FREE AM DDIM TEULU ASAPH Esgobaeth Llanelwy Chwefror/Mawrth February/March 2017

Opportunities for growth Cyfleoedd i dyfu Inside Tu mewn Giving up or Taking up? Rhoi’r Gorau iddi Ynteu Dechrau arni? 14 years as Archbishop 14 mlynedd yn Archesgob From the Editor

Welcome to the first edition of And – on the back cover – seeds have Teulu Asaph for 2017. The theme become flowers marking twenty years for this issue reflects the push since the first women became priests across the diocese this year for in the Church in . growth. This theme is explored in different ways: growth in your In this edition as well we say a fond personal spiritual journey, growth farewell to Archbishop Barry. He me – please keep your contributions in service to your community, and retires at the end of January, and coming! I hope that you enjoy this growth and change in the ways that in an interview starting on page 8 edition of your magazine, and on we worship and involve people in he reflects on the changes he has behalf of the Teulu Asaph team I’d like the life of our churches. seen over four decades. For two to wish you a very happy 2017. years he was Rector of Wrexham, When you are thinking about growth and in recalling her memories of his locally, don’t forget that the diocesan time there, a former member of his Transformation Fund can provide congregation gives a very human money needed to help you achieve view of our former Archbishop. your aims. There are more details karenmaurice@churchinwales. about this money, what it can be used Thank you for all the news, photos, org.uk / 07918 133420 for, and how to apply for it on page 5. and suggestions that you’ve sent In this Issue

3 Bishop’s Word / Gair gan yr Esgob 4 4 Seeds of Growth: Hope and a Future 5 Stories for Growth: The Hearth Project in Bala / Hanesion Tyfu: Prosiect Storiau o’r Galon yn y Bala 8 6 News / Newyddion 7 Pause for Thought / Munud i Feddwl 8 Speaking Out...... the Archbishop reflects on four decades of service 10 Spiritual Direction…. an opportunity for growth 11 I want to be a…. Pastor / Lay Chaplain 12 Your Mission Area Questions Answered 13 13 Engaging in the Changing Scene of Religious Education 14 Schools / Ysgolion 16 14 Resources / Adnoddau 15 Your News / Eich Newyddion Chi 16 Celebrating and Giving Thanks

© Diocese of St Asaph 2017. Teulu Asaph is edited by Karen Maurice, designed by Jeff Lewis (Space on White Ltd) and printed by PWS Print Limited. The deadline for the April/May edition is 3 March. Please send copy and high quality images to karenmaurice@ churchinwales.org.uk for inclusion. While we welcome all contributions, unfortunately we are not able to print everything we are sent.

2 | Teulu Asaph Bishop’s Word / Gair gan yr Esgob

“… everyone who believes “…er mwyn i bob un sy’n in him may have eternal credu gael bywyd tragwyddol life.” (John 3.15) ynddo ef.” (Ioan 3.15)

The Church is all about eternal life. Life beyond Hanfod yr Eglwys yw ymwneud â’r bywyd death. Fullness of life. Fellowship with God tragwyddol. Bywyd y tu hwnt i farwolaeth. allows us to transcend boundaries. The life we Bywyd yn ei Gyflawnder. Mae cymdeithas gyda lead here is not all that there is, but through Duw yn ein galluogi i drosgynnu ffiniau. Nid which we may walk with Jesus beyond death y bywyd rydym yn ei fyw yma yw’r cyfan sy’n into a new life. But eternal life is in this life as bod, dim ond rhoi modd i ni gerdded gydag well, as we are invited to Iesu y tu hwnt i farwolaeth know a fullness of life, i fywyd newydd. Ond gifted by God with grace, mae bywyd tragwyddol joy and wholeness. yn y bywyd hwn hefyd, yn ogystal, gan ein bod Christian faith then is about yn cael ein gwahodd i finding eternal life as disciples wybod am fywyd yn ei of Christ. We enter into our relationship with Christ by gyflawnder, yn rhodd gan repentance and faith, a turning Dduw drwy ras, llawenydd of our lives to open our hearts a chyfanrwydd. to the redeeming presence of Christ. Faith is a lifelong journey, Gan hynny, mae’r ffydd in which we’re invited to grow, Gristnogol yn ymwneud â dod and in which God nourishes us o hyd i fywyd tragwyddol fel through the Church in Word and disgyblion Crist. Rydym yn Sacrament. mynd i mewn i’n perthynas â Christ drwy edifeirwch a ffydd, This is why I bother with the Church. I find, we find, yn troi ein bywydau i agor ein calonnau i bresenoldeb everybody can find, eternal life through the gift of Jesus achubol Crist. Mae ffydd yn daith gydol oes, lle’r ydym Christ. This is why I also want to see the Church grow: yn cael ein gwahodd i dyfu, a lle mae Duw’n ein meithrin I want it to grow in the sense of disciples growing into drwy’r Eglwys mewn Gair a Sacrament. fullness of life, but I want to see it grow in numbers as well because I believe that eternal life is worth sharing. Dyma pam rwy’n trafferthu gyda’r Eglwys. Rwy’n darganfod, rydym ni’n darganfod, gall pawb ddarganfod As a diocese, we need to move beyond organising bywyd tragwyddol drwy’r rhodd sydd wedi ei rhoi i ni yn ourselves. We need to be growing; becoming a Iesu Grist. Dyma pam rwyf hefyd eisiau gweld yr Eglwys yn community which is life-giving for members both old and tyfu: rwyf eisiau iddi dyfu yn yr ystyr bod disgyblion yn tyfu new. I hope it’s a mission that will be at the centre of our i fywyd yn ei gyflawnder, ond rwyf eisiau ei gweld yn tyfu lives in 2017, because this is, in the end, the heart of the mewn niferoedd yn ogystal, oherwydd credaf fod bywyd Gospel Christ has given to us. tragwyddol yn werth ei rannu.

Fel esgobaeth, mae angen i ni symud y tu hwnt i drefnu ein hunain. Mae angen i ni fod yn tyfu; dod yn gymuned The image above is a stone angel from the sy’n rhoi bywyd i aelodau hen a newydd. Rwy’n gobeithio church yard outside St Marcella’s Church, ei bod yn genhadaeth a fydd wrth wraidd ein bywydau yn Denbigh. 2017, oherwydd hyn, yn y pen draw, yw calon yr Efengyl y mae Crist wedi ei rhoi i ni.

www.stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk Teulu Asaph | 3 Seeds of Growth: Hope and a Future….

Making connections at a Hope and a Future course

2020 Vision, the Church in • Celebrate and identify all local Using Hope and a Future Wales’ transformation to resources available to a church better serve communities in and community The Alyn Mission Area, near the 21st Century, has largely • See the role of the church as Wrexham, was one of the first meeting the needs of the most focused on the creation of Mission Areas to run Hope and vulnerable and marginalised in a Future. One of its Readers, Mission Areas so far. Having the community established the process to Alan Cronin, has now trained as a • Equip the church with the facilitator and reflects here on its form them the focus now basic skills for planning and wider benefits. is shifting to running a simple growth – how and appropriate Since my first introduction to Hope and can churches community a Future, I have taken every opportunity inspire and initiative or to develop my knowledge and project. encourage understanding of it and how it will help us all to work with our communities. It congregations To encourage once again. is a fabulous and timely addition to our churches and tool kit as we step out in mission with Where are the groups to explore A space for reflection at a Hope and a the goal of building God’s church. opportunities Future course growth through for growth? the Hope and a For me, the most wonderful and The diocesan engagement Future course, we’re developing a important part is that it requires us officer, Sarah Wheat looks series of taster courses, just two to look prayerfully at issues and hours long to simulate discussion. at how Hope and a Future challenges we meet in our secular The first is Developing your Mission communities through the lens of courses can unlock the Area Vision. potential for growth in our Scripture. churches. If you’d like your church to receive a We can also use the same techniques taster of Hope and a Future, contact to examine and resolve some of the Hope and a Future is a set of three me and together we can plant the vexing issues that appear to beset workshops launched in Mission seeds of hope and a future in your some of our churches as we transition Areas (MAs) across the Diocese two community. to fully fledged Mission Areas. Where years ago. Since then, the course there are difficulties within individual has run in three MAs and we have churches or groups of churches, I held two facilitator training courses For more information about would recommend seeking out a allowing us to train 17 people to Hope and a Future contact Hope and a Future facilitator. He or continue the training. There is a sarahwheat@churchinwales. she could work with them to resolve trained facilitator in every MA or org.uk issues holding the church back from neighbouring MA, so make use of delivering mission. them!

The course uses Bible stories to challenge and inspire people to ask “What is Jesus telling us to do today, in this community?” It provides tools for the group to: Hope and a Future facilitator training

4 | Teulu Asaph Stories for Growth: Hearth Project in Bala

Cass Meurig an Evangelist in Penedeyrn Mission Area explains how a vision, an opportunity and a whole lot of enthusiasm has got the Hearth project successfully off the ground in Bala. Hanesion Tyfu: When Dorothi Evans, Hilary Murray and I attended Mark Prosiect Storiau o’r Yaconelli’s training day we were inspired by the idea of community engagement through the sharing of personal stories. Galon yn y Bala

A few months previously I had been approached out of the Storiau o’r Galon ydyn ni’n ei galw hi, noson o blue by the owner of Gorwelion cafe in Bala who wanted to straeon personol gan bobl leol yn y Bala. appeal more to the Welsh-speaking community: did I think a storytelling evening in Welsh with music might work? It Mae’r brosiect i’w weld yn cydio yn y dychymyg lleol, was a God-given opportunity to be seized. gyda niferoedd dda yn mynychu. Efallai nad ydy’r syniad o hel straeon o gwmpas y tân mor ddiarth ffordd hyn. Mae We planned two evenings: Peryg Bywyd! (Living cynnal y digwyddiad yn gyfan gwbl drwy’r Gymraeg wedi Dangerously) featuring stories of personal peril and Chwys helpu i sicrhau’r gefnogaeth leol, er rydym yn ystyried Domen! or Embarrassing Moments. Both were well cynnwys ambell stori Saesneg er mwyn trio gwneud y attended, interesting and great fun. Local people proved noson yn fwy atyniadol i ddysgwyr. willing to tell their stories and sing songs in order to raise money for charities, and although it was not billed as a Mae’n ddiddorol sut mae’r nosweithiau wedi tynnu pobl o Christian event, God made his presence felt as people of wahanol cefndir crefyddol at ei gilydd, sy’n beth hynod o no professed faith told tales of encounters with the divine, bwysig yma gyda hen densiynau rhwng capel ac eglwys miraculous escapes and answered prayer. yn dal yn fyw. Rhyfeddol hefyd gweld Duw ar waith ym mywydau pobl heb ffydd, drwy godi atgofion dwys o What’s made it work for us is doing it in Welsh, having bresenoldeb y duwiol a gweddiau wedi eu hateb. someone on the team who knows the local characters (Dorothi), choosing well-loved charities (the Air Ambulance Dw i’n caru oedd enw’r trydydd yn y gyfres i gydfynd â and Tenovus) and holding a rehearsal night to help people noson Santes Dwynwen a bydd yr un nesaf ar Ebrill 1af am shape their stories and gain confidence. 7 o’r gloch yng nghaffi Gorwelion, y Bala. Y thema yw Ffwl Ebrill! Mae’n fendith, mae’n ddifyr ac mae’n lot fawr o hwyl The third event took place on 28 January to connect with - dewch yn llu! Santes Dwynwen on the theme Dw i’n caru (I Love), with proceeds to the British Heart Foundation. For more information, contact Cass Meurig, The next one takes place on 1 April on the theme Ffwl Ebrill! Evangelist in Penedeyrn Mission Area: (April Fool!). Do come - Welsh learners welcome. You’ll love it! [email protected]

Funding for Growth: Transformation Fund

The has allocated a three-year fund • Improvements to facilities in Meifod Church to grow the future church. Called the Transformation • Bereavement training for Pastoral Assistants Fund, the £1m pot of money is being used to initiate in Rhyl substantial change in Mission Areas across the Diocese of St Asaph. Already, nearly £566,000 has Funds are being allocated on a first come, first been committed, leaving more than £400,000 for new served basis so if your Mission Area has a project projects. Among the ideas already supported are: which will encourage 2020 Vision to flourish, apply for funding. You can find further information at http:// • Love Gwersyllt: Community Brunch in Alyn stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk/life/2020-vision/the- Mission Area transformation-fund/ www.stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk Teulu Asaph | 5 News / Newyddion

HMP Berwyn Brexit and the to open Church

The first service has taken place The churches of Wales, acting in the UK’s largest prison, HMP through Cytûn, are working to ensure Berwyn in Wrexham, ahead of its Trent, members of staff and the local that a Christian voice is heard as part opening at the end of February. The community for a carol service. HMP of Brexit negotiations. With the Prime and the Roman Berwyn will house 2,000 men and will Minister promising to trigger Article Catholic Bishop of Wrexham joined include a multifaith chaplaincy team, 50 before the end of March, Cytûn’s the Prison Chaplain, the Revd Alan representing all major faiths and Wales and Europe working party has Pierce-Jones, the Governor, Russ Christian denominations. responded to three consultations already. Cytûn’s Policy Officer, Revd Gethin Rhys, said: “We believe that Christians will feel especially strongly about their friends and neighbours who are living in Wales but whose legal right to remain is currently dependent on their EU citizenship. All our responses have called for the UK Government to give a guarantee to such people that they can remain, and for all of us to help make sure that they feel welcome, safe and secure #EscapeToEgypt amongst us. “Our responses also emphasise Christian Aid Wales staff and Biblical Christmas story of Jesus’ human rights protection more supporters successfully completed family’s journey from Bethlehem to generally, and express our support their 140-mile journey across Egypt, travelling from Bethlehem for the devolution to Wales of the Wales to help Light The Way for the in Carmarthenshire to the hamlet European powers over agriculture, the millions of people fleeing conflict of Yr Aifft (Egypt) in Denbighshire, environment, economic development and violence, raising an amazing holding events in towns and villages and some other matters which are £29,000 along the way. along the way. currently shared between the National The walkers reached their Assembly and the European Union. destination, the hamlet of Yr Aifft “Between now and 2019 much will (Egypt) in Denbighshire, on 15 change in the way we are governed, December and were welcomed and we believe that there must be full later that evening by the Right and open debate about how those Revd Gregory Cameron, Bishop changes are made.” of St Asaph, for a special service You can read these and future at to mark the responses at http://www.cytun.org. journey’s completion. uk/waleseurope/index.html (neu yn The 12 day #EscapeToEgypt Gymraeg: http://www.cytun.org.uk/ walk was organised to mimic the cymruewrop/index.html ). Cathedral Flower Festival

A flower festival in St Asaph Cathedral and Chapter. Proceeds will go to the the time of writing, there are still a few from 1-4 June is one of several events Cathedral and St Kentigern Hospice. areas in the cathedral unallocated, being organised to mark the fifth The theme of the flower festival so if you would like to be involved anniversary of St Asaph gaining city will be The Stories of Christ, allowing by helping or displaying, or want status during the Queen’s Jubilee. The flower arrangers to choose parables, further information, please e-mail festival will be hosted in the Cathedral miracles or other life events of Christ Janet Cameron at janet.cameron2@ by the kind permission of the Dean and interpret them in the displays. At btopenworld.com

6 | Teulu Asaph Pause for Munud i Thought Feddwl

Giving up or taking up? Rhoi’r gorau iddi ynteu

As we head towards Lent, the Revd Heather ddechrau gwneud Fenton, a member of the Teulu Asaph team and until recently, editor of The Reader rhywbeth? Magazine offers this reflection. Wrth i ni nesáu at y Garawys, mae’r Barchedig Watching television news whilst eating my breakfast, I Heather Fenton, aelod o dîm Teulu Asaph, was struck by the seriousness of the headlines yet again. What is 2017 going to hold for our world? a golygydd The Reader Magazine tan yn ddiweddar, yn cynnig y myfyrdod hwn. We speak of Lent as a time for ‘giving up’ – will it be chocolate, sugar, or alcohol this year? However all Wrth wylio’r newyddion ar y teledu tra’r oeddwn i’n bwyta these are personal things, so whilst being a form of fy mrecwast, roedd ddifrifoldeb y penawdau unwaith discipline, it is still focused on us as individuals. eto’n drawiadol. Beth fydd gan 2017 ar gyfer ein byd?

Perhaps we should take a wider view of how we Rydym yn sôn am y Grawys fel cyfnod o ‘roi’r gorau’ i exercise our desired Lenten discipline. bethau – ai siocled, siwgr, ynteu alcohol fydd hi eleni? In our increasingly fragmenting world Fodd bynnag, mae’r rhain i gyd yn bethau personol, we need to develop a more focused felly er ei fod yn fath o ddisgyblaeth, mae’n parhau i and connected approach to prayer. ganolbwyntio arnom ni fel unigolion. Prayer for our world, the ‘big picture’ stuff I mean. Prayer that focuses away Efallai y dylem gymryd golwg ehangach ar hyn wrth from ourselves and our immediate feddwl sut byddwn yn ymarfer ein disgyblaeth o area, whilst of course remembering that ddewis dros y Grawys. Yn ein byd sy’n fwyfwy darniog, what happens in our world may have mae angen i ni ddatblygu ymagwedd fwy penodol a serious implications for us too in the chysylltiedig at weddi. Gweddi dros ein byd, pethau’r long run. ‘darlun mawr’, hynny yw. Gweddi sy’n canolbwyntio nid yn gymaint arnom ni ein hunain ac ar ein hardal gyfagos, So rather than give up, take up! gan gofio wrth gwrs fod yr hyn sy’n digwydd yn ein byd Take up the habit of praying when yn gallu arwain at oblygiadau difrifol i ni hefyd yn y tymor you watch the news or pick up the hir. newspaper, look at a news website or a Tweet. As you do so, hold Felly, yn hytrach na rhoi’r gorau i rywbeth, beth am what you see out to God. Unless ddechrau gwneud rhywbeth! Ymgymerwch â’r arfer o you are eating your breakfast too, weddïo pan fyddwch chi’n gwylio’r newyddion, yn codi this could take the physical form papur newydd, yn edrych ar wefan newyddion neu wrth of holding out cupped hands as Drydar. Wrth i chi wneud hynny, daliwch gerbron Duw yr a token of offering our prayer. hyn rydych chi’n ei weld. Oni bai eich bod yn bwyta eich Sometimes I do it like this but I can brecwast hefyd, gallai hyn ddigwydd ar ffurf gorfforol, also watch the news, pray and do drwy ddal ein dwylo allan ar ffurf cwpan, fel arwydd o the washing up at the same time, gynnig ein gweddi. Weithiau rwy’n ei wneud fel hyn, ond and so could you! gallaf hefyd wylio’r newyddion, gweddïo a golchi’r llestri ar yr un pryd, ac fe allech chithau wneud hynny, hefyd! So here is the challenge: take ‘taking up’ seriously! God knows how much Felly dyma’r her: beth am ystyried ‘gwneud rhywbeth’ o we need it! ddifrif! Duw a ŵyr gymaint rydym ei angen!

www.stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk Teulu Asaph | 7 Speaking out...... the Archbishop reflects on four decades of service

The , Communion, and also one of the ‘I think the RS Thomas poem These Dr Barry Morgan has been longest serving bishops, began in very seas are baptised. The parish arguably Wales’ most the Amman Valley village of Gwaun bears a saint’s name... sums it up - in Cae Gurwen where he was born, the other words you just carry on being outspoken cleric – never eldest of three children into a mining faithful and leave the rest to God afraid to champion causes family. He attended chapel and and don’t worry unduly about things. from Welsh devolution to the an Anglican church whilst growing When the Church in Wales was ordination of women bishops. up and after studying history at disestablished back 1920 it was in university, entered training for dire straits financially and we didn’t In an interview with the ordained ministry in Cambridge. know whether we would survive and Diocese of Llandaff magazine, yet the money came in and things Croeso, on the eve of flourished and the Church in Wales carried on existing. The his retirement after 14 important thing is that there years at the helm of the is still a church presence in Church in Wales, he every community and I am reflects on the changes humbled by the sheer faith he has witnessed over and goodness of so many people.’ the past four decades. Controversy Then and Now Dr Morgan at his inauguration as Archbishop of Wales As Bishop and Archbishop, ‘When I went to theological Dr Morgan never shied away college it was an all-male By now he had married his childhood from controversy – whether it theological college and I am still sweetheart Hilary and after was nuclear weapons, the presumed astonished that I didn’t think in the ordination, he served his curacy in consent system for organ donation, 1960s that it was strange to be in Dinas Powys. the rights of gay people or the plight an institution where no women were of refugees that was being debated. ordained for ministry. Teaching posts followed in South ‘All the issues and causes have all Wales and then North Wales before mattered at the time – I certainly did ‘Over the years I think that the a return to parish ministry. In 1992 not see it in terms of ticking boxes Church in Wales has become a more Dr Morgan’s election as Bishop but rather of trying to lend support open church. The whole question of of Bangor was followed by his to a particular cause at a particular the remarriage of divorced people translation to Llandaff as Bishop in time. in church, the ordination of women 1999. to the priesthood and the election of ‘I supported those who felt that Wales’ first woman Bishop has made Future smacking children was wrong it a more inclusive church and I think and now I notice that the Welsh it has become a more relaxed church ‘Even though I know that some government has pledged that it – a less stiff church.’ people are pessimistic about the is going to introduce legislation future of the church - at the end of prohibiting that. We would not dream Beginnings the day it’s not my church, it’s not of smacking another adult so why the Church in Wales’ church, it’s should we think smacking children is The journey into ministry for Dr God’s church and throughout its acceptable?’ Morgan, who is the longest serving history there have been what I call archbishop in the worldwide Anglican ebbs and flows.

8 | Teulu Asaph Devolution Family

‘I felt very strongly about devolution The Archbishop now faces a as someone born and brought up in retirement without the love and Wales and who had studied history companionship of Hilary who sadly that Wales had had a raw deal over died from cancer in January 2016. the centuries and that it deserved He admitted it was going to be a very a degree of self government and a different retirement than the one that greater degree of self government he had hoped for and paid tribute to than it has and when you voice views Hilary for her support over the years. like that you are bound to get into ‘I could never have done many of the Archbishop Barry with his wife, Hilary trouble! things without her help and support and love, and I miss her terribly.’ But that has never particularly ‘I don’t think I am going to do very worried me or caused me sleepless Although he is looking forward to much at all – my life has been full nights – it used to cause Hilary spending more time with his three of doing and I’m looking forward sleepless nights because she always grandchildren and perhaps getting in to having a rest and not having to worried more about the family than a few more rounds of golf, Dr Morgan respond to requests for comments about herself.’ is aiming for a restful retirement. and interviews!’

Recollections of Archbishop Barry in Wrexham: 1984 - 1986

Doreen Boycott, from St to be addressed, and it was decided a wooden Giles Church, remembers that those ‘displaced’ should of screen Archbishop Barry’s days as course be made welcome by the earlier Rector of Wrexham: remaining churches. The Parish presented Church had always had members by the from a wide area, and as a further regiment to the Church. Plans The 1980s marked a time of change. symbol of unity the nearby church were made to store the distinguished Declining numbers of worshippers of St Michael’s was re-named All East window from the demolished and the re-distribution of centres Saints’. church of St John the Baptist for a of population in towns like future move. Wrexham meant that urgent decisions had to be taken. Certainly, a period of change, In the case of Wrexham, the but throughout the Rector Rector was expected to tackle maintained his amiability and this problem. his care for his parishioners as well as the resolve to carry out As well St Giles’, there were what was deemed possible several smaller churches spread at the time. It caused ‘a bit of around the area, some of which a stir’ then. In January 2012, had sparse congregations. when the now Archbishop Barry Some of the church buildings Archbishop Barry visiting St Giles Church in Wrexham was invited back to dedicate too were in a dangerous, in 2012 a very much more drastic precarious state. Public re-ordering of St Giles, during meetings were held, experts invited St Giles’ itself underwent its first re- the sermon he did allow himself to to present their views on how to ordering for many years. The Sunday include a wry comment comparing proceed, and there was consultation School was reinstated. A nave altar the constraints imposed during his at every stage. was to be installed. The Royal Welsh time with the relative permissiveness Fusiliers Chapel, formerly under the of the present. His sense of humour Ultimately there were closures plus Tower, was relocated to the North was intact! an unavoidable demolition. Naturally, Aisle, with its entrance marked by sensibilities of all worshippers had www.stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk Teulu Asaph | 9 Spiritual Direction…. an opportunity for growth

Spiritual direction, or as director ( or companion ) meet in in the diocese, but no reports are some would prefer, spiritual some place agreeable to both and made to anyone about private companionship, is as old as talk about the person’s spiritual life, discussions or even whom we meet. the hills - Jewish spiritual and how it might be improved. The Absolute discretion is key. direction was A text that I think sums up practised in Old spiritual direction is Heb Testament times. 18:8 ‘They confessed that As John Foxlee, they were strangers and convenor of the St pilgrims in the land.’ In our Asaph College of context it acknowledges Spiritual Directors that we are wandering in the explains, this tradition world seeking our path to God. A spiritual director or offers plenty of companion acts as a guide opportunity for to point out the right course, spiritual growth: or accompanies us part of our way: a sister or brother We get a glimpse of in Christ who gently shows mediaeval spiritual direction in the director draws upon experience and the way and prays we will both arrive ministry of Julian of Norwich (c.1342 training to suggest things that could safely in the kingdom of God. - c.1416.) She was an anchoress, be done, be it prayer, changing leading a life of solitude and devotion attitudes or some physical action. living in a cell attached to the Church I have met people in this way for of St. Julian in Norwich. People several years, and always find that Find out more…. would come to stand at the outside there is a reciprocal spirituality, that open window of the cell and receive the person has been through some John Foxlee is the convenor advice from her on the conduct of experience that I have not, or has of the St Asaph College of their lives. The cell, which may still come to a realisation of the divine that Spiritual Directors and a be visited, was close to the Lollards is new to me, so that I also learn from Reader in the Mold Mission Pit, where supposed heretics of that them. Area. If you would like to persuasion were burned alive. Julian know more about spiritual and her visitors would have been There is no coercion, and if either direction, members of the able to hear the cries of the dying and party wants to break off the contact College have compiled a book smell the smoke, a positioning which there are no recriminations. list, including authors and might have been deliberate to remind The St Asaph College of Spiritual titles from ancient to modern them both that the eternal fires of hell Direction is part of the diocesan times. If you feel you would awaited those who fell into sin. structure and our patron is Bishop like to meet a spiritual director Spiritual direction these days is done Gregory who supports the work or have the book list, please in greater comfort and without the of and takes a keen interest in the contact: johnfoxlee@outlook. chastening reminder. The person College. We are in close contact with com / 01352 810677. seeking advice and the spiritual the spirituality and training functions

10 | Teulu Asaph I want to be a…. Pastor/ Lay Chaplain

In our series looking at How do I become a Why I’m licensed and commissioned lay ministry, the Diocesan Pastor? becoming Training Officer, Richard Mission Areas should discern the a Pastor and Lay Chaplain Hainsworth explains the role need for Pastors as part of their Ken Massey (above), is training to of Pastor or Lay Chaplain. shared ministry teams, and may be a Pastor and Lay Chaplain in the find the Living and Learning course Mold Mission Area, looking after the What is a Pastor? valuable in doing so. pastoral needs of Northop, Northop Hall and Sychdyn. He is Chaplain to Pastors are specialist pastoral If a person feels called to pastoral Coleg Cambria, Northop and Glyndwr ministers, licensed by the Bishop to ministry, and has the support of their University, Northop and visits people serve as part of the shared ministry Mission Area, local church clergy from his local community in need team in the Diocese, usually rooted in then refer potential candidates via of pastoral care in their homes or in a Mission Area. the Diocesan Office and they will hospital. Ken spent his working life as be given a Vocations Advisor. This a maintenance electrician and started person will support the candidate in What is a Lay Chaplain? his pastoral ministry with the church, reflection until they are ready for their two and a half years ago. Before that When the Pastor is connected with discernment boards. he was a Worship Leader and Pastoral an external body such as a college Assistant. ‘I don’t have a gift or desire or hospice or prison they are usually What sort of training is to preach,’ said Ken, ‘So have no known as a Lay Chaplain. involved? vocation to be a Priest or Reader. Being a Pastor makes best use of my What sort of work do Once recommended for training, skills and calling.’ they do? candidates will study through the St Padarn’s Institute, typically for two Pastors may be involved, as years. Their pastoral ministry would Find out more…. Pastoral Assistants are, in baptism begin well within this time however. Those exploring whether this and wedding preparation, in taking The course involves academic study, ministry is for them are communion to nursing homes or the usually through Exploring Faith: welcome to join Exploring Faith housebound, visiting in time of need Theology for Life up to Certificate at the beginning of, or during, or in having a ministry of listening level. their vocational journey. and/or prayer. Pastors might oversee See the guide: Ministry and co-ordinate the work of Pastoral Students will also have a Formational Roles, Formation and Assistants and will work as colleagues Cell to reflect with and are expected Training in the Diocese of of clergy in pastoral care. Pastors to have a Spiritual Director as well St Asaph available from the may also help lead the Church in as joining the Ministry Team of their Diocesan Office and Website finding new expressions of pastoral Mission Area and working with the Contact the Training Officer : ministry in the community. clergy there to gain experience. Revd Dr Richard Hainsworth With additional training, Pastors can On completion of training, Pastors on 01352 840842 or be licensed to conduct funerals. are licensed by the Bishop at a public service. [email protected] www.stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk Teulu Asaph | 11 Your Mission Area Questions Answered…. How will the role of church wardens change?

In Teulu Asaph we’re Mission Area Wardens answering some of your questions relating to the Your two Mission Area Wardens move from parish to Mission essentially have the responsibilities Areas. In this edition, the described for them in the Archdeacon of Montgomery, Constitution and will need to work closely with the Mission Peter Pike, looks at the role Area Leader and Mission Area of church wardens and how Executive. They may, but need not responsibilities might change Church wardens for the churches in necessarily, be Lay Co-Chairs of Gronant and Llanasa with the creation of Mission the Mission Area Conference. In Area Wardens. some senses, they will have similar In keeping with the principle in the responsibilities to churchwardens Constitution, one of your Sub- The office of churchwarden, whether previously but with an enlivened Wardens will be chosen by the to serve your mission area or an care for and commitment to what Priest who is ‘rooted in your area’, individual church within it, is firstly the Mission Area seeks to do by and the other elected to office, a calling, requiring a prayerful and way of sharing the love of Christ by those who are of the particular positive response. None of us is able with all. community in question, at your to fulfil what new roles the church Mission Area Annual Meeting or may be asking of us without being One of these Wardens will be at the first meeting of your Church aware of our weakness and the chosen by the Mission Area Leader, Committee. goodness and grace of God. and one elected to office at the Mission Area Annual Meeting. Whatever the role, each offers him or herself for the building up of the Sub-Wardens body of Christ and for the sake of the world. The ‘Sub-Wardens’ – two for each church within a Mission Area – will have as their first concern the Find out more…. community which they represent. Peter They will therefore not have the Pike runs Church wardens at All Saints Church, legal responsibilities relating to training Ffynnongroyw administration, but will nevertheless sessions be key people in trying to ensure Churchwardens, as our Church in for Church that what is being tried across the Wales Constitution reminds us, are Wardens Mission Area can relate to the very involved in ‘representing, consulting and you can find details in local, and that what is good and and co-operating, promoting peace the Training Prospectus: rooted in the local is encouraged and unity amongst the parishioners http://stasaph.churchinwales. to flourish with appropriate and encouraging all in the practice org.uk/life/steering-groups/ assistance from across the Mission of true religion’. I think that last training/ Area. At the same time, the Sub- phrase means having a lively trust in Wardens should motivate the local the compassionate mercy of God in If you have a question about congregation to support activities Christ, and a desire that such love Mission Areas, please in the wider Mission Area, even be known everywhere. Like all of us, email it to karenmaurice@ when these may not affect their you will need daily renewing in that churchinwales.org.uk community. trust and desire.

12 | Teulu Asaph Engaging in the changing scene of Religious Education

The St Giles’ Religious run these activities for groups of up Near the Royal Welsh Fusiliers’ Education and Faith to 60 children and they have been Altar we made a garden space and Development Centre in hugely successful. planted poppy seeds and made a Wrexham (RE and FD Centre) collage of poppy flower pictures to remember people who have shown is an imaginative project, What happens in the great love for others. funded by the Wrexham workshops? Parochial Educational In the aisle the church uses for Each workshop is unique but the Foundation. It’s hospitality we talked about stories general pattern is five activities, run by Libby Jones shared in a sitting room and each of which run for around and the Revd Mary about caring for others. We sorted fifteen minutes. When matching shopping items from bags Stallard, we ran Houses and into two piles, one to keep and one who provide Homes at St Giles we to give to the food bank. RE support introduced the children to the idea that our and advice At every ‘station’ around the church church is a ‘house of to Wrexham each activity ended with a candle prayer’. Borough Council being lit and a short prayer. The and offer educational children left the workshops with and faith development By the font a volunteer church a bookmark saying: ‘St Giles is member with a teaching through the church and a house of prayer, a home for all background described this area local community. The God’s people.’ We are able to offer as being like the bathroom – schools that attend details of the Revd Mary Stallard a place for a holy wash. She lesson plans, learning objectives and explains how, in addition talked about belonging and success criteria which enable them to providing the statutory joining, and the children took part to take part in these activities. support which all schools in baptising a teddy. need, they also develop projects that schools and We shared a picnic of bread sticks churches can access and, if and grape juice by the altar and Find out more…. talked about this being like the they wish, run themselves. dining room. We discussed meals If you would like to know that we like and the people we eat We have developed several series of more about the St Giles with and heard the story of Jesus’ workshops for some of the youngest Centre for Religious last supper with his friends. pupils at schools on themes such Education and Faith as Houses and Homes, Journeys, Development, contact People who Help Us and A Day in In the chancel we had a quiet prayer Mary Stallard (left): the Life of a Monk or Nun. These space. The children took off their faithdevwxm@ have made use of skilled volunteers shoes and practised being still and gmail. to create activities, based around the very quiet. They were led in a guided com seven areas of learning that belong meditation about going in a magic to the Foundation Phase. We have rocket. www.stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk Teulu Asaph | 13 Schools / Ysgolion

Christmas Card Competition Winners

A ten-year-old girl from Hawarden into a Christmas card which the Village Church School has won Bishop sent to family, friends and the Bishop of St colleagues around Asaph’s annual the world. Christmas card For the first time competition. Sinead this year, a second O’Mahoney thrilled winner was selected the judges with from the same her atmospheric school. Imogen painting of the Reid’s colourful Competition winners (Imogen, Sinead and manger looked over pencil drawing of Lucy) with St Nicholas and Bishop Gregory by Mary and Joseph. St Asaph Cathedral Her design was one of more than was made into a Christmas Card for presentation by the second prize 1,000 entries from Church Schools use by the Cathedral. Both Sinead winner, Lucy Ford from St Mary’s across the Diocese and was turned and Imogen were joined at the VA School in Ruabon

Resources / Adnoddau

Sharing the good news through film

Bitesized films for ministry is a new trending topics. Some have a resource developed by the Christian seasonal emphasis. Others feature online book company ‘10ofThose’. someone’s life-story. All of them The films have been produced by however, are to share the good Dan Rackman, who is creating news of Jesus and how he makes a hub of videos that are free to sense of our world and brings hope download and share with the aim of to our lives. By making the videos getting people talking about Jesus. bitesize and engaging we hope they Churches can download any of the can be shared and watched really videos for free to use as part of their Dan said: ‘Some of our videos easily.’ You can find Dan’s films at services or to share on line. are linked to current events or http://gochattervideos.com/

Talk about something meaningful

The Happiness wellbeing. Over four sessions, It is suitable for Clergy and Lay Course was participants reflect on how Leaders. The Happiness Course developed by success, relationships and a sense leaders’ training day takes place Livability to of purpose can contribute to their on 24 February in Liverpool. For help churches happiness. This one day training info visit https://www.eventbrite. engage event will equip you with the co.uk/e/the-happiness-course- with their theological understanding, course leaders-training-day-liverpool- community by exploring the knowledge and practical skills tickets-30485737662 or contact meaning of happiness and you will need to run the course. [email protected].

14 | Teulu Asaph Your News / Eich Newyddion Chi

Guilsfield’s Centenary A retired teacher and worshipper at before moving to nearby Llandrinio. St Aelhaiarn’s Church, Guilsfield has The middle of three girls, Kath’s celebrated her 100th birthday with elder sister Mair died 16 years ago in a party, a telegram from the Queen her mid 80s, but younger sister Gwen and, appropriately enough, nearly Edwards, who is 94 and lives nearby, 100 cards. organised a party for 40 guests in Kathleen Pickstock was born on Guilsfield, where Kath has lived for November 13 1916, the first day of the the past 21 years. A collection raised Battle of Ancre, the final large British £500 for the Air Ambulance. attack of the Battle of the Somme. Church has played a big part in organist at Llandrinio, Gwen attends Her parents, Emphraim and Mary, the family’s life – Emphraim was a Llandysilio and Kath worships at St farmed at Arddleen, near Welshpool church warden for 35 years, Mair was Aelhaiarn’s Church, Guilsfield.

Sowing seeds in Vyrnwy Rough Sleeping During Advent and Christmas 2016 the predominantly to children and young people of Vyrnwy Mission Area (VMA) people, or those on the fringes of the focused on prayer and preparing local church communities ourselves to share the good news of We continue to nurture these seeds God with others – doing some seed- with prayer and on-going contact, sowing in the communities we serve and look forward to seeing them and pray for; sowing seeds that we grow. hope we can nurture in co-operation with God. The Vicar of Meifod has raised more • The Revd Emma Rees (right) led than £1,000 for a homeless charity a Pyjama and Christmas jumper Pop- after spending the night sleeping up Nativity service on Christmas Eve rough in her church. The Revd Jane and a Carol Service for the local Leg James, her husband, Nick and Roy Club in Llansantffraid. Jones, the church treasurer slept on • St Myllin’s Church hosted the cardboard in sleeping bags inside Mencap Cymru/ the church, where the temperature is Motivate Llanfyllin always far colder than outside! The Carol Service (below) idea came to Jane after visiting family • Members of the in Birmingham and being disturbed VMA distributed 300 by the number of homeless people on copies of The Well- the streets. Good Meaning of Jane said: “It was an interesting Christmas (published and painful experience reminding us by the Bible Society) of the plight of so many who have no home. Over Christmas our sleeping bags and cardboard were left in church amidst the decorations as a reminder of those who would not have a happy Christmas. “The response from our community was overwhelming with over £1,000 raised for Sifa Fireside, a charity in Birmingham, working with Shelter and local social services to provide For more News visit http://stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk/news/ hot meals, a place to shower, clothes teuluasaph/teulu-asaph-extra-bits/ and help to get people off the streets and back into work and society. www.stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk Teulu Asaph | 15 Celebrating and giving thanks

More than 150 people God’s call to serve Him as Priests in In our own Diocese, special thanks to gathered at St Asaph His Church. the late Archbishop Alwyn, who never Cathedral to celebrate 20 faltered in his support of us and to years since the first women That same spirit was with us in our his successors Bishop John and now service of celebration. It was all I Bishop Gregory. were made priests in the hoped it would be and left me with a Church in Wales. Canon deep sense of gratitude Thank you to our male Valerie Jones (above), who as and humility as well colleagues who have Deacon in charge of the three as hope for the future. been with us through the Parishes of the Ceiriog Valley Thank you to everyone bad times as well as the was among those ordained in who organized the good. Their friendship January 1997, reflects on the service, coordinated and support is valued celebratory service. arrangements, and beyond measure. Finally wrote the liturgy and thank you to the host of to Bishop Rachel, the lay people who have often The picture on the Bishop of Gloucester walked that extra mile front cover of the Bishop Rachel, the Bishop who preached and with us in our ministry. December Teulu of Gloucester presided. Asaph, of those of us This huge change in the life and who were ordained on In January 1997, we were a mixed tradition of our Church during the past 11 January 1997, (and ‘bunch’ of women, but what a wealth twenty years has not been without there were more of us of life’s experiences we could bring to pain. I know there are some who still who were ordained on the work which lay ahead. Yes, our cannot accept us as Priests. With 12 January) captures journey to the priestly ministry was God’s help and through our prayers for me the true long, and sometimes hard, but we did and mutual respect, I hope that this spirit of that not journey alone, and it is grateful will be rectified. occasion: thanks that I offer to all those who Joy and made it possible. Twenty years is but a fraction of gratitude a moment in history, and I feel so that at last First to the Church in Wales who privileged to be part of it. We now the burden took such a courageous step twenty look forward to the ministry of of waiting years ago; to the Bench of Bishops the first woman Bishop, was over, who had met with the women Joanna Pemberthy. and we Deacons regularly, who had listened were free to us and who eventually were of Thanks be to God. to answer one mind that yes, our calling was genuine. Meriel Rice Jones, widow of Archbishop Alwyn, cutting the cake after the service