Monmouth Llythyr Newyddion Diocesan Esgobaeth Newsletter Mynwy Number/Rhif 203 Easter / Pasg 2013
The Leading Question? A report which will be shared with churches throughout Europe was launched in Monmouth on International Women’s Day, 8 March. One of the co-authors is a priest in Monmouth group of parishes, Revd Dr Ali Green. Ali is the Welsh delegate to the Ecumenical Forum of European Christian Women who sponsored the report. The Leading Question? is the conclusions of the Women in Leadership Consultation and reflects the experience of women with a diversity of leadership experience in churches and ecumenical structures as well as the secular workplace and politics. The seven recommendations of The Leading Question? suggest ways in which churches can become more aware of key concerns and issues identified and experienced by women, and so develop a deeper understanding of ways in which they can become truly gender-inclusive. The Leading Question? is available on www.inspiredservices.org.uk/downloads/TLQ.pdf
The Diocese of Monmouth, The Church in Wales : Esgobaeth Mynwy, Yr Eglwys yng Nghymru St Christopher’s, Raising the Roof at St Mary’s, Bulwark, has a face‐lift Croesyceiliog Last year, St Christopher’s had a dramatic ‘face-lift’. New toilets have been fitted, one with easy access for wheelchairs and baby-changing facilities. Inside the church, a coffee bar has been built and an area designated for coffee tables and chairs.
The whole interior has been painted, and a new heating system, lighting, spot-lighting and projector connection installed. A building to be proud of, and hopefully used for the community of Bulwark.
At a time when all we read about is doom and gloom in the world, St Mary's church, Croesyceiliog, Cwmbran, is on its way up with lots of positive things happening within the life of the church.
The launch of the 'Raise the Roof Appeal' in February to help fund the cost of a new roof estimated to cost £50,000 was a resounding success, with a packed audience turning up to hear both the Blaenavon Male Voice Choir and special guest artist, Miss Laura Sidney.
It is hoped that the new roof will incorporate a state-of-the-art solar panel energy management system to produce sufficient electricity for the church's future needs but also to export the surplus energy to the national grid so as to provide much needed funds for the church.
In recent times, the interior of the church has undergone major refurbishment which included new facilities for the disabled, new high- tech, low energy, low maintenance LED lighting, and other essential maintenance work which included a new heating boiler. A member of St Christopher’s made Provisional plans are also in place to turn unconsecrated waste land at the a cross out of some of the wood rear of the church into a 'Community Allotment Project' which will be a from the old pews. On Easter form of outreach into the community providing those who are Sunday last year this was unemployed, on low income or of pension age with fresh fruit, vegetables, transformed into a colourful cross of flowers and herbs, at little or cost to them. We hope to get local schools flowers, when members of the involved in the project and the whole scheme will be managed and congregation brought cut flowers to supervised by the church members with the help and assistance of the place on the cross. After the Easter Wales Probation Trust. service, the flowers were taken off and made into posies to be given to Should anyone wish to sponsor a slate for our 'Raise the Roof appeal' or sick or housebound people whose make a donation, they can find out further details on names were given to us. www.stmaryscroesy.org.uk and click on the fund raising 'newsletter' link. We hope to do the same this year. Malcolm Paul Austin, People's Churchwarden Lorraine Sampson
2 Bishop Dominic writes.... Dear friends, It was wonderful to see so many people at the Bible Study evenings during Lent. I realise that studying the writings of St Paul is not always easy but he is regarded as the first Christian theologian who formulated some of the central teachings about the Christian faith relating to the person of Christ, salvation, grace and justification by faith. We considered kenosis, the self emptying of Christ of his divine nature. Did Jesus believe that the world was flat and that all the psalms were written by David which were the beliefs of that time? We also saw glimpses of Paul’s humanity and how he faced suffering and experienced personal hurt as well as experiencing joy and delight in being a Christian. Paul’s writings have had a profound influence on the Christian Church and we saw how letters written for congregations nearly two thousand years ago can also speak to us today, which is the reason we read them on most Sundays. I raised the question as to how we use the bible today given that Paul was writing from a particular cultural viewpoint and that we are viewing his writings from our own cultural setting. No understanding of scripture can be ‘culture free’ but we are required to decide what no longer applies today because culture has changed and what are divine insights that transcend every culture. We also need to ask how the Holy Spirit has led the Church into truth since the canon of the bible was decided. The bible appears to accept slavery but Christians now realise that it is wrong for one person to own another. Wives are no longer expected to be silent in church, and illness and storms are no longer attributed to demons.
One of the tasks facing the new Archbishop of Canterbury and the new Pope will be how to hold together Christians from such widely different cultures and how to address issues to do with the place of women in the ministry and leadership of the Church, same-sex commitment, the care of the environment and justice in the economy. The Archbishop and the Pope will both be faced with the task of giving direction on these matters and to attempt to see the ‘big picture’ that the bible proclaims of a God who in Christ creates us and loves us and gave his life for us, and then with courage to proclaim that truth within the culturally created language in which truth must be expressed. We must pray for our new church leaders and for the tasks that they face. With my love and prayers, + Dominic You can read and listen to Bishop Dominic’s Lent talks on the diocesan website: www.monmouthdiocese.org.uk
A visit from Bishop David of the Highveld Bishop David of our link diocese of the Highveld visited our diocese for a few days in February.
He spent a day in and around Abergavenny, visiting Blaenavon Heritage School for the morning assembly and a tour of the school. After lunch, he toured St Mary’s church and the Drop-in Centre for teenagers, enjoyed tea in the Tithe Barn and a briefing on the Young Benedictines’ Project, finishing with Vespers in St Mary’s.
Next day he was in the east of the Diocese where he celebrated the Eucharist at St Mary’s in Caldicot before joining in with the Community Lunch in the Church Hall. He went on to Archbishop Rowan William’s School in Portskewett and a guided tour of Caldicot Castle, before sharing tea at All Saint’s in Brynglas, Newport.
In the evening, Bishop David addressed representatives from around the Diocese of Monmouth at a meeting with the Highveld Link Committee (seen above) in the Diocesan Office.
We pray that his visit will serve to further strengthen the prayer link between the Dioceses of The Highveld and Monmouth.
3 Recent Confirmations St Cadoc’s, Trevethin St Paul’s, Newport
Arms of the Bishoprics An invitation from our ordinands
Supporting Rainbow of Hope St Michael’s Theological College presents An evening with Stuart Townend
One of the oldest parishioners and one-time churchwarden at St Michael's, Performance, chat and worship Michaelstone-y-fedw, Mr Hugh Mortimer, collects cigarette cards, with a with the writer of ‘In Christ Alone’, strong leaning towards cards with an Anglican history. His collection of ‘The Power of the Cross’ and many cards was produced by W D & H O Wills of Will's more worship songs Whiffs fame, and one of his sets is of the Arms of Tuesday 16 April 7.30pm the Bishoprics. The cards are 105 years old and All Nations Centre, make a colourful picture, as the photograph Cardiff CF14 3NY shows. Tickets £10 £12 on the door from www.christiantickets.co.uk Hugh understands that Bangor is the oldest or email: [email protected] diocese in Britain, dating from 540 AD, and predating Canterbury by 81 years. St David's, St Asaph and Llandaff also predate Canterbury. Monmouth, and Swansea and Brecon, were not Bishoprics until the twenties. Mr Hugh Mortimer, with the Bishop of St David's, Rt Revd Wyn Hugh has many connections with St David's: Evans, taken at St David's Cathedral family links with the cathedral abound, and he himself was a chorister there for many years. Family members of long ago lie in its churchyard. During a conversation with the Dean of St David's, Hugh showed him some of his collection. The Dean was very interested, particularly with the Welsh ones. Later in the year, Hugh presented St David's with a complete set of these cards, framed for display in the Library.
When you are next at St David’s Cathedral, ask to see them. Remember the title: Arms of the Bishoprics, presented by Hugh Mortimer. Denis Tarling
4 Vicki Brackpool, Children’s Adviser Vicki has returned from maternity leave and is available all day on Monday and Tuesday and on a Wednesday morning. If you would like to contact her please use: [email protected] or telephone 01291 620197.
Vicki says, “I am excited about what is going on in our diocese whilst also recognising the challenges for some. I would be delighted to talk with you about how things are going and receive suggestions from you on what you would like to see happening with regards to children’s work in the diocese. Obviously I can’t promise everything but I can consider it all carefully. Please be in touch. I look forward to your call!”
Children’s Resources Website UPDATED You can get to the Children’s pages on the diocesan website by clicking on the rainbow from the Diocesan home page.
You will find: resources, links to websites, downloads, a list of titles available in the diocesan resources library, and more! On the main menu click on Resources to find out what is ‘new’ and for samples you can download and use too. Training will give you a good idea about what is available for you. If it is not listed, please ask.
Did you know, you can get an email newsletter each month highlighting new resources and saving you time searching websites. Let Vicki know if you'd like to receive it. Free Resources MESSY CHURCH Please contact Dan Parker at the Diocesan office or Vicki via email if What is it? you would like either of these. The first Messy Church began in 2004 when a group at St Wilfrid's in Cowplain near Portsmouth Parables (2 copies) This is a DVD were frustrated because, as a church, they were hardly reaching resource. Join Brian, Vincent and Phil in 12 any children with God's story. They decided very early on to try to fantastic adventures do something for all ages together, partly out of a belief that we based on the parables grow best as a church when we walk the journey with as many from the Bible. The different people as possible, and partly from a desire to help characters set up families grow together in their walk of faith, not see Christianity as businesses, build houses, hunt for something you grow out of when you're eleven. treasure and much more in a fun and interesting way! Since its beginnings, Messy Church has developed into an expression of church that is accessible for those who cannot cope Top Tips on Running Holiday Clubs with Sunday Church, those who perhaps have never had any (5 copies) This is a brilliant experience of being in a church and so need a welcome that is little booklet on all the different. things you need to consider for your Holiday Are you interested in considering this for your area of ministry? Club. On the website, If the answer is yes, please take a look on our website for more under Resources – Holiday information about the things you could consider, and contact Vicki Clubs, you will find a short handout to Brackpool the Children’s Adviser to discuss applying for a starter download based on this booklet. grant too. www.monmouthdiocese.org.uk
5 St Helena, South Atlantic Ocean: New Airport, New Osbaston BIG BREW Challenges and a New Vicarage! Osbaston Church in When the new airport is completed at the beginning of Wales Primary 2016, at a stroke the great isolation of St Helena will School is a Fairtrade end. The building of the airport is progressing fast, and School. During so are the social problems! Because workers are Fairtrade Fortnight coming out from Africa the population is increasing, they held a Big and the town of Longwood, where the airport is Brew. Holding the situated, is seeing changes as never before. But as the Big Banana are the Church of God we’ve simply got to be there at the Fairtrade heart of the community. Committee. The parish that serves this whole area is centred on They also run a Fairtrade tuckshop at juniors and infants the country church of St Matthew’s, Hutt’s Gate, with on Tuesdays and Thursdays every week. its bungalow vicarage opposite the church. The trouble www.osbastonciwschool.co.uk is that it’s more than four miles away from where the people live and where the need is! Back in 1957, the little church of St Mark’s was built in Fairtrade Oil for Chrism Mass the centre of Longwood, next door to its church hall – at one time a magnetic observatory which served the scientific community of the Victorian world. Immediately behind this hall is the “mud and stone” St Helenian Cottage. By renting out the Hutt’s Gate Vicarage, together with other money we’ve been able to scratch together, we will have just enough to pay a priest for Longwood. So, the urgent challenge now is to restore the cottage as the new vicarage, and to make it, the hall and the church a properly equipped social centre for that hard- pressed town of Longwood. This will mean replacing the rusted iron roof as well as putting in a new kitchen and bathroom. We then have to take two rooms from within the attached hall to make them a part of the new unit. And the cost? Well, we can do things more cheaply on St Helena, but it will still cost us around Bishop Dominic received two bottles of Zaytoun about £12,000. Fairtrade oil from Isobel and Alice Weare on the Lots in the Diocese of Monmouth have been most Sunday before Lent for use at the Mass of Chrism at generous with gifts of vestments for St Helena. They the Cathedral in Holy Week. The Bishop was visiting have been a Godsend – and thank you from the heart. St Madoc’s Church, Llanbadoc, near Usk, where he But now our desperate need is to restore that old delivered his pastoral letter in person and invited the cottage as the new vicarage. Please, of your kindness, congregation to contribute once again to his Lent if you could help us with this urgent project we would appeal. This year the appeal is in aid of the Raven be so grateful. Any cheque you might send should be House Trust, based in Newport, which cares for made payable to “The Diocese of St Helena (Longwood people in need in all areas of the diocese. The appeal Vicarage Project)” – and forwarded to the Office at will also help the Jeel Al Amal Boys’ Home and the Bishopstow. It will then be sent on to us in the middle Jeel co-ed day school in Bethany, near Jerusalem, of the South Atlantic….and the work can begin. which was founded in 1972 by a Palestinian Christian couple for disadvantaged children and orphans. Then, when this project is complete and a new parish priest installed, we will be ready for whatever Appropriately, the Zaytoun Fairtrade oil also comes challenges the next part of this new century are going from Palestine, from ancient trees which have been to throw at us. And believe you me, the challenges will tended by hand through generations of family be many – and tough. farmers. Its sale is now helping some of the hard- pressed people of Palestine who had lost their olive God bless – and again, thank you so much. oil export markets since the Israeli occupation. Yours ever, +Richard Fenwick, Bishop of St Helena, Isobel and Alice are often to be found helping with a former Dean of Monmouth Fairtrade stall at the local Farmers Market in Usk.
6 Forward with Fairtrade The Church in Wales is trying to become the first province in the Anglican Communion to be a Fairtrade Province. (Wales was the first Fairtrade Nation.)
Many parishes and all the dioceses in Wales are already accredited as Fairtrade, but Carol Wardman, the Bishop’s Adviser on Social Responsibility needs to receive a pledge form from your PCC by 31st March to achieve provincial accreditation. Have you sent yours? Information is on the diocesan website. Or contact Ruth Prince: 07990 690 034/ 01291 673385 [email protected] Championing Fair Trade Martha Loves Zimbabwe Ruth Prince is championing Fair When Bishop Dominic called in on Usk Fair Trade Trade in the Monmouth Group’s Coffee Morning during Fairtrade Fortnight, he Diocese. met 18 month old Tanaka Holman along with her mother Martha Musonza Holman, who hails originally She says. “Fairtrade is just one from Zimbabwe. Martha and her husband David now of the many approaches to the live in Abergavenny and are co-founders of “Love complex issues of poverty and Zimbabwe”, the charity which creates self-sustaining hunger in the developing world. projects to help the impoverished people of Currently 2 million children a Zimbabwe to rebuild their lives. year die of malnutrition and around a billion people go to bed at night hungry. In Martha and David brought with them a stall of the face of such grotesque statistics, the Church’s Zimbabwean craft items. By dealing directly with support for Fairtrade surely goes without saying. crafts people in Zimbabwe, they make sure that the Bishop Dominic confirmed his backing for Fairtrade at producers there receive a fair price for their goods. his Lent Talks this year and gave welcome support during Fairtrade Fortnight”. Martha, a committed Christian, explained how her faith had inspired and supported her in leaving her A founder member of the Usk Group, Ruth’s been home country in order to help her own people who involved with Fairtrade since 2006 and is often to be have little or no access to the markets of the outside found at Usk Farmers’ Market behind a stall full of world. Fairtrade products. Ideally, she feels, Fairtrade would be so mainstream in supermarkets and local shops, In addition to working alongside Fairtrade Wales, that there would be no need for a stall like this. Martha also gives talks and workshops on Global Citizenship to local schools and community groups. Fair Trade means that the people who grow cocoa, or Her talks range from gender equality to climate coffee beans or whatever, have the guarantee of a change and poverty. She and David return regularly minimum price for their goods. This enables them to to Zimbabwe to help with community schemes and to plan ahead for the future and helps tide them over if make sure that charitable projects are completed on there’s a bad harvest, or the market price drops time and up to budget. dramatically. Their goods also earn them a “social premium” – a little bit extra to be spent on a Contact Martha at [email protected] community project.
These days the price gap between Fairtrade and non- Fairtrade goods has shrunk dramatically, but if you do find yourself having to pay that little bit extra to guarantee that it’s Fairtrade tea or coffee your church is serving at your Coffee Morning or meeting, remember it’s helping someone in the developing world work their way out of poverty by their own efforts, rather than having to rely on charity.
Ruth Prince is happy to come to your church event or meeting, with a stall of Fairtrade goods and/or information. You can contact her on 07990 690 034 or [email protected]
7 Going the extra mile Risen! The community of Duffryn is part of the parish of St Brides, Wentloog. Under the auspices of Duffryn Community First from the Duffryn Link ART OF THE CRUCIFIXION Office, Revd Susan Collingbourne was asked to set up a fortnightly and EASTERTIDE luncheon club for elderly Duffryn residents, some of whom see few people A celebration of during a week. Aided by Revd David Collingbourne (our washer upper!) and the life of Christ Sandra Griffiths, Debbie Davies and Shirley Burgess, the club has run through paintings successfully for eighteen months with twenty five regulars enjoying a hot nutritious meal and, most importantly, company. from The Methodist Church We were delighted to be nominated to receive the Extra Mile Award from Collection of Newport City Council from the Mayor of Newport at a grand function at the Modern Christian Celtic Manor. Art and by Contemporary The club has now grown to include an afternoon tea on the alternate Artists Monday at Nightingale Court. It is a worthwhile commitment that shows St Mary’s Priory Church the Church at work in the community and my thanks go to my fellow Monk Street, Abergavenny NP7 5ND volunteers. 2–19 April Revd Sue Collingbourne Open daily 9am–4.30pm Shrove Tuesday Generosity Free entrance Every year, St Michael's, St Mary’s Priory will show paintings Michaelstone-y-fedw, holds a Shrove from the Methodist Collection Tuesday Supper, a fun meal of curry alongside its famous pieces of and pancakes. This year, Mrs Noe medieval sculpture. Included is a Dobson, the organiser of St Michael's recently commissioned painting by Phoenix Club, presented a cheque for Welsh artist Clive Hicks-Jenkins, £5,000, gratefully received by Father Christ Writes In the Dust: The Malcolm Lane on behalf of the woman taken in adultery church. The Phoenix Club has supported St Michael's Church for many years, and this year Mrs Dobson New Benefices excelled herself with this magnificent effort. The Club is a lottery, with four monetary prizes drawn monthly. It is hard work on the part of Noe, it works for the Church, and St Michael's is grateful. Denis Tarling, Photo: Elfed Rees Village Praise During 2013 the Grouped Parish of Mathern, Mounton and St Pierre is using its contemporary evening worship service, Village Praise, as an evangelistic outreach to the neighbourhood.
Village Praise meets on the first Sunday of each month at 6.30pm. For the Revd Anne Golledge (above with rest of the year it is looking at Paul’s letters to see what Paul was trying to the Bishop), Vicar of Griffithstown, say to his recipients, and then relating the same message to the local has been instituted as also Rector community. of Panteg. Revd Nick Taylor remains as a house-for-duty priest This is being done in the service itself, but also by means of several poster in the benefice but has moved to sites in the area which will advertise the service theme a week ahead of Panteg Vicarage. the event and will summarise the message under three headings for a week after the service. Diocesan Evangelist, Rick Hayes, is also using the Elsewhere, the parish of Abercarn content of the service to share with the local people. The church website with Cwmcarn has joined with the will also carry the news before and after the service. parish of Risca to form the benefice of Lower Islwyn. Ven John Every household in the parish has received a letter about this initiative, Blackburn is the incumbent and part of which includes a letter in the style of Paul, addressed to the local Revd Dylan Bate, Revd Linda residents. Griffiths and Revd Marion John Whatmore Redwood are the clergy team.
8 Becoming a Ministry Area Resourcing the Church for Ministry and Mission in the 21st century The Church in Wales Review The Implementation Group has met and reported to the Standing Committee in February with its initial proposals for a programme to take forward the recommendations of the Review.
In considering how best to approach the large number (and wide range) of recommendations in the Review, the Group has prioritised those photos courtesy of Mr Colin Jenkins recommendations that relate most A booklet explaining the process of becoming a Ministry Area is now closely to the report’s “core vision”: available. It can be downloaded from the establishment of Ministry Areas, www.monmouthdiocese.org.uk/ministryareas served by teams of ministers (lay and ordained), with new training programmes provided to equip Facing change - an edited extract from Machen’s parish magazine ministers for the new model of Have you noticed the changes to our God’s help, how we can be of service to high streets? Over recent times we our communities as they struggle to live ministry. These recommendations have lost household names such as day to day lives. should be considered first. Woolworths, Clintons, and Comet as well as local family businesses. We This is not an easy option. There will be However the Implementation Group seem to be facing continual change and times when we offer things to others recognises that work is already we do not know what to expect next. and they do not respond. The people underway in dioceses in identifying we are trying to reach may be too busy and establishing Ministry Areas, and The Church is also suffering. Many or they may not notice what we are that any work at a provincial level to people do not think they have a need of doing. We can then give up trying and God. Many do not know of God or of go on with battening down the hatches, adopt and define a Ministry Area familiar bible stories. Most people can or we can support each other through model should support (and not cut just about remember a bit of the story our regular worship and Christian across) existing work at a diocesan of the nativity but that is about it. Our fellowship and try again. level. In other words, the congregations are generally aging and Implementation Group is working reducing in number. It is a real struggle If we are to take the difficult choice of towards a provincial framework for to keep our ancient buildings in a state changing, we need to pray for each Ministry Areas, within which of reasonable repair. As Christians how other, to build ourselves up through should we deal with continual change love and understanding. We need to dioceses may experiment to reflect and falling congregations? listen to what God wants us to do. Our local needs, rather than towards a lives will be sacrificial and serving as more prescriptive blueprint. We have choices. One choice is that we Jesus’ life was but in the end we will can batten down the hatches and have been trying to do God’s will to the The intention is to hold a ignore what is going on around us. We best of our ability. preliminary discussion about can keep on with our regular services Ministry Areas at the Governing and wait for the world to realise that it We will no doubt meet with failure needs God and that they should join us. from time to time. Jesus’ death seemed Body in April and then a debate on a After all, our needs as Christians are like failure to those around Him but His provincial framework for Ministry being met by what we do at the death was in fact the most amazing Areas in September. moment. With a bit of fund raising we action that God had ever done. It can just about keep our buildings going. enabled Jesus to be with each one of us To enable the Implementation all the time if we choose to turn to Him. Group to prepare a draft framework The alternative choice is to look into the Despite the challenge of change, we for Ministry Areas for the Governing future. We need to recognise that if we should not be despondent. As Christians Body to consider, it has asked want to develop an understanding of we have great hope for the future Christ in the world, we need to do because of our Lord and Saviour Jesus dioceses to provide details of the something now. Instead of being Christ. May God bless us all as we rise work already underway. focussed inwardly on ourselves and our to the challenges of living as Christians own needs, we need to turn outwards in 2013 and beyond. The Diocese of Monmouth is and to look at our communities and responding to this request. their needs. We need to find out, with Revd Midge Moore
9 BOOKSHELF: for Easter and Spring Hope rising in the A trilogy of books by and about Archbishop Rowan Williams Eastern Valley Faith in the Public Square by Rowan The newly named ‘Hope Centre’, on Williams. ISBN 978 1408 18758 6 the Pavilion Industrial Estate, Bloomsbury £20. Pontnewynydd, is the base for the This is undoubtedly a heavyweight. Eastern Valley Foodbank and Christians The author describes it as a “series Against Poverty (CAP ) Torfaen. Both of worked out examples of trying to organizations are reaching out to help find the connecting points between those in need whilst at the same time various public questions and building up the Body, bringing people fundamental beliefs about creation together from different churches to and salvation……” Those prepared The food storage and café area in the Hope work as one. Centre shows some idea of what is being done. to persevere will be amply rewarded by these essays and The Eastern Valley Foodbank opened in January and welcomed its first lectures that analyse some of the customer in the same week. Its aim is to grow to give comprehensive major moral, cultural, and economic coverage of the valley from Cwmbrân to Blaenavon helping local families in issues to which Christians are financial difficulties to avoid going to bed hungry. challenged to respond. The Trussell Trust’s food bank network partners with churches and Rowan Williams: His Legacy by communities to provide three day’s emergency food to people, most of Andrew Goddard ISBN 978 0 7459 which is donated by members of the public. Every food bank client is 5602 2 Lion £9.99 referred by care professionals, who give vouchers that are exchanged at the This is a very early, and some may food bank. consider premature, attempt to provide an overall assessment of CAP Torfaen has been at work since May 2012 and is currently helping forty Archbishop Rowan’s people to come to terms with, and overcome, debt. Those being helped archiepiscopate. Andrew Goddard, come from a large area, including Abergavenny, Blaenavon, Chepstow, and who is a part-time tutor in Christian Newport. Churches can help in both support of the scheme, and in providing Ethics at Trinity College, Bristol, friendship to the clients. Churches and befrienders are presently needed, endeavours to give a rounded particularly in Cwmbrân. portrait in an impartial survey of the several controversial and critical CAP is passionate about lifting people out of debt and poverty through their issues that were so fearlessly faced award-winning debt help service and money management courses. They during the decade of a remarkable work in partnership with local churches, in towns and cities across the UK. Primacy. Readers must judge for CAP seeks to help anyone in need regardless of age, gender, faith or themselves how successful the background. writer has been, but the opinion of If you wish to help support, or require further information contact: Canon Andrew White the renowned Eastern Valley Foodbank – [email protected] vicar of Baghdad is worth quoting: CAP Torfaen: 07864 907339 [email protected] “Here, in this wonderful book, you New client enquiries line: 0800 328 0006 are given the opportunity to see a www.capuk.org true living saint, scholar and servant Alan Entwistle, St Peter’s, Goytre of God”. The trilogy is completed by the Living Faith in Braille recent publication of the Christmas In an exciting development, the Living Faith course is now available in and Easter sermons given by Rowan Braille. It has been transcribed by Rebecca Blaevoet of www.valleys- Williams in Canterbury Cathedral. It wordworks.co.uk. Rebecca became involved with the project when, as an is entitled “Choose Life” ISBN 9781 Orthodox Christian, she was asked to speak to her local group at the 4081 90388 Bloomsbury £10.99 session on using icons. Herself a Braille user, she comments “I have It would be impertinent to review found a new and fresh perspective to my Christian faith these masterpieces that are sure to through transcribing the modules for this series.” become classic expositions of Devotional books, daily Bible reading notes, and Bible study Christian Faith at the Great resources at all levels are available from The Torch Trust in Festivals. The thoughtful reader will braille, giant print and audio, catering for people at all stages not fail to find rare gems of spiritual of sight loss. A large amount of the Christian materials can be wisdom on every page that inspire bought as well as loaned free to anyone who is registerable blind or partially further prayer and meditation. sighted. www.torchtrust.org Canon Terry Palmer
10 Celebrating Pilgrimage
At the beginning of the year, Bishop Dominic challenged us all to go on a pilgrimage. Hundreds have taken up that challenge. Pilgrims have been to the Holy Land, Brittany, Iona, Cyprus, St David’s, and places closer home. Each pilgrim has collected memories of a journey which touched their spirit. Fri 26 April – Sun 28 April On the weekend of 26th - 28th April 2013 you are invited to celebrate St Woolos Cathedral, Newport those memories at the Cathedral. A series of pilgrim stations, with each station representing one of the places which Monmouth Pilgrims have visited, will become a ‘pilgrimage of pilgrimages’ within the Cathedral. Enjoy a Pilgrimage around the Cathedral If you would like to contribute something towards the celebration, created in arts and crafts whether it is photographs, artwork, craft, poetry, written reflections, or from memories of music, then please contact Revd Celia Jones 01633 413647 Israel...Iona...St David’s...and [email protected] as soon as possible. other pilgrim experiences The Two Cathedrals Pilgrimage: 10am - 4pm Will you get out your walking boots and join in Refreshments available the last pilgrimage of our Pilgrim Year? You can walk the whole distance or join in for a day or part of a day. If the pilgrims are passing by or near your church, you may like to meet and greet them.
A specially-made pilgrim staff will be sent out from Newport Cathedral at the end of the 10.30am Eucharist on Sunday 28th April. Bishop Dominic and a party of walkers will carry it up the Usk Valley and along Offa’s Dyke to Knighton where Bishop Dominic will hand it over to Bishop Gregory of St Asaph during a Eucharist at 10am on Saturday 4th May. Bishop Gregory will take the staff on to St Asaph Cathedral ready to launch a Year of Pilgrimage in the Diocese of St Asaph.
The planned stages of the walk, with approximate mileages are: Day Start and end points Approx miles Passing by or near Sunday 28 April Newport – Usk 12 miles Caerleon, Christ Church, Tredunnock, Llantrisant, Llanllowell, Usk Monday 29 April Usk – Abergavenny 12 miles Kemeys Commander, Bettws Newydd, Llanfair Kilgeddin, Trostrey, Llansantffraed, Llanfihangel Gobion, The Bryn, Llanover, Llanellen, Llanfoist, Abergavenny Tuesday 30 April Abergavenny – Llanthony 10 miles Llanthony Wednesday 1 May Llanthony – Hay 12 miles Thursday 2 May Hay – Kington 15miles Friday 3 May Kington – Knighton 13.5miles Walkers are responsible for booking their own accommodation as and where they want it. The first three stages will finish well within reach of home and the plan is to arrange transport back to starting points. On the first three nights, the staff will rest overnight in local churches. Each day will start and end with prayer.
A group from St Asaph will be in Knighton for a get-together on the evening of Friday 3rd May and St Edward’s church, Knighton, is booked for the Eucharist at 10am on Saturday 4th May. Again, everyone is invited.
For more information, please contact: Pamela Mason [email protected] or Janet Bone 07748 344161 [email protected]
11 GAZETTE Bishop Dominic’s Appointments Retirement The Revd Robert Lindsay, Curate of Blaenavon; to be Team Vicar in the Bishop Dominic will be retiring at Rectorial Benefice of Bassaleg. (9 April) the end of June and we know that many of you will want an The Revd Frieda Evans, NSM in the benefice of Caerleon; to be NSM in opportunity to wish him well. the Rectorial Benefice of Cwmbran. (12 June)
The Very Revd Lister Tonge, Dean of Monmouth; to be also Warden of There will be an official the Society of the Sacred Cross. (Tymawr Convent) (4 April). Thanksgiving and Farewell Celebration on Monday 24th June The Revd Trevor Morgan, Priest-in-charge of Fleur-de-Lis and Area Dean at St Mary's Abergavenny. of Bedwellty; to be also Priest-in-charge of Blackwood. (3 April) This will begin with a Eucharist at 7pm and continue with a reception The Revd Julian White, Vicar of Mathern and Area Dean of Netherwent; in the Priory Centre. to be Vicar of the new Benefice of Mathern to include the parish of Shirenewton and continuing as Area Dean. (10 March) Further details about the allocation of tickets to the parishes will be Resignations circulated after Easter, but please The Revd Tony Turner, Team Vicar in the Cwmbran Rectorial Benefice; on put the date in your diary. reaching retirement. (end May) Archdeacon Jonathan Williams The Revd Bernard Sixtus, Associate Vicar, Holy Trinity, Abergavenny; to be received into the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham. (10 Feb) Music @ St Woolos RIP Entrance to these concerts is free of The Revd Canon Paul Vann (22 Feb) charge with a leaving collection.
Congratulations Sat 6th April 7.30pm To Greta and Ralph Corbett of St George's, Tredegar, who celebrated Hugh Petter Piano Recital their 50th Wedding Anniversary on 3rd February. The concert will be followed by a two-course meal at Vittorio’s which To Gwen and George Daniel on the occasion of their Platinum Wedding will cost £20 (including a small Anniversary. (1Feb) gratuity). Reservations may be made To Rev Elizabeth Jones, Assistant Curate in the parish of Tredegar, on in the Cathedral Shop, or with receiving the Archbishop of Wales Certificate of Merit for services to Brian Cox (01633 663217) Church music. (27 Apr) Sat 13th April 1.30pm The Reading Phoenix Choir A Platinum Couple Congratulations to Gwen and George next issue: Daniel on the occasion of their Copy date 26 April: Publication 23 May Platinum Wedding Anniversary. Editor: Gwen has been a member of the Revd Janet Bone 07748 344161 [email protected] Mothers' Union for over 50 years; Diocesan Office, 64 Caerau Rd, Newport holding the office of Enrolling Member NP20 4HJ for 11 years; also the positions of Branch Secretary and Deanery Your contributions are welcomed. Representative. Articles should be no more than 300 words. Both were active members at Holy Trinity Church, Pontnewydd where they Pictures should be professional prints or in were married on the 1 February 1943; serving on the Parochial Church Council digital .jpg format. and George held the post of Church Warden and Treasurer. They celebrated their 70th Anniversary at home with daughter Jacqueline, family and friends. Pictures of children must have parental consent for publication in print and on the Alma Bridges, Mothers Union Branch Leader internet. www.monmouthdiocese.org.uk
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