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Home , Archbishop of Wales, Barry Morgan, Bishop of Llandaff, Bishop of St Davids, Ewenny Priory, June Osborne

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YR EGLWYS YNG NGHYMRU | THE CHURCH IN Summer 2017

Llandaff welcomes June

Inside From transplant to 10k Meet our trainee NEWS

A message to the diocese: Bishop June’s letter issued following her appointment in April

“The announcement , which was that I am to become agreed by the Bishops the 72nd Bishop of following the Llandaff was a very which enabled the special moment for of women me personally, for the as Bishops, also diocesan family and recognises that we are for those in Salisbury fully and unequivocally who will be saying committed to this farewell to me. I have kind of appointment. no doubt that this is My hope is that God’s call to me and I every member of the am profoundly grateful diocesan community that the privilege to will feel valued and serve in this wonderful encouraged because ecclesial community the quality of our will be mine. Thank you life together and to all who have already the strength of our made me feel so welcomed or who have Cathedral. It is my hope that we will be relatedness is hugely important to me. sent me good wishes and the promise of able to invite as wide a representation A fresh start in ministry is always their prayers. as possible from the diocese to both of a new adventure. I’m very aware that You may already know that Paul and I these services. I don’t yet know what I don’t know! I have lots of family in the diocese and he I’m aware that my appointment will will be looking to my colleagues across was born not that far from Llys Esgob so be the cause of nervousness for some all the to discern with me the there is for us a great sense of returning who find themselves unable to accept workings of God’s Spirit and to rejoice to roots in this move. Our children are the orders of women. I want to reassure with me in His goodness. It is my prayer also very excited that Llandaff is to be such brothers and sisters of my good that together we will operate out of our home for the years to come. faith in being all that they would expect confidence and compassion, making a My will be in Brecon of their bishop. No-one is required to difference for God in our communities Cathedral at 2.30pm on Saturday 15th accept women’s sacramental ministry in where we are already deeply planted. July, and the Enthronement will be at the although the Code So, in these days of transition, please 11am on Saturday 22nd July in our own of Practice in relation to the Ministry of pray for me as I will be praying for you.”

Background A graduate in Social Sciences from oversaw the majority of the Cathedral’s Church of Sudan and South Sudan Manchester University, Bishop June 30-year Major Repair Programme of on health, theological education and trained for ministry at St John’s College, essential work to restore the fabric of the advocacy. Nottingham and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford. Cathedral and safeguard it for the future. Bishop June continues to play a She was made a Deaconess in 1980 As Canon Treasurer and she key role in the ’s and then served her curacy at St Martin- was instrumental in the commissioning commitment to implementing the in-the-Bullring in Birmingham where of ’s much-loved development goals, and is a member of she was also Chaplain of Birmingham and admired William Pye font, and she the UK Government’s Advisory Panel for Children’s Hospital. She moved to the played a significant role in the Magna the Commemoration of WW1. Old Ford parishes in East London in Carta 800 celebrations two years ago. She is married to barrister Paul 1984. One of the first women to be She has also been a deputy lieutenant Goulding QC, who was born in Gabalfa, ordained in the of Wiltshire. and they have two children Meg and in 1994 following her ordination she Her ministry has been characterised Tom. Her interests include the arts served as Canon Treasurer at Salisbury by her passion for equality and diversity and soccer. A lifelong supporter of Cathedral and was Acting Dean of and she was a founder of the Church’s Manchester City, she is looking forward Salisbury for almost two years before Leading Women programme. She is also to following City, watching being appointed Dean in 2004. deeply concerned about global poverty rugby at the Principality Stadium, and In her time at Salisbury, Bishop June and has worked with the Episcopal supporting the WNO.

2 | CROESO Summer 2017 NEWS

Bishop June speaks of her joy about coming to Llandaff One of the most senior and experienced church leaders in the UK has spoken of her joy about becoming the . © Ash Mills

June Osborne, who has served as Dean neighbours in Wales,” she said. including sitting on the Panel of Chairs. of Salisbury for the past 13 years, this “From ancient times Wales has been Her appointment was made by the month becomes the second female a place where faith is hugely important Church in Wales’ Bishops in April when bishop in the Church in Wales. to what a good life means. And so one no candidate nominated at the Electoral Bishop June says, “It is a very great of my first priorities is to make sure College in February secured enough privilege to become Bishop of Llandaff, that local churches feel really confident votes for election. an ancient post with many noble about what they believe and that they Welcoming her appointment, the predecessors, and I look engage with all that is Church’s Senior Bishop, the Bishop forward enormously a leader with happening in the local of and Brecon, John Davies, to taking up this new “ area. The context of the said, “In , both the Church ministry. The prospect of clear vision, a different communities in Wales and the will living in South Wales is in this diocese will also find themselves to be richly blessed. She just terrific because I am pastoral heart inform a great deal about is known as a leader with clear vision, a already rooted through and a strategic how we plan and what pastoral heart and a strategic mind, all of my family in this part of kind of future we create which commend the Church to the wider the world. And it won’t mind” for the Church. community.” take me long to fall in love “It will be a learning Bishop June added that she was with the Diocese of Llandaff. journey, I’ll have L plates on as a novice delighted to become the second female “Leading a diocese that is so Bishop, and will be working towards a bishop in the Church in Wales, following diverse, in an area that is both historic vision of priorities along with the team the consecration of Wales’ first female and beautiful, will be challenging but that I inherit. Salisbury has taught me bishop, the , Joanna I have an enormous appetite for the that everything that I have done that is Penberthy, in January. task and am deeply honoured to have important I have done within a highly “Isn’t this fantastic? Wales becomes the opportunity to join a diocesan team effective team. So I may be Bishop, but the Province of the Anglican Communion which is strong and imaginative. These actually it will be the teams - the teams that has the highest percentage of are turbulent times across the world and within the women the need for faith, and for the confident, ministry areas, bishops. distinctive leadership of the Church in the parishes, And for that Wales has never been more important.” the diocese we rejoice She says that the Church in Wales - that I look because had always been deeply rooted into to, to work one woman the communities that it serves and so together well.” is great but it will be the whole of the communities A ground- more than one of the diocese that she will be serving breaking figure woman in an – not just the church life or what goes in the Church organisation on in worship. She moves to Llys of England, really begins Esgob, the home of the bishop next Bishop June to speak of to the Cathedral, at the beginning of was the first a healthier September and her first priority will be to female Dean to be appointed to a environment within which everyone can get to know people, and for them to get medieval cathedral, having served as be themself. to know her, and then to listen very hard Salisbury Cathedral’s Canon Treasurer “It will also mean that the workings to what the existing team has to tell her. for nearly 10 years. She has been of the Bench of Bishops and the whole “I come as somebody with a strong active in the national life of the Church Church will just become more normal - it’s conviction that the Church should have of England, serving for many years on what people know in their everyday lives confidence in the faith that it offers our General Synod’s Standing Committee, – men and women, stronger together.”

CROESO Summer 2017 | 3 NEWS

Got a project in mind? Then get in touch Whether it’s funding for a soccer school, a cash boost for a memory café or the creation of a pioneering new new ministry post – more than £140,000 is available in grants for parishes to help realise their mission dreams this year.

This includes £100,000 from the 2020 application by parishes over the next youth worker for have been Transformation Fund, £35,000 three years - £100,000 each calendar supported by this fund so far. from the Diocesan Mission Fund, year,” said Mrs Boyce. The Diocesan Mission Fund supports £8,000 from the Churches and Pastoral This followed a recommendation from local churches, groups of churches Committee and further grant awards from the Diocesan Conference last year that working together, and deaneries, in the Community Development Fund. ‘transformation funds’ be made available making new mission links between So, whatever project you have in mind to any benefice to fund 2020 Vision Church and community. This could the diocese could help and support you projects irrespective of Ministry Area include support for a new initiative through its direct grant aid process. status. in outreach, financing equipment for Diocesan accountant Jan Boyce The creation of Ministry Areas led projects or help towards a salary cost. explained how the purpose of the 2020 by teams of clergy and lay people lies For repair, renewal or maintenance of Transformation Fund had been to help at the heart of the strategy for growth unlisted church buildings, up to £1,000 is fund the tools to reshape parishes, to called for by the Church in Wales Review, available from the Churches and Pastoral meet the challenges of the 21st Century. which was commissioned to see how the Committee. “The DBF has now allocated £300,000 Church could best serve Wales by the Further money for projects within the of the total diocesan Transformation Fund time it celebrates its centenary in 2020. community is also available from the to the 2020 Parish Transformation Fund, An administrator for the Rectorial Community Development Fund. with this money now being available via Benefice of Barry, and a Diocesan pilot Mrs Boyce said, “Grants can be found for many of the things that we want to do in our churches and the diocesan office can help you find the right one for you – as a starting point all you have to do is A kickabout with Jesus decide what you want to do and why. Q: How do you get 70 boys and girls Each day teams learnt a new soccer learning about the relevance of Jesus skill in the morning and finished off “Forms for all the different grants that in their lives – every day for four playing their own tournament games are available are now on the website but consecutive days over the half-term in the afternoon. In this competition if you’re not sure which is the right one for holiday? Juventus actually beat Real Madrid! you then fill in the tailor made expression A: Easy – invite them to a church Sandwiched between these events of interest form and we’ll point you in the soccer school! all the children enjoyed small groups right direction.” That’s exactly what St Mark’s Gabalfa where they looked at what it means to The updated parish resources web did when they organised their 12th be a follower of Jesus today. page includes information on annual soccer school – and the last • The soccer school was funded • Stewardship Resources one before the retirement of Vicar, partly by a £500 grant from the (including the Giving for Life Canon Bob Capper. Dovetailing with Diocesan Mission Fund. Also this programme) the UEFA Champions League Final in year the Fund awarded £274 to the • Finance Resources (including Cardiff, youngsters up to the age of East Vale Group of Parishes to buy ACAT Guide for new Treasurers) eleven were put in teams with their own equipment for a monthly activity café • Grants and Funding soccer coaches drawn from volunteers for people with Alzheimer’s and their For more information and to from St Mark’s and their friends. carers. access grant forms visit http://llandaff. churchinwales.org.uk/parish-resources/

4 | CROESO Summer 2017 NEWS

From transplant to 10k Kate Lawless was given the gift of life by her mother when she needed a kidney transplant after suffering renal failure. Inspired by the nurses and surgeons who looked after her, the 35-year-old Care of Churches administrator has mobilised a team of runners to take part in Kidney Wales’ fundraising 10k in September. Here’s her story.

“For as long as I can remember I’ve had Within a few months, I received a Nine months later and life has not kidney disease. phone call to say my mother Jill was been without its challenges. My new My first real memory of it impacting almost a perfect match. In honesty, the kidney whom I named Keith, is stubborn my life was missing the Year 3 Juniors ice news was bitter sweet. Without her most and unruly (some may say like its new skating party, having been hospitalised generous gift, I would certainly not be owner) and is not here today. But it was one of the hardest with an infection. Far more seriously entirely doing the Without her most years later it also meant my darling son things I’ve ever had to agree to – allowing job it was recruited “ Dylan, now a teenager, was born terribly my mother to undergo an unnecessary to do! Sometimes generous gift, I premature and will forever be severely and life-threatening operation in order to expectation versus disabled because of it. save my life. reality becomes would certainly Having suffered from kidney disease Watching my mum being wheeled a difficult pill to not be here since infancy, I always knew a time away to theatre some four months later swallow. The truth would come when my body would was one of the worst moments of my life. is I’m better than I today. ” fail me. And that happened two years She and my father Peter, for his unfaltering was, maybe not as ago when I entered stage 5 kidney care of us after surgery, are heroes. well as I hoped. disease and began dialysis treatment in The days that followed were incredibly A transplant is not without its pitfalls. October 2015. Unfortunately, this was tough both mentally and physically. It It is not the miracle cure that people not successful and so my brilliant team was only with the support of the amazing assume, and is only another form of at Hospital started the hospital staff, friends, colleagues and treatment for sufferers. I know Keith will process of testing potential matches for a family that I made it through some very one day fail and it will be time to start the kidney transplant. difficult post-operative months. process all over again.”

Having spent my 34th and 35th taking part in the race to raise money for lucky enough to receive a transplant. birthdays in hospital, I decided to Kidney Wales. People do die waiting for organs, so the make a “35 and Alive” list, and running The foundation was set up in 1967 Kidney Wales Foundation continues to the Cardiff 10k was on there. I signed and aims to support patients and work to find the best treatments and up with trepidation, because I’d families suffering from kidney disease. support people like the Nephrology struggle to run a bath, never mind 6.2 It also promotes excellence in renal Transplant team in UHW, to whom I miles. I happened to mention it when research, care and education, along with owe my life. I got to the office and was amazed at investing funds in new services, facilities If you would like to donate funds our my colleagues’ camaraderie and team and equipment as part of an ongoing team page can be found here: spirit. And so, on September 3rd, a programme. Every day, the gift of life www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ team from the Diocesan Office along gives patients the second chance they KatesKidneyCrew with my family and friends will be desperately want, but not all patients are

CROESO Summer 2017 | 5 SCHOOL NEWS

Pupils get into pole position to The Church Schools’ Leadership Programme spread the message of peace By Angela Atkinson

Nearly two years ago a group of local church school headteachers met to discuss the issue of how we could develop the next generation of faith A visual playground reminder about the importance of peace school leaders. It became clear that we needed to do something and from has been installed at a Vale primary school. that was born the Church Schools’ Leadership Programme. This initiative is Canon Edwin Counsell led a special on their health. They realised that when the only one of its type in Wales and we service recently to bless the new Peace they felt peaceful it affected their attitude believe is unique in the UK. It’s unique Pole located at the entrance to St David’s and approach to others, and they wanted because it is for both primary and Church in Wales Primary in . to find a way to communicate this to the secondary schools and it is supported It is inscribed with the words, “May rest of the school and also to provide a by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese Peace Prevail on Earth”, which is place for those who were feeling worried of Cardiff and the Diocese of Menevia translated into nine different languages or anxious to be quiet and find rest. and the Church in Wales of that have the closest links to the school Mrs Penny Snowden, St David’s chair Llandaff, Monmouth and Swansea and - English, Welsh, Swahili, Japanese, of governors and a Lay Reader, told Brecon. French, Irish Gaelic, Hebrew, Islamic teachers and pupils about the Peace Our programme was not meant to and Braille. Pole project and a grant was secured replicate existing leadership courses The pole is set within a newly created from Healthy Schools to purchase one but to be something different – to peace garden which is packed full of for the school. develop the specific skills and vision symbols of peace including flagstones Canon Edwin Counsell, the former that makes our church schools in the shape of doves, olive trees, hand- Llandaff Diocesan Director of Education, different. With 43 participants linked decorated Christian value pebbles and a said, “The Peace Pole represents the with experienced church school leaders lidded bench containing a prayer book very special gift of peace, at a time as mentors, the programme is one of which pupils can add to. when the world can seem filled with the largest supported by the education The initiative behind the Peace Pole conflict and violence. Our greatest hope consortia in South Wales. came from pupils on the healthy schools must be that this generation of children The programme lasts 18 months and committee as they recognised the understand the need for peace and work at a recent residential conference at importance of peace and the effect of it for it throughout their lives.” the Vale Resort a total of 73 delegates Mrs Snowden said, “Thanks to a discussed the centrality of Gospel grant and a top up payment from school values in education and how to develop governors we were able to purchase spirituality in school leadership. We will a pole. The children became totally be looking for participants for the next involved and absorbed in its creation round of training in the autumn and and some of the insights they had were welcome applications from teachers amazing. The pole and the surrounding who feel called to lead our church garden will provide the children with schools. This opportunity is open to a place of quiet reflection for years to teachers in the maintained sector as come.” well as faith schools and, if interested, Head teacher Ceri Hoffrock said, please feel free to contact me, the “This is a visual reminder in the programme’s co-ordinator, Angela playground that for peace to prevail Atkinson to discuss applying for places on earth, people must sort out their on the 2018-19 programme. problems and disputes peacefully.” Email: [email protected]

6 | CROESO Summer 2017 NEWS

Open the Book Bringing the Bible to life for school children

Everyone loves a good story – telling them and listening to them – and stories are all around us, on the news, soaps, documentaries, books, films and social media.

What story could be more important to tell today than God’s story, found in the Bible?

The Bible is often described as the Open the Book is a three-year rolling before – as the stories are acted greatest story ever told, but for many programme of themed and dramatized out and they participate with sound people the Bible is a boring, irrelevant, Bible story telling. Teams of volunteers effects, motions and ‘acting’ alongside closed book. But, now in Llandaff from local churches provide 15 minute the team. Diocese, from Pentyrch to , assemblies using carefully prepared “I love it when you come in,” said a children are seeing the Bible come to and easy to use resources. year four pupil in Birchgrove life in their schools through Open the Liz Capper is a member of Primary school, Cardiff. Book. the St Mark’s Gabalfa team. “the greatest “I said to my mum, ‘Is it The Revd Michael John, Vicar of She said, “A friend had told Monday?’ she said ‘Yes!’ I Pentyrch explains why his parishioners me about the wonderful story ever said, ‘Great they’re coming have recently got an Open the Book opportunities of teaching told” back again!’” team together, “I was attracted to children Bible stories they From a school perspective Open the Book because our parish haven’t heard before - I OTB ticks several of the was looking for ways of regularly couldn’t wait to be involved and help necessary and inevitable inspection engaging with local schools which out on the team.’’ boxes but is sincerely appreciated by would be straightforward for us as a Children are also overwhelmingly head teachers and staff alike. team of volunteers and a help to the positive about Open the Book – many On average the Open the Book teaching staff of local schools.” have never heard the Bible stories office receives one phone call per day from schools asking for a team to visit – a fact confirmed in Radyr, where each of the three primary schools has responded positively to Canon Jenny Wigley’s offer to visit with the newly formed team. “I predict Open the Book will become a key part of our outreach in our parish,” said Mr John. Could it be a useful tool for your church too? For more information about how you can use Open the Book to bring the Bible to life in a school near you visit the website www.biblesociety.org.uk/ get-involved/open-the-book/

CROESO Summer 2017 | 7 FEATURE © Huw Riden

Signposts towards ministry Nine clerics begin new life in church ministry

Peter Godsall, Rosemary Hill, Charlotte Rushton, Mark Broadway and Jude Peters

A mum-of-three is swopping teaching the church alongside their paid or other ordination felt the right path for me - for preaching as she begins a new life roles. going right back to when I was a young in church ministry. Rosemary Hill, 36, whose brother is child sitting in church looking up at the Rosemary Hill along with Charlotte a priest, was brought up an Anglican in priest wondering what it felt like to be Rushton, Mark Broadway, Peter her home town of and spent a up there. Godsall and Jude Peters, was ordained decade teaching English before training “I am excited but a bit scared as at on June for the priesthood. well, as I don’t think that you can go 24, by the Bishop of Swansea and As one of five children Rosemary into such a big position of service - Brecon, John Davies - the Church in was a regular at Sunday school, acting and that’s what it is, it’s not a job, Wales’ Senior Bishop. as an altar server at St Mary’s Church, it’s a vocation - and not be a little The former teacher will Nolton and from the age of apprehensive. Sacramental ministry is serve as assistant curate in “ looking up six she was a chorister – the most exciting part. Penarth and (St achieving the Dean’s Award “I am really looking forward to be Augustine’s); Charlotte, a at the priest from the Royal School of able to be with people at their most former police civilian finance and thinking Church Music. vulnerable and their most joyous as this team leader, will serve It was in her teens while is a privilege that not many people get as assistant curate in the it should be witnessing her brother to have.” parish of Merthyr Tydfil, St me” Matthew training for ministry Also ordained was Charlotte David and Abercanaid and and while she was acting as Rushton, 42, who is delighted to be Mark, a former legal worker, an altar server that the idea returning to her home town of Merthyr will serve as assistant curate in , of becoming a priest herself was born. Tydfil. Nolton and with . “As time went by though I decided Married to Craig and with a seven- Retired health and safety advisor it was too scary and I became less year-old daughter, Charlotte spent Peter, will serve as assistant curate active in the church,” said Rosemary, many years doubting God as a teenager (NSM Local) in the parish of Aberdare, a mum of three children, aged 14, 10 after witnessing the sudden death of a St Fagans and Jude Peters, a reception and seven. fellow pupil from epilepsy as administrator in the Llandaff Diocesan But the call to priesthood was to a schoolgirl. office at Coychurch, Bridgend, will return some years later and the journey Although serve as assistant curate (NSM) in the to ordination began after a chat with her her family Rectorial Benefice of . As parish priest. was non-stipendiary ministers both Peter “I absolutely loved teaching involved and Jude will carry out their work for particularly the pastoral side of it but in the

8 | CROESO Summer 2017 local non-conformist chapel and she was encouraged to attend Sunday school, it wasn’t until her mid-twenties when she met her husband, a Christian, that she returned fully to the Church. “He offered to take me to church and I’ve never looked back – it was a case of ‘God had called me home’,” she said. “We walked into Llantrisant Church and straight away it felt like home. Then as I became more involved in the life of the church – with youth work and ecumenical work - the more content I became. “I remember sitting in church once and looking up at the priest and thinking it should be me doing that.” Now with training and ordination © Huw Riden under her belt, Charlotte is really excited about getting to work in her new parish. Peter Godsall, 62, has come full Married to Mike and with three “I can’t wait, I’m looking forward circle and is returning to serve as an children, Jude spent her early years to teaching those that are in church NSM Local in the church at Aberdare, in the Midlands, where she attended and helping them progress St Fagans where he was Sunday School and as a teenager went deeper into their faith. I also baptised. to church with her late mother. love evangelism – I just want “God had “I know the parish and She moved to South Wales with her to sit in the local pub and tell called me I understand the diversity family 13 years ago and immediately people about Jesus.” of people in the area,” said felt at home in Llantwit Major. And it Mark Broadway, 29, home” Peter, who is married to was while sitting in the pew in her local a former legal worker who Marian and has a grown-up church that Jude heard an appeal from moved to Wales from son Tim, and will become the the for people to come forward Burnham-on-Sea to read law at the second NSM Local appointed in the to train as Readers. University of , is also looking diocese. “I literally hadn’t thought of becoming forward to parish ministry. As a child Peter sang in the choir at a Reader until that point but when Although he went to church St John the Baptist, Aberdare before I look back over my history I can see occasionally as a child, it was not until boarding at Christ College, Brecon from signposts towards he was 16 that he became a Christian the age of 11, when his family moved ministry,” said Jude, to be with because of the outreach work of a free abroad as his father was a mining who within a few “ church that he had become involved with. engineer who worked in Peru. years of becoming people at their “I felt a call to some sort of ministry “Although I went to church every day a Reader began to but I wasn’t sure how I fitted in until while I was at boarding school, I drifted think about training most vulnerable I went to university and became an away from church after leaving school for ordination. and their most Anglican and got confirmed at St until in my twenties I met my wife who “I explored the Catherine’s Church in Pontypridd. was a practising Christian.” idea of ordination joyous….. is a offered me a better insight As Peter’s involvement in the church through prayer, privilege” into what type of ministry I could do,” grew he held posts from treasurer to reading and studying said Mark, who is married to Bianca church warden to chairing a parish and then decided and has two young children. mission committee before training to that yes this was what I was supposed “My passion is preaching and become a Reader – a position he has to be doing,” said Jude who is looking teaching but I held for the past six years. Now he is forward to getting back to Llantwit and am really excited to be embarking on his next pastoral work in particular. looking challenge as a deacon. “I particularly enjoy being with older forward “I envisage my ministry as being one people and listening to their stories to carrying of a servant – I am God’s servant and I – we are all so busy these days, that out baptisms am a servant of the people,” said Peter. many older people are in danger of and I am very Jude Peters, 56, also began her being isolated.” excited about getting journey into ministry as a Reader – a to know the church community in post she has held for the past nine Bridgend.” years.

CROESO Summer 2017 | 9 FEATURE © Huw Riden

Revd Dr Jordan Hillebert Revd Edward Le Brun Powell Revd Steve Brett Revd Suzanne Brumwell

At the same service four - South Africa at the age of five for life- as a regular churchgoer. He tutors in including a woman whose life was saved saving surgery carried out by Professor theology and is the residential tutor at by a world-famous surgeon as a child – Christiaan Barnard. the St Padarn’s Institute. were ordained as priests. As a baby, she had not been Mr Edward Le Brun Powell, 26, a The Revd Suzanne Brumwell, the expected to live past her first birthday curate-in-training from Haverfordwest in Revd Steven Brett, the Revd Dr Jordan and spent her first five years with a the St David’s diocese, has transferred Hillebert and the Revd Edward Le Brun blue face and blue hands after being into Llandaff, and is based in the Powell were ordained as priests by born with a congenital heart defect. Her Cathedral parish of Llandaff. Bishop John. grandmother read a newspaper story Mr Le Brun Powell, originates from Mrs Brumwell continues as assistant about Christiaan Barnard and wrote to South Africa and moved to Cardiff when curate in , Mr Brett continues him to tell him about Suzanne. After her he was 16. After reading theology at the as assistant curate in Llantrisant and Dr grandmother’s prayers were answered, Trinity at Hillebert continues as assistant curate Mrs Brumwell is now living her dream Lampeter he embarked on his journey NSM at Christ Church, Roath Park. As of being a priest – a calling that began to ordination – serving a placement at a non-stipendiary minister Dr Hillebert when she was a teenager. Llandaff Cathedral during his training. carries out his work for the church Mr Brett, 40, a lifelong churchgoer He recently became engaged and alongside his paid job. Mr Le Brun also decided as a child that he wanted to took up his new post immediately Powell serves as assistant curate in the become a priest and is looking forward following his ordination as priest. Cathedral parish of Llandaff. to continuing to serve in Llantrisant as it “I’m so excited to be working in the As a child, Mrs Brumwell, a mum- is an area he knows well as it neighbours Cathedral – it’s absolutely wonderful to of-two, was known as ‘the little Welsh his hometown parish of Llanharan. have returned here,” said Mr Le Brun heart girl’ when prayers to save her life Dr Jordan Hillebert, 32, who is Powell. were answered when she travelled to married to Krisi, grew up in the States Trainee priests send bibles to Africa

Trainee priests raised money to buy trusting in the Lord. It was a common proudly showed us his copy of the Bible bibles for children in Africa – after occurrence for the children to see us and which he had found, but it was missing ordinand Charlotte Ruston was begged give us a wonderfully warm welcome, its cover, Genesis and Revelation! I saw for a bible by one little girl when she and children being children would ask Esther daily, and daily she would ask if I visited Uganda earlier this year. if we had any sweets to share,” said had a Bible for her. Charlotte met Charlotte. “I came home and told the student Esther, who asked “The day we visited Exodus Church community at St Padarn’s about Esther’s her for a bible in Kamonkoli was no exception. The story, and they, like me were so moved instead of sweets, children came and welcomed us, but by her deep desire to own her own copy on a visit with one little girl Esther caught my attention of the Bible that we raised and donated members of the as instead of asking for sweets, she £655 for Exodus Church specifically St Denys Church, asked for a bible. Both children and to purchase bibles for its ever growing Lisvane, to Exodus adults in this church were desperate for congregation.” Baptist Church, Mbale, in January. their own copies of the Bible, but simply The money was raised through The parish visit was the latest in a could not afford one. personal student and staff donations link forged between the two churches “We met a teenage boy who plus the student mission fund. through the charity PONT – which links communities in South Wales with Mbale. Charlotte joined parishioners on the trip, as part of her extended summer placement. “It was an amazing and life changing experience seeing people in such poverty and adversity praising and

10 | CROESO Summer 2017 FEATURE From being helped to helping The Amber Project: Harry’s story Three years ago, an unhappy teenager named Harry came seeking help from The Amber Project, one of Church Army’s key projects based in Cardiff, supporting young people aged 14-25 who have experience of self-harm. Here’s his emotional journey of healing and self-discovery.

When I was 16, I suffered from anxiety others. The Amber Project Coordinator, After about a year, I started going and self-harm. I was doing my GCSEs Caryl Stock, chatted to me about what to counselling. Amber’s counselling and trying to find my own identity; it was was available at the project, such as the sessions are the best I’ve ever had, a really stressful time for me. I hated workshops. they’ve been really useful. I’ve made a myself and I wanted to punish myself: I I started attending the theatre lot of friends here and I’ve used to cut myself, sometimes go for a workshops but initially they didn’t quite found it a lot easier to make week without eating, I wouldn’t take care work for me. I preferred the arts and crafts friends here than elsewhere. “ I felt like I of my personal hygiene… workshops, which gave me a chance to Everyone’s so welcoming, I belonged I’d been to counsellors but it hadn’t talk and get to know the others. Funnily felt I belonged straight away. really helped, so our family doctor enough, The Amber Project made me It’s nice to know that you’re straight recommended The Amber Project. I felt realise how much I love theatre. I’m now not alone, that you can be really nervous the first time I went there, part of the Amber Creative Team (ACT) yourself without worrying away” as I’d been spending most of the time and help out at the theatre workshops. about people judging you. locked in my bedroom and I just didn’t They’re great for building confidence and When I first came here I couldn’t say have the skills to communicate with learning skills to help cope with everyday boo to a goose, but now I can’t shut up! life. Thanks to Amber, I’m a much I wish I could go back in time and talk happier, more confident person. I feel to my 15-year-old self, but what I can do better prepared to deal with the problems is help other young people who are going that life throws at you. through the same emotions that I did. I’m doing other theatre-based work They listen to me because they know that as well including volunteering at Cardiff’s I’ve been through the same things myself. Sherman Cymru theatre. Eventually, I’d Now, I can honestly say to other young like to study drama at the Royal who are suffering: “It really does College of Music and Drama. get better”.

Young people hurt “There is increasingly more pressure that there is a positive way forward. themselves in all put on young people, ranging from Usually we find that as their self-worth sorts of different pressure to achieve academically to increases, the self-harm lessens. ways and for all family problems, bereavement and loss. “I have a big dream – to replicate The sorts of reasons. In most cases, self-harm is a coping Amber Project in other parts of Wales, The UK has one mechanism for the young person - it’s a and throughout Britain, and reach out to of the highest self-harm rates in Europe way of masking the emotional pain they many more young people.” and statistics reveal that it’s on the rise, are experiencing,” said Caryl. For more information, visit yet the subject remains taboo. “Our project exists to help them see www.amberproject.org.uk The Amber Project offers support in a number of different ways including one-to-one counselling, group work and theatre workshops. As part of the link between Llandaff Diocese and Church Army, Caryl Stock, who runs the Amber Project, is keen to work more closely with churches to reach out to local young people who are suffering from depression, anxiety and family problems.

CROESO Summer 2017 | 11 AROUND THE DIOCESE Around the Diocese ‘Like Noah’s Ark inside Margam ’ Barney the Shetland pony was among the animals that trotted down the aisle at Margam Abbey’s annual pet service.

It was the first visit for Barney, although Father is pictured owner Alison Thomas had in the past with Alison Thomas and some of her taken along her pony Brandy to join Shetland ponies and other animals the whole menagerie of animals from that he visited to May’s service. pet dogs to goslings that enjoy the Parishioner Alison said, “The pet annual thanksgiving service. service was great fun – it was like Noah’s Ark inside the Abbey!” Medieval came to life at town festival If you were looking for a knight in shining to stained glass and spinning, the free held in memory of the late Jo Cox MP, armour then Neath was the place to event featured a host of medieval- and a candle of remembrance was lit in head for when the town celebrated themed activities for all the family. the church. its heritage last month with a special The catalyst for the Medieval Festival Rector of Neath, Canon Stephen community-wide Medieval Festival. was the restoration of the tower at the Ryan, said “For hundreds of years St From archery and ancient weaponry Parish Church of St Thomas, whose Thomas’ Church has been central to the congregation wanted to mark the life of the town, and it is the only medieval completion of the project in style. building to remain in constant use. The Situated in the heart of Neath town the community came together to fundraise Grade II* listed building dates back to the for the restoration of the Tower so it was 12th century. Built as the garrison church only natural that we had a community- for the nearby Norman Castle, St Thomas’ wide celebration to mark the completion Church has been in continuous use as a of this work. place of worship for over 700 years. “The Festival was a huge success The Medieval Festival coincided with with more than 1,000 people visiting the the UK-wide ‘Great Get Together’ event church on one day alone,” he added. How two parishes hundreds of miles apart became friends

It’s official – the parishes of Vaksala in Visits followed between the two Sweden and Grangetown in Wales are parishes and exactly two years later, twinned! Grangetown hosted an official visit from Father David Morris, priest-in- the parish board of Vaksala, consisting charge of Grangetown, St Paul’s with of clergy, lay volunteers and lay St Dyfrig and St Samson, said a trip to members of staff, during which a formal Sweden two years ago to assist with a twinning agreement was signed during conference on Seven Sacred Spaces, the Sunday Eucharist. led to what has now become a lasting “The weekend included a formal friendship between two parishes which twinning dinner with entertainment are hundreds of miles apart. from St Paul’s Church Choir, a tour of During the visit Fr Morris was St Paul’s site with commentary on our introduced to some representatives plans for its future redevelopment, “Exploring the twinning arrangement from the parish of Vaksala in Uppsala a charity coffee morning, a visit to has been hugely enriching and already who were eager to form a twinning Cardiff Bay and to Llandaff Cathedral friendships have been made. The arrangement with a parish in Llandaff. for Evensong. Some also managed to Swedish church and the Welsh church Such arrangements are encouraged as squeeze in a visit to Shaw’s the Drapers are two very different animals, but there part of the twinning agreement between – the Swedes are big knitters and our is a great deal we can learn from each the dioceses of Uppsala and Llandaff. wool is much cheaper!” said Fr Morris. other.”

12 | CROESO Summer 2017 St Michael’s ‘Men in Motion’ get hands on

Caring and repairing for an ancient building not only takes money, but time too. Thanks to its hardworking group of volunteers all is ship-shape at St Michael’s Church in Cwmafan.

The Grade II listed church in the Afan From pruning of trees and keeping the Their work has been recognised by Valley is fortunate to be cared for by a graveyard tidy to painting and decorating professionals too. Reporting on her visit group of volunteers known as the ‘Men in the church and hall, the group - some of to carry out the Quinquennial survey, in Motion’, who for the past eight years whom are members of the congregation architect Jane Chamberlain RIBA AABC, have given their time freely to undertake - have turned their hands to almost said, “The parish should be congratulated regular maintenance of the church everything, with their hard work rounded for how well they care for the church.” buildings and outdoor spaces. off by coffee and biscuits. And she praised their work in her The eight-strong group - Peter Between them they have many Quinquennial Report saying while the Bowyer, Gwynne Williams, Huw professional skills and have also attended major works to the spire and bells were Morgans, Hywel Lewis, John Bendall, training courses provided by the diocese. carried out by specialists and funded Clive Mills, Peter Warren, Tudor Griffiths There is fellowship and a sincere desire mainly from grants, most of the smaller (and Gruff the dog!) – meet on a Monday to care for the church, the hall, and works were achieved through the efforts morning to perform a variety of tasks in graveyards which are so important to the of the Men in Motion, saving the parish a and around the church. community in Cwmafan. considerable amount of money. Striding out in faith

A group of Christian men and some friends are strengthening their faith as they stride out in a monthly walking group. Founded with five members in 2015, the group from the parish of Llandyfodwg and Cwmogwr, began by visiting attractions in the Ogwr Valley, with the walk always finishing with a pub lunch. As more friends joined them, the now seven-strong group began to venture further afield by exloring places such as the Gyfylchi Tunnel – built by the former the group – and with the promise of a whence cometh my help?’ South Wales Mineral Railway Company decent pub lunch at the end of the walk, “Each of the men in the group in the Afan Valley. Most recently the the pace can be quite brisk. wholeheartedly agree, though, that they group visited St Teilo’s Church, Merthyr “During the parish Lent Study course welcome their Saturday morning male Mawr in a trek along the lower reaches one of the original members said that companionship, and the accompanying of the River Ogwr, towards the stepping when they are out walking they felt closer banter which is always a part of this.” stones and . to God. Another member said that when The ‘FOG’ group (Five Old Gits, as The Revd Julian Jenkins, said, “Rain he walks the mountains, the opening they originally called themselves) has as in most Welsh valleys is a constant lines from Psalm 121 come to mind, ‘I now been renamed ‘SOG’ (Seven Old factor, but spirits are usually high within will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from Gits).

CROESO Summer 2017 | 13 AROUND THE DIOCESE Arts Festival celebrates its 20th anniversary A celebration evening was held at Ewenny Priory Church to mark 20 years to the day, since the Ewenny Arts Festival began.

The festival, which started as a together with Wendy Lamb, director of Further details of this and other celebration of early music, holds music for the Ewenny Chamber Choir, concerts may be obtained from: monthly events - promoting a diversity and her husband Tony, an early music Ewenny Pottery – 01656 653020; of art forms and fulfilling its mission to specialist. Helen – 01656 667047; Allison – 01656 bring the surrounding community into A concert of celebration will 663878 or www.ewennyfestival. the church. be held in September with music co.uk/www.facebook.com/ The evening, which featured specially composed for the occasion. EwennyArtsFestival1 music and a photographic/arts exhibition, was attended by more than a hundred people, including clergy who have been closely connected with it over the years. It was officially opened by Canon Mark Preece who was the parish priest in 1997 when he started it, Jigsaw and Jesus Musical priest

Young and old alike took part in a ‘Big enjoyed a Lent lunch before the weekend honoured Weekend’ of mission activities as a Cardiff was rounded off with a special evensong church teamed up with the Church Army based on the theme of the relationship of to reach out into the local community. our faith to our public life. Canon Stewart The weekend at St Thomas’s Church, Lisk preached on ‘Faith in the Public Birchgrove, kicked off with the Revd Square.’ Jonathon Wright and Captain Andy Settle Church treasurer Pam Perry, said, of the Church Army running a Jigsaw “I really enjoyed it – the whole weekend (Jesus in games, stories and worship) was a lot of fun and really helped to bring event for children based on the parable of everybody together.” the sower in the church hall after school But the mission was not just about on the Friday. one weekend, it was about preparing St There was a men’s breakfast on Thomas’s for being mission orientated. Saturday morning followed by Messy Among other things, members of the Church when the benefice youth group congregation completed the Church A priest who is transforming the lives gave a dramatic presentation on the Army’s Faith Pictures course, went on a of inner city children through a ground- theme of ‘water of life’ which was Messy Church course and ran a practice breaking orchestral music project has followed by themed activities. Everyone children’s workshop in preparation. been presented with a British Empire Medal. The Revd Jan Gould of the Church of the Resurrection, Ely, was recognised in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list for her work with the Making Music Changing Lives project and other community work. She was presented with her medal by the Vice Lord Lieutenant of South Glamorgan, Sir Brooke Boothby, at the Mansion House in Cardiff.

14 | CROESO Summer 2017 COMINGS & GOINGS

‘A people person who © Huw Riden will be missed by many’ Tribute has been paid to Bishop David Wilbourne who stood down as Assistant Bishop of Llandaff at Easter.

Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, John and the personal support which he has Natural Sciences and Theology Davies, the Church’s Senior Bishop given at times of need have particularly at Jesus College and trained for described him as ‘a people person’ endeared him to very many. For all of ordination at Westcott House, who will be missed by many as he these reasons and more, he will be Cambridge. He returned to Yorkshire thanked him for his years of service missed by so many,” said Bishop as a priest, ministering first in urban and wished him well for the future. John. Middlesbrough, then in a shadow- “Bishop David’s ministry has been Bishop David was appointed as urban parish north of Pontefract. He characterised by his learning, his Assistant Bishop of Llandaff in 2009 then moved on to be the humour and his undoubted skills as to assist Dr , who was of York’s chaplain working firstly with a communicator, pastor and teacher. also . He also John Habgood and then with his These gifts have combined to make served as the Church’s lead bishop on successor, David Hope. He was also him very much a ‘people person’ Education, Schools and Young People Director of Ordinands. In September whose popularity in the parishes of the and represented the Church on the 1997 he moved from Bishopthorpe to Diocese of Llandaff is very well known National Society Council. be Vicar of Helmsley. He was collated and widely appreciated. The pastoral Born in Derbyshire and schooled as a non-residentiary canon of York ministry which David has exercised in Yorkshire, Bishop David studied Minster in 2008.

Mr Paul Marshall easy task at times and one which he RetiringCanon Chancellor OBE retires in always managed to carry off without John Rowlands, August after serving anyone really being aware he was doing Rector of 13 years as chair it. His knowledge and focus will be Whitchurch, who of the Llandaff missed.” retires this month Diocesan Board of The Revd Martyn will hold his farewell Finance. For the last four years he was Perry is retiring as Eucharist at St Mary’s, Whitchurch, also deputy chair of the Representative priest-in-charge Cardiff, on July 16, at 3.30pm. He moves Body of the Church in Wales. Mr Geoff of Merthyr Tydfil, to Newquay, West Wales with his wife Moses of the Llandaff DBF said, “Paul Christ Church at the Catryn at the end of July, along with their was a very efficient DBF Chair because end of September. Siamese cat Rani. he was adept at keeping the rest of Mr Perry was previously Team Vicar in Canon Chancellor Rowlands has served the Board on track whenever it was in Cowbridge, Rector of Cilybebyll and in Whitchurch for 20 years – first as danger of wandering off the point. No Vicar of Pontlottyn with Fochriw. Vicar and for the last 16 years as Rector. Originally from Carmarthen, he began his ministry in the St Davids Diocese serving as curate in Aberystwyth from 1972. Caption competition He transferred to the Llandaff Diocese Thank you for all your entries to the caption in 1979, on his appointment as director competition. Remember the picture from the last of Academic Studies at St Michael’s edition? First place went to Briony Davies of the College, Llandaff, later becoming Sub- diocesan office, Coychurch Warden (1984-88) and Warden (1988-97). for “American Express, that He has held many other posts including will do nicely.” Dean of the Faculty of Divinity, Please send in your University of Wales (1991-95) and captions for the righthand Dean of the Faculty of Theology and photograph to Alison Young, Religious Studies, UWCC (1993-97). Croeso, Llandaff Diocese, He was made an Honorary Canon of The Court, Coychurch, Llandaff Cathedral in 1990, installed as Bridgend, CF35 5HF or Canon (1997) and Chancellor Llandaff by email to alisonyoung@ Cathedral (2002). churchinwales.org.uk

CROESO Summer 2017 | 15 “Effective for Christ”

From mobilising prayer vigils to political campaigning and providing sanctuary to refugees, Cytûn has never been busier. The Revd Canon Aled Edwards, chief executive of Cytûn, tells how the voices of Christians across Wales are getting louder thanks to the work of Churches Together in Wales.

In the hours following the • As a growing and evangelistic terrorist attack in Manchester, organisation, we recently received what Cytûn does in the the black-led Church of Pentecost service of Wales’ churches UK into membership. And during and denominations was never our witnessing season, which clearer. Over a matter of a few began with the Urdd short hours Cytûn took the lead and will be followed by the Royal in arranging an inclusive vigil for Welsh Show and the National people of different faiths and Eisteddfod, we will develop of none, on the steps. our partnerships with Christian Hundreds came to show their agencies such as Scripture Union respects, pray and support a The work of Cytûn includes: and the Welsh Sunday School city torn apart by a terrible act. Far • The provision of high quality Council. too often during the past few years, briefing papers to churches, • In partnership with public bodies Cytûn has played its part in arranging enabling them to respond such as the such events. effectively to Westminster and and the Police Federation, we The vigil took place on the same National Assembly consultations. work in crafting national acts of day as the National Assembly grieved Responding to Brexit has been worship. A major project coming the passing of Rhodri Morgan. As high on the agenda for the member up is the service marking the First Minister, following the terrorist denominations. We were also 500th anniversary of the Lutheran attack of ‘9:11’, he had encouraged effective in offering improvements which will be held in the setting up of what now has to the Wales Act 2017. St David’s Cathedral, Cardiff, on become the Welsh Government’s • An array of third sector October 31. Faith Communities Forum. He did organisations took up a Cytûn • In an effort to renew local so as a humanist. Faith leaders initiated aspiration to see Wales ecumenism, we have this year moved on from exchanging phone becoming the world’s first formally contacted more than 70 groups numbers to becoming close friends recognised nation of sanctuary. seeking to map out what their enabling better social cohesion and The process is now well advanced needs were and what sort of the organising of high profile national in terms of agreeing the meaningful support could be offered. events and acts of worship in a far thresholds required concerning Our distinctive work has also more inclusive manner. how we care for asylum seekers attracted the attention of European Having engaged so much with and refugees in Wales. The partners. In early June we were the former First Minister, Cytûn was Welsh Government agreed in delighted to receive more than 20 pleased to offer his family support and principle to Wales becoming a delegates from all over Europe to reflect to be alongside those who arranged nation of sanctuary back in 2015, on our work. It’s very much hoped they the ceremonies. I was asked to speak following pressure from the Faith were blessed and encouraged by their at the Senedd ceremony. Communities Forum. visit to Wales.

Croeso is edited by Alison Young and designed by Jeff Lewis (Space on White). The deadline for the next edition is September 4, 2017. Please send all copy and images to [email protected]