www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi Mehefin/June 2014 Restorative justice: “We must do more” . and the churches can help, says Police & Crime Commissioner PEAKING on a visit to St The Police and Crime Commissioner for Dyfed Powys Davids, Christopher Salmon has pledged to do more to introduce restorative justice told Pobl Dewi he believed S programmes into local communities to tackle youth restorative practices were an effec- tive way of uniting communities offending in the fight against crime. “But we nicate and agree how to deal with in the process, and that their are not yet doing as much as we the offence and its consequences. wishes are considered; should.” The basic principles include: • setting realistic, achievable And church communities have • putting things right and healing objectives that benefit the an important part to play. relationships – giving satisfac- victim, community and the Restorative justice brings those tion to victims and reducing young person. directly affected by crime – victim, reoffending; Mr Salmon said that, while offender and members of the • ensuring that those directly West Wales has the lowest crime community – together to commu- affected by crime are involved rates in Britain, for those that do fall victim the rate is 100%. “This is a big area,” he said. “We cannot have a police presence in every village so we have to get communities involved – anything that helps to prevent crime, whether it’s youth crime, anti-social behav- iour, road safety or drugs.” And he was quick to empha- sise the part the church community, can, and does, play with its empha- sis on care, healing and pastoral support, like the established Street Pastor schemes in Aberystwyth, Carmarthen and Haverfordwest. Funding Church groups can apply for grants of up to £5,000 from the Commissioner’s Fund, which ring- 28th May: A large crowd braved the early morning mist to fences money recovered from the welcome the Queen’s Baton Relay team to the diocese on the proceeds of crime for projects that fifth leg of its journey round Wales en route to Glasgow and the support the Police & Crime Plan Commonwealth Games. The day started at the cathedral with and which have the support of the local Bobby. a blessing from Bishop Wyn and a visit to the Shrine before touring St Davids and moving on to Cardigan, Aberaeron and Responsibilities Aberystwyth. As Commissioner, Mr Salmon is “The fact that the Commonwealth has survived so long in responsible for the Dyfed Powys a fractured world is absolutely remarkable,” Bishop Wyn said. police budget and its priorities. “And to be associated with something that weaves together He also appoints (or removes) the Around 350 children from Pembrokeshire took part in the annual the nations of this island and also across the world is greatly to Chief Constable. But he is a politi- children’s festival in the cathedral in May. The theme of the day be desired.” Mae Glasgow yn ferw o brysurdeb wrth i’r ddinas cian, not a policeman. was parables, and they explored them through music, drama, baratoi ar gyfer ymwelwyr â Gemau’r Gymanwlad. Ceir erthygl art, story, prayer and craft. The festival is a collaborative effort by lawn Mary Sinclair ar dudalen 16 continued page 18 the clergy of the Rhoose, Dewisland and Daugleddau deaneries FOCUS ON OUR HIDDEN TREASURES – Pages 10, 11, 12, 13 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, June 2014 Strategy update A tale of two villages Following St David’s footsteps As the Diocese moves towards Local Ministry Areas and the instigation of Focal Ministry, Dennis Wight shares a true story about a Focal Minister helping to change the mood of two small villages INCE 2010 nine parishes of a within the ten months and the Srural Local Ministry Area have works completed. Discussions are operated their ministry on a ‘Focal ongoing around possible commu- Minister’ basis, though it was nity uses of the building to ensure not recognised as such as it was that it remains supported, and that progressively set up. the church is central to the life of Here’s one example of how this small rural community. things are going, (place details At the same time the village of have been changed): Tone has seen a growth in the regu- In 2010 Permission to Offici- lar twice monthly congregation ate retired cleric John was invited from five to ten. to take charge of two small village The aims for the Strategy for parishes of Tone and Monk. The Growth, which we have agreed parish of Tone had a twice monthly fabric repairs was £127,000 which, together, are to find out what congregation of approximately five even with a Heritage grant of God is doing in our communi- people, and the parish of Monk a £80,000, represented a major task ties and to join him. We believe monthly congregation of two plus for a community of sixty people, that when lay and ordained help a serious problem with the fabric. who were faced with a ten month each other and share the task of John insisted he would only take deadline for raising the balance. Growing Hope, spiritually and on Monk if regular Sunday services In conjunction with the Local numerically, God will bless these ceased in their present format, and Ministry Team Leader a series of endeavours. We give thanks for the if a new ministry, based around meetings was arranged, and village sterling work of our Retired Cler- festivals and appropriate village events staged to draw the commu- ics, Readers, Pastoral Assistants events, was set up. nity together and inspire them with and Worship Leaders who do not Initially in Monk there was hope in what they could achieve fill in the “gaps” but, rather, make significant concern as to whether it together. Services often attracted up the core of the whole people of was worthwhile keeping the church between 35 and 60 people. The God who are called to be disciples open. The estimated amount for the required £47,000 was raised well together. reach out to those in need and how the churches try to come together. Learning together We have 33 people in training as readers and priests through the Rhiannon Johnson encourages those interested in learning more course, as well as others explor- about the Christian faith to join one of the courses on offer across ing becoming worship leaders, the diocese and some who are just doing this ID you know that a new set called ‘A Church for the Future’ because they want to know more. Dof courses is available for use and ‘Living Scripture’ are available If you would like there to be an in the diocese, called ‘Living and now; one on worship, which can be Exploring faith group in your area, Learning’? This is being used in used to train worship leaders, will or if you are curious, please get in the Bangor diocese to encourage be ready in the next month. More touch. mission areas to form well and can are planned. If you are looking for In the autumn, students will be also be used as a foundation stage a way of exploring issues of faith going on to look at what theology before starting Exploring Faith. and life together, these could be for is and the Epistle to the Romans. The course booklets are completely you. New groups are being formed for bilingual. Courses are for small Meanwhile the Exploring Faith September, so it is never too late to groups and last around six weeks. course goes on. This term students start. Participants will receive a Bishop’s are looking at how we do what is However, at a Wales-wide Certificate on completion. Modules right in today’s world, how we level, there is a lot of uncertainty at present. The Bench of Bish- ops commissioned a report about training for the ordained and reader ministries in the province. It recommends closing St Michael’s College in Llandaff and many other changes. Many are disappointed with the report and the bishops will decide in June whether they act on it or not. During his visit to Llandovery, Bishop Wyn meets hymn For more information about all writer William Williams, Pantycelyn of this, please e-mail [email protected]. Bishop Wyn’s mission to visit every parish in the diocese is now well under way. His latest stops on the journey have included Brechfa, where he received sunflowers from the community garden in honour of his visit, and Neyland, Plant Dewi Sunday where he spent the morning in the new Community School. will, this year, He has also visited Llandovery and Newport (Pembs). take place on Forthcoming dates include Cenarth (21st June), Carmarthen (3rd July), Tregaron (24th July) and Borth (31st July). 13th July, Follow the Bishop’s footsteps through his blog: Revd Dr Rhiannon Johnson and Revd Canon Mike West at at the cathedral followingstdavidsfootsteps.com Exploring Faith Saturday School on 3rd May Pobl Dewi, June 2014 3 Pam Pasg?/Why Easter? The cross is empty. The tomb is empty. Christ has died in our place for our sins and He is risen. Hallelujah! This is the message that the Pam Pasg?/Why Easter? mission team shared during the Llanbadarn Fawr Deanery Holy Week Mission. Emma Whittick is elated after a week of events E had a visiting team of 25 list in Llanbadarn Fawr: one is to to be not just for large churches Wpeople from Trinity College see people come to know the risen that are used to doing outreach but Bristol, St Michael’s College, Christ; the other is to see Christians also for smaller churches in rural Llandaff, and Through Faith grow in discipleship.