Spring 2015 | Esgobaeth Llandaf | of Llandaff

Recording the Why a cleric Past… and visited Present Page 4 Rwanda Page 10 Diocese discusses same-sex partnerships

A call has gone out throughout said, “The purpose of the welcome to write to the to the Diocese for everyone to join conference is to discuss share the outcome of their in discussions on same-sex which of the three options – discussions.” the status quo of marriage The Revd Ainsley Griffiths, a member relationships. as the union of a man and of the Doctrinal Commission which The call follows a change in the law of a woman; the blessing of produced the report, The Church in which came into effect last year same-sex relationships; or and Same-Sex Partnerships, will allowing same-sex couples to marry in same-sex marriages in be attending the May conference to Wales and England and comes in the church – is the way forward present it. run-up to a special Diocesan for the . Sixth-formers from St John Baptist Conference to be held in May to decide “There will be a vote on school, Aberdare, will help delegates by the Diocese’s formal response to this the three options at the making a presentation on the issues issue. conference, but what needs involved. After small-group discussions, It is part of a 12-month consultation to be emphasized is that the the conference delegates will be asked during which all six in the vote which ultimately to vote on the three options proposed province are being asked to give their matters will take place at by the Doctrinal Commission. views on three options: maintaining the the Governing Body. The The responses from the consultation status quo of marriage as the union of result of the conference vote will go to the Bench of and to a man and woman; conducting same- is designed to ‘inform’ the the Governing Body, with proposals for sex weddings; or blessing same-sex GB where our diocese the way ahead. relationships. stands on the matter. The Archbishop added, “The Doctrinal Prior to May’s conference, “Moreover, there will be Commission’s Report is an invaluable discussions on the issue will be held at opportunities in the coming resource on this topic and there is a deanery, parish and PCC meetings with weeks and months before summary on the Church in Wales views fed through to the conference via May to discuss same-sex website which you can access from the elected representatives of parishes and relationships at parish and homepage. deaneries. A vote will be taken at deanery level – I therefore These are complex issues but the conference which will become the encourage you to take part conversations so far clearly point to the formal response of the Diocese. The in these discussions as fact that people want to deal with them Governing Body will then decide what well.” important decision will have the with great pastoral sensitivity. Now is action, if any, the church will take. Llandaff Diocesan Secretary, Rowena opportunity to do so through one of the the chance for people to have their say The Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Small said, “We hope that everyone group meetings. and to find out more and I urge Morgan, who is also of Llandaff who wants to discuss/contribute to this “Both deaneries and parishes are everyone to do so.” Big Guns: Three Canons from one parish

When Canon Mike Komor was installed as a Canon of incumbent Canon Mark Preece and the present 2000, took over as Vicar of and St Brides , history was made as he became incumbent, the Venerable Philip Morris, Archdeacon of Major from Canon Komor in 2005. As members of the the third of three incumbents of one small parish to Margam on the Chapter. Cathedral Chapter they oversee the running of the join the prestigious Llandaff Cathedral Chapter. “We think this must be unique in the whole Anglican Cathedral. Canon Komor, a former incumbent of the parish of Communion for two former and the present incumbent “I’m delighted to have been asked – it’s exciting but Ewenny and , joins another former of a parish to serve together on a Cathedral Chapter,” scary – and I’m looking forward to the challenges this said Archdeacon Morris. “Ewenny and St Brides Major new role will bring,” said Canon Komor, who was is only a small rural parish, so it feels very proud to installed as a Canon in December along with church have its clergy honoured in this way.” officer, the Revd Carol Wardman, who advises the Canon Komor was Vicar of Ewenny and St Brides bishops on social policies. She was made a Major from 2000 to 2005 before moving to his current Metropolitical Canon. post of Rector of , Nolton and . Canon The Revd Dr Mark Dimond was formally licensed as Preece was Vicar of Ewenny and St Brides Major from the Archbishop’s chaplain at the same service. Dr 1992 to 1999. He is currently Rector of Canton and Dimond, who is based at the Archbishop’s office in was installed as a Canon of the Cathedral in April of Llandaff, was ordained in 2011 and served as last year. assistant curate in the benefice of All Saints Left to right: Canon Komor, Archdeacon Morris and Canon Preece Archdeacon Morris, who was installed as a Canon in for two-and-a-half years. 2 croeso Spring 2015

Comings and goings

Appointments He takes early age while growing up in a vicarage sense of God's blessing on our work New Rector for and over from that he wanted to follow his father into together within this diocese during Canon Adrian the priesthood. His father, Alan, served these past ten years.” Berry who as vicar of St Saviour’s Church, Roath, Archbishop Barry said, “Richard has A former retired last for more than 30 years and was Area done superb work in this diocese over Cardiff Team February Dean of Cardiff before retiring. the last 10 years – our loss is Vicar has after five Ben himself sang in the church choir Monmouth’s gain.” returned to years as and learnt to play the organ. He studied Wales from Rector. As music at Exeter University before Retirements Canada to well as a training for the priesthood at St become The Revd Thomas Doherty , Vicar of the return to Michael’s College in Cardiff. Benefice of Margam is to retire at the Rector of the Llandaff, it is “As far back as I can remember I new end of April. Mr Doherty was ordained in a return to a always knew that I wanted to be a 1976, serving as a Vicar Choral in St Rectorial parish and priest,” said Ben, who is married to benefice of Columb’s Cathedral, Londonderry for church where Rebecca. three years. He moved to the Llandaff Eglwysilan Mr Lake “I have been very happy here in and Diocese in 1979, serving as assistant often covered for colleagues in his early Aberavon – people have been so curate in Llandaff with Capel Llaniltern Caerphilly. days in the priesthood. welcoming, so I am delighted to be The Revd for a year before moving to Llandaff Mr Lake, who worked as a fire-fighter for staying,” said Ben, who will have Cathedral as Priest Vicar. He served as Mark 18 years before training for ministry, special responsibility for Holy Trinity Greenaway-Robbins , who has spent the Vicar in with and was ordained as a priest in 2000 and Church. Rector at before moving past eight-and-a-half years as Rector of served as a curate in Penarth with St James’ Anglican Church in to his current post as Vicar of Margam and then as a chaplain at the Resignations in 2002. Vancouver, was licensed as Rector of Holme Tower Marie Curie Hospice in Goodbye to resources adviser Eglwysilan and Caerphilly in January by Penarth for two years before being Archbishop Barry. Richard as he moves to Canon appointed priest-in-charge of the parish Monmouth Derek Originally from Cornwall, Mark served as of Llandyfodwg and Cwmogwr near curate in Redruth, West Cornwall before Parish resources adviser Richard Jones Belcher , . In 2008, he became Vicar of Rector of the serving as Team Vicar in Rhiwbina for Aberdare St ’s. has left the Llandaff Diocese after a four-and-a-half years. He moved to decade of successful stewardship. Rectorial Mr Lake, who has three children and Benefice of Canada in 2006. four grandchildren, moves to Barry with He left the The new Rectorial benefice of Diocese in , his wife Mags and their miniature retires at the Eglwysilan and Caerphilly has been Schnauzer, called Suki. February to created by the merger of the two take up a end of “I look forward to this new journey that March. parishes of Eglwysilan and Caerphilly. will coincide with the vision of new role as Mark takes over from the Revd Sue Stewardship Canon establishing a collaborative team Derek, who Rees in Eglwysilan who left last year Ministry Area in Barry, working and Ministry after five years service. In Caerphilly he Development is married to alongside the Revd Robert Parrish and Pamela, was takes over from Canon Robert Donkin the Revd Ben Andrews in the Officer for who retired last year after six years his home ordained in neighbouring parishes of Merthyr Dyfan 1977 and service in the parish. and Cadoxton,” he said. diocese of Mark returns to Wales with his wife Monmouth. served as Ruth, their two children Simeon, 12, Richard, who curate in Newton before moving and Anastasia, 7, and their two rescue Curate becomes Team Vicar lives in to the parish of Llandaff with Capel dogs, a Newfoundland cross and a The son of a Cardiff vicar who followed Caldicot, Llanilterne as assistant priest. He was German Shepherd cross. in his father’s footsteps by being joined the Priest Vicar at Llandaff Cathedral for six “I have only ever served in team ordained has Llandaff Diocese in 2005 in a role years from 1981 to 87, followed by ministries, it is in my comfort zone, and become a which centered on encouraging fourteen years as Vicar of Margam. He I know they can be incredibly effective Team Vicar. Christian giving, including Gift Direct has held many diocesan posts over the in terms of ministry and mission,” said The Revd and legacy income generation. He was years ranging from schools inspector to Mark. Ben responsible for managing and communications and press officer to RE Before reading Theology at Oxford Rabjohns promoting the Diocesan Mission Fund advisor. He has also been a part-time University, Mark spent a year studying was licensed and was also recently part of a small tutor at St Michael’s College, Cardiff. at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem as Team team developing Ministry Areas within He was made an honorary Canon of and six months working as a volunteer Vicar in the the Diocese. Llandaff Cathedral in 1997. He has with the Israeli Ambulance Service. Rectorial “I have thoroughly enjoyed my role here been Rector of Cowbridge for the past He also worked in an Anglican Benefice of and I will miss all the wonderful people 14 years, and during this time was Area Chaplaincy in Paris for a year. Aberavon by and parishes very much indeed,” said Dean of the Vale of for a the Richard. number of years. He was made a Archbishop “As a diocese we seem to have Chapter Canon of Llandaff Cathedral in Former fire-fighter is new priest of Wales, Dr 2009. for Barry changed beyond recognition since I Barry began work here as part of just a He will be moving to the parish of A former fire-fighter has returned to the Morgan, in December. Penmark with with Llandaff Diocese and licensed as the handful of staff working in one room Ben, who has been assistant curate in within Llandaff. At times it has been where he will serve as the priest-in- new priest-in-charge of Barry All Saints. Aberavon for the past three years since charge on a house for duty basis (part- The Revd Kevin Lake , 57, returns to difficult, challenging, emotional, his ordination at Llandaff Cathedral, exhilarating, humbling, rewarding - time). He retires as Rector on March Llandaff from the Monmouth Diocese took over from the Revd Matthew Trick 24, and will be licensed in his new post where he has spent just over two years sometimes all in one day! But most of who left the diocese last year. all it's been fun. There has been a real the following day. as vicar of Caerleon and Llanfrechfa. One of six children, Ben knew from an

Challenges ahead – says new Diocesan Director of Ministry and Discipleship

The new Diocesan Director of Ministry and as we set up ministry areas, with the right skills so Discipleship has spoken of the challenges ahead that we have a church that is dynamic and able to for the Church as it moves forward with 2020 flourish in this new era for the Church in Wales. Vision. “We need to bring the lay people to the fore, we Canon Richard Lowndes, who was responsible for need to recognise and value the ministry that lay lay training, mission and coaching in addition to people can exercise, whilst not losing the core being the Diocesan Advocate for the Church in function of the clergy and our Anglican identity.” Wales Review, was appointed to his new post in The appointment comes three years after Canon January. Richard returned to Wales to help with lay training, In his new role, Canon Richard heads up key coaching parishioners and supporting the clergy – diocesan areas of activity in ministry, vocation, having spent the previous eight years as senior discipleship, mission and lay training – he also joins manager in spiritual care, bereavement care and the senior staff team of the Diocese. voluntary services at the University Hospital Canon Richard, who is looking forward to his new Southampton. role, said, “We have a considerable challenge Originally from Pembrokeshire, Richard served as ahead of us as a Church. We have all the a hospital chaplain at the Cardiff Royal Infirmary, recommendations from the Church in Wales Review whilst he was a curate of St German’s, Roath, to consider whilst also honouring the culture and before moving to London as a hospital chaplain in heritage of this diocese. 1996. He also served in the Rhondda as vicar of “The aim is to equip the clergy and the lay people, the parish of Tylorstown and Ynyshir. croeso Spring 2015 3

café in the heart of . insight into where I might have gone “I had been chatting to people in the wrong with my job searches in the past Job seekers are town centre and realised that and my confidence has also been unemployment was having a huge given huge a boost from coming here detrimental effect on men and women every week,” said the young man who and I wanted to be able to respond to is looking for work in IT. being offered a that.” Another job seeker, who has been out Job coach Keith Lewis added: “We of work for two years, said he was hope that we can help people to gain hoping to make contacts at the job club the confidence and skills they need to that might help open doors back into find employment, particularly for those the world of work for him. helping hand who may have been out of work for a “If I was not a committed Christian, I long period of time.” would be quite depressed after two British Transport Police officer years of unemployment and the Unemployed people in Pontypridd are one-to-one consultations. Katherine Darker, who attended along struggle to live on £72 a week job being given a helping hand to get back Representatives from local employers with her colleague Paul Collins to offer seekers allowance,” said the 54-year- into work thanks to a free job club also attend some sessions to offer advice on CV writing said, “For some old. being run by churches in the town. guidance about different aspects of people receiving an application form “For many people, especially those The job club, based at Connect Café applying for jobs. can be quite daunting so we are quite that are long term unemployed, this in St Catherine’s Church, was set up by Job club manager the Revd Peter happy to come along and offer advice club is helping to give them the skills a group of town centre churches who Lewis, who leads the workshops, said: about what employers are looking for.” and motivation needed to kick start wanted to help people in their local “With more people facing long-term One 29-year-old job seeker, who has their job search,” he added. find employment in tough unemployment, there is a real need for been out of work for a number of The three churches involved in the job economic times. a personal service which provides months said he was finding the club of club in Pontypridd are St Catherine’s, Volunteers underwent specialised practical and emotional support for huge benefit. Temple Baptist and Elim Pentecostal. training from UK charity Christians people to find work again. CAP Job “I have found it extremely helpful as The job club has been supported by a Against Poverty (CAP) and are now Clubs are designed to do just this and it looks at you as a person rather than £1,800 donation from the Llandaff offering free weekly workshops to boost we are running ours in a community just a statistic. I have gained lots of Diocesan Mission Fund. the job-hunting process for unemployed people by equipping them with the tools, skills and confidence to find work. Fifteen job seekers enrolled on the first eight-week course which began in January and the next course in April is already half full. The weekly sessions which run on a Thursday morning are delivered by a team of six volunteers from three churches and offer training on CV writing and interview techniques, setting goals and motivation. The course includes an open session from 11.30am when anyone can drop in and ask for help on specific issues connected to job seeking. Left to right: Kelley Martin of Mitie, In addition to the group support and Revd Peter Lewis, Katherine Darker, Keith Lewis and Paul Collins (front) practical sessions, the club also offers The Bishop writes:

God on trial by David Wilbourne

Stephen Fry’s recent outburst against for your sister and for you. In my own who saw his baby sister die. It seems Lady Chapel a God of love who permits a nature red life I haven’t found it very helpful that she had choked to death, her face of our in tooth and claw took me back thirty conducting post-mortems, asking God going purple and then black. ‘I shouted Cathedral: years to my first parish. A woman rang why has this happened, why has that at God when she was dying,’ the boy me, out of the blue, to tell me why her happened. I’m not sure there will ever told the priest, ‘God, I hope that one The groaning seven year-old daughter was not be an answer which even begins to day you end up gasping for breath, your of creation, baptised. I had never met her or her justify such terrible things. The question face twisted in agony, going purple and wrung out by pain and care, family, although her daughter attended I ask God is not so much “Why is this then black.’ The curate said nothing, The anguish of a million hearts, that a community primary where I had happening?” but rather “Given that gently listening, putting his arm around break in dumb despair, started leading assemblies. Clearly things are as they are, what are you the grieving boy. But over the next few O crucified Redeemer, these are thy something I had said had touched a going to do about it, Lord?”’ weeks, he kept visiting the family, and cries of pain, nerve. It was the first of many visits. After a eventually asked the boy ‘Did God say O may they break our selfish hearts, I visited the woman and listened to few weeks I baptised her daughter, who anything back to you, when you shouted and love come in to reign. her story. Basically she had a sister bore the name of her disabled aunt. at him as your sister died?’ The boy with a genetic disorder, which caused After that she and her mum faithfully smiled ‘He sure did, Father. God said God bless you as you walk once again her to be disabled. How could a God of attended church week by week, bringing “Don’t worry about me, Sammy boy, I’ve through Lent and Holy Week, and love permit that to happen? How could great life and love to Christ’s little been gasping for breath, my face realise Christ is walking beside every she bring her daughter up to believe in family in that place. twisted in agony, going purple and black suffering soul, walking towards Easter’s such a God, when her auntie was such Tomes have been written about the since the dawn of time.”’ dawn. eloquent proof that God, if he existed at problem of squaring suffering with the That is the heart and mystery of our Just one post-script. In my mind’s all, did not care. Although she was too God whose very name is love. When I faith, that in Christ the God whose eye, I can see Stephen Fry, walking courteous to say it out loud, I felt the was training for ministry, I was name is love is not oblivious to the towards his Creator, railing against him. implicit question was how dare I pedal particularly struck by an episode in one suffering of his creation, but impaled on As he does so, the Lord Jesus runs such lies? of Peter de Rosa’s Bless me Father it. Most Christians, let alone non- towards him and gives him a I liked the woman. Though she novels. The books are set in a bombed Christians don’t get that. Yet in Christ tremendous hug. As disagreed with all she thought I stood out London in the aftermath of World on the cross we look suffering in the said, ‘People dread approaching God’s for, she had a tremendous spirit, and War II and feature a hapless curate and face and see none other than God terrible throne of judgement; but when clearly was superbly loving and caring. I his highly experienced Roman Catholic there, bearing the pain, aching for they get there they will be surprised it is spent most of that first hour or so parish priest. The exchange between Easter Day’s dawn. In its first century, none other than a seat of mercy.’ together simply listening, but towards the two is hilarious, but with several the Church-in-Wales has marked that the end I haltingly said this. ‘I simply poignant moments. richly, particularly in the writing of R S don’t know why there is such terrible One such is where the curate takes Thomas, David Gwennalt Jones, and suffering in the world. I am so very, very the funeral of a new born gypsy baby, Timothy Rees, the , sorry and sad about it all, I am so sorry and gets talking to the baby’s brother, whose bespectacled brass lies in the 4 croeso Spring 2015

Image of Llandaff Cathedral captured by drone

Recording the Past...and Present Capturing our churches – the journey from glass plate negatives to drone photography, Sarah Perons reports

Nowadays we take for granted our ability to record our surroundings and activities. No sooner has something Drone at happened than it is shared instantly on social media via our Llandaff smartphones. Cathedral But 125 years ago photography was a very different proposition, an elaborate and time consuming process using glass plate negatives. It was however an art gaining in popularity with camera clubs springing up all over the country. In 1891 one keen amateur, Thomas Mansell Franklen, was commissioned as part of a team of thirteen photographers to undertake a “Photographic Survey of the and Parts of ”. The photographs were to be divided into sections illustrating Glamorganshire past and present; Monmouthshire within twelve miles of Cardiff; and churches and chapels and Cardiff past and present. Overseen by the Cardiff Librarian, John Ballinger (the future first National Librarian of Wales) the photographers produced eighteen volumes of photos, a selection of which were sent to the Chicago World Exposition in 1893. From his early years Franklen was fortunate enough to be closely associated with his mother’s cousin, Henry Fox Talbot, and John Dillwyn Llewelyn, two of the earliest pioneers in the field of photography. Franklen’s own contribution is now seen as being of the great importance to the study of Welsh history and archaeology. He placed 150 negatives at the National Museum for preservation including a large number of valuable pictures of early Christian crosses and churches. Elspeth Jordan, Assistant Photography Conservator at the National Museum, has been working on transferring the finest white still photographs one day to the next day This will help enable us to assess their condition examples from this collection (and others from the Museum’s seeing a demonstration of the most modern of and highlight any necessary repair work. collections of over 500,000 images) into an accessible digital ways of recording a church – by drone As someone who clearly embraced new format. She has kindly given me access to images of Llandaff photography. Llandaff Cathedral was the setting technology it would have been fascinating for churches from the collection which I am working on making for the recent demonstration by Overdrones Ltd. Thomas Franklen had he been alive today! available to parishes. Not only are these photographs of visual Using a high-resolution video camera attached For more information about Thomas Franklen and historic interest but they record a particular stage in a to a hexacopter and a suitably CAA qualified and Victorian photography visit the “Historic church’s development and so can be helpful for architects and operator it is now possible to photograph roofs, Photography Uncovered” exhibition which runs surveyors working on modern day building issues. spires and those hard to reach parts of church at the National Museum Cardiff until the 19th What a contrast then to go from looking at these black and buildings without the need to erect scaffolding. April.

Franklen’s photograph of St Illtud’s church, , taken around 1890. Contrast the modern day view (right). croeso Spring 2015 5 ‘A Day In the Life Of....’ Father David Morris

t is sometimes asked what do major refurbishment of the church clergy actually do? We know the hall. Itraditions of Sunday Eucharist, So in addition to getting to know Wednesday prayer and visiting the his new parish, studying for a PhD, sick but sometimes it is difficult for taking on a diocesan vocations people to imagine everything else adviser role, launching the diocesan that goes with the job? facebook page, David also joined a Here at Croeso we plan to run a dedicated team of people overseeing series of articles illustrating how God the community hall project. works within the Diocese through all Just over two years later this his people, both ordained and lay, resulted in the St Paul’s Community from Bishops to Readers and Hall reopening after a major everyone else in between! £280,000 refurbishment. First in the spotlight is Father Next on the agenda are forward- David Morris, a young priest from the thinking plans to share the church inner city ‘melting pot’ parish of St building with a housing association. Paul's, Grangetown. Originally from An exciting time for the parish lays Cymmer in the Rhondda, David has ahead, and David is obviously a very been associate priest at St Paul's for busy priest but he found time on two-and-a-half years – arriving as Thursday 29th January for Croeso to plans were being formulated for a take a peek into his day: 6.30am 9am 6.30am: 3pm: It’s an early start in order to get to St I need to inspect the work of the Teilo’s Church in Wales High School, engineers and then lock up the hall after where I take an early morning Staff a little photocopying. Then, back to the Eucharist. But, not before feeding a very vicarage to make further phone calls and hungry Gordon (my beloved cat) complete any unfinished business.

8am: 5.30pm: I take the Staff Eucharist at St Teilo’s. There is a visit from a groom to collect a banns certificate. The couple are getting 9am: married in Aberdare, but live within my Next it’s off to Morrison’s, to stock up on parish. supplies including essential stocks of cakes - the building committee later can 5.45pm: always be tempted with a slice or two of I take Evening Prayer at St Paul's. Handy cake. Also time for a 'light’ breakfast! that I live so close!

10am: 6pm: Administration back at the Vicarage. This Dinner time (and for Gordon). 8.00am is when I catch up with my emails and telephone calls – (primarily wedding and 7 – 9pm: banns enquiries) and I also finalise the Just about manage to finish my dinner service booklets for the 125th before the St Paul’s Building Committee anniversary of St Paul’s. members are knocking at the Vicarage door. We have a fruitful meeting to 12.30pm: discuss finding funding for some aspects An all important meeting with BT of our planned church development. It engineers who installed equipment in the was also an opportunity to wish Richard church hall, enabling us to have five Jones (diocesan resources adviser) all years of free wifi provided by Cardiff the best with his new job. He has been a Council. great friend and support to St Paul’s. We celebrate with cake. 2.15pm: School assembly at Grangetown Primary 9 – 10pm: School. I talk to the children about the Can’t put it off any longer, it’s time for need to show greater tolerance and the dreaded washing up, a little more respect towards one another to create a admin and a few more emails, before 8.00am more peaceful world. having a well deserved glass of wine to end the day.

2.15pm 7 – 9pm 6 croeso Spring 2015 Mothers’ Union worldwide president visits Llandaff

Around the Diocese Anyone for football? The young people at the Church of the Resurrection, Ely are passionate about playing football. And they are wondering whether other churches in the Diocese have young people who feel the same way. They would love to have some friendly matches against other churches – maybe in time we could even have a Diocesan League. If any churches have a group of young people aged from school years 6-8 that would be interested in a game please contact the Revd Jan Gould on 029 2067 Left to right: Sheila Jones, Diocesan Treasurer; Raye Saunders, Diocesan President;Lynne Tembey, Worldwide President and 9833 or email [email protected] (rear) Lyn Evans, Diocesan Secretary Mothers’ Union worldwide Next the group travelled to president Lynne Tembey , via Cilfynydd Surprise visit by cleric from enjoyed a three day tour of the where Lynne had a quick chat at Llandaff Diocese which included the home of a faithful indoor an outing to the seaside to visit member, who is constantly namesake church in Africa the main project in the area – knitting to fund raise for the the caravan at Trecco Bay, Union’s various appeals. During . the evening spent with the During a packed programme, Caerphilly and Merthyr Deanery Lynne was shown around the leader and members, Lynne was Diocese and visited many asked to dedicate a new banner, projects accompanied by the made especially for the St. Mothers’ Union Diocesan Gwladys Branch in Bargoed by President, Raye Saunders, one of its members. Diocesan Secretary, Lyn Evans The final day included a visit and Diocesan Treasurer, Sheila to Aberdare Town Church in Jones. Wales Primary School where the Her visit in late November group joined the morning began with a trip to the Senedd assembly and a tour of in Cardiff Bay followed by a tour Mountain Ash YMCA, where of Llandaff Cathedral and supper along with Gwalia Homes, a at St Michael’s College, Llandaff short term hostel for homeless with the Assistant Bishop of young people is run. Llandaff, David Wilbourne. The members in Cynon Valley St. Illtyd’s Church, Llantwit Deanery have a project where Major and the Galilee Chapel each branch provides, once a were next on the agenda the month, the ingredients for a For many years now the Church of the the guests for a simple lunch, followed by a following day followed by a trip cooked dinner. This gives the Resurrection, Ely has sent financial tour of the church and hall. to Trecco Bay, Porthcawl to visit young people the opportunity, donations to support the Church of the “It was wonderful to hear just how much the A.F.I.A. (Away From It All) with the help their support Resurrection in Lesotho, but apart from the our donations are helping the church in caravan ‘Llandaff Breakaway’, workers, to learn how to cook donations there had been no meaningful link Lesotho, and listening to Joseph and his wife the main Mothers’ Union project and enjoy the fellowship of a with Lesotho for many years. telling us about their church and parish made in the Diocese. family meal around the table, That may be about to change though us really appreciate what we have in Ely,” This is fully supported by which sadly, they may never following a surprise visit from the new priest said Jan. members’ fundraising efforts. have experienced in their home in Lesotho, the Revd Joseph Moenammele, “The thing that really struck us was the The action and outreach unit life. Lynne met representatives together with his wife Lineo, and local depth of Joseph’s commitment to his team, explained to Lynne how of each organisation and representatives from the Durham Lesotho ministry in a church which carries the same the project worked and talked commented how action and link before Christmas. name as ours, but which is so different in so about the holiday season. After outreach really works. Out of the blue one morning, the Revd Jan many ways. After a couple of hours our lunch it was off to All Saints The three day visit ended with Gould had a phone call asking if the group surprise guests left to continue their travels, Church, Porthcawl for a prayers followed by lunch at could visit the church that day, and so diaries but we have made a promise to keep in Diocesan Gymanfa Ganu, which Aberdare Golf Club before Lynne were quickly juggled, a large pot of soup was touch and hopefully nurture the seeds that included two Welsh language was taken to Cardiff railway made, and Jan, together with church warden were sown by the visit into a meaningful hymns and an inspiring address station for her journey home to Carol Cobert and placement student Suzanne relationship between our two parishes,” she by Lynne to the 150 members Cumbria. Brumwell from St Michael’s College hosted added. present croeso Spring 2015 7 Church that began life in a stable loft celebrates its 125th anniversary

A church that began life with services held in a loft above Revd David Morris in a stable held a special the refurbished hall thanksgiving service to celebrate its 125th anniversary, as it looked forward to a new chapter in its life. St Paul’s Church in Paget Street, Grangetown, that once featured in an episode of Dr Who, has served the local community since it opened in1890. To mark the anniversary a special service was held last month led by guest preacher the Assistant Bishop of Llandaff, David Wilbourne. Associate priest, the Revd David Morris said, “This stable in North Street. It then “In my mind's eye I can see celebration of the 125th moved to the National School them all, coming to St Paul's anniversary of the dedication in around 1864 and later to to pray for deliverance during of St Paul's Church falls at a the Iron Mission Room when two terrible World Wars, time when we are discussing that was built in 1870 – fearing for their own lives as how this imposing and much before moving to its current Cardiff was terribly bombed. loved building can continue to location in 1890. The Iron The church was consecrated serve the community for Mission Room then became in the year when 176 miners many more years to come. the church hall. lost their lives at the disaster “It is our hope that in this Father Morris added, “St at Llanerch colliery, and I anniversary year we will make Paul’s has been an important imagine people coming into St Paul’s Church significant progress in part of this community for the church as successive furthering plans to share the 125 years and we wanted to mining disasters hit South toilets and a large, light and airy the church bingo club and youth building with a housing celebrate all that it has Wales, including the terrible room which can be divided into group and community groups association. The nave will contributed to in the past as tragedy at Aberfan in 1966. two sections. One of the such as a karate club, St John potentially become well as looking forward to the “People will have come to sections can be used as a Ambulance and a slimming club. accommodation for future.” St Paul’s with so many worship space by parishioners in St Paul’s Church became vulnerable individuals in the Bishop David said, “We prayers of thanks and sorrow, winter, when the church is too famous in 2005 when it was local community and the were competing with the tender, heartfelt prayers, cold for services. featured in a Father’s Day remaining chancel, sanctuary Wales-England Rugby match soaking into its stones, The restoration, which was episode of Dr Who and still and vestry spaces will be as we celebrated the 125th stones which have become a first planned seven years ago, attracts many Dr Who fans refurbished to provide us with anniversary of St Paul's, true temple of prayer. So was the first for half-a-century today. a smaller, more economical Grangetown. But when I think thank God for 125 years of for the well-used hall in the In 1885 Lord Windsor gave an worship space for the future.” of all the people who have prayers.” grounds of St Paul’s Church. acre of land on which to build a Before the church was faithfully attended there, The service was followed by Parishioners raised £20,000 parish church, and built the built, St Paul’s parish was week by week and day by day refreshments in St Paul’s for the project and the rest Nave at a cost to himself of part of the parish of St over those 125 years, they Community Hall, which came from grants, including a £4,000. He laid the foundation John’s, Canton, and the add up to a far bigger crowd reopened last December communities grant from the stone in 1889 and in 1890 the congregation would meet for than those that fill the following a £280,000 Welsh Government. As well as church was consecrated by the worship in a loft known as Millennium Stadium on a refurbishment. The hall now being a place for parishioners to Bishop of Llandaff on February Vanstone’s Loft above a Friday night! has a modern kitchen and meet, the hall is also a base for 5. Moving effigies at St Illtud’s Church in Llantwit Major

Three stone effigies have been collar, holding a glove in his left hand. reign of Queen Elizabeth I, an elaborate Part of the Heritage plan for the brought together into the north aisle It dates from the fourteenth century, embroidered gown in Venetian style. At church is to open out the West Church of the East Church at St Illtud’s in and may have been a merchant or a her head is an infant, indicating that for wider community and church use, Llantwit Major – marking one of the manorial official she died in childbirth. with improved disabled access and final stages in the Galilee Chapel The third effigy is of an Elizabethan She is thought to be Joan, the wife of welcoming facilities. The Galilee Chapel Project. lady, wearing what was then high Richard Hopkins, the bailiff of the project development can be seen at The stone effigies were moved in fashion at court towards the end of the manor around 1580. www.illtudsgalileechapel.org.uk February, freeing up more floor space in the West Church for church and community use. Two were moved from the West Church and the third from near the pulpit in the East Church. The oldest is a semi-effigial slab, i.e., only the head is visible. The carving is of a man, presumably a priest. Could he be a monk from the Benedictine grange on the hill overlooking the church? Perhaps not, because the inscription on the base has been translated as, "Let not the stone be trodden on; let her who lies beneath be protected." What is also unusual is three bands of Celtic carving in the stone. The second is a coffin-shaped sepulchural slab of a layman, dressed in a long buttoned tunic, with a fur 8 croeso Spring 2015

St Illtyd’s celebrates 120th anniversary

A special service involving local school children was held to celebrate the 120th anniversary of St. Illtyd’s Church, Williamstown. Parishioners and their priest the Revd Philip Leyshon were joined by the former Assistant Bishop of Around the Llandaff, (preacher), the Venerable Diocese Christopher Smith, Archdeacon of Morgannwg and the Revd Haydn-England Archdeacon Christopher Smith and Area Dean Haydn England-Simon (left to right) cutting the cake New community Simon, Area Dean of with church warden Christiane Meikle and young benefice server Alisha Tutton-Jones (seated) the Rhondda. Stones’ of Christ. reached a milestone Bank to its reflecting Church wardens facilities unveiled The service The service was a in its journey of faith. on the faith in Bible Mrs Nicola Free, Mrs included culmination of a Thanks to the Study sessions it Christiane Meikle, at revamped contributions from series of special dedication and has sought the parish treasurer Williamstown Primary events to celebrate faithfulness of its continually to live out Mrs Margaret church School and St. the life of the church people it is a living, the Gospel in the Trudgeon and PCC Andrew’s Church and parish which vibrant witness to community. secretary Mrs A Valleys church unveiled new community Choir. Bishop David included a vintage the love of Christ in Congratulations St Helena Peart were facilities when it reopened after a revamp preached on the tea and an this community,” Illtyd’s for all you are all thanked for their at the end of February. need for Christians anniversary meal. said Mr Leyshon. achieving in this part work by Mr Leyshon St David’s Church in Tonyrefail, which to remember that “The parish of “From its support of the deanery and on behalf of the was awarded a £208,000 Lottery grant last they are the ‘Living Williamstown has of the Rhondda Food diocese”. congregation. year to help with the makeover of the building, unveiled its new facilities at a grand re-opening led by Archbishop Barry. Hitting the The revamped church and new Take a trip to Taize community meeting space includes a right note purpose built kitchen and toilets, a wifi August 1- 10, 2015 hub, a designer glass partition and a Two young boys from the rest of the MMCL mezzanine floor overlooking the church the Making Music family, their next This summer a group from Llandaff Diocese will be making which will be used for concerts. Changing Lives concert is on March the pilgrimage to the ecumenical monastic community of The Archbishop, who re-opened the (MMCL) charity at the 17th, at 5.30pm in Taizé. church, said, “This is an imaginative and Church of the the Church of the This is for any 17-29 years-olds who want to explore their creative way of re-configuring the church so Resurrection, Ely Resurrection. Being St faith, meet with lots of other young Christians from across that it can be used both for worship and as recently passed Patrick’s Day the the world, don’t mind a bit of simple living (in tents), and a flexible community space for the people another hurdle on programme will be generally want to have a good time. of Tonyrefail.” their journey to livened up with a bit The community that is Taizé is situated in the Burgundy Work started on site at the end of last becoming great of folk music region of France, and every week through the summer year after the project received a boost from violinists. Lewis performed by the months thousands of young people descend on the the Big Lottery’s People and Places Fund. Cornelius, aged nine, string group as well community to share in its life for a week. Parish priest Canon Ruth Moverley said, passed his grade 3 as the usual mix of The final cost is just waiting on travel companies but will “The church was able to access lottery and Ethan Cox, also solos and orchestral be no more than £200 all in – guaranteed. funding in order to turn the dreams of so aged 9, passed his pieces. If anyone is interested in joining this years group, August many into this current reality. The project grade 2 with merit. This coming Spring 1-10, please contact the Revd Jan Gould on 029 2067 came about following an extensive survey They have both been a number of the 9833 (h) / 07981 082 548 (mob) or e.mail of community needs administered by with MMCL for a while children will be [email protected]. There are limited hardship parishioners and was driven on by the and also play with the entering for their grants available. Speak to Jan if you would like to make encouragement of many local people.” church band for family grade 1 theory of use of a grant. Maureen Harris the ‘project co-ordinator’ services once a music, as MMCL for the church said, “The new hall will be believe in producing For further information about Taizé see their website month. www.taize.fr available for the use of the whole If you would like to well-rounded community and we hope this will provide a see Lewis and Ethan musicians who can positive contribution to those who live and performing along with not only play their work in Tonyrefail.” instrument but have a wider musical WODS knowledge. Smalls for Africa The children pay a invite you to a minimal amount of £2 per week for their “meet and eat” A donation of ladies tuition and instrument (THE WIDOWS, ORPHANS & DEPENDANTS SOCIETY underwear was and the rest of the OF THE CHURCH IN WALES) made by St Mark’s cost is met by grants Church, Gabalfa, and individual On Wednesday 29th April 2015, who worked in donations. If you Commencing at 12.30 conjunction with the would like to make a Royal College of donation to enable @ Midwives for the the charity to continue All Saints, Victoria Avenue, Smalls of Africa Appeal. providing high class PORTHCAWL, CF36 3HE Pictured is Ms Liz musical opportunities Please come along and learn Capper (right) to children who might more about our work. handing over the not otherwise get the donation to the RCM chance, please representative at the contact the treasurer, To book your place at our table please contact Senedd during the Mrs Judith Lewis on Paul Tucker on 01656 868868 or email International Day of 01443 222934 [email protected] the Midwife. [email protected] croeso Spring 2015 9 ‘Thinking outside the Box’ The Revd Ian Hodges of Llanilid and , tells his remarkable story from The Time is Now conference

“The Church in Wales may look like it could not see any sign of any of the always has but it is beginning to boxes that represent the parish, so I undergo a period of change like it has presumed they never made it. never seen before. Not immediately At the end of the conference we had apparent but slowly arriving is the a Communion service and the move from vicars in parishes to teams culmination of the service was for the of people working in much larger cubes that had been gathered there to Ministry Areas to spread the Good be distributed throughout the room. I News of Jesus. was sat about halfway back in the It all started with a review in July room on the left hand side as I 2012 and in November 2014 there remember and watched as these boxes was a conference, called The Time is were handed back from person to Now (2020 Vision), where person. representatives gathered from all over Then the lady next to me handed me the province to take stock. 2020 is a one. play on ‘perfect vision’ and that the Guess which one it was. year 2020 is a mark in the sand for the It was the one from Heol-Y-Cyw. reorganisation. I laughed out loud so much so the The conference was in Llandudno lady next to me asked if I was okay. I across a Friday and Saturday. In my explained to her all about Lesley and opinion it was at the wrong time in the all about the precious cargo and all wrong place and certainly not long about my bargain with God. We were enough to do the subject justice. It was both crying by this point. She then exhausting and rushed. That said the explained that she would be more than content of the conference was happy to swap with the cube that she fantastic and the feeling of hope for had been given, especially as what the future was greater that I have felt they needed in their church was a new in the church for a long time. But for Jesus for their Christmas crib. me, even before attending the So coming back to my original conference, my question was “Is this question is this 2020 Vision of God, or 2020 Vision of God, or man just man just rearranging the deckchairs on rearranging the deckchairs on the the Titanic? Basically is God in the Titanic?” middle of all this? Well I would say if The organisers had thought of a way he can sneak precious cargo to a to make people feel more involved at a conference under my nose and then parish level. They gave every church a get it handed to me without me leaving football sized cardboard cube and my seat I think it is fair to say that the asked for them to be decorated to reorganisation of the Church in Wales show the way that God had worked in is safe in his hands if we listen to him. that place over the years. These would He can be trusted with ‘precious then all be taken to a service in cargo’; He can be trusted with 2020 Llandaff Cathedral and then some of vision; He can be trusted with whatever them would get to the conference itself you hold dear.” in Llandudno. I was a little concerned about the one from Heol-Y-Cyw as it had ‘precious cargo’. Lesley, one of our own, died quite suddenly in early 2014 and to be truthful we are still a bit in shock all this time later. So on the cube was put her picture and a bit about her. Inside the cube was put a little baby Jesus that Lesley had knitted. As I was taking the cubes down to the service in Llandaff I was having a quiet word with God telling him to make sure he kept an eye on Lesley’s Jesus. I know it sounds funny telling the creator and sustainer of the universe what to do but I think he has broad shoulders! Anyway the cubes get left in Llandaff and when I get to Llandudno I 10 croeso Spring 2015 Why a cleric from Merthyr has visited Rwanda five times

“It’s no good preaching the gospel if holding hands with them, rather than people are starving,” – that was the throwing money at them and that is sentiment that prompted the Revd what they appreciated. There is a lot of Mark Prevett to visit Rwanda five need for financing but we also need to times in six years. be sure it’s spent in the right way,” said Mark, who is priest-in-charge of the Mark. parish of St David’s Merthyr Tydfil with “I had been excited before going on Abercanaid, first visited the east-central my very first visit to Rwanda as we all African country in 2007, with the Church obviously knew what had happened Missionary Society, when he was Rector there but as with so many things it in Southampton. He had been asked by seemed very remote – it was a his then Bishop Paul Butler, who was challenge and after that first visit, other chair of CMS, to join a small fact-finding visits naturally followed. team. “I was just blown away by the huge Motivated and inspired by what he graciousness of the people and their saw, Mark returned a further four times, ability to cope in the face of adversity. taking with him teams of volunteers There was such a contrast between the from his parish to work on various beauty of the land and the horror of projects with local churches – with the Archdeacon Justin of Kivu diocese and Revd what had happened there. trips ranging from a couple of weeks to Mark Prevett at the newly installed doors at “Each time we went out to help work a few months. Kibuye Church, Rwanda on a different project that people in the Mark, whose last visit to Rwanda was parish had raised finance for such as in 2013 – the year that he returned to “There is hope in Rwanda despite working with. the £1,500 raised by the Mother’s Wales, worked with reconciliation having gone through one of the most “The last time I went out there the Union for the goat breeding programme. projects among communities following dreadful of experiences. Within the bean harvest was late and people were “It was a privilege to have had the the 1994 Rwanda Genocide and on space of three months, 800,000 actually eating the green leaves of the opportunity to go and work with the projects to tackle poverty. people were murdered in Rwanda – this beans because they were so hungry. It people of Rwanda and build up a Over the six-year period he worked in was slaughter on an unprecedented really does make you appreciate being relationship with them. different regions, including the capital scale. able to live in comfort and not have to “And through the children of Rwanda Kigali, on projects which ranged from a “Two things were important when we worry about your next meal.” – through the care, education, love and goat breeding programme to building went out to help people in these One highlight for Mark was working support – the most vulnerable in society churches and houses, buying land to circumstances - we learnt a lot about with schools, electrifying their buildings are allowing God to breathe hope into a grow crops to the electrification of how people manage when poverty is at and providing them with portable nation that has known such incredible schools. But most of the work was its extreme, because Rwanda is one of generators. trauma in living history.” centred in the diocese of Kibuye, and the poorest countries in the world. “We worked alongside the people, included a six-year project to build a “As the same time, it allowed us, as new church with a roof. people, to reassess our own attitudes “The main thrust of the programme with regards to the things that we take was to support and engage in holistic for granted such as stuff that we can ministry – to feed the mind, body and buy every day in the shops. spirit – but it’s no good preaching the “When a Rwandan wakes up in the gospel if people are starving which is morning, they give thanks for the fact why we set up things like the goat they have woken up. That’s genuinely breeding programme,” said Mark. the level of poverty that we were

The church at Kibuye today which Revd Mark Prevett and other groups helped to build

The original church when Revd Mark Prevett first arrived in Kibuye, Rwanda in 2007

croeso This edition of Croeso has been produced by the editorial team of Alison Young, Archdeacon Philip Morris and Kate Lawless with contributions from throughout the Diocese. Please send your articles and pictures for the next edition of Croeso to Alison Young, , The Court, , Bridgend, CF35 5HF or preferably by email to [email protected] clearly marked for Croeso. The next edition will be published on Thursday, June 4. The copy deadline is Tuesday, May 19. Croeso can be seen on our website www.llandaff.org.uk

Check out our web-site Revd Prevett and Archdeacon Justin praying www.llandaff.org.uk for a young child in Kibuye Church croeso Spring 2015 11

SCHOOLS

faith school gives an additional dimension to the impact I can Class act have. This school gives me the opportunity to walk the Christian message as well as The reins of two of our secondary schools in Cardiff have recently been taken over by talk it. new headteachers. So we decided to catch up with them, to find out who they are and learn about their vision for the future. Q: What are the main differences between working in a church school and in a classroom teacher and a one of the defining A: To make a difference to the non church school? headteacher characteristics of why I chose lives of young people. I believe A: All schools care but do all A: I always describe myself as to apply. a good education transforms schools model Christian a teacher (not a headteacher) lives. It certainly did that for values? Non faith schools do and the most enjoyable part of Q: They say school days are me. not have the opportunity to my day is spending an hour the best days of your life, demonstrate a faith in practice each day touring the school, please choose three words to Q: What’s the biggest and promote questions and visiting lessons and seeing describe your school days? difference between being a independent thinking about great things happen. A: Entertaining; challenging; classroom teacher and a head faith in general. Faith schools rewarding. teacher? create thinkers tolerance and Q: What attracted you to this A: The unpredictability of each respect for all faiths after all it particular post/school? Q: What are your hobbies and and every day! is their reason for being. A: I was immediately attracted interests outside of school? to The Bishop of Llandaff A: I am an avid football fan, Q: Do you miss the classroom Q: What do you think is the because I genuinely believe it love to travel and invest time side of your work now you are biggest challenge facing faith is a school with infinite with close family and friends. a head? Marc Belli, is headteacher of schools today? potential. The students are A: Yes! I love Geography it is The Bishop of Llandaff High A: As with all schools raising truly fantastic and we have a my passion and I miss the School, having previously been standards to ensure every team of dedicated staff (both opportunity to inspire future head of Mary Immaculate High student achieves their best teachers and support staff) geographers. I feel a huge School in Cardiff. whilst maturing into who are committed to making sense of satisfaction that as a responsible adults. Faith the school “great” for our geography teacher I inspired Q: Why did you become a schools need to market children. young people to pursue careers teacher? themselves and promote the in the Met Office, teaching, A: I became a teacher because tolerance and respect that Q: What are the main Town and Country Planning, all I passionately wanted to help exist within Christian Faith differences between working spending their working lives make a difference to young Schools for all other faiths. We in a church school as you do using the geography skills they people. As I gained more achieve this goal when the now and in a non church developed at school. I still experience and responsibility I world cannot! Faith Schools school as you have previously? meet past students who greet wanted to do this in a wider need to be seen as the answer A: Being a teacher is a great me with the words: “Geography capacity and became a deputy and not as the problem. head, then headteacher. While honour and doing a job I love in means success.” a community united by faith is I am no longer in the Q: What are your plans for the something which is a real joy! Q: What attracted you to this classroom as a teacher, I future? Faith schools do face Ceri Weatherall recently took particular post/school? believe, as heads we have a A: Hard work and more hard challenges in today’s society over as head teacher of St A: I have taught in faith schools privileged role where we can work until my school is the and families have extra Teilo’s Church in Wales High for 28 years and could not inspire and motivate other best school in Wales! adults to provide children with challenges, particularly with School after being acting head imagine teaching in any other funding transport etc. However, for just over a year. sector. I am humbled by the a great experience at school. Q: Please choose three words I believe faith schools are opportunity this job gives me to to describe your own school unique and the faith dimension Q: Why did you become a make a difference to so many Q: What’s the biggest days? of The Bishop of Llandaff was teacher? young people’s lives. Leading a difference between being a A: Happy; fulfilled; successful Gold star for Vale school Starring role for eCadets St Brides Major Church in Wales Primary School is celebrating after being awarded the prestigious You don’t often get the chance to attend a Investors in People (IIP) gold standard world film premiere, but pupils from All Saints accreditation. C/W primary school in Barry recently The award was given following an audit by IIP received star billing as their film premiere assessors who evaluated the school’s performance was released to an international audience. and approach to its staff. Investors in People provide Safer Internet Day on February 10, linked a best practice people management standard - children of a variety of ages and countries to currently only 16% of businesses in the UK have raise awareness of how the internet can be achieved the Investors in People Standard and only developed as a safe place for children and 3% have received the gold standard. young people. At the heart of this was a Head Teacher Mr Duncan Mottram said,“We can special promotional film which was launched in be very proud of this external recognition of the schools across Wales, the UK and America. progress we have made in our people management The special screening in Barry was watched standards in the three years since St Brides was last simultaneously at Google’s headquarters in inspected. I am very happy and proud to lead such a the USA! talented and committed staff as we have in St All Saints school was chosen by Childnet to Brides and I thank them all for the high standards help promote Safer Internet Day because of they set and maintain in the school.” the success of its eCadets scheme.The pupil St Brides receive award (left to right) Duncan team is part of the nationwide eCadet scheme, Mottram (head), Ann Jenkins (vice chair of offered the opportunity to highlight the positive uses governors), Councillor Chris Elmore, Jane Hutt, which trains and supports children to help them keep Ian Spence (chair of governors) their friends, parents and community safe online. of technology and explore the role we all play in And last month the team members were the only helping to create a better and safer online Welsh pupils to star in the trailer which launched community.” national Safer Internet Day in schools across the UK. Canon Edwin Counsell, the Diocesan Director of The Deputy Minister for Technology and Skills, Julie Education also attended the launch event and James AM, attended the Wales launch along with commented, “The internet is shaping their learning guests from the Welsh Government, the Vale of and the lives of children in schools today. I’m Glamorgan Council, Llandaff Diocese and pupils from delighted to see the children from All Saints and in so other schools. many schools developing these essential skills for Deputy head teacher Aled Williams said, “The day life.” 12 croeso Spring 2015 Who Let The Dads Out?

An invitation has been issued to join the growing movement of churches with ministries to fathers and their children. Do you want to engage with the fathers in your community? Is it mostly mums who attend your parent and toddler group and you never get to meet the children’s fathers? Are there fathers of young children in or on the edge of your church who you would like to nurture? In a few weeks time an open meeting is being held in Cardiff on Tuesday, March 24, at St Mark’s Church, Gabalfa, at 7.30pm, attended by Who Let The Dads Out founder, Mark Chester and the national co-ordinator Tony Sharpe. Hidden treasure celebrates They will talk about the national movement of churches that is reaching out to fathers, father figures and their children. 900th birthday Mrs Lesley Cox, one of the Children’s Advisors to the Diocese said, “This meeting is open to anyone interested in hearing about One of Wales’ hidden gems – Ewenny The main Ewenny 900 this ministry and in exploring whether it could Priory Church – is celebrating its celebration service will be on work in their church.” 900th birthday this year with a Sunday, July 12, at 11am Anyone interested should go along to the series of events culminating in a when the preacher will be the open meeting. For more details about Who Let festival weekend. Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry The Dads Out visit Tucked away at the end of a country Morgan. Chamber www.wholetthedadsout.org.uk lane outside Bridgend – Ewenny Priory Choir, conducted by Wendy Church is acknowledged as the best- York, will be providing the Pottery is making a limited edition preserved example of a Norman priory music for the service. reproduction of the medieval tiles in Everyone invited by church in South Wales. The following Saturday, July 18, a the Priory Church, and also has It has many unique features, such Medieval Fayre, organised by Ewenny Ewenny 900 shopping bags for sale. the Archbishop as fortifications, the only surviving Community Council, will be held on Rediscovering the Past is a project Romanesque wall-painting in Wales, the Priory House grounds. This will be for children particularly of Key Stage 2 “On Maundy Thursday, 2nd April at 11am and the 21st century Pulpitum Screen a fun day out for all the family, with age. in the cathedral, clergy come to renew by Alexander Beleschenko, soon to be medieval re-enactments, stalls, their vows. It has also been a tradition for In June, Year 6 of St Brides Major complemented with a glass entrance games, music, food and a special Church in Wales School will be parishes to be present and I invite as door by the same artist . Cwrw Ewenny, being brewed by a many of you as possible to come to this visiting Ewenny Pottery and the next service. It would be good to see you,” Although the exact date of the micro-brewery in Llantwit Major. door Glass Workshop and meeting a said the Archbishop. laying of its foundation stone is Priest-in-charge and Archdeacon of stone-carver to learn about medieval unknown it is believed to be between Margam, the Venerable Philip Morris crafts, and then visiting the Priory 1111 and 1120, when it replaced an said, "Ewenny 900 gives an exciting Church to see the craft work there. All earlier Celtic church. Hence 2015 has opportunity to celebrate the place of this will be filmed to make a DVD and Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage been chosen as a suitable year to the Priory Church in the heritage of on-line resources for other schools, with the Diocese of Llandaff celebrate its 900th anniversary. Wales. The imaginative events who will be invited to Ewenny in the 27th-31st July The main festival weekend will run planned provide something for autumn for similar visits. A work-pack for 11 -18 year olds Cost £130 in the summer on the weekend of July everyone, so come along and enjoy and teachers’ handbook will also be 11 to 13, to coincide with the festival the architecture, art and history of available. day on the Saturday of St Benedict, Ewenny Priory." The Diocesan Childrens Committee • Camp with the founder of the Benedictine Order, The first event of Ewenny 900 is a is organising Monkee Business in the hundreds of other to which Ewenny belonged as a Priory multi-media presentation of the Priory Church on Saturday, June 13, young Christians in of St Peter’s , . history and life of the Priory Church – when children when have the the village of Little Over this weekend a flower festival 1115 and all that. This will take place Walsingham - opportunity to dress up as monks. will be held in the church with local in the church on Wednesday, March In addition to the main Ewenny 900 minutes from the organisations, such as WI, Mothers’ 11 and Thursday March 12, at Shrine events, a number of concerts have • Mass in a Big Top Union, community councils, and 7.30pm and features film, music and been arranged to take advantage of with the amazing schools having been invited to submit a talk. the wonderful acoustics of the Priory band CJM flower displays on the theme of 900 Tickets are £5 and available from Church. Details on • Bishop Lindsay's years of Ewenny Priory. Ewenny Pottery (01656 653020). The www.ewennyfestival.co.uk. Bible Studies • First night BBQ & Disco • Wednesday All-Night Liturgy Resources on offer to help youth work • Tread in the footsteps of pilgrims from the past 950 years on the Holy Mile As part of its new strategy for youth work, the Youth initiatives,” added Revd Dr Rogers. • Workshop afternoon with crafts, dance, Department (LFY-Llandaff) wants to spend time working If you would like one of the Youth Team to visit your sport, drama, music with CJM - and alongside parishes to enable and encourage youth parish or youth group or if you would like to apply for funds inflatables! ministry. or to borrow equipment then please contact the Lead • Chill out in the café Lead youth officer, the Revd Dr Sarah Rogers, explained Youth Officer, Rev Dr Sarah Rogers • Last night disco and karaoke that the Youth Department was aiming to move from an ([email protected]). For more information or to book a place events based strategy towards one which supported Equipment available on loan from LFY please contact: parish priests and youth leaders to offer youth ministry Audio Equipment: Fr Ben Andrews themselves. Portable PA system, radio mic system, two speakers and [email protected] “This will involve a cultural shift for clergy in the diocese stands, stage snake with 24 inputs, powered amp and 01446 406690 as the purpose of the LFY Team is no longer to ‘do’ youth various microphone stands and mics ministry for parishes, but rather to enable parishes, who Lighting Equipment: best understand their local context, to offer youth ministry Stage light mixer desk, four sets of lights with stands and themselves, or to feel better resourced by LFY in their colour filters, two LED lights and floor lights. current youth ministry. Effects Equipment: “We have a number of resources available to parishes. Fog machine, bubble machine and confetti machine croeso has been creatively designed & These include creative prayer and worship materials, a Visual Equipment: printed by Mersey Mirror , The Foundry, variety of equipment that is available for loan and our Two large fast-fold projection screens. 36 Henry Street, Liverpool L1 5BS expertise and ideas for youth ministry in your context. Musical: “If you are aiming to set up a new youth project in your Keyboard with stand and accessories, and music stands Tel: 0151 709 7567 parish, or if you need help in resourcing current youth Cables and extension leads for use with the associated email: [email protected] projects then we have some funds available for such equipment also available.

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