both age insect infestation. joined by more participants. parishes retain their separate enti- Ideally, books should be stored in leaving Pembrey Church, we ties, but it is hoped that continued a dry, ambient environment with walked over the golf course, join- cooperation in social activities and good airflow. A cooler place is ing the coastal path at the eastern religious services will lead to a preferable to a warmer and it is end of Cefn Sidan beach. With softening or blurring of the bound- advisable to keep books away from the wind freshening and a wary aries over time. the walls and the floor. If you store eye being kept on the weather, we There were calls for this walk them in a closed cupboard, make walked through the town of Burry to be an annual event. Perhaps sure they are taken out and aired Port to St Mary’s Church. After those voices were a little more occasionally. For books that are further refreshments we rejoined muted the following morning? already affected superficially by mildew and mould, and those that are dusty and dirty, remove them to Above and below: the Llanwnda Bible

to be used, take it to a professional bookbinder or conservator who can repair it properly. Such work is not cheap, but is cheaper than having to undo the damage cause by adhe- sive tape or cloth. If the book is of historical or artistic significance and is no longer in use, it is better stored away; putting it in an archi- val box will give it some protection and prevent any accidental damage. If in doubt please seek advice, either from me or from the Dioc- esan Archivist Canon Philip Wyn Davies. Pobl Dewi, December 2016 17 Pererindod Llanbadarn Odwyn Walsingham Pilgrimage 2016

A “happy band of pilgrims” from West Wales this year again made the long pilgrimage to “England’s Nazareth”, Walsingham. The pilgrims, from Aberystwyth in the north to in the south, all felt spiritually refreshed after spending four days in this sacred space. The group were extremely fortunate and thankful to have the services of Canon Philip Wyn Davies and Fr David Davies as Brynhawn Sul 12 Medi 2106 cynhaliwyd taith gerdded lwyddiannus a phererindod o Langeitho spiritual leaders i fyny’r llwybr am Fferm Birchill a draw at Eglwys Llanbadarn Odwyn, Llwynpiod. Ar ddiwedd y daith cynhaliwyd gwasanaeth yr Hwyrol weddi yn yr eglwys o dan arweiniad y Canon Philip Wyn Davies. Yn dilyn y gwasanaeth cerddwyd i lawr llwybr Y Glyn ac yn ôl i Langeitho am baned o de yn Neuadd y Jiwbili. Derbyniwyd rhoddion hael iawn at waith atgyweirio’r Eglwys o ganlyniad i’r West Roose Ministry Area daith gerdded. Dymuna aelodau Eglwys Llanbadarn Odwyn ddiolch i bawb a gerddodd y llwybrau diddorol, mynychu’r gwasanaeth a pharatoi’r te i ddilyn. share a harvest

• The Complete Organist: coach- When in our music, ing in small groups for church and chapel organists. The infra- God is glorified . . . structure for this is still being organised. More to follow! Stuart Robinson, the Royal School of Church Music’s Coordinator it’s still early days, but both in Wales, offers this personal reflection on Menter Gerdd/ Miles and Helen are booked to run Operation Music - the RSCM’s new musical initiative in Wales training sessions in the north and south of Wales in March next year. T’S a beautiful autumnal morn- • Strengthen for Service: tailored Both are available to be booked Iing at the Coed y Brenin Visitor courses in music and liturgy at early-bird rates! Menter Gerdd Centre near Dolgellau and my particularly for clergy and is wide-ranging and my vision is RSCM colleague Miles Quick worship leaders, delivered by long term. I hope we can give is leading a Training Day for the the Revd Canon Helen Bent, confidence to worship leaders Bangor Diocese. Meanwhile, the the RSCM’s Head of Ministe- about using music; I hope we can is busy choos- rial Training. empower organists to accompany ing a new bishop. As walkers stroll • Lift up Your Voice Plus – and congregations effectively; I hope and cyclists fly by, Miles is teach- pick up an instrument: the we can enable the singing voices ing those present the hymn ‘When follow-on from LUYV but of those two or three gathered in in our music, God is glorified’. using instruments in worship; his name. Along with a range of other musi- the use of rounds and canons For more information visit cal ideas including short chants and music from Taizé and Iona. www.rscm.com/mentergerdd from Iona and Taizé, he is demon- strating how to teach a new piece of music to a congregation. Entitled Lift up your voice – this particu- lar day is for congregations with The recently formed Ministry Area of West Roose came together the desire to worship God together for an informal celebration of Harvest at Dale Coronation Hall in in song, but with little or no musi- September. This gave an opportunity for people to get know one cal expertise. Already delegates are another, share views and set the scene for future events involving finding the day to be useful. the full Ministry Area. The supper was provided on a bring and This day in Bangor Diocese is share basis, as was the harvest produce. The evening concluded one of the first RSCM training days with Revd Andrew Johnson auctioning off the produce, with the to be held for the Church in Wales. proceeds given to Tir Dewi At the invitation of the Bench of Bishops, we have launched Oper- ation Music (or Menter Gerdd in Welsh) to encourage music-making Articles which, unfortunately, could not be accommodated in churches right across the country. Lift up your voice (LUYV) is one in this issue, plus translations of some can be found on the of four elements of the programme, PD Extra pages of our website: each of which focusses on the specific local needs of Welsh church www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ communities: The others are: 18 Pobl Dewi, December 2016 Reflection

us a better way – God’s way. We the Prince of Peace, to be born into The quest for peace may not understand it. We may our world. In the same way, our expect something different. But positive response to God’s call can As we approach the festive season, Nick Cale reflects on our response to God’s call what is expected of us is to trust make all the difference, and big and believe in the one who truly changes can begin through what ANY of us are no doubt and squalor of an animals’ feed- than might, he showed that the did come to bring peace on earth – God calls us to do, if we respond in Mputting up the Christmas ing trough, doesn’t seem to make Prince of Peace was able to defeat the one who can redeem all that is faith and love. decorations, singing carols and sense. Just as our war-torn and every evil, including death itself. wrong and evil. And let us pray that this Christmas, getting ready for what we hope will unjust world today, where children No, it doesn’t make sense. It and may we remember that we, our families, friends and the be a happy and peaceful Christmas. are killed for no reason, doesn’t doesn’t fit in with what we expect. it was the response of one young whole world may come to know We are coming to the end of a year seem to make sense. We often ask But what we learn in the Christmas woman to God’s call that allowed something of the love and power of which, like many other before it, ourselves why, and question God. story is that Christ came to show everything to change, and for God, the Prince of Peace. has been far from peaceful. We We look for answers, but struggle have seen dreadful atrocities in to find them. Aleppo, the desperation of refu- Maybe that is because we are gees fleeing from violence in their looking in the wrong place, just as own countries, searching for safety the wise men searching for the new and security, and being evicted king were looking in the wrong from the squalor of migrant camps. place. They expected God to abide We may, therefore, wonder where by the rules and expectations of true peace is to be found as we our world. Kings are supposed to celebrate the coming the Prince of be found in palaces, not cow-sheds, Peace. Of course the situation in and are supposed to rule over their 2016 is nothing new – it is not that people and defeat their enemies. different from the world into which The disciples, too, looked in the Jesus was born two thousand years wrong place throughout Jesus’ ago. ministry. Where was the Wonder- Mary and Joseph had to travel ful Counsellor, the Mighty God, from their home to be enrolled whose government would never and taxed in Bethlehem because end? He was there in the stable – the ruling power of the day, the a new-born baby. He was there on Romans, wanted to raise taxes the cross, when it seemed that God in order to go to war again. The had been defeated. Holy Family had to flee as refu- what Christ came to show gees into Egypt after the birth of us is that God does not abide by Jesus because Herod was so fear- the rules and expectations of this ful of someone overpowering his world. He came to show us that rule that he ordered the execution God’s rules and expectations turn of innocent babies. ours upside down and inside out, So Jesus was born into the same because the child in the manger, cruelty and pain that we see in our who grew up to be the man on the world today. The Prince of Peace, cross, was not in the end defeated. born as a homeless child in the dirt Instead, through weakness rather Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem

Straw dogs

No, not the film, but a hot tip if you wanted to back the winner in the Cylch y Frenni LMA Scarecrow Competition and Harvest Supper

FTER a short act of worship Aled by Children and Youth Ministry Co-ordinator Sophie Whitmarsh, the human attend- ees – some of them appropriately disguised – fell upon a fish-and- chip supper, watched from the sidelines by a number of scare- crows they had made. after the meal, Diocesan Chil- 175 years ago, All Saints’ Church, Llangorwen, was consecrated dren and Youth Advisor Clare Williams was asked to pick the best and, to celebrate the anniversary, Aberystwyth Tenovus Cancer scarecrow. And the winner was . . Care Choir, conducted by Tiffany Evans (pictured), staged a . a dog! Ronnie (Ronnie ‘Barker’ concert in the church in November. – geddit?) belonged to Harry and Singing improves health and reduces feelings of isolation, Joseph Cutler, 18 and 19 months old depression and anxiety; over 1,400 people sing with Tenovus respectively – though rumour has choirs around Wales every week, which are for anyone who has it they had a little help from their been affected by cancer: patients, survivors, carers, loved ones Gran. It was a fun and memorable and the bereaved. www.tenovuscancercare.org.uk/how-we-can- way to celebrate Harvest Thanks- help-you/sing-with-us/where-our-choirs-are/ giving, and showed it isn’t always a Susy Copus’s creation Alfie (seated) chats to Llanglydwen Entry to the concert was by donation and a generous £350 bad thing to be clutching at straws. organist Ruth Cardiff was raised for Tenovus. Pobl Dewi, December 2016 19 Story after story Stuart Bell is looking forward to an inspirational conference in March and invites readers along HO told you about ference to be held in St Michael’s ‘WChrist?’ I asked the smil- Church, Aberystwyth, on Saturday ing lady. 11 March 2017, sponsored by the ‘A Chinese evangelist came to Aberystwyth Academy of Chris- North Korea and told me about tian Discipleship, is intended to him,’ came the reply. help us to regain our confidence ‘How did you become a Christian?’ in the Christian message and to be I asked the Israeli tour guide. inspired to do more to share it with ‘I was a secular Jew’, he told others across Wales. The future does me, ‘but an American pastor not have to be like the present. We helped me to understand about do not have to be left behind. Christ and I was baptised in Mark Russell, CEO of the Church the Mediterranean at Caesarea Army, Bishop Andy of Bangor and just five years ago.’ David Ceri Jones, author and histo- St Mary’s Church, Tenby’s Sundayfunday Club and Manorbier ‘How big is your congregation?’ rian, have teamed up to enable us to Messy Church enjoyed their annual ‘Messy sleepover’ at Orielton I asked the Methodist pastor from discuss and consider what methods Malaysia. of evangelism are working currently Field Centre, Pembroke, at half term. Both children and adults ‘It’s quite small,’ she said, in Wales. They are coming to inspire orienteered, bat-watched, built survival shelters and filled up on ‘about 600 people.’ us to look again at how we may pene- the delicious food provided by the centre – many would have liked These are the comments of trate a society which is somewhere to stay longer. More information www.stmaryschurchtenby.co.uk/ people I’ve met in the last few between indifferent and hostile to the weeks in Jerusalem whilst working Christian message, and perhaps to go including Message Wales, the there as a volunteer. home to initiate some new enterprise Rainbow Trust, St Teilo’s Trust, The Church of Jesus Christ as we seek to win our nation back to Alpha Wales, Messy Church, SU is growing around the world at a Christ. Beach Missions, , our FINAL COPY DATE phenomenal speed because Chris- There is no charge for ad- own Diocesan Youth and Chil- for the March edition of tians are enthusiastic about their mission and a wide range of dren’s department and many more. faith and they have a high expecta- organisations involved in evan- Make a note in your diary and Pobl Dewi tion that others will be interested in gelism in Wales will be present, plan to join us. what they have to share. 6th February 2017 The ‘Evangelising Wales’ con- Contact [email protected] for more information

Bishop Bishop Huw Jones, who served as Bishop of St Davids from 1996-2001, died on 18th October, aged 82 RIGINALLY from the OSwansea Valley, he was educated at Pontardawe Gram- mar School, Bangor University and University College, Oxford. He spent his entire ministry in Wales – starting as a curate in Aberdare and rising to Dean of Brecon before being consecrated as Bishop of St Contact Ven Dennis Wight 01437 731266 [email protected] Davids. Academically gifted, he was also a sub-warden at St Michael’s Theological College, Llandaff – where he trained for ministry himself – and a theol- ogy lecturer at the University (Extract from Religion & Soci- of Wales, Cardiff. ety in the Diocese of St Davids, Bishop Huw was a philos- John Morgan-Guy, 2015.) opher by training and a Bishop Wyn, who retired passionate advocate of ecumen- in October, paid tribute to his ism. He was also a supporter predecessor, saying “Bishop of women’s ordination, which Huw’s approachability, schol- was finally approved during arship and abilities were much his episcopate in 1996/7. In his appreciated in the Diocese of St retirement he lived in Llandaff Davids.” and served as an honorary The Archbishop, Dr Barry assistant bishop. Morgan, said that Bishop Huw “The Bishop [Huw Jones] “served the Church excellently believed that the Church had as a theological teacher, priest, to change or die and in partic- dean and bishop and was at the ular he looked for stronger forefront of ecumenical affairs lay ministry, for an end to in the Province.” the notion that everything in Bishop Huw leaves his the parish could be left to the wife, Gwyneth, and daughters parish priest, and for clergy to Lynwen and Gaenor. work together in teams.” A Pilgrimage to the Holy Land with Revd Mones Farah, Rector of Aberystwyth 30 April to 8 May 2017 – Contact [email protected] – 01970 617184 20 Pobl Dewi, December 2016 Book Reviews

cal writers’ use of metaphor and There is much good stuff in vision “which are at the heart of the book. Although he cannot tie Facing the inevitable Biblical language about heaven”. all the loose ends together (as he Winter brings the discussion of candidly admits) Winter has writ- Heaven’s morning the issues raised by that situation”. heaven as our destiny down to ten a book which definitely repays Rethinking the destination in setting out his stall in that earth in an interesting review of the the commitment of reading it. It By David Winter way Winter gives his readers the accounts of bereaved people indicat- will be of interest to many read- Pub: BRF; 2016 opportunity to evaluate how well ing the continuity of life (at least in ers, whether regular worshippers ISBN: 9-780-8574-64767 he is able to respond. About half some way or other) of those whom in church or not, and particularly Price: £7.99 way through he tells his readers they have lost. In a helpful chapter those who could be described as David Winter has written a help- that the book is essentially about he considers this issue through the being of advancing years. ful and accessible book about what “an eventual destiny for human lens of the resurrection accounts of david Winter is clearly a man happens to human beings when we beings, a place we have called Jesus in the four gospels. He also of faith. However, I do not know die. He declares his purpose early heaven” and that is the nature of includes an interesting discussion how much importance he ascribes in the script. Having assessed the the movement which the author of St Paul’s writing about the nature to faith in the heavenly destiny. spirit of the age as one “which finds develops. The book is well written, of the resurrection body in the later While there is much helpful teach- the whole business of death a pain- positive in its approach and seeks part of chapter 15 of his first letter ing in the book, I was left with the ful reminder that no matter how to engage with our life-experi- to the Corinthians. This is timely, impression that the writer is of the clever we may be technologically ence and common questions about especially in the light of the current school which holds that faith is and medically, this is how it inevi- issues of destiny by a review of the discussion following the contribu- caught, not taught. Read the book tably ends”, he goes on to say that Biblical materials. tions of Bishop NT Wright on the and come to your own conclusion! the book is “an attempt to address Readers are introduced to Bibli- subject. Revd Patrick Mansel Lewis

of attending church. He draws the looking for that. Congregational life reader again and again to Jesus and busyness can thwart the very Following the clues own teaching, style and activity for mission Christians are called to do. inspiration on what it means to be The chapter on mission ends The invisible church: is a fundamental challenge to those a Christian. Aisthorpe pleads that by an assertion that there are two Learning from the that remain. Avoid the stereotypical congregations pay attention to the models of church – the staid and experiences of self-defensive answers and follow journeying that all Christians are safe one that is risk-averse and churchless Christians the trail he carefully lays down. involved in - for many, the church’s tends to centralisation; the other, By Steve Aisthorpe at the heart of the book and practice and worship does not risk taking and pioneering – like Pub: Saint Andrew Press; 2016 Aisthorpe’s argument is this claim: . connect with the rest of life suffi- the monastic movements of earlier ISBN: 978-0-86153-916-1 . . what we now know is that a size- ciently to encourage them to stay years. These are a great gift to the Price: £14.99 able majority of those who have with it. Church, and a genuine expression I could hardly put this book down exited congregations continue to The chapter on Learning to Love of faith, not a way to rebuild the – it reads like a detective novel, but see their Christian faith as central reveals the painful truth that many risk-averse model. with regular checks to make sure to their lives. For many, their depar- people leave congregations because Aisthorpe’s final chapter the reader is still following the plot. ture from church is an expression of of the absence of love. No surprise discusses how the institutional “Can you be a Christian with- faith rather than a denial of it. there; Aisthorpe draws on Dr Frank church can sit comfortably with the out going to church?” is a regular aisthorpe has not given up on Lake’s Clinical Theology to remind growing organic search for spiritual question. Aisthorpe investigates the the current congregational church. us that God loved us first. We do meaning. His pastoral, prophetic reasons which lie behind the absence Rather, he invites us to think not earn that love or forgiveness. It writing style makes this a must read from church statistics of millions of through the reasons why not every- is a free gift to which our response book. our fellow Christians. What he finds one is content with their experience needs to be total. Church leavers are Revd Canon Jeremy Martineau

if, however, none of this is Imperial Rome and the way the Does your Gospel need to be set free? particularly new to you, you may modern world works deserves find that Smith’s historical state- some scrutiny. This is a passionate book. seen as a close comparison for what ments are sometimes a little Nonetheless the book urgently Smith writes as a man who Westernised Global capitalism is sweeping and take little account of poses the questions for Christians has been transformed by meeting doing now. bias in source material. More seri- that are all there in the image on its Christians from the Global South Should you read it? Well, that ously, his book spends a lot of time front cover of the makeshift church who made him aware of how much depends on how much you identify diagnosing the problem but gives built in the Calais jungle which was his own cultural assumptions had with Smith’s before picture. If your far less time to suggesting just torn down to discourage desperate robbed the Gospel of its power to be faith has not led you to challenge how living out the Gospel can be people even further. good news except in small, interior the serving of Mammon you see all more than a sticking plaster for the Revd Canon individualistic ways. His own expe- around you, you definitely need to wounds of global consumerism. Dr Rhiannon Johnson rience has led him to the conviction read it. Also his easy comparison between that the Gospel needs to be liberated from the shackles put on it by the assumptions of the Western world in order for it to be truly good news. Contributions to Pobl Dewi he attempts to do this by placing the Gospels, Paul’s letters and Reve- We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, we lation in their historic context and, would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. from there, making comparisons Articles should be sent to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, with the globalised world we live [email protected] in. The Roman Empire’s claim that or photographs accompanied by a maximum of 50 words can be posted to: Liberating the Gospel it alone can bring peace and security Translating the message of is challenged by the claim of faith Pobl Dewi, Jesus in a globalised world that Jesus is Lord and Saviour and The Diocesan Office, Abergwili, Carmarthen SA31 2JG, By David Smith that peace and security come from a marked for the attention of ‘The Editor’ Pub: Darton, Longman & Todd; relationship with God in Christ, not 2016 by aggression and acquisition. The Disclaimer Pobl Dewi and the diocese of St Davids take no responsibility, liability or share the views or opinions of any articles contained herein. All information is the responsibility of the person or organisation submitting the article. ISBN: 978-0-232-53233-3 way the Roman Empire enriched a Pobl Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions Price: £12.99 few at the expense of the many is