HEATH EVANGELICAL CHURCH MAGAZINE December 2020 - January 2021

God’s glorious autumn colours in Aberporth Road. See p9

Grace is more than a doctrine Preaching as the Word of God News from around Wales memories Books Craft Afternoon

Editors: Mr Leighton Hargest Tel: 029 2068 9075 Dr Paul Tench Tel: 029 2061 9109 email: [email protected]

Pastor: Rev. Wyn Hughes 122 Whitchurch Road, Cardiff CF14 3LZ. Tel: 029 2061 7738 email: [email protected] Church Website: www.heath-church.org Pastoral Letter

Dear Brothers & Sisters, Eve I sometimes get asked "What is our ethos that seek to look out for one another and be Carol Service as a church?" This is a very good question a witness to Christ. So many do so much and even though it includes what we behind the scenes it's not just about those in Given the ban on congregational believe in, it is more than that. Neither is official positions but a living church. singing and the need for 48 ethos limited to the way we do things. In Our lineage is that of men and women like hours gap between services some ways it's best "felt than telt"! Yet we Lloyd-Jones, Helen Roseveare, Tozer, Isobel with different congregations, the still need some sort of definition as to what Kuhn, Spurgeon, Hudson Taylor, John Elias, Elders have decided that this we are about, our raison d'être. So let me Jonathan Edwards, Daniel Rowland, Whitfield, year's Carol have a go at giving a rough definition. Bunyan, Luther etc etc. Not all of these Service will be wholly on line. Surely our ethos as a church can be put in 2 would have held Reformed convictions but There are a number of positives words: Calvinistic Methodist (the were men and women who knew God. We from this. God willing, it will be denomination we came out of), or Word and love true believers from different traditions viewed by more people than Spirit, or experiential etc. We and this is reflected in our congregation. We would come to the church. To hold to a historic Reformed theology but want to worship God in a reverent but not a that end, it is being advertised in with an emphasis on the Gospel, that is, dour manner, teaching one another in our nearly 8,000 Christmas cards preaching Christ. Also we believe in the need hymnody as well, not a performance but that are being delivered by Royal for the Holy Spirit to make this Gospel worship in Spirit and in Truth. This is Mail in the second week of effective, and to revive us as believers. This is reflected in a wide variety of hymns December. It is being advertised why we are not into gimmicks even though including Sankeys and Stuart Townend. We on the church website and on we believe in using every means to spread don’t just want to be concerned about social media. The words of the the Gospel. Prayer is also essential especially spreading the Gospel in our local area but carols will be displayed so that in upholding the preaching for which the wider afield and hence an emphasis on people at home can join in pastor is set apart and called by God. sending missionaries all over the world. singing. The elders as well as the minister have the Those are some random thoughts of our As for the service itself, it will responsibility of pastoral oversight, and to ethos. More could be said, but I love this be led by the Pastor and he will help him and uphold him. Not only are we kind of Christianity; it does something to my preach. There will be several blessed with godly elders married to godly soul. I consider it a great privilege to be readings from men and wives but church workers/assistants/trainees pastor of such a church and how we should women and Sunday School to help with this. Also we are blessed with a be proud of who we are and especially of children. The carols will be hard working diaconate to look after the being Christ's people. May we guard and recorded and will include one running of the church and with a membership nurture these precious things. each by the Sunday School, our young people and by a group of our adults. Please pray that the Yours in Him, Lord will richly bless the truths Wyn Hughes preached and sung to the salvation of precious souls.

Preaching Diary (in the church building and live streamed) Online access to services YouTube : Sundays 10.45am & 6.00pm Midweek select Heath Evangelical Church. This is also the case for Daily December Midweek Bible study Thoughts. 6th *, 13th The Pastor /prayer session 7.30 Computer : 20th The Pastor [am ] Wednesdays throughout December www.heath-church.org ; select Hywel George [pm ] and the foreseeable future Live streaming in the top banner 27th Rev David Jones [Merthyr ] on the home page Wednesday 9 December Telephone : dial 029 22 670600 January - Michael Prest (UFM) 3rd *, 10th The Pastor Week of prayer 17th, 24th The Pastor Tuesday 5 - Friday 8 January Christmas Services 31st Dr Dustin Benge [UST ] February Home Bible studies Christmas Eve 7th *, 14th The Pastor Monday 7 December 5.30 (live streaming only) 21st The Pastor Monday 4 January Christmas Day 10.30 The pastor Monday 1 February Watchnight service 11.15 pm * Evening Communion

Material for the next issue must be in the editors’ hands by 17th January in order to avoid delay in publication.

2 Wales Prayer Update

There are encouraging signs that some Christians and churches are seeking to prioritise prayer. The Evangelical Alliance (EA), for example, called for a Day of Prayer on the 13 November for UK churches which has met with an encouraging response. The EMW Board has similarly been exercised concerning the matter of prayer and would like to reinstate monthly regional prayer meetings on Zoom for Churches/Christians. As a church at Heath we will have our own times of prayer early in January to seek the Lord for His blessing and a powerful movement of the Holy Spirit in Wales. This is a personal challenge to each of us, too, to seek the Lord, but please pray for the Lord’s work in Wales, including the following items. A new Christmas edition of the EMW evangelistic Ask/Holi magazine is available for purchase and distribution by churches and individuals. The size is A5 which is ideal for posting and for giving away to friends and relatives. There are 32 pages divided equally between both Welsh and English children linked with their club and toddlers. There will be an languages. There is a clear and warm Gospel presentation online carol service video on the 20th December and people with testimonies, as well as Bible teaching and a children’s will be invited to watch. Bilingual children's videos about local page. Newtown church are considering another town wide Christian history have been well received by local folk; the mail drop of 8,000 copies of this edition of Ask/Holi . Other videos show what God has done in their area in the past. churches have ordered varying quantities with Mount Elim, Pete's wife Rachel has kept the Toddler Group going Pontardawe intending to distribute 2,000 copies in their area. informally in the park, which has been appreciated with good Their pastor is Steffan Jones. Feel free to obtain copies for contacts being made. your distribution to friends and family over Christmas. Paul Tench distributed recently 400 copies of a previous edition of Please pray for John Bolger, a church member who is a Ask/Holi in the streets around Heath church while 1,000 committed open-air evangelist regularly preaching in copies are on order for distribution in a different part of the Porthmadog, Pwllheli, and Dolgellau. Over a few years, some Heath area. folk have been converted through this preaching, and John has a good hearing from locals, so it is a strategic ministry. Seion, Maerdy: Andrew Scully is finding ministry complicated under current restrictions but recorded services are Pete Campbell is grateful for like-minded churches in transferred to CDs for people to listen to on Sunday Criccieth, Bala (Gareth Williams), Bangor (David Finney in mornings as most people are not on line. They have a Ebeneser and Dafydd Job in Capel y Ffynon) and Talsarnau midweek telephone conference prayer meeting with good (where the pastor is Dewi Tudor). The Criccieth church is numbers joining for that. Nearly all their congregation are stable but in need of prayer. A charismatic church in Criccieth vulnerable due to age or ill-health but they are encouraged in has plans to establish a witness in Harlech so please pray that that after the CDs have been distributed, they are later the witness will be Christ-centred. handed on to others so they reach more people than used to There is a Christian Cafe, The Big Rock , in Porthmadog, and attend their services. They ask for prayer and wisdom in Graham, the owner, was encouraged last summer as he held preparing for Christmas outreach. meetings outside. Please pray for their witness over the Pete Campbell in Penrhyndeudraeth (North West Wales) winter. In Ffestiniog, there is a Christian doctor currently gives thanks for encouragements during lockdown and for working in a practice there who would value prayer. being able to support the foodbank in the village. The regular Please continue to pray for the Lord to give pastors to Zoom prayer meetings and Bible studies have been a source churches in Caergwrle (Wrexham), Llansamlet (Swansea) and of help while notes of have been given to people in Clarbeston Road (Pembrokeshire). These and many other Care Homes and to unbelieving neighbours with churches desperately need a pastor. opportunities also to witness. The church is excited about distributing the EMW Ask/Holi Magazine in Penrhyndeudraeth, Eryl Davies Llanfrothen, and Minfordd and also Christmas craft packs to

Church Council update is on p9. Personalia is on a separate sheet for this edition; please contact the church office if you haven’t received it.

3 Grace Is More Than a Doctrine

Grace is a beautiful thing. It is God-like. Christ our Saviour, so that being We delight to summarize our distinctive Our Maker and Redeemer Himself is ‘full justified by His grace we would be made doctrines by the term ‘The Doctrines of of grace and mercy’. When pleaded heirs according to the hope of eternal Grace’. But grace is far more than a with God to show him His glory, God life (Titus 3:3-7; see also 1 Tim. 1:12-16). doctrine. It should characterize our lives. responded by saying, ‘I myself will make all It should characterize the way we treat We rightly revel in such passages and love My goodness pass before you’ (Exodus others.Yet there is often so little grace in to preach them. But do we live by them? 33:19) and spoke of His goodness in our relations. After all we are commanded to show terms of the exercise of His mercy. others the same grace shown to us. God We declare in practice a meritorious basis We speak of salvation by grace. What is instructed Israel: ‘You shall not oppress a for belonging to a community that that if not kindness and acceptance of stranger, since you yourselves know the declares a non-meritorious message. the undeserving? Who of us has earned feelings of a stranger, for you also were How? By the fact that we are factious, the right to God’s blessings? Who of us strangers in the land of Egypt’ (Exod. overly critical, quick to disagree and quick has won his way to heaven? Grace 23:9); ‘the stranger who resides with you to divide over our disagreements. By looked upon us in our filthy shall be to you as the native among you, making unsurmountable doctrinal unworthiness and, in spite of our and you shall love him as yourself, for you mountains out of molehills on which there inability to forsake our ways, in spite of were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the is scriptural room for different opinions. our stubborn rebellion, embraced us, Lord your God’ (Lev. 19:34). Salvation is The successful among us are happy to forgave us, restored us and secured for not by human merit, neither is engage in feel-good, socially beneficent us unimaginably eternal blessings. membership in the Body of Christ. activities, while ignoring the poor and the conflicted among us. We reach out to Ezekiel puts it in embarrassingly stark The whole point of Paul’s reflection on those in faraway countries while we have terms in what has become a very God’s grace to sinners in his letter to nothing to do with our neighbours. We familiar text (Ezek. 16:1-14), the essence Titus is as plain as plain could be. He ignore gossip, back-biting, unkindness and of which is that God saw Israel in her prefaces the above quoted passage with long-term bitterness because we deem filth and unworthiness, yet embraced the words, these abominations lesser sins than her with kindness and beautified her Remind them to be subject to rulers, to doctrinal deviations, real or imagined. with the splendour of His glory. The authorities, to be obedient, to be ready New Testament message is very much The words of Isaiah are as relevant to for every good deed, to malign no one, the same: the church today as they were 2,700 to be peaceable, gentle, showing every years ago: For one will hardly die for a righteous consideration for all men, for we also man; though perhaps for the good man once were foolish ourselves, disobedient, They seek Me day by day and delight to someone would dare even to die. But deceived, enslaved to various lusts and know My ways, as a nation that has done God demonstrates His own love toward pleasures… (Titus 3:1-3). righteousness and has not forsaken the us, in that while we were yet sinners, ordinance of their God. They ask, … ‘Why And he concludes with, Christ died for us. (Rom. 5:7-8). have we fasted andYou do not see? This is a trustworthy statement; and We also once were foolish ourselves, Why have we humbled ourselves and concerning these things I want you to disobedient, deceived, enslaved to You do not notice?’ Behold, on the day speak confidently, so that those who various lusts and pleasures, spending our of your fast you find your desire, and have believed God will be careful to life in malice and envy, hateful, hating one drive hard all your workers. Behold, you engage in good deeds. These things are another. But when the kindness of God fast for contention and strife and to good and profitable for men. But avoid our Saviour and His love for mankind strike with a wicked fist … Will you call foolish controversies and genealogies appeared, He saved us, not on the basis this a fast, even an acceptable day to the and strife and disputes about the Law, of deeds which we have done in Lord? Is this not the fast which I choose: for they are unprofitable and worthless. righteousness, but according to His to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to Reject a factious man after a first and mercy, by the washing of regeneration undo the bands of the yoke and to let second warning, knowing that such a and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom the oppressed go free and break every man is perverted and is sinning, being He poured out upon us richly through yoke? Is it not to divide your bread with self-condemned (Titus 3:8-10).

4 the hungry and bring the homeless poor the way we manage our differences? would be one as He, the Father and the into the house, when you see the naked, Spirit are one. In our striving to learn Frankly, we are often sternest where, to cover him; and not to hide yourself from Him and from His apostles, and as deep in our hearts, we are the least from your own flesh? (Isa. 58:1-7, we insist that we—more than others— secure. When we felt threatened by emphases mine). are in line with Biblical guidelines, ought another person’s opinion our weakness we not to learn this lesson as well? It is possible to be orthodox in drives us to respond by attacking the doctrine but completely heretical in person rather than considering what he May the God who gives perseverance terms of conduct, to affirm the or she may have to say, and learning from and encouragement grant you to be of Doctrines of Grace in our speech while it or offering them a respectfully the same mind with one another denying them in practice. Our lives thoughtful reply. according to Christ Jesus, so that with often speak so loudly that people one accord you may with one voice The unity of the Apostolic church was cannot hear what we are saying. glorify the God and Father of our Lord strained by fierce disagreement, Jesus Christ. Therefore, accept one When will we learn from the Gospel to particularly over the place of non-Jewish another, just as Christ also accepted us dare to leave our comfort zones and reach believers in the purposes of God and the to the glory of God (Rom. 15:5-7). out with a grace that is not a mask of self- Jewish tradition in one’s spiritual life. It affirming righteousness? When will we love was made up of different cultures that Baruch Maoz sincerely those with whom or from whom created real tensions.Yet it never we differ? When will we seek to live, occurred to the apostles to separate With permission, from the Banner of worship and serve alongside them? When over such issues. They knew that Christ Truth magazine, October 2020. The will we learn to confirm by our conduct had but one Body, made up of several editors are grateful to Peter Ernest for what we affirm with our lips? When will parts, each in need of the other. They drawing our attention to this article. The we refuse to break bruised reeds and knew it was their glad but difficult duty author, Rev Baruch Maoz, is the extinguish dimly burned wicks, to cease to maintain the unity of that body in the predecessor to Rev David Zadok at the ignoring the needy among us and to accept bond of peace. That is what our Lord Grace and Truth Church, Rishon LeZion, one another generously, rather than in the prayed for in the garden on the night He Gedera, Israel. hope of winning them over to our side? was betrayed, when He sought His When will we choose to be Christ-like in Father’s grace on our behalf so that we

Prayer meeting for the Gospel among Jewish People

There has been a prayer meeting for the become a Heath Evangelical Church hymn, short reading as foundation to Salvation of Israel, led by one of our prayer meeting, for the Gospel among prayer, prayer points and time of prayer. members, in progress since April 2014. Jewish People. The new name brings it Our reason for the meeting: Due to the Coronavirus outbreak, it has into line with the new name that not met since April 2020. ChristianWitness to Israel is adopting in "I exhort therefore, that first of all, January 2021, the International Mission to supplication, prayers, intercession, and As things are now more settled, and Jewish People . giving of thanks, be made for all men” (1 ways of meeting are more accessible, Timothy 2:1). the prayer meeting will, by God's grace, The meeting will be open to any Heath resume in the New Year, at a date to be Church member, and a warm welcome "Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer finalised. would be extended to any brother or to God for Israel is, that they might be sister from any other congregation. The saved" (Romans 10:1). In light of the Church’s fellowship in the Church has appointed Peter Ernest to Gospel with Grace and Truth Information on the start date and time lead the meeting, as he has done since Congregation in Israel, led by Pastor of the meeting will be announced in due its beginning. David Zadok, and our ministry of helping course. Holocaust Survivors with vitamins over The structure of the meeting will be as Trusting the Lord will guide us and help the recent years, it has been decided by at its beginning: greetings, committal to us pray aright for the saving of His the Pastor and Elders, that the meeting the Lord, ancient people.

5 Preaching as the Word of God

Worship by Hearing speaks Christ’s word may freely boast gave us brains with which to discern that his mouth is Christ’s mouth. We what our ears hear. In Acts 17, the When we gather Sunday by Sunday, it is rightly call their word God’s word.” 4 Not Bereans heard the preaching of the to worship. One Puritan said worship is "a long later, John Calvin weighed in: “When Gospel through their ears. Then, they communal desire to commune with a man has climbed up into the pulpit…it used their brains to discern that it was God." 1 Communion with Father, Son and is so that God may speak to us by the indeed God’s word coming from the Spirit, that’s what we’re about when we mouth of a man.” 5 Puritan William preacher’s mouth. In 1 John 4, we are come to church! However, even in the Perkins cited Jeremiah to say that it is encouraged to test what we hear to simplest communication there are always not so much the preacher but the Holy discern whether it is from God. John two sides; speaking and listening. The Spirit who is heard in preaching; even tells us how to do that if you want Westminster Confession states that contemporaries like Thomas Cartwright, to look it up. “…the sound preaching and just hearing agreed. 6 Would you? of the word…are all parts of the ordinary Just because the sound preaching of religious worship of God.” 2 As members One of the confessions says: “The Christ according to the Scriptures is the of the congregation, what do we hear preaching of the word of God is the word of God doesn’t mean that anything when we come to commune with God? word of God… when this word of God a preacher happens to say is also the The Word of God is now preached in the Church by word of God. Andrew Davies is helpful preachers lawfully called, we believe that here: “Preachers have a derived yet real Scripture applies “the word of God” to the very word of God is proclaimed and authority. He is the authoritative servant Christ, to preaching, and to Scripture received by the faithful; and that neither of a Master. The preacher is to proclaim (John 1:1; 8:47; Rom 10:17). These three any other word of God is to be invented God’s message and presence through are the Word of God which we hear nor is to be expected from heaven: and preaching; the message is powerful and when we come to church: Christ that now the word itself which is authoritative yet delivered by a servant.” 9 preached, according to the Scriptures . preached is to be regarded, not the That is to say, every grain of authority This was the vivid experience of our minister that preaches; for even if he be which the preaching carries is derived brothers and sisters in Thessalonica: “You evil and a sinner, nevertheless the word from Jesus’ word. The authority of 7 real received the word of God which you of God remains still true and good.” preaching is and on par with Jesus’ Those are bold words! For the own words but only in so far as it is this: heard from us, you welcomed it not as Christ, according to the Scriptures the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Reformers, sound preaching is not just . Preaching about Christ , but it is the personal must conform to the Scriptures, not the word of God” (1 Thess 2:13). Peter 8 10 speaks similarly in 1 Pet 1:25, as does the address of Jesus himself. other way around. Besides, as the Hearing Men Speak confession at the beginning says, it’s the writer to the Hebrews: “Remember your word leaders, who spoke the word of God to , not the preacher, that is to be heard. This begs the question: How should we you” (13:7). Our Scriptures don’t blush to Putting all this together we have what think about what the preacher says? call preaching ‘God’s word.’ 3 This emphasis Glen Scrivener calls his central conviction: Does this mean that we ought to act has been brandished by our brothers and “At God’s initiative, preaching is God’s like seagulls, indiscriminately eating from sisters in the faith ever since, especially own word when Christ is proclaimed bins and restaurants and calling it all 11 during the Protestant Reformation. according to the Scriptures.” When it is good? Should we accept any noise Christ according to Scripture, then In his unique way, Martin Luther said, tumbling from the pulpit as divine? Not preaching is the Word of God (Col 1:28, 1 “Every honest pastor or preacher that at all! When the Lord Jesus made us, He Cor 15:3).

1 Jeremiah Burroughs, GospelWorship (Orlando: Soli Deo Gloria, 1991). 9 Davies, “Preaching and Worship” (paper presented at a Preachers’ In- 2 WCF 21.5 Service Training Day, Cardiff, November 2019). 3 Jer 1:9, 5:14; Rom 10:17; 1 Cor 14:24-25; 2 Cor 5:20; 1 Pet 4:11 10 T. H. L. Parker, Calvin’s Preaching (Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1992), 23. 4 Karl Barth, “The Word of God as the Criterion of Dogmatics,” in The 11 Glen Scrivener, “A Theology of Preaching.” No pages. Cited 19 October Doctrine of theWord of God (ed. G. W. Bromiley and T. F. Torrance; trans. G. 2020. Online: https://www.uniontheology.org/resources/doctrine/ W. Bromiley; vol. 1 of Church Dogmatics , ed. G. W. Bromiley and T. F. scripture/a-theology-of-preaching. Torrance; London: T & T Clark, 2004), 95-6. Martin Luther, Eine treue 12 John Piper, Expository Exultation (Wheaton: Crossway, 2018). Vermahnung (1522), WA 8:263, line 13. 13 Thomas Watson, HeavenTaken by Storm (ed. Joel R. Beeke; Ligonier: Soli 5 John Calvin, Sermons on 1Timothy (trans. Robert White; Edinburgh: Banner Deo Gloria, 1992), 16. of Truth, 2018), 327-44. 14 John Calvin, as quoted in John H. Leith, “Doctrine of the Proclamation of 6 William Perkins, The Art of Prophesying (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2011). the Word” in John Calvin & the Church: A Prism of Reform (ed. Timothy D. M. Lloyd-Jones, The Puritans:Their Origins and Successors (Edinburgh: George: Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 1990), 211. Banner of Truth, 2002), 376. 15 Davies, “Preaching and Worship”. 7 Second Helvetic Confession , ch. 1, in The Book of Confessions (PCUSA: 16 Davies, “Preaching and Worship”. General Assembly, 1991). 17 Ken Ramey, Expository Listening (The Woodlands, Tex.: Kress Biblical 8 Oswald Bayer, Living by Faith: Justification and (trans. Geoffrey Resources, 2010). W Bromiley; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 2003), 49.

6 Hearing God Speak response. Is this your conscious written word, carrying the same authority, experience? It is important to remember power and Spirit-filled intention to How does our attitude toward gathering that the preacher and the congregation change. Through preaching the for worship match up with these truths? work together in the worshipful act of Christocentric word of God, Jesus’ Every day is bursting with worshipful preaching. Both the speaker and hearers powerful and irresistible word is heard (1 things to hear but the greatest is the are involved in hearing and responding Cor 1:18).” 16 Preachers have the preaching of the Gospel in the Church. to the word of God, Jesus being present responsibility to tell what God has said in When we gather to meet with God, and working by His Spirit, in both.” 15 His Word. But we hearers have a what we hear is His voice in the responsibility too, and it’s equally pressing: preaching of His Gospel . This makes When we come to church, do we expect We must engage ourselves as preaching and its hearing the climax of to hear Christ address us personally? wholehearted listeners, responding to the worship. 12 “When we come to the word Our Scriptures would have us anticipate call of God on mankind; “Listen, O preached, we come to a matter of the it every time! As we approach the heavens, and hear, O earth; for the LORD highest importance; therefore, we should worship of preaching, we pray “Lord, speaks” (Isa.1:2). 17 Are you ready to hear stir up ourselves and hear with the what do you have to say to me today?” the Word of God and to anticipate the greatest devotion.” 13 Do we prepare for, As we leave, we say to one another, change it necessitates in you? come to, participate in and reflect on the “Hear what the Lord said to me today!” preaching of the word of God believing Warning: HighVoltage! Oh come, let us worship and bow down; that “when the Gospel is preached in the Let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. name of God, it is as if God Himself When Christ speaks, whole planets pop For He is our God, spoke in person”? 14 into existence; that’s power! When we And we are the people of His pasture, come to church, ready to hear the Word And the sheep of His hand. Referring to 1 Cor 10:13 and Col 3:17, of God in the preaching of Christ Today, if you will hear His voice, Andrew Davies said that “Preaching is according to the Scriptures, should we Do not harden your hearts. both delivered and received as an act of not expect powerful things to happen? Psalm 95 worship. During preaching, we are “Preaching is the spoken word of the hearing God and praising Him in From the church staff meeting

Lois Wells in Reach

For the past year I’ve been involved in with N over the last few months, number of whom appeared to be international student outreach in especially the change in her view of counting the cost of trusting the Saviour. Cambridge, working as a Reach Trainee Jesus, from not liking the message of Him Please pray they might each see His all- with Friends International. During this being the Lamb of God to being amazed surpassing worth compared to anything time, I have been seeking to get by His grace, which makes me think she they might lose for His sake. Please also alongside and share the Gospel with has been converted. Give thanks for N’s pray for a number of students from the international students from around the enthusiasm to continue studying John’s Middle East who showed varying degrees world, through various means including Gospel together as long as we are both of interest to seek the Saviour. helping to run international cafés, group able and please pray that she will want Thank you so much to those who prayed Bible studies and an Explore course to find a church. for and supported me over the past year covering the basics of the Gospel. When Please pray for M from Japan who made a and to those who gave me wise advice at lockdown started, I returned home, but profession of faith following the Spring various points. I appreciate your love and we continued the work from afar via term Explore course and for I from China care very much. Zoom and I have also had the who also seemed very close to becoming If you would like to hear more about the opportunity to study John’s Gospel one- a Christian. Please also pray for the group year, feel free to chat to me in person. to-one with a student, N from Italy. of Chinese visiting scholars who attended Please give thanks for encouraging times the Autumn term Explore course, a

Reach Trainees from around the country at the January Conference Team from the Spring Term Explore Course

7 Bookshop and reviews

Have you thought about buying some books from Heath Christian Bookshop as Christmas presents this year? We both thoroughly enjoyed reading this biography, which was given to us as a present last year, and would wholeheartedly recommend it as a . It is easy to read and an encouraging story of God’s work among His people.

An Open Door: A True Story of Courage in the Congo by Maud Kells with Jean Gibson. 10 Publishing, 2019

The biography of Maud Kells is a fascinating and When setting out for the Congo Maud would inspiring read. It takes the reader on a journey often think on ‘the traveller’s psalm’ (Psalm from Maud’s early years training in Ireland as a 121), particularly verse 8: “The Lord will keep nurse, midwife and missionary to her arrival in your going out and your coming in from this the Congo where, aged 25, she replaced time forth and for evermore.” martyred missionaries. She ends the book as follows: “Thinking of what God called Maud to the work with the words, God has done in Mulita over the years, I return “I have set before you an open door that no to verses He gave me many years ago: ‘Brothers one can shut” (Revelation 3:8). At the outset and sisters, think of what you were when you the door appeared closed and over the years it were called. Not many of you were wise by would close many times. But God always human standards, not many were influential; not reopened it. She went on to spend five decades many were of noble birth. But God chose the there, providing maternity care and working to foolish … the weak … the lowly … the despised build a hospital and nursery in the rainforest … so that no one may boast before Him … village of Mulita There were many difficulties Therefore, as it is written, “Let the one who and dangers including being shot and badly boasts boast in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 1.26 - wounded but Maud knew God’s keeping power. 31).’ He has done it all. All glory belongs to Him.” Lynda Newcombe

Knowing and Enjoying God trilogy by Dr D Eryl Davies (Bryntirion Press, 2020)

Like Stuart Olyott, who wrote Book 2 is sub-titled Right with God . It is doctrine of union with Christ. It aims Something must be known and felt , Eryl just over 50 pages and clearly explains to give us an appetite to know Christ Davies wants to introduce more people the revolutionary doctrine of better and walk with Him. to vibrant, experiential Christianity. He justification by faith. It aims to take a I warmly recommend that you buy and has written three very short books Christian further and demonstrate read the set and then think who else which together form a set. The design unshakeable Biblical grounds for you could buy it for. Given the simple and layout are attractively of salvation. yet profound text the whole family contemporary and the English is Book 3 which is sub-titled Experiencing could benefit from this set of three accessible. Novel features are reader God is more advanced and covers over books. feedback (mainly by people known to 90 pages. It majors on the lovely Kerry Orchard you!) and imaginary dialogue. Throughout there are Biblical, historical and contemporary illustrations and testimonies. Book 1 sub-titled Keys is less than 60 pages and introduces the Gospel without assuming prior knowledge. The “keys” are prayer and the Bible. Nearly half of it is devoted to a variety of testimonies, many of whom you are likely to see in church.

8 Systematic Theology by Robert Letham (Crossway, 2019)

Have you read “War and Peace” by Leo controversies of the day, notably Liberalism. Tolstoy? You have? Well, here’s another hefty Dr Letham interacts with Post Modernism, tome to read by the fire in lockdown, all Open Theism, Islam, the Charismatic 1,000+ pages! Movement, Feminism, New Age, New To encourage you, it’s very well written, the Perspective on Paul and Vatican II, amongst author is a “safe pair of hands”; he is generous others. in his treatment of those with whom he What are its strengths? It is very strong on the disagrees and the text is lightened by his dry doctrines of God and salvation. The book sense of humour. strikingly starts with the Trinity. Too often this So, who is Robert Letham? He is Professor of truth appears almost as an afterthought in Historical and Systematic Theology at Union otherwise good treatments, including Louis School of Theology, Bryntirion. His books are Berkhof and Wayne Grudem. Joel Beeke, Sinclair standard texts in conservative seminaries Ferguson and Carl Truemen are amongst those around the world. You may also remember he who warmly commend this book. That doesn’t preached for us several months ago. mean they agree with every word but it does mean it is a reliable guide that will sharpen our But do we need another systematic theology? thinking and help us to help others. Louis Berkhof’s, for instance, was written nearly 90 years ago. He interacted with the Kerry Orchard

Church Council Update

We would like to restart youth meetings as soon as possible, to support our young people and students. We would begin holding the combined Prayer Meeting and Bible Study in the Church building from 25 th November.

The coffee shop seek additional volunteers and we need to identify a new Church Catering Supervisor. We thanked Kathleen Evans for her diligent years of service More autumn glory in Aberporth Road! in the role.

We praised the Lord for preserving the Church finances during the pandemic, and we noted ongoing maintenance work to the Church and Manse.

The Elders are considering a job description for an experienced family man to assist the Pastor in Ministry at the Heath.

Tony Rucinski, Church Secretary. Roath Park photos from Paul Willis

9 Craft Afternoon

This year the Heath Craft Afternoon needed to take a different format and after some survey feedback we opted for a virtual event. This was always going to be very different from the usual day with lots of craft stalls to choose from and a roomful of chatting people - and lots of cake! The event this year ran over Zoom for one hour on the afternoon of Saturday 10th October. It included a live demonstration of a craft for attendees to follow along with, using the simple list of materials that had been sent out in advance. We then stopped halfway through for a short evangelistic message. There were close to 25 people that tuned in and it was lovely to see so many friendly faces and some young children joining too! Maddy Dutkowski had planned a craft that perfectly suited different ages and the time available. In the first half of the session we made paper flowers out of different materials and then, after the talk, Maddy demonstrated the different ways to display the completed paper flowers. These included floral wreaths, garlands, cards, branches and stems. It was impressive how many flowers the attendees made throughout the session! Towards the end we were able to split everyone into 'breakout rooms'. Participants were separated into groups of four or five to be able to chat properly with each other whilst they finished up their craft and it was lovely to have some catch up. I did the talk myself this time and it focused on the account of the woman who was about to be stoned to death though there was a man in the way that when Jesus intervened. We covered how didn't deserve any punishment. We Jesus literally put Himself between the discussed how the cross was like Jesus punishment and the person about to be not only trying to intervene for judged. We looked at how Jesus was the everyone that would ask him to, but also only one in a position to carry out fair going right up to the woman to protect justice, as He led the only perfect life, her. Why would we walk away from this and yet it is clear that Jesus' first choice opportunity for Jesus to jump right into is still to offer this lady mercy, our lives and save us whilst we are still forgiveness and kindness instead. We sinners, that we might live? then looked at how Jesus did the exact The Craft Afternoon is an annual same thing when He was put to death Autumn event - so please join us again on the cross and how it was like the next year! crowd still throwing the stones, even Lauren Swain

10 Moldova - Casa Mea

Those who have followed the work of Church, namely Maureen Wise (Chair), We praise God that during the Maureen Wise in Moldova will know that Brian Topley (Treasurer), Dr. Carwyn pandemic, both staff and residents have Fundatia Casa Mea is a Christian charity Shires (Secretary), Anita Piroozi, Paul been protected from the virus, with the in Moldova which supports adults with Willis, with two close friends and exception of Sora Galina who is the staff disabilities in domestic-scale homes, who colleagues of Maureen from other member working at Casa Bucuriei. previously lived in closed institutions. churches in Cardiff, namely Tricia However, she has since recovered and is The Lord has seen fit to greatly bless Wiltshire and Jenny McMillan. now back at work, for which we thank this work, and there are currently four the Lord. It is our particular concern that we houses in the centre and north of should be looking ahead for the Until the pandemic struck last March, we Moldova, with many of the residents development of the work, and for the had been continuing to hold our now being the Lord’s. Lord’s guidance as we do so. A number of monthly prayer meetings in Brian and For many years, there was an unofficial our trustees are no longer in the first Rhydian’s home. Since then of course, we steering group in Cardiff, chaired by flush of youth! So in recent days, three have not been able to hold them, but Maureen, to facilitate administrative and new younger trustees have been from this month it is our intention to financial support from UK for that work. appointed, namely Tim and Keziah Toase hold monthly prayer meetings through However, three years ago Casa Mea UK and Emma Coalter. They are from the medium of Zoom, until it becomes was registered with the Charity different parts of the UK, but have been possible to return to our normal Commission to provide that support on very much involved in praying and visiting meetings. We are so grateful for the an official footing, having a Board of Moldova (for the summer camps etc.). We prayers of the Lord’s people here in the Trustees to administer the charity. There are praying that the Lord will bless them, Heath, in other parts of the country and have been seven trustees from the and all the trustees, as we seek to glorify indeed Moldova itself. outset, five of whom are from Heath God in this work in the days ahead. PaulWillis

Loved with Everlasting Love

Marjorie was cycling through the and Marjorie continued to dedicate herself peaceful seaside town of Penarth to her family and the community. She also thinking about the nature of God. cared for her father-in-law, who lived in the Suddenly, she experienced an family home. When the children were overwhelming sense of God's personal teenagers, he had a severe stroke and it love for her. As the apostle John writes, became a great challenge for her to look In this is love, not that we loved God, but after him, despite the support she received that He loved us and sent His Son to be the from Geoff. For the first time, Marjorie in propitiation for our sins . (1 John 4:10) her early 50s felt that she could not cope After reading Basic Christianity , which she with her situation and that she could no later gave to her son, also named Geoff, Marjorie was brought up in a moral and longer rely on her own resources. she finally understood that she could not industrious family, but her parents had win her way to heaven by hard work or abandoned any adherence to the One day, an invitation came that would duty. Forgiveness of sins is a free gift Christian upbringing they had received. change her life forever. The Bible class that she gladly received and the love of As the eldest daughter of nine siblings, (GCU) which her daughter, Joan, enjoyed God filled her heart and transformed she had learnt from an early age to put so much held a special evening for her life. She quickly grew in her others first and had a strong sense of mothers in Diana Crocker's home. In knowledge and understanding of God's commitment to family. After the war, she that meeting, Diana’s sister, Mary, shared Word. The Heath Church became her married Geoff, whom she had first met the amazing news of Jesus bearing all our church family and she later had the joy when she worked as a telegraphist at the burdens. Mary was serving as a of worshipping there with her husband Head Post Office in Birmingham. She missionary at the time in Afghanistan. It and family members. Recently, Marjorie knew that he was a practising Anglican, was not long before Marjorie began to celebrated a hundred years of the Lord's but she did not fully understand or share accompany Diana each Sunday to the faithfulness to her. She remains his beliefs. In fact, her brothers and Heath Church. She was stunned by the constantly thankful for the way in which sisters were mainly sceptical about the joyful singing and could not understand God has led her and continues to testify Christian faith. how the pastor knew so much about her. to His abundant love for her. He seemed to be speaking directly to her In 1966, they moved from the north of as if he had a personal file on her life! JD England to SouthWales. The years went by

11 An Advent message

When working overseas I was introduced by a dear American sister, Portia Reimer, to this idea of hosting a small Advent/Christmas coffee morning in your home to which you would invite unsaved friends to come and share Christmas memories. Of course the idea was that your memories should give glory to the Saviour. My first memories of Christmas were as a child growing up on a farm in Northumberland. The holidays and Christmas particularly were almost deliriously happy occasions when my brothers came back from boarding school and we became a family again; my father who had been in the army, stopped work and we set about with military precision transforming our grey and God did help me. After praying I would feel more peace. I cold stone farmhouse into a warm and welcoming HOME. began to see that prayer DID change things. Over the next Piano music and singing filled the house months at some point I knew He had forgiven me. It was a as we decorated every window ledge miracle. I began to read the Bible. and picture top with greenery and The Bible was written through the lens of the history of hauled up something approximating a Hebrew people. It’s a love story of God’s relationship with felled from the nearby the people He created. They were people like you and me wood. On Christmas Eve we turned the living with cultural diversity, social unrest and political Christmas tree LIGHTS on. It was truly upheaval. Sin and suffering was as widespread as it is now. magical, and I’d often creep in to sit all alone pondering on But in these periods of darkness, the God of Israel never deep things, ... or so I thought. ceased to love His people. Believers were still waiting, Christmas meant the best china and linen and sparkling certain in God’s promises to rescue and deliver His people. glass, and polishing silver whilst listening to Christmas The people thought He meant from their enemies. God Carols on the radio. Over and over again we heard and sang meant from the power of sin. God was promising to send a those carols, but not truly understanding the significance of Saviour, a deliverer for ALL people. the birth of the baby in the stable. I’m sure the very first Christmas nativity was a long way Christmas morning we woke to red and white striped from the cosy idyll we see portrayed in Christmas cards. oversized wool rugby socks which bristled with newspaper Any glance to the cow byres across the way from our wrapped gifts such as diaries, pencils, alarm clocks, torches, farmhouse would have confirmed THAT! Bullocks and batteries, yoyos and clementines in the toes. Father cows are VERY DIRTY. Jesus Christ the Son of God was Christmas was SOO practical! born in this environment. God had become one of us. Christmas Day was an interminable wait whilst being The Bible says For God so loved the world that He gave His only GOOD and KIND for PRESENTS. I had to keep my temper begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but in check. How did that carol go ..? Christian children all must have everlasting life . When Jesus Christ died on the Roman be, mild, obedient good as He .. Christmas would not be cross an extraordinary thing happened. He took away your sin special if we weren’t.. This did NOT come easily, jealousy and my sin. He set us free from the slavery and power of sin. towards my sister was never far away, and disappointment His death changed the course of history forever. frequently stole in – no amount of polishing, grandeur at the So at the beginning of Advent, will you join me in preparing dining table, or military precision, no amount of glittering for Christmas and ask for faith to believe, in an all-powerful gold and light could make me as good as that carol all-loving God who loves us and answers prayer. A God who exhorted us to be. is slow to anger and quick to forgive. Will you ask God to Much later as a young adult and recently bereaved of both shine light into your darkness and stop trying to be good in my parents, and brothers married or far away, I attended an your own human strength? God will give you that strength Advent carol service in Edinburgh cathedral. I was at first and renew you. Will you join me in preparing for a new mesmerised by a sense of homecoming and grief encounter with Jesus Christ so that you never feel a overwhelmed me again. But it was more than the loss of dreadful loneliness again? childhood. I was overcome by the presence of God in the Will you ask the Holy Spirit to guide you and to help you sanctuary; a searing purity was exposing the darkness of my and to call to our Maker and Creator to satisfy your every heart – an uncleanness and guilt which would not go away. desire, to feel loved and to love, to find purpose and The Lord was convicting me of not just sin but the sinful meaning, and thus KNOW in our hearts a Christian joy condition we all inherit. It was now clear to me that all my once more? attempts to be good and to please had been to no avail. I was trapped in a sinful and selfish lifestyle, covetous and Ann Duminil pulled in worldly directions, longing to feel loved but (As given at our neighbourhood advent carol evening 2 incapable of loving anyone. I remember starting to pray. December 2019)

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