Meithrin Gobaith ESGOBAETH TYDDEWI Growing Hope

Meithrin Gobaith Poblhtt �s://stdavids.churchinwales.org.ukGrowing Hope htt �s://www.facebook.com/stdavidsdiocese Dewi htt �s://t�itt er.com/PoblDewi March / Mawth 2020 1920-2020 One hundred years of the Church in As the exact date marking the centenary of disestablishment approaches, Paul Mackness travels through time to consider the past, present and future HE Act of Parliament which its work. Education, pastoral issues all expectations and the Represent- created the and liturgical revisions dominated ative Body made shrewd fi nancial T(CiW) had received royal much of its business and, in 1944, and property investments. assent in September 1914, however the youth movement Cymru’r In 1968, the CiW became a the advent of the First World War Groes was created. A second fi nan- meant that the implementation cial appeal to raise £½m exceeded continued on page 2 of the Act didn’t actually happen until 31 March 1920 (Wednesday of Holy Week). This was when the Anglican Church in Wales ceased to Birthday bells be established and was no longer a state church – a long-held dream of many Non-Conformists in Wales, spearheaded by the Liberal Prime Minister David Lloyd George. Disestablishment meant that the monarch no longer appointed , the private patronage The Bishops in 1920 system disappeared and most of the burial grounds transferred to tutional Convention in Diocese of followed, local authorities (though many (1 , 33 clerics and 66 lay in 1923, by Swansea & Brecon. came back in 1946). With this members per diocese), heavily Frank Morgan was appointed as came disendowment, leading to infl uenced by Mr Justice Sankey, the Church in Wales’ fi rst chief lay the Church losing all pre-1662 which established the structure we executive. Money concerns domi- endowments and the diversion of know today: a Governing Body nated and an appeal was launched tithes to the local authorities – this and the role of the Representa- to try and raise £1m; it closed in could easily have marked the death tive Body (incorporated by Royal 1935 having raised £722,552 – no knell of the CiW at its inception. Charter on 24 April 1919), whose mean feat in a time of global reces- However, a grant of £1m was given primary function was to look after sion. There were concerns over the to the Welsh Church Commission- the money and property. The fi rst poor stipend levels of clergy but ers but most of the former monies Archbishop, Bishop Edwards of there was no shortage of men off er- eventually went to the local author- St Asaph, was elected in 1920 but ing themselves for ministry. On Thursday, 30th January, bell ringers at rang a ities and the University of Wales. the Constitution was not completed The Church emerged from the Quarter Peal of Grandsire Doubles. The band, comprising Penny The CiW quickly set up its new until April 1922. Second World War bruised and Mackenzie, Richard Bedford, Hart, Richard Coomer, organisation and organs of govern- The fi rst 25 years were busy but battered (both Llandaff Peter Hayward and Stephen McGrath, rang 1,260 changes non- ment. In 1914, the four diocesan cautious in the period between the and its theological college had stop, lasting 45 minutes. The Quarter Peal was rung to celebrate conferences convened a Consti- wars. 1921 saw the creation of the been bombed) but keen to continue the 90th birthday of Helena McGrath (pictured) FOCUS ON READER MINISTRY – Pages 10 & 11 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, March 2020

priests and no cleric being licenced We are following God’s call so we Day by day we are learning afresh Diolch yn fawr alone to longer and longer strings must open the eyes and ears of our to live in response to the love of of churches. hearts to discern it. Pray together, God in just as our forebears As the process of reorganising our diocese into LMAs draws to Some of the LMAs have been in pray alone, pray for God’s grace did. God worked his grace in them, its close, Bishop Joanna offers her thanks to all for the honesty, existence for over two years, some and courage that we may offer God will work his grace in us if courage and commitment that has been shown throughout this have just been formed. We are all ourselves to Him, that He may we ask Him. As God said through huge time of change learning how to live together in work the miracle of the gospel in the prophet Malachi, “put me to this new way and, as we do so, us as He did in the life of Dewi, our the proof.” Let us put God to the T hasn’t been easy and it At the inauguration services, I set there are two things I ask of each father among the saints, and in the proof, asking that we may be chan- I certainly isn’t something that out why forming ourselves into of you, as individuals, congrega- lives of all those saints who gave nels of love, grace and hope. “He any of us would have chosen but, united parishes was the best option. tions and ministry areas: be kind their names to our communities, who has called you is faithful” (I if we are going to continue to live I set out my red lines: no church to one another and pray. Pray for from to Llanbadarn, from Thess 5:24). and share our faith in our Lord and buildings closed unless the congre- God’s wisdom, God’s good sense. to . Saviour Jesus Christ, this seemed gation asks, every parishioner the only practical way to proceed. having, and knowing, their parish Joining God’s mission

‘The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to till it and keep it’. (Genesis 2:15, NRSV). Jeff Thomas considers stewardship in the light of these words

TEWARDSHIP is the word we Not all these anxieties exist in Suse for the Christian belief that all churches, but on my rounds, humans are responsible for taking they are the three most common. care of the world. This stems from The diocese has done a lot of work our belief in God who created the to try to de-mystify the ministry heavens and the earth and all the share process, including how it is creatures upon it. Therefore, as we set and what it funds. However, it are people who believe in one God, is clear that more needs to be done who created the universe and all and I will be looking at this over that is in it, we also believe that we the next few weeks, always with The recent inauguration of LMA have a duty take care of, and look one eye firmly on the theological after, it forever. The Church (all context. continued from page 1 our brothers and sisters in Christ) As for stewardship of church is also part of God’s creation: And diocese and have been struck by resources, everyone is working One hundred years of the Church in Wales I tell you, you are Peter, and on the depth and breadth of ministry hard to keep everything going and this rock I will build my church, which churches are delivering. there are some good examples of bilingual institution, recognising nary there are still many challenges and the gates of Hades will not There are anxieties, however, innovative thinking out there. If we the importance of the language and ahead: issues relating to funding, prevail against it. (Matthew 16:18, and the three main ones are: can develop a systematic approach culture, although it was still seen falling numbers, Ministry Areas, NRSV). • The recent rises in the level of to stewardship then there is the as being the church of the aris- same-sex relationships and being Stewardship also extends to the Ministry Share contributions potential to take much of the uncer- tocracy and gentry. But this was relevant in an increasingly secular four enablers which help us join in • The continued uncertainty tainty and therefore the anxiety the period when the CiW became Wales leave no room for compla- God’s mission: our time, money, around what ministry share is out of it. That is my thinking and more outward looking, with initia- cency. Following a review of the resources and talents. for and where the money goes will be my focus over the next 18 tives relating to ecumenism and, in CiW, chaired by Bishop Richard Since the last edition of Pobl • The fact that we have fewer months. 1973, the creation of the Covenant Harries, there was a desire for the Dewi I have been meeting LMA and fewer people to do the with the Presbyterians, Meth- Church to be “the prayerful heart Councils, church councils, congre- work and those we do have are odists and the United Reformed in each ” gations and individuals around the simply tired out Church, who were joined in 1977 The tasks ahead are no less by English speaking Baptists. daunting than those faced in 1920 The ministry of women also as we enter the next hundred years. began to be recognised. In 1961, The words of Lord Sankey in 1922 the first deaconess was set apart for are still relevant to us today: “Give ministry and, in 1980, the Govern- me leave in my last words to recall Important information from St Davids ing Body approved legislation to that the Church in Wales is the ordain women as deacons, in 1996 Church of Christ. Let us listen for as priests and as bishops in 2013, the faintest whisper of His voice. Churches & Pastoral Committee with our own Bishop Joanna being To know what He wishes to obey what He commands is the one consecrated as the first woman RANTS for the repair, exten- use of church buildings it is impor- sure salvation for our country and bishop in 2018. sion, or provision of places of tant that the relevant archdeacon is ourselves.” G As the CiW celebrates its cente- worship, which were previously contacted prior to any grant fund- administered by the Representative ing applications are submitted; this Body, have now been transferred is now a requirement of the diocese to individual dioceses within the ral Committee by contacting the supporting any applications. province. Secretary, Janet Every, on 01267 There is a policy to follow The grants awarded must be 236145 or email janetevery@ when parishes are considering for the purposes specified by the churchinwales.org.uk contacting NHLF for funding of Representative Body and for the It has also come to our attention large projects. This policy can be maximum value also specified that many parishes are applying for viewed on the diocesan website by the Representative Body. The National Heritage Lottery Fund https://stdavids.churchinwales.org. specific criteria that need to be (NHLF) grants without following uk/resources/policies/ under HLF adhered to can be found on the the correct procedure and policy. Grants: Application Procedure, or application form on the diocesan The Diocesan Churches by contacting the CPC Secretary, website https://stdavids.churchin- and Pastoral Committee (CPC) Janet Every, on wales.org.uk/resources/grants/ supports parishes making use of 01267 236145 under Church Repair Grants. NHLF grants. To allow the CPC to or email Applications can be obtained be able to fulfil its purpose in moni- [email protected] The Bishops in 2020 from the Churches and Pasto- toring and advising on the pastoral Pobl Dewi, March 2020 3 Appointments A lasting legacy In 2014, St Davids Diocese benefi ted from a £2.6m legacy from Mrs Hazel Jones-Olszewski who grew up in the Amman Valley and attended church in Saron. Howard Llewellyn provides an update on how the diocese continues to benefi t from this generosity HE Diocesan Board of Finance utilised to provide ministry to chil- T(DBF) invited parishes, organ- dren and young people along with isations and individuals to submit project-based grants suggestions as to how the money Training: An allocation of should be used for the benefi t of £150k was made to assist with the diocese as a whole, and 77 the training of lay and ordained responses were received. The ministers Revd Lindy Morgan following areas have received Memorial: The sum of £10k appointed Curate in the LMA substantive support: was made to Mrs Jones-Olszews- Revd Victoria Jones of Bro Gwendreath, Parish Finance: £1.5m is ki’s home parish for a memorial to appointed Priest in Charge 10 February 2020 invested and reserved in a desig- her in the Archdeaconry of New nated fund from which capital and Social Responsibility: Grants Housing Association: The Communities, 16 January 2020 interest accumulation continues to of over £300k were made to DBF provides eight cottages in be used to keep increases in minis- (near Haverfordwest), and four fl ats in Aber- try share to a minimum, e.g. in for the setting ystwyth, the primary purpose 2020 the sum of £165k was allo- up of a dementia-friendly café, of which is to provide housing cated against the increase in the Tir Dewi, Plant Dewi, The Well for retired clergy, their widows, calculation of ministry share (), St Anne’s Café and dependants or others most in need Children & Youth: The legacy Foodbank (Penparcau, Aberyst- of housing. The provision of a has supported work with children wyth) and Merlin’s Bridge Centre grant of £100k from the legacy and young people. Between 2015 of Mission (Haverfordwest) for the has enabled the properties to be and 2017 the board allocated the start-up costs of the new Centre of upgraded with new kitchens and amount of £500k, spread over a Mission project in partnership with bathrooms and to meet health and three-year programme, which was the Church Army safety requirements.

Revd Aidan W Coleman Revd Elizabeth (Beth) Shaping our future: appointed Priest in Charge in Davies the LMA of Bro Lliedi, appointed LMA and Equipping the people 27 February 2020 Priest in Charge of Bro Aeron Mydr LMA, 2 March 2020 As we consider the present state of our churches we may be forgiven for feeling ill- equipped to deal with the challenges facing us. However, while we cannot avoid facing the future, we can avoid facing it empty handed! J-D Laurence invites readers to enroll on a course to enhance their theology N essential part of the equip- Well there is good news. Theol- Many people have found this Aping we need for the church’s ogy For Life (TFL) is a course which very stimulating and helpful, with future is learning to how to tackle is delivered for lay people who recent feedback including “The such questions as: How do we commit to putting in the required more work I put into the sessions interpret Scripture today? How do reading and then who, in addition the more I got out of them.” We we relate it to our current culture to two seminars with expert input are intending to run trial induc- when it can seem irrelevant? How per term, meet in locally facilitated tion groups between now and the do we connect with those outside discussion groups, with the option admissions deadline of 31 May the Church while staying faithful to write assessed essays. Pursuing 2020 to help you work out whether to the inherited faith? What does this part-time can lead to a Certif- this is right for you. it mean to worship as an Anglican icate, Diploma or even a Degree Please contact me in the 21st Century? How do we (which would take 6 years). [email protected] Revd Delyth A Wilson tackle disagreement around ethical Strengthening our theology in tel: 07552 385330 appointed Priest in Charge in Revd Vivienne Sayer questions? the pews and not just the pulpit is to fi nd out if there is one near Bro Gwendraeth LMA, appointed LMA Dean of Bro These and many other ques- crucial to the health of our future you or, indeed, if you have any 11 March 2020 Dyfri LMA, 30 April 2020 tions come under the umbrella of as a church, so I encourage you other questions about the course. theology, which literally means to consider signing up for TFL. “the study of God”. Far from this being the preserve of the collared professional cleric, it is not an to say that each and FINAL COPY DATE every Christian is already a theo- logian! The question is, what kind for the of theology do you have? Is your current framework for understand- June 2020 ing God, the Bible and the Church robust enough to play its part as edition of Pobl Dewi we seek to move faithfully into the future as a community of faith? Are you ready to engage and be 7 May 2020 challenged or will you leave it to Dr Charlie Shepherd teaching on Jonah others? at a recent TFL seminar day 4 Pobl Dewi, March 2020

and most of us fi nd it very diffi - cult to be mentally still, even in Just be the presence of God, but all of us Andrew Tait considers the practice of Christian meditation and found, that afternoon, that there invites readers to join a regular group at Llanfi hangel Rhos y was something very special about Corn, near Carmarthen setting aside an hour of our busy lives to decide to be quiet before NE Saturday afternoon in we were asked to use these words, God. O October 2019, a small group silently in our thoughts: After the quiet hour we spent of people from the congregation of Be Still and know I Am God time in fellowship over tea and Llanfi hangel Rhos y Corn and else- Be Still and Know I Am biscuits where met for a Quiet Hour. Be Still and Know We will meet again on the third This was not a time to share Be Still Saturday of every month from fellowship with each other, or even Be March to September between 2pm a time to pray or talk with God. Once we got to ‘Be’, we were and 4pm. Everyone is welcome to Rather, it was a time to enter into to seek to just hold the silence, not join us, whether you have never silence in the sacred atmosphere thinking of anything but resting even thought of Christian medita- of this ancient church and seek to in the presence of God. As soon tion and would like to try it for the St Michael’s Church, Llanfi hangel Rhos y Corn simply BE with God; a time to lay as we realised that our minds had fi rst time, or have years of experi- aside all the business of life, all our wandered and were thinking of ence. Over this coming year, we If you are interested please Corn, Gwernogle, near , concerns, desires, hopes and fears something, anything, we would hope to explore together diff erent contact Andrew Tait, , SA32 7RP, at and enter into a holy silence in start to mentally descend the ladder ways of just ‘Being with God’ and [email protected] 2pm on the 3rd Saturday of the God’s presence. of Be Still and Know I Am God, would welcome ideas of ways you tel: 01267 202454 month. After a brief introduction about again, and re-enter silence. may have found useful in pursuing or simply turn up at St Michael’s the place of silence in scripture, Many of us are afraid of silence this ancient Christian practice. Church, Llanfi hangel Rhos y

Taking the message out into the world Sarah’s adventure On 25th January, the day which marks the conversion of the great Christian missionary, St Paul, over 80 delegates gathered from across the diocese at the Halliwell Centre, St Davids University College Carmarthen Campus. High energy, buzz, lots of laughter, uplifting worship, stimulating begins presentations and in-depth discussions accurately sum up the day, says Mones Farah NTEGRATING Evangelism and out the wholeness and peace that is 10-minute presentations, the fi rst I Witness brought clergy and laity theirs in Jesus and in the life that from Revd Victoria Jones on the together and enabled members he gives. motivation and process of changing of diff erent LMAs to mingle and The day began with welcome, vision direction. This was followed hear each other’s ideas, passions registration and then opening by a presentation by Ruth Busisa, and desires for reaching those who worship led by the Revds John the Pioneer Evangelist at the St Receiving the invitation to the Fellowship of Vocation are not already connected to Jesus; Bennet and Wyn Maskell, followed Davids and Church Army Centre weekend last November was the start of a new adventure those who have not yet grasped by my presentation on the topic of of Mission at Merlin’s Bridge, on how amazingly precious they are in ‘The Value of 1’. ‘Establishing a detached attached for Sarah Hunter. Having found the courage to share that his eyes; those who are yet to fi gure After a short break, we had two youth work’. God was calling her forward, doors began to open

Presentations After a simple lunch, provided by HE weekend was a great oppor- Holy Spirit, whom the Father will the very helpful catering staff at Ttunity to meet others on their send in my name, he will teach you the Halliwell Refectory, we gath- journey and, indeed, I was witness all things and bring to your remem- ered again for the fi nal session to many stories about God’s call- brance all that I have said’ (John of the day. We had presentations ing, each person animated in their 14:26) from Sister Val Legg, the Lead own sharing. The beautiful harp music from Evangelist at Merlin’s Bridge, on It felt as though I was sur- Eleri Turner was a constant source ‘Blessing our communities’, and, rounded by one big family, it was of divine inspiration, followed by fi nally, Revd Captain Rob Lowe, like a big sleep over. To be warm ample time for contemplation. This the Lead Evangelist-designate of and cosy, overlooking the beach in is not to mention delicious meals the Diocesan and Church Army Tenby, took me back to my child- and copious cups of tea and coff ee, Centre of Mission, Morfa, Llanelli, hood and picnics on the Harbour all adding up to create a safe and on forming and working in partner- Beach with my grandmother. peaceful environment to dive deep ship with others. and listen for God’s voice. All presentations were fol- Early life lowed by group discussions and Our speaker, Revd Dr Gillian Todd Discernment plenary sessions. (pictured), invited us to cast our They call this period of time A fi nal worship and prayer minds back, as she asked us ‘what discernment, and this weekend session, once again led by John was the patchwork of your lives’? really provided the ideal space Bennet and Wyn Maskell, rounded This evoked many memories and a and place for being with one’s up our day, committing all that we reminder that family and faith were own heart and feeling what God is heard and said to the one who is fi nely woven into the fabric of my asking. so committed to his Church in our early life. The word cariad, with It can feel like a lonely time diocese and the world, our Triune an illustration of a Christian family and, at times, it was diffi cult to stay God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. retreat centre, was the image that present with what was happening There were lots of discus- came as we worked together: all over the weekend. This was when sions throughout the day, and great part of future plans emerging. walks and prayer were a comfort, contributions from all those who Many Bible quotes resonated as was hearing that others felt the were present. I am sure it is not but the reminder that we have same – we laughed and cried, all an exaggeration to say that all of a helper was a comfort over the part of the joy of following one’s us felt stimulated, informed and weekend in prayer, walks along the calling! inspired at the end of a great day beach and worship together: ‘the Pobl Dewi, March 2020 5 Antur Eciwmeniaeth Cymuned Taizé Suzy Bale writes about the Taizé Community’s Ecumenical Vocation AE fy nghysylltiadau â dŷ. Yng Nghluny mae olion un o’r adeg yr haf. Gyda’r nifer uchel M Chymuned Taizé yn mynd hen fynachdai mwyaf hanesyddol o bererinion roedd y Brodyr yn nôl i Nadolig 1986 pan aeth yn Ewrop. Clywodd bod tŷ ar chwilio am ffordd i bawb ymuno criw o’r Caplandy i ymuno yn y werth ym mhentre cyfagos Taizé. yn yr addoliad. Fe weithiodd y cyfarfod Ewropeaidd yn Llundain. Pan aeth i weld, cwrddodd â Brawd Robert gyda’r cyfansoddwr Ar ôl graddio ces i gyfle i hen fenyw a dywedodd wrtho, Joseph Gelineau am ateb gan fyw yn Taizé am sbel. Roedd “O arhoswch yma, dyn ni mor ddechrau ysgrifennu’r siantiau gweledigaeth eciwmenaidd unig!” Prynodd Roger y tŷ ac ar bach byr gyda geiriau o’r salmau yn siapio bywyd y Gymuned Ddydd y Pasg 1947 ymrwymodd a’r Beibl sy’n gyfarwydd bellach. o’r dechrau yn 1940 gyda’r y saith brawd cyntaf yn Frodyr Beth mae’r Cristnogion ifanc Brawd Roger – yntau yn fab y Gymuned am oes. Cawsant yn ei ffeindio yn Taizé? Maen i weinidog yn yr Eglwys ganiatâd i ddefnyddio hen nhw’n darganfod bod ffydd yn Lutheraidd a’i fam-gu wedi Eglwys y Plwyf oedd heb ei rhywbeth syml, eu bod nhw yn mynd yn rheolaidd i weddïo yn defnyddio ers degawdau. gallu ymuno mewn addoliad, yr Eglwys Gatholig yn y Plwyf. Cyn hir roedd pobl ifanc a lle distawrwydd a myfyrdod © Sabine Leutenegger and A&PdT by permission (Ateliers et Presses de Taizé) Roedd Roger wedi gorffen o bob man yn dechrau clywed mewn addoliad. Maen nhw hefyd ei astudiaethau yn Genefa yn am y brodyr oedd eisiau tynnu yn ffeindio bod nhw ddim ar eu ‘catholigrwydd’ yr Eglwys yn ces i’r cyfle i dyfu yn fy ffydd, 1939 jyst cyn y Rhyfel. Gyda Cristnogion o’r gwahanol enwadau pennau eu hunain yn yr Eglwys. ei wir ystyr; ‘cyffredinol’ a ac yn sicr plannwyd gwreiddiau grŵp o ffrindiau coleg, cafodd at ei gilydd a’u haddoliad. Mae pobl ifanc fel nhw yn gofyn ‘byd-eang.’ Mae’r profiad o’r 35 fy ngalwad i wasanaethu yn yr weledigaeth i ffurfio cymuned Dechreuodd nifer gynyddol ddod yr un cwestiynau ac yn rhannu’r mlynedd diwethaf wedi siapio fy Eglwys. www.taize.fr o frodyr i rannu eu bywydau a i ymweld. Yn 1963 fe adeiladwyd un profiadau. Mae prydferthwch mywyd ysbrydol i, ac yn Taizé am fwy o fanylion. chydweithio a chydweddïo. Yn Eglwys y Cyfamod ac erbyn Pasg a symlrwydd mewn addoliad yn Awst 1940 roedd Roger yn nhre 1970 roedd rhaid dymchwel y gallu siarad â nhw, ac yn fwy na An extended version in English can be found on PDExtra: Cluny ym Mwrgwyn yn chwlio am wal gefn a gosod pabell enfawr dim roeddwn i wedi darganfod https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/

because although we are all called not fictional callings – they have Five years of answering the call by the same loving God, that call been heard by members of the FoV, is unique for us and our circum- who are, right now, exploring their stances. In this self-supporting and vocation within our fellowship. – and many more to come! nurturing environment we learn to God never stops calling each and Robb Wainwright, coordinator of the Fellowship of Vocation, reflects on the tell our story of God’s call in our every one of us to follow him and upcoming anniversary of its foundation life and to embrace what that might each call is precious to him and mean for us. helps further his plans. Knowing HOEVER you are, what- ing group is deliberately laid back ful of how people will react when Whether your call is to be the just how much he loves you, why Wever your call from God, and open, allowing freedom to they mention that they feel, or have foundation governor in the local not put your trust in him, answer The St Davids Diocesan Fellow- move, stretch and hopefully unfurl been told, that God is calling them church school, to be something your call and see where it leads? ship of Vocation (FoV) is there those emerging wings. to ministry in his Church. Here, in new and unknown in our current Join those who have answered their to support you in your struggle to Meeting in small groups across these small groups, you learn by ministry structure or to be one call in the last five years and find come to terms with that call. This is our diocese, the function of the FoV listening that there are others who of those called to wear a clerical God’s life-changing answers for not a formal ‘how can we help put is to allow those hearing God’s call feel as you do. Here, by voicing collar you are welcome. These are yourself. a collar round your neck’ organisa- in their lives to gather and talk to your concerns and worries, you tion. No one here tries to persuade others who, like them, are nerv- find common ground – similari- you to follow a path you can’t see. ous and unsure about what they are ties with the journey of others who For more information about the FoV visit The structure of this slowly matur- feeling. They are also often fear- have preceded you and differences https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/fellowship-of-vocation/

area from in the west, attend future celebrations, please or the possibility of arranging an Newcastle to the north and contact me, event for Tŷ Cymorth can also be Shared remembrance to the east. [email protected]. to me and I will refer them to Liz Tŷ Cymorth is a comfortable, The Health Board boundaries Griffin, Trustee and the Chair of friendly, consultant-led unit, with coincide with the perimeters of our the Fund Raising Committee, who in a time of grief a team of specialist nurses and diocese. Queries about fundraising co-authored this article. Their Light Still Shines, now in its ninth year, is an occasion for therapists who offer, in response people to remember and celebrate the life of a relative, friend to individual need, counselling for or colleague, especially at Christmas time. In recent years the patients and their families, a range of therapies, psychological and celebration has been held at the National Botanic Garden of spiritual support, as well as symp- Wales, Llanarthne, near Carmarthen, a setting which speaks of tom and pain management. Recent the beauty of the natural world and of the cycle of renewal and national developments in palliative new life. Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Hywel Dda University care mean that patients can access Health Board, who designed and established the annual event, treatment, support, and the loan of explains its ethos specialist equipment in their own HE programme involves the sense of isolation often felt by homes. When the time comes, Tŷ THealth Board staff, care part- those who grieve. Cymorth offers families pre- and nerships and representatives from The event is supported by post-bereavement support. The Tŷ residential and nursing homes, who Tŷ Cymorth Specialist Palliative Cymorth Appeal exists to help meet have supported families at the end Care Unit. It is also a significant needs identified by the profession- of life. Through selected music and fundraiser for the Tŷ Cymorth als in order to best support patients readings, those of all faiths, and of Hospice Care Appeal, which works and their families who are facing no faith, are given time for reflec- in partnership with the Hywel the difficult challenges of life limit- tion, an opportunity to record a Dda University Health Board to ing illness. message about a loved one and to support and help develop pallia- For more information on the Their Light Still Shines, or if light a personal candle. Such acts tive care services in Carmarthen Their Light Still Shines, November 2019 of shared remembrance can offset and District. This encompasses an anyone would like to support or Courtesy of Ann Howells and Non Owen 6 Pobl Dewi, March 2020 United in worship Holocaust Memorial Service David Hawkes, a Methodist minister for 50 years, feels blessed On Saturday 25th January, representatives of local churches, chapels, the Muslim community, those to be working as part of the ministry team in of Jewish heritage, youth groups, schools and the local health board gathered in the small, rural WAS ordained a minister of Cytûn on behalf of the Cove- Anglican church at , near Carmarthen, to remember the atrocities of the holocaust I the Methodist Church in England nanted Churches in Wales, there and other genocides and to commit to stand together to end such atrocities. This interfaith service, and Wales at the 1969 Methodist was little sign of partnership in to mark Holocaust Memorial Day and the 75th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, was an Conference. At that same confer- South West Wales between the outpouring of hope for present and future generations, says Gaynor Jones-Higgs ence, at the same time as in the Church in Wales and the Method- General Synod of the Church of ist Church. We now live 16 miles HIS was our third holocaust England (CofE), the debate and from the nearest Methodist Church Tmemorial service, and this vote took place on the proposal to (of the English variety) and I am year the address was given by Revd unite the two Churches. now in my 80th year. Travelling a Euryl Howells, Senior Chaplain at Both voted in favour above long way for worship and fellow- our local hospitals. Euryl reflected 70% but, having decided that a 75% ship is likely to be more difficult on the importance of remembering, vote was required, the proposed as the years go by. We have there- and his own personal experience of union failed. A bitter blow at the fore chosen to worship at the parish meeting survivors of the Rwandan beginning of my ministry and sadly church in Fishguard. genocide. that failure to unite has remained Despite my age I have wanted People were invited to add their with us to this day. to remain active in ministry. I still names, reflections and commit- Ever since, I have tried to find take a few services for the South ments to end genocide to a giant ways of encouraging the oneness I West Wales Methodist Circuit but paper chain (pictured), symbolis- believe we should be seeking. In I want above all to be involved ing how we will work and stand my last appointment as Superinten- locally. That has been made possi- together to try to ensure that we dent Minister in Swindon I came ble! The Vicar (Chris Brown) eliminate factors that lead to geno- as near as I could to achieving that and the ministerial team have cide from our communities. goal, working in close partnership welcomed me as part of the team. Candles were lit to remem- with the CofE (and others) through I preach from to time when needed ber victims of the holocaust, Nazi local ecumenical partnerships and and, with the Bishop’s blessing, Persecution and more recent atroci- joint appointments. I was based in also preside at the (using ties in Cambodia, Bosnia, Rwanda the Dorcan Church (a CofE and the Covenanted Churches in Wales and Darfur. Methodist partnership) in a mixed liturgy for Holy Communion). This After the service we enjoyed team of clergy sharing each other’s has been a blessing for me and it getting to know each other a little worship and ministry. seems for the congregation. After better as we shared refreshments. On retirement (or as we say in 50 years of ministry, unity has Methodism being ‘allowed to sit sadly not arrived but I feel privi- down’) my wife and I moved to leged to worship and serve among Fishguard. A very different scene friends and not strangers. the foundation has extended its awaited us. Despite the work of Blessing the plough work far beyond the borders of the county and is now offering an inval- N Sunday 12th January, the gation of the work of the DPJ uable service to people in many O first Sunday after the Epiph- Foundation. parts of Wales, as well as working any, a bilingual Blessing of the Emma established the founda- with Tir Dewi, the diocesan farm- Plough service took place at St tion in honour of her late husband, ing support network which is now Peter’s Church, Little Newcas- Daniel, who committed suicide. being rolled out across Wales. tle; the plough had been lent for The aim of the charity is to help Emma was presented with a the occasion by Nevile Evans of farmers who are facing severe cheque to further the work of the nearby Linton Farm. Participat- mental anxiety and to bring to the charity, the money for which had ing in the service was the Singing public’s attention the very high been collected at the church’s for Fun group, under their conduc- suicide rate which exists amongst harvest supper, and the morning tress Anne Hughes, whilst Emma the agricultural community. From ended with a delicious soup lunch Picton-Jones informed the congre- its beginnings in , in the village hall. Pobl Dewi, March 2020 7 Growing Hope Growing Hope Tours with added value An intrinsic part of the recently renamed Fishguard and West Wales International Music Festival is the series of roving Exceeding all expectations concerts hosted by local country churches. Organised with the Boxes of fi ne china – cake stands – hydrangeas – teapots – cheese scones – lemon aid of the Saints and Stones group (which promotes visits to drizzle cake – bags of ingredients being handed over to the vicar – coff ee – fl apjacks – local churches) the events have proved so popular that they are washing up in a church porch . . . What do these all have in common? How could they presented twice during the festival and sell out every time. The possibly be related? Becky Evans explains festival takes place at the end of July – Richard Davies and Mike Malloy invite readers along to this year’s tours HEY were all part of Come Tand Eat Cake! S with all winning formu- renowned local churches such as One Friday afternoon in July A lae, the basic idea is a simple and are included, 2019, Come and Eat Cake came one: approximately 40 participants it is a joy to visit the less well known into being. Named because we board a coach outside Fishguard but no less interesting structures. hoped people would . . . come and Town Hall, and then proceed to Over the years, visits have been eat cake, and, God, they did! visit four or fi ve places of worship made to Jordanston, Llanfair Nant- Come and Eat Cake is a free, pop in the town’s hinterland. En route y-Gof, , , up café in All Saints’ Church, to each location, as the coach , St Dogwells, St Llangorwen. Timed for afternoons wends its way around the remoter Lawrence and . It is also when the church would already lanes of north Pembrokeshire, a pleasing to note that Nonconform- be open, the back of building was local historian outlines its history ist chapels, such as Llangloff an and transformed into a café area. When as a religious site and highlights Tabor, Dinas, have recently been we ran out of seats around the points of interest in the build- added to the itinerary. tables, people took their drinks and ing. On arrival, the incumbent or The host churches, many faith- cakes to a pew – after all, aren’t church members extend a warm fully maintained by a loyal handful, pews made for sitting on? welcome to the visitors before they also benefi t. They get to see their We booked two dates in August are treated to a short music recital. church full, and to hear it resonate during the school holidays when friends along, as well as being a staff from the local care home all During the performance, guests are to the sound of live music. The the holiday parks were likely to be wonderful opportunity to extend enjoyed copious amounts of home- free to sit and listen or explore the visitors’ appreciation of the ancient full. The aim was, in part, to reach weekday welcome to holiday made goodies; lemon drizzle cake church. Each visit lasts around half structures also serves to boost the out to those in the local commu- makers. and fl apjacks being the outright an hour and, at the last venue, there morale of the remnant. nity, which at this time of year, Facilities are limited, but favourites! are usually some welcome refresh- In recent years, the festival’s numerically, mainly consists of with willing volunteers armed Come and Eat Cake will be ments before the coach returns to policy has been to promote young those on holiday in the area. We for anything – mostly washing popping up again soon! Since our Fishguard. musicians at these venues and this also wanted to connect with those up, when the 30 place settings we launch in Summer 2019, we’ve All involved benefi t from the has proved very popular. In 2020 in the surrounding community who arrived with needed replenish- run in October half term and will exercise. The organisers sell out we propose to visit churches and are locals and, of course, develop ing – a great time was had by all. be running again in the Easter holi- both events and the participants chapels in the Pen-caer area. the community within the church In the two afternoons, 83 people days. If you’re in the area – please get to see pretty parts of the county Please visit congregation, providing an oppor- were part of Come and Eat Cake. co me and eat cake! not usually frequented by holi- www.fishguardmusicfestival.com tunity for fellowship. It was great Church members, locals, fami- daymakers while getting a fl avour for details, and be sure to book to see church members inviting on holiday, residents and of the local history. Whilst more early!

children! The choir even came fi rst parents want be more involved and along with their wider families, to Children’s music interest at the annual Christmas concert, actually sing with the children, become more familiar with local arranged by Pembroke and District a further series of events is being churches, then this might remove Male Voice Choir. Emily told Pobl planned, including one at St John’s some barriers to more of them brings people together Dewi that the children had spent Church in on 25th becoming part of the church fami- At Pembroke Dock Community Junior School, music is a a whole term preparing their set April. lies in the area. Some local choirs very important part of the curriculum. Indeed, if it is linked to pieces. Local churches are hoping that are already interested in singing performances in public, then children gain much confi dence and Now that the parents and grand- by getting the children and parents, with this new community choir. some important life skills, as Peter Lane reports

CHOIR formed at Pembroke achievements and the audience A Dock Community Junior confi rmed that, too, with a standing Contributions to Pobl Dewi School is developing so well that ovation. We welcome articles of interest it is attracting much local commu- Unusually, the children had from readers and, in particular, nity support. It has now begun to worked closely with their teach- we would like to encourage arrange events locally where the ers to get the harmonies right and submission of articles in Welsh. children go out to perform. they had also created and practised Articles should be emailed to the The children started this some quite interesting choreogra- Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, by singing at local churches in phy that was much appreciated by [email protected] Pembroke Dock, including St the audiences. Photographs of children must Teilo’s on 5 December 2019. The They have now arranged and have parental permission for hall at St Teilo’s was packed as attended events at packed local publication in print and on the the children sang the songs they churches. This has been so success- internet. Please confi rm this had chosen, many of them with a ful that parents and grandparents in writing to the editor when Christmas theme. Emily Kaijaks, have decided, and been permitted, submitting photos. their teacher, was proud of their to attend sessions to sing with the 8 Pobl Dewi, March 2020

Referrers have told us that, on handing out packs, they have seen Bundles of joy the worry disappear form moth- Plant Dewi’s Baby Bundle project was established in November ers’ faces, and parents are often 2016, thanks to a Diocesan Legacy grant, to provide essential overwhelmed by the generosity. items that are required by expectant parents to welcome their One mum said ‘I was dreading my new baby. Catrin Evans explains little one coming into the world as I didn’t have everything that I OMETIMES an expectant the three archdeaconries – St John’s needed for him. Having this bundle S parent cannot afford to buy Church in Carmarthen, Plant Dewi has lifted my spirits and I’m really everything, so we can step in and Hub in Pembroke Dock and The looking forward to meeting my help them in their time of need, Well in Aberystwyth. These enable little boy. It’s just taken all the thanks to the generosity of so us to store a large amount of items stress and worry away’. many of you around the diocese. and maintain a good stock for fami- Since the project has become better lies in need. Bespoke known, we receive both donations There is a wide range of issues Baby Bundles are supplied by and referrals on a daily basis. that impact on parents not being referral only. Just call us (01267 The Mothers’ Union have able provide what is needed for 221551) if you want to request a adopted the project and they, along their new baby, but, more often pack and we will take brief details with parishes, individuals and the than not, poverty is at the core of from you about the family request- families that we work with, have all requests: expectant and new ing support. Bundles are bespoke, quality second hand items, espe- cannot accept car seats, mattresses provided an excellent on-going parents facing financial problems, depending on availability and the cially clothing for new-borns and and highchairs. source of goods. With all this homelessness, some with learning needs of the parents; referrers are other essentials including nappies, For more information, please support, we have given out over 100 difficulties and some have anxi- able to request particular items for wipes, shampoo, bibs, towels and do not hesitate to call: Baby Bundle packs since April 2019. ety and depression or little family the families. blankets as well as Moses baskets, 01267 221551. We have Baby Bundle hubs in support. We accept most new and good buggies, cribs and baby baths. We 2020: a landmark year Boosting children’s for Tir Dewi brain power

Summer 2020 will mark five years since the launch of Tir Dewi in St Davids Diocese and it is certain that many are now familiar with the farming network support service. So invaluable has this service been that the feasibility of extending it into Powys and across Wales is now being investigated by a newly-appointed member of the team IR Dewi was founded by the to develop herself as an individual work of Tir Dewi, and ways you Tpresent Archdeacon of Cardi- and expand Tir Dewi where it is can help, can be found at gan, Eileen Davies, and Bishop needed during the coming year. https://www.tirdewi.co.uk (now retired) who More information about the agreed that there was a growing and serious need for help to be offered to the farmers of West Wales in diffi- cult times. Since being established, Tir Dewi has helped a considerable number of individuals and their families, which is reflected in their ever-growing team of experienced volunteers. The need for a similar service EALTHY snacks in Narberth School staff members collect across the rest of Wales is undis- H Community Primary School food from the store, which is puted and now, thanks to funding (Narberth CP School) are helping prepared every morning by pupils by the RANK Foundation, Tir to boost the brainpower of pupils at the breakfast club, who are then Dewi has been able to appoint Elen and it’s all thanks to the Co-op’s responsible for distributing the Skyrme (pictured) to consider the Food Share scheme. food – usually fruit, vegetables possibility of expanding the service Each of the 11 classrooms in and bread – around the classes. into Powys. Narberth town’s CP School has This has helped the pupils realise Elen was born and raised in a plate of food for youngsters the value of food as well as foster- the rural village of Mydroilyn to graze on, thanks to the Co-op ing an understanding that eating in and, having stud- donating fresh food within use-by healthily is a good way to improve ied Rural Enterprise and Land and best-before dates to thousands their knowledge. Management at Harper Adams of small community groups. University, returned to live at her family’s beef and sheep farm in Mydroilyn. Following her return from university, Elen spent a brief Keep a lookout period as an Estate and Land Agent Unfortunately, churches in the diocese are, once again, falling but decided to grasp the opportu- victim to lead thieves, most recently in the Archdeaconry of nity of working with Tir Dewi on Carmarthen. Please be vigilant at this time and report any this exciting project during 2020. thefts or suspicious activity to Powys Police. She is also an active member of Thefts and/or associated damage should also be reported Mydroilyn Young Farmers Club, to your insurers and Emma O’Connor at the Diocesan Office currently acting as secretary. Elen [email protected] looks forward to facing challenges whilst creating new connections so that records can be kept of where these crimes are taking for Tir Dewi in Powys, and hopes place. Pobl Dewi, March 2020 9 Pan-Wales project Harsh reality, drama and gets off to a good start transformation Artist, designer and craftsman in wood, Stephen Owen, from Experiencing Sacred Wales, the project introduced in the December 2019 St Matthew’s Church, , recently won the prestigious Art and issue of Pobl Dewi, is being rolled out across Wales and gaining momentum, Christianity award for ‘Art in a Religious Context’ reports Caroline Evans, Diocesan Faith Tourism Officer RT and Christianity is the of the risen Lord Jesus – all are AST November, the first work churches post their information that the Symposium on Faith Tour- A UK’s leading educational echoed in the ruptured wood. The L shop in west Wales for this onto the website – if you would ism, run by the Welsh Historic charity in the field of visual art and grave could not hold him. Death project attracted a good crowd to a like this help, please contact me on Places of Worship Forum, will be religion and the awards celebrate will not have the last word. day of presentations (pictured) and 01267 202305 or e-mail stdavids- held in April in Pontypridd and the successes and diversity of artis- The base of the table is made lunch at The Guildhall in Cardigan. [email protected]. Caroline Welch will be one of tic projects in religious buildings from one solid piece of 190 year- Led by Caroline Welch, the All- The Experiencing Sacred the keynote speakers. Your own throughout Britain. old green oak and will, therefore, Wales Church Support Officer, a Wales project is being organised St David’s Diocese Faith Tour- Stephen had been commis- move (shake) with time. Lest we be range of useful topics was covered and supported by the NCT, the ism Group have been asked to sioned to make two pieces of in danger of becoming too familiar for churches wanting to welcome church buildings support charity, give a micro-presentation and it furniture for a prayer chapel at with the drama of the cross and visitors. Attendees included repre- in partnership with Visit Wales, the would be wonderful to be able to Guildford Baptist Church and the resurrection, these artworks can sentatives from St Gwyndaf’s Church in Wales, Addoldai Cymru, report a big increase in the number judges were unanimous in choos- shake us from complacency and Llanwnda, St Michael’s , Friends of Friendless Churches of our churches on the Explore ing his work (pictured). help us see redemption afresh. St Brynach’s Nevern, St Cynwyl’s and the Royal Commission on the Churches website. Did you know The lectern/cross: The bottom As your eye travels upwards, Cynwyl Elvet, St Michael’s Eglw- Ancient and Historical Monuments that we have 305 in the diocese of the lectern speaks of the harsh the wood of both pieces changes, ysfach, St Peter’s Carmarthen, of Wales. They have selected the (114 in St Davids Archdeaconry, reality of the cross. A large nail from rough to smooth. Reflecting Holy Trinity , St David’s church at to be lent a visi- including the Cathedral, 106 in is driven through the rough wood on this for Radio 4’s Daily Service, Llanddewi Aberarth, St David’s tor counter. The next workshop Cardigan Archdeaconry and 95 in at the base. This piece serves as a Professor Ben Quash commented: Whitchurch and St Aiden’s in will concentrate on ‘bookable Carmarthen Archdeaconry)? stark reminder of the price Jesus “Christ became like us for a Upper . Other representatives experiences’. In the next issue I will report on paid at Calvary. At the bottom purpose. He became like us so as to attended from the Tabernacle at An interesting development is how we are getting on! of the ‘tree’ there are slits in the change us into his perfect likeness. Haverfordwest, the Congregational wood into which written prayers As they extend upwards, the wood Federation in Wales and Menter can be tucked. The crossbeam at of both objects becomes smoother Silian Group for Silian Church. the top indicates the open pages and more finished, as we are to Similar workshops have been of the word of God, and the shape do. For God is working on us, in held across Wales and the Explore is almost wing-like. From here, word and sacrament, in places of Churches website is seeing a God’s word takes flight – and will encounter, transforming us from marked rise in the number of not return to him void. one degree of glory to another.” churches and chapels posting their The communion table: The Stephen has his studio near details on there. Inclusion is free table is a visual reminder of those Borth. and it asks for information useful words, “He is not here – He is Visit www.stephenowen.com for visitors such as opening hours risen!” Its base contains an off- for more details of his work; or key location as applicable – the centre, circular hole. The disciples’ e-mail National Churches Trust (NCT) shock at the empty tomb, the power [email protected] can organise translation. One step forward is that a historian in Pembrokeshire has offered to help

Her father, Ceredig, was ruler of Ceredigion, the county in which A haven of history, legends Llanina is located. Another tradi- tion holds that the dedicatee is and peace King Ina of (688-726CE), who founded the Abbey at Glas- To complement our series on ‘little gems’, Beryl Edwards finds tonbury and the present Wells the church of St Ina, Llanina, near Cathedral. The legend says King Ina was shipwrecked along this ALKING the coast path, stretching the width of the church coast. Local people welcomed W I discovered one of the and a carved oak beam decorated him, helped repair the ship and, Watch Stephen discussing his work and vocation at smallest churches in Ceredigion. with a waved leaf trail, believed by in gratitude, Ina built the first https://youtu.be/p00lJnrWGSI Starting in New Quay, I headed archaeologists to be a section of a church here, which is now well northwards along the beach 15th century rood beam. out to sea, submerged by coastal towards Llanina Point. At the More recently, the diamond- erosion. However, since that time mouth of the Afon Llethi, follow- shaped memorial plaque, hung in there has always been a church in ing the river path inland, I caught 1834, commemorates a past vicar or near this spot. The present build- sight of a small church on the hill- of St Ina’s, Revd John Lloyd, a ing is certainly the third of possibly side overlooking the sea and the noted satirical bard of his day. In seven, having been rebuilt in 1850. wooded valley below. Delighted the 1970’s a handsome brass eagle You can visit this gem by car, to find St Ina’s (pictured) open, I winged its way from St Barnabas, parking in Llanina woods, and discovered a simple, calm, white Wolverhampton; the latter a curi- afterwards, enjoy the beach, or and blue interior. ous link, partly explained by a continue on the coast path north- At the east end is a beauti- brass plaque in the sanctuary. wards through woods to a huge ful stained glass window of Jesus Historically interesting, this ancient stone seat and an impres- by the Sea of Galilee calling the was originally a chapelry and its sive waterfall flowing to the sea disciples. foundation is believed to have below. You will find St Ina’s a tran- Near the west entrance is a been dedicated to St Ina, a 5th quil and prayerful space to rest in simple 13th century font, one of century Welsh saint and member God’s presence in idyllic surround- the earliest arcaded fonts in Wales, of the royal house of Gwynedd. ings. Postcode SA45 9SJ. 10 Pobl Dewi, March 2020 A Reader’s eye view Focus on of partnership Paul writes of “partnership in the Gospel” (Philippians 1:5) and, for Helen Bookless, this is a special feature of her Reader Ministry ministry as a Reader E partner with the clergy, I partner, where I can, with the Wand we partner with the rest variety of outreach we do, such as of the lay people in our church, our popular Parents and Toddlers A very special ministry as we serve the Lord together and Little Fishes, the summer tent reach out to others. mission we did last year, healing It is strange what people say about you behind your back and, sometimes, even to One of the ways I have found prayer on the streets sometimes, your face. As Director of Ministry in this diocese, Rhiannon Johnson has been told a this working out in our LMA and helping with the Alpha Course. couple of times by people outside the diocese that St Davids does not ‘do’ Reader of Roose ( and There is joy in “partnership in ministry any more. Nothing could be further from the truth surrounding area) is by encourag- the Gospel” – the Body of Christ ing our wider partnership through working together humbly, each EADERS are licensed as The next stage is working prayer. Last May, we took part in doing our little bit, some as Read- R lay ministers in the Church with the vocations advisors who Thy Kingdom Come, co-ordinat- ers, and making the most of our with the special calling of demon- will help get you ready to go to a ing a series of prayer gatherings of opportunities to serve. strating the connections between discernment panel. This panel will various kinds over the 10 days, held our faith and our everyday lives, see if they, as representatives of in several of the 22 churches of our particularly through teaching and the Church, hear the same call on LMA. This gave us the opportunity preaching. The Bishop licenses your life that you hear, then make to pray together in diff erent ways, them to preach and lead worship a recommendation to the Bishop. refl ecting the approach of each and they are valuable, often vital, Recommendations the panel makes host church, to make new connec- parts of the Church’s work. Being are: send this person to training; tions and to fi nd out where all the a Reader, however, is about far don’t send them yet they are not churches actually are! People want more than just keeping the service ready; train them for another form to do it again this year. rota going, as you will see from the of ministry. At our Chapter and LMA stories in this section. The length of training depends Council, we decided to encourage It is true that the number of on previous experience and a this sense of prayer partnership Readers in the diocese has declined good Reader never stops learning in ministry and mission, so I put in recent years. We have not been but typically there are two years together a simple daily prayer diary recruiting enough to fi ll the gaps you would love to have some- of part-time formation which, all every month that covers each left by those who retire from this one like that at work in your area, being well, culminates in being community, church, the leader- ministry and those whose calling pray and ask God to show you the licensed by the Bishop in the cathe- ship and so on, with fl exibility for leads them into diff erent forms of people you should be encourag- dral. It is a wonderful occasion and updating to include any specifi c Christian service. But we also have ing to explore this challenge. If an inspiration for all who attend as prayer requests from the churches. a large number of worship lead- it is you, the next steps are talk- they see people commit themselves I also currently oversee our email ers who may well feel that Reader ing to your vicar and joining the to reading and speaking out what Prayer Chain, for urgent prayer ministry might be the natural next Fellowship of Vocation where you the world is saying to the Church needs in between the regular gath- step in what they are already doing. can meet others who are exploring and what the church is saying to the erings where we pray together. If, after reading these articles, what God is asking them to do. w orld.

Bridging the gap When Felicity Hough was accepted for Reader training in 2018, she told a friend that she felt she had jumped off a cliff into deep water. However, despite anxieties she is looking forward to her ministry HY was I doing this at age for handing in our assignments to W71? But, then, Jesus hired be marked. At my age things seem workers for his vineyard at the to take that much longer to do. end of the day, so why not me? Then there are all those niggling Thus I found myself enrolled in doubts: Am I up to the job? Have St Padarn’s Institute, being trained I really been called? All I can do for ‘formation in community for is rely on Jesus to walk with me mission’. It was scary being a through the choppy waters. The student again after almost 50 years. love and encouragement from my However, the value of studying church people has helped me to Theology for Life has been a deeper survive. and liberating engagement with the I belong to a church that has Bible, which has increased my seen some diffi cult and painful faith in God’s word. It has taught times. As a lay minister, I hope to me to listen to the Spirit’s voice bridge the gap between the congre- within me. But perhaps the greatest gation and the clergy and provide benefi t of St Padarn’s has been the quality worship at those times worship, along with the love and when ordained ministry is not friendship that we all share at the available. That way churches like summer schools and the residential ours can continue their growth in weekends. Jesus and be an eff ective presence I have found things very stress- in our communities. ful at times, especially deadlines St Padarn’s students relax at Summer School 2019, Treforest Campus, University of South Wales Pobl Dewi, March 2020 11 What’s new To envision and encourage After many years as a Reader in our diocese, Catherine Hammond has moved away and looks back at what can be achieved in Reader ministry in Reader ministry? NE of the joys of being a be flexible and humble –my rôle an understanding of what might be OReader is that the rôle gives was to envision and encourage. possible within church guidelines. Lots, says Rhiannon Johnson opportunities to explore and play to At Llanychaer where I was It is time consuming and needs EADERS are a well-estab ideally suited to do this because your while remaining rooted Focal Minister, the Vicar, Warden someone who can focus on it and R lished part of Anglican they are the experts in holding in the church. Some of the things and I looked at how the much-loved has the backing of a ministry team. Church life. They have been together the lay life of a Christian that Readers find themselves doing building could be used even though A recent booklet Resourcing around for more than a century, but and the Church’s treasures of learn- may not be what they expected and there was no regular congrega- Sunday to Saturday Faith* refers to in the last two years in the Church ing and prayer. looking back I can see plenty of tion. We started monthly weekday Readers as people who daily move of England there has been a stirring The ’s those. reflections that took as their start- between the worlds of work, home, of new interest in how important report calls on the wider church At Fishguard I worked with ing points subjects of interest rather social networks and church. With this ministry is. to raise up new Readers and help small teams of people as the than Bible passages or liturgy; we this background, it says, they are You may have come existing ones to refocus their work church became more involved in developed appreciation of the wild- in a position to ‘help others grow across some of it under the head- because, in times like these, we the community. Together we life of the churchyard; seasonal in confident and humble witness to ings of ‘Transforming Ministry’ or need teachers of the faith who • acted for cruise ship visitors trails were laid in the church and God’s Kingdom’. Sometimes the ‘Sunday to Saturday faith’. Exist- • love God and have a thorough • created displays fitting the ecumenical Taizé services began. unexpected ways do just that. ing Readers in Wales are going knowledge of God’s story themes of town festivals Llanychaer is now a pilot Pilgrim to be introduced to this at their • love people and learn to listen • knitted 650 give away hearts Church *The renewed vision of The up-coming summer conference well to the stories of individ- (pictured) To lead those sorts of changes Central Readers’ Council of the Church of England and The but here are some spoilers. If you uals and communities • transformed the church with requires someone who can stand Church in Wales. 2019 want to check it out for yourself, • love learning and have a good fairy lights when Father Christ- within the local situation and has try www.readers.cofe.anglican. understanding of how to help mas came to town org/u_d_lib_pub/p348.pdf. people learn • took zebras, meerkats and other Did you know that 93% of • love to listen to God and will odd beasts to the agricultural the population of England have make time for prayerful reflec- show little or no regular contact with tion on scripture, experience These were responses to what was the Church? In Wales, the picture and the process of learning happening in the town, none was a is more patchy, but in many places • loves to pray and can do so church event but we could play a the figures are similar or even with creativity and imagination part while saying something gently worse. The figures make the task This gets summed up in the report thought-provoking that stemmed seem impossible, but the good as teaching everyday faith, model- from our Christian hope and belief. news is that Christians do have ling everyday prayer, encouraging were contact with the 93% in their daily everyday witness and sustaining already welcoming cruise passen- lives. The challenge then becomes everyday action. gers into town when St Mary’s how to equip the Christians who Does that look like anyone joined in by telling a light-hearted live and work alongside the 93% you know? Could it be you? account of the church’s history. in their everyday faith. Readers are It was very popular with some, but others just wanted a warm welcome and a chance to chat or

join a service. The team needed to Stock photo Resourcing been prohibited. Last year I led the Sunday to The new Diocesan World Day of Prayer at one of the LMA churches. I have the Bishop’s Saturday authority to conduct funerals. Warden of Readers I regularly take the reserved Faith Ruth Evans has recently had the honour of being appointed, by sacrament to the housebound in the Bishop, as Diocesan Warden of Readers and Licensed Lay their homes, residential and nurs- Minsters. She was licensed by Archbishop on ing homes and, occasionally, to 15 November 1990 and has been a Reader for 30 years schools. I also do home and hospi- tal visiting and sometimes lead Readers, READER is a lay minister Bible study when required. Being Lay Ministers & A who preaches and teaches a member of the Mothers’ Union, in a pastoral context. The minis- I lead worship at branch meet- Everyday Faith try of a Reader is trained, licensed, ings. I help the youth worker at the The renewed vision of The Central authorised and governed by Christmas and Easter Experiences, Readers’ Council of The Church Law. when local school children come of England & The Church in Wales I am minister in Bro Lliedi into the church to learn about the Local Ministry Area with the LMA Christian faith. Dean, Revd Canon Huw Mosford I feel fulfilled in my ministry and the Ministry Team, which as a Reader, working alongside consists of lay and ordained minis- my colleagues in both ordained ters. We have weekly staff meetings and lay ministries. Together we do and planning sessions, preceded by God’s work, serving his Church Morning Prayer, which I usually and his people. My role as Dioc- lead, and we also have Evening esan Warden of Readers will be, Prayer three times a week. required. I also lead the Ministry of briefly, to support and promote the Bro Lliedi LMA consists of six the Word, lead intercessions, preach ministry and training of Readers at churches. My role is to conduct sermons, serve and administer the a local and diocesan level – with sung Matins and and sacrament at Holy Eucharist. I prayer and support, I hope that I preach sermons in both Welsh have taken Communion by Exten- shall be capable of performing this and English on a weekly basis, sion in church when no priest was role. © anglican.org plus other forms of service when available, but now, sadly, this has 12 Pobl Dewi, March 2020

Forthcoming Events at Tŷ’r Pererin Friday 20th March, 10am-4pm Retreat Day: Signs of New Life A day of prayer and inspiration hearing about the new Christian communities which make up the Archdeaconry of Evangelism in St Davids Diocese. How do these stories WHAT’S ON AT ST DAVIDS bring us new hope and set us free to grow into the people of God of the future? The day will be led by Ven Mones ATHEDRAL Farah, Archdeacon for New Christian Communities. C . . . We invite a donation of £5 for the day which includes drinks. Lunch may be taken in the Refectory or bring a Services packed lunch Sunday 22nd March 9.30am Mothering Sunday service, Family Communion Palm Sunday, 5th April 10.15am Procession of Palms from Cross Square 6pm Passiontide devotions Sunday 12th and Monday 13th April, Holy Week available 3-4.30pm 9th April 7pm Eucharist Easter Egg Hunt Good Friday 10th April 6pm Evensong with Lamentations How many places is it possible to hide an Easter Egg in the cathedral? Come and fi nd out! An afternoon of fun for 7.30pm Music and Meditation Service all the family in and around the cathedral. Pick up a leafl et Saturday 11th April 7pm Choral Eucharist for Easter. and begin the hunt. A chocolate surprise available at the Easter Day, 9.30am Welsh Eucharist end! Sunday 12th April 9.30am Eucharist £1 per child (accompanying adults free) 11.15am Choral Eucharist 6pm Choral Evensong Fridays 17th April, 29th May, 24th July-28th St Davids Music Festival August, 10.30am-12.30pm 22nd to 31st May Full details – see page 13 Friday Pilgrimages Gallery exhibitions Join us for a Pilgrimage Experience. Listen to stories and refl ections and view the ancient ruins of St Non’s Chapel as 7th-20th April Pembrokeshire Craft Makers you walk a route from the coast path to the cathedral. Meet 21st April - 4th May Arts and Crafts Group at Oriel y Parc Information Centre. We fi nish our journey at 5th - 18th May Pembrokeshire Our Inspiration the cathedral where participants may like to stay for pilgrim 19th May – 1st June Martin Crampin prayers at the Shrine of St David at 12 noon. 2nd June – 15th June Audrey Johns

Saturday 9th May, 10am-4pm For further information about the above services and events please contact the Deanery Offi ce on 01437 720202 Living a Contemplative Life: or email [email protected] How to bring meditation and contemplative See our website www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk prayer into our lives and church families Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter A gathering for meditators and seekers. The day will be led by Janet Robbins, World Community for Christian Meditation. Donations to cover costs will be gratefully received on the day Cyfraniadau ar gyfer Refreshments provided Lunch available in the Refectory, in St Davids or bring a Pobl Dewi packed lunch Y mae croeso i erthyglau oddi wrth ddarllenwyr, ac yn arbennig cyfraniadau Cymraeg. No booking required Dylid anfon erthyglau at y Golygydd: Tessa Briggs For further information contact [email protected] Judith Davies [email protected]

For more information or to book a place, contact For more articles which, unfortunately, could not be Janet Ingram, accommodated in this issue, plus translations of some, Tŷ’r Pererin, Quickwell Hill, St. Davids Tel: 01437 729151 please visit the PD Extra page of our website: [email protected] https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter Pobl Dewi, March 2020 13 St Davids Cathedral Festival 2020 The 42nd annual Music Festival will take place at the cathedral from 22nd to 31st May. Sarah Green and the Festival Committee have arranged concerts catering to every musical taste and look forward to welcoming readers to the many exciting events E open with a family- folk band Ar Log will appear in Home-grown talent comes in Wfriendly event on Friday our cathedral. As for classical, we many forms and we are very proud 22nd May with the Festival Chil- can’t wait to welcome back the to showcase local musicians, both dren’s Chorus, involving many of BBC National Orchestra of Wales young and established. We are our local schoolchildren accompa- as well as Rachel Podger with looking forward to concerts from nied by an instrumental ensemble, Voces8 and the early music ensem- our own music scholars as well as directed by Oliver Tarney, well- ble Florilegium! What a line up! welcoming the finalist of the pres- known choral animateur and Literature inspires The Book- tigious Young Musician of Dyfed composer. shop Band, whose approach to and the ever-popular Whitland As always, we introduce inter- music and song-writing aims to Male Voice Choir who will appear nationally respected musicians ‘bring nature to life through the at the Tabernacl Chapel. hugely grateful for all the support for more information email performing music of all genres. power of music, poetry, art and and encouragement we are given, Celibrity concert [email protected], Jazz, in the form of the world’s magic . . . ’; they will play and sing both financial and otherwise, from tel 01437 722002 foremost solo percussionist, Dame in the nave while Jackie Morris Our Willis cathedral organ the Arts Council of Wales, and or visit our website Evelyn Glennie, is appearing with paints. Jackie is a long-time resi- (pictured) has a starring role. This from our many and varied friends the Scottish ensemble, Trio HLK dent of St Davids and her paintings year we look forward to a stunning and supporters, without whom the www.stdavidscathralfestival.co.uk and the Jack Mac Jazz Quintet who accompany spell-poems by Robert celebrity concert by Olivier Latry, festival could not take place. Tickets will be on sale from will help us celebrate the festi- Macfarlane in their justifiably cele- organist of Notre Dame Cathedral, There is not nearly enough 9th March – look out for 20% val at our Saturday party. At last, brated book, The Lost Words, now Paris. space here to do the most amazing discounts for St Davids residents. the famous professional Welsh translated into Welsh. The Festival Committee is star-studded programme justice so Turbulent Tudors in Sharing St David’s God and ours Cathedral Library Dean Sarah Rowland Jones looks forward to welcoming visitors to St Davids Cathedral to enjoy a project designed to enhance the pilgrimage experience St Davids Cathedral Library has developed a unique programme T DAVIDS certainly has It would be nice if we could begun installing a few low-impact for secondary schools: Turbulent Tudors. Working with colleagues S the Wow! factor. It’s there ‘let the building speak for itself’ (visually, and environmentally) in the Cathedral’s Education and Music Departments, the day of in people’s faces, as they walk to the near-300,000 visitors who banners around the Cathedral events reveals the experiences of Tudor Britain as represented through the arch at Porth y Tŵr and come annually. Unfortunately, it giving key information, plus a in the life and building of the Cathedral in which students spend get their first sight of the -Cathe seems this language is less and couple of touchscreens which can the day. Mari James invites groups along dral and Bishop’s Palace spread less understood, as more people help people explore further, and HE Cathedral Library is a in the Cathedral includes compo- out before them. We watch them grow up with limited grasp of our upgrading the signage for points of Tunique reserve of reminis- sitions by St Davids-born Thomas gaze in amazement at the wooden history, church buildings, or Chris- interest around the building. These cences of life over many centuries. Tomkins. The programme includes ceiling, and up the sloping nave. tianity. Alas, some assume the will have various digital links so Students enjoy engaging with the Choral Scholars singing Tomkins We see them caught, as one visitor Bishop’s Palace must be ‘the old visitors can self-guide around the story of the construction, destruc- from original scores as well as described it, by ‘spiritual ambush’. ruined cathedral’, but what they Cathedral, and explore further tion and reconstruction of the engaging with the choir’s daily think is the new one is 150 years information on history, architec- Cathedral building. They see and creation of music in the undercroft the senior. Inside, parents struggle ture, faith, music and more (with work with books 500 years old and song school. Edmund Earl of Richmond, Father to answer children’s questions, of paper guides also in the pipeline). help to care for the books, including The highlight for some and Brother to Kings, the which ‘what’s that for?’ or even ‘where A second phase will renew and what role snakes play. These treas- students is a real Tudor buried departed out of this world in the are the dungeons?’! improve signage outside, too. So ures of learning were made possible here. Students stand alongside the year of our Lord a thousand four whether people come for the first Rich history by people in Tudor times working tomb of Edmund Tudor, Henry hundred and fifty and six the first time or the umpteenth, we hope in west Wales, and across Europe, VII’s father, Henry VI’s half- day of the month of November; So we’ve invited York University’s visitors will find there’s always with the revolutionary new technol- brother, Henry VIII’s grandfather, on whose soul Almighty Jesu have Centre for Christianity and Culture more to discover. We especially ogy of printing, the Bible Elizabeth I’s, great-grandfather. mercy. Amen’. to help. They have extensive expe- hope this will offer a far richer in Welsh to be widely distributed. Students interpret words in brass, Teachers appreciate the direct rience of producing faith-based pilgrimage experience to individ- The soundtrack of much of between Tudor roses, around the curriculum links made by the interpretation for and uals and groups from around the Tudor times was the developing tomb edge, declaring: ‘Under Cathedral team. Mrs Rosie Davies other ancient religious sites. Multi- diocese. Come and see for yourself! church music, including Choral this marble stone here enclosed, of Dyffryn Taf School, Whitland, media and multi-layered resources Evensong. Tudor music still sung rest the bones of that noble lord who have taken part in the Turbu- enable visitors better to under- lent Tudors programme in 2018 stand and engage with rich history and 2019, said “This is an excellent and tradition, as a springboard to full day’s programme which really exploring contemporary, living brought important parts of our KS3 faith. The past becomes a sign- history curriculum to life in this post, and an invitation to take a wonderful building. We brought first, or further, step in responding our whole year group. It was well to Jesus’ call ‘Follow me.’ Impor- organised, staff were wonderful tantly, they’ve been working with with the students and it was a very Eisteddfod Crown-winning poet, accessible fee. I would encourage theologian and translator Siôn any other secondary schools to take Aled Owen, so that the project up this fabulous opportunity”. has been conceived in both Welsh Information on how your and English, linguistically, cultur- schools can book Turbulent Tudors ally and historically, with the two from: perspectives woven together in [email protected]. complementary ways. uk or Education@StDavidsCathe- In practice, this means that dral.org.uk by St David’s Day we’ll have 14 Pobl Dewi, March 2020 A cause for Clerical celebration St Martin of Tours, the oldest church in Haverfordwest, is cricket celebrating the 900th anniversary of its founding this summer. The sound of leather on willow Calvin Pugsley is looking forward to the programme of events brings back memories for and displays which will celebrate this important moment in time Anthony Wintle T MARTIN’S originated in T DAVIDS Diocese was the S a church built in the shadow S team to beat in the clerical of a stronghold established in cricket league. This was back in the Haverfordwest by Flemish incom- 1970s, when most Mondays were ers who, at the behest of the king, spent playing cricket. I was an Henry I, had settled in Pembroke- opening swing bowler for Llandaff. shire. The location was prized by Michael Lewis of Reynalton was invading Normans for its strategic known for his pace. Monmouth overview of the tidal possessed some star players and and its accessibility for seaborne Swansea and Brecon triumphed traffic. They fortified and expanded occasionally, yet the St Davids the base, creating the castle that match was the tough one. today stands sentinel over the town. George Noakes, later Bishop The church, whose roots of St Davids and , played for Llandaff. A cred- can be traced back to 1120, was The author at the wicket rebuilt in the 14th century and was itable batsman, we relied on him touched by some of the most tell- to produce a substantial score. player. I have pleasant memories of could no longer see the ball once ing upheavals in British history, Should I release too many full him. it left the bowler’s hand, indicating including the Reformation and the tosses, uncomplimentary mutter- One Monday we were unable that it was time to retire. English Civil War. It was rescued Most Revd John Davies, will be ings were heard from the slips, as to field a full side, so the local These days, despite a slightly from structural decay in the Victo- launching a programme of celebra- he saw his hard-earned runs ebbing groundsman was allowed to arthritic elbow and shoulder, I rian age and has become a focal tion at a service in the church on away. Once, when the ball was lost, supplement our team – their am still pressed into the Mayor point of what Haverfordwest is Sunday, 24th May, at 3 pm. he asked “Has anyone checked mistake! – his century won us the of Newport’s team for the annual today, the important county town A display of tableaux depict- the cow?” The avuncular George match. I never managed to bowl a match against the Golden Lion. of Pembrokeshire. ing the Seven Sacraments of the usually gave the vote of thanks hat trick, although I did take wick- My white flannels are worn out Father Neil Hook, Vicar of Anglican Church will be the main- most graciously: a popular player. ets with successive balls. My run and my boots give me blisters, but Haverfordwest, emphasised that stay of an exhibition for the 900th Alan Thomas, later Vicar of up and delivery of the third ball the game remains enjoyable. In my the festival will be a springboard for anniversary celebrations. It is the Pembroke Dock, could be relied owed nothing to theology. first match, I suffered the indignity the successful future of the church, initiative of Mabyn Charlton, who on to score 15-20 runs. His batting One disadvantage of being a of being caught and bowled for one saying “It is not just an opportunity is pictured with the Vicar along- may have been limited to a single leading bowler was that I could by a woman bowling underarm. At for looking to the past but, more side a mannequin being used in a stroke, yet he used it to great effect, allow myself only a frugal tea: a least last year I made 14 not out importantly, one for looking ahead portrayal of matrimony. Mabyn, thundering almighty sixes all over weighted stomach and vigorous and took three wickets. Oh, those to new opportunities for expand- who sings with the church choir, the ground in most innings. Rarely exercise do not mix. Ultimately, lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer! ing the mission of the church and is a talented dressmaker (she bowled out, Alan was usually while batting against a formidable for drawing in new people, young made the gown on display for the caught on the boundary: a valuable Gloucester team, I realised that I people and families.” wedding of her daughter, Helen) St Martin’s Church is the hub and she is a skilled needlewoman of the Daugleddau Local Minis- who has carried out many delicate Exciting times try Area, which has brought 12 repairs to the church vestments. It is seldom realised today, but in the 1950s and 1960s, the St Davids Diocesan churches together. Fr Hook said A full programme of events can Cricket Team was a force to be reckoned with in the Church Times inter- be found on PDExtra at https:// they would combine invigorat- diocesan cricket competition. So writes Susan Jones, whose father, Canon W ing spirit and unique talents and stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/ Glyn Jones, was a key member of the St Davids team which played in two finals ideas into promoting mission and pobldewi/pdextra/ for the prestigious Church Times Cup sustaining and extending outreach. All are welcome. The Archbishop of Wales, the HE competition was inaugu- Trated in 1951, when 18 teams from English and Welsh dioceses participated. In the following year, the number had gone up to 24. In 1956, only the second year St Davids had entered the competi- tion, they reached the final against Sheffield. St Davids were lucky to achieve a draw. At one point they were 26 for 6, but a deluge of very welcome rain meant no further play was possible! The second appearance was against Southwell Diocese in 1963, when a defiant last wicket It is believed team members were: White coat left: H. D. Griffith, stand between I. John and W. A. Mydrim, Umpire and Treasurer; suited gentleman: Revd T. J. Thomas, which produced no runs, Evans, Llangynnor; Vicar in suit on right: Revd S. Morgan, allowed St Davids to cling on for scorer, . Players, back row L-R: Revds A. P. Williams, the final few minutes, thereby foil- ing Southwell of outright victory. Manordeilo; D. Walters, , G. Jones, Llanelli; G. Davies, An extended version of this Cwrthenry; C. Thomas, Gwynfe; I. John, Carmarthen; W. D. article can be found on PDExtra: Jones, . Players, front row L-R: Revds L. Bowen, St https://stdavids.churchinwales.org. Clears; W. A. Thomas, Llanfallteg; W. Glyn Jones, Captain, St uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ Nicholas; G. Noakes, Pobl Dewi, March 2020 15

religion. They are suspicious of A thriving, faithful community anything that is not what they would recognise as indigenous to India. They believe Hindu should with underlying tensions be the one religion and that Chris- tianity is (at least in recent history) Venerable Professor John Holdsworth finds himself a colonial import. Christians want out of his comfort zone to keep a low profile, and a recent T is 36 hours since I last left a the theology of the college, which visit by the Archbishop of Canter- I bed. I am in Bangalore, India, is liberal, up to date and strongly bury has only served to make the at the premier theological college influenced by liberation theology. state more suspicious. One Ameri- in the country. The beautiful site It’s an exciting place. can Lutheran Bishop did not make has lots of colourful trees, huge The 8.30am Sunday service at it past the airport recently, and was butterflies and soaring eagles. I am St Mark’s Cathedral had around 400 deported, I am told. I must be care- here to research placement options people. It followed closely on the ful who I speak to and what I say. for ordinands from the Diocese heels of the 7.30 service that was I begin to realise what it must of Cyprus and the Gulf. This is a also packed and was followed by be like to be a moderate Imam green city in the silicon valley of another packed service at 11. I was coming to preach peace and love in India; I am experiencing something beginning to feel a little paranoid as, the UK. They, too, would encoun- of church life and, rather scarily, again, the congregation wondered ter a suspicious state machinery. speaking to the couple of hundred in song whether I had been washed They, too, would find a population ordinands here. I can hardly believe in the blood of the Lamb. in many places almost aggressively that I am sitting in a pre-Christmas I am surprised to find that opposed to anything not British. concert listening to a children’s the Christian community here is They would be careful in sharing choir singing that old seasonal anxious. The Nationalist Govern- their information. Although not favourite, ‘Have you washed in ment wants to develop a sense of washed in the blood of the Lamb, the blood of the Lamb?’ As I am Indian unity through the encour- they might be just like me. to find out, that is no indication of agement of one language and one The author with the Principal at the college Sowing and nurturing Container for Bukavu the seeds of faith At last, the £10,000 it costs to send a container to our Companion Diocese of Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has India is home to about 640,000 villages and there are 22 major languages, been raised. Jennie Annis sees the aid on its way to Africa which makes rural gospel outreach a huge task. Seed Ministries International’s N the very wet morning of • Bedding for the church hospi- mission is based on Matthew 28: 18-20 which is to share the Gospel of Jesus Friday 6th December an tals, including mattresses Christ to the rural masses in India O empty container lorry arrived at • Medical supplies donated by EED Ministries International who come to the Christian faith as evangelists, or to continue their the storage unit in Goodwick. various health centres S (SMI) was established in newly-saved believers. Since 2005 ministries. Our programs include With many willing hands from St • A large quantity of hand September 2005 under the lead- we have distributed almost 100,000 1–5 day seminars as well as Brynach’s Church, Pontfaen, the sewing machines and knitting ership of Revd N Gnanaraja, who bibles in 12 languages. 6-month training programs. Morgan family, volunteers from the machines which the Moth- was the General Secretary of Scrip- On the third Saturday of every Also, over the last 14 years, Fishguard community and the men ers’ Union will use to teach ture Union, India, for 16 years. month we conduct a Bible Distribu- we have been able to help around of the Round Table, the contents of the members stitchcraft and to While he was praying in Mada- tors meeting, which a small number 20 rural churches with develop- the storage unit were transferred make garments for sale to raise gascar in 2003 the Lord gave him of rural church leaders attend and ment activities such as financial into the shipping container on the much needed funds. Some of a vision and burden to reach out to collect Bibles, at a subsidised rate, aid for buildings, wells, student lorry. these machines will also be rural churches in India. for distribution. The Bible Society fees, repairs and maintenance The container has now docked given as gifts to needy women of India is our main supplier. expenses. Rural churches have also at Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and is to enable them to earn a living Charitable trust conducted evangelistic meetings in making its journey through Tanza- • Tools for the church carpentry Trained SMI is now under the leadership their churches; we have shared the nia, Burundi and Rwanda and on schools and workshops of our founder’s son, Bro Stephen Our focus is also on leader- gospel in those meetings and have to the Congolese border and, God • Last but by no means least, a Gnanaraja, and is a religious and a ship programs in partnership with led thousands of people to the Lord willing, it will have arrived safely huge amount of toys – many charitable trust registered with the rural churches in India. Every year Jesus Christ. around 26 January 2020. children have never owned a government of Tamil Nadu. One we have trained and prepared 500 The very much awaited aid toy of their own Women’s prayer of our main projects is to distrib- young leaders, who have gone which the diocese and Pembro- So, thank you to everyone who ute the Bible to rural churches into the rural mission field to For 14 years, Mrs Viola Gnana- keshire communities have sent donated and helped with fundrais- across India, particularly to those plant churches, work as pastors or raja, our Treasurer, has been include: ing or the sorting and loading. serving amongst rural women. • Books, both It was truly a demon- Every Thursday we conduct a theological and for the schools stration of faith women’s prayer and Bible study • A vast amount of in action. fellowship. We also help poor rural clothing women and widows with financial aid, monthly food supplies, funding towards their children’s education, clothes and gifts. Other ministries include liter- ature (2 booklets) and monthly articles on various biblical subjects; ‘Leader speaks’ (video talk show); prayer & counselling for leaders. To support this faith ministry contact Stephen Gnanaraja Tel +91 9916950548 [email protected], or visit www.seedmi.org 16 Pobl Dewi, March 2020

are the first in history for these specific dialects. ASM has teamed God speaks every up with other organisations to get the job done, including Wycliffe language Bible Translators and Biblica, saying “when we work together When Jesus spoke again to the people, he said, “I am the light of in harmony, it provides a beauti- the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but ful glimpse of the body of Christ at will have the light of life” (John 8:12, NIV). A unique ministry to work.” proclaim the good news of the Gospel in tribal languages is being Nearly 287m adults in India are rolled out across India illiterate, which makes up about 37% of illiterate adults worldwide, IBLES are an effective way woman in India was listening and and audio Bibles make God’s word B to get Scripture into the hands finding encouragement from her accessible to them all. The signif- of people who need to hear God’s audio Bible, when members of her icance of recording in mother Woman holding the audio Bible Word in their own language. Audio village complained about it to their tongues is a major push in ASM’s Bibles are in high demand in India, leader. After listening to the audio work. They want to be clear that the one they have not believed in? Mexico, the victim of sex traffick- and elsewhere, and running out of Bible, the village leader said not God speaks every language, not And how can they believe in the ing in China, the child of a factory them is a common problem. to bother her and to let her listen, just commercialised or widely one of whom they have not heard? worker in Cambodia – all need to In India, there are thousands because the recording was only spoken dialects, thus making God And how can they hear with- hear God’s word. of small, ethnic, tribal groups and speaking good news! personal to these people. out someone preaching to them?” For more information visit hundreds of spoken languages. Several of the languages Millions of people still need to (Romans 10:14). The woman with audioscripture.org Each person has a family, dreams, being recorded are spoken only hear about the Light of the World. leprosy in India, the farmer in hobbies, and a unique life story. among tribes or in hard-to-reach Yet, “How, then, can they call on Mozambique, the day labourer in Our awesome and powerful God areas, which means Audio Scrip- cares for each one. Recently, one ture Ministries (ASM) recordings Teens in the fight against AIDS epidemic The fight against HIV/AIDS is a big problem in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Its impact on individuals and communities poses serious concerns in terms of the sustainable development of society and the well-being of the population in South Kivu Province. Bienvenu Rwizibuka (pictured) reports from our Companion Diocese of Bukavu LTHOUGH many adults A have understood the threat posed by HIV/AIDS, teenagers and young people find themselves helpless in the face of the epide- mic. Many adolescents, growing up without education in this matter, are sexually active but have little information about HIV/AIDS and other diseases to which they can be exposed. So, without information and without community involve- A blind man in India who has benefitted from the audio Bible ment, many young lives are hostage to this inaction. According to a focusing on educating girls, are Joint United Nations Programme fighting AIDS in Kivu Province, (UNAIDS) report in 2018, in the by bringing change and dispelling DRC 450,000 people were living ignorance, thus saving lives. They with HIV; the same report mentions are committed to talking about HIV/ an overrepresentation of women AIDS and educating communities among those infected and, notably, about this disease and other matters new infections among young concerning the welfare of teenagers. women aged 15 to 24 are more than Most of these groups are run four times that of young men. by volunteers, who make do with Following the initiative of the the few resources they have – UNAIDS Programme on HIV/ some collaborate with government AIDS to halt the disease by 2030, programs and others with interna- our country faces a big challenge tional organizations. They are also and we have a long way to go. We working to combat the stigma and are struggling to catch up with the discrimination against people living other nations planning to end HIV with HIV. A serious hindrance by 2030 and we need to empower to this movement is those who the people to participate in their offer false hope by pretending that future wellbeing. AIDS can be cured by bogus faith To address this, the government practices. Despite all these the chal- is formulating policies and engag- lenges, there is hope for AIDS-free ing many local organisations but generation in the coming decades as the problems are larger than the long all partners will raise enough resources invested in the process. resources in the fight. Scanning electron micrograph of HIV-1 budding from cultured lymphocyte

Youth organisations, particularly P D-USGov-HHS-CDC Pobl Dewi, March 2020 17

contents of a small warehouse for distribution in the camps in Syria, Recycling for refugees Turkey, Lesbos and elsewhere. Aid is also provided for refu- David Hammond-Williams finds an unexpected use for his spare gees and asylum seekers in cardboard boxes temporary, often basic, accommo- VERY Monday, a man in a van My supplier is very keen on dation locally. E knocks my door and delivers green; not just the veg but also the Everything needs to be packed a cardboard box. In it is . . . dinner. I environmentally sustainable pack- up in cardboard boxes; boxes like subscribe to a service that provides aging it comes in. Pretty much mine. me with a week’s fresh food, ready everything is recyclable, even the And another thing; the perish- to cook. little plastic sachets that contain the able produce I receive each week Living alone as I do, one of single portions of herb or spice. – meat, fish, dairy and so on – the problems I encountered in But, I hear you say, reduce and is kept cool and fresh using ice supermarkets was trying to buy re-use precede recycle in the 3Rs packs and all wrapped in a plastic ingredients in the right quantities waste hierarchy. Indeed they do. insulation bag containing wool. so that at least some of it didn’t end And I was in luck. Everything is biodegradable and up in the waste bin. A friend of mine volunteers at a compostable. But we have found My subscription solves that reception centre for aid to refugees, an even more sustainable – and camps where something to sleep on waste is reduced, my packaging problem and ensures that I eat a both here in West Wales and in the beneficial – use for it. (or under) is often beyond a luxury. is reused and the recycling . . . is healthy balanced diet. But it has Mediterranean migrant hotspots. So now these bags are aid, The feedback has been gratifyingly recycled. also brought some unexpected Every few months, a container stitched together in fours to create positive. Everybody wins, to some extent at extra benefits. lorry arrives to take away the makeshift bedding for refugee Meanwhile, back home, my least.

the power of speaking God’s word Year of the Burial Ground aloud. And it may stimulate people into starting a habit of reading the Bible daily through this year.” 2020 The campaign was originally intended only for Scotland but has The charity, Caring for God’s Acre, is dedicated to the instead been launched as a global conservation of all burial grounds, working to keep them campaign, with Bible societies beautiful, accessible and connected to their communities. from more than 85 countries now Andrea Gilpin invites readers to get involved in this special year involved in the movement and the for the charity first reading plans getting -under HIS year we are celebrating way in New Zealand in January. Tour 20th anniversary. We have The Scottish Bible Society has designated 2020 as the Year of the A major digital campaign also teamed up with the popular Burial Ground, during which we was launched on New Year’s Bible app YouVersion to maximise will be raising the profile of these Day to encourage everyone, global reach. unique spaces and celebrating with everywhere to read the Bible “Already many Christians have the people and communities who joined the movement and are ready care for them. such as these, please let us know IBLE 2020 delivers a daily to start the global wave of Bible There are various initiatives and we can pop yours on. Breading plan via the app, reading,” said Duncan. that you may enjoy becoming • Join in with ‘Love your Burial with users being invited to film “The app will have access to involved in. Ground Week’, 6th to 14th June, themselves reading the scripture up to 2,000 languages thanks to • Firstly, we would love to know either by attending an event or hold- passages and post their footage to the United Bible Societies’ Digital what plants, insects and animals ing one yourself. More information: a global video wall. App users are Bible Library. are in your churchyard. When visit- https://www.caringforgod- also being encouraged to share for good in bringing communities “Imagine the impact of ing, please make a note of what sacre.org.uk/our-work/ the Bible verses with their social together, both locally and globally. hundreds of thousands of Chris- you see. Then simply e-mail us love-your-burial-ground-week/ networks. Elaine Duncan, CEO of the Scot- tians reading the same passages four things – what you have seen, • Enjoy our monthly blog posts Bible 2020 is an initiative of tish Bible Society said, “There’s across God’s world every day. We where, when and your name. Alter- from experts in the field. From the Scottish Bible Society with something about speaking words hope it will bring a tangible unity natively use our online survey form memorials to migrating birds, learn the aim of Christians taking the out loud that make them more real. of the Church across the globe.” to send us the information (https:// fascinating facts about all things words of the Bible off the pages “The Bible traditionally was The Bible 2020 app is available www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk/ churchyard related. and speaking them out loud in their passed down orally, but both this from Apple and android app stores, our-beautiful-burial-grounds- • Use the year to raise the profile daily lives. tradition and deep confidence in with a reading plan also available project/share-your-records/) Your of your churchyard within your The Scottish Bible Soci- scripture, have been lost over the on the Youversion Bible App. records will then be uploaded onto community. Every month we send ety said that while the increasing generations. For more information and to our exciting new database https:// out articles that can be used in smartphone use could be seen as “We hope this campaign will join the global movement visit burialgrounds.nbnatlas.org/. This parish newsletters. encouraging individualism and encourage Christians to redis- www.bible2020.org database will highlight the value We are a membership organi- isolation, it can also be a force cover confidence in the Bible and of churchyards for wildlife – such sation so do visit our membership as wildflower-rich grassland, page if you are interested in join- ancient yew trees and lichens to ing us to help keep burial grounds name a few. In many parishes the beautiful, accessible and connected churchyard is the only local place to their communities. where some of our (once common) To find out more information Follow Pobl Dewi on species can be found and this data- about the year, or how we can base will help identify strongholds support you, please email https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk for struggling flora and fauna. [email protected], • Would you like to visit a phone 01588 673041 or head to churchyard that is well managed www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk. and full of wildflowers in summer- A full itinerary of our 2020 time? If so, visit our website and events can also be found on PDExtra head to our ‘Local to You’ page at https://stdavids.churchinwales. https://twitter.com/PoblDewi which feature flower rich church- org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ https://www.facebook.com/ yards. If you manage a churchyard stdavidsdiocese 18 Pobl Dewi, March 2020

Reflection O generous love!

From beginning to end, the Bible sets out God’s generosity to his created world. Revd Adam Bruce resolves to follow this example as best he can

Y New Year’s resolution Jesus’ ministry contains many Mthis year, re-enforced at the examples of His and His Heav- start of Lent, was to be more gener- enly Father’s generosity. Think of ous in every aspect of my life, not the parable of the labourers in the just in relation to time, talents and vineyard and the story of the mirac- money, but in other everyday situ- ulous catch of fish, but perhaps ations, for instance towards other more obviously the feeding of the motorists by being a more consid- 5,000, after which 12 baskets full erate driver. of leftovers were collected up, and After all, one of God’s hall- the story of Jesus turning water marks is generosity, as you might into wine at the wedding at Cana expect of a god of love (although of Galilee, in which, to quote Arch- rarely is God explicitly described bishop Justin Welby, “enough wine as generous in the Bible). It is there is made for an entire village to drink in the Creation itself – after all, itself under the table” (Dethroning how can a creator who provides Mammon, Bloomsbury 2016). over 25,000 varieties of one type Supremely, God’s generosity of plant, the orchid, be seen as is shown in the giving of Jesus’ anything other than generous? life for us on the Cross. In those © José Manuel López Pinto [CC BY-SA (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)] The Lord’s generosity under- wonderful words from John’s pins His whole relationship with gospel, “For God so loved the Vanda orchid His people in the Old Testament – world that he gave his only Son, so and supremely in Jesus, the Son, we know of to do so were both with which to anoint Jesus’ body from the book of Genesis, starting that everyone who believes in him giving his life for us, God shows leading members of the Jewish for burial – an enormously extrava- with the Creation and His allow- may not perish but may have eter- Himself not only to be love and the community – Joseph of Arimathea, gant and generous amount. ing Adam and Eve to eat from any nal life”. As John Henry Newman source of love itself, but generosity described in Mark’s gospel as a So perhaps we should model tree but one in the Garden of Eden, puts it in his well-known poem- and the source of all generosity. To respected member of the Council, ourselves on their example and through to Malachi: “See if I will turned-hymn which begins quote the epistle of James: “Every who provided Jesus with his own respond with our own acts of gener- not open the windows of heaven “Praise to the Holiest in the height”: generous act of giving, with every tomb, which had never yet been osity, however small and practical for you and pour down for you an O generous love! That he who smote perfect , is from above, coming used, and Nicodemus, described (they can often be the best). In the overflowing blessing” or, as the In Man for man the foe, down from the Father of lights.” by John as a Pharisee and a leader words of the parable of the Good King James Version puts it, “. . . The double agony in Man In the light of this, what can we of the Jews, who brought a mixture Samaritan, who lavishes care and a blessing, that there shall not be For man should undergo. do except to respond with generos- of myrrh and aloes weighing money on the stricken traveller, room enough to receive it.” In all of God’s abundant love ity ourselves. The first two persons anywhere between 75 and 100lb, “go and do likewise”.

that children easily adapt to new And there are two members of the I do know, is that the Church was surroundings is simply not true. congregation who always appear at built on Peter’s shoulders, a man How to be wild Neither is there any escape. I the door when I have just washed we know to have been married. remember sitting in the congre- my hair – they must think I have And, as I get older, my shoulders and disobedient gation as my husband celebrated a towelling turban permanently on have broadened to cope with the Communion, glaring at him my head. challenges of vicarage life, with a (Titus 1:6 NIV) because he had just shrunk my Vicarage life is not easy but gentle sprinkling of rebellion. ‘How to be wild and disobedient’ actually refers to vicars’ children, favourite jumper in the wash! nor are many people’s lives. What but Polly Zipperlen, wife of Marcus, Priest in Charge in Roose LMA, likes the concept. Here she considers the role of a clergy spouse

NYONE who knows me will Rev. However, watching this made A recognise this mildly rebel- me feel slightly queasy, in the same lious streak. Marcus’ parishioners way that, as a nurse, I have never will be pleased to hear that I mainly been able to watch Casualty. Some keep rebellious acts for work – I acquaintances from secular back- am a Sexual Health Nurse in the grounds suggest that all vicars NHS – plenty of scope for rebel- have illicit affairs – try watching lion there! the second season of Fleabag (not Marcus and I came to minis- for the faint-hearted)! And I have a try in our 40s, but our two boys Catholic friend, who, every time I are growing-up in the ‘eye of mention the difficult balancing-act the parish’. I didn’t grow-up in between church and family, know- a church family and have little ingly says “. . . that is why priests experience of Christian family, or shouldn’t marry”. church, life and I had no role model This unfathomable role is for being a clergy spouse. Parish compounded by the frequent relo- life can be overwhelming and the cation of clergy households, which politics baffling; there are books means leaving friends and family and blogs galore on the subject but behind. How does one organ- I have not found them helpful. ise work, schools, kids’ clubs The vicars on television are and find new friends (who don’t always a bit weird, for want of a mind hanging out with the vicar’s better word, apart from the stars of wife)? Furthermore, the old adage The Zipperlen family Pobl Dewi, March 2020 19 Hwyl yn y gymuned More than 1,000 people visit December is panto time for the whole community of . While many of the actors are from St Mary’s Church, anyone interested in taking part is welcome and standards are high. Christmas Tree Festival ‘Snow White and the Seven Hoods’ attracted audiences of almost N Thursday, 12th December, services in the church. The festival as contemporary and meaningful a 400 people over 2 nights in 2019, reports EnfysTanner O the fourth annual Christmas was opened with a short service, way as we can. OB nos Fawrth a nos Fercher Mae’r ficer hefyd yn cael rhan! Tree Festival at ’s Church, at which an address and blessing Thanks go to the many volun- Pcyntaf mis Rhagfyr ers blyny- Mae’r panto’n cael ei lwyfannu , was opened. Histori- was given by Archdeacon Dorrien teers and organisations who ddoedd bellach, mae’r Eglwys yn Neuadd Goffa Porth Tywyn ac cally, the festival has attracted Davies. As a church community, contributed in a variety of ways yn cynnal ei phanto blyny- yn achlysur sydd yn codi proffil yr large crowds and last year was we think of this festival as a part to make the 4-day event such a ddol. Nid rhyw achlysur bach eglwys yn y gymuned. Cawsom no different, with around 1,300 of our witness and mission as we success – entry was free but an cyffredin yng nghefn yr Eglwys gynulleidfa o bron pedwar cant people visiting, including 385 chil- try to communicate the message of astounding £2,000 was received in ar gyfer y gynulleidfa yw hwn dros y ddwy noson y llynedd a dren from the two local schools Jesus as the Light of the World in voluntary donations. ond perfformiad blynyddol ar cheisiwn ein gorau i gadw pris y in Pembrey and who An extended version of this article can found on PDExtra: gyfer y gymuned leol. “Snow tocyn yn isel fel na fydd neb yn held their end of term Christingle https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ White and the Seven Hoods” cael eu heithrio rhag mynychu oedd yr un diweddara ac fel oherwydd cost. Mae’n ffordd o arfer dechreuodd yr ymarferion hysbysebu’r eglwys o fewn y ar ddechrau mis Medi ac yna gymuned a dangos nad yw Crist- ddwywaith yn wythnosol tan y nogion yn bobl sych a dihiwmor! perfformiad. Rhaid i’r safon fod A dweud y gwir, mae’n noson yn uchel os yw pobl yn talu! o ganu, dawnsio a chwerthin. Aelodau’r eglwys yw’r Mae pawb sy’n cymryd rhan fwyaf o’r perfformwyr rhan, o’r actorion hyd at y bobl ond rydym yn falch i groesawu gefn llwyfan ac ar y ddesg tu unrhyw un sydd â diddordeb blaen, yn dod o’r gymuned. mewn cymryd rhan. Dau aelod Pa well ffordd o ddathlu ein o’r Eglwys yw’r awduron ac bodolaeth fel Eglwys na drwy mae plant y Clwb Sul ac ieuenc- noson o hwyl a sbri, a hynny tid JAM hefyd yn ymddangos, ar drothwy’r Nadolig. Cofiwch gyda’r ifancaf tua phedair oed gael eich tocyn mewn da bryd! a’r hynaf yn ei wythdegau!

Looking back, looking forward The members of St Lleian’s Church, , arranged three fund-raising coffee evenings during the autumn, which were themed on the past. Present-day and future generations were also the focus for more recent fund-raising events HE September gathering Canu, Dechrau Canmol S4C attended and £150 was collected Twhich was attended by over production. Again, there was an for the British Legion Poppy 50 parishioners and friends of excellent turnout and an enjoyable Appeal. Both services were led by the church was entertained to a evening ensued. The superb sing- Revd Dr Brian Jones. re-showing of the first part of ing was appreciated but the main Gorslas Junior Primary School Dechrau Canu, Dechrau Canmol entertainment was seeing how held their Christmas Concert cele- recorded in 1989. young everyone looked 30 years bration in the church hall with In October, a large audience ago! In all, more than £650 was a capacity audience. The Senior turned out to view a slide show of raised for church restoration funds. Primary School held their service pictures dating back to the origins Parishioners welcomed the in the church, which was a stand- of the village of Gorslas. Terry revival of the Harvest Thanksgiv- ing-room only event. Davies, MBE, introduced Winsey ing Service in October and over In December the church hall Am ragor o erthyglau, nad oedd hi’n bosib eu cynnwys yn Taylor, who gave a commentary on 90kgs of food was collected for the was again host to a bazaar to raise 70 pictures, many dating back to Food Bank, with the funds for the Gorslas Rainbow and y rhifyn hwn, ynghyd â chyfieithiad o rai ohonynt, ewch i the early 1800’s. fruit and vegetables being donated Brownie Packs. Pictured are Iris dudalen PD Extra ar ein gwefan: The November coffee evening to Derwen Deg Charity. Remem- Stephenson and Marylin Ballard at https://tyddewi.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk/pobldewi/pdextra/ saw the second half of the Dechrau brance Sunday again was well their stall. 20 Pobl Dewi, March 2020 Book Reviews An enchanting parable The benefits of a slower, for our times simpler way of life

The Seaborne The Ruthless Elimination of Comer looks at the problem of By A G Rivett Hurry hurry in our lives, the solution and Pub: Wordcatcher; 2019 By John Mark Comer some spiritual practices to un-hurry ISBN: 978-1-7894-21781 Pub: Hodder Faith; 2019 ourselves. Recommending silence, Price: £9.99 ISBN: 9-7815-2930-8365 solitude, Sabbath, simplicity and Andrew Rivett draws fruitfully on Price: £14.99 slowing, he compares these to a his years spent living in a remote When our girls were young, we trellis that facilitates the growth of croft in the West of Scotland to would take them every year to a fruitful vine. weave a beautiful story, imbued visit their grandparents in Israel. The stand out quote for me was with Celtic themes and a deep spir- One of the highlights would be our Comer’s personal description of ituality. His time on the western visit to Ein Gedi; a beautiful water- the effect of such spiritual prac- seaboard pours out into the story fall cascading into a still pool in tices: “I felt my soul wake back through the realistic descriptions desert hills. But to reach this desti- up, God’s presence wasn’t an idea of what life must have been like a nation we had to walk a path that in my head but a felt experience all ney with him deeper into God. few hundred years ago in the Celtic lead through desert first and then around me, in me.” A thoroughly readable, life- lands. climbed steeply upwards. As we enter 2020, it is an giving, biblically based book that The Seaborne is the fascinating The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry opportunity for many of us to repri- I have already started recommend- tale of a shipwrecked 21st century different aspects are explored by Mark Comer describes one oritise and adjust our lives. Comer ing to friends. man who has time-slipped into the through his carefully drawn char- such path. If followed, it leads to offers us a truly practical way to do Sally Farah past (or is it another reality?). It is acters, such as how we cope with an exquisite destination: intimacy this. He invites us to go on a jour- both intriguing and enthralling with change, fear of the unknown and with Jesus. hints of mystery and romance. The the differences between those who seaborne man gradually discov- welcome change and those who ers a way of life and a moral code react adversely. Tragedy happens, audience you won’t generally find that he realises is missing from tensions are faced and a slowly Stories for Life in church. So, if copies come your the time and place he left behind. flowering romance is included! way, don’t leave them there, take He comes to respect and engage It is all set in the context of a TORIES for Life is one of examples, some famous, some not them and place them out in your with this simpler life as he learns deeply religious society that is S several initiatives by the so famous, of people who have community. Give them to people the language and gets to know the entrenched in its traditions and Church in Wales to celebrate its been transformed by the power of and talk to them about it. That’s people. Will he stay or will he try to customs. Without giving any spoil- centenary this year. Copies are weakness. what evangelism is, sharing the get back to his own world? ers, it finally reaches a thoroughly being distributed freely across the Stories for Life is aimed at an Good News. Themes of forgiveness, simplic- satisfying conclusion. An enchant- Province. St Davids Diocese has ity and living close to the earth are ing read! received 5,000 of them. covered as the story unfurls like a Revd Don MacGregor It is a bilingual, glossy book- flower coming into bloom. Many let that seeks to explain what it is about Christianity – Anglican Christianity in particular – that causes it to be at the centre of our Facing what the day brings lives. It does so largely, as the Soul Fuel: A daily devotional title suggests, through personal By Bear Grylls stories of people who have found Pub: Hodder & Stoughton; 2019 redemption or fulfilment – or both ISBN: 978-15293-87063 – through embracing God. Price: £14.99 These stories come from a Bestselling author Bear Grylls is wide-ranging cross-section of best known for his seven seasons Welsh society: we hear (again) the on National Geographic’s Man story of Mary Jones and her deter- vs Wild, his current NBC TV mined quest to obtain her Bible; series, Running Wild with Bear but there are other more modern Grylls, and his adventures climb- ing ice cliffs, running through forest fires and parachuting from balloons. Nature has taught Bear some Contributions to Pobl Dewi important lessons, and behind every feat is a story of grit, deter- We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, we mination and strength found in God is there to ‘hold us, guide us, would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. faith. In Soul Fuel, Bear shares strengthen and rescue us’. Articles should be e-mailed to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, the stories behind many of his It is, foremost, packed full most daring adventures and how of scripture, with real life appli- [email protected] his faith gave him the purpose and cations. Bear Grylls is open and Photographs of children must have parental permission for publication in print and on power to carry on. In 365 devo- honest in these devotions and I the internet. Please confirm this in writing to the editor when submitting photos. tions, he explores themes of hope, love this book. It is easy to read and courage, risk, heaven, and more. gives you much to reflect on. Whether he is exploring an ice Highly recommend for a new Disclaimer cave or forging through the jungle, believer in Christ or someone Pobl Dewi and the diocese of St Davids take no responsibility, liability or share the views or Bear starts each day with a devo- trying to understand their faith or opinions of any articles contained herein. All information is the responsibility of the person or tion. He says that it is all about lot in life. organisation submitting the article. Pobl Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions taking the time to remember that Revd Shirley Murphy