Harvest 2014 | Esgobaeth Llandaf | of

Ancient Chapel School leavers welcomed Royal picture guests special Page 4 Pages 6/7 Code for Women published as history is made at Llandaff Geralyn Wolf

Guidelines for new legislation to ordain women as bishops aim to make everyone feel valued in the Church, regardless of their views on the issue, the of has said. Archbishop Barry was speaking at the Governing Body of the College, , and Bishop Geralyn as he outlined the code of practice for was a keynote speaker. She said, “It is women bishops, which accompanies an honour to be leading the service at legislation allowing women to be Llandaff . This is an exciting ordained as bishops which came into time for women – they have many gifts effect on September 12. It was drawn and talents that will excite the church up by the Church’s seven bishops at and allow it to minister in new ways. the request of its Governing Body. “Any step which crosses a transition “The Code of Practice we have is difficult to make and I hope that the produced has not been produced for the changes ahead are seen as benefit of one side or the other in the opportunities and that the gifts of the debate but for the whole church. That is many women I have met here will be what you asked us to do. The Bill utilized.” explicitly says that the Code should be She warned about the prejudices that drawn up in such a way that every face women bishops, “There is always member of the Church in Wales might going to be differentiation between men feel secure. In other words, this Code is and women bishops. But I hope we can not just for those who in conscience ministry. In these issues, as in others, alternative sacramental provision. lift it up so that people can see that dissent but is a code for every member we invite the Church to unite in the many times it is plain and simply unfair. of the Church in Wales,” said the greater task of proclaiming the Gospel.” History made at “A man walks into a church and he Archbishop. The bishops wrote the Code after Just days before the legislation came receives trust, admiration and “Bishops have a particular consulting widely across the Province. into effect history was made when acceptance. He has authority. We walk responsibility for matters of faith and Its guiding principles were: Bishop Geralyn Wolf, retired Bishop of into a church and we have to gain that order and we want to be as inclusive as • Any woman Diocesan Bishop Rhode Island, become the first woman trust, gain that authority and that is a possible which is why we are able to becomes such on exactly the same Anglican bishop to lead a service at totally different starting point. I still affirm wholeheartedly the ordination of terms, and with the same jurisdiction, Llandaff Cathedral on September 4. believe that a strong woman is still women to the episcopate and can also as any other Diocesan Bishop in the The public service was part of an called bitchy, difficult, unsympathetic – accept that provision should be made Province; event called Crossing The Threshold, we still get those tags placed on us.” for those who cannot accept their • Provision for those who object to the held to mark the start of the new One of the conference organisers was sacramental ministry. By making such a ministry of women bishops has to be legislation in Wales. the Revd Jan Gould, priest-in-charge of provision, our hope is that no-one will pastoral, not structural; She was joined by another bishop Glan Ely benefice in Cardiff. She said, feel the need to leave the Church in • Those who in conscience cannot from the United States – Bishop Gayle “This conference is about how we Wales. receive the sacramental ministry of Harris, the of ‘cross the threshold’ to a transformed “In the Church in Wales, we, as your women should not be excluded from Massachusetts, who made history days leadership with the Church in Wales. bishops, quite frankly see Christ at work being considered for ordination; earlier by becoming the first woman “Anglican women bishops in the USA in our members, married or single, gay • No specific alternative bishop should Anglican bishop to preside at a service have a huge amount to share and this or straight, we perceive the call of God be provided for those who are unable in the whole of Wales when she visited is a unique opportunity to engage with in women to all three orders, and we in conscience to accept the ministry Cathedral. their experience and to see together are respectful of the faith of those who of a woman bishop, but there should The Crossing The Threshold what that might mean for the future of cannot in conscience receive such be a means to request and receive conference took place at St Michael’s the Church in Wales.” 2 croeso Harvest 2014

Comings and goings

time ministry. the instead of curacies in Mountain Ash and going out there and spreading For the last two years Sue, has waiting for the community to before spending the good news.” been the assistant curate come into church to find me.” nine years as Team Vicar in the (NSM) of , which Rectorial Benefice of Llantwit Debra Sexton is the new part- means that her work for the Major. time secretary working church has been carried out Archbishop Barry said, alongside Denise Morgan at alongside her paid work as a “ has served all Llys Esgob. She took over from primary school teacher. his ministry in the Llandaff Mary Brice who retired in June But as her desire to work full- Diocese. He is highly regarded after five years. time as a priest grew, Sue by his colleagues and has been decided to give up teaching responsible for training many and she has now been curates”. Appointments appointed assistant curate of Caerphilly (Stipendiary). She Former Catholic priest left the Gaer Junior School in becomes Team Vicar in Newport, where she taught year Canton 3/4 pupils in July, after a A former Catholic priest has teaching career spanning 30 Former scientist is new become Team Vicar in Canton years, and took up her new full- priest for – two years after being time post on September 1. “I realised that my heart was in Cynon Taff received as a curate into The The Revd Sue Rees has been Church in Wales. ministry and I did not think that I could fulfil God’s call and licensed as the priest-in-charge The Revd Phelim O’Hare , who of the parishes of Pontyclun was formerly a priest in the continue teaching. I am really looking forward to my new role and Talygarn with Llanharry. Roman in In Pontyclun and Talygarn, she Resignations Northern Ireland and left to and want to embrace it fully The Revd Steven Kirk The Revd Dr Anthony Rustell and will take all my teaching took over from the Revd Grace has been appointed the new marry, has been licensed as Karamura who left earlier this has resigned as priest –in- Team Vicar of the Rectorial experience of working with Area of Caerphilly and charge of the parish of children with me into my year after eleven years service Merthyr Tydfil Deanery – taking Benefice of Canton. and in Llanharry she took over Tongwynlais and Director of Phelim, who has been ministry,” said Sue. over from Canon Robert Ministerial Development. The Assistant Bishop of from the Revd Roger Pitman. Donkin, of the Parish of assistant curate (NSM) in the Sue joined the two parishes Anthony has accepted the post parish for the past two years Llandaff, David Wilbourne said, Caerphilly, who has retired. of Residentiary Canon and “Incredibly Sue managed to from where she was Canon Steven remains Vicar of as well as chaplain at the priest in charge. She was Head of Mission, Discipleship Cathedral School in Llandaff, combine completing a Theology the parish of and Ministry in the Diocese of degree with teaching and non- ordained as a deacon 12 years and and also takes over as Team Vicar from ago after spending 20 years Portsmouth and will take up his Revd Martin Colton, who has stipendiary ministry.” Canon of Llandaff Cathedral. post this month. Dr Rustell working as a scientist in the Previously he was Area Dean of moved to Surrey. NHS - in the field of came to Llandaff from the Phelim, who grew up in a faith Margam during his 14 years in Diocese of Oxford in 2011. cytogenetics - studying Port Talbot, where he served family, felt a calling to enter chromosome abnormalities. the priesthood from his teens – before moving to Ystrad “Initially I felt that God wanted Mynach in 2007. serving as a Roman Catholic me to be a Reader but priest in Northern Ireland for “I am looking forward to gradually I realised that he was working more closely with the three years before leaving calling me for ordination. As active ministry to marry. clergy in the deanery and both a scientist and a priest it tackling the challenges that He moved to Wales twelve is people who are at the heart years ago, along with his wife face us in our part of the of what I do – whether it’s their Diocese. I will be looking to Dr Annette Daly, with whom he health or spiritual wholeness now has two young sons, and ensure we proclaim the gospel that I am dealing with,” said among the people that we live worked as a teacher and Curate becomes Team Sue. chaplain at St David’s Catholic and work amongst,” said College for ten years before Vicar in Whitchurch Canon Steven. being received into The Church A former action man charity The Revd Caroline Downs , in Wales. worker has taken over as Team priest-in-charge of Cathays, “There was a process of Vicar in a Cardiff suburb. took on the post of Warden of unfolding awareness of what it The Revd Peter Mortimer , who Readers on July 1, when her was that God wanted me to do. was previously curate in the role as Diocesan press and Retirements My original calling was to be a Rectorial Benefice of communications officer The Revd Canon Robert priest within a parish setting Whitchurch for four years, was ceased. Caroline has served in Donkin , Rector of the Parish of and it is wonderful to return at licensed as Team Vicar in July, the parish of Cathays since Caerphilly and Area Dean of last to this original calling after moving to Rhiwbina where he 2002, first as a curate and Caerphilly and Merthyr Tydfil, twelve happy years as a school has special responsibility for All since 2007 as priest-in-charge. has retired after serving 39 chaplain. To be rooted once Church. years as a priest. Married to The son of a priest, Peter The Revd Michael Komor is to Valerie, he has been Rector of again within parochial ministry become a member of Llandaff as a married priest with worked for the charity Care for Caerphilly since 2008 and Area the Family in Taffs Well, where . Dean for the past two years. Annette and our two boys is a Michael has been Rector of double blessing,” said Phelim. he ran the outdoors pursuits Beginning with curacies in programme for families and , Nolton and since Mountain Ash and Coity with young people. After being 2005. In July the Benefice was Nolton, he served as Vicar in ordained at Llandaff Cathedral expanded to include the new Oakwood and Aberaman and in 2010, he worked originally parish of . Abercwmboi (with Cwmaman). as a NSM, before becoming a He has been the Diocesan He was Rector in Penarth with full-time priest 18 months ago. Webmaster and IT adviser Lavernock and then Penarth “Growing up in the church and since 2000 and Secretary of and Llandough and also Area being the son of a priest meant the Diocesan Conference, Dean of Penarth and Barry for that the idea of a calling was Secretary to the Board of four years before moving to always there, but I had to make Nomination and Secretary to Matthew Dixon was appointed Caerphilly. sure that it was my calling,” the Diocesan Standing as a Reader at a ceremony at Archbishop Barry said, “I want said Peter, 53, who is married Committee since 2010. He has the Cathedral in July. The 33- to thank Robert for his devoted to Lois, a midwife, and has two represented the Diocese on the year-old who works for Legal service and for all that he has children aged 18 and 16. Church in Wales’ Electoral and General has been licensed done in the parishes he has From Teaching to “I spent 15 years working for a College since 2007. to serve in the parish of served and not least for the Christian charity which was a He was Area Dean of Cathays. He said, “After two curates he has trained in the Preaching form of ministry focusing on between 2004 and 2010 and years of training, being diocese. We wish him and Val, The Revd Sue Pratten has families and young people. I Vicar of Ewenny and St Brides licensed is the start of the health and happiness in the given up the classroom as she see my ministry as very much from 2000 to 2005. He was doing what every lay person in years ahead.” switches from teaching to full- mission based – going out into ordained in 1986 – serving the church is called to do - croeso Harvest 2014 3 We’ve been talking

A series of Ministry Area committees containing parish went to the roots of how these Ministry Conversations (MACs) have been representatives were established in Areas are going to work, how they are successfully rolled out across the each of the three areas - with each going to be formed and what their Diocese in a pilot study aimed at being allocated an officer to partner characteristics will be. We looked at providing a blueprint for the future. them through the process. taking on the challenge of working in a Vale of Neath said, “The idea is to be The creation of Ministry Areas led by Canon Richard Lowndes, advocate way that we haven’t worked in the past inclusive of everybody and recognise teams of clergy and lay people lies at officer for 2020 Vision for Llandaff said, – working collaboratively to be more everyone’s talents and skills as an the heart of 2020 Vision – the strategy “In Neath we held a very successful effective in what we do.” individual.” for growth called for by the Church in Ministry Area Conversation which really Moira Randall, parish warden for the Area Dean for Neath the Revd Zoe Wales Review, which was King said, “The general feeling is a commissioned to see how the Church sense of hope. We all like our own could best serve Wales by the time it parishes and our own building but this celebrates in centenary in 2020. is all about moving and not being During the summer – three Ministry scared to go to different buildings and Area Conversations were held using the work with different people and not feel framework of ‘Seven Sacred Spaces’ in like you are being undermined.” Penarth, Neath and Pontypridd - one in A Ministry Area leaflet, ‘Together, each of the three archdeaconries. towards ministry areas’ which answers Key local leaders involved in ministry key questions about the process of including clergy, NSMs, Readers, forming Ministry Areas has been worship leaders, lay project leaders and distributed. parish wardens were invited to the A series of follow up meetings will meetings, which were attended by now be held in each area during the teams of officers and senior staff. Autumn, with formal Diocesan The emphasis was for the proposals to be published early next ‘conversations’ to be from the ‘bottom year, followed by a three year up’ as local plans were discussed and implementation process. other potential community partners Further MACs will be rolled out across such as other churches, schools and the Diocese once the initial pilots have local service providers suggested. been assessed, with a number of other As a result of the meetings, local areas having already shown an interest. New ministry area created in Bridgend

A second ministry area has been Each has things to offer the other, and addition of Coychurch to Coity, Nolton Bridgend area within the last year. created in Bridgend as work forges together they have the potential to have and Brackla means it is the second Mike, Jayne and Pauline were all ahead with 2020 Vision. a hugely positive impact on the ministry area to be created in the licensed at St Crallo’s Church in July. The benefice of Coity, Brackla and communities they serve. That’s what Nolton has been expanded to include we’ll be working together to do. the parish of Coychurch with the Revd “Coychurch is very much part of Mike Komor being licensed as the Bridgend and so it makes sense to be Rector and the Revd’s Jayne Shaw and linked with its neighbouring parish in Pauline Smith as the assistant curates. this way.” Mike, Jayne and Pauline succeed There are understood to be historical Canon Val Hamer who retired in links between the medieval churches at November 2012. Coychurch and Coity – so the ministry “Ministry is a joy to be shared among area grouping means history has come God’s people and isn’t reserved just for full circle. those officially authorised, licensed or Jayne has been the Assistant Curate ordained – I would hope that as we get in Coity, Nolton and Brackla since to know Coychurch and as they get to October 2012, while Pauline Smith was know us then we will discover skills, ordained in June and takes up her first interests and talents that can be shared curacy in Bridgend. between the two parishes,” said Mike. Another Bridgend parish – “I see this as being a mutually and was extended to beneficial relationship for the two include Penyfai - creating a new larger parishes that form the new Benefice. ministry area at the end of last year. The

Left to right - Revd Pauline Smith, Lisa Spratt (church warden), Bishop David, Peter Craven (church warden), Revd Jayne Shaw and Rector Mike Komor (rear). The answers to some of your questions

Q At pew level we are only really interested in our not about structures but rather about the way we do the strategic planning will take place at a Ministry church. What will make us think differently once we ministry. Ministry Areas will be served by mixed Area conference. It’s here that churches will plan to are a ministry area? ministry teams including full time vicars, NSMs, work together, pool their resources and support new A Ministry areas will re-energise church life locally retired clergy, Readers, youth workers and other lay initiatives. and that should be of interest to everyone at pew ministers. Each church will be served by more than level. We want our boundaries to match up with the one member of the team. Q Isn’t it all about having fewer priests? communities they serve and our churches to be A No. If anything 2020 Vision should lead to more places where we’re all involved in a ministry team. Q Isn’t it all about changing parish boundaries? ministry, not less – it’s just that some of those A Yes and no! Yes because we want to lower parish ministers will not be full-time paid priests. 2020 boundaries so that we partner together in mission Vision is about re-energising Church life and that Q My church has a shared vicar with three others and ministry and not fight to preserve our own corner means we want the level of participation by Church and we operate in a cluster. Will Ministry Areas of God’s kingdom. No because this is about members (particularly the laity) to increase. replace our cluster, Benefice and Deanery or this changing our approach to the way we do ministry another layer? rather than focussing on moving the structures. Q Where do we go from here? A It’s not just another layer. Eventually, Ministry A The key to successfully delivering ministry is not Areas will replace clusters, deaneries and benefices. Q How will a PCC work in a Ministry Area? Can one geography but teamwork. We are currently engaged A Ministry Area is all about partnerships and relation - PCC really represent all the interests of many in a series of Ministry Area Converstions and through ships with our neighbouring churches and about different churches? these we hope to identify new Ministry Areas across sharing our resources so that we can offer more in A Each church in a Ministry Area will need a council the Diocese during the next few years. our mission and ministry. So the main difference is to care for its buildings and to order its worship but 4 croeso Harvest 2014 Ancient Chapel welcomed Royal guests

Hundreds of people lined the streets of Llantwit Major to welcome HRH The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall on their visit to the town’s Galilee Chapel. The Royal visitors chatted to members of the public, including flag waving school children, as they walked from the town’s Square to St Illtud’s Church in brilliant sunshine on the second day of their Welsh summer visit. They were greeted at the church by the Rector of Llantwit Major, the Revd Huw Butler, who gave a brief introduction to the Galilee Chapel Project. The 13th century chapel at St Illtud’s Church, was transformed last year from a roofless ruin into an award-winning new visitor centre, to house 1,000-year-old Celtic crosses. The site itself was founded by the Breton monk Illtud and dates back to the year 500 and early . The ancient Celtic crosses were cleaned up and moved to their new home inside the Galilee Chapel as part of the £850,000 project to tell the story of the church’s role in developing Christianity across Wales and beyond to the wider Celtic world. One of the Celtic crosses is the Abbot Samson’s Pillar Cross, sometimes known as the King Stone, and believed to be one of the oldest known inscribed Christian stones in Great Britain. During the visit, the Prince and Duchess met several of the parishioners, local schoolchildren and those involved with the project.

They included: • Parishioner Gladys Kilby, 94, the oldest member of the church who cut the ribbon to officially open the chapel during a celebration weekend last November. • Lee Mayes, the Construction Site Manager, who enjoyed working on the church renovation project so much that he had a lasting reminder tattooed on his arm – in the form of Celtic crosses.

Mr Butler said, “History was made because as far as we know this was the first ever Royal visit to this church. We are all thrilled that his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall made a special visit to the Galilee Chapel. “It was such a beautiful day. The Prince was very interested in the history of the stones. Thanks to the restoration project they are now being displayed properly and have been placed so that visitors can walk all around them to see them from all angles.” The £850,000 project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, CADW, Vale of Creative Rural Communities (European Social Fund), the Representative Body of the Church in Wales; Welsh Church Act Fund, All Churches Trust and the James Pantyfedwen Foundation. The restoration has won a Regional RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) Design Award and has been put forward for a national award. Architect Michael Davies has been named Welsh Architect of the Year. An archive room, toilets, mezzanine floor for meetings and a tea station are also provided within the Chapel to support the community use of the church in welcoming tourists, schools and local community groups. Following prayers and a Bible reading, the St Illtud’s Church Choir led the hymn singing before the Royal party were shown around the Chapel by the Rector, accompanied by the architect Michael Davies and Gareth Kiddie, the Interpretation and Activities co-ordinator. The Royal couple enjoyed a cup of tea on the mezzanine floor before signing the visitors’ book. In the garden outside a Magnolia tree was planted by the Prince and watered by the Duchess. Local Sunday schoolchildren looking on were told by the Prince to ensure they kept the tree well watered. Before leaving the Prince and Duchess were presented with gifts which included a framed montage of pictures of the church by Reader Keith Brown, a town shield from the town mayor Michael Mason and a basket of local produce including bara brith from Creative Rural Communities presented by local baker Mel Constantino. To find out more about the Galilee Chapel visit http://www.illtudsgalileechapel.org.uk/ and to see video footage, visit http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/news/2013/11/galilee-chapel-st- illtuds-church-llantwit-major/ croeso Harvest 2014 5

Messy Explosion!

The number of Messy Churches being run in the Children’s Adviser to the Diocese. Church in its own right. It is not intended as a bridge Diocese has more than doubled in the last eighteen “The Messy Church format is flexible and can be into traditional church. It is mission, as it is months – with many more on the way. used to reflect the tradition and needs of any group intended for those currently on the fringe of the Messy Church, which celebrates its tenth birthday of Christians. Churches already have the skills to church or for people who never come to traditional this year, has many variations but basically centres run Messy Church – there is nothing complicated church at all. on adults and children gathering together to do arts about it and it really makes a difference. “It is for all ages – mums and dad, grans and and crafts, enjoy a short story, song or prayer and “Existing Messy churches are attracting many carers – never just children on their own. Messy then eating together. Each session follows a theme people who do not attend our traditional church Church is certainly different. It is often noisy and which is reflected in the arts and crafts and the services. I’ve been told about one lady who took her frequently messy. There is a tremendous excitement story, song or prayer. son along to one session, but watched from the and enthusiasm pulsing through Messy Churches as “Messy Churches are rapidly spreading across the entrance saying she didn’t ‘do church’. The following they witness God at work in our diocese.” UK and the world and here in the Llandaff Diocese month she also took her daughter, but again Messy Church now has an official Welsh there has been a phenomenal growth in the last 18 watched from the distance but in the third month translation 'Llan Llanast', and two Messy Church months. There were eight Messy Churches in joined in herself, which involved listening to the books are to be translated into Welsh. January 2013 and now there are 20 with another Easter story for the first time,” said Lesley. If you would like some advice or help about seven being planned,” said Mrs Lesley Cox, the “The essential thing with Messy Church is that it Messy Church please contact Lesley Cox, on Regional Co-ordinator for Messy Church and is a ‘Fresh Expression’ of church, meaning that it is 07800902943 or email [email protected] Hundreds sneaked a peek New

The Sneak a Peek event held at Llandaff Cathedral in the summer was school hailed a great success – attracting more than 100 visitors. The Diocesan Day was staged to offer officially parish officers and parishioners an opportunity to meet diocesan officers and their and to learn more about the support and help which opened is available to them. Stalls were set up and officers The new £4.3m Pen-y-fai Church in available from various departments and Wales Primary School has been officially groups including Finance and Grants, opened by First Minister Carwyn Jones. Communications, Care of Churches, World Mission, Lay Training, Children’s Built on the same site as its former Committee, Messy Church, Seven premises, the new school which can Sacred Spaces, Living Faith and accommodate more than 200 children, Spirituality, Ecumenism, Vocations, Ely features an innovative split-level design. Music Project, Provincial Mediation The previous school was originally Service and the Board for Social designed for just 60 children, meaning Responsibility and Community many classes were housed in temporary Development. buildings. There was an opportunity to meet the The new building incorporates a new new , Gerwyn Capon hall, a music room, a nursery unit, a and the three archdeacons Philip The Revd Lynda Newman and Mrs Lesley Cox, Children’s Committee Morris, and Christopher reception class, indoor play areas, an ICT Smith. room, a kitchen and new classrooms. It Guided tours of the cathedral were on is designed to be energy efficient and offer and cream teas available in has a range of environmentally friendly Prebendal House. Participants had the features including lighting controls, solar- opportunity to close the day, which was heated water and rainwater harvesting held in June, with with the systems. Cathedral congregation. Diocesan Director of Education, Canon The Venerable Philip Morris, Edwin Counsell said, “Pen-y-fai Church in of Margam said, “Sneak a Wales Primary School has served the Peek was staged to show people what is available to support them – no one is children and families of its local alone. We also want to thank all those community for generations. I'm delighted people who work so hard in their to see the new school building completed parishes – we are always amazed at after a long wait. At last, the new building how much time people give and we are will match the high standards of never able to thank them enough.” teaching, learning and care that are at Canon Richard Lowndes added, “This the heart of Pen-y-fai school. This is a was a great way of advertising the school where children will really be able resources that are available in the to flourish." diocese for everyone to make use of The project was funded by the Welsh and we were delighted at how well it went.” Government and Bridgend County Visit Borough Council’s schools modernisation http://llandaff.churchinwales.org.uk/ne programme with the new school being ws/2014/06/sneak-a-peek/ to watch a officially opened by the First Minister in video of the day. Canon Richard Lowndes July. 6 croeso Harvest 2014 Watch out for the hands – Bishop urges school-leavers

Watch out for the hands was the message to hundreds of year six children as they gathered for their leavers’ service at Llandaff Cathedral. The 600 children were urged to watch out for loving hands waving goodbye and saying hello wherever they went in life – during a poignant address by the Assistant , David Wilbourne. The pupils from 20 primary schools across the , ranging from Neath in the west to Aberdare in the north, were joined by their parish priests for the special service on July 7, to mark their final days in primary school before moving up to secondary school in September. Carrying their school banners the children joined together for prayers and hymns in the service which was led by Canon Edwin Counsell, Director of Aberdare Town CW Primary School Education for the Llandaff Diocese and Bishop David. During his address, Bishop David urged the children to think very carefully about hands. “Hands are very important – they are used to say hello and wave goodbye and sometimes we can even tell what job a person does from looking at their hands.” He told the children a story about a daughter who was ashamed of her mother’s hands until she discovered that they were ugly after being burned in a fire saving the daughter’s life as a baby. “Look out for the hands wherever you go in life – where you go you will be met by loving hands wounded by love,” he said. During the service, prizes were given by Bishop David for fast running in races held down the aisle during school visits to the Cathedral over the past year. The winning school was St Brides Major, in the Vale of Gwenfo CW Primary School Glamorgan, where pupils recorded a time of 8.07 seconds. Each child was given a bookmark to remind them of the day and photographs were taken of all the schools as a further memento of the occasion. Canon Edwin said, “The Leavers’ Service is a great event and one that we all look forward to. It’s a sad time for many of the children as they prepare to leave their primary schools, but there’s also a sense of expectation and excitement for the future. The service is a strong reminder that God’s love sustains us all through the journey of our lives.” The children get to know the Cathedral well during their time in primary school, with visits including a special interactive day of learning organised by Bishop David. Activities on this day include running for Christ, hunting for treasures, ringing the bells, climbing the tower, rubbing war memorial brasses, dressing as bishops and singing. St Brides Major CW Primary School

St Monica’s CW Primary School Wick and Marcross CW Primary School

St Mary the Virgin CW Primary School St Nicholas CW Primary School

St Paul’s CW Primary School Tredergarville CW Primary School croeso Harvest 2014 7

Alderman Davies CW Primary School St Andrews Major CW Primary School

All Saints CW Primary School Bryncoch CW Primary School

Cwmbach CW Primary School Llandaff City CW Primary School

Llansannor and Llanharry CW Primary School Pendoylan CW Primary School

Peterston Super Ely CW Primary School St David’s CW Primary School 8 croeso Harvest 2014 How a sermon became a speech

During the Commemoration of World communities and the surrounding War One debate in the House of area played a part in the British war Commons, Bridgend MP Madeleine effort, in the trenches and at home,” Moon admitted to ‘some she said. shenanigans’ in preparing her “Many of the youngsters who went speech. to war came from farm labouring jobs The previous weekend, the MP had and had a very limited understanding visited St Theodore’s Church in of the wider world. For most of them, Hill to celebrate a week of local going as far as the large town of community activities, alongside a Bridgend would have been a huge commemoration of World War One. achievement; to get as far as Cardiff The sermon was given by the would have been beyond their belief; Around the Venerable Philip Morris, Archdeacon House of Commons for Thursday, and crossing the Severn into England of Margam and at the end of the June 26, with a page marked with the would have been viewed with dread.” service, Madeleine sidled up to the speech by the MP, which began with. Archdeacon Philip said, Diocese Archdeacon and said: “Great sermon! “I must admit to some shenanigans “Madeleine’s use of my sermon was Can I borrow it?” As a result, much on my part,” explaining how she had a salutary reminder to the members that the House of Commons heard, borrowed the Archdeacon’s service of parliament on how war devastates the Archdeacon helped her to write. sheet with his sermon notes to help communities – as we read the names A week or so after the service in her write her speech. on our war memorials, we can only Donation Kenfig Hill, a large brown envelope “It is only appropriate that I imagine the effect that a war being landed on Archdeacon Philip’s commemorate the Archdeacon’s part fought in lands far beyond their doorstep, containing a copy of in this speech, because I too wanted imagining had on families in local of £4,500 Hansard, the official record of the to talk about how people in our local villages.” made to World War One centenary commemorated

Special services and events were service at St David’s Church. A dedication of the newly restored Roll local held in churches, at cenotaphs and candlelight vigil was held during the of Honour by the , war memorials across the Llandaff national service at Llandaff the same Dr , was held at St Diocese to commemorate the 100th evening. Augustine’s Church on Sunday, August hospital anniversary of the outbreak of World An historic window in 3. War One. memory of the fallen in World War One In Aberdare a history exhibition These included a lights out vigil in was the back drop to the exhibition charting the stories behind some of Merthyr Tydfil, a national service at that was held at St Catherine’s the soldiers listed on the Roll of from Llandaff Cathedral, a history exhibition Church which included exhibits from Honour in the church was held at St in Pontypridd, a re-dedication of the Pontypridd Museum, databases on Elvan’s Church and an art exhibition is Roll of Honour in Penarth, an art personnel from the area who were being planned. exhibition in Aberdare and a vigil killed in action and the Pontypridd Roll In St Brides Major, villagers service in St Brides Major. of Honour. gathered at the cenotaph for a vigil Great Britain declared war at 11pm The vicar, the Revd Peter Lewis service led by the Venerable Philip tree on August 4, 1914, and a century on said, “We have started up a small Morris, . the ‘lights out’ remembrance between group that wants to mark the start of He emphasised the devastating 10pm and 11pm saw households and the Great War and our hope is that effect on what was then only a small venues across the UK switching their over the following four years we will be farming community of some 300 festival lights out, leaving a single light or able to understand the significance of people, when 25 of their young men candle as a mark of respect. the war on shaping life in Pontypridd.” and women did not return. "No family In Merthyr Tydfil, a ‘lights out’ event In Penarth a service of was unaffected,” said Archdeacon A donation of £4,500 has been given was held in the Square following a Commemoration, including the re- Philip. to the Royal Glamorgan Hospital by the Parish of Llantrisant from its twelfth annual Christmas tree festival. Glass doors open Each year proceeds from the popular festival are given to local up Medieval charities with this year the cash being given to the hospital’s Department of Urology, specifically for the treatment city church of prostate cancer. Parish warden Mr Rob Jenkins said, Shoppers in Cardiff have a new view into the city’s “Prostate cancer is something that oldest church as its wooden doors have been has touched us personally in the replaced with transparent glass ones. parish and we wanted to repay in St John the Baptist Church, next to the indoor some way the expertise from which market, is the oldest remaining mediaeval building in we have benefited. the city, after the Castle, dating from the 12th Century. “We have more than 2,000 visitors Its new doors, however, add a bold dimension that is to the festival and we have always every inch 21st Century. For the first time, people can strived to provide funds for local see straight through into the church while the charities through our fund raising congregation can look out to the streets and benefit efforts.” from extra light. Over the last 12 years, more than There are three sets of doors – one at the external £45,000 has been raised from the entrance and two at the porch – and they all have a festival for local charities. simple design of one long, symmetrical cross. “Preparations for this year’s festival The priest-in-charge of St John’s, Canon Dr Sarah on December 6 and 7 are already well Rowland Jones, said, “The new doors have made a underway – the festival is a huge difference to the church – it feels light, airy, marvellous form of outreach, with modern and inviting now. They also symbolise the many of our visitors coming through ‘goings out and comings in’ between church and city. the church doors for the first time. The church is very visibly open to, and connected with, “There is a great atmosphere in the the city around, and the city always has a place within church and everyone knows that their the church.” contribution is going to make a They were blessed by Archbishop Barry at the Feast difference to those in need,” added of St John the Baptist. Mr Jenkins. Right: Archbishop Barry, the Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Margaret Jones, and Canon Sarah Rowland Jones croeso Harvest 2014 9 ‘Prayers in the air’

Nearly two hundred balloons carrying heritage sites throughout Wales open to the to Peterston Church where more ecumenical. ‘Prayers in the Air’ were released to launch public for free during September. walkers enjoyed their packed “The whole day went really the successful Open Churches Day staged by The day began with the launch of 200 lunches and listened to a music well – so many people got nine churches in the Vale of Glamorgan. balloons from the church tower of St Nicholas, recital. involved and turned out on the Seven churches from the East Vale group of with each balloon carrying a prayer written by The walk then continued on to day to take part in the various churches combined with two neighbouring local school children and residents. Pendoylan. The nine churches events in the churches – chapels for the event organised as part of the This was followed by a short walk from St and chapels which were open on including 70 at the music recital CADW Open Doors programme, which saw Nicholas via Trehill and Croes y Parc Chapels Saturday, September 13, under alone, ” said Mr Davies of the Open Doors were Croes-y-Parc East Vale group of parishes. Baptist Church; Trehill “We had wanted to do Presbyterian Church; St something different this year George’s, St George-super-Ely; and engage more with the St Mary’s, Bonvilston; St schools which is why we asked Donat’s,Welsh St Donats; St pupils at the four Church in Cadoc’s, Pendoylan; St Peter’s, Wales schools in the area to Peterston-super-Ely; St Nicholas, write the majority of prayers and St Nicholas and St Brides, St messages for the balloons. Brides-super-Ely. “Nearly 200 balloons with All churches displayed church prayers attached were launched, records and St Mary's also raising £200 for Riding for the showed the History of Disbabled at St Bride’s, which is Bonvilston, with the day ending celebrating its 50th anniversary with the ringing of the church this year. One of our church bells. members is producing booklets Last year the Revd Martyn containing the prayers for each Davies and the Revd Canon of the schools to keep. Edwin Counsell abseiled down “The musical event at St the church tower at Welsh St Peter’s Church, where eight Donats as hundreds turned out soloists sung, also raised to walk, cycle, jog and horse several hundred pounds for ride between the churches on ‘Syria in Crisis’ which meant we Open Doors day. This year most raised money for charities both people walked as the day was local and international.” slowed down in a bid to make it Pop Up Church! Revd Martyn Davies releasing the balloons Picture credit Ian Dixon Church is ‘popping up’ all the time in . The first ever Pop Up Church was staged by clergy in Tonyrefail at the local leisure centre in June and was such a success that it was Lottery cash boost repeated over two days in August. Echoing an idea often used by retailers to drum up business, Tonyrefail Parish decided to take church out into the community during the summer’s Community Festival and also at the Taff for church hall Cluster Communities First Summer Celebration. “Pop up church is not just a one off event, it is a phenomenon. A place of enquiry and gentle interaction, a place of informality and St Gwladys’ Church Hall in is celebrating after being awarded £227,000 from sharing, a place where people can relax and take stock,” said the Big Lottery Fund which will place it firmly at the heart of community life. Canon Ruth Moverley of Tonyrefail Parish. The Parochial Church St Gwladys church and church hall Council has Mining memorial been awarded the cash bonanza under is re-dedicated the Lottery’s People and A service to re-dedicate the Abercynon Mining Memorial – which Places was replaced following the theft of the original plaque - was led programme by Area Dean the Revd Michael Jones. with the It was held to mark the replacement of the original bronze plaque money being which was stolen from Navigation Park in Abercynon, on the site of used to build the former colliery in 2012. and expand on Mr Jones said, “The attendance confirmed the admiration the community people of the community continue to have for those who lost their projects – lives over a century ago.” both existing and new schemes. The Revd Experience Pentecost Jonathan Widdess, priest-in-charge of the Parish of Bargoed and Deri with Brithdir said, “We are During the week leading up to Pentecost over 150 primary school delighted to have won the support of the Big Lottery Fund which means we can now move children visited St Michael’s Church in Cwmavon to ‘Experience forward and build on our existing work.” Pentecost’. The cash will fund three staff for three years and allow the upgrading of some existing Six stations were set up around the church to engage the facilities. An existing community worker position will be replaced with a project manager children imaginatively with the event surrounding Pentecost. These plus posts for a volunteer co-ordinator and an administrator will be created. stations included Waiting, Receiving, Telling, Doing, Sharing and “We will be able to do more intergenerational work to bring people of all ages Growing. together,” said Mr Widdess. Sue Powell of St Michael’s said, “Initially it was quite of lot of This cash boost comes after the congregation at of St Gwladys Church, in Bargoed, work setting up the display but the fact that so many young people joined forces with debt counselling charity Christians Against Poverty CAP when it opened were able to gain a fuller understanding of the significance of its eighth debt centre in . Pentecost made all our efforts worthwhile”. 10 croeso Harvest 2014 Sound of music fills the air at Ely’s summer school

The sound of music filled the Church Music for the Royal of the Resurrection, Ely during the Works’ by Handel fourth “Making Music Changing to the theme tunes Lives” (MMCL) Summer School. from Pirates of the Around 50 children spent the first Caribbean and The week of the school summer holidays Flintstones. The immersed in music-making, starting Tuesday was taken each day with an hour-long singing up with a very workshop where they learnt numbers successful Samba Around the including an African song which they Workshop led by sang in three-part harmony, and a Patrick King. couple of jazz songs which featured The Revd Jan Diocese some of the children singing solos. Gould said, “We’ve Adults were invited to join in with the had some fantastic singing and those that stayed feedback from performed with the children in the children, parents Hymns concert at the end of the week. and grandparents Once the singing was done each day about the positive the children were split into two groups effects of the music on the children, lunches, registering the children each of Praise – complete beginners and the though you only had to see the day and supervising play times etc – a ‘regulars’ who have been attending children’s faces to know how much very big thank to them all.” the MMCL after school music they were enjoying themselves. “We are currently looking to success sessions for the past year or more. “One thing we are really looking increase the size of the MMCL The beginners had the opportunity to forward to next year is performing in Management Board, and are try out all the different instruments on St David’s Hall where the MMCL particularly looking for people with Friends from local churches and chapels the first day before being steered by orchestra has been invited to give one experience/contacts in the business joined the congregation at St Matthew’s the teachers to instruments which of the foyer concerts during the Welsh world.” Church, Dyffryn for a Hymns of Praise particularly suited them. Proms week. Anybody interested should contact service in the summer. All of the ‘regulars’ spent the week “Of course, none of this would be Jan Gould on 07981 082 548 During the evening the choir provided the in orchestra – for some of them their possible with the incredible army of [email protected] congregation with beautiful renderings of first experience of playing with other teachers and volunteers who spent For further details about MMCL the anthem Lead me Lord by Samuel instrument groups. They learnt a range the week doing a variety of very please take a look at the website Sebastian Wesley and selected hymns of pieces over the week from ‘The necessary job – teaching, making the www.makingmusicchanginglives.org from the programme.The soloist was bari - tone Rhys Locke. The organist for the evening was Mr Degree success for choral scholars Christopher Lloyd and the conductor Mr Michael Williams, church organist and Three choral scholars from the be able to support and encourage Hamer, the parish priest. choirmaster. The vicar the Revd Stephen Liturgical Choir at St Martin in Roath these young musicians. The Choral Visit www.stmartininroath.com to Bodycombe presided and thanked all for graduated successfully in the Scholarship grants are funded by the hear some of the music at St Martin their hard work and support. summer with their degrees. congregation,” said the Revd Irving in Roath The three Cardiff University music students - Jessica Haig, from Northampton, Nathan Harrison, from Aberdare and Beth Howells, from Wolverhampton achieved two firsts and a 2:1 between them in B.Mus. All three scholars are planning on future studies with Beth embarking on a PGCE at University and Nathan and Jess planning to do a Masters Programme at Cardiff. Nathan and Jessica returned to the Liturgical Choir in September along with three other new Choral Scholars. “In addition to singing on a weekly basis at St Martin’s, the scholars contributed original compositions to Choir with (left to right) Christopher Lloyd the choir's repertoire,” said Mr Tim (organist), the Revd Stephen Bodycombe and Hill, Director of Music at St Martin in Michael Williams, conductor. Roath. The Liturgical Choir at St Martin in Roath was formed in 2007 to sing croeso choral services on a monthly basis to a high standard. Since its inception, Please send your articles, stories and the choir has grown substantially and pictures for the next edition to Alison a Music Foundation was launched in Young, Diocese of Llandaff, The Court, 2012 in order to provide scholarships Coychurch, Bridgend, CF35 5HF or to students in higher education and preferably by email to fund work with younger choristers. [email protected] Another high point for the choir this clearly marked for Croeso. The next summer was being asked to sing edition will be published on Thursday, Choral Evensong on two days at December 4. The copy deadline in in July. Some liturgical words which had been set to Tuesday, November 18. Croeso can music by Nathan were sung at the also be seen at our website Abbey. www.llandaff.org.uk. “The Liturgical Choir with the Choral Scholars has become very much part of the family here. They make Check out our web-site magnificent music but also participate www.llandaff.org.uk in the wider life of the Church here at St Martin in Roath. We are pleased to Picture shows (left to right) Jessica Haig, Nathan Harrison, Beth Howells croeso Harvest 2014 11 It’s all rosy in the garden

Hundreds of visitors were able to enjoy three Church in Wales gardens which opened under the prestigious National Garden Scheme this summer – two for the first time. The St Peter’s Community Garden in Fairwater and the garden at St Fagans Church in Wales Primary School, which had both been transformed from wasteland, threw open their garden gates for the first time along with St Michael’s College, Llandaff, which had opened previously under the yellow book scheme. Six years ago an area of wasteland next to St Peter’s Church, Fairwater was overgrown and neglected but thanks to the vision of one parishioner a remarkable transformation took place with the overgrown grounds being turned into a stunning community garden worthy of being chosen to open under the NGS. Although the idea for the community garden came from one man, parishioner Ian Thompson, it was only made possible thanks to the teams of volunteers who carried out the work. These included churchgoers, young offenders, people with learning St Fagans CW Primary School garden needs and children from the neighbouring school who dug out a jungle classroom to support curriculum activities of briars and brambles and chopped down trees to create a haven of such as pond dipping, minibeast hunts, peace which includes a lawn, pond, vegetable patch and mini Welsh growing food, den building, art and as a heritage orchard. base for the Forest Schools programme. The parish priest, the Revd Colin Sutton said, “There is so much for “The fruit forest garden also inspired a two visitors to see and enjoy. The garden and reserve was created by year Comenius project with eight European volunteers through community and church grants and donations from partner schools. The children have made jam individual supporters. and chutney from the garden produce to sell. “There is a large pond surrounded by a small nature reserve, a long “Visitors were amazed at the extent of the herb border, raised vegetable beds, Welsh heritage apple trees, a wild project as they enjoyed walking about the flower circle plus a hotel for bugs, and our latest development – our fruit forest garden, around the log circle and small alpine rockery.” vegetable beds, down to the bird hide and At St Fagans Church in Wales Primary School, it was pupils, parents, through the Wild Wood. Spotting wildlife in volunteers and staff who joined forces four years ago to transform an the pond area was a particular success and area of wasteland at the school into a garden, featuring vegetable the children took part in a wildlife treasure Project manager Ian Thompson and the Revd beds, a wildlife pond, a log circle, a woodland area and a fruit forest hunt around the garden.” Colin Sutton garden. Hundreds of pounds were raised for the openings, including £700 from St Fagans Headteacher Alison Price said, “The garden is used as an outdoor NGS charities from the three garden school alone. In the A Merthyr church is restored to full service money A display of wedding dresses dating back 50 years was staged during a festival weekend at a Merthyr church to mark its restoration to full service. A grant award of £10,000 has been made by St Tydfil’s Old Parish Church in Lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil, which the Diocesan Mission Fund to the Parish of dates back to the 19th Century, was closed for worship in the sixties Grangetown St Paul. when nearby St David’s Church became the parish church. Since then it The Mission Fund Committee awarded the has had limited use. money to support the large range of The display of wedding dresses from the last five decades was staged community mission activities planned for the to mark the period of time that the church has been closed for weddings. St Paul's Church Centre in Grangetown, once A display of records of the famous people who have been christened and it reopens its doors later this year, following a Members of the Diocesan Mission Fund married in the church was also mounted and a Teddy Bear drop held £300,000 refurbishment and alteration Committee awarding the cheque. (left to right) from the Tower. programme. Canon Richard Lowndes, Lay Training Officer, The vicar, the Revd Mark Prevett said, “This church building is on the Assistant Bishop of Llandaff, David , Parish Resources Adviser, Revd David Morris of St Paul's and Jan Boyce, site of the Martyrdom of Tydfil in 480 and it is this event that gives Wilbourne said, "This strikes me as a Diocesan Accountant Merthyr Tydfil its name. Tydfil was a lady of peace and also showed great fantastic project, attracting a lot of match compassion and mercy for the people who lived here at that time. funding...the diocese wishes to show its Diocesan Mission Fund might be able “The site has been a place of worship since those days and so her commitment and enthusiastic support. I think to support the work of your local story and that of the church and the town are closely interlinked. There is this is just what the Mission Fund should be parish or deanery visit huge regeneration currently going on in Merthyr and it is the right time to enabling.” http://llandaff.churchinwales.org.uk/ re-launch a church and re-tell her story to a community and a world that For more information about how the mission/mission-fund/ too often cannot find peace or show compassion and mercy.” Swedish choir hits the right note Links between churches in Sweden and Wales were strengthened recently with the visit by Motettkören, the choir of Sigtuna Parish to Llantwit Major. The visit followed the renewal of the Diocesan link agreement, first established in 2007, between the Diocese of Uppsala and the Diocese of Llandaff during a three day conference in Llandaff in March involving delegates from Sweden and Wales. During their visit at the beginning of September, the choir was accompanied by the Vicar of Sigtuna, Ingrid Norén-Nilsson, who was licensed as assistant curate to Llantwit Major for two months during 2012. Along with the clergy team from Sigtuna, she also visited Llantwit Major last November when the two parishes entered a link parish agreement. During their stay the choir visited Wick and Marcross Church in Wales School and St James’ Church, Wick. They also performed at an evening concert at St Illtud’s Church, Llantwit Major. “All our churches joined in the Sunday at St Illtud’s which was a “trilingual” celebration. Some sections of the liturgy were sung in Swedish and others in Welsh,” said the Revd Huw Butler, Rector of Llantwit Major. Plans have now begun to arrange a reciprocal visit to Sigtuna in May 2016. 12 croeso Harvest 2014 Wendy and her singing bear!

The Revd Sister Wendy Tayler knew her mum and Wendy’s big day at the Cathedral. aunty had sewn some very special vestments to “The quilted detail all represents images taken celebrate her ordination as priest but she had no from Llandaff Cathedral and also features from each idea that they had also made her a singing bear church in the Neath Benefice,” explained Wendy, wearing a matching outfit! who serves as curate in the Neath Benefice. “It was such a lovely surprise as he has the exact “There is the stained glass window at St David's same chasuble and stole as me – just smaller. And church, the Reredos at St Thomas Church, the the added fun of him is that when you press his belly stained glass cross window at St Peter and St. he sings the theme tune of ‘The Vicar of Dibley!’” Paul's Church, the Catherine wheel at St Catherine's said Wendy. Church, the bell tower at St Teilo's Church and the Wendy’s talented mum Maureen Sanderson Norman D shaped font at St Illtyd's Church. handmade her daughter’s chasuble and stole and “There are lots of other little touches such as the did the intricate stitching work on the front, while her 14 knots on the Teddy Bear’s stole to represent aunty Josephine Bebbington did the intricate 2014 as the year of my ordination. stitching work on the back. “Even though I knew they were doing it, I didn’t It was Wendy’s aunty Josephine, an accomplished see it before the day as I wanted it to be a surprise - quilter who came up with the design for the chasuble and to have the matching Teddy Bear as well and stole using photographs of Llandaff Cathedral certainly was. It is so special – children love the and churches in the Neath Benefice. The two sisters Teddy when I take him out with me during my work in then spent months making the outfits in time for the schools.” New ministers have been ordained by Archbishop

A former opera singer, Bridgend,” said Pauline, who teacher and shop worker has moved to Bridgend with have begun new lives in her husband, Alexander and church ministry. their border collie dog Sox. Tom Bates, Rhun ap Tom, 30, whose father is a Robert and Pauline Smith priest and who grew up were ordained deacon by the singing in cathedral choirs, Archbishop of Wales, Dr spent two years working as Barry Morgan, at a packed an opera singer, before service at Llandaff Cathedral training for the priesthood. in June. “While people talk about Tom, a former opera music touching their lives, for singer, now serves as me being able to assistant curate in Merthyr communicate that sense of Tydfil, St David and faith through music was very Abercanaid; Rhun, an ex important. I realised that teacher serves as assistant although I loved working in curate of Aberavon and music, I wanted to be closer Pauline, who worked in retail, to people and help them Group shot: front row, (left to right) Rev Dr Trystain Owain Hughes (DDO), Canon Rosie Harper, Revd Sister Wendy is assistant curate in through both their sad and Tayler, Revd Rachel Simpson, Bishop David Wilbourne, Archbishop Dr Barry Morgan, Revd Dr Rhys Jenkins, Revd Coity,Nolton and Brackla with glad times,” said Tom. Rhun ap Robert, Revd Christopher Lee, Revd Tom Bates, and Revd Pauline Smith. Back row (left to right) Graham Coychurch. Rhun ap Robert, 42, Hardy (Archbishop’s virger) Revd Mark Dimond (Archbishop’s chaplain) It was the tragic death of a originally from North Wales, stepped into ordained Wendy. same parish. Revd Christopher Lee. her 13-year-old son in a road first felt a calling for the parish ministry, in its The Revd Rachel Also ordained priest They were both ordained accident seventeen years priesthood while a teenager many forms, and found Simpson, who has were Cardiff GP the Revd as NSM’s, with Rhys ago that sparked Pauline but it wasn’t until he’d spent this to be true, and isn't served as curate in the Dr Rhys Jenkins, who is continuing to serve as Smith’s return to the church a number of years working as that all any of us wish for parish of Llantwit Major married to former MEP, curate in Roath and of her youth and set her on a teacher that the feeling really... to be loved, and was ordained priest and Baroness Eluned Christopher as curate in the path to ordination. Her intensified and he decided to to love in return,” said continues to serve in the Morgan, and scientist the Caerau with Ely. son Sam was knocked over seek selection. and killed not far from their “It was something that was home in Ely. always there – a presence in “I found life very difficult my life that became stronger Would your parish like a share of £2000? and it took me many years to and stronger,” said Rhun, come to terms with what had who has moved to Aberavon happened – it was such a with his wife Magdalena and The Diocesan Mission Fund has low time in my life and I felt their three children . got together with the annual Big as though I had been left Four deacons were also Breakfast event to offer three with such a gap,” said ordained priest during the projects the chance of receiving Pauline, 53. service. a share of £2000 of grant Eventually Pauline walked The Revd Sister Wendy funding for a new mission initia - through the doors of the Tayler, who previously tive. Church of the Resurrection in worked as a Church Army The Big Breakfast is held each Ely – where she had sung in officer for eight years based year for treasurers and Gift Aid the choir as a young girl and in the nightclubs in Cardiff, secretaries from across the was immediately welcomed was ordained priest and diocese and this year is being back with open arms. continues to serve as curate held at St David’s Church, Neath “I couldn’t believe it at first in the parish of Neath. on Saturday, November 15. but ever since I accepted “The Revd Lynda Newman As part of a packed programme that this was what God told me, just love them, all focussing on resources for wanted me to do then it’s they want is to be loved and mission, three pre-selected just been like a rollercoaster they will love you back, such projects will receive awards on that I can’t get off. I’m an Ely simple advice but so the day to make local mission girl born and bred, I’m powerful. In the last year I ideas a reality. worked in shops all my life have recalled her words All you need to do is complete and now I’m a curate in many times as I have a short application form outlining your mission idea and the Mission Fund Committee will select three of the best to take to the stage at croeso has been creatively designed & the Big Breakfast event. Here you will provide a two to three minute presentation to win the support of printed by Mersey Mirror , The Foundry, the audience who will then vote for first, second and third places. 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS For your application form or to register for the Big Breakfast event please contact Richard Jones at Tel: 0151 709 7567 the Diocesan Office [email protected] or on 01656 868868. email: [email protected] Don’t forget the Mission Fund is available all year around...download an application form from http://llandaff.churchinwales.org.uk/mission/mission-fund/

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