Monmouth Llythyr Newyddion Diocesan Esgobaeth Newsletter Mynwy Number/Rhif 200 Michaelmas 2012

Teddy Bears raise funds for the Cathedral Teddy Bears came from far and wide to join a picnic in the Vicarage Gardens of St Mary’s, Abergavenny, on 1 September. There were biscuit bears to ice, card bears to decorate, a bear’s name to guess, as well as a bran tub, treasure hunt, games and races. And, of course, the picnic. While the younger bears ran races, the more venerable sat quietly in the sunshine and reminisced about times gone by. They politely ignored the human who had come in disguise! The Teddy Bears went home at 4 o’clock, tired but happy, having raised £210 for the Cathedral. St Paul’s, Cwm, is 130 Brass Band Concert at Caerwent

The Newbridge (Celynen) Brass Band gave a brilliant performance of music from Films and Shows at Caerwent St Paul’s Church, Cwm, celebrated its 130th anniversary Parish Church recently, which was well received by a large with a service of praise and thanksgiving at which Cwm audience. Salvation Army Band played, Bishop Dominic preached, and members of Cwm Council of Churches and the Ebbw Vale The £584.50 raised from the Concert and Raffle is being used for improvements in the church and will be matched by Benefice were present to support the congregation. Barclays Bank as part of their Community Investment Programme to support good causes and strengthen local It was a joyous occasion and afterwards Bishop Dominic cut communities. the birthday cake that had been made by Natalie Herd, who will be confirmed in September. Church members thank the Newbridge (Celynen) Brass Band Rev Pam Griffiths and Barclays Bank for their support in this fund-raiser. David Evans Lee rides for Risca Bake and Rake at Shirenewton Lee Woodford has from time to time raised money for good causes for Risca parish and for the Mothers’ Union Wheels Appeal. Well, his latest effort has been on behalf of St Mary’s Church, Risca. He set out from Risca on Thursday 23rd August The Churchwardens had promised us good weather for our 2012 at 6.30am and annual Bake and Rake (or Beer and Clear) of the St Thomas à returned to St Mary’s Becket churchyard in Shirenewton, so we all turned out as Church Hall at 3.30pm usual armed with strimmers, mowers, rakes, scythes, bags, where a fine cream tea beer and cake. The rain held off for the first five minutes – awaited him. He was and then it just poured and poured and poured. Fortunately cheered home by a the beer was already watered down, and so a bit more group of well-wishers eager to hear how his 114 mile cycle water was not noticed, and the cake did not get soggy, but ride was accomplished. He is without doubt the fittest the rest of us did – see photo. amongst us! Bill Clark Ven John Blackburn All Saints Goes Olympic On the bright sunny morning of July 27th John, John, Noel, Ann, Hazel, Pat, Gab and Liz (all regular church-goers) came together in All Saints, Llanfrechfa, at 8.12am to join in the 3 minute “Ring in the Olympics” to mark the opening of the 2012 Olympic Games.

Every one was in good spirits and felt we had done our bit to add to the festive atmosphere. Sorry if we woke anyone up!!

www.monmouthdiocese.org.uk

2 Bombs away at Redwick Kevin comes to Caerleon On 5th August, parishioners in Redwick (Magor Benefice) marked the anniversary of the night in 1942 when the realities of modern warfare came to what was then still a remote farming community. In the small hours of that calm summer night a lone German plane dropped four bombs, destroying one cottage and damaging up to twenty more, as well as the school and the medieval church at the centre of the village. Mercifully, nobody was killed. It is something of a mystery why Redwick was targeted. Possibly the aircraft was in trouble and needed to jettison its remaining bombs.

St Thomas’s lost most of its roof and windows. The ancient rood loft and screen were left in a dangerous condition and had to be taken down, l to r: the Bishop, Revd Kevin Lake, Ven Richard Pain never to be fully restored. The damage was so severe Revd Kevin Lake, the new Vicar of Caerleon, was a fire- that the church had to be fighter for 19 years in the former Mid Glamorgan Fire closed and was not used Service serving at Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare Fire Stations. for services again until 1949. On March 17th 1999 He began training at St Michael’s College, Llandaff, and was Revd Brian Parfitt, then ordained deacon in 1999 and priested in 2000. He spent his Vicar of Magor and curacy in the parish of Penarth with Lavernock and then Redwick, led a thanksgiving moved into Chaplaincy work at the Marie Curie ‘Holme service at St Thomas’s. In a Tower’ Hospice in Penarth working in conjunction with the report on this, the South Chaplaincy Department at the University of Wales Hospital Wales Argus stated that in Cardiff. the church had been “the only one in In 2004 he moved to the parish of Cwm Ogwr in the Monmouthshire to close Bridgend Valley and then, in 2008, to his hometown of because of enemy action”. Aberdare where he became Vicar in the Parish of Aberdare St Fagan (to replace Fr Paul Bennett who had been Whether this is true or not, the event is still remembered in tragically killed the year before). the village and there was a determination to ensure that the 70th anniversary of the bombing should be marked Now he is looking forward to leading the benefice ministry appropriately. The present Team Rector of the benefice (now team in Caerleon and working with the congregations of comprising ten churches), Revd Jeremy Harris, conducted a the four churches. His vision is to embrace the ministry of commemoration service which was followed by tea and cakes ‘All God’s People’ through encouraging and nurturing one and an exhibition of wartime memorabilia. People who were another in the faith, and to reach out to the schools and children living in Redwick in 1942 had contributed their the wider communities and promote the message of ‘Good memories of that fateful night and there were lively News’ to those whom we serve. conversations after the service on the details of what happened! Kevin’s wife, Mags, is the Clerk to the Governors of St John Baptist High School in Aberdare. She enjoys singing and is a The Rose Inn joined in the spirit of the occasion, playing member of the BBC National Chorus of Wales. Kevin and 1940s music over the weekend in the bar, which was Mags have three children (all grown up), four festooned with patriotic bunting. Certainly an occasion that granddaughters, and an over-excited Schnauzer dog called united the village! Suki! Mike Hall

Support for Chepstow Street Pastors Shirenewton Church Fundraisers organised a Call My Bluff wine tasting. The evening followed the format of the famous television series of the same name: three ‘experts’ described a wine in very different terms – but two were bluffing. The willing guinea pigs tasted the wine from bottles wrapped in newspaper to hide their labels, and had to use their knowledge of wine (or just guess, as most of us did) to decide which ‘expert’ was telling the truth. vineyards? The fiendish quiz separated the wine buffs from There were points for identifying the wine, and extra points the wine bluffs – or at least changed the order of the final for getting the year and the price range. There was also a scores of the teams. Not only was a good time had by all, quiz, and all the questions were wine-related – do you know but some much-needed money was raised for the Chepstow which book in The Bible makes no reference to wine or Street Pastors and the church.

3 Farewell, Archdeacon Glyndwr

Archdeacon Glyndwr Hackett has now retired. In an interview for the newsletter, he shares his thoughts on the past and the future (sadly, there wasn’t space for the embarrassing memories!)

Thanks for everything Glyndwr - enjoy the rest of your ministry.

What would your 20-year old self think of you now? What are your hopes for the Church in Wales? His first response would surely be ‘What’s happened to your This is a difficult question because it tempts me to give my hair?’ I think he would be pleasantly surprised and pleased to strategy for its continued growth. My hope, however it is see that I was still enthusiastic about my ministry. I think he achieved, is that all God’s people, lay and ordained, will give would be amused to find that I was an Archdeacon – rather time to prayerfully discern God’s will for them and be more ‘venerable’ and matured now through age than prepared to sacrifice personal preferences in order that rebellious and impatient as in my youth. His overwhelming others might come to share the privilege of discipleship and feeling would be one of thankfulness that throughout the membership of the Church. I would like every congregation to years God had guided me and through people, both lay and see itself as a kind of spiritual maternity unit within which ordained, had continued to nurture my vocation. new disciples can be brought to birth and nurtured in the Faith. The temptation in this present moment when the What were the highlights for you? Church is facing financial and membership difficulties is to I think of three in particular. The first was my ordination as a become rather like residential homes in which the faithful Deacon. I was ordained in St David’s Cathedral and some of wait out their days until they are called to glory. This is not you may know that the nave slopes up from the west door. I how congregations actually see themselves or wish to be can even now feel something of the effort needed to manage viewed so I have real hope that the Review of the Church in that incline in procession as we entered the Cathedral. At Wales will encourage all of us to make the changes that will such an emotional moment it somehow represented the give new energy and purpose to our lives as servants of God’s spiritual challenge God was presenting me with and my need Kingdom on earth. to accept and respond in my ordination vows. Do you have any words of wisdom for your successor? The second must be my induction as Vicar of Blaenavon and It would be far too presumptious of me to suggest anything Capel Newydd. The change from being a curate to Incumbent but during my time as Archdeacon I have become very fond of is a significant one and not, I think, to be too early a step in this prayer of Mary Stewart (1876-1943) - though not always one’s ministry. But there is nothing quite like having the fully observant of its direction. opportunity to develop one’s own strategy for the growth of ‘Keep us, O Lord, from pettiness, a church in co-operation with those whom God has placed in let us be large in thought, in word and deed. your care. I greatly enjoyed my ministry there. But then I have Let us be done with fault finding and leave off self seeking. enjoyed my ministry everywhere! May we put away all pretence and meet each other face to face, without self pity and without prejudice. Finally there was the enormous privilege I had in 1990 of May we never be hasty in judgement and always generous. representing the Diocese at the ‘Flames of Fire’ conference in Teach us to put into action our better impulses, Singapore when the Dioceses of Singapore and Sabah met for to be straight forward and unafraid. the Decade of Evangelism. To experience the life of the Let us always take time for all things; churches there has had, I believe, a lasting effect on my own make us grow calm, serene, gentle. discipleship and ministry. Grant that we may realise that it is the little things of life that create differences; that in the big things of life we are as one. I ought also to add, however, that the same is true of my visit And may we strive to touch and know the great human heart to the Highveld when I was part of the initial group common to us all. investigating the setting up of our Link. I am delighted that And, O Lord God, let us not forget to be kind’. the Link is flourishing and that some members of our Diocese are able to visit and have similar life-changing experiences. Where have you been most conscious of God at work in your life and ministry? What are you looking forward to? My answer must be on those occasions when I have been First, that I might pursue my priesthood without the extra pastorally involved with individuals and families during things that surround the life of a busy parish priest or difficult periods in their lives. At such times I have been most archdeacon. I have never minded the administration side of conscious of my own inadequacies and more than ever reliant ministry but I am not sorry to set it aside. on God to give me the right approach and words to say. My time as a hospital chaplain was a particular period in which I I am also looking forward to giving more time to be myself – saw God at work. Glyndwr rather than Archdeacon or Vicar. Also time for my wife, Jean, who has given so much support to me throughout It is also true for me that it has very often been in hindsight my ministry. I will also have time to visit and enjoy our young that I have come to realize how God had been able to use me. grandchildren more. As to hobbies – there is the model The reality for me, as for every priest, I suspect, is that I shall railway I have never got round to building and, to keep the never know fully the extent to which God has been able to grey cells active, I would like to do some serious reading and use me. I just hope I have been open and faithful to the God study again – for pleasure rather than out of necessity. And, I who called me to his service and, as Bishop Dominic would hope there will still be ways in which I can be useful. say at the end of many of his sermons, ‘To Him be the Glory’.

4 Bishop Dominic writes....

The Church in Wales Review has been published with its 50 Recommendations. It is now for the Church in Wales to decide how to address these recommendations. At this month’s Governing Body I anticipate that they will agree to appoint the Provincial Standing Committee to take on this task by appointing an Implementation Group. Meanwhile, dioceses will be encouraged to consider the Report and to provide feedback.

The Report contains some recommendations which, as a diocese, we are already putting in place, such as the establishing of Ministry Areas and designating Readers as Licensed Lay Ministers. Some recommendations will take a longer time to put into effect and some issues are being addressed elsewhere. For example, the matter of parochial fees is being addressed by a Provincial Working Group chaired by Mr Sandy Blair. There are other issues which the report itself recommends should be addressed but not necessarily as a priority.

The task before us is to obtain an initial rather than a detailed response from the dioceses together with an analysis of what issues are already being addressed by the province or individual dioceses. We have been asked to do this by 9th November so that the first responses can be considered by the Representative Body with a view to prioritising which recommendations will be addressed first.

I therefore intend to discuss the Report with the senior staff and the Area Deans in September and then to introduce the Report at the Diocesan Conference on 20th October and to provide an opportunity for feedback.

I shall also welcome constructive feedback from individuals and PCCs by the end of October. I appreciate that this is quite a tight schedule but there is a sense of urgency in the need to address some of the recommendations so that we can be proactive in making changes and preparing for the future.

The statistics of church attendance, the retirement of clergy, the lack of young people, the shortage of ordinands and the joining up of parishes means that we cannot continue as we are. The Report itself reminds us that we need to change or die. As the Report says, ‘This makes the present time a Kairos moment, that is, a moment of crisis and judgement with the possibility within it of creative response to what Christ is asking of us at this time’.

The Report is available on the Provincial and Diocesan websites – it is 45 pages if you wish to download it and it is available in English and/or Welsh. Printed copies have been issued to members of the Governing Body.

Please read the Report for yourselves and pray that we may be attentive to the Holy Spirit as we seek to discern God’s will and pray that we, who as Christians seek to change the world, may also ourselves be willing to change. + Dominic

Confirmation at Mamhilad The congregation of Mamhilad was delighted to have eight candidates confirmed at St Illtyd’s church. It was a wonderful occasion for the parish.

The picture shows Cat, Lee, Sian, Lizi, Darran, Natalie, Jim and Jaqui with Archdeacon Richard Pain (who is Vicar of the parish) and the Bishop.

Mary and Malcolm Morgan

5 Pilgrim News Pilgrim’s Progress and Pilgrim Arts Young people (and some older ones On the 23 June, a group met in Magor Church Centre to too) go to Walsingham explore and deepen their personal spiritual life and relationship with God. They expressed part of their life’s journey through the medium of collage. Some of these pilgrims were joined by others, in August at Llantarnam Abbey, to explore some extracts from John Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress. The day was spent meditating on seven stations to contemplate the deeper and expanded meanings of the extracts. In the afternoon, there was an opportunity to translate our feelings into something more tangible through the medium of art. Faced with the desire to express oneself through art seemed daunting at first but after a few minutes one made a start and ideas flowed and the piece of work developed. Carrying the statue in the procession It was very quiet whilst we were working. There is a feeling of satisfaction at the completion of the task. The day was ended Our trip to Walsingham was a wonderful experience for many with a Pilgrim Eucharist at which the art work was shared. reasons. There was so much value in spending time with During this sharing, we were surprised by the variety of work some of our lively, close-knit YES community. We quickly produced and the interpretations given – all basically around integrated with each other, shared services, spiritual times the same theme – a sure indication of the creativity of the and lots of laughter. As a result, some of us who were feeling Holy Spirit at work. troubled were able to share our problems, prayed about Revs Glyn and Audrey Jenkins them and at the end of the week felt the benefit of being with each other and being at Walsingham.

A Mystery Pilgrimage for Griffithstown The most memorable events of the week were the Eucharist service we had just for our group in the Barn Chapel, the Pilgrim walk to the Slipper Chapel where we enjoyed much singing and chatting along the way, the Stations of the Cross and the service in the Shrine Church where we experienced the sprinkling of water at the Well and the Healing Service.

Until this pilgrimage week I didn’t really understand the magic of the YES community but now I have an insight into the spirituality of these wonderful young people. [Fiona & Paul]

I arrived feeling confused about my faith, I started the week as open-minded as I could and after the healing service I felt as if a load had been lifted. I have come away feeling as if a weight has been taken from my shoulders and I feel a On Saturday 11th August, blessed with beautiful weather, a different person. I am now at peace with myself and I don't happy band of pilgrims set off from St Hilda’s Church, feel alone with my troubles. Walsingham truly is one of those Griffithstown, on a pilgrimage mystery trip. The coach driver thin places. [Rhiannon(19)] played along with the mystery by taking us via Newport to Great Malvern Priory. I struggled with the connection between Mary, as the wife of a simple carpenter and how ostentatious some aspects of the On arrival we were greeted with refreshments before being Shrine Church were. I enjoyed our own Morning Prayer in the given a guided tour and history of the church which dates round chapel and the Evening Prayer in the Shrine, once I back to 1085. Some of us took to climbing the 195 steps of could follow it. At our own Eucharist in the Barn Chapel, we the tower to see the workings of the clock and to admire the shared the bread and wine, which made it so personal and views (see picture). very moving. I felt proud of our young adults who played a major part in the candlelight procession. [Moira& Paul] After lunch we headed off to Upton upon Seven where we had a chance to see the church of St Peter and St Paul before Walsingham was a life-changing experience when I needed it doing some retail therapy and just relaxing by the river. most. The five days were an amazing way to renew my faith and spend some time reflecting on my life and how important With the Olympics in mind we then headed off to a local it is to let Jesus guide you. I found the different sessions hostelry where we had our very own “Olympic Skittles” which throughout the week useful and they made it easier to was great fun, and finished the day off with a fantastic two- understand how the Bible, and the Christian way of life, is course meal enjoyed by everyone. just as relevant today as it was 2000 years ago. [Craig(18)] Richard Price

6 Connecting Penallt with Compostela The Parish of Trellech and Penallt went on pilgrimage in July to make the connection that Penallt Old Church has with the pilgrim route to Santiago de Compostela, in Northern Spain, where it is said that the relics of St James are laid. We couldn’t walk to Spain in a day so we asked if we could instead link with St James’s Church in Wyesham, and so began our plans to go on pilgrimage. How does an ordinary local walk become a pilgrimage? It’s all to do with what happens along the way. As Christians walked together, enjoying the natural beauty of the Wye Valley, we paused at various places along the way for short prayers and meditations, through which we got to know each other a little better; we got to know ourselves a little better; and we got to know God a little better! We began our walk with a service for pilgrims, at Penallt, where 34 people and six dogs gathered to seek God’s blessing on our journey before we climbed over the stile and walked through the fields down to the River Wye. In the fields we paused and listened to the words of the poem The Bright Field by R S Thomas, to help us appreciate the splendour and the beauty of the nature surrounding us, and as we reached the river we paused to reflect on the words of Psalm 42, “As a deer longs for running streams, so longs my soul for you, My God.” The walk along the river bank toward the bridge to Redbook was great fun as we battled through head-height bracken and, in places, ankle-deep mud, whilst negotiating around the young bulls that were a little too interested in us. Some of us, in keeping with Bunyan’s Pilgrims Progress, found ourselves a little deeper than others in the slough of despair! We paused to remember St Denis near the old ferry crossing where, according to local history, there used to be the medieval chapel of St Denis, and we thought about how we can become bridges for others as we crossed from Wales to England. The Vicar of Wyesham, Rev Kevin Cecil, met us in Redbrook, as we enjoyed hospitality at the Bell Inn with soup, sandwiches and a well-earned pint, before walking with us into Wyesham. As we came out of the woodland to enter Wyesham Village, we could look back across the valley and see the Old Church of Penallt in the hills, and it was good to look back and see where we had come from before, with some of us barefoot in traditional manner, we completed our journey. The people of the Parish of Wyesham and related churches had already made their own pilgrimages earlier that day and had now prepared a wonderful tea to welcome us as we arrived, before we all met in St James’s Church to celebrate the Feast of St James in traditional style, bringing the pilgrimage to a close with Holy Communion. It was a wonderful day of friendship, exercise, and hospitality, and in the words of Faithful in Pilgrim’s Progress, we “had sunshine all the Way”! Revd Sandra Howells A singing Pilgrimage Ebbw Vale go to The choir of St Mary’s, Abergavenny, went on a pilgrimage Salisbury from the priory church at Abergavenny to the abbey church On 22nd May, folk from the at Abbey Dore in Herefordshire. On the way, they sang Rectorial Benefice of Ebbw Vale set services at St Issui’s Church, Patrishow, St David’s Church, out on a beautiful sunny morning Llanthony, and Dore Abbey. Each day choristers walked from for a day of fellowship (including one church to the next, for much of the time over some of food and shopping) to the ancient the beautiful (but steep) Black Mountains. Their blog is on city of Salisbury. Tuesday is always stmaryspriorychoir.wordpress.com market day so we became part of a centuries old tradition of coming to Another chance to share a Pilgrim Arts Day a Godly place for provision and prayers. 10am - 4pm Saturday 3rd November at Magor Church Centre An opportunity to try out ways of expressing your pilgrim experience Everyone went their different ways, some in groups, some through art, poetry, collage etc. NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY alone. We later came together on the Cathedral green, then Some materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your entered the glorious building, erected over eight hundred own prefered medium if you have one. Please bring a packed lunch, years ago for a wonderful celebration of choral evensong. A drinks are provided. beautiful day of pilgrimage. After the service we met with To book, or for more information, contact: the new dean and the abbot and a brother from Elmore and Revd Celia Jones 01633 413647 email: [email protected] Nashdom Abbeys who now live in the cathedral close. The abbot had been evacuated to Ebbw Vale during the war and A date for your diary: There will be an exhibition of a prompting to his future vocation began when he pilgrim memories in the Cathedral on the weekend worshipped at St John's Church in Ebbw Vale. 27/28 April 2013 to which everyone is invited to contribute. Contact Celia (as above)

7 St Francis of Assisi Saying Goodbye I found my July pilgrimage to Assisi in the footsteps of St Francis to be deeply In Llandaff Cathedral at 3pm on Saturday moving. 3 November, there will be a Remembrance Service for people who have suffered St Francis knelt in front of the cross in the little church of San Damiano. He heard a miscarriage, early term loss or early infant voice from the cross telling him three times “Francis, go and repair my house - you loss. see it is falling down.” The power of the message moved his heart. The service is one of several taking place in cathedrals across the UK. At each of the Francis was born in Assisi in 1181. His mother named him John; his father renamed services, there is a symbolic act such as the him Francis (Francesco). His father was a wealthy cloth merchant and Francis was lighting of a candle, or the placing of a set to follow in his footsteps. In 1202, Perugia declared war on Assisi (such a small butterfly on a wall of remembrance. There town!) and Francis was taken into captivity for a year. On his return he had a serious will be a short message of hope by senior illness, which turned his thoughts to a changed life. He had been a genial person, clergy and stories from people who have given to sports and singing, going about Assisi day and night with young friends. suffered loss. Though there is no formal counselling provided at the services, a Although he was extravagent in lifestyle, he was renowned for giving to the poor number of national and local counselling and needy - so the seeds were sown. It was two years before his path was made and support services will be represented, plain before him. At first he thought God was asking him to literally rebuild his or will have their information present. church. Francis collected many stones from the people of Assisi (was he the first to In the UK, the life of a baby who dies before initiate ‘Buy a Brick’?) and rebuilt two small churches which were in disrepair, San 24 weeks gestation is not recorded with a Damiano and St Mary of the Angels. Then he realised that his commission was to certificate, which leaves the parents with no rebuild the church spiritually which, towards the end of the 12th century, was filled official recognition of the baby’s life. “We with as much conflict, contradiction and disillusionment as we know today. want to say ‘our children did exist’,” said Zoe, one of the organisers. “They may only Francis was a revolutionary and won people to Jesus by his life-style and his ability have been on this earth for days, weeks or to convey the Gospel message in a way which healed and brought peace and months, but they were truly loved, and will always be missed.” reconciliation - Franciscan traits today. He quickly attracted followers who became www.SayingGoodbye.org his closest friends and brothers and the Franciscan Order was born. One of Francis’s companions was Clare, who came from a noble family and wanted Monastic Days at to know more about Francis’s way of life. On Palm Sunday 1211 she gave her life to St Mary’s Priory Church, God and formed the first Franciscan community for women who lived in San Abergavenny Domiano. October 24th and November 28th. Visiting the church of San Damiano in Assisi where God called Francis can be a The days follow the Benedictine Hours as prayerful experience. I believe God is calling us to repair his church spiritually with below. There is also a pilgrimage trail at the the gifts he has already given us and whatever is needed he will provide. church and its surrounding area. 9.30am Terce Revd Robert Langton, Cwmbran 10.00am Free 12.00pm Holy Eucharist 12.30pm Sext A prayer of St Francis 1.00pm Lunch Most High, glorious God, 2.30pm None 2.45pm Free cast your light into the darkness of my heart. 4.30pm Tea Give me, Lord, right faith, firm hope, perfect charity, 5.30pm Choral Vespers and profound humility with wisdom and perception 7.00pm Choral Compline so that I may carry out what is truly your holy will. 7.30pm Healing Liturgy Amen Just come along - though it would be helpful if you could let us know if you are able to stay to lunch, for catering purposes. Praying in the Franciscan tradition [email protected] Neither Francis nor Clare, the founders of the An eventful week in Franciscan movement, wrote books on ‘how to pray’. But there is a distinctively Franciscan way of Brynglas praying. It centres strongly on Christ, and on the The churchyard at All Saints was being world. Where some ways of praying ask the one cleaned up in readiness for the planting of praying to close their eyes to concentrate on the wildflower seeds, supplied by Newport city things of God, Francis and Clare opened their eyes council. Friday afternoon saw a well- attended Messy church, prior to the children wide to gaze on God and on his world. going back to school. In the evening the ladies fellowship had their annual BBQ at See www.franciscans.org.uk the vicarage. for some helpful infromation on Franciscan prayer The bells of San Stephano, Assisi

Monmouth pilgrims visit www.monmouthpilgrims.org.uk 8 This year we have been discovering and celebrating the many gifts Mothers' Union members offer.

From youngest to eldest, each member responds to God's call on their life by giving their gifts and talents to support and nurture stable family life.

The diversity of the contributions of nearly 1,000 members within Monmouth Diocese mean that • we support members and their work at home and overseas with daily prayer • every Sunday, members attend the Eucharist at Usk Prison and join the prisoners for coffee afterwards • we knit for Special Care Baby Units, as well as providing 'Angel Pockets' for stillborn babies, at Nevill Hall and Royal Gwent Hospitals • we send families facing adversity away on holiday for a week. This year 6 families have benefitted from our Away From It All holiday scheme • we raise funds for the work overseas. This year we also have sent over £7,000 to the Development Workers in our Link Dioceses in Sudan, Zimbabwe and Uganda • we raise funds for the Emergency Relief Fund that responds to urgent requests from any one of the 83 countries where we have members • members run Parent and Toddler groups and parenting groups • members volunteer at Children's Contact Centres • members work as Street Pastors and we support them with needed consumables • we provide bedding for the homeless who are given night shelter by churches of all denominations in Newport • many Branches have projects supporting their own communities

Multiply this culture of giving across our 4 million global membership and you begin to realise the difference that Mothers' Union is making to thousands – if not millions – of families.

The Most Revd Dr Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, has said: “Mothers' Union is one of the most important lay ministries within the Christian community.... Membership gives an important dimension to Jane's and my Christian life.” Jane Williams is a member of MU in Monmouth Diocese.

If you would like to know more, contact Sue Griffiths - Action & Outreach Coordinator on 01873 840634 or Kathy Palmer - Diocesan President on 01633 881927 or visit www.themothersunion.org

St Michael’s College, Llandaff is proud to present THE REV THE LORD GRIFFITHS of Pembrey and Burry Port speaking on THE CHURCHES AND THE SHAPING OF A WELSH IDENTITY Monday 22 October 7.30pm The Rev The Lord Griffiths of Pembrey and Burry Port is a Methodist Minister and life peer in the House of Lords where he sits with the Labour Party. 18-24 November www.prisonsweek.org Admission free - Refreshments provided If you are interested in attending, please contact: St Michael’s College, 54 Cardiff The theme in 2012 will be “Taking the Road, Llandaff, Cardiff CF5 2YJ tel: 029 20563379, email: [email protected] Path to Life”. All aspects of prison www.stmichaels.ac.uk ministry and support will be celebrated. Focussing on themes from Psalm 16v11, churches and individual Christians can The Diocesan Conference be involved in a variety of ways: is on Saturday October 20th, 9.30am - 12.30pm • Organise a preacher for Sunday 18th November at Monmouth Girls’ School, Hereford Road, Monmouth. • Make sure that your prayers are informed for Prisons Week Every benefice has at least one representative on the Conference. • Support the work of all those Only Conference members may vote but anyone is welcome to come working in prisons and observe. This year, after the Bishop’s address, the Conference will be discussing the Church in Wales Review and future Ministry Watch our website for more and more resources as the date approaches: Areas. There are stalls and displays as well. www.prisonfellowship.org.uk

www.monmouthdiocese.org.uk

9 Builders at St Barrwg’s Music@StWoolos St Barrwg's church, Bedwas, was covered in scaffolding in July. This was the start On Thursday October 25th at 7.30pm of a project to correct damp problems by stripping, repairing and drying walls, there will be a concert in the Cathedral improving drainage and preventing further water penetration. performed by The Erebus Ensemble, an octet directed by Tom Williams. The The work has been made possible by a Ensemble consists of singers from all generous grant of £68,750 from the HLF. over the UK who specialise in The other half of project cost will be performing music from the mediaeval covered by the substantial funding from and Renaissance periods. the Diocese and Representative Body of The concert itself will be free, with a the Church in Wales, the National retiring collection to be split equally Churches Trust, various small grants and between the Cathedral and the our own “900 Appeal”. Fundraising will Ensemble, to contribute to their continue to cover some £15,000 needed travelling expenses. for shortfalls and emergency extras. 12 years of planning has borne fruit. Our For those who wish to extend the “900 Appeal” was named in recognition evening there will be a three course of the 900 years of worship on our site, dinner at Vittorio’s to follow the where this beautiful Grade II* listed concert. Tickets for the dinner are £20, church now stands. which will include a small gratuity, and are available from the Cathedral Shop. The church dates back to 1102 and is a They must be purchased before Tuesday local landmark with a distinctive 23rd October. saddleback tower, 12th and 13th century architecture, remains of a Celtic cross, an ancient font and family tombs. It is set in a prominent position overlooking Bedwas with panoramic views across to Caerphilly and its Castle. The St Woolos Players has now been officially It is a beautiful, welcoming and living Church and the local congregation and formed as an organisation. We are delighted community, are determined it will be available for another 900 years. and grateful to Prof Brian Peeling and Father Liz Neumann Cottrell Lister Tonge who accepted the invitation to become President and Vice President, respectively.

Help for Churchwardens (and others) Since then, the orchestra had its first Church Care and Maintenance important concert project as the “new” St Woolos Players: the invitation to play the You are invited to join one of the following sessions: orchestral concert on the final day of this St Margaret’s Church Hall, High Street, Blackwood on 9th October 10am to 1.30pm year’s 50th Anniversary Llantilio Crossenni St David’s Church Hall, Riverside, Beaufort on 10th October 1.30pm to 5pm Festival of Music & Drama. The ‘dress- St Mary’s Church, Church Lane, Marshfield on 11th October10am to 1.30pm rehearsal concert’ at the Methodist Church in Whitchurch, Cardiff, raised over £220 for the The topics covered will be as follows: George Thomas Hospice Care. • Church development • Overview of local building materials & traditional building techniques Our next concert is on • Why buildings decay Sunday, 4th November 2012, at 3pm in St Woolos Cathedral in Newport. • The importance of regular maintenance It will be given in memory of Prof Brian • Church inspection Peeling’s late wife, Dr Audrey Peeling, and will be an ‘all-English’ programme including To reserve a place for the training, please email [email protected] Purcell, Ferguson, Quilter, Finzi, and Handel. Tina Andrew, Church Heritage and Conservation Officer The piano will be played by the English pianist Duncan Honeybourne A crowning moment in Cwmfelinfach’s Jubilee celebrations www.duncanhoneybourne.com. For further information contact: Pupils and staff from Cwmfelinfach Primary the crown on ‘Her Majesty’. The Anne Wilkins, Secretary, School together with parents and congregation broke into spontaneous [email protected] : 01656 655026 grandparents re-enacted the Coronation. applause and the National Anthem or resounded around the village. Derek Burton, Treasurer, The ‘Queen’ and ‘Duke of Edinburgh’ were [email protected] : 01873 840428 brought to the church in a horse-drawn The royal party left the church to the singing carriage. Over 300 people lined the streets of Land of Hope and Glory and were taken to greet the ‘royalty’ and the church was back by Horse and Carriage through the filled to overflowing. streets lined with supporters and well- wishers. The centrepiece was the crowning ceremony, and pupils representing It had been a memorable occasion for the Archbishops and Bishops duly offered ‘Her small village which had brought all sections Majesty’ gifts of a bracelet, robe, sceptre, of the community together. ring and orb before the ‘Archbishop’ placed Michael Wilcox

10 Diocesan Schools Quiet Day In July, Headteachers from our Diocesan Church schools were joined by Bishop’s Visitors for a Quiet Day at Ty Croeso, Llantarnum Abbey. The day, led by Revd Dr Stephen James, the Diocesan Director of Education, provided an opportunity for everyone to reflect on their spiritual journey. The day began with reflection, prayers and music, after which we enjoyed having time to walk in the beautiful grounds, read, pray, or sit and be still. We were pleased that Bishop Dominic agreed to celebrate the Eucharist before joining us for a delicious lunch. The day ended with a further period of reflection.

We hope this will become an annual event, as the feedback from those who attended was very positive. Bishop’s Visitor, Diane Leigh, said, “Thank you for such a lovely day at Ty Croeso.” And Gareth Atwell, Headteacher, Magor C in W Primary School added, “It was so good that our Bishop could join us. It was a most refreshing and welcome day.” Sue James, Diocesan Schools Officer Church School Leavers Hon Fellowship for Fr Mark

Father Mark Soady, the first Chaplain of Newport’s University, was made an Honorary Fellow of the University at the Graduation Ceremony on September 8. Year 6 school leavers from Llantilio Pertholey Church in Wales Primary School led a Father Mark said: “I am very honoured special church service at St Teilo's Church attended by all the children. They were to have been put forward for a welcomed by the vicar, the Rev Robbie Dennis, and thanked for their contributions Honorary Fellowship. It is a particular by the head teacher, David Evans. There was some rousing singing from the pupils honour as Roy Jenkins was Newport’s of several of their favourite hymns. At the end of the service the leavers were very first honorary Fellow some 16 presented with the young people's version of the Gospel of St Luke from St Teilo's years ago. Roy was a dear friend and Church and these were handed over by churchwarden Maurice Rolls. Pictured remains one of my heroes, and it is a above are the leavers with their teacher Mrs Tracey Pugh and the vicar and very emotional honour for me to have churchwardens of St Teilo's Church, the Rev Robbie Dennis, Maurice Rolls and the opportunity to stand in his footsteps Peter Griffin. when I receive my Fellowship. In St Mary’s Priory “Above everything else, this award is for church, Monmouth, all the people in the university’s Student Fr David McGladdery Services team, and all the other staff welcomed pupils who work tirelessly behind the scenes from Osbaston to keep our students healthy, happy and Church in Wales fulfilled. Newport is famed for its Primary School to pastoral care, and it is these people who their leavers’ service. make this happen each and every day. I am delighted to dedicate this honour to them, and of course to come back to Volunteers Needed the university, which continues to feel We are looking for volunteers to be members of the Diocesan Schools Admissions like home.” Appeals Panel. If you would be interested and would like further information, please contact the Revd Dr Stephen James, the Diocesan Director of Education. For more news of the awards see Telephone: 01873 880378 e-mail: [email protected] www.newport.ac.uk/news

11 SONGS OF PRAISE GAZETTE Saturday 13th October 2.30pm Appointments Newport Cathedral led by the Dean Revd David and Revd Susan Collingbourne, to be joint priests-in-charge of the Come along and bring your friends Marshfield group of parishes (8 Sept)

To be Chapter Canons of Newport Cathedral (21 Oct): St Thomas’ Church, Overmonnow, Revd Simon Guest, Incumbent of the Dingestow and Rockfield Group of Parishes Monmouth and Area Dean of Monmouth Harvest Flower Festival Revd Margaret Jefford, Vicar of Newbridge Friday 5th October Revd David Neale, Vicar of Maindee, and Area Dean of Newport Saturday 6th October Revd David Osborn, Priest-in-charge of Llantilio Crossenny, Area Dean of 10am to 5pm Abergavenny and Hon. Chaplain of Westminster Abbey Sunday 7th October 11am to 5pm To be an Honorary Canon (21 Oct). Refreshments available Revd Lyndon Harrison, Team Rector of Caldicot Admission by Programme Further details contact 01600 713864 Resignations Proceeds to Chancel Floor Revd Matthew Tregenza, Vicar of Blackwood; to be Rector of Bishops Lydeard etc. (Bath & Wells) (19 Nov) Tymawr Study Day Ms Lisa Tregenza, Diocesan Learning Development Advisor (19 Nov) Saturday October 27th 10am - 3.30pm Marion Fry will lead a day on Revd Alicia Baker, Priest-in-charge of Abercarn and Cwmcarn; to be Priest-in-charge St Augustine. Please book your place of St Luke, Reddal Hill and St John, Dudley Wood (Worcester diocese). (Dec) with Tymawr 01600 860244 and bring a sandwich lunch. Congratulations Fr Mark Soady, Vicar of Abergavenny, on being made an Honorary Fellow of The Australian Voices University of Wales, Newport, in recognition of his work in developing the in Concert at St Mark’s, Newport Chaplaincy Service. 7pm on Thursday 11 October Adult £12, Concessions £8, Student £6 Confirmations 2013 on the door or 020 3286 6786 12 February 10.30am Cathedral www.theaustralianvoices.com 19 February 11.00am St Augustine’s, Mynyddislwyn 27 March 5.00pm St Nicholas, Trellech Mendelssohn's Elijah in 7.30pm Monmouth Schools – St Mary’s Priory Abergavenny 4 April 10.00am St Teilo’s, Newport 22 April 10.00am St Paul’s, Newbridge This oratorio will be sung in St Mary's 6.00pm St John’s, Maindee Church, Abergavenny, at 7.30pm on 6 May 10.30am St Augustine’s, Rumney Saturday 3 November 2012 by the 13 May 10.30am St Illtud, Mamhilad Gwent Bach Choir augmented by 20 May 6.00pm St Cadoc’s, Raglan members of the Kington Choral Society 27 May 10.00am St Margaret’s, Blackwood all accompanied by the Musical and 3 June 10.30am St Teilo’s, Llantilio Pertholey Amicable Society. They will be under the 10 June 11.00am Blaina baton of Roger Langford. Seats at £15 26 June 7.30pm St John Baptist, Newport either at the door or, to book a place, 26 August 10.30am St John’s, Machen please ring 01873 890259. 16 September 10.30am Ebbw Vale 30 September 9.30am St Mary’s, Usk Mendelssohn wrote Elijah for the 6.00pm Magor Birmingham Festival in 1846. The 7 October 11.00am St Dingad, Dingestow oratorio is based on the important 6.00pm St Teilo’s events in the life of Elijah the prophet in 14 October 10.00am St Basil’s, Bassaleg Kings 1 and 2. 21 October 3.00pm St Gabriel’s, Cwmbran 28 October 9.30am St Mary’s, Abergavenny 4 November 10.30am St Mark’s, Newport 25 November 10.30am Caldicot 2 December 10.30am Pontypool 9 December 11.00am Grosmont 16 December 10.00am St George’s, Tredegar

Next Issue: Copy date: 31 October Publication: 22 November Your contributions are welcomed Editor: Revd Janet Bone 07748 344161 [email protected] Revd Keith Beardmore celebrated 35 Diocesan Office, 64 Caerau Rd, Newport NP20 4HJ years of ordained ministry with a Articles should be no more than 300 words. service at St John's, Maindee, at Pictures should be professional prints or in digital .jpg format. which Bishop Dominic celebrated and Pictures of children must have parental consent for publication in print and on preached. Keith was joined by his the internet. family.

12 Printed by Newport Printing Co. Ltd. 01633 270075 www.newportprinting.co.uk