FREE TEULU ASAPH of December 2013 / January 2014

When will anyone adopt us? When will any one adopt us?

Krish Kandiah is a regular speaker at Christian Festival While the Church hasn’t been talking enough about Spring Harvest. He and his wife Miriam have adopted adoption, there has been a crisis brewing in the UK. Ev- and fostered a number of children and head up the Home ery day 50 children are taken into care. They are removed for Good campaign which is encouraging Churches to from chaotic, traumatic, abusive, neglectful or desperate consider supporting their congregations in fostering and situations. There are thousands of children waiting to be adoption. adopted and 9,000 new foster placements urgently re- quired. Many of the children waiting to be adopted are I have a confession to make; I haven’t told many people… referred to as ‘hard to place’. There’s a high demand for but I am adopted. I didn’t find out until I was 15. It had babies but it seems that people are less inclined to adopt been kept a secret from me. I a child with additional needs or a had been going to church since The National teenager. Thousands of children I was 7 years old but I found out are growing up without somewhere that I had been adopted into Adoption Register to call home, without a loving fami- God’s family thanks to a friend currently has ly – no family to ask for help or cel- at school. It was through his 1888 children ebrate Christmas with. What are personal witness to me that all we, the Church, going to do about the pieces of the puzzle fitted awaiting an this problem? The Bible makes it together. My church had never adoptive placement clear, “Religion that God our Father mentioned to me that becom- and 410 available accepts as pure and faultless is this: ing a Christian meant that you to look after orphans and widows in were adopted into God’s family. adopters. their distress.” (James 1:27) In fact, Surely we should talk about this if we don’t “defend the cause of vital facet of our Christian experience? the fatherless”, God tells us we might as well stop both- Yet there is a deafening silence when it comes to Chris- ering to gather for worship or prayer (Isaiah 1:13-17). tians talking about adoption. Not every Christian is called to be a foster or adoptive It’s hard to think of a more incredible privilege than real- parent but playing our part in caring for the vulnerable ising that the God who created the universe, the constel- is one of the highest priorities God gives his people. As lations, and, if it exists, the Higgs Boson particle wants to the African proverb goes, “It takes a whole village to raise include us in His family. We who betrayed Him, ignored a child”. In the same way, families that adopt or foster Him, messed up not just our lives but His world, God has need other families to wrap around them to offer support. made it clear that He wants to permanently include us in God accepted us into His family; could you invite some- His family, give us royal status, a name, an inheritance, a one into yours? seat at his table, a room in the family home. When you think about it the doctrine of adoption is a star- tlingly powerful one. We are adopted as His children and we don’t have to earn His favour, it’s been gifted to us, we are legally adopted by a God who will never break His word. This is such a sparkling doctrine yet it is virtu- ally ignored in our sung worship, in our liturgy and in our preaching. We need to remember, we need to celebrate and we need to embrace the fact that we have been ad- opted into God’s family. Adoption is in our DNA.

2 When will any one adopt us?

Adoption – we did it! Steve and Sue’s* story Fostering - we did it! Rochelle* from

We adopted our sons almost ten years ago I come from a working class background and grew up when they were 3 and 4 years old. They on a farm. I was adopted myself as a baby, something had a difficult start in life – neglect I have always known, and had a lovely childhood, and abuse in their birth family, several being brought up with two elder brothers. I always foster placements and an adoption knew money was tight, but there was always love placement that didn’t work out. From and support for me. the first time we heard about Kyle and Later on I came to realise that not all children Marcus* from our social worker, then saw were so lucky and it was always my hope that when their photo, and then met them, we knew the time came, I could give something back to some they were the right children for us – but that didn’t stop the first year being other children not so fortunate. very difficult. It must have been so hard We married young and had three small children, for them to really believe that we were living in Manchester. I saw an advertisement for their ‘forever’ mum and dad. There were foster carers, and thought how lucky we were, times when we thought we couldn’t do it living in a nice house with three happy children. – but just talking to our social worker I was at home full time, and due to my training about these feelings seemed to help and as a Nursery Nurse, thought we might be accepted, we had lots of support. “The experience which we were. Over the years we have fostered of adoption has shown me something of in many different areas, with gaps when we lived God – it has confirmed for me that love abroad. changes everything - it transforms We have seen many changes in the past 40 years people’s lives,” Sue said. Steve added: of fostering, but it still brings us satisfaction “I am moved by Paul’s words in Galatians – we all receive adoption from God and when we see a young person blossom and achieve become His sons. We are a ‘forever’ while in our care. family – and we couldn’t imagine our lives any other way.” *All names have been changed

I’m interested - where can I find out more? The North Adoption Service (NWAS) provides ages of children range from 12 months to 6 years old and adoption services to all six authorities in North Wales and a number of children over the age of 6 years who wait for aims to provide sufficient adopters for the growing number single placements. Larry Groom from NWAS said: of children seeking adoptive families in the area. “We are aware that adoption today is very different to Although the service has been successful in approving ever adoption in the past and we are seeking adoptive families increasing numbers of adopters over the previous three who have resilience and patience and who are willing to years (see graph opposite) they continue to require more attend further training to meet the needs of these children.” families to meet demand. If you think you have the capacity to welcome children Most adopters have a preference for the younger single into your family and provide them with a stable, secure child, and NWAS are desperately in need of new families and loving environment you can contact NWAS on 01978 who would be willing to consider sibling groups of children 295311 or visit www.northwalesadoption.gov.uk where the eldest child could be up to 7 or 8 years old. More information on fostering: www.fostering.net Due to the lack of adopters who will consider these children More information on Home for Good: they tend to remain on the waiting lists for longer periods www.homeforgood.org.uk of time until a decision has to be made to change the plan. Conference speaker John Timpson fostered 87 children! At present they have at least 8 sibling groups where the See page 6 to read our Conference report.

3 Mae’n fraint gan Eglwys Gadei- is honoured riol Llanelwy ddarparu’r Gwa- to provide the Christmas Day sanaeth Bore Dydd Nadolig ar Morning Service on Radio Radio Wales eleni. Wales this year.

Efallai yr hoffech wrando, os ydych yn rhydd am 8 o’r gloch You may like to listen in, if you’re free at 8 o’clock on that ar y prysuraf o wyliau sanctaidd a diwrnodau dathlu. busiest of holy festivals and party day. Pan oeddwn yn paratoi ar gyfer recordio’r gwasanaeth, ce- When I prepared for the recording of the service, I was fais fy hudo gan un o gerddi offeiriad Pabyddol o’r unfed drawn to a poem by a sixteenth century Roman Catho- ganrif ar bymtheg, Robert Southwell, a oedd yn cymha- lic priest, Robert Southwell, who compared the scene at ru’r olygfa ym Methlehem â maes brwydr. Mae ein dar- Bethlehem to a battlefield. Our normal picture of the sta- lun arferol o stabl gwyl y geni mor felys a heddychlon fel ble of the nativity is so sweet and peaceful that this makes bod y gerdd hon yn anarferol. Fe wnaeth Benjamin Britten, the poem unusual. Benjamin Britten, a classical composer cyfansoddwr clasurol o’r ugeinfed ganrif, osod y darn ar of the twentieth century, set the piece to music, and the gerddoriaeth, ac mae’r gerddoriaeth yn music picks up the theme of battle with gafael yn thema’r frwydr gyda dwy ran two parts of the choir almost fighting with y côr bron yn ymladd â’i gilydd i fynd each other to get through the music, until drwy’r gerddoriaeth, nes eu bod yn uno they unite in proclaiming the victory of the i ddatgan buddugoliaeth plentyn Beth- child of Bethlehem. lehem. So it’s an odd piece, talking about fight- Felly, mae’n ddarn od, yn siarad am ym- ing and war at Christmas. But that’s just ladd a rhyfel adeg y Nadolig. Ond dy- the point, of course. In Jesus God was tak- na’r pwynt yn union, wrth gwrs. Yn Iesu, ing up the fight against evil. Jesus is born roedd Duw yn ymgymryd â’r frwydr yn into the world precisely because things are erbyn drygioni. Cafodd Iesu ei eni i’r byd wrong, and God is keen to set the world yn union oherwydd bod pethau o’u lle, to right. a bod Duw yn awyddus i wneud y byd He gives us his son to be the epitome of yn iawn. Mae’n rhoi ei fab i ni, i fod yn love. God sends him to die on the cross, ymgorfforiad o gariad. Mae Duw yn ei so taking onto his own shoulders all the anfon ef i farw ar y groes, gan gymryd pain and suffering of the world, in order ar ei ysgwyddau ei hun holl boen a diod- to defeat the power of sin. Jesus came as defaint y byd, er mwyn trechu grym pechod. Daeth Iesu fel the living gift of God’s strength and blessing, available to all rhodd byw cryfder a bendith Duw, sydd ar gael i bawb sy’n who turn to him in prayer. troi ato mewn gweddi. The contrast in the poem between a vulnerable newborn Mae’r cyferbyniad yn y gerdd rhwng baban newydd-anedig and God’s mighty act is huge, and it is one of the paradoxes sy’n agored i niwed, a gweithred nerthol Duw, yn enfawr, at the heart of Christianity. ac mae’n un o’r paradocsau sydd wrth galon Cristnogaeth. The birth of a child and the love of a mother for her baby Mae genedigaeth plentyn a chariad mam at ei baban mor are so intimate. Yet this child is God taking on the evil of agos. Eto i gyd, Duw yw’r plentyn hwn, yn mynd i’r afael the world, and opening a way to help his disciples fight evil â drygioni’r byd, ac yn agor ffordd i helpu ei ddisgyblion i and injustice and despair and all that is life denying. As you ymladd yn erbyn drygioni ac anghyfiawnder ac anobaith a’r celebrate the birth of Jesus, I hope that the reality of God’s cyfan sy’n atal bywyd. Wrth i chi ddathlu genedigaeth Iesu, desire to “save us”, to deliver us from evil, will strengthen rydw i’n gobeithio y bydd realiti awydd Duw i’n “hachub your faith. It is not for nothing that Jesus is described in ni”, i’n gwared ni rhag drwg, yn cryfhau eich ffydd. Nid yn scripture as “Immanuel: God is with us, on our side.” ofer y caiff Iesu ei ddisgrifio yn yr ysgrythur fel “Immanuel: Y mae Duw gyda ni, o’n plaid ni.” You can read the Robert Southwell poem on page 16.

4 Bishop backs threatened Church School

Bishop Gregory is backing the fight to keep Ysgol Llanbedr rol their children in Ysgol Llanbedr because it offers an ex- in open after Denbighshire County Council began a cellent and distinctive education based on the ethos and consultation on its potential closure. values of the in a rural setting. The Council has acknowledged that projected pupil num- “My fear is that any decision to close the school will have bers at the school show an increase but doesn’t believe that a detrimental impact on faith based provision in the Ruthin the school has long-term viability. Both the education team area so I support the school and will be joining the cam- at the Diocese and Bishop Gregory disagree. paign to keep it open.” The St Asaph Board of Education believes that Denbighshire County Council see Ysgol Llanbedr as an easy target. Two years ago there was a drop in pupil numbers because of a unique set of circumstances but the school governors have since worked with the Council to address these concerns. Reflecting on that in a strongly worded statement, the Di- ocese said: “The Governing Body’s robust and comprehensive response and recent success appears to have been ignored in this de- cision making process. The Diocese has offered an alternative option to these pro- “The Diocese will make strong representations through posals and would be willing to explore a federated model its response to the consulta- between Ysgol Llanbedr and a like minded Church school. tion and wants to see Ysgol In the meantime, you are being encouraged to lend your Llanbedr stay open so that it support to Ysgol Llanbedr and voice your opinions in the can build on its success and consultation process. Denbighshire County Council’s con- continue to provide an excel- sultation has been running since Monday 11 November lent education which allows and will close on Monday 23 December. the pupils in its care to flour- You can download the consultation forms from the Council ish.” website: www.denbighshire.gov.uk/modernisingeducation The Bishop added: “Denbighshire County Council Bishop Gregory will visit a Church in Wales primary school seems to have a problem with on Wednesday 4 December to present the prizes in his small schools but, in education, annual Christmas card competition. You can see some of bigger is not always better. the entries and a previous winning entry in our Focus on “Parents are continuing to en- Schools section starting on page 14.

5 Church News

children he and his wife Alex have schools. The music was led by the Llan Rallying call at fostered over the years commenting: Band with singers from local Church Diocesan “Their language was amazing!” schools (pictured below) before the of- Conference then took part in Question fering was taken and blessed by Bish- Conference Time. On the panel with Bishop Greg- op Gregory. ory and John Timpson were Welsh There was then a special presentation The Diocesan Conference at Llangol- Secretary David Jones MP; Revd Can- to certain members of the Laity who len Pavilion gave a rallying call for the on Jenny Wigley, Area Dean of Llan- were honoured with The Order of St future as Bishop Gregory encouraged Asaph. The Order recognises out- delegates to feel empowered as they standing service to the Diocese by consider how the Church can grow, Lay members and eight people were change and be on the move across the awarded it this year with five present- Diocese of St Asaph. ed with their award at the Conference. During his presidential address to open The recipients are all listed in the new the Conference, Bishop Gregory spoke Diocesan Directory. about how the Church looked in 1815, The business of the day then followed with a handwritten book by Bishop with discussions on finance and the John Luxmoore revealing that some report of the Standing Committee to Diocesan Clergy lived as far away as Conference before a stirring address Scotland, Wakefield and Buckingham- from Revd Philip Chew and Dr Huw shire. He said after this period the daff and Maria Rimmer, Head Teacher Lloyd, our advocates for 2020 Vision Church changed and found new life of St Joseph’s Catholic and Anglican (The Church in Wales Review). Af- and that is what must happen again High School in Wrexham. The ques- ter the presentation dozens of people in 2013. tions ranged from issues of social jus- signed up to help take the Vision for- Keynote Speaker John Timpson CBE tice to education and even a question ward as part of the Christian Market- (pictured) was then welcomed to the on how the Church can best commu- place. If you want to be involved in Conference and spoke about how nicate with the world. this process email Philip on revpchew@ Timpson had to diversify into key-cut- After lunch Conference enjoyed a time gmail.com or Huw on dholloyd@ya- ting when people stopped having their of worship led by the Archbishop Rice hoo.co.uk shoes repaired. He introduced Confer- Jones Trust – a charity that pays for RE You can read detailed conference re- ence to the concept of “upside-down and Collective Worship materials in ports online: http://bit.ly/15BucFp management” which ensures every Timpson store has the power to make the appropriate decisions for their cus- tomers at a local level. This means less interference and demands from Head Office. Mr Timpson then explained that 300 members of Timpson’s staff are current or former prisoners before commenting on social action projects he runs to train young people and telling Conference stories of the 87 6 New for Wrexham in latest clergy moves

Revd Prebendary will be installed as the new Archdeacon of Wrexham in January after the Venera- ble Shirley Griffiths announced her re- tirement. It means Bob will also serve as Rector of and . He will begin work as Archdeacon on to a talk from the Venerable Andrew New Year’s Day before his installation Retired Clergy Jones (Archdeacon of Meirionydd) on Sunday 12 January. Eucharist has who wrote the book: Pilgrimage: The There will also be a new leader for the pilgrimage theme Journey to Remembering our Story. Newtown group as Revd Nia Morris Bishop Gregory celebrated the Eucha- moves from Bala to serve as Rector in Retired clergy gathered for their annu- rist and preached. The readings from and Newtown with Ab- al Eucharist at St Asaph Cathedral in Jeremiah and Matthew reflected a call erhafesp. Nia will also be Area Dean October and their meeting this year to holiness and the Bishop commend- for Cedewain. Meanwhile Revd Kate had a pilgrimage theme. ed the life of holiness lived by retired Tiltman has been appointed Associate After the service they arrived for lunch clergy and urged them to encourage Priest of and and at the Oriel House Hotel and listened those still serving in ministry. will be inducted in February.

Canons installed at Cathedral

St Asaph Cathedral welcomed three new Canons in the autumn as they were installed by the Dean and Bishop Gregory. Reverend Canon Tudor Hughes al- ready served as a Cursal Canon at the Cathedral and is now Canon Sac- rist. In this role Tudor will assist the was installed as an Honorary Canon. “Tudor, Martin and David have giv- Dean in the planning and organi- Commenting on the event Bishop en very distinguished service to the sation of worship in the Cathedral. Gregory said: diocese in a variety of ways and their The Reverend Canon Martin Snell- “I am very pleased to be able to recog- addition to the Cathedral governing grove is now a Cursal Canon while nise the outstanding ministries of these body will enhance the ministry which the Reverend Canon Dr David Child three clergy of the diocesan family. the Cathedral undertakes.” 7 Eucharist on the move in Cathedral Pilgrimage

Two coach-loads of pilgrims from the Deanery of Alyn travelled to St Asaph Cathedral celebrating the Eucharist on the way. After the Penitential rite in , the Ministry of the Word in Llandegla, rrrenewal of Baptismal vows in Llanrhaeadr and lunch in , the pilgrim’s were met by the Bishop for Eucharist at the Cathedral. From to Norfolk for Parish Pilgrims Thirteen pilgrims from the Parish of Northop took The Pilgrim’s Pullout an eight-hour drive to the shrine of Walsingham in Norfolk as part of our Year of Pilgrimage. Revd Ray Billingsley drove the minibus for the three-day You Cube: A chance to trip which included the Stations of the Cross, shar- tell your story ing the Eucharist and a candlelit procession. This Anglican Shrine is in the village of Lit- tle Walsingham, five miles from the north Norfolk coast. Pilgrims have made the journey from all over the world since Lady Richeldis had a vision of Mary in 1061. De- stroyed during the Reformation, the shrine was restored in 1922. Sheila Wolstenholme said: “Two of our party led us around the Stations St Giles’ Church in Wrexham has set up a special of the Cross, we attended a Healing and Wholeness urban pilgrimage which includes different stations to Service, as well as the most moving ceremony of focus a pilgrim’s mind on their journey of faith. The the Sprinkling of the Waters at the Holy Well. The trail is inside and outside the Church at St Giles and highlight of our stay was the candlelight procession around the grounds with the statue of Our Lady of Walsingham.” There is more information online at www.walsinghamanglican.org.uk aims to discover and celebrate local stories of life and faith and the local history in which everyone in the has a part. There are seven themes – one for each station inside St Giles’ which link biblical topics with local industry and community in Wrexham. One station is called “New Beginnings” and links Jesus’ baptism with the Industrial Estate and Eagles Meadow.

Borders walk takes in and Trevor The Pilgrim’s PulloutRevd Mary Stallard is Pilgrims who are walking the Wrexham borders for overseeing the project and said: “It interweaves the the Year of Pilgrimage have travelled from the Ceiriog story of Jesus’ life journey, the historical development Valley to Trevor in their latest trips in the autumn of Wrexham and the faith or life journeys of people sunshine. Their route in our town.” The stations pictured (left) have been took them to the created by local artist Vikki Crompton while the “Church of ease” on stones outside have been donated by stone mason one side of the Ceiriog Stephen Price. If you wish to visit St Giles as part of Valley, so named our Year of Pilgrimage please contact marystallard@ because it was built churchinwales.org.uk or on 07779 418007. for those who lived in Trevor Hall rather than 750 Miles, 3 Nations, 1 Epic providing easy access Pilgrimage for the villagers. The To celebrate the end of our Year of Pilgrimage in pilgrims walked across 2014, a charter train will travel from north Wales to the famous Pontcysyllte Glasgow - home of St Kentigern - on Bank Holiday Aqueduct as part of the journey. Phil Arton, one of Monday 5 May. Book now! http://bit.ly/16sY3k3 the pilgrims said: “We were given a real hospitable welcome in the church where we were met by a number of the local congregation. The church looked well cared for with interesting box pews. We prayed for them and other churches met along the way.” Your News

and friends. On the Saturday people Cash raised for from miles around enjoyed displays of Faith Tourism needlework and flowers together with plan launched Cancer Research memorabilia from the earlier years of the church and the war years. The at Cathedral More than £250 was raised for Cancer church records and scrapbooks were Research by the Humane Research on display as people traced ancestors St Asaph Cathedral welcomed the Trust during their fundraising night in or found their entry. Displays of Welsh Government Minister for the St Asaph. Drs Ian and Lynne Hampson village photographs were on view in Economy, Science and Transport in spoke at the event and Dr Ian – the Old School. The final celebration October to launch a special initiative who is based at St Mary’s Hospital of the weekend was a ‘Songs of Praise’ aimed at boosting faith tourism in in Manchester – explained that one on Sunday evening, arranged and Wales. of his students has now qualified as introduced by Revd Hermione Morris, Edwina Hart AM met Bishop Gregory a doctor and returned to his native Vicar of Bwlch-y-Cibau. to launch the Faith Tourism Action Plan Kenya to work. You can find out more which aims to increase the number of information about the Trust’s work on Throwing the Feat visitors to Churches and Holy Sites Facebook. Stone in Llanfwrog 150 th Anniversary in Bwlch-y-Cibau Every year Parishioners at St Michael’s & All Angel’s Parish Church, Llanfwrog, gather for the festival of their Patron Saint and enjoy watching someone throw the Feat Stone. The stone weighs around 48 kilograms (seven and a half stone) and was thrown this year by Alex Roberts from the Midlands who around the country. travelled to Llanfwrog especially for During the visit, the Minister was the occasion. Revd Richard Carter also given a tour of the Cathedral and was lifted the stone before Alex taught the informed about a number of initiatives children how lift heavy objects like the around the Diocese aimed at increasing stone safely. faith tourism, including the Year of Parishioners from Christ Church, Pilgrimage and the North Wales’ Bwlch-y-Cibau arrived at Eucharist in Pilgrim’s Way. full Victorian dress in October as part Commenting on the action plan, of a weekend of celebrations to mark Bishop Gregory said: “Across this the Church’s 150th anniversary. Bishop Diocese we have holy sites and ancient Gregory presided and was joined by his places of worship which have been Chaplain, Revd Canon Michael Balkwill visited by pilgrims for generations and who is a former vicar of the Parish. this initiative is a new opportunity to The service was followed by a buffet share our rich Christian heritage with lunch attended by forty parishioners locals and tourists alike.”

10 organ. It’s available free of charge for Church use and it will be performed at the Small Choirs Festival in February. Copies can be downloaded at the Small Choirs International website: an event they could invite people from http://www.small-choirs.org.uk/ Vicar ploughs a outside the Church to. St Joseph’s lone furrow Catholic and Anglican High School hosted the tournament and 15 teams Revd Ian Day has been trying his represented All Saints, St Margaret’s hand at local farming techniques after and St Johns as well as Regent St a special service at St Margaret’s in . The Blessing of the Plough service marked the beginning of the All Wales Ploughing Competition weekend which was being held in . After the service Ian got stuck into the ploughing and said: “Although my furrows weren’t perfectly straight I managed to plough Methodist Church, the Community 20 with four runs.” Church, Christ Church and 4th Wrexham Cubs and Scouts. The Sing when youth tournaments were won by All I live in a Vicarage you’re winning Saints “Class on Grass Team” (U13s) Get me out of Here! who beat St Margaret’s in extra time Churches Together in Wrexham was and The Community Church (U11s) Diocesan Under 25’s Officer Tim Feak expressed in a new way in September who edged out 4th Wrexham getting found it pretty tough growing up in a as Christian fellowships from across the best of 3 matches. The pictures are Vicarage so he decided to take some town took part in an Inter-Church of a nail-biting penalty shoot-out in of the clergy children from our Diocese 5-a-side Tournament. Arranged by which St Margaret’s Magpies brought away for the weekend. The trip was the Parish of Wrexham it was the St John’s Eagles down to earth. designed for young people who live in brainchild of 16-year-old Dylan White a Vicarage and have parents involved who thought it would be a good way Organist wins in Church work. Based in Barmouth for of getting fathers and sons together to the weekend, the group enjoyed rock Composer prize climbing, bush craft, survival skills and gorge walking before relaxing with a The organist at St Giles’ Church in fully equipped games room and tuck Wrexham has won a prize in the Small shop in the evenings. The weekend Choir’s Composing Competition. Gerry ended with a Sunday roast before the Howe’s the Prayer of St Benedict was journey back to St Asaph Cathedral. written last year for St Giles’ Church Plans are in place for next year’s event Choir. It is set for ladies’ voices and already!

11 Jennifer Watson, Church Warden said: Sheep farming “This is the fourth major event that St theme at family Bartholomew’s Church has hosted this year and the organisers have gained a service lot from the experience.”

St John’s Church in hosted Bishop Consecrates a sheep farmer at their latest family Mold Burial Ground service. He spoke to the congregation about caring for sheep in modern times and then the children searched to his excellent reputation. John’s Bishop Gregory has led a ceremony for a missing sheep during a hymn. jokes, banter and musical interludes at the town cemetery in Mold to combined to form a highlight in the consecrate a new piece of land with social calendar at St Margaret’s.” St enough room for 380 burial plots. Margaret’s are grateful to Helen Tomlin The existing cemetery is now full and from the Laughing Sole and Tim Feak the ground which was consecrated by for helping to arrange the evening.

Craft Fair draws a crowd at St Bart’s The readings were based on the lost sheep and the Good Shepherd and Lace-making, broomstick knitting the service was led by a small worship and wool-spinning were some of the group from St John’s. traditional crafts brought to life during a fair at St Bartholomew’s Church in Magical Night Sealand. Dragons and flying pigs also of Comedy made it into a display of craft work at the Church along with exhibitions the Bishop should allow new burials in Wrexham of textiles, ceramics and jewellery. there for the next 15 years. Visitors could also buy homemade During the ceremony the Bishop John Archer – a former Magic Circle preserves and decorated cakes. walked to each corner of the piece of Magician of the Year wowed a packed land (pictured) and marked it with a Church in Wrexham with a fun-filled cross. After the consecration he said: evening’s entertainment for adults and “When you think about consecrating children alike. Well known to many a bit of land, it seems like a very from appearances on television John straightforward thing to do. But when baffled and amazed the audience at you think of all the people that go to Margaret’s Church with his tricks. be buried there, of all the love and life Commenting on the evening, Revd and experience that represents as well Dr Richard Hainsworth, Vicar of as those who remember and mourn it St Margaret’s said: “He lived up actually becomes very significant.”

12 of but recently built Abergele the project and has already raised Christmas Card Health Centre and are lending their more than £5,000 towards the total. support to a project which is raising The plan is to send two builders from donations to £7,500 for a bio-digester in the Uganda to train local people to build African project Diocese of Nzara, South Sudan. The the first bio-digester. Donations can technology converts cow manure into be made online at www.justgiving. A medical firm that built a north Wales gas for cooking and lighting and the com, entering ‘Buckingham Trust’ as health centre has chosen an African project is being co-ordinated by Revd the charity. Also you can donate up to biogas project as the charity it will Peter Marshall, a retired cleric based in £20 by texting DQEY23£(the amount) advertise on its Christmas cards this Rhos-Cystennin. Peter is heading out to 70070. If you would like to travel year. MedicX are based in the south to South Sudan in January to oversee with Peter, call him on 01492 547352.

personalities and mix of traditional and our buildings can be used to connect Folk singers rock self-written songs to in what with the world in a wider way. Real Cilcain Church was their only appearance in Wales on folk music has always been about the their current tour of Britain. The couple sorrows, passions and reality of life – St Mary the Virgin, Cilcain played host come from the North East of England what better place to reflect on those to award winning folk duo Megson and their background very much things and enjoy God’s gift of music.” in October who sang about life, love influences them. Cilcain Vicar Adrian Stu and Debbie enjoyed themselves hope, mining and football! Megson Copping said: “My wife, Diane, and too and said: “It was a great night and - young husband and wife Stu and I arranged this not to raise funds but a lovely appreciative audience - the Debbie Hanna - brought their engaging simply as one way of showing how church was wonderful to sing in.”

13 Focus on Schools

in – operating as one school on two sites. Now that plan has been scrapped and there will be a new consultation on a joint Catholic and Anglican High School in Denbighshire. Bishop Gregory said: “The Diocese of St Asaph is committed to supporting diversity of educational provision in Denbighshire, and believes that a St Joseph’s first Wrexham school new school with a shared Christian character will enhance to pay Living Wage the opportunities available for secondary education in north Denbighshire.” The consultation on a new joint faith school St Joseph’s Catholic and Anglican High School had an article is expected to begin in 2014. published in a national magazine to celebrate becoming the first school in Wrexham to pay a living wage to all staff. The Living Wage is calculated according to the basic cost of living in the UK and is currently set at more than a pound more per hour than the national minimum wage. Head Teacher Maria Rimmer is a Trustee of TCC – Together Creating Communities – and working with them, has led the school to stand alongside the Catholic and Anglican in recognising that poverty is a spiritual issue as well as an economic one. Anglican Chaplain at St Joseph’s, Revd Mary Stallard said: “There’s a common misconception that poverty primarily affects families and individuals who are homeless or out of work, when in fact the majority of the 3.8 million children who live in poverty in the UK are in households where the adults work. Understanding that all More Schools benefit from people are created in the image of God compels us to take Diocesan Offering what action we can to ensure that all paid work at least gives workers the dignity of being able to provide for their Seven special schools across the Diocese will receive a needs. I’m really glad that all employees paid by our school pantomime over the Christmas period thanks to money now receive a Living Wage.” raised in the 2012 Diocesan Offering. Reactivate takes the power of drama and music into schools for children with Bishop backs joint faith school special educational needs. Because of the money raised Denbighshire County Council has voted to work towards last year, Reactivate can now take “Robin Hood and Babes building a single joint-faith secondary school in the County in the Wood” to schools across Wrexham, Flintshire and which has received the backing of Bishop Gregory. Initially, . Meanwhile the 2013 recipients the Archbishop Rice the Council was asked to consider keeping two Catholic Jones Charitable Trust were presented with their cheque Schools – St Brigid’s in Denbigh and Blessed Edwards Jones from Bishop Gregory at St Asaph Cathedral in November.

14 Church schools prepare for Christian Mediation – Christmas Card winner Building Bridges Very few of us like conflict. Sadly, whenever and Bishop Gregory will visit wherever people come together there is the potential for one of our Church Schools disagreement. Sometimes these conflicts are resolved in early December to with some common sense and a bit of goodwill but reveal the winner of his when problems escalate, there is the potential to get annual Christmas Card lawyers involved. The legal process can be both stressful Competition. The Bishop and expensive. Rhos Mediation Ltd offer an alternative invites schools across the way of resolving community conflict. David Miller and Diocese to take part with the Gaynor Jones of Rhos Mediation both see mediation as winning card being printed a manifestation of the Church’s mission and work from and sent to his friends and a Christian perspective. “Mediation is a fast and cost- colleagues around the effective way of achieving settlement of a dispute,” says Previous Winning Card world. You can see some of David. “Often, progress is made in hours when the the entries above. parties meet with the neutral mediator, who encourages them to work out their own settlement. It is informal Primary School children take the and confidential.” Although mediation is voluntary, next step once an agreement is reached it can be legally binding. Rhos Mediation Ltd is a not-for-profit company and the A special service was held for Primary School children as money that is earned is used for teaching and training they prepared to move up to High School. Supported by new mediators as well as contributing to parish funds for Mothers’ Union members in Ruthin and Llanfwrog the each referral. “We can mediate in all sorts of situations,” service takes place for year 6 children and was held at St David says. “We help with a whole range of disputes Peter’s Church, Ruthin in 2013. The children participated in from agricultural and land to partnership and employment team building activities and the winners were applauded for disputes.” Rhos Mediation Ltd has the permission of their initiatives before all the children were presented with Bishop Gregory to offer their services in the Diocese. To copies of “It’s Your Move”, published by Scripture Union, find out more you can contact them by email: which is a guide for pupils as they move to secondary school. [email protected] Money to buy the books was raised by MU members and they were presented by Carolyn Baines and Rona Edwards.

15 Around the Diocese at Christmas 4 December – Nicholastide Confirmation at St Asaph 7-8 February 2014 - TCC’s 24 hour training. Free Cathedral - 7pm. of charge to anyone from a TCC member group or who is thinking of joining. £100 for non-members. The course is 5 December – Concert by Côr Cytgan Clwyd to raise an introduction to community organising. Please download money for the Cathedral extension. St Asaph Cathedral, a booking form from TCC’s website to reserve your place 7.30pm. Tickets £10 to include mulled wine and a mince www.tcc-wales.org.uk or call TCC’s office 01978 262588. pie from [email protected] or 07833 326484. More Christmas events online at http://bit.ly/17M7isS 7 December - Christmas Fayre at All Saints Church, Poyser Street, Wrexham at 10.30am. 8 December - Cor Meibion will be holding From New Heaven, new War their annual Festival of Carols at 7.30pm at St Asaph by Robert Southwell Cathedral. They will premiere John Hosking’s “Jubilate” written to celebrate their 80th Anniversary. This little babe so few days old, 13 December - Nadolig Ymuno Christmas. St Asaph Is come to rifle Satan’s fold; Cathedral at 7pm with headline folk band Paper Aeroplanes. £10. More information and tickets from www.ymuno.com All hell doth at His presence quake, Though He Himself for cold do shake; 14 December – St Asaph Choral Society combined For in this weak unarmèd wise with Colwyn Choral Society will perform Karl Jenkins’ The Armed Man at St Asaph Cathedral at 7.30pm. This The gates of hell He will surprise. concert will also include the world premiere of The Seven Trumpets by Assistant Organist at the Cathedral, John With tears He fights and wins the field, Hosking. Tickets £12 (£6 students) available from 01745 His naked breast stands for a shield, 730727 and on the door. His battering shot are babish cries, 15 December - Choral Evensong by candlelight, St His arrows, looks of weeping eyes, Asaph Cathedral at 6pm His martial ensigns, cold and need, 17 December – Carols by Candlelight at St Mary’s And feeble flesh His warrior’s steed. Church, . 7.30pm with Cantiones, conducted by Gerry Howe with Shirley Newman (Piano). Refreshments His camp is pitchèd in a stall, available. His bulwark but a broken wall, 19 December - Salvation Army Carol Service at All The crib His trench, hay-stalks His stakes, Saints Church, Poyser Street, Wrexham at 7 pm. Tickets Of shepherds He His muster makes; £5 available from Wendy Prince: 01978 357623. And thus, as sure His foe to wound, 21 December - Christmas Comedy Cracker. 4pm at St The angels’ trumps alarum sound. Asaph Cathedral featuring Tom Elliott, Tony Vino and folk band Folk On. Tickets £5 but participating children and their families get in free. My soul, with Christ join thou in fight; Stick to the tents that He hath pight; Popular Plygain returns in Within His crib is surest ward, The Plygain is a traditional Welsh service which takes This little babe will be thy guard; place at Christmas time. There is no plan in place, singers If thou wilt foil thy foes with joy, just show up and take it in turns to perform carols to the congregation.This year the annual Llansilin Plygain takes Then flit not from this heavenly boy. place at St Silin’s Church on Friday 6 December at 7.30pm. Singing parties very welcome and there is free admission.

Teulu Asaph is designed by Martyn Walsh, edited by Phil Topham and printed by PWS Print Limited Copy for February/March edition to [email protected]. Deadline: Friday 3 January