Advent 2014 | Esgobaeth Llandaf | Diocese of Now Is Th e Ti me...for change

he Archbishop of , Dr celebrates its centenary in 2020. At its Barry Morgan, has issued a core are the creation of “Ministry Trallying cry to delegates to Areas” led by teams of clergy and lay people, replacing the traditional pattern take on the challenges laid of smaller parishes led by one cleric. before them at a landmark Held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, at conference held to share ideas the end of November, the delegates on the future of the Church in took part in a series of discussions and Wales. presentations on themes linked to the Writing in this edition of Croeso, change agenda. The themes included Archbishop Barry says that The Time Is team building, reaching younger people, Now for change as he calls upon the creating ministry areas and recruiting clergy and the laity to work together in lay leaders. the development of Ministry Areas The conference theologian, who across the diocese. reflected on discussions, was the “Ministry is a corporate endeavour internationally acclaimed theologian, Dr and we all need to work together, Christina Baxter CBE, former Chair of the Church of England’s General Lena Lacey-Hughes taking refuge in You collaboratively and harmoniously for we Cubes used in worship at the conference have a common task to worship God Synod’s House of Laity, former Principal and serve his world,” says Archbishop of St John’s Theological College, Barry. Nottingham, and a lay canon of on You Cubes. The completed You with our deaneries – one cleric and one “It’s about the need for us to relate Southwell. The conference facilitator Cubes were used to build an altar as lay person from each deanery. Then we more effectively with the people of was Lord Dafydd Elis Thomas AM. part of the worship sessions. The looked to see who was missing – which Wales. This is a really exciting time and Archbishop Barry said, “This conference closed with the altar being groups and which activities were it ought to encourage and cheer us to conference was about winning people’s dismantled and with everyone taking missing and we found people to fill do new things,” he said. hearts and minds in order to continue a someone else’s You Cube home so the those gaps. Delegates from Llandaff joined cultural change that has already begun stories on them could be shared across “So we sent - the church of today and delegates from the five other dioceses in the way people think about church. Wales. the church of tomorrow, clergy at all for The Time Is Now conference. The “We want to do ‘church’ differently so Llandaff Diocesan secretary Rowena stages of service – from curates to two-day event attended by around 200 that the great resources we have can Small explains how vital the selection of those approaching retirement, people explored how major change was be used much more effectively than at delegates was. ordinands and archdeacons, readers happening across the country as part of present. Hopefully, this conference was “We had just 30 places to represent and lay Eucharistic ministers, the Church’s strategy for growth. a chance for people from all over the the huge wealth and breadth of the treasurers and church wardens, young Called 2020 Vision, the strategy Province to share what they are doing, diocese and more importantly just 30 and old, parish administrators and follows a wide-scale review of the learn from one other, be enthused and people to bring back and share the diocesan administrators and people which was inspired and take away a clear vision for enthusiasm and excitement and sense from parishes working towards commissioned to see how the Church the future of the Church in Wales.” of shared purpose that the conference becoming ministry areas and the could best serve Wales by the time it Delegates have been thinking outside imparted. diocesan officers working alongside the box and telling their stories of faith “So who did we choose ? We started them.” Spotlight on the delegates

Revd David Morris, 28, of St Revd Ben Rabjohns of Revd Richard Green of Paul’s, Grangetown, was Aberavon Aberdare, St Fagan encouraged to attend as one “My main impression is that “This is all scary but exciting of the youngest clerics in the different things need to happen and as Dr Baxter told us – it’s deanery. in different places according to about having the courage to go “The message I take away is the different circumstance. I am in the new direction that God not to be fearful of change and concerned about the future of wants us to. to do things prayerfully. Some the church – I’m concerned Locally the aim is to try and of the things that parishes do about how we can continue to reinvigorate the life of the might not be bad but they might not be right at the offer the fullness of the life of the church in parish, to try to get people in present moment. particular the Eucharistic life of the church with the the church more involved with mission and ministry I want to employ strategies for growth. Currently in obvious problem of resources. and therefore reach out to the community. This Grangetown we are looking at how we can use the Mine is quite a large parish with three churches conference has been a great way of learning about church and church hall to do mission and outreach – which are already working closely together. The aim the different ways that different dioceses are the refurbishment of the church hall is a huge step is to build on this work and encourage people to tackling ministry areas.” in this process. We are also in the early stages of realise that we are stronger together than apart.” Mari Harrison, a Mothers looking at how we can share resources with David-Lloyd Jones, parish Union unit co-ordinator from neighbouring parishes.” warden of Kenfig Hill and Clydach Vale Ordinand Rose Griffiths administrator for Cowbridge “The aim is for us to grow. I “It’s clear that there is a great benefice. want my own church to survive deal of passion and it’s an “The message that I take away and for that to happen we need honour to be part of the with me is that things are to grow. The message that I am discussion and to have a voice happening and can only get taking away is one of hope. in the future of the Church in better. There is a huge amount of Wales.” My personal objective would be enthusiasm out there and we I wanted to attend as I thought to see our church communities have heard about so many success stories and it would help me develop a grow and look outward and engage with the whole of different ways of workings that will help us all to greater understanding of the views of the province the communities that we seek to serve. I work in a grow.” and to form a greater understanding to form my own large team ministry but I am also warden of a single views.” parish so I can see both sides of the map.” 2 croeso Advent 2014 Great appetite for mission

A “Dragons’ Den” style funding pitch with three projects bidding for a share of a £2,000 grant pot was a successful new feature at the annual Big Breakfast this year. Bidding for a slice of the cash bonanza made available for new mission initiatives, three projects took to the floor to sell their ideas. An audience of ‘dragons’ grilled presenters with questions about different aspects of their projects before group discussions and voting took place. The winning bid, voted on by the audience, was the Core project at St Philip’s Community Church, Tremorfa, which was awarded £1,500 to help set up a youth group to engage with young people. Runners up were ‘Solvation’ from Neath Benefice who were awarded with so many enthusiastic and hard working team for welcoming and hosting us.” £300 for their Scriptures game and Pontypridd St Catherine’s Job Club local church officers and we want to publically More about the work of the diocesan who were given £200. All were presented with their cheques by thank them for all the work they do to support mission fund can be found at Diocesan Secretary Rowena Small. the mission of the church. http://llandaff.churchinwales.org.uk/mission/ Treasurers and gift aid secretaries from across the diocese had “It was especially good to be at St David’s, mission-fund/ gathered at St David’s Church, Neath for the third annual Big Breakfast Neath this year and a big thank you to the local on Saturday, November 15, where they were welcomed by Canon Stephen Ryan, Rector of Neath, and the Venerable Philip Morris, Archdeacon of Margam. After starting the day with a hearty breakfast, church treasurers and gift secretaries enjoyed presentations and workshop on subjects such as capital fundraising, parish buying, and legacies, with talks from Eleanor Gill, National Stewardship Team, Church of England, Rob Kissack, Parish Buying Scheme and Paul Bennett from St David’s Church. It was also an opportunity for delegates to hear about ‘Funding God’s Mission’, including a look forward to future diocesan spending priorities – “Investing with Mission in Mind’. Jan Boyce, Diocesan accountant, said “The Big Breakfast is always the highlight of the year and gives us the opportunity to meet and talk Officer to be appointed to help guide the creation of Ministry Areas Work is forging ahead towards the creation of Ministry Areas in the Llandaff Diocese and a Raise your voices to help tackle new diocesan officer is to be appointed to help guide parishes with this work. climate change, urges Bishop Following the series of South Wales politicians joined Bishop David their local politicians to ensure their party Ministry Area Conversations Wilbourne as part of Christian Aid’s Hunger includes strong climate change action in their (MACs) held in the summer in For Justice weekend to discuss their parties’ manifestos, and praying for people living with , Neath and Pontypridd, and the church’s commitments to take action the effects of climate change around the world. follow up meetings have now on climate change. People across Wales are also calling on the taken place as a part of the At a panel debate at St Michael’s College in National Assembly for Wales to ensure its pilot study aimed at leading together informally – the focus Llandaff, students and Christian Aid supporters upcoming Wellbeing of Future Generations the way forward for the rest of moves on to supporting the heard from Bishop David – Assistant Bishop of (Wales) Bill drives action for Wales to meet its the diocese. local leadership teams as they Llandaff - Kevin Brennan MP, Jenny Willott MP, carbon emissions targets. To help guide this process a determine how best to form a Leanne Wood AM and James Taghdissian. Bishop David said, “It is easy to feel Ministry Area Development Ministry Area in their particular Discussion ranged from attitudes towards powerless in the face of climate change and its officer is to be appointed by circumstances.” taking action on climate change, financial impacts across the world. But there is so much the diocese to work specifically As the follow up meetings commitment to support poorer countries adapt that we can do. We can get our bikes, sign-up on this. continue, formal diocesan and develop, and the role that Wales has to with Ecotricity, buy Fair-Trade. But above all we Using the framework of proposals are due to be play. can raise our voices alongside Christian Aid to Seven Sacred Spaces, the published next year, with a The Hunger for Justice weekend in October ensure strong and ambitious action locally and thrust of these ‘conversations’ three year implementation saw hundreds of churches nationwide urging globally to tackle climate change.” and follow up meetings process. continues to focus on coming Following on from the initial from the ‘bottom up’ involving three pilots, each area deanery key local leaders in ministry has been asked to identify and suggesting other potential potential Ministry Areas, so community partners. that the process of MACs can The Venerable Philip Morris , be rolled out across the Archdeacon of Margam and diocese. link officer for 2020 Vision for Canon Richard Lowndes, Llandaff said, “The immediate advocate officer for 2020 aim is to build up relationships Vision for Llandaff said, “It’s between parishes, if they don’t been a concern that we want exist already; then to explore to get this right rather than to how they could work together force the process so we are on common activities and taking very much a step by projects across the area, doing step approach. together what they are now “So even if a Ministry Area doing separately. conversation is not coming to “As relationships develop – your part of the diocese in the and many parishes are, of immediate future – it will be course already working coming sometime.” The photo shows Bishop David with (l-r): Kevin Brenan, MP, Alun Evans, Aled Pickard of Christian Aid, Jenny Willott MP, James Taghdissian and Leanne Wood AM. croeso Advent 2014 3 You Cubes tell stories of faith

From a jelly fish to a singing superstar – a wide variety of sources have influenced people’s journeys of faith, judging by their You Cube stories. The Church in Wales sent 1,000 cubes out to parishioners across Wales ahead of its landmark conference last month, asking them to decorate them with items to show their stories of faith. The completed You Cubes were used as part of the worship sessions at The Time Is Now conference. Ahead of this about 40 cubes were taken to a special service at Llandaff on 2020 Vision Sunday which was held to focus on the Church’s strategy for growth as it prepares for its centenary in 2020. About 150 people from churches across the Llandaff Diocese attended the service organised by ordinands from St Michael’s College, Cardiff. Among the cubes was one from St David’s Church, Neath, which showed a photograph of one of its former choirgirls – the now internationally renowned singer, Katherine Jenkins. The photo was taken of her when she returned to the church last year to perform in a concert to raise money for its restoration appeal. Canon Stephen Ryan, the Rector of Neath, said Katherine had inspired many of his parishioners. “Katherine is someone who is open and honest about her Christian faith and always remembers with great affection the time she spent as a chorister at St David’s. She comes back when she is home in You Cubes at including ordinand Edward Le Brun Powell and Canon Graham Holcombe Neath and finds it a great comfort. Her example inspires others building up the You Cubes to value their faith and also the people and places that helped lay those foundations. We may not all reach the lofty heights of fame but we can all help and support each other along the way, wherever it leads.” Another showed newspaper headlines which quoted a vicar who had been interviewed following a hit-and-run tragedy in Ely, Cardiff, two-years-ago. “Respond with love, not revenge” were the inspiring words of the Revd Jan Gould, vicar of Ely. Others featured pictures and collages of parish community events, foodbanks, prayers and even a jellyfish. The You Cubes have been developed at the St Giles’ RE and Faith Development Centre in Wrexham. They take seven themes from the life of Jesus – beginnings, growing, miracles/surprises, new beginnings, healing, farewells and resurrection/hopes for the future. Every person or group is asked to show how these themes are evident in their lives. Organiser, Revd Mary Stallard, Chaplain of St Joseph’s Anglican and Catholic School, says, “Stories are at the heart of our faith. The themes of 2020 Vision invite us to look at our own faith stories: the ways in which we have grown, changed and learned and the hopes God that has given us for the future.” The story cubes were used to build an altar at the Llandudno conference and were then sent back with the delegates to different parishes, so that the stories on them could be shared across Wales. The Archbishop writes:

The Time is Now Conference was a the number of paid clergy. The aim, as I in the same way as you can in a more major event in the Church in Wales’ see it, is theological – to remind us that rural diocese. calendar and presented a rare and our ministries be that of the ordained or It would be the easiest thing in the exciting opportunity for people from lay are not vocations for individual self world for the senior staff to carve up the across this diocese and every diocese fulfilment but take place within the diocese into ministry areas and then in Wales to come together and context of the whole Body of Christ. say “There they are. We’ve ticked that participate in worship and discussions Ministry is a corporate endeavour and box”. The trouble is, it would be a paper about the changing structures, and we all need to work together, exercise.” more importantly, the changing culture collaboratively and harmoniously for we In order to do things differently the within the Church in Wales. have a common task to worship God Province has given each diocese The conference gave people from and serve His world. £500,000 over the next three years. across the province the opportunity to The whole concept of ministry areas This cannot be used to subsidise things share ideas, views and experiences is that clergy and laity can work with we normally do but to help dioceses about what they have already done in one another, using one another’s and parishes think and do things a time of new life and hope, this is also taking forward the recommendations of strengths and talents so that clergy and differently. Parishes will be able to a period when many people attend the Church in Wales Review in their laity together can take responsibility for apply to this fund to set up posts such church services who do not regularly do local context, particularly the the mission of the church. None of this as Youth Workers, Evangelists and so so. This presents an excellent development of Ministry Areas and is new but it does need to be a on. One of our diocesan initiatives is to opportunity for us, as a forward looking Ministry Area Teams. structured approach rather than let to appoint an officer to help parishes and missional church, to reach out to Follow-up events to maintain the happen haphazardly. specifically set up ministry areas them with the energy and optimism momentum and build on the conference Because we are taking every locality because this work is being done at the engendered during the Time Is Now. themes and discussions will now be seriously, we are allowing different moment by existing officers who have organised, with the clergy and the laity things to emerge in different places other jobs. being called upon to work together in because of different circumstances and This is a really exciting time and it the development of Ministry Areas. because in a largely urban diocese, with ought to encourage and cheer us to do Ministry areas are not being formed in 40% of the population of Wales living new things. With the seasons of Advent order to save money by cutting down on within its borders, you cannot do things and Christmas now upon us - signifying 4 croeso Advent 2014 Meet the Conference Theologian - Canon Dr Christina Baxter CBE

The internationally acclaimed people to take on more responsibility? find faith – so that they grow into it. It is theologian, Canon Dr Christina Baxter I think it is very important for lay people hard to start when people have already CBE , guided The Time Is Now to be playing their full part in the work made their minds up about faith. But Conference in its discussions. of God, whether that is world focussed the church needs to employ people who Now retired, Dr Baxter is a former or church focussed. I also think that are willing to meet young people where Principal of St John’s Theological people will have different periods of they are. And they need to support College, Nottingham, and a former Chair their life, so their ministry and mission them with their prayers and to be willing of the Church of England’s General will change over their lifetime. For lay to be part of teams who work together Synod’s House of Laity. She has been a people, there is great joy in serving the to enable faith to be explored. Our work Reader since 1971 and is a lay canon Lord in the church or in the world, and with young people may have to be of Southwell. Anna Morrell caught up the church can certainly benefit from outside of the church in the first with her to find out a bit more about the every Christian person using their gifts instance as we cannot expect people person behind the impressive CV. and talents as part of the wider team. I who have no church connections to think that it is good to make sure that come into our place and cope with our You’ve been a Reader for more than 40 people who are being asked to do set ways of doing things. I am really years, run a theological college, things are helped to think about what pleased to be involved with Bible chaired the House of Laity in the they might ‘put down’ so they do not do Reading Fellowship, which has started Church of England and are a Canon. more and more until they ‘crash’. I also the ‘Messy Church’ work, and has now You seem to have done everything a think that for many of us, it is good to launched ‘Who let the Dads out?’. lay person can do in the Church – have have a fixed period to which we are you ever considered ordination? committed so that it does not feel as if What do you think is the biggest I think that you need to be called to be we are going to have do things until we challenge facing churches today – ordained, and I have never had that stagger to an early grave! And another either on parish level or nationally? call, although I have been open to it. important help would be to offer to train Without a doubt the biggest challenge is But as time passed, it seemed as if the or mentor people, to work alongside that we are engaged in a spiritual battle Lord really wanted me to stay as a lay them so that they begin any new task and most of the time Christians seem person, and I have been very content feeling supported. to be gloriously ignorant of that aspect with that. Indeed I think I may have of faith. It is a spiritual issue when we achieved more as a lay person than I Another aim of the 2020 Vision come to order our priorities, to decide could have done as an ordained person. strategy is to engage more young about how we shall give, or to consider people in church. What do you think where we will put our energies as a One of the aims of the 2020 Vision has put them off in the past and how church. But we often think too much as I love gardening, swimming, concerts strategy is to encourage lay people to do you think we can sow the seeds of if we were working in an ordinary and theatre. I follow current events and join leadership teams and play a much faith in people growing up in today’s business and ignore much of what the politics. I sew, knit and do crochet and I more active role in the church. How do secular environment? New Testament has to say about this. do quite a lot of cooking. I like walking you think lay people and their The church needs to be thinking about and always enjoy going overseas. I churches could benefit from this? Do how it can engage whole families in What interests or hobbies do you have don’t have a television, so I have lots of you have any tips for motivating busy exploring faith and enable children to outside of church life/ theology? time to spend in these kinds of ways.

Meet the Conference facilitator

The conference was facilitated by one Llandaff Cathedral because it is so foodbanks in churches is a very good of Wales’ best known politicians – Lord eclectic with so many bits of history – example of how the church is relating to Dafydd Elis-Thomas . from the Celtic to the Norman to the a whole network of people with whom Lord Elis-Thomas has had a long and Victorian to the massive 21st Century they may otherwise not be directly distinguished political career which organ. I particular love the John Piper involved. Initiatives like that give people included serving as an MP for 18 years window above the high alter which is on a link into the organisation – that to me and as the first Presiding Officer of the the Emmaus theme – that is a beautiful is a key strategy. National Assembly for Wales – a piece of art work. position he held for 12 years. Today he People often say that religion and is still the Assembly Member for Dwyfor You’re an active member of the Church politics don’t mix. Do you agree? Do Meirionnydd. in Wales and have served on its you think politicians pay any attention Lord Elis-Thomas is an active member Governing Body. What does the Church when religious leaders speak out on of the Church in Wales and a former mean to you and what do you value public issues? Would you like to see member of its Governing Body. most about it? religious leaders take a greater I am very proud to be part of a interest in the governance of Wales? What was your first experience of disestablished denomination which has They mix too much. Over the years that church? a national mission. The Church has a has been the terrible difficulty as My father was a Presbyterian minister in strong sense of social mission for people have used religion for ends that the Conway valley but it was in a time, contemporary Wales in all its aspects are really to do with power politics and in the 1950s, when there was a lot of and I particularly value all the interfaith used religious activity of all faiths to ecumenical activity so I learnt about work that is going on. justify power struggles and oppression other denominations too. I was brought of people and gender, languages and up to the idea that the church was a One of the aims of the 2020 Vision sexuality. fundamental part of culture and strategy is to engage more young However, faith leaders are citizens like therefore despite attempts later in life people in church life. Do you think everyone else and are free to speak out to escape it I distinctly failed to do so! attracting young members is also a on any issue. Church in Wales leaders challenge for today’s political parties? speak out on all kinds of public issues, Where do you worship now? How do you suggest we can become not just those to do with individual When I’m in Cardiff, I go to Llandaff more appealing to them? morality. Archbishop Barry Morgan has Cathedral, and also to Eglwys Dewi We have to provide young people with a made it his concern to be involved with Sant. One of my favourite places way of participating which resonates issues to do with the governance of outside of Wales must be Westminster with them. That means being where Wales and that has been a very helpful Working together more – whether that is and I often go to the 12.30pm people are, being alongside them and intervention. It is about taking across parishes or re-organisations or Holy Communion there when I’m in being part of their needs. It is about citizenship seriously and that is a very re-ordering, anything that makes the . meeting people in their own contexts important part of the mission of the church more available to people. These rather than trying to lead them Church. are always difficult changes people Do you have a favourite church somewhere where they may find it have to go through but when they go building in Wales? If so, why is it so difficult to relate. I think the huge What do you think is the biggest through them they come out the other special to you? amount of work that goes on with challenge facing the Church today? end much stronger. croeso Advent 2014 5 One Show goes live to Katherine Jenkins’ hometown church

When singing star Katherine Jenkins went on Greeting the cameras live outside St David’s the BBC’s One Show to promote her latest CD Church, Neath, was the rector, Canon Stephen – little did she expect to end up being treated Ryan – who had been in on the surprise to a live choir performance screened from her televised live link during a Wednesday evening old church. episode of the show last month. Nor did she expect to see her see her own “I know Katherine very well indeed, this is mum Susan, who was lining up for choir where she goes to church and this is where practice with the Neath Polyphonic Choir at St she sang in the choir for many years. Katherine David’s Church in Neath – under the direction loves coming home to Neath and we love of another familiar face, her old choir master seeing her,” said Canon Stephen Ryan. Mark Ritzmann. “Katherine always mentions her background and the fact that she started her singing career in the choir at St David’s Church, Neath. Whenever she is in Neath she always attends service here in this church where her family have been faithful members for many years. We were delighted to be involved with this surprise for Katherine to send our best wishes from Neath to her,” added Canon Ryan. With Katherine fighting back the tears of delight in the studio, both Katherine’s mum Susan and Mark Ritzmann spoke of their memories of her as a young singer. “I’ve known Katherine since she was nine Katherine Jenkins with her mum Susan - Photograph years old and even back then there was a The One Show - BBC One Katherine Jenkins with Canon Stephen Ryan - Photograph James Davies purity to her voice,” said Mark. While Katherine’s mum Susan told how the singing star used to love to get up and perform “I’m a Little Teapot Short and Stout” as a child. As her mum joined the choir for a special rendition of one of Katherine’s favourites, “All Things Bright and Beautiful,” Katherine said, “That is where it all started for me – all those people are so dear to me.” Indeed last May Katherine held an intimate concert at St David’s Church to launch the St David’s Church Tower Restoration Appeal which aims to raise the £500,000 to secure the future of the iconic Neath landmark. And she didn’t forget her Neath roots either when she wed American film director and artist Andrew Levitas in the summer at Hampton Court Palace. Despite the world’s media being kept at bay with only close family and friends invited - Canon Ryan had a Choir practice - Photograph The One Show - BBC One ringside seat and even helped with the wedding blessing. Hundreds turn out for funeral of old soldier after Facebook appeal for mourners A Facebook appeal to track Guards.The church acquaintances to attend the who had lived in Owain Court down mourners for a funeral was so packed that funeral through the parish’s before moving to a care home service by a church resulted in people stood outside Facebook page. It would have in Barry, had been a railway around 350 people including a in the rain as the been tragic if this old soldier’s signalman and was a founding contingent of Welsh Guards service was relayed funeral had gone unnoticed, member of the Welsh turning out to give an old outside by loud particularly in Remembrance Railways Research Circle. He soldier a proper send off. speaker. week.” did his national service with It had been feared that The Revd Rachel Through the Facebook the Welsh Guards and had nobody would turn up for the Simpson said, appeal it emerged Mr Morgan, been posted to Egypt. funeral of former Welsh Guard “When we first had Harold Morgan, 85, at St Tathan the details of the Church, St Athan, last month funeral come through after funeral directors and the we were given no next of kin “I thought I would just put out church struggled to track down details, which is very unusual, a quick message on Facebook family and friends. so I was worried at the service to see if we could trace some But thanks to an appeal there would only be the people who used to know him launched on Facebook by the solicitors and the nurses from when he lived in the area but Revd Rachel Simpson who the nursing home and that's not the story just took off presided over his service, a a very nice way to go. everywhere.” contingent of Welsh Guards “I am really pleased for Newspapers across the joined local veterans and other Harold that his funeral was not country ran the story and Rachel military personnel to give him a held in an empty church and I was interviewed by television proper send-off. Local people, am sure that he would have and radio including Radio 4’s friends of Mr Morgan and even been touched that so many Today programme. strangers who had never met came. People came for many The Assistant Bishop of him turned out to pay their reasons, even though it was Llandaff, David Wilbourne said, respects. sad we had to make an appeal “I am deeply grateful for the A guard of honour was formed in this way, I am so proud of the particular care that Revd Rachel outside the church by local RAF response from the community – Simpson has taken over the officers as the coffin was led many of whom are coming to funeral of Harold Morgan, not into church by a piper and a the funeral of a man they may least for her initiative in inviting standard bearer from the Welsh never even have met.” Harold’s friends and Photo - Walesonline 6 croeso Advent 2014 Spiritual side of harvest brought to life Hundreds of schoolchildren would interest and inform The five stations which to coincide both with its visited a Neath church to the children about Harvest were created and manned 100th anniversary and in hear stories of the spiritual and Thanksgiving," said the by members of various recognition that its minister side of harvest which had Revd Lynda Newman, the churches outlined the Revd Chris Grey was being been brought to life in an outgoing president of Neath various Harvests of the appointed as the incoming innovative interactive tour. Churches Together. world - the harvest of the President of Neath Churches The Harvest Experience “We’d held an Experience flock, the sea, the earth, the Together. The event was event was organised by the Easter event the previous grain and the garden. supported by the Archbishop Around the ecumenical organisation year which had been hugely “At each station the of Wales’ Fund for Children. Neath Churches Together successfully so we decided children were engaged in Comments from children and was staged for the first to try and do something activities which drew out the included: Diocese time this year over three similar for Harvest and unite spiritual qualities of joy, “I enjoyed the harvest of days at Neath Methodist with other churches and peace, patience, humility the sea because I didn't Earth Church. chapels in the town. and generosity. The final know we use the sea for It attracted visits from “We could never have station was when the whole harvest. The man and his around 400 pupils from imagined the amount of group gathered together wife told us about how primary schools throughout enthusiasm and support we under the Succoth for their Jesus calmed the storm.” Neath who were guided received. Churches which Harvest Thanksgiving, “Thank you for inviting me around the displays at the previously hadn’t had bringing along with them the to the Harvest Experience, I church in small groups by enough able members to fruits of the spirit,” said really enjoyed the whole volunteers. put on their own exhibits in Lynda. visit, but most of all I liked It replaced a Bible the Bible exhibition now “After squash and the ‘Harvest of the flock’ exhibition which had been worked together with other biscuits, the children were which taught me how to previously staged by churches in similar given a 'Harvest fun at weave and about how many churches in the area situations to create a Neath' pen and a decorative items you can get from one working together. 'station'. Rotas were set up, cross to serve as reminders sheep!” "In the past we’ve had a and each of the five stations of the day.To describe the “I loved it when we shared biblical exhibition, so this were manned throughout three days as joyous bread.” year we thought we'd do the three days by lay wouldn't really be doing it “I liked the one where we Ocean something different which people,” said Lynda. justice - it was far more than made clay pots. I liked it all, that - it felt blessed. New everyone was kind and Children friendships were formed, entertaining, and they taught people grew in confidence, us a lot about why people and churches worked need Harvest.” together. We were delighted “What I enjoyed most to receive the support of about my visit was making a local schools,” added handmade pot out of clay. I Lynda. learned that clay comes out In the past the joint of the ground and is harvest event – the biblical considered a joy of the exhibition - had been held in earth.” St David’s Church, Neath, And from a member of but the Methodist Church staff: “I don't know about (known locally as the Penny the children, but I have Brick Church) was chosen to learned loads today.” host the Harvest Experience Grain Garden Flock

Recognition for church garden

The work carried out to transform an area of volunteers who carried out the work. These wasteland next to a city church into a stunning included churchgoers, young offenders, people community garden has been recognised by with learning needs and children from the Cardiff in Bloom judges. neighbouring school who dug out a jungle of The St Peter’s Community Garden in Fairwater briars and brambles and chopped down trees to was awarded second place in the best kept create it. community garden building section of the Cardiff Project manager Mr Thomson said, “I am very in Bloom competition. pleased with this award as it identifies the work “The judge was very impressed with the project people are carrying out here at the garden every as a whole and the objectives that are at the core week. We currently have 46 volunteers who give of the project. The diversity of the project is its up various amounts of time to work here. It is not strength, and the leadership and volunteers’ input just a destination for many of these volunteers it are very evident,” said the judge’s comment. is also a journey. It has brought the community of Although the idea for the community garden Fairwater together.” came from one parishioner Ian Thompson, it was Right: Volunteer Rob Bisatt at St Peter’s only made possible thanks to the teams of Community Garden croeso Advent 2014 7 All creatures big and small blessed during pet services Dogs, cats, hamsters, snails and even a horse were blessed during pet services held to celebrate the Feast of St Francis in churches throughout the diocese. At St Saviour’s Church in , the annual pet service has been held for many years on the nearest Sunday to October 4, with parishioners bringing along pets ranging from stick insects to doves. This year even a few snails collected during eco work in the garden earlier in the day were brought along to join the gathering. While in Merthyr a much bigger animal – a horse was taken to St Tydfil’s Old Parish Church to receive a blessing during their Pet Service. The Revd Dean Atkins, of St Saviour’s said, “Each year, we celebrate the festival of St Francis and our day is completed with a blessing of pets, a practice which has been in existence for many years throughout the world and which is gaining popularity again in many different communities. “We regard this as part of our wider responsibility to care for all God's creation. Not only do we thank God for the many blessings we have received through our pets, but we pray that all creatures will be treated with respect, no matter what form our relationship with them takes, be it domestic pets, animals who work for us or who end up on our plate or simply share the natural world and Eco system of which we are a part. “Indeed, after Mass in the morning, a group had worked the land by preparing our Eco garden for the winter, and they found a few snails to join us for the afternoon blessing! Some years, like this year when the weather is fine, we gather outdoors and we gain a few smiles and interested peeks from passers- by. We pray, we sing, we laugh, and some of us bark and mew! “We have experienced a varied menagerie over the years, from cats and dogs to lizards and doves, a few hamsters and even a stick insect or two. The service is simple and by its very nature has a sense of informality and attracts a wide range of ages. The splash of holy water as part of the blessing rite can often illicit a bemused twitch or two from some of the pets but the two bull terriers who arrived with their owners this year just blinked and carried on sniffing the air. “We know that we can get rather sentimental about our pets and although the blessing is celebrated in a loving and affectionate manner we try not to get too sentimental about our friend, Francis, whose intimate love of God reveals a man who served God in extreme and extraordinary ways. “Our love of the created order, learned from St Francis, also includes a call to love our neighbour and to help shape a world where all the gifts God has lavished upon us are truly valued and respected.” The Revd Mark Prevett of St David’s Church, Merthyr said, “People, adults and children, brought their animals along and after we had sung a few hymns and said some prayers the animals were blessed individually including the pony outside. We took a collection and the money was donated to the RSPCA.” Pictures show the Revd Dean Atkins at the Pet Service at St Saviours, Splott; A Yorkshire Terrier blessed at the service in Splott; the Revd Mark Prevett blessing a horse outside church in Merthyr Food co-op celebrates first birthday in Caerphilly A food co-op which provides affordable and fresh, The Revd Gareth Coombes, Associate Priest in It is open to everyone – people need to simply local fruit and vegetables in Caerphilly has the Parish of Caerphilly said, "We have been turn up, order their bags, pay and then collect their celebrated its first birthday after enjoying a huge shocked by the response of the local community fresh produce the following week. A bag of produce success in its first twelve months. since starting the co-op at St Catherine's which has costs just £3. An average of 130 bags of fruit and vegetables become a bustling place for people to meet, chat The Assistant , David are distributed every week by the food co-op at St and have access to affordable produce. I am Wilbourne, said, “I was thrilled to join the food co- Catherine’s Church, Caerphilly, which was launched grateful to all those involved in the food co-op, and op at St Catherine's Caerphilly for its first with the support of the Rural Regeneration Unit last look forward to continuing what we set out to do as anniversary, and serve gallons of home-made soup October. It operates from the church hall in Mill a Church as we reach out in a very practical way to the crowds who flocked to the place.” Road every Wednesday between 11am and 1pm. and serve the communities of Caerphilly."

Bishop David serving soup to Diana Jones

Left to right: Deputy Mayor, councillor Leon Gardiner, Bishop David Wilbourne and the Revd Gareth Coombes 8 croeso Advent 2014

Debt centre set up thanks to success of charity shop

A charity shop set up by which we are delighted to churches to support have achieved,” said people in debt has Stephen. celebrated its first The shop, which sells birthday after a successful good quality second-hard first year. clothes, books and CDs, is The Storehouse manned by church Community Shop in volunteers with all the Aberkenfig - a joint project money raised going to by eight churches and local charities in the chapels in the town – has community in addition to achieved its aim of raising the setting up of the enough money within its Christians Against Poverty first 12 months to set up a debt centre. Around the debt centre. “Very quickly upon The Revd Stephen Pare, opening a clientele began priest-in-charge of to arrive who appreciated Archbishop Barry Morgan, shop manager Karen Homans and Diocese Aberkenfig, said they were the very reasonable prices Revd Chris Gray. delighted to have already and good quality of the deputy manager part-time Church, Penyfai, The achieved their aim of clothes and bric a brac,and who are helped by about Parish of All Saints Loved ones raising enough money to as the year progressed it 20 volunteers from the Penyfai, and the Parish of set up a debt centre. He became apparent that the churches. Llansantffraid, Bettws and remembered in said the shop had been trading surplus would be The churches supporting Aberkenfig. the idea of church leaders sufficient to achieve our it are: Community Church The debt centre is based from a variety of traditions aim of setting up a CAP Aberkenfig, Aberkenfig at the Storehouse shop flower festival in the community. debt centre,” said Church of God, Wesley which is open Monday to “Our aim was to provide Stephen. Methodist, Tondu, Thursday 10am -4pm and a service for the The shop was opened Nazareth Baptist Church, Saturday 10am – 1pm. community while at the by Archbishop Barry on Bryncethin, St Roberts For debt help call 0800 same time raising money November 11, 2013 and Roman Catholic Church, 328 0006 or visit to set up a debt centre employs a manager and a Aberkenfig, Smyrna Baptist capuk.org Meeting Room Cafe is huge success A new community cafe set up just welcomed, often commenting that over a year ago in a church they never knew there was a church is proving a huge success. on Woodville Road and, if they hadn't Flower festival at St Catherine’s Church - The creation of a small kitchen in visited the Meeting Room Cafe, Photograph by M Shakeshaft the church of St Andrew and St would still be none the wiser,” said Inspired by a visit to a Posy Festival in a Teilo’s, Cathays sparked the launch James Down, one member of the church in the seaside resort of Tenby, of the monthly community cafe, team. parishioners in Baglan decided to stage a which opened its doors for the first Lucy Campion, kitchen team similar event in St Catherine’s Church. time in June last year. member and regular baker for the Parishioners and members of the community Since then it has gone from cafe said “It’s wonderful to know were invited to order posies, window strength to strength – spurred on by that our cafe has already become arrangements, or flower stand arrangements in the enthusiasm of a team of young such a positive outreach tool, as well memory of loved ones, with profits to be divided between MacMillan Cancer Support and parish parishioners. as a great place to have a delicious funds. From raiding charity shops for lunch. We couldn’t have done it The idea came from Parish of Baglan PCC crockery, to preparing menus, without the support of our regular secretary, June Shakeshaft, and parish sub- advertising and baking delicious food churchgoers, and yet it is so lovely to warden, Ann Chilcott, following their visit to St – there has been lots to do for rising. The next goal is to expand the see the church full of members of Mary's Church, Tenby, during the summer. everyone involved. customer base of the Meeting Room the wider community enjoying our June said, “I envisaged about twenty-five Now just over a year on, the team Cafe to attract more people who hospitality in a beautiful setting.” people ordering posies, but by the closing date are delighted that more and more aren’t already linked to the church. The cafe usually ‘pops up’ on the in October, one hundred and two had been people are coming through the doors “Several people who’d never first Saturday of the month, from ordered, plus four windows and two stands.” each month, with profits steadily visited St Teilo’s before have been 10.30 am to 3pm. Cards were prepared for each arrangement, with the title 'In Loving Memory of ...' and the name of the person to be remembered. A Roger celebrates 40th anniversary of Memorial Tree was also made, and placed at the front of the nave to allow visitors who had not his ordination on eve of retirement ordered posies to write the names of their loved ones on specially made labels, to be hung on the tree. In the sanctuary there was a stand commemorating the centenary of the outbreak of World War 1. The festival, which raised £800 for charity, ran for five days closing with a Memorial Service on November 2. “The whole project engendered a wonderful community spirit, and it is hoped to repeat it in the future,” added June. Architect honoured in special concert Credit Union launched A large congregation gathered together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Canon Roger Williams’ ordination as a priest at St A special concert held to mark the at a Cardiff church Augustine’s Church, Penarth. bicentenary of the birth of the architect Canon Williams, who is to retire as Rector of Penarth and Llandough that designed St Augustine's Church in A credit union collection point to help at the end of February, was ordained on September 21, 1974, at Penarth raised £300 to help with the people save and aid those in financial Cathedral by Bishop John James Absalom Thomas, Bishop of upkeep of the church. need has been launched at a Cardiff and Brecon. A large audience enjoyed the concert church. Apart from local parishioners, there were people from Canon given by the St Augustine’s Singers, The new collection and information centre Williams’ former parishes and many past and present clergy directed by Robert Court, with world- for the Cardiff and Vale Credit Union has colleagues at the anniversary service in September. The address was renowned concert organist, Thomas Trotter. been set up at St Peter’s Community Hall in given by the retired Bishop of Monmouth, the Rt Revd Dominic Walker. It was held to mark the bicentenary of the Fairwater and will cover the Fairwater and Following his ordination, Canon Williams served as curate in birth of William Butterfield, the Gothic Pentrebane area. Llamsamlet and then Oystermouth. He was rector of the Aberedw Revival architect who designed St It will be run and manned by a team of lay Grouping from 1979-81. He was vicar of Brynmawr from 1981- 89 and Augustine’s Church. volunteers every Wednesday morning in the then spent a decade as vicar of Newport St Julian. He was made an The concert was organised jointly by community hall between 11am and noon – honorary canon of St Woolos Cathedral in Newport in 2009 and Cardiff Organ Events and the Friends of St following the weekly coffee morning. became Rector of Penarth with Llandough in 2009. Augustine’s Church. croeso Advent 2014 9 Frank Roper – a window into his work

Frank Roper was a versatile and prolific sculptor and artist whose works are scattered around Llandaff Diocese. On the 14th anniversary of his death this month, Kate Lawless took a look back over his life and work. Roper was born 100 years ago in Haworth, Yorkshire in 1914 into a family of sculptors. He attended Keighley School of Art, where he met his future wife Nora Ellison, and together they went on to study at the Royal College of Art under Henry Moore. During the Second World War, Roper helped design tanks and minesweepers for the Ministry of Defence. After the war he taught sculpture at Cardiff College of Art, where he later became Vice-Principal and remained a tutor until 1973, although throughout his teaching career he attracted numerous commissions. Llandaff Cathedral - Flowers of the Virgin Mary, 1964 His most productive period was during the 1960's when he collaborated with architect George Pace to create a series of commissions for the bomb-damaged Llandaff Cathedral, along with Jacob Epstein and John Piper. Roper's bronze panels of Welsh flowers mounted on the medieval Reredos of the Lady Chapel (1964) is one of his most touching works (pictured). Writing of his work on the Reredos at Llandaff, he recalled Pace's suggestion, "that I should seek inspiration by putting my head into a thorn bush, a painful operation intended to prevent my formalising, or inflicting my conventions on the subject"! His figurative sculptures are expressively distorted, showing deep sympathy with medieval art, as well as admiration for Henry Moore. Roper established a foundry on the ground floor of his home in Penarth, where he executed many of his commissions. In the 1950's he invented the process of lost-polystyrene casting. The technique involves a pouring molten metal (almost always aluminium) into a polystyrene model encased in sand, vapouring the plastic and forming an identical casting. Modelling in polystyrene allowed Roper to work on a larger scale. It is light and strong, allowing complicated structures to be built (Pictured, St John the Baptist, Cardiff). He became interested in aluminium as a medium for sculpture, which did not have a traditional ecclesiastical association. This can be seen in his work at St Saviours, (pictured) Roper's work is St John the Baptist, Cardiff - St Mary, Margam Abbey - I am the Christ Church, Ynysybwl - Christ often challenging, expressing as it does pain, Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary Bread of Life Surrounded by a Crown of Thorns compassion and grief in great detail. and St John, 1969 Roper also created many fine stained glass windows that can be seen around the Diocese. He was experimental with his materials and held the glass together on an aluminium framework. This required no leading or painting but gives the figures in the glass a contorted appearance. (pictured, Margam Abbey, Margam). In some cases small chunks of glass were fixed to the surface in order to catch and disperse light. (pictured, St Martin, Caerphilly). He also incorporated cast aluminium within the designs to add depth and dimension, as seen in "Christ surrounded by a crown of thorns" (pictured, Christ Church, Ynysybwl) which compounded the feeling of suffering and pain. In 1991 he was awarded the OBE in 1990 for his services to art. He died on 3rd December 2000. Roper was an artist of contradictions: his work was strikingly vivid and modern but based around conservative tradition. It's not to be missed by enthusiasts of modern art! Further reading: 'The Religious Art of Frank Roper: An Introduction' by Peter Leech (2003) Kate Lawless St Martin, Caerphilly - St Francis Window, St Saviour, Roath - The 14 Stations of the Cross, 1961 Care of Churches 1973 10 croeso Advent 2014

Diocesan Conference 2014

reports and endorsement of the elections are replaced by triennial revised Parish Share Scheme by elections for all elected places Fun and games Mr Paul Marshall. was not passed. It had been put The new Mediation Scheme, forward by the . launched recently by the Church in The closing worship featured Snakes and ladders was the about how we can best Ministry Areas were then held Wales to help settle conflict when suggestions from the morning order of the day when operate together and how we by members and a Ministry it arises between parishioners and session on what members hoped members of the Llandaff can further the Kingdom of Area leaflet, ‘Together, clergy, was outlined by Canon Ministry Areas could achieve. Diocesan Conference God by best working together. towards ministry areas’ which Lowndes. gathered for their annual “We are concerned about answers key questions about A motion requesting the conference in Aberdare. getting it right – by listening to the process of forming Governing Body of the Church in More than 200 people people and to make it right for Ministry Areas was distributed. Wales to consider changing its packed the main hall and gym particular areas. We are being Comments and suggestions constitution so that its current of St John Baptist CW High consultative – we are not made during the session were School during the day long forcing ministry areas on to collated to be taken forward to conference in September you – we want to get it right the 2020 Vision Conference – which focused on the Ministry and we are taking our time to The Time Is Now. Area Conversations (MACs) make sure that we do get it The presidential address currently being rolled out right.” from Archbishop Barry opened throughout the Diocese. Brain storming sessions the afternoon session when Following the opening about various issues the business of the day Eucharist, which was surrounding the formation of included the presentation of accompanied by sixth form music students from the school, the specially devised snakes and ladders board game focusing on the topics surrounding Ministry Areas kicked off the morning session for delegates. Opening the interactive session, Canon Richard Lowndes (pictured right) updated members on the three Ministry Area Conversation meetings held so far in Penarth, Neath and Pontypridd. “These conversations are

Let’s all work together

The clergy and the laity have Relationships, the Archbishop been called upon to work spoke of what he saw as together in the development of Israel’s disproportionate Ministry Areas across the response in Gaza. Diocese. “I think that Israel’s The call from Archbishop response in Gaza has been Barry came during his annual totally disproportionate. Gaza presidential address to is the size of the Llyn conference members. Peninsula with a population of “The whole concept of 1.8 million people. I visited it ministry areas is that clergy with Archdeacon Philip Morris and laity can work with one in the late 1990’s. It is a third another, using one another’s world city with people living in strengths and talents so that corrugated tin shacks on top of clergy and laity together can one another, often ten to take responsibility for the fifteen people to a room. mission of the church,” said “What has happened in Gaza Archbishop Barry. is truly shocking. Even the and neither is the case as far “I recently sent some money hundred thousand people have He also spoke about a new United States, Israel’s as I am concerned and neither from my Mission & General fled from their homes and project which would facilitate strongest ally, said in August was the case when the Fund to Christian Aid for its many of them are sleeping out ‘inviting a friend back to that “its shelling of a UN Governing Body called on Israel work in Gaza and in responding in the open. Your prayers and church’. The project called shelter in Gaza was totally as a democratic state to find the Head of Christian Aid in support are much appreciated’. Seasons of Invitation will look unacceptable and totally ways to end any threats to its Wales wrote back to me and “I know that individuals and at the points in the year where indefensible”. Israel’s security without the killing of said ‘There is a terrible parishes in the diocese are people are likely to respond to response in other words is out innocent people in future. shortage of medical supplies in doing precisely that and I thank an invitation from the church – of proportion to the level of the “The Church in Wales has hospitals that have not been you for doing so.” Remembrance, Harvest and threat it faced. long supported the Mobile destroyed and those that To read the full version of Christmas. “I am afraid that there is a Dental Unit in Gaza and remain are over full. Eight Archbishop Barry’s presidential During a wide ranging perception that if you criticise Christian Aid supports thousand people are being address go to address which also covered the actions of Israel, you are humanitarian work in the region seen by doctors every day but http://llandaff.churchinwales.o topics including Ministry, the either being anti Semitic or are so Christian contributions do there are thousands more who rg.uk/ and see Latest Code of Practice and Same-Sex questioning its right to exist make a huge difference. need medical help. Over two Information croeso Advent 2014 11

School News River of Blood poppy memorial

Inspired by the poppy installation at the Post by Theo Davies, Year 9, followed. Ten Tower of London, pupils from St Teilo’s pupils from each year group planted their Church in Wales High School created their poppies while the school chaplain led a brief own symbolic river of blood poppy memorial. service. The school had been considering for some “I was proud to see pupils from all year time how best to commemorate the centenary groups, alongside staff and governors, join of the ending of World War 1. Having seen in together to show respect for the fallen of the media the success of the Tower of London past and present conflicts,” said Mr James memorial, it decided to recreate its own Allan, Deputy Headteacher. symbolic river of blood from poppies made by "The poppies look great. It’s been a lot of students. work but really worthwhile. It was a special The Art department, led by Tracy Anderson, occasion for students and they've appreciated designed the poppies with each of the 1,450 this particular act of remembrance,” said students in the school challenged to create Tracey Anderson, Head of Art. their own poppy and to write on its reverse either a peace prayer or the name of a fallen relative who they would be remembering. On Armistice Day the school created its own Sporting stars help school Garden of Remembrance, when pupils filed form by form to the front of the campus to plant their poppy as a demonstration of their with fundraising bounce personal remembrance. All pupils had been informed of the personal sacrifices that teenage Welsh and Cardiff soldiers made, in a series of assemblies, in preparation for the event. At 11am the whole school observed a minute’s silence and the sounding of the Last Linking the past and the present A primary school which began life with lessons held in the porch of the local church has been presented with a modern new painting to help preserve its links with the past. Newton Primary School in Porthcawl began life hundreds of years ago with A host of sporting superstars descended on All Saints Church in lessons held in the porch of Wales Primary School in Barry to help pupils, staff and parents give the parish church of St John fundraising an added bounce. the Baptist. A schoolroom Barry boxing hero, Lee Selby; Wales International and Bristol City which is now Newton Church academy footballers Loren Dykes and Sophie Ingle; Cardiff Devils ice Hall was later built before the hockey players Josh Batch and Trevor Hendrikx; Vale golf academy golf school moved to its current professional Matthew Coombes; parent and ex-British Army rugby site in New Road in 1908. Picture shows (left to right) year six pupils Iwan Cartwright, Kara player, John Voss and Barry-based FitM8 trainers, Carlmichael and The school’s historical links Morgan-Rees, Holly Thomas and Blair Milligan with artist Peter Michelle were among those visiting All Saints Primary on their with the parish church are Millis, acting head Rachel John and Father Craig Vaughan sponsored bounce day. reflected in its logo which when a large old picture of St was maintained but in a more The day was held in conjunction with parents to help raise money for features an image of St John’s was taken down from modern way,” said Father IT equipment and mobile technology for the school. John’s and now these links the school hall while Vaughan. During the event boxer Lee Selby accepted honorary membership of have been strengthened with redecorating work was carried Acting head teacher Rachel the school’s eCadet group – joining the ranks of former Wales rugby the presentation of the new out. He suggested it be John said, “Although our international captain Ieuan Evans and First Minister, Carwyn Jones. painting which is on display in replaced with something building is more than 100 Lee said: “There’s a big rise in obesity and it’s great for children to the school foyer. more modern and years old we are very much a keep active. Sport turned my life around. It’s not just the training – it’s The idea for the painting commissioned local artist 21st century school and this the lessons it teaches. If you work hard you can achieve your came from assistant parish and parishioner Peter Millis. painting reflects the past ambitions.” priest Father Craig Vaughan “We wanted to ensure that while looking forward to the Mum Victoria Garvey, 35, said, “Sport is a huge part of our lives. It’s during a visit to the school this visual link with the parish future.” nice in terms of teamwork as well as competition,” she said.

croeso Parish priest looks back on his years in a dog collar Please send your articles, Canon Alan Meats, a native of Pontypridd, has The book includes personal reminiscences and published his second book, entitled “Valley boy insights into church life and the life of the stories and pictures for the goes west – memoirs of a parish priest.” communities in which he has served over the last next edition to Alison Young, The book traces his 40-year career and four decades. It recounts how the medieval church Diocese of Llandaff, The Court, describes the influences of home, the local church of St Teilo’s which was under his care as vicar of Coychurch, Bridgend, CF35 and school on his early years. He tells of how he Pontarddulais, was dismantled and rebuilt at St 5HF or preferably by email to began his teaching career at Bishop of Llandaff Fagans National History Museum – where it now [email protected] Church in Wales High School in Cardiff before stands. Indeed the suggestion for the move first g.uk clearly marked for moving to Aberdare Boys’ Grammar School. He came from Canon Meats due to the remoteness Croeso. then describes his switch from the classroom to of St Teilo’s original location near the River Croeso can also be seen at the pulpit when he was ordained into the Church Loughor. Canon Meats now lives in retirement with our website in Wales in 1970. his wife Gwendoline in Burry Port. www.llandaff.org.uk. He started as curate of St Catherine’s Valley Boy goes West is priced £9.99 and can Pontypridd in 1970 before becoming vicar in the be obtained from Canon Meats, Tel 01554 benefice of Ystradyfodwg in Rhondda and later 836952 or email [email protected]. It follows Check out our web-site vicar of St. Fagan’s, Aberdare. He then moved his first book published two years ago entitled west to work in the Llanelli area where he has “Llanwynno - A Treasury of Memories”, which was www.llandaff.org.uk lived for the past 25 years. He was made a Canon an adaptation of the memories of the Victorian of St David’s Cathedral in 1994. parson Glanffrwd. 12 croeso Advent 2014 Christmas – The Story – a tale of one city and three towns

A free Nativity play featuring real December. church-goer Sally Humble- to see Santa in his grotto,” December 6. In Port Talbot it donkeys which began four years In Cardiff the free nativity play Jackson, who came up with said Sally. is being performed in Wilko's ago in Cardiff is now being staged at the Tabernacl, in the the idea after a shocking The free drop-in event tells at Aberafan Shopping Centre staged in one city, three towns Hayes, started on December 1 survey showed that there the classical Biblical story, from Monday December 8 and a prison. and runs until December 20, in was a woeful lack of using a mix of adult actors, until Saturday, December The churches in Cardiff have 20 minute performances from knowledge of the Nativity puppets and has 13. Shows run daily at come together for the fourth time Monday to Saturday from 10am story among young people. professional staging, lighting 10.30am and 2pm with an to perform ‘Christmas – The until 6pm. The survey revealed that one and costumes. It is staged extra show at 4pm on the Story’ daily for three weeks in the The donkeys, that have been third of young people did not entirely by volunteers and is final Saturday. heart of the capital. such a hit in previous years, are know that Jesus was born in funded by local churches To donate or volunteer Similar performances were also once again taking centre stage Bethlehem. contributing just £1 for each please contact Sally Humble- staged for one week by churches and are stabled in the forecourt “I figured that it was time member of their Jackson, c/o Church in Aberdare, Port Talbot and of the Tabernacl. More than we got out of the pews and congregation. House, Church Road, Cardiff Carmarthen at the beginning of 2,000 local school children are made sure that people could It was staged during the CF14 OSJ, telephone 02920 enjoying free trips access the Nativity story as first week of December in 493326 or email: to see the easily as they could drop in Aberdare – running until [email protected] production and new this year is ‘a fleeting meeting with St. Nicholas’, at St. John’s Church in The Hayes. The performance will also go on the road for a one-off show for the inmates at Cardiff Prison on Sunday, December 21. The production, which is being funded by members of local churches, is the brainchild of Cardiff Cash boost

From funding to help stage the ‘Christmas the Story’ – street nativity event, to supporting pre-school groups – a whole range of projects have recently been given a helping hand by the Diocesan Mission Fund. Each and every year more than £32,000 is awarded to local churches to help and support local mission projects – especially in their early years. A grant of £10,000 towards the cost of equipment for new mission activities for all ages within the newly refurbished church and Who hits the right note? community hall at St Paul’s Church, Grangetown, which opened on December 3rd, was the largest single award made during 2014. Pictured are the Investing with Mission In Mind has become the mantra of the recipients with the Diocesan Mission Fund and the title of a recent presentation about its Archbishop: work at the 2014 Big Breakfast at Neath. Back Row: John Davies, Michael Other awards made in October of this year include: Nicholas, Geoffrey Aberdare / Christmas the Story: Awarded £2,000. Brookes Aberavon / The Christmas Story: Awarded £3,750. Front Row: Llansantffraid, Bettws, Aberkenfig – Christians Against Poverty centre: Archbishop Barry, Bernice Jones, Penny Awarded £2,000. Ryan, Tim Pratt, Glan Ely - Making Music Changing Lives: Awarded £2,000 per year for Margaret Jones, two years. Jonathan Lean, the Fairwater – Pre-School Groups: Awarded £1,000. Dean of St Davids Cardiff St Saviour - Mother & Toddler Group: Awarded £1,000. Cadoxton Juxta Barry – Community use of church and community garden feasibility study: Awarded £1600 from Diocesan Mission Fund Do you know of anyone who dedicates their time to keeping music at the heart of services in – proposed match funding (£1,600) from Board of Social churches across the Diocese, Sunday after Sunday? Responsibility Community Fund. Every year awards are given to organists, choral leaders and singers in recognition of the / Tremorfa - Ministry Worker: Awarded £2,000. contribution that they make to worship. Cardiff St Fagan’s – Open church: Awarded £600. There are two types of awards– the ’ Award in Church Music, which Richard Jones, Parish Resources Advisor said, “Through direct grant recognises people of outstanding musical ability who contribute to worship, and the Certificate aid the diocese is hoping to help support, nurture and grow exciting of Merit which pays tribute to the talents and devoted service of musicians who contribute local mission projects, especially in their early years when it’s hardest. without being professionally trained. The awards are open to musicians from all denominations It’s a great privilege to be able to support and work with local churches of Christian worship. in growing the kingdom of God and making a real difference to the This year two people from the Llandaff Diocese received the Archbishop’s Award and five lives of people all across the diocese.” were presented with the Certificate. These included: • Mr Tim Pratt, the former headmaster of St Teilo Church in Wales High School, Cardiff, who croeso has been creatively designed & printed received the Archbishop of Wales’ Award in Church Music. by Mersey Mirror , The Foundry, 36 Henry • Mr John Davies of St Mary’s Nolton who received the Archbishop of Wales’ Certificate of Street, L1 5BS Merit in Church Music for his service as organist and choir master in St Mary’s Nolton. Tel: 0151 709 7567 For more information about the awards, including how to nominate someone for next year, email: [email protected] please visit http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/misc/the-church-music-awards-of-the-archbishop- of-wales/

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