YR EGLWYS YNG NGHYMRU | THE Easter 2016 Leap of faith New approach to ministry in education

Inside Help us solve the mystery

Putting passion into Easter Value of the written word My Dear Friends, of the diocese might help another part one in Christ. No matter what our As you can with some of the issues it faces and it differences or diversities, there is more see, Croeso has makes us all realise that the Church of that unites us than divides us. In spite undergone a total God is bigger than the sum of its parts. of differences of viewpoints within the transformation. It Both those things have been brought Anglican Communion about all kinds of had existed in its home to me in a striking way since the issues, church partnerships, links and old form since death of my wife, Hilary, on 15th January visits continue, because a relationship its inception in 2016. First, the number of letters and with God, and with those who profess September 1999. cards I have received from the diocese faith in Him, are far more important It was initially and beyond has been overwhelming. than anything else. Communication produced to Perhaps it is because people realise and relationships abide whereas welcome me to the that I am not that savvy about social divisions and differences are ephemeral diocese as a one-off but was so well media. I suspect, however, that when and transient. The fact is that links received that it became our regular people want to express what they really between very diverse dioceses across newspaper. Before that, there just used feel, there is no substitute for the written the globe have continued in recent to be a quarterly newsletter from the word. years, even though the views they may bishop’s office. You might think that Thank you to all who have written hold on doctrinal and ethical issues are with the advent of Ipads, Twitter and so movingly. The number has been poles apart. In other words, lines of Facebook, there would no longer be so great (almost a thousand letters communication have continued to be the need for a diocesan paper of this and cards) that I cannot possibly reply kept open and that is a sign of grace and kind. Yet whilst national newspaper to each one without devoting the next the realisation that in the end, whatever sales continue to fall, local newspaper month solely to the task, so I hope you our differences, we are all made in the circulation is on the increase. In other will forgive me and accept this as a way image of God. words, people still value the written of thanking you for taking the trouble to word about local events and happenings write. I have been deeply touched by Yours in that same love which is why Croeso has been re- your care and concern. vamped. It is the diocesan newspaper Secondly, I have realised afresh where your contributions are welcomed that the Church of God is a church and valued. What happens in one part that is already united because we are

ByRefugee Revd Chris Reaney, WorldCrisis Mission Officer – what we are doing

More and more people are asking what Council, and initiatives such as the can we do to help as the horror of war Trinity Centre in Cardiff. continues in Syria. Twelve million people • Through a partnership with Citizens are internally displaced and four million Cymru and with local authorities the people are displaced globally migrating to Church in Wales is offering vacant Turkey, Jordan and beyond. properties to house refugees from Sadly, national attitudes grow harsher Syria. One family is already being towards refugees at a time where the housed in a diocesan property. “jungle” camp in Calais is ever expanding • Parishes and individuals are We ask that you not only continue with new migrants arriving daily. However, supporting appeals by Christian to support these initiatives, but also to the Diocese of Llandaff is involved in the Aid and the Diocese of Europe hold all those affected by conflict in your following: (via the United Society (USPG)) prayers. Please pray for justice, comfort, • Through our membership of Cytûn, www.weareUs.org.uk/europe to strength and for all those who suffer to refugees and asylum-seekers are aid refugees in Greece through know the love of God. being supported by partnerships supporting the relief work of the including that with the Welsh Refugee Greek Orthodox Church.

A volunteer or a small team of volunteers and are looking for a volunteer or a small is needed to help us get Croeso out more team to deliver bundles of Croeso directly quickly to the parishes. to each deanery in the diocese. Mileage Your Croeso We hope that you like your new-look expenses will be paid. diocesan magazine and now we want to Anyone interested should contact the needs you make sure that it reaches you as quickly editor Alison Young on alisonyoung@ as possible each quarter. churchinwales.org.uk or call 01656 But to do that we need some help 868865.

2 | CROESO Easter 2016 NEWS

Value of the written word National Assembly for Wales Assembly for National

Exercise your power to change society – Archbishop urges The Archbishop of Wales has urged people to vote in the National Assembly elections and exercise their power to change society.

Dr has also called on Wales in which two key issues of housing event, as most other organisations which churches to hold debates between those and rural poverty are highlighted. Housing arrange hustings have a political agenda. standing for election in their communities support worker Laura Major who struggles “Hustings are usually arranged by staging hustings ahead of the May 5 to find shelter for the homeless people in ecumenically within a constituency, as elections. Cardiff is featured in one of the films. She this maximises impact, publicity and He said, “Our right to vote is not describes the issues she faces in her day- attendance – and means that candidates something we should take for granted. to-day work and then puts her questions don’t become fed up with attending too It was a hard-won right, and one which about them to candidates for each of the many similar events! It’s not too late to get millions of people in the world still don’t four main parties standing for election – together with others to organise hustings in enjoy. By voting and being active in politics Labour, Conservatives, Liberal Democrats your own constituency.” we exercise our power to change society. and Plaid Cymru. The Revd Jan Gould “Churches can play a key role in Gethin Rhys, Cytûn’s who will be hosting encouraging people to vote and take an National Assembly Policy “Churches can hustings again at the active interest in politics. Hustings give us Officer, says, “The new Church of Resurrection the chance to scrutinise those who seek to website gives guidance play a key role in in Ely said she believed it represent us, those whose names will be on the legal and practical was very important that on our ballot papers, and to hold them to aspects of arranging encouraging people people had the chance to account.” hustings while the films to vote and take an hear all the candidates. A package of online resources to help are ideal as discussion “It’s a really good churches engage with the elections and starters in groups or even active interest in opportunity to hear from encourage people in their communities in worship. There are your local representative to take part has been put together by also briefing papers on politics” about their position on Cytun, the Churches Together in Wales seven key election topics, local issues affecting organisation. The dedicated website including questions which your community. At includes guidance and advice for can be put to candidates at hustings or on our last hustings we asked people to organising hustings, a register for events the doorstep. submit questions in advance and then they are organising and briefing papers on “Churches have a long tradition of supplementary questions were added on key policy areas. encouraging democratic engagement by the night. It also includes two specially made their members and by the wider parish. “Hustings aren’t difficult to arrange – we election films put together by churches in This especially involves arranging had a great turn out last year and it was a hustings so that each of the really good night which is why we are doing candidates in a constituency, region it again.” or police force area can come All the information can be found along, set out their case and on the website at www.cytun.org.uk/ answer questions in a politically elections2016. Further help and support is neutral venue. Churches are available from Gethin Rhys gethin@cytun. ideal hosts for such an impartial org.uk or 029 2046 4204.

CROESO Easter 2016 | 3 NEWS

Could you help solve a mystery that goes back to the World War One ? Parishioners from a Vale parish believe Mrs Prince added that the village that the organ in their village church “would love to know more” about the was made from parts of a World War organ’s construction. “We were just One plane – but they have no idea how delighted because the organ is there to they got there. remember the lost of World War One. The instrument was donated to St To think the organ is partly made from a Curig’s Church in Porthkerry, in 1920 as World War One plane is just amazing.” a memorial for local soldiers who died Worshippers at the 13th Century in the conflict and during recent repairs church believe the plane came from a a Royal Flying Corps (RFC) insignia was nearby airfield, but records show no discovered inside. airport was built in the town until 1942. Although very excited by the discovery, The only military airfields in Wales in the parishioners are completely stumped 1920s were set up 100 miles away in about how recycled parts from a fallen Pembrokeshire and 200 miles away on biplane found their way into their church Anglesey. organ. The Royal Flying Corps was the The discovery was made by carpenters airborne arm of the British Army from working on the renovation who unearthed 1912-18, before it merged with the Royal timber, complete with red, white and blue Naval Air Service to create the Royal Air circles of the RAF symbol, which appears Force. to be from a section of wing which had been used as an internal slat. One theory is that the wood could have come from a plane that may have crashed during World War One but there are no records of any plane crashes in the area in the years leading up to the donation. The Revd Melanie Prince said: “We were very excited about our discovery. When the organ was opened up, one of the target roundels that you find on RAF Wales News Service planes was found.”

Looking for Nina Do you recognise this book or do you book has gone back know the family of Nina Davis who was to its ‘rightful’ owner, awarded it as a Sunday School prize from “said Mr Smith, who St Dyfrig’s Church, Cardiff at Christmas lives in Kent. 1904? “It is in fabulous Edie’s Disobedience by Winifred condition for a book Fenn was recently unearthed in a house which is now 112 clearance in North Kent by Mr Alan Smith years old! The note who is hoping to trace Nina’s family. in the cover gives it Tucked inside the front cover is a notice a real history and I explaining that the book was a prize from would be more than St Dyfrig’s Sunday School and awarded happy to pass it onto to Nina Davis of class VI at Christmas Nina’s relatives free 1904. The teacher was Miss Frances and of charge.” closed in the 1960s and demolished in the vicar was the Revd Hector A. Coe. St Dyfrig’s Church, was built in the Arts 1969. “I recently acquired some old books and Craft style and constructed in two Anyone with information about the book after a house clearance and this was one stages between 1888 and 1904. It stood can contact Mr Smith through Alison Young which stood out. I would love to know the on the corner of Wood Street before being at [email protected]

Parishes are invited to Llandaff “All parishes are invited to the Chrism Cathedral on Maundy Thursday, March Eucharist at the Cathedral. It would be Open invite to 24, at 11am as clergy attend to renew good to see you, “ said the Archbishop. all parishes their vows. 4 | CROESO Easter 2016 NEWS Media Wales Ltd

Memorial planned for vicar and Labour activist A memorial to a much loved former Cardiff vicar is planned for the church where he served for more than 30 years.

The late Revd Bob Morgan, who was vicar politics - he had a weekly column which heating bills as only the Lady Chapel will of the Church of Resurrection, Ely, for ran in the South Wales Echo. need to be heated for midweek services three decades and also leader of South Parish priest the Revd Jan Gould once the space is enclosed, whereas the Glamorgan County Council for more than said, “Many people in the Diocese will whole church has to be heated at present. 20 of these years, is to have a lasting remember the late Revd Bob Morgan. He “As befitting a Lady Chapel the screen memorial erected in his name. was renowned as a Labour activist and at will have the words of The Magnificat Taking the form of a glass screen election campaign times could be seen written across the glass. This screen is the memorial will completely separate canvassing around the parish wearing a project that Mr Morgan had wanted to the Lady Chapel from his cassock with a undertake himself but never got around the main body of the red rosette showing to, so it is seen as a fitting memorial to church. It will create a “Many people in Ely prominently. him.” quiet space for prayer “Many people in The appeal to raise funds for the work, and also a space where still refer to him as “A Ely still refer to him which it is estimated will cost around parents and toddlers as “A Legend”, and £23,000 is underway, and if anybody in can meet during Sunday Legend”, and love telling love telling stories the diocese who remembers Mr Morgan worship while still being of the things he did would like to contribute, any donations able to hear the service. stories of the things he around the parish for will be gratefully received. Mr Morgan who died did around the parish the people of Ely. But When the work is finished there will four years ago, aged as the leader of the be a book which will list all the donors, 83, had spent nearly for the people of Ely” Council the impact as well as including memories of Mr all of his ministry at the of his work reached Morgan that people send in. Donations Church of Resurrection. much further than the and/or memories can be sent to Mr His former parishioners decided that parish boundary, and that was all too Gareth Glover, 6 Rhiwderyn Close, Cardiff they wanted to erect a memorial in his plain to see at his memorial service in CF5 4TR (cheques payable to “Parish of memory in recognition of the work that he the Church of the Resurrection after he Glanely” and envelopes clearly marked had carried out in the area over so many passed away. All the great and the good “Memorial Screen Appeal). years. In his early years he raised £10,000 of Welsh Politics were there as well as a Mr Morgan’s daughter the former MEP, to repair the church and put its finances in wide range of community representatives Baroness Eluned Morgan, is married to good order. from the parish and beyond. the Revd Dr Rhys Jenkins and his son Later on – whilst also involved in local “The proposed screen will save on David is a church warden in Canton.

CROESO Easter 2016 | 5 NEWS

Messing around in the Vale Members of three different churches in a Vale village have joined together to launch a new Messy Church.

The ecumenical venture between to the next one. It’s a small village with a different denominations to work together Anglicans, Baptists and Roman Catholics lot of young families and it makes sense to in their communities.” in Peterston-super-Ely shows how the work together,” said diocesan lay training Peterston/Ely Messy Church will meet churches of St Peter’s, Croes-y-Parc officer and one of the co-ordinators Mrs once every half term on a Thursday after Baptist and St Francis Roman Catholic Julie Davies. school. Church, Ely are working together as part of Canon Martyn Davies, Pastor Tom For more information please contact the Church in Wales’ 2020 Vision strategy Pridham and Deacon John Mullin who Canon Davies - [email protected] 01446 for growth. work together on many ecumenical 760498 Messy Church, which is projects were also delighted with its growing in popularity success and believe Messy Church will throughout the diocese, be a valuable new ministry tool in reaching Messy Church Meet Up (for teams centres around adults and out to children and young families in the to share ideas): children gathering together area. to do arts and crafts, enjoy Canon Davies said, “It’s really Tuesday, April 19, 7pm to 9pm, St a short story, song or important for the children and their families Peter and St Paul’s Church, Cimla, prayer and then share to see us working together as Christians in Neath – focus on storytelling with a meal. the community. Messy Church provides storyteller Martyn Payne. Around 35 adults us with a fun way of witnessing and and children met sharing the Gospel message with people Wednesday, May 11, 7pm to 9pm, together in the of all ages. It is great to see the children St Catherine’s Church, Pontypridd. community hall for learning about their faith in such a fun and the first Messy Church messy environment!” To book call Briony Davies on 01656 in Peterston super Ely. Mrs Lesley Cox, the Regional Co- 868868 or email brionydavies@ With Advent as their ordinator for Messy Church and Children’s churchinwales.org.uk theme, they enjoyed Adviser to the Diocese said, “We have a making wrapping paper, sheep number of Messy Churches in the diocese and travelling Mary biscuits. which operate on an ecumenical basis. I “Our first Messy Church was a think that this is really positive and exciting. lot of fun and everyone is looking forward It certainly makes sense for Christians of

6 | CROESO Easter 2016 NEWS

Schools are putting some Passion into Easter Easter eggs are part of the fun and excitement of the end of term, as children in schools across Wales learn about Easter customs and traditions.

Yet for many schools, Holy Week will branches in the school hall, remembering He also has one final tip for anyone working give an opportunity to think more deeply Jesus coming into Jerusalem. Older with children in Holy Week, “I always about the events that sit at the heart of the children will then re-enact the Last Supper tell the children that Easter eggs have to Christian story. and make the journey to the Garden of be smashed open with a loud shout of At Pendoylan Church in Wales Gethsemane. Finally, Jesus will ‘Alleluia, Jesus is risen!’, because if you do Primary School in the Vale carry his cross to the church that, the chocolate contains no calories at of Glamorgan, the children where the school will join with all...and this always seems to go down well have been on a journey to parents and parishioners to with their mums and dads as well!” Messing around in the Vale Easter that began on Ash remember the Crucifixion Croeso asked some pupils: “Why have Wednesday, when the whole and the Resurrection…with you got that cross on your forehead?” school gathered in the local a few special effects to Here’s what they said. church for the traditional make it memorable for the Cadan Rees, 11, “If you have done bad service of ‘Ashing’. Canon children! things in the past then you can say sorry Edwin Counsell is the As for the actors, there’s and people that you have done the bad Director of Education for our great anticipation about who things to may forgive you.” diocese and also one of the will play the leading roles. Neve Riddick, 11, “The cross is for Ash clergy looking after the parishes Joanne Knill-Jones teaches Wednesday – it’s when Jesus went into the in the East Vale. “The relationship Year 6 at Pendoylan School and desert for 40 days and 40 nights.” with the school in Pendoylan has built up she is working hard with the children in Ella Cole, 9, “It’s for Ash Wednesday over the years,” he says, “and it being a preparation. She says, “It’s getting to be like – they used to burn a little cross – it’s from church school means that the children’s the Oscars; if previous years are anything those ashes.” experiences in the church are backed up to go by, there’ll be a lot of excitement Georgia Howes, 9, “Ash is supposed by their learning in school.” when the big news is announced…who to be good for cleaning stuff – it’s good for But he sees the importance of Christian will play the part of Jesus? There are a the soul and it cleans the soul.” faith in the wider lives of the children, not few nominations in just as part of the school curriculum; “I and we’re building want the children to see faith as a part of up to the big life, rather than something that happens announcement!” in isolation,” he says, “and I want them to For Fr Edwin, the think about the issues that it raises, playing school celebration a part in the choices and decisions they of Holy Week adds make each day.” another dimension Fr Edwin also realises the impact that to everything else good experiences in school have on the going on in the children’s families. “I’m often struck by parish. “It allows the number of families who tell me that the school to be they have started thinking about issues of part of everything faith, or challenging their personal values, that Christians are because of things that their children have celebrating at this said to them.” time of year, while During Holy Week the whole school the children can find (left to right) is Cadan Rees, Ella Cole, will take part in a Passion Play, starting Jesus at the heart Georgia Howes and Neve Riddick with the younger children waving palm of the Easter story.”

CROESO Easter 2016 | 7 FEATURE

On the school run - new approach to ministry in education

It’s Ash Wednesday and the Revd Dr Mark changes they could make in their lives, and considering expanding it to other schools. Dimond is standing on a chair in front of a leave the lab relatively quietly. He sees it as an effective way of ministering class of Year 8s in a design technology lab. Mark is one of 16 clergy from two to teenagers – that increasingly elusive Not because he’s been caught napping by neighbouring Welsh dioceses who take demographic in today’s church. the teacher but because he’s pretending to it in turns, on a rota basis, to visit one of “Persuading teenagers to turn up to be Jesus on a mountain top in the desert. Cardiff’s largest secondary schools - St church on a Sunday morning has never It’s the start of Lent and Mark has set Teilo’s Church in Wales High school - every been easy, himself the challenge of getting teenagers day. They are visits which take place over particularly to think about temptation. and above the usual school assemblies now that there The chair stint succeeds in capturing and services that happen in all church are so many their attention, enabling Mark to make a schools. Whoever is on duty arrives at the competing seamless leap from a story of devils and school at 10am and stays for two hours, activities angels to practical suggestions on how chatting to pupils, leading classroom available,” Year 8s could change their ways over the worship sessions and offering pastoral says Dr Barry next 40 days. He hands out small stones counseling to those who need it. Morgan. he has painted Lent purple (with the help It’s a scheme which was set up last “Their needs, of his young daughter), each marked with March, by the dioceses of Llandaff and however, are greater than ever, with rising a white cross. Every pupil is given one, Monmouth, as St Teilo’s straddles both incidences of depression, poverty, anxiety along with a piece of paper. The dioceses. It followed a request from and self-harm. That is particularly evident giggling has stopped now the school concerned about in areas of social deprivation, such as the and heads are down, pupils’ pastoral welfare after east of Cardiff, the catchment area of St as everyone writes a major redevelopment which Teilo’s. So this scheme takes clergy into what one thing they saw it move into a state-of- school to meet teenagers where they are could do every day the-art building and expand instead. during Lent to get closer to 1,500 pupils. Now, a year “Clergy are there principally to tackle to God. As the bell on, the scheme is proving so the hurting-points, which, in a school of goes, they pocket successful that the this size, can be many. Sometimes it is their stones as Archbishop easier for pupils to talk with someone from a reminder of Wales is outside the school. Clergy offer a listening of the ear, a change of pace or an alternative perspective in an otherwise dynamic school environment. “I am delighted this scheme is up and running and has been so successful in that clergy have been willing to engage and the school has benefited. I hope it will spread in other parts of the diocese as well. The

8 | CROESO Easter 2016 church has not always been all that good them going into a classroom. at engaging with young people and this is I didn’t know whether it would one effective way of doing that.” work. But the feedback I get Headteacher of St Teilo’s, Ceri from our learners is very Weatherall, is equally enthusiastic. She positive. And I hope we describes the scheme as “wrap around have allayed clergy fears care from faith”. that children between the “On the front of the school is a huge ages of 11 and 18 haven’t curve and on the curve in massive letters got horns and tails but it says St Teilo’s Church in Wales High are young people with School,” she says. “If I had the finance I whom they can work and would light those letters up in the night so engage!” that every car passing on the A48 below us Mark Dimond, who, as recognises that this building is not only a the Archbishop’s chaplain, organizes the school but it is a faith school and it is what clergy rota, agrees that most of the clergy scheme, Mrs Weatherall it says on the tin. weren’t sure what to expect at first. suggests, is the number of pupils signed “When we moved to this new building we “When Archbishop Barry asked me last up to a “Friends of Jesus” course, set up moved into a socially deprived catchment. year to organise a team of clergy to visit by the school chaplain, a member of the Many of our children did not attend a St Teilo’s to help out with pastoral care RE department. place of worship, let alone for pupils and staff, I Father Mark’s last port of call at St an Anglican thought that it would be Teilo’s on Ash Wednesday is with three church. We hard work persuading Year 9 members of the school’s student set up a busy people to take chaplaincy team – Peter Holdstock, Oliver food bank in on an extra task,” he Smith and Matthew Tyler-Howells. The school but says. “However, it took team was set up three years ago and now there was no time at all to raise has eight members. also a very interest – clergy were “Pupils find it very helpful to see clergy, clear pastoral very positive as they to talk privately about things that are going need. were keen to engage on in our minds – things we need to talk “I didn’t with young people about,” says Matthew. “Everyone needs to want faith to be and we quickly had talk – teenagers can be less confident and something that enough volunteers to ensure that every find it difficult but it is important for us.” we forced children to respond positively day of each term we would have someone “Anything can be going on in their lives to. I wanted faith to be caught, not taught. visiting the school. that they need to talk about,” adds Peter. So with that in mind we wanted to do “Nerves were “It’s nice to think people are there something that was pro-active, to raise the inevitable, of course. who you can profile of the church that underpins and Many clergy didn’t have talk to, who will fortifies the faith message and delivers a much experience of listen to what Christian message. being put in front of 30 their story is.” “We put worship in the centre of the pupils, let alone lead “We’re morning because we value its purpose a 20-minute worship trying to make and the message it gives us as a school. session for them. For St Teilo’s more A priest arrives every day half-an-hour some of us, including of a church than before that worship slot and they leave me, it was a challenge, a school,” says half an hour after it. Their visits starts with but once you got Oliver. “Which a walkabout – just being visible, speaking the measure of your may sound a bit to children they have started to engage audience, the second visit silly but actually with and building relationships with others. was a lot easier. learning is a lot more powerful Children are on the move and say ‘hello’ “Each cleric brings something different when it is added to by faith. Without its to them and it has become a very warm to the school. Clergy might engage with Christian ethos this school would not be as relationship that’s casual, not formal, and pupils about ethical issues, introduce a positive as it is now – I’m sure of that.” is accepted by the whole school. traditional prayer format, encourage the “The priest then conducts a form class to collaborate on the design of a worship with a different year group every thematic poster, or allow time for silence day, stimulating discussion with 30 in front of a solitary candle. One cleric is learners. I had somebody yesterday tell a member of the Fellowship of Christian me –‘Wow Miss, I learnt about Lent and Magicians and literally brings his bag of I know what Lent is all about!’ which is tricks. lovely. After that worship time there is an “We talk informally, offer possible opportunity for individual learners or small options to niggling issues pupils may have, groups to see the priest, to sit, talk or just or even just play a game. It is remarkable be listened to. Relationships are slowly how you can play chess and talk at the built and fortified as a consequence.” same time! We hope in any case Mrs Weatherall admits setting up the that pupils feel a bit better about scheme was itself a leap of faith. There themselves when they leave than were the inevitable nerves on both sides. when they come in.” “At the beginning the clergy were Hard evidence of nervous and I was a bit nervous about the success of the

CROESO Easter 2016 | 9 AROUND THE DIOCESE Around the Diocese ‘The true meaning of Christmas’

A Christmas Day lunch provided for more than 70 people in Aberdare who would otherwise have been on their own was so successful that it will be held again this year. More than 90 volunteers from throughout the Cynon Valley answered a rallying call for help when St Fagan’s Church in Trecynon decided to stage a festive community meal at the community hall. Everything from food for the Christmas “It really brought the community came from all over and from beyond the meal itself to transport, gifts and together and it was great to see how it parish congregations. We are definitely decorations were donated by businesses came to fruition from just an idea. Although planning to do it again this year,” said the and individuals from throughout the local the event was hosted by the parish – the Revd Richard Green, Vicar of St Fagan’s community. volunteers who helped to make it happen Church.

Cathedral marked 75th anniversary of Cardiff blitz raid

The anniversary of a Nazi bombing raid Following the raid, of Christ in Majesty which is suspended which left 165 people dead and badly underwent a major programme of above the nave on a concrete arch. damaged Llandaff Cathedral was marked restoration and it was another 17 years The place where the bomb fell, just by a special service. before the whole building was back in outside in the grounds of the Cathedral, is Despite happening 75 years ago, use. A memorial chapel to the Welch now a garden of remembrance for those memories of the raid on the night of Regiment was constructed and Sir Jacob who have died, and is marked by a stone January 2, 1941, are still clear. The Epstein commissioned to create the figure memorial. Cathedral’s roof was torn off and extensive damage caused in what turned out to be the worst attack on any UK cathedral, apart from Coventry. While the Cathedral was almost destroyed, no one on the site was killed as the Dean and the head verger, who had been on fire duty inside it at the time, managed to escape. However, elsewhere in the city that night the blitz killed 165 people and 427 more were wounded with about 350 homes destroyed. A vigil of prayer, thanksgiving and reconciliation to mark the anniversary was

held at the Cathedral in January. Media Wales Ltd Colander worn as head protection

Dear editor, because my grandmother would not let much part of our family history and he I thought you might be interested to him go down unless he did. We still have and my grandmother are buried in the know that my grandfather Dean David the colander in the family. graveyard. I am ordained and use the John Jones was the dean who, with the His daughter, my mother, Nest Jones sick communion set that my grandfather verger, was in the Cathedral on the night was married to my father Nicholas used so the Church in Wales is in my it was bombed. We were always told Assheton in the Lady chapel being the blood although I live and minister in that grandfather was blown out through only part, I understand, that was useable Essex. a door but the poor verger was blown on May 15th 1947. With best wishes, against the lectern and was injured. I As grandfather served in the Cathedral Cecilia Hawkes might add that grandfather was wearing and at the training college, St Michaels, Area Dean of Dunmow and Stansted a colander on his head as protection for some years the Cathedral is very Deanery, Diocese of Chelmsford

10 | CROESO Easter 2016 Welcome aboard! Jesus Airlines flies children to Bethlehem

The Christmas Eve Christingle service at the specially chartered ‘Jesus Airlines’. St David’s Church in Neath has gained a Touching down back in Neath, reputation for its originality and fun. everyone agreed it really was a first class With a different child-friendly theme service! each year (previous years have included Frozen and Doctor Who) the service has become a ‘must see’ event for families in the parish. This year the congregation were transported to Bethlehem by the Rector ‘Captain’ Stephen Ryan and cabin crewmembers the Rev Lynda Newman and the Revd Sister Wendy Tayler, aboard Pilgrimage around the Travel to Taize Places are available to join this year’s Archdeacony annual pilgrimage to the ecumenical monastic community Taizé. This is open to young people aged between 17 and 29- year-olds and runs A trio of pilgrims from Llandaff Cathedral Here they met up with Fr from July 30 – August 8. enjoyed a tour of four churches in the Robert again who pointed out The pilgrimage to Taize in the Archdeaconry of Morgannwg. the many beautiful features Burgandy region of France offers a unique Their first port of call was St Michael’s, including the Lady Chapel opportunity to meet and worship with Beddau which was the newest of the with its stunning painted thousands of young Christians from all four churches visited, having been built ceiling and impressive over the world. The cost will be £200. in 1936. They were welcomed by the screen. They were shown Please contact Revd Jan Gould if Archdeacon of many treasures including interested on 029 2067 9833 or jan. Morgannwg, the ornate vestments [email protected] the Venerable housed in the Hardship grants are available – speak Christopher vestry. to Jan if you need help towards the cost. Smith, who After a light described St lunch the group Michael’s as a left Aberdare to motor on to Ystrad little ‘gem’ due Mynach where they met up again with the to its beautiful and unusually shaped Archdeacon and Canon Steven Kirk. Re-internment of stained glass windows and tower. They toured Holy Trinity and were The three Friends of Llandaff Cathedral impressed at its high quality refurbishment medieval bones - Pat Willmott, Daphne Townsend and which included the transformation of an Joyce Lloyd - journeyed on through the old storeroom into a quiet room. This room at Llantwit Major Cynon Valley to the oldest of the four called the ‘All churches, St John the Baptist in Aberdare. Saints’ Room’ Medieval human remains which were was so named uncovered during excavation work on as stained the Galilee Chapel in Llantwit Major have glass windows been re-interred in the churchyard. removed Four full skeletons and 980 mixed from the human bones were discovered during now demolished All Saints Church were preliminary excavation work on the installed into light boxes during the Chapel. The bones are believed to date revamp. back to Medieval times between the 10th After an inspiring Evensong the and 16th centuries – and include males ladies made their way home to Llandaff and females of various ages. having enjoyed a lovely welcoming day Following the service at St Illtud’s There they were welcomed by Father meeting many people from within their Church the remains were carried in Robert Davies and told how St John’s had own Diocese and touring four beautiful procession to the graveside, passing been the focal point of the village until the churches. through the Galilee Chapel, and re- rising population needed a larger church Archdeacon Christopher said, “It was interred in the churchyard at a location on in which to worship. a pleasure to be able to show the Friends the Chapel’s north side. This prompted the building of a new around the archdeaconry and to see some church called St Elvan’s which was of the incredible buildings right here in our completed in1852. own diocese.”

CROESO Easter 2016 | 11 PROFILE

Chaplain to the ‘men of steel’ Rick Hayes is chaplain to thousands of workers at the Tata Steel Hub covering Port Talbot, Trostre, Llanwern and Orb works. The job cut announcement at the start of the year threw his role of providing spiritual care and crisis counselling to the men and women who work there into the spotlight.

Here he tells us how he became chaplain Monmouth diocesan Evangelist minister and their teams in Port Talbot from all and what his role entails. and a diocesan Eucharist minister. denominations, who have come forward “Working for a large company such as I became involved in chaplaincy and set up various services, including Tata Steel gives anyone with aptitude the through leading the Remembrance providing listeners for those who are chance to progress and change careers. Service and the Workers Memorial in need due to worry and stress as well I joined the steel industry eleven years Service at Llanwern – and when the as local CAP ago in April 2005 and since then I have previous company chaplain left, I was (Christians enjoyed a varied career which has allowed asked to take on the role and was licensed Against Poverty) me to follow my faith and help others. by the Bishop of Monmouth at Tata Steel, services such as I began as an export team leader, and Llanwern in May last year. debt counselling. moved to system control before becoming We have a vast diversity of people In my role as a Manufacturing Support Facilitator, which working within Tata Steel, many faiths chaplain I go out basically means supporting management and cultures, there are Hindu, Muslim, to the men and and teams wherever there is a need. Christian to name but a few. We all have women in their I then moved to Training Coordinator, one thing in common, we are a proud workplace and which is still my day job for half the week. bunch who look out for each other. am very much The other half of the week I work as If we see a colleague in trouble we there for them chaplain for the Tata all try to help. We for their mental Steel Hub, which support the local and spiritual covers Llanwern, Orb If we see a colleague in communities close to well being. I am also on call 24/7 for works, Port Talbot “ the works and have any accidents and am the spiritual link and Trostre. trouble we all try to help. good relationships between the company and the families in Now I ask you throughout. the case of any bereavement. where else would you We support the local Those outside of In times of crisis my role as a counsellor be able to find such the industry can be comes to the fore such as with the job a wide career path communities close to forgiven for thinking losses when people need someone to turn without having to the works and have good the company is only to. I can relate to this as I have been made change companies? made up of steel redundant myself twice in the past and it Before taking relationships throughout.” workers, but the is my faith that has got me through. on the ministry as industry offers so What is happening to the steel industry chaplain, I was a much more from today is not the fault of Tata, or the union representative so I spent time engineers, steel operators and electricians employees, both are trying their hardest discussing conflicts and alike with the to sales and marketing, and at all levels to ensure there is a future for a UK steel management team. I have always tried including apprentices and graduates. industry. But the world is getting smaller, to find the middle ground between Since the recent announcement of and we are facing a worldwide economic management and the unions. redundancies at Tata in South Wales, crisis that is having an impact on many Throughout my career I have never many churches have come forward to industries around the world. hidden the fact that I am a Christian and offer help. Please would you pray for Tata Steel have a ministry outside of work. I am a I praise the Lord for the ministers and its employees.”

12 | CROESO Easter 2016 FEATURE

This wonderful opportunity enabled me to create and build links between Llanilltud Fawr and other historic Celtic communities and sites.

Huw’s pilgrimage

Dear all, monastic site in Britain was established Bretagne, where he established his As you may know the Archbishop kindly during the early part of the 5th century (yes, monastic community in the 6th century. granted me a three-month sabbatical last this makes it older than Llanilltud Fawr!) Then it was on to Landevennec, a monastic year to visit various Celtic regions and As my first month drew to a close I community established during the late 5th holy sites around the UK and abroad. fitted in trips to Bede’s World at Jarrow, the century, before continuing to the Pardon at This wonderful opportunity enabled me to ancient Roman/Celtic town of Verulamium, Loc Ildut - one of the churches in Brittany create and build links between Llanilltud St. Alban’s Cathedral and various sites in dedicated to Illtud. It was a very moving Fawr and other historic Celtic communities Kent. celebration of 50 years since the Pardon at and sites. I’ve had time to write whilst on It was across the sea to Ireland next as Loc Ildut began and our common heritage my travels, working on a study course my second month began at Glendalough, inspired by St. Illtud spanning 1,500 years. based on the theme of pilgrimage. one of the most beautiful places I have ever A pilgrimage to Chappelle Saint Here’s a round up of some of the places visited. The now ruined stone buildings tell Samson in north west corner of Brittany that I’ve been to in Wales, Northumbria, the story of a vibrant Christian community followed before I called Scotland, Ireland and Brittany. in Celtic times. Then it was on to Trinity at Pol de Leon on the way to the It all started very fittingly with our College, Dublin to be inspired by the Book ferry - the cathedral dedicated to Paul custom of a Rogation walk around the nine of Kells followed by a swift visit to the Aurelian who studied at Llanilltud Fawr and churches of the Llantwit Major Benefice, ruined 6th century site of Monasterboice. established his monastery in Brittany on which some of you may remember as Back to the UK (but still in Ireland) found this site during the 6th century. you accompanied me! The next stop was me in the city of Armagh, Ulster and at Then it was au revoir to Bretagne rather grand as I had the unexpected their rather “disappointing” Cathedral before heading homeward bound across privilege of attending a Royal Garden Party (apart from the walled gardens which were the sea for Wales at Buckingham Palace – quite a treat! beautiful spiritual spaces) before the day after travelling Perhaps the invite was as a result of improved considerably with an unplanned a total of more HRH The Prince of Wales’ visit to our visit to the wonderful Clonmachnois which than 5,000 miles Galilee Chapel at St Illtud’s Church the I discovered had many parallels with on land and sea previous year. He was certainly impressed Llanilltud Fawr. during my three- by how we had transformed the 13th The third cathedral I visited in Ireland month pilgrimage. century chapel from a roofless ruin into an was at Kilfinora, which is said to be the award-winning new visitor centre which oldest stone church in Ireland with its See you all soon, houses 1,000-year-old Celtic crosses. foundation dating back to 545AD. Then it Huw After my brush with Royalty I journeyed was St Brigid’s Well, Kildare before it was north to visit Durham Cathedral and their time to cross the Irish Sea home. “Galilee Chapel”. The cathedral dates from But my seafaring days weren’t over as 1083 but building continues with their my final month began with a day trip to fundraising LEGO cathedral - the 177,112th Flat Holm before continuing with a slightly piece being added by me! After that it longer boat trip to the Finistere region of was a short trip to Holy Island Lindisfarne Brittany. before a long haul to Whithorn in south During my stay in France I followed west Scotland, where the earliest known in the footsteps of Samson to Dol-de-

CROESO Easter 2016 | 13 COMINGS & GOINGS

Karen Kaneen is the education support officer based in the education office at Coychurch, Bridgend. She has been in post for three years and supports the work of Canon Edwin Counsell, the Diocesan Director of Education.

Q What’s the best thing about your job? Maybe a Lego session each day could A Witnessing the inspirational work that help? goes on in the Church in Wales schools. Q What’s the most unusual thing you Q What’s the worst thing about your have had to do as part of your job? job? A Bishop David and I had the opportunity A Ooh that’s tricky as I really like my job. to help Germaine Greer at Cardiff If you press me, I suppose I’m not too Station, on the way to a meeting. It was keen on typing up minutes of meetings. an interesting and surprising encounter.

Q Name one thing that you think would Q If you were a biscuit what would you help make the office/the diocese run be? better? A I think I’m a digestive biscuit. This A Some of the diocesan schools have biscuit is ok by itself, but is much been exploring learning through a Lego improved by being combined with other course called “Build to Express”. It’s things. I’m definitely a team player and a great way to express what you truly am glad to be a small part in the bigger Take Five think when you don’t quite have the picture of what happens in the office words and a very therapeutic activity. and throughout the diocese.

Appointments Pioneer Evangelist appointed to for anything relating to advice and support Neath Centre of Mission about safeguarding within the parishes. Although she has a hot desk at the Thank you to David A second Pioneer diocesan office at Coychurch, Liz will The secretary of a society which Evangelist has been mainly be out and about in the parishes. provides vital financial support for appointed to the new Liz can be contacted 07881 016187 or widows, orphans Church Army Centre [email protected] and dependants of of Mission set up in deceased clergy Neath in partnership New assistant curate for from the diocese with the Llandaff Caerphilly has retired after Diocese. nine years service. Hannah Seal has The Revd Andrew Mr David Llewellyn been licensed and commissioned as Highway, formerly retired from WODS Pioneer Evangelist in the Neath Centre of assistant curate at the end of 2015 – with the role being Mission, where she joins Mr Andy Settle, (NSM) of Llanishen, taken over by Mrs Jayne Young from the Lead Pioneer Evangelist. has been appointed Fairwater. Archdeacon of Llandaff, Hannah, 36, moves to Wales from Kent as assistant curate the Venerable said, where she was the Children and Youth (NSM) of the “Mr David Llewellyn has served this Assistant in the Diocese of Canterbury, Rectorial Benefice of committee in exemplary fashion over based at St Mary’s, Kennington, Ashford. Eglwysilan and Caerphilly. the last nine years and we would like She has been involved in Children and to thank him for his dedication and Families Ministry since leaving university. commitment during this time.” WODS helps clergy widows and New safeguarding officer joins the orphans by providing grants to Llandaff team Leaving ensure they receive a minimum level The Revd Huw of income, after supporting clergy Butler Rector of the A new officer has through a lifetime of service. Rectorial Benefice joined the Llandaff “We are very grateful to all the of Llantwit Major has Diocese to support parishes for their continuing support left the diocese after its work with children of WODS through annual donations serving in Llandaff and vulnerable and would be grateful for any further for five years. adults. support,” said Archdeacon Peggy. He returns to the Mrs Liz Tibbatts is Donations to Llandaff WODS can where he has been one of five recently be sent to the treasurer Jan Boyce, appointed Vicar of the Parishes of Llay, appointed safeguarding support officers Diocesan Office, Coychurch, Rossett & Isycoed. appointed throughout the Church in Bridgend, CF35 5EH. Cheques Wales. She will be the first point of contact payable to Llandaff WODS.

14 | CROESO Easter 2016 NEWS

BookPlaces are still available now on Llandaff Diocese’s first ever Festival of Prayer Day on Saturday, July 9, at St Michael’s Theological College and Llandaff Cathedral. The day includes internationally renowned speakers like Help shape the future John Bell from the Iona Community, Canon Jeremy Davies and Ignation teacher Julian Maddock plus local Elections take place this year for three key diocesan bodies - speakers such as the Revd Dr Trystan Diocesan Conference, Diocesan Standing Committee and Diocesan Owain Hughes, Canon Dr Sarah Rowland Jones and Canon Mike Board of Finance. This is a once in a three year opportunity to get the Komor. There will be opportunities to right people to represent you, with all posts running for three years. walk a labyrinth within the Cathedral, take prayer walks within the grounds of St Michael’s as well as taking part What is Diocesan Conference? What’s expected of you in workshops on lots of diverse topics, It has lay representatives from every • Attendance at three meetings a year from the ‘Spirituality of the Psalms’ to parish and deanery plus all clerics who plus Diocesan Conference ‘Circle Dancing’ with Peggy Jackson. hold the Bishop’s licence, and is a key • An understanding of how the diocese Booking and more information can way of sharing what’s going on in the works or a willingness to learn be found at www.FestivalOfPrayer. Diocese. Meeting annually on the last co.uk or by calling the Revd Moira Saturday in September, it looks back over How to get elected Spence on 01656 881960. the previous year and forward to new • Talk to the current reps from your deanery and exciting ventures. It approves key • Get yourself elected to the Diocesan diocesan policies such as the new Fairer Conference Share Scheme, and can influence the • Ask your Area Dean how to stand whole Church in Wales – a 2013 motion on for election at the Deanery Conference Caption support for food banks went all the way to the Governing Body. What is the Diocesan Board of Finance? competition What’s expected of you Thank you for all your entries to the The Diocesan Board of Finance looks after Caption competition. Remember the • Attendance at the annual the financial resources of the Diocese to picture from the last edition? conference ensure that the mission of the Church can • Feedback to your church, taking be supported now and in the future. It has First place went to back key messages an annual budget approaching £5m. • Vote on diocesan business What’s expected of you “Our resident Jack-in- How to join the-box Bishop David • Attendance at four meetings a year pops up to say hello,” by • Talk to the current reps from your • Experience or interest in financial or Sarah Owens of Cardiff. parish and deanery property matters • Check out the election information Please send in your on the Diocesan website to see if How to get elected captions for this photograph to Alison you’re eligible – there’s a place for at Young, Croeso, Llandaff Diocese, The least one lay person from each parish • Talk to the current reps from your Court, Coychurch, Bridgend, CF35 or Ministry Area Archdeaconry 5HF or by email to alisonyoung@ • Get yourself elected at your Annual • Check out the election information churchinwales.org.uk Vestry Meeting or Deanery AGM on the Diocesan website to see if you’re eligible What is the Standing • Contact the Diocesan Secretary Committee? ([email protected]) for a nomination form The Standing Committee is elected from members of the Conference. It works with The Diocesan Conference pages on the Archbishop to shape diocesan policy, the Diocesan website http://llandaff. to agree changes to parish boundaries – churchinwales.org.uk/dio-inf/diocesan- including the creation of Ministry Areas - conference/ have more information about and to provide a diocesan response to key each of these bodies, who is eligible to join issues facing the Church in Wales. them and how to get nominated.

CROESO Easter 2016 | 15 Science v Religion Revd Dr Rhys Jenkins, a GP at Westway Surgery in Ely and assistant curate NSM in Roath, questions whether God is looking down on us from his divine space-station.

This year, one of only twelve men in history God’s realm. We quite properly inquire into ever to have walked on the moon died. our existence and that of the universe in Edgar Mitchell was part of the Apollo 14 which we live because of God’s grace. mission in 1971 when he walked on the God is not subject to scientific moon for nine hours. In terms of scientific investigation because ‘he’ does not so endeavour, being on the moon has to much ‘exist’ as is existence itself – ‘being- rank as one of humankind’s greatest ness’. In fact, God is the ground of our achievements. Even now, our own Tim being. That isn’t a scientific statement – it Peake is hurtling around earth in the is a truism of a spiritual appreciation of international space-station looking at the life – a life that is as divine as it is earthly. stars, the universe - and us! Science has in which Christians don’t believe anyway. God loved the universe into existence and been integral to our survival and indeed When the first Russian cosmonaut went that includes our ability to observe it. (if flourishing as a species. into space, he supposedly radioed back to you are interested, read Thomas Aquinas’ I am a scientist – and a Christian. Are the motherland ‘I can’t see ‘God’ up here’. argument from contingency – that nails it these two compatible? Surely science has In that (probably apocryphal) statement, he for me!) utterly dispelled the myth and superstition highlights the difference between science So science contradicts God? No it of a ‘God’ who created us and is looking and religion. God is not subject to scientific doesn’t! How can it? Science and religion down on us from his divine space-station. inquiry. God is not measurable using talk different languages. As we discover Science is inexorably unlocking the secrets scientific methods. The Russian spaceman more of the world we confirm its wondrous of the universe. The more we find out, the was looking for the ‘God’ that scientists nature rather than deny its divine origin. more we squeeze out the possibility of reject – and that ‘God’ never existed. But our understanding of God comes ‘God’. with a health warning. We must ensure That’s what a new wave of atheists the church doesn’t do another Galileo. As say. Richard Dawkins et al simply cannot we embrace science, we must accept its reconcile the possibility of ‘God’ with the “As we embrace science, findings. Denying what science discovers, reality that we are, through the scientific we must accept its findings. now as in the past, does Christianity untold method of observation, hypothesising, harm. testing and theorising, working out the Denying what science The last word goes to Edgar universe – even from its origins. Mitchell. In his autobiography he wrote Maybe you can’t blame them. The discovers, now as in the past, that on his way home from the moon church has had its problems with science. he felt ‘an overwhelming sense of When Galileo confirmed Copernicus’ does Christianity untold interconnectedness.’ I fancy that he, an suggestion that the earth went round the harm. ” integral part of a stupendous scientific sun, (not the earth, and of course us, being project, felt aware of the divine presence the centre of the universe), the church not only in the universe, but in science as simply replied, ‘no it doesn’t.’ So what do Christians say that God is well. Charles Darwin even doubted his if scientists can’t disprove it? Answering As Christians we must have confidence own faith when he proposed that natural that question is harder than all the science to embrace science, argue against the false selection was responsible for (the ever discovered! But we can draw on ‘God’ that atheists correctly deny, and live observable fact of) evolution. our scripture, tradition and reason and in the presence of the loving living God Fortunately, the Church is growing up. be confident that God is love. God is not as revealed, not by science, but by the Here’s the problem. Scientists who dependent on anything else observable. experience of the risen Christ, divine love argue against ‘God’ are rejecting a ‘God’ Science, like everything else, operates in made human.

The deadline for the next edition of Croeso is May 26. Please send copy and pictures to the editor Alison Young at [email protected]