Meithrin Gobaith Growing Hope www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi December / Rhagfyr 2017 LMAs: Full speed ahead N her first presidential address to new ways of working are now the Diocesan Conference (Satur- Bishop Joanna has signalled that the move from parishes essential. We simply don’t have day, 7th October), the Bishop to Local Ministry Areas is to be speeded up the money to sustain the existing I pattern of ministry,” she said. announced that the programme of conversion from traditional parishes Thus, by 1st January 2020: become Deans. • Ministry Share will be calcu- The change was also needed, into new Local Ministry Areas • all the 100 or so benefices that • The united PCC will be the lated centrally and charged to she added, because of the adverse (LMAs) is to be accelerated and radi- currently make up the diocese ultimate decision-making body. each church, as at present. effect current methods were having cal changes made to the way they are will be amalgamated into 22-23 • Church accounts will be • Progress and performance will on clergy. “It’s making them ill,” configured. LMAs. consolidated annually. Training be reviewed every two years. she warned. The announcement followed • They will be United Benefices will be offered to assist with The Bishop stressed that the harsh a series of archidiaconal meetings with a single PCC made up this. realities of a changing world meant continued on page 2 in September at which clergy and of representatives from each church officials were asked to final- church. ise the boundaries and to decide • Each LMA will become its own which LMA suited them best. Deanery. At present, about half our • Each will have at least two parishes have entered into LMA stipendiary clergy and two agreements. However, in her church wardens. Individual address to conference, the Bishop churches will have sub-wardens made it clear that opting out would and their own church council. no longer be possible. • Ministry Team Leaders are to

Help is at hand The Bishop has appointed Revd Marianne Osborne as the diocesan Ministry Area Development Officer and Transition Missioner. She will head up a team of volunteers who are currently being recruited and who will be equipped to help local church communities with the transition. “Change isn’t coming,” she told conference, “it’s here but we can embrace it if we have some help.” ‘A time of change’: read Marianne’s article on page 2

And it’s happening already . . . Llanelli has become the first place to introduce the new arrangements for the formation of Local Ministry Areas in St Davids Diocese SERVICE in St Elli’s Church, building on the foundations of both A led by Bishop Joanna, the recent and distant past, making licensed a clergy Ministry Team sure that “everyone is included . . . under the “gentle oversight” of everyone has a place to belong.” LMA Dean/Priest-in-Charge Revd And she urged people to Huw Mosford. be “charitable” in voicing any The Bro Lliedi LMA, as it is concerns about the new arrange- called, is the first to become both ments. Mistakes would be made, a United Benefice and a Dean- she conceded. “Be forgiving but ery sharing the same borders, as don’t overlook where things could outlined in the Bishop’s address to be done better. Diocesan Conference (see above). “Let’s be honest about what In her address at St Elli’s, we mourn from the past,” she said. Bishop Joanna told a packed “But remember that we are worship- congregation that the diocese was ping the same God, with the same facing “a new time in our life” resources, as the first disciples.” FOCUS ON PLANNING AHEAD – Pages 10 & 11 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, December 2017

We now have this opportu- nity to bring about change which A time of change is positive, using our time wisely, Generosity Path Let’s embrace this opportunity to make positive changes in our asking ourselves is our church Huw Anderson, the Diocesan Mission Resources Officer, is mission and ministry, says Marianne Osborne, our new Diocesan healthy? Is it all that it can be, is intending to visit every part of the diocese in the coming months Transition Missioner our faith growing, are we sharing to encourage churches and Local Ministry Areas (LMAs) to the Good News of Christ? participate in a “Generosity Path” one-day workshop WOKE up this morning, drew Bishop Joanna’s address at Dio- Iback the curtains and thought cesan Conference encouraged us VER the day, participants will about the day ahead: what would to look at ourselves and to explore Oexplore the wider concept of it bring? We are constantly being innovative ideas; yes, we will make generosity, starting with God’s moulded, chiselled, shaped by our mistakes, we may stumble as we amazing generosity to us in Christ experiences, good and bad, and, journey forward but God will equip and then reflecting on the appropri- of course, by the work of the Holy us for this journey if we embrace ate response from us. Pressure is Spirit in our lives. Every day is this time of transition. If we ask Him never put on participants to give to different from the day before and to guide us, new doors will open as specific causes or to give specific we welcome this, because our goal others close. amounts or proportions. Instead, is to be transformed into His glory, As Diocesan Transition Mission- the liberating, but neglected, to become more Christ-like, empty- er I am looking forward to meeting concept of generosity is warmly ing ourselves of human sin and you all and enabling you to see that, proposed as a key part of Christian contempt to make room for Him. with God, change can be positive discipleship. Thus, as we start our transition sition will be as much a part of our and encouraging. The workshop is being pro- into Local Ministry Areas, we can lives as our calling as disciples. Be prayerful, worship regularly moted by the Church of England be reassured that change is already We are, of course, afraid of the and be ready for the road ahead. Do stewardship team and has proved in coming years. in our lives - positive change that unknown. For most of us it’s true to not be afraid, take courage; when remarkably successful in getting Teamwork will be essential for we work at by living through the say that we are creatures of habit: we are at our weakest and uncertain people to speak openly about the us all and this course could be espe- example of Christ. I ask that this be we find comfort in the things that His strength will shine through. difficult subject of financial giving. cially helpful for our new LMAs as reflected in the way we approach have proved to be reliable over time, If you feel you have gifts to However, given the dramatic they learn to work together more our structural changes: with a certain nurturing, a comfortable enable and nurture change we are changes happening in our diocese closely. Please contact me (huwan- hope and passion in the knowl- way of being church. We must not seeking up to six people to join at present, it should also be helpful [email protected]) if edge that we are not alone. If we allow fear to hold us back – scrip- the Transition team. Details on in promoting “generosity of spirit”, you would like a “taster” session work together, acknowledging one ture assures us repeatedly ‘fear not’, the diocesan website or e-mail me as large amounts of goodwill and before I fix the actual course dates another’s gifts, then soon this tran- ‘be strong’, ‘I am with you always’. [email protected] patience will be needed amongst us and locations for 2018. continued from front page will witness to our friends and LMAs: Full speed ahead What can I do? families the transforming love of God. When we articulate what So, under the new regime, no In the light of Bishop Joanna’s Episcopal Visitation Charge and that means for us on a personal stipendiary cleric will take more her address to the diocesan conference there will be many in level, without the usual Anglican than three services on a Sunday; our diocese who are asking this question. Robb Wainwright, demurring statement that our faith no lay minister will take more Diocesan Lay Development Officer, invites readers to a series of is deeply personal, then we are than two; and retired clergy can no archidiaconal events which will offer support and encouragement following the command to spread longer be expected to fill in except in this time of change the gospel. in cases of emergency, holidays, What can I do? may seem like sickness or sabbaticals. HE Bishop’s charge and one response has been to organise a cry in the wilderness, but it can But, Bishop Joanna stressed that Taddress laid out some hard a series of Taster Days, one in each also be heard as a willingness to collaboration is key. “The aim of facts about our churches and the archdeaconry, during which our be open, to listen and to take on LMAs is to ensure, given our finan- clergy in our diocese, about the Bishop will introduce just what is faith what we feel the Holy Spirit cial constraints, that we retain a fair need to accept that our current way happening and available to those may be saying to us. We can, and and local pastoral ministry across of being church is unsustainable who want to answer this ques- or who belong to an organisation must, be open to the fact that few the diocese while ensuring that that and that it is all right to feel upset, tion for themselves. Each day will that helps develop their Christian of us hear God’s call directly and clergy and lay ministers work in a bereft and, in some instances, include presentations and question identity and foster their call to we must listen for that call when mutually supportive team. mournful of what has been lost. and answer sessions from those in follow Christ. voiced by others, however surpris- “Collaborative ministry enables As Lay Development Officer our diocese who provide training, The common theme for these ing the source may be. people to work individually and in it has been much on my mind and specialist advice for our churches days will be to understand how we The dates for the Taster Days teams according to their strengths engage with the needs of our local are: 10th March Cardigan, 14th rather than having to be a jill (or church communities while, at the April Carmarthen and 5th May St jack) of all trades in their own same time, deepening our under- Davids Archdeaconries. particular spot.” Changing Attitude Cymru standing of that personal journey Please watch the diocesan This way, LMAs can be “places of faith which calls us daily to trust website for the details of pres- where Christians of all ages are well and follow Christ. More than ever, entations, venues and timings or resourced and working together Trawsnewid Agwedd Cymru it is our understanding and accept- feel free to contact me directly on to develop focal ministry that will ance of God in our daily lives that [email protected]. preserve a commitment to the local.” Matthew Hill is currently exploring the possibility of establishing “We are experimenting,” Bishop Joanna concluded, “so let’s have a support group for Changing Attitude Cymru in the Diocese of St a go at doing things differently. Davids. Changing Attitude Cymru campaigns for the full inclusion of Cyfraniadau ar gyfer Pobl Dewi We’re not going to get it right first gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender people in the Church in Wales. Y mae croeso i erthyglau oddi wrth ddarllenwyr, ac yn arbennig cyfraniadau Cymraeg. time, but let’s keep talking to each If you would be interested in being part of such a group please get in other, learn from our mistakes and touch. All enquiries will be treated with complete discretion Dylid anfon erthyglau at y Golygydd: share our resources.” Tessa Briggs [email protected] YDW i’n ystyried y i bobl hoyw, lesbiaid, deurywiol Er mwyn cyhoeddi ffotograffau o blant ar bapur neu ar y we rhaid derbyn posibilrwydd o sefydlu grŵp a thrawsrywiol yn yr Eglwys yng R caniatâd y rhieni. Dylech gadarnhau’r caniatâd hwnnw mewn ysgrifen i’r golygydd FINAL COPY DATE Cefnogaeth Esgobaethol ar gyfer Nghymru. Gall unrhywun gydag pan yn cyfrannu ffotograffau. Trawsnewid Agwedd Cymru unrhyw diddordeb gysylltu â fi Ymwadiad for the March 2018 yn Esgobaeth Tyddewi. Mae yn uniongyrchol os gwelwch yn Nid yw Pobl Dewi nac Esgobaeth Tyddewi yn cymryd cyfrifoldeb, yn atebol, nac edition of Trawsnewid Agwedd Cymru yn dda. Byddaf yn ystyried unrhyw o anghenraid yn cytuno gyda’r farn a fynegir yn unrhyw erthygl yn y cyhoeddiad. ymgyrchu am gynhwysiad llawn ymholiad yn gyfrinachol. Pobl Dewi Mae’r holl wybodaeth yn gyfrifoldeb ar yr unigolyn neu’r mudiad sy’n cyfrannu’r erthygl. 5th February 01570 471241/07964 631997 Nid yw Pobl Dewi yn cymryd cyfrifoldeb dros unrhyw gamgymeriad neu ddiffygion. [email protected] Pobl Dewi, December 2017 3

advised to actually read the explan- atory note before they spoke, as Governing Body they appeared not to have grasped the purpose of the meeting. An It was to back to Lampeter on 13th & 14th September for the attempt at an amendment failed autumn meeting of the Governing Body (GB). Paul Mackness and the motion was carried by 53 reports to 40 with the six bishops and three RESH from the Archiepiscopal communion prior to confirmation, other members abstaining. FElectoral College, the newly came out of concerns raised at our Other business included a elected Archbishop of Wales, the archidiaconal gatherings to discuss motion relating to the GB recog- Most Revd John Davies, deliv- this important topic: nising ‘the importance of caring for ered the presidential address, That the Governing Body: God’s creation, both as an essential which was deeply personal. It gave i) Request the Bench of Bishops part of the stewardship of our own members an insight into the Arch- to allow that the ‘Documents resources and as part of our mission bishop’s own history and life and about Admission to Commun- to the world.’ This was passed with the things that had influenced him ion’ be considered in greater only one abstention. in his ministry. He also said that his detail by the Governing Body There was another Private vision was for a church re-imag- in debate in order for any Member’s motion in relation to the ined, not of one simply intent on concerns to be shared and for Armed Forces’ Covenant, proposed keeping ‘the show on the road.’ appropriate responses to be by Revd Jonathan Wright, who had The Diocese of St Davids made; and formerly served in the Royal Navy, brought a Private Member’s ii) Request the Bench of Bish- and seconded by the Archbishop. Motion, which had originated in ops to update the ‘Documents The Armed Forces’ Covenant Roose Deanery Conference and had about Admission to Commun- pledges support for service person- the support of the Diocesan Stand- ion’ as appropriate in light of nel and their families, however ing Committee. Proposing the the debate and to extend the Bishop Joanna sounded a sober motion was Revd Harri Williams, period of introduction until the warning “If, as a nation, we ask Most Revd John Davies seconded by the Archdeacon of first Sunday in Advent 2018. people to do this most terrible of Cardigan. The motion, relating to There was a healthy debate, things on our behalf, we have a duty after those who are harmed by their Further details of GB business the Bench of Bishop’s policy to although I think some members of to ensure that our Government, not service”. This motion received and news are in Highlights, avail- allow all the baptised to receive the GB would, perhaps, have been just our charities, honour and look unanimous support from the GB. able in churches or online.

lar risk factors can make a child more vulnerable, and these include 2017 Readers’ Day a history of abuse, particularly Child Sexual sexual abuse, recent bereavement HE annual Diocesan Readers’ Day was held on 14th October at or loss, homelessness, low self- T Trinity College, Carmarthen. Warden of Readers, Revd Andrew Loat, esteem or self-confidence, being welcomed Readers and members greeted each other in friendship and a young carer, being in, or leav- fellowship over coffee. Exploitation ing, care, living in a gang-affected The day began with Bishop Joanna, assisted by Andrew, leading neighbourhood or lacking friends a Eucharist in the college chapel. It was a joy to share the day with the from the same age group. Bishop, who is a former Warden of Readers.

GNU Free Documentation License The list of possible signs of A thought-provoking afternoon session, on ‘Working with Mark’s abuse is not definitive, nor does the Gospel as theologians and preachers’ was led by Rt Revd John Saxbee. presence of any of these signs cate- /Wikipedia gorically mean that a child is being abused. Awareness of the poten- tial signs of abuse and what to do if you have concerns for the well- being of a child is included in the Rochdale Town Hall and 7 Sisters Paul Likes Pics 2007 © Safe Church training being deliv- ered across the Church in Wales. The BBC TV drama ‘Three Girls’ is based on the true stories of A two-hour training session for victims of grooming and sexual abuse in Rochdale and graphically your parish or LMA can be booked illustrates the failings of safeguarding procedures to protect the by simply e-mailing me at children who were being abused. It pays us all to be more aware, [email protected] says Lynn Rees, St Davids Safeguarding Support Officer KEY failing in Rochdale However, sexual exploitation can A was the inability to recog- be very difficult to identify and nise the signs that the children the warning signs can easily be were the victims of abuse. Child mistaken for ‘normal’ teenage Sexual Exploitation (CSE) is often behaviour. a ‘hidden crime’, which is hard to According to the NSPCC, identify; knowing the signs and sexually exploited young people being aware of the risk factors may abscond from home, care is key to protecting vulnerable or education, be involved in children. abusive relationships, have older CSE is a type of sexual abuse, boyfriends or girlfriends and mix where children in exploitative situ- with sets of older people or anti- Women’s World ations and relationships receive social groups. Children vulnerable Day of Prayer something, such as gifts, money or to CSE may also associate with at 2 March 2018 so-called affection, as a reward for risk peers and other young people performing sexual activities. Such subject to sexual exploitation, get The service, children or young people are often involved with gang fighting and ‘All God’s Creation is deceived into believing they are in membership, commit petty crimes, Very Good!’, has been a loving, consensual relationship. such as shoplifting, or spend time written by the women Research has found that over at places of concern, for example of Suriname 2,400 children were victims of hotels or known brothels. www.wwdp.org.uk sexual exploitation in gangs and Sexual exploitation can happen groups from August 2010 to Octo- to any young person, whatever their tel 01892 541411 ber 2011 (Berelowitz, S. 2012). background. However, particu- 4 Pobl Dewi, December 2017 Revd Canon Dr Sarah Rowland Jones LVO OBE to be new Dean of St Davids Cathedral ANON Sarah is currently on the work of her predecessors, terrorism and the EU. Justus Marcus, regional Bishop C Priest-in-charge of Cardiff ’s developing its vocation to turn While in Budapest, she was in the Diocese of Cape Town city centre Church of St John the visitors into pilgrims and to be the made a Lieutenant of the Victo- and formerly Dean of Kimberley Baptist, and will tbe installed as Mother Church of our Diocese. rian Order (LVO) for her role in Cathedral, whom she met when Dean on 5th May. “As the senior priest of the diocese, organising the Queen’s state visit both were serving on the Inter She is the fi rst woman to be she will make a valuable contri- to Hungary in 1993. She left the Anglican Standing Commission on appointed to the post and has family bution to our common life and I service in 1996 to pursue her Chris- Ecumenical Relations. She contin- roots in the diocese, including look forward to her installation tian vocation and was awarded the ues to serve on various regional being related to Daniel Rowland of immensely.” OBE for services to the Foreign & and international Anglican and Llangeitho. Canon Sarah grew up in Welsh- Commonwealth Offi ce in January Ecumenical bodies. “St David’s has always been pool and Shrewsbury. After reading 1997. Sadly, Bishop Marcus died special to me,” she said. “It will be maths at Cambridge University, Canon Sarah trained for the from cancer a year later. a tremendous privilege to join the she joined the diplomatic service, priesthood at St John’s College, In 2011 she married a fellow community of those who today bear and in the following 15 years had Nottingham. She was ordained in Welsh exile working in South the responsibility of sharing the good postings in the British Embassies 1999 and served initially in Wrex- Africa, Peter Evans. They returned news of Jesus Christ with pilgrims “Sarah is a deeply prayerful, in Jordan and Hungary. ham, in her home diocese of St to Wales in 2013 for Sarah to take and visitors from near and far. creative and experienced priest. I Responsibilities during London Asaph. up her current post in Cardiff . Bishop Joanna said she was have no doubt that, under Sarah’s postings at the Foreign Offi ce In 2002, she moved to South “delighted”. leadership, the cathedral will build included energy policy, counter- Africa to marry the Rt Revd

Appointments

Revd Huw Mosford appointed Priest in Charge, Revd Peter Jones Ministry Team Leader and Revd Mair Owen Area Dean in the United appointed Priest in Charge The Venerable Dorrien to be Priest in Charge of in the Rectorial Benefi ce of Benefi ce, LMA and Deanery of Bro Lliedi, Davies Revd Canon Leigh Llandybie, 25 January 2018 Monkton, 31 October 2017 9 November 2017 (appointed Archdeacon of Richardson Carmarthen, to be licensed as Canon 12 November 2017) Residentiary and Sub Dean to be licensed as of St Davids Cathedral, Priest-in-Charge of St Clears 12 February 2018 w Llangynin & Llanfi hangel Abercywyn, 23 January 2018

Revd Michael Rowlands to be Priest in Charge of Llanrhian and Mathry with St Revd Marianne Osborne Edren’s and Grandston with to be Priest in Charge of St Nicholas and Jordanston and Ministry Team Leader Ruth Busisa Prendergast w Rudbaxton & appointed Pioneer Evangelist Uzmaston, Designate for the LMA, 10 January 2018 at Haverfordwest, 28 November 2017 29 September 2017

Revd Mark Ansell Revd Dr Caroline Jones Revd Canon Sian Jones Revd Jonathan Copus appointed Team Vicar in to be licensed as NSM(L) to be collated and installed as to continue as Interim Minister the Rectorial Benefi ce Revd Josh Maynard Assistant Curate of St Clears Canon Treasurer of St Davids of the Crymych Group for of Aberystwyth with to be Team Vicar in the w Llangynin & Llanfi hangel Cathedral, an additional period of six responsibility for Santes Fair Rectorial Benefi ce of Abercywyn, 29 January 2018 months, until 6 March 2018 and Holy Trinity, Monkton, 5 December 2017 23 January 2018 18 September 2017 Pobl Dewi, December 2017 5 Knit and natter The benefi ts of belonging to a craft group in Begelly go Growing Hope far beyond what its members make during the sessions, says Caroline Mansell

obaith eithrin G M Hope Growing ‘Grant us vision, Lord, and courage, to fulfi l Thy work begun’ These words were written by Bishop Timothy Rees in 1926, only six years after disestablishment and disendowment and should resonate with us today, says Harri Williams NIT and Natter is a commu- at fl ower arranging and crocheting, HE result of the Welsh Church not bricks and mortar. Many of nity craft group which meets bringing along some able demon- Act could have caused the our buildings are not in appropri- K T twice a month in the afternoons in strators to get them started. A fi rm decline of the Church in Wales ate locations for their communities, St Mary’s Church Hall, Begelly. favourite however has proved to (CiW), but, due to bold and vision- neither do they possess facilities to People come together bringing be the Christian colouring which ary leadership, it fl ourished and make them fi t for purpose. small craft projects they may be has become so popular of late. The membership increased. If we did prune the number of working on and enjoy a chat and a colouring seems to provide gentle With the centenary of the CiW buildings in which we worshipped, cuppa whilst they work. The group exercise for the brain and people approaching, we need such vision what would change? Ultimately, started up in the summer when fi nd it very absorbing. For many it and courage again as we face signif- although the process would be pain- many social groups take a break takes them back to their youth and icant challenges. Bishop Joanna ful, it would lead to a new energy and those who rely on such groups the conversations then become a has outlined a clear direction for in the life of the Church. Our build- for company feel rather at a loss. history lesson. us, which is to be welcomed, but ings would serve as missionary Of the 10 regular people that now Not everyone is up to doing the I would wish every member of the tools, rather than historic burdens, come along most are aged over 70, crafting though, what with poor diocese to consider a more radi- my Father is the vine-grower. He because we would be investing live alone and relish the time out of eyesight and arthritic hands, instead cal approach to the process of the removes every branch in me that in those buildings which possess the house in the company of others. they simply partake of the nattering Church’s renewal. bears no fruit. Every branch that the greatest potential to serve and The idea came about indirectly and that’s fi ne too. For example, one Such renewal can only begin if bears fruit he prunes to make it reach out to the community. We through Messy Church. St Mary’s of the group, a 94 year old, had not we make an honest assessment of bear more fruit.’ could establish centres of worship- started their fi rst Messy Church last ventured out of her house since her the current situation. Since 1991, To bear new fruit in the form ping, pastoral and evangelistic year and found that it took a good hip operation over a year ago and the average adult Sunday attend- of making new disciples we must excellence rather than accepting deal of organising and craft prepa- was feeling increasingly isolated; ance has dropped by over 50%; have the time, energy and money to the provision currently provided. ration ahead of the sessions. Those the off er of transport to the hall and on average a CiW building is do so, and this isn’t possible until Only by prayer and renewal that volunteered to do this enjoyed the chance to chat with old friends, attended by 10 individuals. Is this we acknowledge that we can no can the Church fulfi l its calling to it so much that they suggested has brought her back once more in truly sustainable? Is this enabling longer sustain the number of build- evangelise the people of Wales. coming together to do “crafting” to the community. the life of the Church to fl ourish? ings we currently possess. Whilst It is my hope and prayer that we for themselves. So, whilst people “Crafting” has certainly taken I would argue not. To change our there is undoubtedly tremendous possess the courage and vision to may bring along their own projects, off as a recognised social activ- future, we must act now. emotional and sentimental attach- make that happen. others do the same craft activity that ity and it is to be commended on In St John’s Gospel (15:1-2) ment to such buildings, the Body was used at the last Messy Church. so many levels, not least for giving Jesus said: ‘I am the true vine, and of Christ is made up of people, Both groups have recently enjoyed us another good reason for getting making hanging angel mobiles and people together, for people surely these now adorn the church hall. only fi nd their worth when in rela- Exciting and ecumenical The group have tried their hand tionship with others. Are you doing well at reaching children with the good news of Jesus? The team in Lampeter LMA was convinced they weren’t, so when a local Presbyterian minister approached them with a vision for a full-time schools worker, they were immediately interested – and Cadwyn Teifi was born. Aled Lewis is enthusiastic E invited representatives established with ordained and lay period of time the steering commit- Wfrom the churches and chap- representatives from the Church in tee was constituted as a charitable els in the area and Scripture Union Wales, the Presbyterian Church of incorporated organisation under the to a meeting. It was well supported Wales, the Methodist Church and name ‘Cadwyn Teifi ’, meaningTeifi and there was great enthusiasm the Evangelical Church. Chain – the River Teifi meanders for the project. Within a couple of With the guidance and power through the area. Cadwyn Teifi will weeks a steering committee was of the Holy Spirit, in a very short enhance the Christian faith among young people and families in the catchment areas of Ysgol Bro Pedr, Lampeter and Ysgol Henry Rich- ard, Tregaron. A children and youth representation from the Baptist we pray that further funds will worker will come alongside church Union of Wales. The trustees become available. and volunteer leaders to encour- encompass a wealth and breadth It is hoped that the worker will age and enable them in the ministry of experience that equip it for the be in place by late spring, so that of sharing God’s Word with the work which lies ahead. the work can start in earnest at the younger generation in school, We have already received beginning of the next academic church and community activities. pledges for suffi cient monies to year. The speed and success of Cadwyn Teifi has entered in employ a part-time worker for the the project thus far suggests that to a partnership with Scripture next three years, including a gener- God’s hand is very much at work Union allowing access not only ous contribution from the Diocesan in Cadwyn Teifi as He yearns for to fi nancial support but also to its Strategy Fund. The trustees’ vision, his Word to be heard once again by experience and resources. It is now however, is to employ a full-time the children and young people of Cadwyn Teifi Group meeting a registered charity and also has worker and, through God’s grace, our communities. 6 Pobl Dewi, December 2017 Fundraising for the future

Pam Hunt, leader of the Heritage Llangwm Project, looks at the challenges faced by the congregation of St Jerome’s church in Llangwm, Pembrokeshire, now that its renovation is complete

WHAT’S ON AT ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL . . . Sunday 3rd December, 6pm Advent Sunday The Advent Procession with Carols Wednesday 6th December, 6pm Evensong followed by the launch of ‘Carols Before Dawn: and other Welsh Christmases’ by Revd Canon Chancellor Patrick Thomas Sunday 10th December, 6pm Choral Vespers with A Ceremony of Carols by Benjamin Britten Bride & Groom arrive at St Jerome’s for the re-enactment of the 1315 wedding of Lady Johanna and Sir David de la Roche Saturday 16th December, 7.30pm Dyfed Choir Concert Wednesday 20th December, 5pm Children’s Crib Service IX months have passed since St of St Jerome’s reopening, we cele- Friday 22nd December, 7pm Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols SJerome’s Church in Llangwm brated the completion of the project (doors open 5:45pm) reopened after an extensive reno- with a spectacular medieval week- vation. Running alongside the end. That alone raised over £2,000, Saturday 23rd December, 4pm Christmas Lily Service restoration was a community- a great start. But could we sustain (dedication of lilies in memory of loved ones) driven research project delving that momentum? Sunday 24th December First Eucharist of Christmas, deep into Llangwm’s medieval As the summer season pro- Christmas Eve, 11pm Procession & Blessing of Crib history, the results of which were gressed, the Friends were meeting Monday 25th December Choral Family Eucharist portrayed in a tapestry hanging in and greeting visitors to the church, the church. This tapestry tells its who came in small groups and Christmas Day, 10.30am story to visitors through their smart larger, organised bus tours. We Tuesday 26th December Morning Prayer & Holy Communion phones. The tapestry, the medi- had created merchandise associ- St Stephen’s Day, 10am eval story of this community, has ated with the “Talking Tapestry of Sunday 31st December, 10.30am Parish Eucharist with Carols become the key to raising addi- Langum” to sell to all these groups. 4pm Carols & Readings at the Crib tional funds to keep our church in This proved successful, but we good order. know that we’ll have to expand the Monday 1st January John S. Davies Singers New Year’s Day Like other churches, we already merchandise as time goes on. New Year’s Day, 2.15pm Concert had a congregation working hard So what are we doing this Sunday 14th January, 6pm The Epiphany Procession with Carols on various fundraising initiatives. winter? Well, we are putting on a Saturday 20th January, 7.30pm La Nativité du Seigneur by Olivier Messiaen, But would that be enough now we series of lunchtime concerts over 9 meditations on the birth of the Saviour had under-fl oor heating and broad- the coldest months of the year. We band to pay for? We knew that we have created a fi lm club, using the performed by Simon Pearce, Assistant would have to explore new oppor- new technology installed in the Director of Music. tunities to endeavour to raise an church. We have special events, Light refreshments following the concert estimated additional £2,500 every this season started with a sell-out Sunday 4th February, 6pm The Candlemas Vesper & Procession year, the fi gure we’d calculated as concert performed by a Gospel Wednesday 14th February, 7pm Choral Eucharist and imposition of ashes the additional cost. Choir from Montserrat. We off er The solution was to create a Welsh and music reading classes Sunday 25th February, 6pm Stations of St David Friends of St Jerome’s, a group of run by the Friends and funded by Thursday 1st March, 11.15am Pilgrimage from St Non’s to Oriel Y Parc. volunteers from both the church donations. All this contributes to Procession continues on to the Cross Square congregation and the wider our commitment to fi nd those addi- with blessing by the Bishop. Then to prayers community. Their challenge was tional funds. at the Shrine of St David to think out of the box to fi nd new It looks as though we’ve raised 6pm Choral Eucharist for the feast of St David ways to raise funds. The motto enough this year. Even so, we have adopted was “Dare to be Diff er- to continue “daring to be diff erent” ent”. A steering group was set up if we are to maintain our fundrais- For further information about the above services and events to do just that and within a month ing potential in future years. please contact the Deanery Offi ce on 01437 720202 or email [email protected] See our website www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

For more articles which, unfortunately, could not be accommodated in this issue, plus translations of some, please visit the PD Extra page of our website:

www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ Members of the Landsker Re-enactment group demonstrate early 10th century combat Pobl Dewi, December 2017 7 MakingGrowing Hope the most of our coast

In St Davids Diocese, none of us is very far from water, be it lakes, rivers or the sea. Caroline Evans, Acting Chair of the Diocese Tourism Team and a Director of Carmarthenshire Tourism Association, encourages us all to get involved in the Visit Wales marketing theme for 2018 ANY of our churches reflect shores. This is our Year of the Sea. seasonal themes; January to March Mthis proximity to water The 870-mile Wales Coast Path ‘Epic Seascapes’, April to June in various ways: in their fabric, passes seascapes of breath-taking ‘Coastal Capital and Communi- windows, memorials, gravestone variety, hundreds of beaches, ties’, July to September ‘Coasts texts, and so on, and the stories harbours, inlets and islands. Follow Alive’, and October to December are legion. Many are in beautiful the rivers upstream to the inland ‘Connected Coast’. Through it all settings, near rivers and the coast, shores of our lakes and reservoirs. the word ‘epic’ will be applied. and hold services for mariners and A warm Welsh welcome, a unique The Year of the Sea theme boat and fleet blessings. Countless culture, the finest food and drink . . . gives us the opportunity to flaunt pilgrims made their way by sea this is the greatest coastal experi- our wonderful resources. Visit as illustrated on their beautiful new churches, our leaflets, our signpost- to the important Christian centres ence of 2018. Welcome to our epic Wales campaign is running across tapestry – a wonderful artefact to ing, our websites/Facebook pages. such as St David’s. shores.’ many platforms and is hungry visit and story to tell. And the sad The ‘tourism’ tab on the diocesan Visit Wales has chosen ‘The The campaign builds on for content – they really do want tales behind the grave memorials website tab has useful information Year of the Sea’ as their marketing the previous themes of ‘Year of to know about our churches, the of seafarers at St Cynwyl’s, Aber- and if you want help please contact theme for 2018. This is how they Adventure’ (2016) and the ‘Year stories, the events we are putting porth. The Wales Coast Path could the Diocesan Tourism Team: tel describe it, ‘In 2018 discover new of Legends’ (2017). Their market- on. For example, the Flemish bring new pilgrims to our doors. 01267 202305. epic experiences all around our ing activity centres around four founders of Llangwm came by sea, We have the winter to prepare our [email protected] A new lease of life The last six months have been busy ones for the St Davids Cathedral Library T DAVIDS is the only cathe- The Friends of St Davids S dral in Wales to have an Cathedral have donated £45,000 on-site library. Its eclectic collection which will help fund widespread comprises over 7,000 books from improvements, not least the expan- the 16th Century onwards plus an sion of shelf-space to accommodate extensive local photographic collec- old and new acquisitions. tion. Everything older disappeared Work is also urgently needed at the Reformation and during the to update the library’s IT systems Commonwealth (1649-60). and climate controls in a landscape Now it has embarked on a three- where 90% humidity is common- year development programme to place, which is not kind to ancient and rebinding work has been regular themed displays. help catch up on several years of tomes. revived and the library is now Among the gems recently under-activity. The regular book conservation open to the public again, with featured are Dr Johnson’s Dictionary and a Bible and prayer book which belonged to Admiral Lord Nelson. After his death at Trafalgar, they were given to St Katherine’s Church in Milford Haven by his elder brother ing visitors from Ireland, Belgium, The church, the admiral and the William, Duke of Bronte. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, The Cathedral Library has Netherlands, Switzerland, Sweden, helped St Katharine’s with the Lebanon and many from the USA. Gunpowder Plot restoration of the Bible and prayer The library is open to the general book and they will return there public every Monday after- Two priceless pieces of history are on their way home to Milford Haven soon. noon from 2-4pm and on special HEY are a Bible and prayer Lady Hamilton, who by then was tant historical features, not least a Over the November half term occasions. Local groups and Tbook that belonged to Admiral Nelson’s mistress. He described link that gives modern scholars a week, pages on display were from congregations are welcome to visit Lord Nelson, which were donated it as ‘the most handsome port in direct link from today to the infa- the Gunpowder Plot service used and should contact the cathedral to to the then newly-opened St Kath- Christendom’. mous Gunpowder Plot from 1674 to 1859, included in the arrange dates and times. arine & St Peter’s Church, Milford The volumes have recently At the time that the prayer book Nelson prayer book. Haven, shortly after his death at been restored under the expert was published, it included a service Over Christmas the intention is Trafalgar in 1805, by his elder eye of the librarians in St Davids for 5th November which had been to display the Nativity story using brother, William, Duke of Bronte. Cathedral and now preparations added by Charles II in 1674 to a range of Bibles in the library’s Nelson visited the town in 1802 are under way to return them to St give thanks to ‘Almighty God . . . collection including Parry’s 1620 as a guest of Sir William Hamil- Katharine’s. for the miraculous and gracious Bible in Welsh, a ‘Breeches’ Bible ton, founder of the port, and The books have many impor- . . . Deliverance of the King, and in English and Martin Luther’s the Realm, from the most Traiter- translation of the Bible into ous and Bloudy intended Massacre German. by Gun-Powder’. The service was And this year, for the first time, enshrined in law by the Thanks- the library has produced Christmas giving Act and was used annually cards for sale featuring seasonal in churches on 5th November for images from the collection. They nearly 200 years until 1859 when can be ordered via Queen Victoria discontinued it, [email protected] The prayer book also contains or from the cathedral shop handwritten changes includ- The library is also keen to ing updating prayers to the recruit extra volunteers to help Sovereign when Victoria acceded welcome the many people who to the throne. This shows that the annually climb the stone spiral prayer book was used regularly staircase in the north choir aisle. over the years by congregations in This summer has seen visitors Admiral Lord Nelson’s Prayer Book Milford. come in record numbers, includ- 8 Pobl Dewi, December 2017 Piece of local heritage secured for the future Months of planning by the Saints and Stones group came to a successful conclusion recently, when Bishop Joanna unveiled the new Hundred Stone at Garn Twrne, near Sealyham. Richard Davies, Curate at Little Newcastle, enjoys a historic day HE original stone, which the fact that, in former times, St the George family of Brynhyfryd. Tmarked the boundaries not David’s relics used to accompany On Tuesday afternoon, 31st Octo- only of the three parishes of St the medieval bishops as far as Garn ber, St Dogfael’s Day, the unveiling Dogwells, Ambleston and Little Twrne when they went off to battle ceremony took place. Following a Newcastle, but also three historic as feudal lords. welcome from Revd David Rees hundreds of the county, namely Master Craftsman Malcolm of Ambleston and St Dogwells, Dewsland, Dungleddy and Kemes, Grey of St Davids was commis- Anne Eastham, Chair of Saints and was fast decaying and becoming sioned by the Saints and Stones Stones, gave a brief synopsis of the so weathered that the inscription group to produce an exact replica importance of the Garn Twrne site. could hardly be read. to stand where the old stone had After I had said the bidding prayer, special service in the church within The Saints and Stones group The decision was taken to stood sentinel for a few hundred Bishop Joanna then unveiled and living memory! would like to thank all who have present the old stone to the lapi- years. The new stone was put in dedicated the stone. The ladies of St Dogwells, with assisted in the project, which darium at the cathedral (where place by men from the Highways A bilingual sung Evensong contributions from others, served ensures that a small part of our stone monuments and fragments of Depot of the County Council at followed at St Dogwells Church a sumptuous tea which brought a local heritage survives for the archaeological interest are stored Fishguard. Transportation was and the Bishop preached – the first historic day to a very successful benefit of future generations. and exhibited) in recognition of kindly carried out by members of time a bishop has preached at a conclusion.

A walk down memory lane Dathlu dwbl mewn un gwasanaeth St Mary’s Church, Hakin, celebrated its 90th anniversary with a Tre-groes church combined their Harvest Thanksgiving with thanksgiving Songs of Praise Service of Thanksgiving on 1st September for the life and work of William Williams, Pantycelyn HE Rector of Hubberston, churchwarden. His wife, Ann, and DYDD SUL, 1 Hydref, TAndy Bookless, welcomed the daughters, Joanna and Bethan, Droedd yn dda gweld cynifer large congregation, which included were proud to be present to offer wedi dod ynghyd yn Eglwys many clergy who had previously their personal thanksgiving. S. Ffraid Tre-groes ar gyfer served in the parish, to the special Congratulations were also extended gwasanaeth arbennig o ddiolch yn occasion. Those in attendance to David and Joyce Burrows, who y lle cyntaf am y cynhaeaf, ac yna heard reflections from the original had been married in St Mary’s hefyd i ddiolch am fywyd William service on 1 September 1927 and a and were celebrating their Golden Williams, Pantycelyn, a hynny 300 captivating address by Canon Alan Wedding Anniversary. mlynedd ers ei eni. Cafwyd eitemau Chadwick. An exhibition of memorabilia gan aelodau’r eglwys a’r gymuned During this year’s Thanksgiv- took people down memory lane, ynghyd ag eitemau hyfryd dros ing Service a new lectern, crafted with love and joy, and the celebra- ben ar y delyn gan Mirain Tomos o by David Burrows, was dedicated tion concluded with the usual St Gilycwm. Roedd cysylltiad rhwng in memory of Trevor Marvelly, Mary’s sumptuous afternoon tea, Mirain â Wiliam Williams gan bod who had been a lifetime member arranged by the dedicated working Pantycelyn o fewn ei milltir sgwâr of St Mary’s and a committed party. a hefyd perthynas rhyngddi a theulu Cymreig yn y Neuadd a da oedd mewn doniau a thalentau, cefnogol yn ardal Tre-groes, sef gweld y cydweithio rhwng yr chyfeillgarwch a chydweithio. teulu Rhiwlug, sydd yn garedig aelodau sy’n dod â llwyddiant Dyma wasanaeth o ddiolch a fydd iawn i’r ardal ac i’r eglwys. i’r eglwys a’r pentre bach yn cael ei gofio am amser hir. I gloi’r prynhawn cafwyd te gwledig sydd mor gyfoethog

The Service of Dedication was led Saved from the scrapyard by Revd Dr Brian Jones, who also gave a memorable address. Chil- St Lleian’s Church, Gorslas, was well attended on Sunday 10th dren from Gorslas Primary School September for the dedication of a World War II memorial plaque read the background details of each which was originally sited at Gwendraeth Grammar School, service man named on the plaque, Drefach, Llanelli. Winsey Taylor provides more details the date of their death and the site of their interment in Europe. WENDRAETH Grammar a fitting new home, we received The collection at the service was G School was opened in 1925 approval of a faculty to site the in aid of the Royal British Legion as a predominantly Welsh language refurbished memorial in St Lleian’s Poppy Appeal. teaching establishment. In 1983, Church, Gorslas. under education changes, it became Gwendraeth Valley Comprehen- sive School, with teaching being predominantly in English. The school was officially closed in 2013 with the opening of a new, Welsh- medium school, Ysgol Gyfun Maes y Gwendraeth in Cefneithin. Terry Davies, the Verger at St Lleian’s, discovered that a memorial plaque, commemorat- ing Gwendraeth Grammar School pupils who lost their lives in the Second World War, was hanging in the old assembly rooms in Drefach. To save the plaque, and give it Pobl Dewi, December 2017 9 Calan Hen Mightier than the sword Since the change from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian The article by Philip Wyn Davies in the September issue of Pobl Dewi (‘Something calendar in 1752, St Tysul’s Church in Llandysul has marked the to celebrate this year’) on the need to rejoice in, and celebrate, the translation of the new year with a special festival, as Gareth Reid explains Book of Common Prayer and the New Testament into Welsh was a timely reminder, WI’N siŵr bod pob un sydd gilydd yn Eglwys S. Tysul i writes Jill Davies, a volunteer at Carmarthenshire County Museum D ynghlwm gyda’r eglwys gyd-adrodd darnau o’r Beibl, ateb O commemorate this hugely yn gweld eu heglwys nhw yn cwestiynau ar y darnau hynny a Timportant event Carmarthen- arbennig ac yn unigryw, ac mae chanu anthemau. Mi oedd hyn shire County Museum is holding Eglwys S. Tysul yn Llandysul yn digwydd ar 12 Ionawr pob an exhibition, Mightier than the gyda thraddodiad hanesyddol sydd blwyddyn, gyda phlant yn colli’r sword; Change and Conflict in yn ein helpu ni i hawlio hynny. ysgol er mwyn mynychu. Carmarthenshire 1485-1714. Ar ôl i’r calendr newid Mae’r ŵyl wedi’i chynnal yn It will illustrate the changes yn 1752 collwyd 11 diwrnod, Eglwys S. Tysul bob blwyddyn, in the religious life of the country ac ar yr hen ddydd Calan, sef heblaw am un, pan gafodd ei under the Tudor dynasty by showing Ionawr 12, dathlwyd y diwrnod chynnal yn Eglwys S. Ffraid, Bibles of different dates, drawing trwy roi bwyd i weithwyr y Tre-groes. Mi oedd Eglwys S. on the museum’s important collec- cynhaeaf, ac yna treuliwyd y Tysul wedi’i chau oherwydd difrod tion. William Salesbury’s Testament dydd yn chwarae gêm enfawr o o ganlyniad i fellten fwrw’r tŵr, Newydd of 1567 will be the focus bêl-droed, o fath, sef y cnapan ac mi gafodd pawb croeso cynnes of the first part of the display, in the neu’r bêl ddu. Y ddau bostyn iawn yn Nhre-groes bryd hynny. building in which he and Bishop gôl oedd Eglwys Llanwenog, Hyd heddiw mae’r traddodiad Richard Davies worked so hard. ac Eglwys Llandysul, ac mae o yma’n dal i fodoli, ond nawr mae’r The exhibition will be a rare leiaf 7 milltir o bellter rhwng y ŵyl yn cael ei chynnal ar y dydd chance to see many sixteenth and ddau. Mi oedd llawer o yfed yn Sadwrn agosaf at yr Hen Galan seventeenth century books reflect- digwydd, nifer o anafiadau, ac yn yn dechrau gyda’r Foreol Weddi ing all aspects of religious and y diwedd mi wnaeth rhai farw. am 10yb. Daw’r oedolion, a’r academic life of the time. Yn 1833 newidiodd pethau ysgolion Sul ynghyd yn The second part of the exhibi- o dan arweiniad y Parch Eglwys S. Tysul tion will show a selection of the Enoch James, Ficer Llandysul. yn gynnar yn y portraits of the Vaughan family Teimlodd y Parch James bod flwyddyn i gofio of Golden Grove and the part the angen troi’r dathliadau o’r trwy bob newid bod Earl of Carbery played in the Civil yfed a’r anafiadau yn ôl at yr Arglwydd War. The mansion gave sanctuary Dduw. Felly, crëwyd Gŵyl Iesu yn dal gyda to Robert Taylor and a first edition Calan Hen, gyda’r eglwysi ni, i ddathlu of his Golden Grove will be on (oedolion a phlant yr ysgolion ac i roi diolch. display. The two portraits from Sul) o’r ardal yn dod at ei Golden Grove, which were featured in the recent TV programme Brit- ain’s Lost Masterpieces, will also be on show. The exhibition will run from November through the winter; admission is free. Guided tours can be arranged. Tel: 01267 228696 [email protected]

gilydd gyda’r hwyr i gymdeithasu a chanu. Byddai cwrw cartref yn Hen Galan llifo slawer dydd, ac er nad yw St Mary’s Church, Fishguard, will be celebrating the new year trigolion yr ardal wedi anghofio according to ancient customs and raising money for good causes. eu sgiliau macsu cwrw, erbyn Hedydd Hughes invites everyone along to celebrate hyn, ni chynhelir y dathliadau nos yn eu cartrefi, ond yn y dafarn I fydd cyngerdd a gynhelir draddodiad sy’n cael ei gysylltu â neu’r gwesty lleol. Mae llawer M yn Eglwys y Santes dyffryn afon Gwaun yn arbennig. o’r penillion a genir yn unigryw Fair, Abergwaun nos Wener, 19 Bydd plant yr ardal yn colli i’r ŵyl a’r ardal hon. Dyma Ionawr 2018, yn cyflwyno gwedd dydd o ysgol er mwyn mynd, yn enghraifft o bennill calennig – newydd ar hen draddodiad. Ers grwpiau bychain, o gylch y tai “Mae Dydd Calan wedi gwawrio, canrifoedd dathlwyd yr Hen Galan a’r ffermydd, yn canu penillion dydd tra hynod yw i gofio, o gwmpas y trydydd ar ddeg o’r a derbyn arian a losin. Weithiau dydd i roddi, dydd i dderbyn mis ar draws Sir Benfro a rhannau bydd y plant ar droed, neu hyd yn yw y trydydd dydd eraill o Gymru. Ond yn ystod y oed ar geffyl, ond os yw’r tywydd ar ddeg o’r flwyddyn. ganrif a aeth heibio, crebachodd yn slabog, rhaid dibynnu ar geir. Rhowch yn hael i rai gwael, yr arferiad, ac erbyn hyn, mae’n Bydd teuluoedd yn casglu at ei pawb sy’n ffyddlon i roi rhoddion yw’r rhai hynny sydd yn cael.” Yn 2011, daeth nifer o gymdeithasau lleol at ei gilydd, yn Abergwaun ac Wdig, i drefnu cyngerdd a fyddai’n codi arian i achosion da wrth ledu’r gair am y traddodiad hynafol. Cynhelir y cyngerdd mewn gwahanol leoliad pob blwyddyn. Fis Ionawr am 7 o’r gloch y bydd yn dechrau, gyda diod dwym a chace planc i bawb ar ddiwedd y cyngerdd am 8 o’r gloch. Bydd Côr Abergwaun, Band Pres Wdig ac eitemau gan blant ysgolion lleol i’n diddanu. Croeso i bawb. 10 Pobl Dewi, December 2017

Focus on Soul Survivor Planning ahead Summer Salt This year Summer Salt, whilst being a little damp, has been no less successful! We have been out and about in Borth, Lampeter Velfrey, Llanelli, Haverfordwest, Neyland, Dafen and Penrhyn-coch with lots of children, young people and families joining in. Clare Williams encourages parishes to host similar events in summer 2018 This annual event is a teenage get-together for all those with enquiring minds. Whether you’ve been to Soul Survivor before or UMMER SALT is a Scripture to get in touch with their local Summer Salt to become a big cele- not, why not take a group in 2018, suggests Liza Hoeksma S Union concept of a ‘pop church. With four children and bration for your Local Ministry up’ mission, where teams work a hunger to be part of a church Area. outside with families that are pass- family this was a real success We will provide the games, T Soul Survivor we think Soul Survivor ‘A’ runs from 4th ing by or gathering in an area such of the day. crafts, stories and activities as well A there’s nothing better than to 8th August at the Staff ord Show- as a beach or park. This year we • in Borth, three days back to as leadership for these. We will also gathering thousands of teenagers ground with additional events in devised a whole set of six sessions back were possible with even bring along a barbecue to extend together for fi ve days to hang out Peterborough and Scotland. Tickets to be used across a week or once some sunshine and over 15 the celebrations. You could hold with each other and to get to know are £117 per person but if you book a week through the summer. Our children attended the sessions. this on one day or up to three days. God better! Morning and evening before the end of January you’ll games and activities are based on • Summer Salt was used in We would just ask you to provide everyone heads to the main meet- get places reduced to just £97! the miracles of Jesus with our most Haverfordwest to kick-start some volunteers and some food ings for times of worship, teaching The price includes access to all the popular sessions aptly being based work with children and young and drink! This makes the whole and praying for each other in the venues and activities and a space on the ‘water miracles’ the calming people with the churches from event into a big, family summer power of the Holy Spirit. We want for you to camp as a group (you’ll of the storm and walking on water. September, working in an area celebration. to focus on Jesus and spend time in need to bring your own tents and A big thank you to all those places of the community where there We hope you might think about his life-changing presence. cooking equipment). If you haven’t that have engaged with this project is very little contact with the having Summer Salt in your area We try to make everything ever brought a group before you’ll this year. local church. next year. Get in touch and let’s get as accessible as possible so that fi nd all you need to know on our Next year, we are developing planning now! even those who’ve never been to website (www.soulsurvivor.com) Some good news stories church before feel welcomed and including a handy leaders’ guide included. We also run loads of telling you loads about the event • despite the rain in Llanelli Further information: and the session having to take seminars covering a whole range and what to expect, plus some Tel: 07881 016191 place indoors, a family was of topics such as whether science helpful hints on how to organise reached who had been trying [email protected] and faith are compatible, how we your group to get the most out of overcome disappointments and the week. deal with suff ering, evangelism, Still trying to work out if it’s learning more about God’s heart for you and your young people? for justice and how to grow in lead- Check out the highlights from last ership. We pack the afternoons and year’s events at www.youtube.com/ late evenings with cafes, sports, soulsurvivoruk to get a feel for a skate park, music, fi lms, social what we’re about! We hope to see activities and loads more! you next year. Pobl Dewi, December 2017 11 Caru Cardi/Love Cardi Summer Mission

Spirituality fed by During the last week of August 2017, the rugby fi eld in Cardigan was transformed into a community meeting place for our summer mission, writes John Bennett the outdoors HE churches of Bro Teifi LMA Tand Churches Together Cardi- gan worked together on this, their second summer outreach. Prepara- tion began early in the year with church leaders meeting to pray, plan and prepare. As time went on details began to fall into place and we were (more or less!) ready to go. Advertising was completed with every house in the town receiving an invitation card. On the morning of the fi rst day the Big Tent arrived Travelling in a spirit of pilgrimage, Journeying provides inspiring and a large team worked to set it holidays that enable people to venture out, leave the every-day up. In the evening, the churches got and connect with God in creation, in each other and in themselves. together in the tent to worship and by people from our churches who supported by the LMA Initia- David Gleed invites readers along on one of next summer’s trips pray. took opportunities to speak about tive Fund, was exhausting but Each of the three days of their faith as they engaged with the worthwhile. We saw some people OR 30 years Journeying has the outdoors; by hills, mountains the mission began with prayer families. Each afternoon concluded responding to the gospel message been taking people on holiday and walking. F followed by a group going on to with a special celebration in the Big and good links being built within in small informal groups to places Holidays may be on a ‘self- the streets of Cardigan talking to Tent with lively songs and an inter- the community. I believe two on the edge – island, hill, shore. cater as a group’ basis using our people about Jesus, inviting them active presentation of the gospel. things spoke most powerfully to Our focus tends to be within the own house, or perhaps in a small along to the mission and praying After a long and tiring afternoon the people of the Cardigan area. UK and Ireland and, since 1988, we hotel or retreat house where cater- for them. The main event was in we then prepared for the evening Firstly, that the churches were have taken people to most corners ing is provided. We tailor each trip the afternoon. Loads of families which was focused more on youth. working together; united in the of these wild and beautiful islands. using the best of our wide experi- came along to enjoy the activities A Christian youth band ‘Written gospel of Jesus Christ they saw There is an underlying Celtic ence to create a time away that, we which included: bouncy castle, in Kings’ provided the music and genuine unity and love between spirituality threaded through all that believe, is unique. football, face painting, circus skills a youth worker from Canada gave us. Secondly that everything was we do – the worship and rhythm of Even though we are a Christian and games. One afternoon we the gospel message. It was great to free! This was a special gift to the the day, creating community and organisation (and perhaps because held a ‘fashion’ show and, on the see some of our young people, with families of Cardigan struggling hospitality and seeing God in all of it, too) we welcome people of all last afternoon, an ‘It’s a Knock- many others from the town, enjoy- with fi nance towards the end of things. Ours is a spirituality fed by traditions, of other faiths and none. out’ competition. The families also ing the music and responding to the the school holidays. It was a gift of enjoyed the free BBQ and refresh- good news of Jesus. grace refl ecting the grace of God in ments. All the activities were run The mission week, which was Jesus Christ. 2018 Holiday Programme Pilgrim Places of Pen Llyn, North Wales (30 April-4 May) accommodation from the numer- St Davids, Pembrokeshire (19-25 June) ous places to stay from bunk barns Isle of Skye (23-30 June) to luxury hotels. Your ‘staycation’ Fair Isle (2-10 July) Retreat to St Davids is just a phone call away. Contact us to discuss what kind of retreat Stones, Rivers and Islands, Pembrokeshire (26-30 July) you would like. Isle of Man (13-18 August) The Scottish Borders (3-8 September) Day Retreat Series Y Journey, the youth wing of Journeying, Perhaps you just want to come on will be travelling to the Lake District (22–25 October) retreat by yourself. Join us on one of our themed days. These days Journeying is a not-for-profi t organisation off er opportunity to explore one’s All leaders are volunteers own spiritual journey inspired by a Further details from 01914 382535 varied programme in the company [email protected] of other pilgrims. The forthcoming www.journeying.co.uk programme off ers creative ways to refl ect and respond as we grow in faith, exploring and deepening our journey with God. AVE you ever thought about Group/Parish Retreat For example, on Friday, 2nd H a ‘Staycation’ in St Davids? Share your spiritual journey with March Gerald & Rev C anon Enid It can off er an opportunity to let your community or likeminded Morgan will be leading the retreat go of all the ordinary business friends. There’s opportunity for ‘St David: In Pursuit of our Patron and busyness of life and turn your Biblical refl ection, focussed and Saint’ and on Saturday, 12th May I attention instead to refl ecting, rest- creative prayer as well as the shall be leading ‘Treasures in our ing and restoring your spirit. Tŷ’r chance to join in the daily round of Hedgerows’. Pererin, the cathedral’s education worship at the cathedral. You can Or perhaps you’d simply like to and pilgrimage centre, is here to take a pilgrimage in the locality, do organise your own retreat using the off er space and resources to enable some sight-seeing and take a tour wonderful space and surroundings people from far and wide to make a of the cathedral. There’s time for of Tŷ’r Pererin, the Cathedral and retreat, writes Janet Ingram rest, fellowship and sharing as you St Davids. There are many options During your time with us you receive hospitality from Tŷ’r Pere- available so please speak to us will be able to make an inner jour- rin. The retreat can be for one day, about how you and your parish can ney guided by the spiritual writings one weekend or one week depend- fi nd healing and wholeness in our of Christians past and present. ing on the programme you would modern world by tapping into the There will be time to explore the like. You will need to choose your ancient practice of retreat. varied and creative practice of prayer and opportunity to draw inspiration from the beautiful Tel: 01437 729151 surroundings and its rich Christian www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk heritage. Email: [email protected] 12 Pobl Dewi, December 2017 www.stdavidsyouthandchildren.wordpress.com

The blog for children and youth ministry in this diocese has now been running for nearly two years, there have been just over 100 posts and the blog is updated every single Tuesday, without fail, with a new set of ideas, resources or information about upcoming events. Clare Williams is delighted that the blog has a high number of regular visitors and it has been viewed by people across the world NE of the key ways in which The blog is of course another information and resources on; tran- O the blog is used is for regu- platform for publicity and we often sition, outdoor church, Godly play, lar planning for children and youth use it to promote events or infor- Messy Church, baptism engage- groups. This is posted on a half mation that we are trying to get ment, Godparents’ Sunday, Advent, termly basis on different themes out to people. It is an easy way to Easter, Harvest, Christmas, Pente- and for different age groups. Chil- link information together from our cost, Thy Kingdom Come and much dren’s group planning includes Facebook page (St Davids Youth more. us know what you use the blog for, to improve what we offer www. stories, games and crafts. Plan- and Children) and our Twitter We would encourage you to use what you enjoy about it, what is surveymonkey.co.uk/r/BFBJ68Y ning for youth groups includes account (@stdavidsCYW). the blog, become one of our regu- most helpful and if there is some- Or, of course, just e-mail me: bible references, games, activities, Another major use of the blog lar visitors and check out what is thing we could change or do more [email protected]. drama, crafts, cooking and much is to build up a catalogue of these posted there every Tuesday. of. If you have five minutes to spare uk more, as well as a reflective activ- resources and ideas. If you look If you do use the blog or have please complete this survey to give ity for each session. back at past posts you will now find just started looking at it, please let us some really helpful information A role model for more than 140 years The Mothers’ Union theme for 2018 is ‘Following in Mary Sumner’s Footsteps.’ How can we hope to do this in a world that is changing so rapidly, wonders Glenys Payne ARY SUMNER, who set up This Advent, many of our the parish from place to place, M the first women’s groups members will participate in Posada staying at a different house every in 1876, established the model for celebrations. night, finally taking their place in the Mothers’ Union (MU) which, Posada is a Mexican Advent the church crib at the Crib Service, over the course of the next 20 tradition in which two young ready to celebrate the birth of Jesus years, would see 169,000 members people dressed as Mary and Joseph Christ on Christmas day. enrolled across four continents. travel from house to house in their Mary and Joseph’s journey Today, the MU has 4m members village to proclaim the imminent through the parish reminds us that and works to support people of all arrival of Jesus and request that the we need to make room for Jesus in faiths and none in 83 countries, new born baby be given a room. our lives, homes and communities. promoting stable marriage, family On Christmas Eve they re-enact a Mary Sumner may not have heard life and the protection of children community play and bring figures of Posada, but what better way through praying, enabling and of Mary and Joseph to be placed in to follow in her footsteps than by campaigning. a crib at church. introducing Jesus into the family Can Mary Sumner continue to The idea has been updated so home? inspire us? Yes, she can! that nativity figures travel round

The project, which is led by Peter Record-breaking Arnold, is very well connected to Dewi Project the community via text messag- Gaynor Ford recently paid a visit to the Plant Dewi offices at 52 ing and Facebook, enhanced by Pembrey Church Fête Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, where the exciting new Dewi the members being involved in Project is based planning and promoting the activi- ICAR, Fr Dewi Davies, to- a good opportunity for welcoming ties; ’word of mouth’ has certainly Vgether with Assistant Curate, visitors into the church. Co-opera- HE group, which meets Members of the group are also raised awareness, resulting in an Fr Jim Flanagan, and churchward- tive and good-humoured stallholders Tweekly on a Tuesday between involved in other projects includ- increase in numbers. ens, Wendy Watkeys and Elizabeth set up and manned the stalls which 11am and 1pm, is based in ing preparing and maintaining a The Dewi Project is provided Jones, stop to listen to Burry Port included cakes, crafts, jewellery, fash- Pembroke Dock and it is open to vegetable garden for a local char- for males by males, is one of few Town Band playing at St Illtyd’s ion accessories, books, toys, a treasure all in Pembrokeshire. The bacon ity, the produce then being sold to such support groups, and puts Church Fête. The event, held annu- island game and a raffle. A cream tea and sausage ‘butties’ prepared raise the finance to purchase more a smile on the face of all those ally on August Bank Holiday was also served in the adjacent church by Pete supplement the conver- gardening essentials. involved. Monday (28 August), was the ninth hall. All of this generated record sation, social interaction and Contact: Pete on 07507 687807/01646 682333 practical activities which are the to be held and is now firmly fixed proceeds of £3,015 – a welcome Facebook www.facebook.com/thedewiproject/ in the village social calendar; it is boost to church funds. main thrusts of the project. These enhance the participants’ skill sets and improve community involve- ment and awareness, thus creating a sense of wellbeing and providing opportunities for greater involve- ment in the community. Bicycle maintenance sessions and fishing trips are ongoing and plans are well advanced for an after-school Lego club for Dads and kids. The social interaction (having a laugh) leads to a more posi- tive outlook on life. As one of the regular members of the group explained, ‘I come for the compan- ionship, sharing together and meeting people.’ Pobl Dewi, December 2017 13 Beyond expectations

Two events in Cunedda LMA get off to a great start, Forthcoming Events says Trevor Copeland N 24th September, we launched We didn’t expect everyone to at Tŷ’r Pererin O our first Messy Church in come who had been invited, and Kidwelly as a joint ecumenical we wondered how they would get 27th and 28th December: Follow the star partnership with our Methodist their food and drinks if they did. A nativity treasure hunt around the cathedral for all the family. friends, using their Trinity Church Anyway, why did we worry, 25 Once you have all the clues you can light your own Hall and the church worship space. came! Gaynor and David did a bril- Christmas peace candle, visit the crib and take away a reminder of the story for your own I distributed leaflets to the three liant job of looking after everyone Christmas tree local schools and Ferryside school and guiding the discussions and we was also leafleted. We hoped that are planning the shape of the next Friday 23rd February, available between 11am and 4pm 30 to 40 would come on the day, meetings. Find the little things but our generous God gave us 70! Prayer has been answered and A traditional, family treasure hunt. Everyone had a great time and they by God’s grace and generosity both Pick up a leaflet from the cathedral and, once all ‘the little things’ have been found, St David’s are telling all their friends, so we these new initiatives have started shrine will reveal its story. could have many more for our next well, but we continue to pray that There is also a geocache route for the more adventurous one in October. the ideas will keep flowing and Just after this, on Tuesday 26th the worship will be relevant and Friday 2nd March, 10am-4pm: Retreat Day September, David and Gaynor significant. St David: In pursuit of our patron saint Jenkins opened their doors to our Many thanks to our team of A bilingual day led by Gerald Morgan first House Group in Ferryside. helpers and praise the Lord! & Revd Canon Enid Morgan. (Bring your own lunch or eat in the Refectory) A £5 donation for each day is requested

More information: Tel: 01437 729151 [email protected] www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

MU visits Llangwm

Congratulations go to four students from St Davids Diocese who obtained their full Theology for Life degrees this year. Pictured are Peter Judge and Wyn Maskell at the graduation ceremony at Glyndwr University on 2nd November. The other two graduates are Marina Evans and Jeff Thomas

Follow Pobl Dewi on www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk Members of the Mothers’ Union from St Mary’s Church, Carew, Pembrokeshire, recently visited St Jerome’s Church in Llangwm, near Haverfordwest, to see the Talking Tapestry, which is part of the recent Heritage Llangwm Project. The MU were given a wonderful welcome by the very enthusiastic ladies of St Jerome’s and had an enjoyable afternoon hearing about the project and http://twitter.com/PoblDewi seeing the church refurbishments. The refreshments were also www.facebook.com/pobldewi lovely! 14 Pobl Dewi, December 2017 Getting involved in the well-being of all In the second of two articles on the Common Good (see also ‘Unity not uniformity’, Pobl Dewi, September 2017), Jeremy Martineau explores what local churches can do VERY person in a church Happy, independent people are Econgregation has a rich life a real asset to any community and experience. Many have worked, are likely to spread that happiness or still work, in the health or care to others. For Christians, faith is a sectors. As a growing proportion main contributor to happiness, both © htt ps://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/blog/loneliness-in-wales/ of the population becomes elderly, now and hereafter. Church people our society and our health and are amongst the most willing to bereaved, or suff ering from a life can result in congregation members into local congregations. Churches social services are struggling to volunteer to help another in their changing illness or depression, on being lost, unnoticed. Each LMA is which want to look outwards, respond to the increasing propor- distress, drawing on Jesus’ story of their beam ends with poverty, not requested to appoint a lay person putting faith into action, would be tion of the population that has a the Good Samaritan. Many who are long out of prison or in need in a to be one link with the statutory well advised to invite professional call on the public health and care not involved in the local churches multitude of other ways. services identifi ed in these arti- groups to meet them to discuss services. are willing to share in the organ- Needs can often be complex, cles to build the bridges for them what, realistically, can be done. In the articles on these pages ised caring that is needed. The requiring special help, which is we explore how links with local wounded traveller in Jesus’ story is where the professional services can The link for churches in Pembrokeshire wanting to get involved in community groups can help those more likely in our days and in our work alongside voluntary eff ort. countering loneliness are advised to contact who might otherwise become place to be an older person living As the new Local Ministry Areas [email protected] lonely or dependent too soon to stay alone, far from family and with (LMAs) are formed good commu- as independent for as long as possi- few friends nearby. That person nication between churches will be For Carmarthenshire & Ceredigion see the other articles on this page ble without losing quality of life. may also be recently retired or important. The changes underway

Cyfeillion Dementia yng Ngheredigion Unfortunately, one third of those living with dementia no longer feel part of their community. Through the Dementia Friends scheme, it is hoped that this will change for the better, says Naomi McDonagh, from Community Wellbeing at Ceredigion County Council RIST yw meddwl fod traean hyd yn oed yn griw o ff rindiau, To’r bobl hynny sy’n byw ond yn y bôn mae’r prosiect hwn â dementia’n teimlo nad ydynt yn ymwneud â phobl. Rydyn yn rhan o’u cymunedau. Gyda’r ni’n clywed sôn am bobl sydd Campaigning to end loneliness cynllun Cyfeillion Dementia, wedi byw yn eu cymunedau ar ceir gobaith o wella’r sefyllfa. hyd eu hoes a chymryd rhan Nine out of ten people in Pembrokeshire & Carmarthenshire believe loneliness in older Mae’r sesiynau’n para mewn gweithgareddau, sydd age is more likely than ever and two-thirds of people in these counties have suff ered awr bob un, ac maent yn rhan mwyaf sydyn yn teimlo’n unig from loneliness. These are striking statistics that demonstrate just how prevalent o gynllun wedi’i arwain gan iawn, yn aml oherwydd ofnau ac loneliness has become in West Wales, says Claire O’Shea. Wales Campaign Manager Gymdeithas Alzheimer’s i godi ansicrwydd. Wrth ddod yn Gyfaill for the Campaign to End Loneliness ymwybyddiaeth a dealltwriaeth Dementia gallwch ddod i ddeall o ddementia. Gwirfoddolwyr yn well sut beth ydi byw gyda E are increasingly aware want to take action around these wedi’u hyff orddi a’u cefnogi gan dementia, a gweld fod yno bethau Wthat loneliness is an issue transition points in life to ensure Gymdeithas Alzheimer’s sy’n syml y gallwn i gyd eu gwneud that can have a detrimental impact people are able to maintain the darparu’r sesiynau, a gallant a fyddai’n rhoi hwb aruthrol i on health: it is more damaging to meaningful connections that they wneud hynny i aelodau o staff fywydau pobl sy’n byw gyda health than obesity – there is a want. Churches are well placed to sefydliadau a busnesau, ac i dementia, a’u gofalwyr hefyd. comparable health risk to smoking help, as they are often central to fudiadau fel y Ffermwyr Ifanc, Mae’n rhaid inni gydnabod 15 cigarettes a day –and a lonely community life. Sefydliad y Merched, Merched y y gwaith ardderchog sydd eisoes person is more likely to develop We infl uence government Wawr, clybiau cinio ac yn y blaen. yn cael ei wneud ar hyd a lled depression, heart disease and policy and practice through our Ar ôl cael cymorth gan y sir, i helpu ardaloedd i Ddeall dementia. But, we also believe that research and learning network, and Cynnal y Cardi, o dan y cynllun Dementia. Drwy’r prosiect hwn loneliness is not inevitable and that campaign to ensure that loneliness LEADER (Liaison Entre Actions rydyn ni’n gobeithio gweld sut is why the Campaign to End Lone- share good practice and infl uence is a public health priority at national de Développement de l’Économie mae safbwyntiau ac agweddau liness exists. service providers, so that loneli- and local levels. We want individ- Rurale) yng Ngheredigion, mae pobl yn newid dros amser, a The campaign has existed for ness is reduced for local, older uals, businesses and politicians to Cyfeillion Dementia bellach ar helpu i osod y seiliau ar gyfer several years, raising awareness of people. take action to end loneliness, which waith yn Nhregaron ac Aberteifi , cynlluniau Deall Dementia eraill loneliness as a public health issue Working in Pembrokeshire and is not inevitable. a cheir gobaith y daw’r rhain yng Nghymru yn y dyfodol. and breaking down the stigma of Carmarthenshire we want to spend If you want to sign up as a yn drefi sy’n Deall Dementia. Os oes gennych chi being lonely. Recently we received the next few years tackling the supporter of the campaign or want Cafwyd cyllid i’r prosiect drwy ddiddordeb mewn dysgu mwy am a grant from the Big Lottery Fund issue of loneliness in remote and to get involved in the local work Raglen Datblygu Gwledig Gyfeillion Dementia, cysylltwch to extend this work into four areas rural communities. We know that please visit our website: 2014-2020, sy’n cael arian o â Marcia Vale o Gymdeithas of the UK – Carmarthenshire and there are numerous triggers and www.campaigntoendloneliness.org Gronfa Amaethyddol Ewrop Alzheimer’s ar 01269 597411 Pembrokeshire, Cambridgeshire, that we might all end up on that or contact me on 07720 200877 ar gyfer Datblygu Gwledig, neu Ceredigion 50+ (Cyngor Glasgow and Belfast – to support journey. Families move away to claire@campaigntoendloneliness. a Llywodraeth Cymru. Sir Ceredigion) drwy e-bostio change already being delivered by urban areas, people retire, as health org.uk Mae gan y gair ‘cymuned’ [email protected]. our partners and others. In each declines so, too, does mobility and sawl ystyr i nifer o wahanol bobl, uk neu ff onio 01545 572151. area we hope to help catalyse ideas, loved ones might pass away. We a gall fod yn dref, yn fudiad neu Pobl Dewi, December 2017 15 Being there ‘I wish it could be Christmas A workshop on dementia at Holy Trinity Church, Aberystwyth, on 16th September, provided much food for thought, as Tessa Briggs reports every day’. . . really! Delyth Wilson, Chair of the Diocesan Council for Social Responsibility, reminds us HE workshop, entitled ‘Demen- that this time of year can be bleak for some in our communities and encourages us Ttia-friendly communities: being to put our faith into action there’, was attended by about 40 people, from across the local Y the time you read this article community and further afield, who B you may have celebrated the came along to find out how we can first couple of Sundays in Advent support those living with dementia and even have held your Christin- and their carers. gle Service, raising precious funds The morning started with a for the diocesan Plant Dewi project. presentation by David and Gaynor Many of you will be counting the Jenkins, who introduced the days to Christmas, will have put up Alzheimer’s Society’s Demen- the Christmas tree, dusted off the tia Friends programme, to which nativity set and enjoyed chocolates more than 2m people have signed from your Real Advent calendars. up and is the biggest ever initia- However, for so many this festive tive to change people’s perceptions season is a time of dread: parents of dementia. There are around Diane Cuff under pressure to buy gifts for their 850,000 people in the UK living memories and can transform the children will face the new year with dementia, of which there love of God into action. further in debt; the usual problems are more than 100 types: all are To finish the morning, Hywel are heightened, relationships under progressive but develop at differ- Jones provided us with details of stress and loneliness more intense. ent speeds. Although facts may be the Alzheimer’s Society Activ- Not to mention the fear, hostility forgotten, feelings remain, and it is ity Group in Aberystwyth and the and uncertainty felt by the home- possible to live well with dementia. less, the abused, the displaced and We were then given a moving the institutionalised. address by Denis Bates, who cares Some of you will choose to for his wife, Ann, on a day-to- ignore these issues, send your day basis. Denis stressed that the usual donation to a chosen char- key word, for him, is patience as ity, pat yourselves on the back and he deals with Ann’s mood swings carry on regardless. Others will and confusion. He is grateful for feel guilty but do nothing. local support, the activity groups Here are a few ideas for how which they both attend and enjoy, we could make a difference this and, more recently, the respite care year and show the love of the which has been available. Christ-child to those who need our help: • Participate in a ‘Reverse Advent calendar’ (https://camarthen. David Jenkins foodbank.org.uk) a family or individual in need church hall, why not organise twice-monthly sessions which they • Help out on Christmas Day in your own community – not a group and produce your own run for those with dementia and with the breakfast run or to forgetting to include the Christ- Christmas lunch, games and their carers. These groups are very serve lunch to the homeless or mas story in some form festivities. This could follow popular and most who attend are for a local charity such as The • Become a regular giver for your church service. referred by the hospital’s Memory Wallich (mail@thewallich. Christians Against Poverty or Whatever you decide to do, do so Clinic. net; tel: 02920 668464) or the another debt relief charity joyfully to honour the babe in the Feedback from this workshop Salvation Army (info@salva- • Involve family members, espe- manger, our Lord and Saviour, has been overwhelmingly posi- tionarmy.org.uk) or contact cially children, in helping remembering: ‘For you know the tive and anyone wishing to run a Salvation Army local branches others grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that similar event should, in the first in Ammanford, Llanelli, Aber- • Help out at the Plant Dewi though He was rich, yet for your instance, contact Revd Prof David ystwyth, Tenby or Carmarthen offices assembling food parcels sake He became poor, so that you Jenkins (Ferryside): • Invite a neighbour for Christ- for needy families through His poverty might become [email protected] mas Day • If there is a demand, and you rich.’ (2 Corinthians 8:9) Hywel Jones tel: 01267 268230. • Make up your own hamper for have the facilities in your Diane Cuff then encouraged us to consider how we can provide community support. Those with Can you spare a little time? dementia should live indepen- dently for as long as possible and, Our Plant Dewi Charity Shop is looking for more volunteers to crucially, carers must have breaks. join its friendly team, says Heather James Diane stressed the importance HE shop, in King Street, Car- The shop is looking for good of locally run initiatives, which Tmarthen, raises funds for Plant quality donations, such as cloth- enable those living with demen- Dewi’s many projects and is the ing, bric-a-brac, linen, books, CDs, tia and their carers to form social, face of the charity on the high DVDs and toys; we can also take in mutually supportive networks. street. small electrical items. Churches can play a major part We welcome volunteers of all All UK taxpayers can choose in this because they are central to ages and backgrounds, so if you have to Gift Aid their items at no cost to their communities and can provide free time or would like to gain experi- themselves. This will enable Plant pastoral support. ence for your CV, why not volunteer Dewi to claim an extra 25% on the Drawing on Psalm 103 and with Plant Dewi? Potential tasks money raised from such goods. other texts, David Jenkins then include sorting, steaming, preparing For more information, or if you assured us that, although those with stock, till-work and general mainte- have any queries, please contact dementia may forget God, God will nance and cleaning. You can give as the Shop Manager, Katrina Rees, not forget them. Local churches are much or as little of your time as you on 01267 238408; where they will find families and, want whether it be on a weekly, fort- [email protected] as fellowship, we create shared nightly or monthly basis. 16 Pobl Dewi, December 2017 Historic agreement on the Holy Spirit Patrick Thomas attended the latest meeting of the Anglican Oriental Orthodox International Commission in Dublin from 23-28 October UR discussions were held in An agreement reached on the rial to the Armenian martyrs. O the Deanery of St Patrick’s procession and work of the Holy The agreement ends a dispute that Cathedral, once the home of Spirit was signed by the co-chairs has divided Christians for many Dean Jonathan Swift (author of of the Commission (Metropolitan centuries. The Commission has Gulliver’s Travels). The Orien- Bishop of Damietta and Bishop now begun to discuss the nature of tal Orthodox representatives came Gregory of St Asaph) at a choral authority in our two church fami- from the Armenian, Coptic, West evensong in Christ Church Cathe- lies. Its next meeting will be held in Syrian, Ethiopian and Indian dral at which the Archbishop Lebanon and hosted by the Syrian (Malankara) Churches, while the of Dublin preached. Before the Orthodox Church. Anglicans were from Canada, service I was invited to say prayers England, Egypt, Wales and Ireland. in Welsh and English at the memo- © ACNS 2017 ©

Holy Synagogue where Jesus first declared his ministry. In His footsteps Arguably, however, our bilin- A question of cultural gual readings from the Beatitudes Anthony Jenkins goes on a pilgrimage to Israel, and finds himself in the place where Jesus delivered in a strange, yet familiar land the Sermon on The Mount were and religious identity the most moving. We then flew our HE road from Jerusalem to That first evening, we enjoyed Welsh Dragon from the yardarm In the light of the terrorist attack in New York on 31st October, TJericho is, today, a busy modern knafe with Mones and Sally in of the boat on which we sailed out Derek Davies, Diocesan Interfaith Officer, considers two freeway. We, however, were stand- their Nazareth apartment, looking on to the Sea of Galilee and prayed Old Testament prophets and their meaning for our interfaith ing on a remote, windswept moun- out over the city. “Take us to the together at the place where Jesus relationships today tain road that might well have home of Mones Farah”, I had said called on his disciples to follow N recent weeks, we have been long held values. It should cause been the place which Jesus had in to our taxi driver, unaware as I was him. I guided by our lectionary to the us no surprise that their responses mind when relating the parable of of his address. “That’s OK” came On to Capernaum, Bethlehem, text attributed to the Old Testa- are human and familiar. Nehemiah the unknown Samaritan. Marking the reply. “I was in school with the Judean Wilderness, the Dead ment prophet Nehemiah and in is the practical type; his contribu- the place, a 12ft high cross looks him.” And that’s how it was for Sea, Evensong with the Arch- all likelihood, also, to the content tion is to rebuild the city walls in down on the canyon where the our time together, as it seemed that bishop of Canterbury, the Garden of its twin volume associated with the clear belief that the safety of Monastery of St George is carved Mones and his father knew every- Tomb and more. Ezra. The socio-political setting the city and God’s people may into the cliff face, surrounded by one and everyone knew them. Continue the journey with of the two texts is a one-off event: be ensured by such works. He is lush palms, in dramatic relief to its In Nazareth, we admired the Anthony by reading an extended the return of God’s people to Jeru- subjected to some challenge but his desert location. breathtakingly beautiful Basilica version of this article on the PDExtra salem following their exile in the response is one of exclusion. Ezra, This was but one of many of the Annunciation and walked pages of the diocesan website at wake of the assault on the city the scribe, focuses on forms of extraordinary moments which we hidden back streets. Mones had http://stdavids.churchinwales.org. by Nebuchadnezzar. This return worship which are to be mandatory were to experience as we travelled prepared a reading list. I read uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ from exile is deliverance on a par for the community and we read across Israel and the Palestinian from Isaiah in the Church of The with the Exodus from Egypt for a that religious purity is to be rigor- Territories under the guidance of people whose very existence had ously maintained to the extent that Mones Farah, Rector of Aberyst- been under threat of complete foreign wives are to be put away. wyth, and his wife, Sally. Joined by dissolution. So, while it has this We cannot read these historic his father, Anton, a retired teacher specific context in distant history, accounts without recent events and official Israeli Guide, 25 of as we read further it requires no confronting us but difficulties us had travelled from Aberyst- leap of imagination to identify abound in interpretation; any wyth and now found ourselves in a themes which remain relevant facile reading may also prove to be strange, and yet familiar, land. for our world of today and to our grossly insensitive. Threat of loss Nazareth, the boyhood home responses to the events which we of cultural and religious identity of Jesus, was a fitting start to our continue to witness, of which the penetrates to the core of our exist- pilgrimage, and it was here that I latest occurred in New York. ence but while a society may wish fell in love with “knafe” an Arabic To remind ourselves of the to assimilate, it may all too easily cake made with haloumi cheese texts, the remedies which Nehe- resort to seeking to eliminate. If the and honey soaked filo pastry. I miah and Ezra apply to their latter was their objective, do Nehe- have to confess that I hope there is circumstances bear the hallmarks miah and Ezra offer a pattern of knafe and falafel in Heaven! of responses of all cultures and response for adherents of any world faiths who experience the fear of faith today? Interfaith dialogue loss of identity and the erosion of advocates are not so persuaded. Week of Prayer for Christian Unity ESOURCES are now avail- are addiction to pornography and R able for next year’s Week of drugs. The debt crisis has a negative Prayer for Christian Unity, tradi- impact upon the nations and family tionally held between 18th and life continues to be challenged by 25th January. the economic restrictions, which Material for 2018 has been pro- lead to migration, domestic abuse duced in the Caribbean and draws and violence. on Exodus 15, a song of triumph The Caribbean churches work over oppression. together to heal the wounds in The themes of the daily mate- the body of Christ. Reconciliation rial raise some of the contemporary demands repentance, reparation issues addressed by the churches of and the healing of memories. The the Caribbean. Abuses of human whole Church is called to be both rights are found across the region a sign and an active agent of this and we are challenged to consider reconciliation. our manner of welcoming the stranger into our midst. Human Bilingual Welsh/English resources, or English only, are download- trafficking and modern-day slav- able from the Churches Together in Britain and Ireland website ery continue to be huge issues, as https://ctbi.org.uk/ or call 01603 785925. Pobl Dewi, September 2017 17 Pioneer church planter in India Postcard from Qatar On her visit to Chennai in June, Shirley Murphy was privileged to meet and chat with the Bishop, President and Director of the Evangelical Church of India (ECI), The Most Rev Dr M Ezra Sargunam

HE ECI is a major Christian Tdenomination in India; it is a branch of the US-based Oriental Missionary Society (OMS), which is also active in Japan, Korea and China. ECI opened its fi rst church in India in 1954 and is a model of hope and transformation. Bishop Ezra Sargunam (also known as Father Bishop) has, Since June, trade and travel bans have been imposed on Qatar since then, raised church planting by neighbouring countries, and diplomatic ties have been cut. to a new level, taking the gospel Nevertheless, there is much to admire and celebrate here, says to every corner of India. The ECI Archdeacon John Holdsworth has established churches across the country at a rate of one new church AST month 4,000 cows were ing a further 170, plus 60 children. every week and their target is a Lfl own into Qatar. What is This church’s congregations church in every Indian village. known locally as ‘the blockade,’ include 40 diff erent nationalities By 2016, the Diamond Jubi- that is the decision by Bahrain, and lots of languages. It is the world lee year, they had planted 5,700 UAE and Saudi Arabia not to in microcosm, and one might say, local churches and 5,000 house allow any planes bound for Qatar since they manage to live together churches. Christians are only about to cross their air space, has meant with respect, fellowship and affi r- 2% of the state’s population, but Qatar can no longer import dairy mation, that it refl ects the Kingdom many have fl ocked to convert in products from its near neighbours, of Heaven in microcosm. recent years, especially Hindus. so they’re starting their own dairy Coming here always helps me In 2012, India’s fi rst transgen- industry from scratch with cows to appreciate the rich treasure that der pastor, Bharathi, was ordained. from Germany. is the Anglican communion. In a When I asked Bishop Sargunam if That innovative ‘from scratch’ sense it is church as we know it, the ECI had made a policy decision approach is consistent in most but it is also unashamedly set in to allow the ordination of transgen- areas of Qatari life, not least in its context. The notices include a der people he simply smiled and said former witchdoctor, Arjun King Commission is to plant 100,000 the churches. Christian churches forthcoming Dhow trip, an appeal the church’s constitution is silent on from Andhra Pradesh. Arjun’s sister, local churches, disciple 10m people have been built ‘from scratch’, on a for more members of an Afri- it. However, he indicated that the who became a Christian fi rst, began and train and equip 30,000 frontline piece of land out on the Doha ring can choir, and an opportunity for decision to ordain was based purely witnessing to him. A few years later, church planters by 2054. road, granted by the authorities. some new Ugandan members to on Bharathi’s exceptional conduct the Bishop baptized Arjun, along Bishop Sargunam celebrated The Anglican Church Centre is one thank the congregation for their and devotion. It is worth point- with 13 members of his family, his 79th birthday on 19th July – of them, containing the cathedral- welcome and clothes donations. At ing out that transgender people are and renamed him Paul. Since then, the Day of the Oppressed – when like Church of the Epiphany for the the Tamil service I was given a rose generally ostracised in Indian soci- Paul has studied theology and today many social welfare programmes Anglican congregations as well as as an honoured guest preacher. The ety and the news of her ordination oversees 19 ECI churches. were launched for the poor and meeting rooms hired out to other service ends with a stand-up sketch came as a surprise to many Chris- Bishop Sargunam is well known downtrodden in Indian society. denominations. (apparently very funny) that is the tian leaders. However, Bharathi has for his work in India and his Great There is parking on site for fi nal contribution by one of four lay been a pastor now for fi ve years and around 4,000 cars, which you may teams that, in turn, take responsi- is accepted by her congregation. think is over-providing until you bility for leading the service under An extended version of this article can be found The Bishop made the headlines on the PDExtra pages of the website at know that in the Anglican Church the guidance of wise Tamil priest, again in 2015 when he ordained a Centre alone, on the Friday in Father Jebaraj. http://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ October that I was there, 16,700 This is Qatar. At lunch, people passed through the doors. the parish priest, Father Paul, The Anglican services included apologises that they only have non- However, our problems include a morning Eucharist in English alcoholic beer. His whole alcohol Struggling to provide inadequate and dilapidated sani- with a congregation of a couple of allowance this month has been tary infrastructure, insuffi cient hundred, a service in Igbo, and an spent on communion wine. But the proper health care drugs and basic equipment, not evening Eucharist in Tamil attract- rose is still beautiful. enough partners in the diocese. Medical services began in our Companion Diocese of Bukavu, Medical Coordination has a quali- Democratic Republic of Congo, in 1982 with a small infi rmary at fi ed and dedicated staff , premises, the Anglican Bishopric for treating Theology Students. This was health facilities integrated into a start, writes Roger Dirokpa, and provision has increased but the national policy and a func- problems are ongoing tional coordination offi ce. Your prayers and support are needed for YEAR after the fi rst infi r- one specialist doctor and several the development of this important Amary, the centre at Kabanda nurses of diff erent levels. service in Bukavu Diocese. was created and, four months later, the health centre at Cirunga. Next came the Kasihe Center, Matutira, Abela Health Post, and then the Bushusha Health Center. The Diocese of Bukavu manages two hospitals, namely Saint Matthew and Matutira, 10 health centres and fi ve health posts, giving a total of 17 treatment centres, with fi ve Medical Coor- dinators. Medical Coordination, headed by Bahati Mutunzi Dieu Veut, is a technical service with a number of staff , estimated at 89, including three general doctors, 18 Pobl Dewi, December 2017 Reflection Immanuel, God with us

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas, Jonathan Parker encourages us to be alert

ICHAEL BUERK’s re- A loving God, they say, would not to people’s need, He took action to M porting of the 1984 allow such suffering in the world. relieve their suffering. He calls on famine in Ethiopia forms part Yet often the suffering results from us to do the same. As we celebrate of my Christmas. “Dawn, and our own actions. War, economic His birth, share love with our fami- as the sun breaks through the systems, oppression, theft are lies and spend time with our friends piercing chill of night on the born out of human action and not we may find that a piece of music, plain outside Korem, it lights divinely ordained. a social media thread or an item up a biblical famine, now, in Christmas, the celebration on the news demands our attention the 20th century. This place, of God’s incarnation among us, and reminds us of our connection say workers here, is the clos- reminds us of God’s love for His to the wider world; reminds us of est thing to hell on earth”. If I creation and of us. To open our our call to serve others. pause and listen, really listen, eyes and bring us hope of salva- At Christmas we look ahead when Band Aid’s “Do They tion His son was born, one of us, and anticipate Christ’s life unfold- Know it’s Christmas” plays as into a world of suffering.“For God ing before us. The Nativity leads to I’m driving, shopping or sitting so loved the world that he gave his His ministry, betrayal and death. with friends in a noisy pub, the only Son, so that everyone who The resurrection to Christ’s ascen- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suffering © Holger.Ellgaard images of people suffering in believes in him may not perish but sion. We know He will come again the dust are vivid in my mind. may have eternal life.” (John 3:16) and we wait. of our Christmas celebrations our for you do not know when As my parents’ generation Christ, who knew pain and loss in But this waiting cannot be response must be immediate. For the master of the house will remember where they heard the His life and death, knows our pain passive, Christ served and we are we do not know when Christ will come, in the evening, or at news about the assassination of and loss and bears it. Where people also called to serve. Where we see come and call us to account for midnight, or at cockcrow, or JFK so I still clearly remember are suffering, he sees the suffering suffering and need, whether it’s our actions. “But about that day at dawn, or else he may find seeing the news of that famine and shares it. Christ who suffered in our own families and commu- or hour no one knows, neither the you asleep when he comes for the first time. on the cross enfolds us in his arms nities or in a country far away, angels in heaven, nor the Son, suddenly. And what I say to For those without a religious and in His love. we are called to follow Christ’s but only the Father. Beware, keep you I say to all: Keep awake.” faith images of such suffering In His earthly ministry Jesus example and respond. Even in the alert; for you do not know when the (Mark 13:32-33, 35-37) confirm God’s absence. was no bystander. He responded depths of winter, even in the midst time will come . . . keep awake –

Sister Ruth’s introduction and body A decade on prayer session, followed by an hour of silent, contemplative prayer and Learning lessons The Archbishop Rowan Williams Hermitage Trust celebrates its 10th mass celebrated by Bishop Rowan. anniversary at Disserth y Mynydd, Ithon Duon, near Llandovery The mass included a blessing of the small flock of sheep, which forms from litter HE first event, in November Compline were held at Disserth y part of the hermitage community. T2016, had included a circular Mynydd for the Guardian, Rt Revd During the 6½ hours, mostly spent A beach litter pick in the wake of Hurricane Ophelia turned pilgrimage in contemplative prayer Rowan Williams, the trustees, in silence focusing on ascent and into a history lesson for pupils from Tenby VC School and practice from the mountain gate spiritual supporters and monastic descent, there were also opportuni- MONG the items in their 10 the massive problem we have with of the hermitage, via Strata Florida, advisers to the Spiritual Director of ties to chat and listen to speakers bin bags-full of rubbish were marine litter. and back, led by Revd Pip Martin, the hermitage, Sister Ruth. on the three main objectives of the A things dating back up to 50 years. “The pupils did a great job Revd Mike Gartland and Mark Twenty-seven people attended trust, the central being eremitic, They included a sun cream tube collecting 10 bags of rubbish Clayton, a hospice chaplain. This the final event on 30th May, contemplative and enclosed life. from the 1960s, a lemonade can which would otherwise be floating was significant in that the hermitage between Ascension Day and Participants departed in silence at and a crisp packet from the 70s and off into the sea, causing all manner land, Ithon Duon, was originally Pentecost, which was held in a about 8.30pm after Compline. a Pepsi can from the 80s. of environmental problems.” the furthest outlying grange of the geodesic dome as the hermit- Early the next morning Bishop The organiser, Marten Lewis It is estimated that around three abbey, on which a Marian shrine age itself is too small. Those who Rowan again celebrated mass in from the Darwin Centre charity, million pieces of plastic enter the existed (now Garn Fair, outside the came along included regular train- the small hermitage chapel for said: “The children were amazed sea every day worldwide, breaking hermitage boundary). ees of contemplative prayer at the those staying locally. at the finds, and it helped them to down into tiny pieces and being Also in November, a seder, hermitage, trustees and other regu- get a real sense of how long plas- eaten by creatures at the start of the mid-day meal, afternoon tea and lar supporters. The day started with tic and metal litter can survive in marine food chain. the environment and to understand Pobl Dewi, December 2017 19 In my view A thoroughly modern dichotomy Freedom of speech, one of our most important human rights, flows from freedom of conscience, which, in turn, flows from freedom of belief. Bill Lewis explores this theme ERHAPS the clearest Tim Farron, the then leader of the which led to a storm of protest; Pcomment on free speech is Liberal Democrats, was humiliated Turner was forced to withdraw attributed to Voltaire: “I may on TV when he was repeatedly from the election. disagree with what you say, but asked “Do you think that homosex- We tend to think of political I will defend to the death your uality is a sin?” Even though he, correctness as a recent invention right to say it”. We can agree as a Liberal politician, had voted and a joke, but, in 1922, Lenin to disagree and we can do so in favour of same-sex marriage, wrote “The fundamental idea is agreeably. However, political he was not allowed, as a Chris- clear, to bring forward a politically correctness can make it almost tian, to think that homosexuality correct statute, which sets out the impossible to have a reason- was a sin. Second, Andrew Turner, essence and justification of terror”. able debate on a controversial MP for the Isle of Wight, when So, not a recent invention and far subject without someone being speaking to A-level students was from being a joke. called a bigot and the person asked if he would be attending the These days it might be more with ruffled feathers publicis- island’s Gay Pride event. Answer accurate to call “political correct- ing their grievance on social “No”; follow-up question “Why ness” “cultural correctness”. In media. not?”; answer “Because homo- Post-Modern culture traditional It would seem that gay sexuality is a sin and dangerous moral standards have gradually criticise anyone else. Morally we right of freedom of speech is in rights is a particularly sensi- to society.” (Not the wisest reply been abandoned and replaced by are hopelessly adrift on a sea of serious danger of being sacri- tive issue in this respect. Take he had ever given!) A gay rights “you can do whatever seems right subjectivity, with nothing to guide ficed on the altar of political/ two examples from the recent campaigner took offence and to you”. The one thing you are us safely on the voyage of life. cultural correctness? General Election campain. First posted her reaction on Facebook, not allowed to do is challenge or Can it be that the precious

hope to spend our last years as part no longer be expected to fill Retirement and relationships of a supportive and caring commu- in, except in cases of emer- nity. For the layperson, this is often gency, holidays, sickness or Peter Campion welcomes Bishop Joanna’s commitment to reducing the the love, care and fellowship built sabbaticals. workload of retired clergy up over time with family, friends My wife, who is a retired T is an unwritten, but ships, at least initially, usually start indeed, the Church in Wales owes a and the local church. However, priest, and I have enjoyed I much respected, rule in the with contacts made in the Sunday considerable debt to them because for an active retired priest who has worshipping together in our Church in Wales (and else- congregations. it could not function at the present recently moved into the area, and local community for many where perhaps) that when However, because there is time without them. regularly takes services at some years and have therefore a parish priest reaches the such a shortage of working clergy, The issue that concerns me is distance from the new home, such formed many valued and privi- agreed retirement age he or retired priests with Permission that “temporary” can in some cases local relationships can be difficult leged relationships. In the past she leaves the parish and to Officiate in the diocese are in be quite extensive and the vacan- to build. she has taken services at some takes up residence elsewhere. great demand to fill vacancies on a cies are often at some distance I am pleased to see that Bishop distance but lately has confined This means that they are often temporary basis. Very many priests from the priest’s retirement home. Joanna has expressed a commit- such activity mostly to our strangers in the area and friend- are happy to fill this function and, As age creeps up on all of us, we ment that, soon, retired clergy will parish church of St Issell’s.

Mewn undod mae nerth Bryn Terfel comes to Ceredigion

ON Friday 29 September, Bryn Terfel came to St Ina’s Church, Llanina, to record a song for his Christmas Show on S4C, Taith Bryn Terfel: Gwlad y Gan – Bryn Terfel’s Journey through the Land of Song. Bryn arrived at the church complete with film and sound crews and was very ably supported by the local Male Voice Choir from Cardigan/Llandysul – Ar Ol Tri. The show will air over the Christmas period on S4C. In October, last year’s show won the 2017 BAFTA Cymru award for best entertainment programme. The song Bryn chose to Rhian Jones a Mair Davies, dwy warden Eglwys Tregroes, yn sing at St Ina’s is confidential, cyflwyno siec o £715 i Neuadd Tregroes, sef hanner elw y noson so you will need to watch the mefus a hufen. Mae hyn yn dangos mai mewn undod mae nerth show to find out what it was! wrth weithio gyda’n gilydd o fewn y gymuned 20 Pobl Dewi, December 2017 Book Reviews Darlun gwerthfawr o’r weinidogaeth yng ngorllewin Cymru Cerrig Milltir i’w gilydd cyfarfyddem ar faes o Bontypridd yn enedigol yw dyn ysbryd Aled yn disgleirio yn gan Aled W. Williams yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol lle sydd wedi’i uniaethu mor drylwyr y llyfr yma. Dyn sydd wedi Cyhoeddwyd gan yr awdur roedd Aled wedi bod wrthi yn erbyn hyn â naws a chymeriad bod yn gefn, yn gyfaill ac yn Pris: £9.95 cystadlu fel baswr gyda’i lais Esgobaeth Tyddewi. Mae’n llyfr gymwynaswr i lawer un (a Gellir cael copïau yn gwirioneddol fendigedig. Hyfryd darllenadwy – mwynheuais y minnau yn eu plith) yw’r offeiriad uniongyrchol oddi wrth y Canon oedd darllen ei gyfraniadau fersiwn Cymraeg yn aruthrol, tra annwyl hwn. Daw hefyd ei Aled Williams, Cwmawel, i’r Llan pan oedd y papur bonws ychwanegol yw’r fersiwn unplygrwydd a’i annibyniaeth Llanllwni, Pencader, Sir gwerthfawr hwnnw yn dal mewn Saesneg ar gael i’r rhai nad yw’n i’r amlwg – wedi’r cyfan nai i’r Gaerfyrddin, SA39 9DR bodolaeth. Fe wnaeth gyfraniad medru’r iaith. Dywed Aled taw anfarwol Ganon Dewi Tomos yw  fy meddwl yn ôl i ofwy’r esgob solet i ’r esgobaeth a’r dalaith diben yr hunangofiant yw ‘rhoi Aled. Erbyn hyn mae’r syniad yn Llambed yn yr 80au cynnar. wrth wasanaethu ar bwyllgorau ar gof a chadw, ar gyfer fy ŵyr o ‘offeiriad plwyf’ yn brysur Eisteddwn gyda wardeniaid a chomisiynau amrywiol. a’m hwyresau, hynt fy mywyd ddiflannu yn wyneb pob math Eglwys Gartheli (dwy fenyw Roedd yn bysgotwr o fri ac yn . . . .’ Mi fydd o ddiddordeb o ail-strwythuro eglwysig. Da ifanc) pan gerddodd Ficer amaethwr medrus. Canolbwynt i gylch llawer ehangach ac felly yw cael ein hatgoffa gan Llanddewibrefi i lawr yr ale. y cyfan oedd ei waith bugeiliol mae’n rhoi darlun gwerthfawr Aled o gyfraniad aruthrol y rhai “Dyna slashyn o ddyn!” meddai’r yn y plwyf a’i fywyd teuluol. o fywyd y weinidogaeth a fu’n fodlon ysgwyddo ‘bagad naill wrth y llall yn edmygus. Hyfrydwch mawr felly yw cael Anglicanaidd yng ngorllwein gofalon bugail’ yn Esgobaeth Mae Canon Aled Williams wedi ei hunangofiant. Mae’r gyfrol Cymru ar adeg pan oedd pob Tyddewi dros y canrifoedd. bod yn un o gewri’r esgobaeth gyfoethog hon yn cynnwys math o newidiadau cymdeithasol Y Parch Ganon Patrick Thomas trwy gydol ei yrfa fel offeiriad mae’n ddyn gyda ystod eang o ambell syrpreis – syndod, er a diwylliannol ar waith. plwyf ymroddedig. Yn ogystal ddiddordebau a doniau. O bryd enghraifft, yw darganfod taw un Mae hynawsedd a haelioni Seasonal, insightful A transformational model and enjoyable for mission Carols before dawn and God’s Belongers help any church discussion. other Welsh Christmases How people engage with God Responding to the insights By Patrick Thomas today and how the church in this book can open a new way Pub: Gwasg Carreg Gwalch; can help of thinking about and practising 2017 By David Walker mission. If we develop a fuller ISBN: 978-1-84524-268-8 Pub: BRF; 2017 understanding of how people do Price: £8.00 ISBN: 978-0-85746-467-5 relate to God, the church might This is a delightful book. In his Intro- Price: £7.99 be more willing to stand in their duction Patrick Thomas likens it to Most church goers long for their shoes, and be less eager to criticise a ‘Christmas pudding . . . a curious family, neighbours and friends to those who do not behave as we do. mixture of ingredients’. He has in fact come to church and are constantly Walker is prepared to criticise provided the reader with a number of bemused by their reluctance to the Church for the ways it assumes ‘recipes’ for celebrating Christmas. follow their example of weekly all Christians are weekly attenders, Admitting he has none of Dylan attendance. Along comes Christ- while accepting that efficient fund- Thomas’ colourful childhood remi- mas, Harvest or Easter and larger raising is by weekly donations. niscences, he more than makes numbers turn up, or they may be Congregations and church lead- up for this by providing instead willing to help with the summer ers need to be alert to the danger a host of recollections of Christ- fete or other social activity. It raises of assuming people are either “in” mases celebrated as a priest in this a question – “Do you have to be a the concept of belonging, draw- or “out”. What has sometimes been diocese. These consist of many year. it is no wonder, then, that this weekly churchgoer to be called a ing on scripture and setting out called the fringe may include more personal and family anecdotes, book has been given a Book of the proper Christian?” the context in which the data were people than we think. The jour- the chapter ‘A Christmas Miracle’ Month award for December in the David Walker’s research into gathered. The following four chap- ney we are all on focuses on how is a particular favourite about that local traditions category. this question led him to conclude ters open up the nature of different we relate to God, with which the Christmas essential, a teddy bear. Not that we are confined to that people relate to God in four ways of belonging. They are full local church can be more, or less, In these stories we meet a host of this part of the world. Patrick is different ways: through church of shrewd observations of human helpful. colourful characters whose various deeply involved with the Arme- activities, through relationships, behaviour and attitudes. Each Revd Canon Jeremy Martineau insights and needs show how the nian Church, and manages to through events or through place. chapter concludes with carefully Christmas message can speak to forge a link between the two tradi- He reflects on the nature of that framed questions which would ‘all sorts and conditions’. tions with the legend of St Bride relationship with God, using the At the heart of the book is the the midwife. There are accounts notion of belonging. How do author’s appreciation of the Welsh of Christmas celebrations with people express their belonging language. Through this medium, the Armenians, one in Bethle- to the mystery of God and to his we are introduced, through his own hem, now with its ‘hideous wall’ Church? Contributions to Pobl Dewi translations, to some truly delight- erected by the Israeli government. Delight of delight – this book ful carols both ancient and modern. ‘Christmas Present’ is glitteringly is very accessible, the first two We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, These are used to illuminate the represented by three nativity plays, parts in particular. Walker starts we would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. distinctive ways in which Christmas which manage to be original, witty, with the famous saying of Arch- Articles should be e-mailed to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, has been celebrated in Wales. The profound and easily understood all bishop William Temple that “the [email protected] two chapters on Plygeinio contain at the same time. church is the only institution that Photographs of children must have parental permission a wealth of information about this This book is an ideal gift at this exists for the benefit of those who for publication in print and on the internet. Please confirm distinctive form of early morning time of year – providing you can are not its members”. As a Bishop, this in writing to the editor when submitting photos. worship. There is much fascinating part with it! Walker was able to ask questions of information about Christmas past: Highly recommended. congregations where he preached Disclaimer we are introduced to ‘the Man who Revd Peter Lewis on special occasions. Many attend- Pobl Dewi and the diocese of St Davids take no responsibility, liability saved Welsh Christmas’, and told ing would be occasional attenders or share the views or opinions of any articles contained herein. All about a ‘Daniel Rowland’ Christ- and provided rich data about the information is the responsibility of the person or organisation submitting mas, together with an explanation nature of respondents’ belonging. the article. Pobl Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions of the giving of calennig at the new The opening chapter introduces