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Diocesan Conference 2017 Edition

GrapevineY OUR LOCAL CHURCH IN W ALES

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Ministry Area 05 update Current status of 09 Ministry Areas Jour ney of Faith… 16 Focus On…. 18 The role of faith in a non-faith school monmouth.churchinwales.org.uk From the ‘ Being holy is being Editor’s Desk absolutely involved, not I have pleasure in introducing this edition of Grapevine, which is timed to coincide with the being absolutely separated’ annual Diocesan Conference, held at the new Caldicot School, on Saturday 21 October. s you will see, this edition of Grapevine focuses relationships together. Holiness is not about being The theme for this edition Bishop Richard ...... on the mission of our Diocese and, in particular, saintly, it is about being saints in the world. I remind (and for the Conference) is the 03 the concept and practice of Ministry Areas. It myself that spent most of his time outside of development of our mission strategy through our A would be good to debunk some of the myths around the temple rather than in it! However, the Ministry Areas. Support for Ministry Areas ...... 04 this. Unfortunately, some people have the idea that accumulation of culture, history and tradition and our The Bishop dispels the myth that Ministry Areas Ministry Areas are all about management, structures place in society means that we cannot and should are all about management, structures and Ministry Area update ...... 05 - 08 and financial necessity. For some, church life and the not just be free-range creatures! Our resources of financial necessity and talks about them providing emphasis on strategy may seem difficult to reconcile people, buildings and of money have given us an a challenging space for us to become holy and to with a free-flowing spirituality. However, a robust embedded place in society. In our pursuit of holiness, become more involved in the world. Ministry Area Status ...... 09 - 12 understanding of our spiritual life would not seek of being the people of God in the world, we do not In updating us on the progress of Ministry Areas such a contradiction. come empty-handed. Our service to others, our in the Diocese, Sarah Burton asks the question Nurture Groups ...... 13 proclamation of the gospel in our locality may be A book that I recommend us all to read is ‘Being better through the medium of the Ministry Area - if “where is God in all this?” and David McGladdery Disciples’ by our previous Bishop, . At explains how collaborative ministry is working in our attentiveness to the holiness of God is at the heart DBF finance report ...... 14 one point, he reflects on the quality of holiness at the of all that we do. God loves his world and us in it. the Ministry Area of Monmouth. heart of the gospel where there is a clear desire for Jesus to make holy the people of God. Through the +Bishop Richard A summarised version of the Diocesan Board DBF Income & Expenditure ...... of Finance report for 2016 is included and it 15 incarnation, His passion and His describes how our resources are being used to resurrection, we truly become the support ministry and mission initiatives in the Journey of Faith ...... 16 - 17 sons and daughters of God. But Diocese. We also hear more about the support the being made holy, does not just mean being set apart for the work Diocesan Office is offering to Ministry Areas in the Focus On… ...... form of toolkits, roadshows, surgeries and grants. 18 - 19 of God: The role of faith in a non-faith school I hope that you will find the content useful in ‘Being holy is being absolutely explaining the mission strategy of the Diocese involved, not being absolutely Back Chat ...... and how Ministry Areas can help us to become 20 separated…there is no contrast the people God calls us to be. between holiness and being involved in the world. On the Paul Glover (Guest Editor) contrary, the most holy, who was Jesus, was the most involved, most at the heart of human experience’. (Rowan Williams)

Monmouth Grapevine is produced To update the FREE order details for Monmouth Diocesan Board of Ministry Areas, at their best, should and distributed by the Monmouth your church, please contact the Finance is a company registered in Diocesan Board of Finance Diocesan Office and . provide a challenging space for us to become holy and more involved Editor: Debra Goddard, Email: Company no: 003489945 in the world. Our strategy, our Diocesan Communications Officer [email protected] Charity no: 1067653 deployment of resources, should Email: debragoddard@ Tel: allow the energy of love, our churchinwales.org.uk 01633 267490  http://monmouth. consecration to the things of God, Post: Diocesan Office, churchinwales.org.uk Designed by: Mediadesign to be more effective. It is lazy 64 Caerau Road, Newport. NP20 4HJ thinking to consider that good management is somehow Deadline for next edition: Monmouthdiocese Monday 23 October All text and format complies with RNIB guidelines. antithetical to the spiritual life. The Ministry Area experience should Publication date: © Monmouth Diocesan Board of Finance. @MonmouthDCO enable us to develop and reveal Thursday 14 December All information correct at time of going to press. the goodness of God in our

02 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 03 Support for Ministry Areas

We want to know what you want to know! Establishing a Ministry Area Council As part of the diocesan support for Ministry Areas, the In order to help Ministry Areas to establish an Ministry Area Leaders are being asked what resources effective council, the Diocese has procured the are needed for their churches. The Diocesan Office is services of John Truscott, an experienced Church committed to providing Ministry Areas with the Consultant and excellent facilitator. John can be resources that they need to thrive and succeed in booked to spend a day with a Ministry Area team and mission. It is hoped that many of the tools needed for his fees will be met by the Diocese. For more running the Ministry Area will be readily available and information please contact the Diocesan Secretary. the Diocesan Office staff would be pleased to hear of any additional resources that are required in order to Grants empower people to play a role in their church The Diocese offers a number of grants to support and wider Ministry Area. These resources parishes and Ministry Areas. Our popular schemes will be provided in a variety of ways: include the Ministry Area Development Grant which is a flexible scheme to support new initiatives in Toolkits establishing Ministry Areas. The Churchyard The team will soon be creating a number of toolkits Improvement Grant offers a maximum contribution which will be placed on the Diocesan website for all of £2000 for works such as boundary wall repair, to access. These fact sheets will cover a wide variety footpath repair or one-off assistance to bring a of topics including ‘exploring vocations’; ‘types of Lay churchyard into good order. The Church Fabric Repair Outdoor Eucharist at Capel Newydd Ministry’; ‘how to run nurture groups’ and a range of Grant has a limit of £5000 and is intended to fund specific guidance to cover the care and maintenance repairs to church building fabric. of church buildings, finance, communication and All the necessary guidance and forms can be much more besides. These Toolkits are designed to downloaded from the Finance section of the be a first port of call when looking for information Diocesan website, together with a full list of the and support. Diocesan grants and support. Ministry Area Update Roadshows Children, Youth & Families The Diocesan team is coming to a church near you! There are a range of resources that can be borrowed Over the coming year a series of workshops and from the Diocesan Office. A ‘Resource Box’ can training events are planned, enabling people to Where is God in all this? contain a number of items according to the type of receive more detailed guidance and teaching. ministry you are involved with, returned and renewed Following the successful treasurers’ workshops on every season or as required. Data Developments, Senior Finance Officer Bethan Davies will be arranging further training sessions. The Children, Youth & Families Ministry Advisors can Matthew 28:18-20 Ministry Areas are the consequence of the Diocesan Then we will address everybody’s favourite topic – help you start up new initiatives and work alongside “And Jesus said to them, ‘All authority commitment to the most effective deployment of its faculties! Diocesan Advisory Committee Secretary you to support you as you develop good and safe leaders to achieve its call to mission: we are called by Kath Hilsden will run a series of workshops across the practice. We can organise training appropriate for in heaven and earth has been given Jesus to make disciples and this remains our primary Diocese on the new on-line faculty system, with your ministry and community context. to me. Go therefore and make task. Ministry Area Leaders will seek to serve their local practical guidance on how to use it. Building on excellence Christian communities in developing their personal disciples of all nations and teaching and corporate discipleship. They will seek to recognise Some of you will have resources that you already use Office Surgeries those called to ministry and enable them to fulfil that at a local level and we want to encourage you to them to obey everything I have The staff at the Diocesan Office are available to give calling. They will seek to identify how best the Gospel share them. If you have a great resource then let us commanded you.’” help and advice to officers in the Ministry Areas. of Christ may serve the wider communities in which know so that it can be shared with other Ministry However, it is not practicable for everyone to be churches are set. They will seek to share resources in Areas. Together we The Church was empowered at Pentecost when God accessible at all times. In a bid to put faces to the mutual support and to enable growth in new areas of can better serve God’s sent the Holy Spirit to enable his people to have the names and to be available for you, the office is witness. They will seek spiritual refreshment and well- Kingdom and follow ministries necessary to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus throwing its doors wide open and holding surgery being, not just for themselves but for all those under his call to mission. Christ. We are called to bring healing, love and justice days. On these days, all of the Diocesan Officers will their care. to all. The Holy Spirit continues to guide and direct the be in the office to meet those needing individual help Church to be effective in each generation in new ways and advice on specific issues. One session has already In all this they will seek Christlikeness in themselves of doing things. taken place and the next is planned for Monday 20 and in all their local Christian communities. November 2017.

04 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 05 Why Ministry Areas? The continues to reshape itself up of those people with experience of maintaining and into Ministry Areas. The need for this arose as it was repairing their church buildings; and a grants group to realised that this would be the most effective way of apply for monetary grants available. There will be some realising God’s call to mission. Ministry Areas are not an churches that have nobody with experience of these end in themselves. They are a tool for the Church to things and the groups allow them to come alongside use in its mission work. those people from other churches that do have that knowledge and experience. This approach benefits Many of us are seeing the numbers of stipendiary both the individual churches and the wider area. clergy continue to fall and the human resources of our local churches not yet being fully recognised. Local churches should have a named minister (a focal This makes fulfilling our call to mission difficult. The minister) who will be the local link to the Ministry Area The need for lay ministry purpose of Ministry Areas is to create a new pattern Leader and wider Ministry Team. Sarah discusses the Diocesan map with the archdeacons of local church life so that church decline can be “ We have different gifts according to turned into growth. The structure of Ministry Areas, Ministry Areas may also be large enough to employ the reorganisation of Diocesan resources and the specialists in ministry – to develop new work such as How are Ministry Areas the grace given to each of us” Rom 12.6 with youth, wider community projects, mission, new establishment of Ministry Teams provides a foundation coming into being? for our mission to the communities we serve. styles of church meeting or administration – where a The model of a local priest serving one church parish and single Parish may not be able to afford this on their own. undertaking the various roles needed for a church to The shape of most of the Ministry Areas is now clear, function does not fit into the world we now find ourselves. although many have not yet been formally declared. 18 It is also envisaged that every Ministry Area will have We now have a society where people travel further afield How are Ministry Areas different? Ministry Area Leaders have been through the training nurture groups to give people an opportunity to if there is a church they want to attend. Sunday mornings and from the Autumn of 2017 another group of 10 explore the Christian faith and what it means to be a are now filled with children attending football or dance “Our mission is not to preserve an people will begin training. The process is a gradual disciple of Christ in today’s world. See the feature on classes. Teenagers who do not want to get up for a 10am and organic one. On the next few pages you will find institution but to seek to further God’s “Nurture Groups” in this edition of Grapevine for more service in a cold church. Disabled people are increasingly a table showing the status of each Ministry Area to mission in the world” information. independent and mobile. We are called by Christ to meet date, with the planned number of stipendiary clerics the needs of our communities, and these needs often and House for Duty Ministers, supported by non- Ministry Areas are larger pastoral units with several do not fall in line with our existing church structures. churches and parishes within them. For some, the Are Ministry Area Leaders stipendiary and lay ministers. Ministry Area may be an existing Rectorial Benefice. For just ‘super-managers’? That is not to say that we throw away our traditional others, it will see a number of neighbouring parishes Sunday morning services. Rather, we should be being grouped together to form a Ministry Area. No, that is what we want to avoid, although good encouraged to develop additional forms of church and ministry always involves planning and organisation. worship, and at different times and places through the Each Ministry Area will have a leader who will have week. But a local priest cannot do this alone and as A Ministry Area Leader is being called to exercise their oversight of a number of churches. Their leaders such lay ministry is key. will need particular skills to encourage and support priestly gifts in more episcopal ways. As they will not Lime-washing day at St Sannans, others in ministry – lay and ordained. These leaders be able to be everywhere in their Ministry Area they have extra theological training in mission and ministry will be equipping and entrusting ministry to others. Lay which will also address communication, delegation, ministry is a vital part of church life and serving our supervision, effective change and team building. This communities. training is provided by the diocese.

Each Ministry Area will have a Ministry Area Council. For those that are a Benefice already, this may be your PCC. In places where Parishes are working together, the Ministry Area Council will exist in addition to the individual PCCs. A Ministry Area Council will be made up of representatives from different churches, as well as the clergy team. Each person will have a role overseeing a certain aspect of the Ministry Area. For example, a finance officer; a youth officer; a safeguarding officer; buildings officer. The Diocesan Office is offering support in the form of John Truscott, who can come alongside a Ministry Area Council and Ministry Area Leader training offer them support. Some Ministry Areas have already taken up this opportunity.

These Ministry Area officers will then build teams around them, again from all of the different churches in the Ministry Area. For example, a buildings group made

06 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 07 What are the advantages of Ministry Areas? We appreciate that time is such a precious commodity in today’s world but we need to disciple and support Current Status of each other in serving God. We also know that some of our congregations are small, or aging, or lack energy, and that makes mission and community engagement difficult. But this is where Ministry Areas come in! Ministry Areas They offer shared fellowship in mission and ministry; namely different church congregations can work together to achieve mission and community engagement. in the Diocese Ministry Areas also offer the opportunity for more streamlined administration and the sharing of resources between churches. Ministry Teams with more specialised ministries can share their experiences and expertise Monmouth Archdeaconry across the area. Congregations can help each other, rather than compete with one another, and smaller Planned number of Status of Ministry Area Current Parishes Current Churches local churches can be supported and encouraged by House Ministry Area Stipends Toddler group at St Paul’s, Newport larger neighbours. And through this collaboration there for Duty will be an opportunity for new contemporary church St Mary Lay ministry does not solely involve the traditional roles communities to be developed alongside old ones. Abergavenny Christchurch of Readers and Eucharistic Ministers. Every role within the Holy church is important and essential and we all have a call How can the diocese help? Llanwenerth Citra St Peter on our lives to serve God. Perhaps you know someone St Teilo who has great hospitality skills and makes the best cup The Diocesan team is passionate about helping w Bettws Bettws Chapel of coffee in the town? Or you know someone who has Ministry Areas thrive. A number of resources exist or Christchurch a real talent working with children or young people? are in development and coming to a ministry area near St Ffwyst Or you are a musician and could lead worship at you! The Diocesan Office is currently undertaking a Llanelen St Helen Llanfihangel St church? Is there someone that is friendly and can make project to discover the great work that is already taking place and to ascertain what resources are needed to St Martin anyone feel welcome the minute they step inside of St David Abergavenny 4 4 In formation the door? Are you a good cook who could help at a help areas which are struggling. Each Ministry Area St Teilo local night shelter? Or you are good with finances and is being visited and asked what additional support is Penrhos St accounts do not scare you! Or perhaps God is calling required in the shape of either Toolkits, Roadshows or St James the Elder you to a licenced or commissioned lay ministry, such Surgery Sessions at the Diocesan Office. Llanfapley St Mable as funeral ministry or pioneer work? And there is so St David At the request of Ministry Area Leaders, the Bishop and Llangattock-juxta- St Cadoc much more besides. Your church needs you! his senior team have also commenced a series of audits Llansantffraed St Bridget across the Diocese. The Bishop is visiting every church St David Leaflets on different opportunities in Lay Ministry will and conducting a detailed ‘health check’, before offering Grosmont St Nicolas be available at the Conference and from Liz Houghton recommendations and advice to the Ministry Area St Bridget at the Diocesan Office. Leader, Church Wardens and Ministry Area Councils. Llanfair St Mary St Cadoc It is recognised that Ministry Area Leaders are facing a Monmouth St Mary challenge because church communities are experiencing St Thomas the Martyr a culture change, moving away from a single inward- Wonastow St Wonnow looking church model, to an outward model of St Michael and All churches working with one another, and some are Rockfield St Cenedlon resistant to this. But where Ministry Areas have Llanfihangel-ystern- St Michael and All Angels Llewern embraced this change, there is sign of church growth St Dingat – showing that the Ministry Area strategy for mission Penyclawdd St Martin can work if we persevere. See the “Back Chat” article by Tregaer St Mary Formed and Rev David McGladdery for the story on how the Monmouth St Catwg 3 2 celebrated Monmouth Ministry Area has been moving forward. St Maughans St Meugan Llangattock-vibon-Avel St Cadoc Sarah Burton St Nicholas Projects Officer Old Church Llanishen St Dennis Trellech Grange Trellech Grange Church Llanfihangel-tor-y-Mynydd St Michael and All Angels St Tysoi Rev Den Richards and Rev Richard Reardon with the St Oudoceus Bishop at the formation of the Ministry Area in Caldicot Pava St Michael and All Angels

08 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 09 Current Status of Ministry Areas Current Status of Ministry Areas

Monmouth Archdeaconry Newport Archdeaconry

Planned number of Planned number of Status of Status of Ministry Area Current Parishes Current Churches House Ministry Area Current Parishes Current Churches Stipends Ministry Area House Ministry Area for Duty Stipends for Duty St Stephen and Tathan Llanfair Discoed St Mary St Cadoc Newchurch St Peter St John Formed and Caerleon 2 Formed Group St 1 Llanfrechfa All Saints celebrated St Brides Netherwent St Bridget Llandegfedd St Tegfeth St Dyfrig Malpas St Mary St Peter Newport North Bettws St David 1 2 Formed Magor Magor (RB) St Mary (Magor) Newport (All Saints) All Saints St Thomas (Redwick) Newport () St John St Mary () St Mary St (Goldcliffe) Formed and Newport () St Andrew St Mary (Nash) 2 1 celebrated Newport East St Philip 2 1 In formation St Cadwaladr () Newport (St Julian) St Julius & Aaron St Mary () Newport (St Teilo) St Teilo Langstone Church Newport (Christchurch) Holy Trinity St Martin (Llanmartin) Bassaleg (RB) St Basil Caldicot Caldicot (RB) St Mary (Caldicot) St John Baptist 2 Formed St Mary () 1 1 Formed St Anne St Mary () Wentloog Rumney St Augustine , St Tewdric St Dyfrig Mathern and St St Andoenus St Mellon 2 1 In formation Arvans St Pierre St Peter Marshfield St Mary St Thomas a Becket St Brides St Bridget St Arvans St Arvan with Bedws St Barrwg w St Mary 3 In progress with St Thomas St Michaelston-y- Machen St Michael St James 1 1 Formed Fedw with St John Holy Cross Rudry St James Chepstow St Mary Michaelston-y-Fedw St Michael St Christopher Cyncoed (RB) All Saints, Cyncoed Goetre and Goetre St Peter St Edeyrn Formed and St Batholomew 2 All Saints, Pentwyn Celebrated Mamhilad St Illtud 0.5 Formed St David Monkswood St Matthew w St Michael and All Angels The number and Cathedral St Woolos shape of Ministry St Martin-in-the-Gaer Raglan Raglan St Cadoc Areas involving Newport (St Mark) St Mark St John Apostle these parishes is Newport (St Paul) St Paul 4 1 In progress St Peter Formed and still to be finalised Newport (St Stephen) St Stephen Bettws Newydd 1 celebrated Newport () St Thomas St David Newport (St John Baptist) St John Baptist Kemys Commander All Saints Llanfihangel Gobion St Michael and All Angels Upper (RB) St Tudor St Augustine Usk Usk St Mary St David Llantrissent SS Peter, Paul and John St Theodore Llangybi Sy Blackwood St Margaret with Coed-y-Paen Christ Church Formed and 3 1 In formation 1 1 Fleur-de-Lis St David St Madoc celebrated St Thomas Tredunnoc St Andrew Bedwelty and St Sannan Llangwm St John New St Peter St Thomas a Becket St Dingat Total 78 94 16.5 9

Non-Stipendiary Ministers = 17 Lay Eucharistic Ministers = 57 Licenced Lay Ministers = 27

10 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 11 Current Status of Ministry Areas

Newport Archdeaconry Nurture Groups Planned number of Status of Ministry Area Current Parishes Current Churches House It’s a gardener’s world Stipends Ministry Area for Duty Lower Islwyn Newbridge St Paul St Peter What are nurture groups and why do we need them? St Mary I planted, Apollos We are deliberately using the term ‘nurture groups’ St Margaret 1 2 Formed watered, but God St Catherine rather than ‘bible study groups’ so that we focus on and St Luke was causing the the missional aspect of groups designed for people St growth. So then with little or no understanding of the Christian faith. That is not to say that there is no value in having and Rhymney St David neither the one St Paul groups for people with a Christian faith. Far from it! Pontlottyn St Tyfaelog 0.5 Formed who plants nor the Further, we are not saying that existing members of St Aidan one who waters is our churches should not attend nurture groups and St Mary and St Andrew anything, but God would not benefit from being part of them. We are just Upper (RB) St Cadoc distinguishing between the two. St Matthew who causes the St John 2 Formed Rev Dean Roberts growth. There are many different nurture group courses and materials that can help people to start or refresh St Peter 1 Corinthians 3:6-7 St Paul their understanding of Christianity. The ones that the and Panteg St Mary The Diocese has recently seen the formation of Evangelism Group will start by recommending are: Llanfihangel St Michael and All Angels the Evangelism Group, which hopes to assist in the 1 1 Formed 1) Alpha - alpha.org 2) Twelve - twelvefilm.org Giffithstown St Hilda implementation of the Governing Body motion on 3) Pilgrim - pilgrimcourse.org - St Oswald Evangelism by: Cwmbran (RB) St For those who may be looking for something 1. Suggesting ways to train and resource both clergy St Michael and All Angels different, you are encouraged to check out St Mary and laity in Evangelism. 2 1 Formed https://www.monmouthdisciples.com/disciples St Peter 2. Providing strategic advice regarding new ordained Henllys Worship Centre and lay roles which prioritise Evangelism. There can be great benefit from sitting with a group Holy Trinity 3. Championing and resourcing the formation of local looking at the Christian faith together, sharing their The number and Tredegar St George & St James nurture groups in Ministry Areas and parishes. thoughts and building one another up. And in that, shape of Ministry Upper Ebbw Valleys (RB) Christ Church people can talk about their lives and aspirations, 4. Encouraging opportunities to pray for Evangelism Areas involving St David disappointments and joys. This human sharing of life and these parishes is St Paul across the Diocese, including the Thy Kingdom experience is an essential part of Christian fellowship. still to be finalised St Peter 3 1 In progress Come initiative. Holy Trinity and St Anne One group that has recently come into existence can St Michael and All Angels The current members are: James Henley; John be found in the Ministry Area of Bedwas with Machen St Paul Connell; Rick Hayes; David and Wendy Matthews; with Michaelston-y-Fedw with Rudry. Llanhileth St Mark Dean Roberts; Becca Stevens; Jonathan Williams and St John Sarah Burton. The group met for the first time in July Rev Dean Roberts who oversees this group says: Total 49 86 28.5 12 2017. One of the commitments to come from that “Our house group meets fortnightly - once in the home meeting was to launch a campaign around nurture of a very hospitable family from St James’ in Rudry, Non-Stipendiary Ministers = 23 Lay Eucharistic Ministers = 110 Licenced Lay Ministers = 24 groups in January 2018 to support the Bishop’s vision and the other time it’s held in the in to see a nurture group in every Ministry Area. The aim Michaelston-y-Fedw, with the landlords of the pub is to provide resources to help Ministry Areas or local hosting us and making us food. groups set up, or Planned Planned House develop existing “It’s all about coming together to discuss faith and look Diocese Total Current Parishes Current Churches Stipends for Duty nurture groups. at the Bible. It’s not an academic study, but rather a discussion about how Jesus and the words of scripture 45 + 3 can impact our lives and help us grow as Christians. 127 180 21 We seek to approach the scriptures as being ‘living and curates active’ amongst us.” With the opportunity to develop a relationship with Non-Stipendiary Ministers = 40 Lay Eucharistic Ministers = 167 Licenced Lay Ministers = 51 both our living God and other Christians, everyone is encouraged to look out for a nurture group coming to Communion in the pub your Ministry Area.

12 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 13 Diocesan Funding for Mission & Ministry DBF Income 2016

Report from the Diocesan Board of Finance for 2016 Income

t is the responsibility of the Diocesan Board of MINISTRY SHARE Finance to provide the resources for mission and The new Ministry Share scheme (introduced for Q1 Iministry in our Diocese and to support the strategy 2016) was successful in ensuring a higher level of of evangelism through our Ministry Areas. on-time payments. Over 80% of our parishes paid by The Board set a budget of £3.329m in 2016 and the Standing Order (for which they received a 5% rebate) TOTAL categories of income and expenditure are shown in and only 3% of the 2016 share remained outstanding £3,329,000 the attached figure. at the end of the year. It was also good to note that 8 parishes agreed to donate their 5% share rebate to Investment & RB Block INCOME those parishes in greater need. Ministry Transformation Share Fund Other Income Grant 63% of the DBF’s income came from Ministry Share All of the income from Ministry Share was spent on and 33% from the Representative Body of the Church stipendiary clergy in our Diocese. £2,133,000 £167,000 £91,000 £938,000 in Wales (including the Transformation Fund). None of the money collected in share was used to pay The Diocese again benefitted from the Transformation for the costs of the Bishop, the Diocesan Office staff or Fund which the RB has made available for 3 years Ministry Area support activities. (2015 -17) to support dioceses in their implementation of the new mission and ministry strategy. OUTLOOK The trustees are aware of the long-term trend in EXPENDITURE reducing Sunday attendance and the consequent As in previous years, the majority of the DBF’s income was reduction in giving, together with the increased costs spent on ministry (stipends, pensions, housing and training). of clergy pensions, training and safeguarding. At the In addition, there was a significant budget for Ministry same time, they are conscious of the need to invest in DBF Expenditure 2016 Area Support, together with the costs of Governance, evangelism and mission in order to develop the church grants, office staff and transformation projects. for 2020 and beyond. Therefore, the trustees have agreed to carry forward any surplus funds (£161k from Expenditure SURPLUS 2016) to provide additional resource in future years. During 2016 there were several unfilled stipendiary posts. Consequently, the total expenditure was less than the allocated budget and there was a surplus of £161,000 at the end of 2016. £ TOTAL £3,329,000 Governance, Ministry Area grants and Ministry Support office costs Surplus £2,430,000 £266,000 £472,000 £161,000

Parsonage Inspector Garry Reeder and Senior Finance Officer Bethan Davies talk money

14 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 15 ‘Journey of Faith’

was quite an active child, always wanting to go and walked past a church, and the doors were open, and explore new things, or lost in a book and oblivious out of the doors I could hear music… but it was unlike Ito everything. So partly I think to give my dad a any music I had heard in church before so I listened break my Godmother used to come and collect for a while and then plucked up the courage to sneak me on a Sunday and take me to Church. I loved into the back and sit down. I stayed for the rest of the it, I enjoyed watching the people at the front, the service. stories they used to tell in the Sunday school, and of course climbing over the pews and building a tower Next week I went back again, and the week after again. out of the kneelers… My introduction to church was I started to form relationships with others in the of laughter and welcome so I enjoyed going every congregation, settled back into coming to church Sunday. But when I was thirteen my Godmother died regularly and continued to explore my faith as an adult. in a car accident and I entered my rebellious period I continued with my law degree and life went on. with Church. I was so angry with God that He had let it happen. I refused to go to Church and got quite At the end of my first year I decided I wanted to give annoyed anytime religion, faith and God was brought some time doing something to show God’s love up. I tried to give up on God, but He never gave up on to others after feeling like God had upheld me in me, and when I look back I see all the signs that He a difficult time. So I went to India for a month and was present and suffering alongside me. worked with a group out there teaching English to the children and women of the Dalit caste, those viewed I went to The University of Leeds as a student to study as untouchables. Each day both broke my heart and Law as I wanted to do something that would help allowed me to see the blessings of God at work. people. One evening after visiting my dad when I was walking back to the station to go back to University I During my second year of University I heard a voice saying I was called to something other than law… I ignored the voice… and applied for my pupillage. I got offered a place.

But during the holidays of my second and third year Rev Becca was recently inducted as Ministry Area Leader, Newport North I went travelling and had a bit of an ahuh moment from God. He showed me some of the wonders of the world in nature while I was travelling around America, and then asked me “If I can do this don’t you England for where I wanted to be placed… In the I was then ordained deacon in June 2014 and became think I know what I’m doing when I call you”… but I’m interview they said they had the perfect match for me… the Assistant Curate in Bedwas, Machen, Rudry and stubborn so I didn’t take the hint straight away… in… Wales… and would I go and see it. My response Michaelstone and was ordained priest in June 2015. was that I had said I would give a year to God so I then completed a second curacy in Cwmbran. I’m However, I did turn down my pupillage… but I still would go… I went to see the parishes in the Rhymney being licenced as Ministry Area Leader Designate in wasn’t convinced ordination was for me… so I finished Valley and knew it was where I was meant to be. Newport North this September. The future awaits and I my degree, and then explored. will follow where God leads. This time when ordination was mentioned it felt right… I moved to Sowerby to be a house warden in a retreat So I said yes and began the process. Rev Becca Stevens centre where I joined a little rural church, with a Ministry Area leader Newport North middle of the road tradition. Two months into being I started my training in St Michaels College in there the vicar approached me and asked if I wanted in September 2011 and studied for three years doing to come for a coffee and chat. Before I left that chat I’d a variety of practical placements; including parish agreed to go on the readings and intercessions rotas, placements, university chaplaincy, and hospital and to be a youth leader… I’m still not sure how that chaplaincy. And doing my second undergraduate happened… degree... this time in Theology

Later she encouraged me to think about ordination… Again I didn’t think it was right so said I would give a year to God to explore….

I ended up applying to Careforce which was an organisation which provided gap years for young Rev Becca Stevens at her ordination Christians. I filled in their forms and ticked north of

16 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 17 Focus on… The role of faith in a non-faith school

Not only is our Diocesan Conference held at the Oliver, who is now in his final year at the school has also The young people participating in our Diocesan Conference are all newly-opened £36million Caldicot School, but several grown-up with the church - serving, acolyte, crucifer members of a church youth group and take part in a monthly service of its students will play a key role in the event by and singing with the band for the family service. tailored to engage with them leading us in worship. He says: “I help serve and sing for the church. I love But what do they think about it…? Although it isn’t a faith-based school, we have very being together for worship and being involved in close links with the school, which moved to its new events. I feel like the church is my family and we are all Millie (Yr10) building in September, and were delighted that the together as one.” The youth group has helped me to grow in confidence and to find and students would give-up a Saturday morning ‘lie-in’ to explore my beliefs. Also, I enjoy doing the monthly services in the church The chaplain is able to take assemblies, give guidance share prayers with us! hall because I like meeting new people in the community and helping out. on the theological perspectives of worship and provide Headteacher Susan Gwyer-Roberts, says: “Caldicot support for the teaching about faith with appropriate Sara (Yr7) School is delighted to have been invited to host the resources developed over decades of youth ministry. I enjoy coming to the youth group because we learn stuff about Jesus Diocesan Conference for 2017. This is a unique The main aims of the chaplain role are… and we always have so much fun and a laugh planning our services opportunity for attendees to experience our new every month. school and to foster stronger relationships with our • Reconciling, guiding and nurturing. diocesan partners.” • Pastoral care in practice. Ellie (Yr9) • Unconditional care Key to this relationship is Pam Richards, one of our Since I have been in the youth group, I have become youth workers who has recently retired but has • Personal counselling so much more confident speaking in front of a large continued in her role as chaplain at the school. • Personal issues group of people when I am the worship leader or doing a drama. A few years ago, I struggled to • Indi vidual and community bereavement Pam explains: “This ministry is a new and innovative speak in front of my class but now I can speak role which adds to the overall caring ethos of the • Accomp anying on the spiritual journey. in front of at least 45 people in the school. The chaplaincy assists in the holistic, formative • Accessing the Spiritual Dimension congregation. education that the school encourages. The well-being of staff and pupils is at the heart of this provision. It Caldicot is the first secondary school to be built in Harri (Yr10) provides pastoral support to the head teacher, the staff under the 21st Century School My favourite part about leading a service is and pupils through developing a meaningful programme partnership between the local authority having the opportunity and confidence to relationship with the whole school community.” and the Welsh Government. make people laugh in the dramas so that they enjoy the service more. Chaplaincy activities include a themed weekly reflection for all staff; a lunch-time meeting available Ellouise (Yr9) for pupils to encourage them to flourish, to explore I feel that my confidence has grown the spiritual nature of humanity and to achieve their since I joined the youth group and I individual potential and an afterschool meeting for love the friendships I have made in staff, to provide fellowship, as well as to encourage and the group. Also, our monthly services pray for the spiritual life of the school community. give us the chance to speak to people with such a different range of ages. Also, the chaplain’s room has a prayer wall that is available to staff and pupils to post their concerns. Molly (Yr10) Pam says: “Developing religious intimacy is a key I feel that I can openly express myself concept in current, secular and multi-faith situation of and completely be myself in our 21st century Britain. Chaplaincy is a complex role that youth group. I can even learn when I is committed to the well-being, human flourishing and make mistakes because a feeling of spiritual development of pupils and wider school reassurance surrounds me. community of parents and staff. It is a self-giving ministry that is multi-disciplinary and multi-dimensional.

“It’s my aim to provide a distinct and intermediary role by being-around, joining-in, being approachable and a trusted go-between.” Pam Richards, School Chaplain

18 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE 19 Back Chat… Mission and Ministry: Growing God’s Kingdom

want to spend a few moments reflecting on what Ministry and mission is all about the three Cs, I‘church’ is for. and the three Fs. The church is the name we use to give identity to C-HARISMA: What special God-given gifts have we those who are united in a passion to share our belief been blessed with? that God’s love is able to bring about change. Change C-OMMUNICATION: How do we communicate with for the better in society – where people are accepted, God, through prayer? With ourselves? Listening deeply included and loved; forgiven and healed. The kind of to our own inner selves. With each other? Especially change those disciples were so excited and motivated how do we communicate when we disagree? There is about on the Day of Pentecost. We call that the Mission a Christian way. And how to we communicate to the of the Church. Or more correctly God’s Mission: wider community? Through actions rather than words. Missio Dei. Our job, as the Church of Christ – the Jesus Movement – is to find out what God is doing C-OMMUNITY. Who is your community? What does in our localities and join in. That is the whole point of it mean to listen to the communities’ needs and what Ministry Areas. The Monmouth Deanery Ministry Area, can your church do to help? for example, is the whole Deanery of Monmouth. It F-AITHFUL: Be faithful. Stick at it with your local consists of six groupings of churches each known as a church. Don’t shop around because of your likes and ‘Mission Area’. A Mission Area is where the sleeves get dislikes! Stay and faithfully work to enrich the life of the rolled up and the work gets done and God’s mission is place where you belong. carried out. The ‘Ministry Area’ is that which resources that work of mission. That means the gathered people F-RUITFUL: Be fruitful; give what you can of your of Christ continue to work as localised churches, each time, talents, wealth and gifts to nourish your church with its own character, traditions and local knowledge. and community. But support and practical resources are always F-UN! Have fun together! Laugh, eat and drink available from outside localised areas to bring alive together and learn to love being a community. your Gospel initiatives in each community. The work of the Mission of the Church; is simply A Ministry Area is an area where ministry is a doing what the church does and has been called and collaborative venture between ordained and lay commissioned to do: people. The important thing is that a Ministry Area is not just a way of propping up old ways of doing To love the Lord, our God, with all your heart, with all things – it is a way of calling on each of God’s people your soul, with all your mind and with all your strength - to live out their full Christian calling, maintaining that Mark 12: 29-31 which is valuable in our tradition and finding new ways To love our neighbour as ourselves - Matthew 22: 37-39 of presenting the Gospel, and showing the healing power of God’s love to the wider community. Serving Just imagine, if Christians actually behaved as the community – finding out what it needs and taking Christians – and stopped worrying about their own, Christ’s love, help and practical support out beyond the and others’ egos and actually started to live as healers, four church walls. forgivers, all embracing, inclusive lovers of Jesus’ teaching and example - imagine what would happen! But we have to be honest with ourselves and identify The world, as we know it, would change! the dead wood – the things we no longer need. It may even be that a church building has come to the end of That is what the church is for. If we are not being its viable life – and the gathered Christian community challenged and changed to live like Jesus, when we needs to reform and re-group in other ways, in order leave church after worship, then we are doing church to grow and do new things. We have to be honest all wrong! about this, if we are to grow God’s kingdom on earth At the heart of our faith lies the wonder and the power as it is in heaven. Ministry Areas are not administrative of resurrection. Through the power of our Baptism, we entities, which replace any current constitutional are reborn into the life of the risen Christ, who calls entities. They exist as missional opportunities, where each of us to find life and hope in all things new. the God-given gifts of everyone in the gathered church - and the community around it – are identified Rev. Canon David McGladdery and blessed into action. Leader of the Monmouth Deanery Ministry Area

20 BECOMING THE PEOPLE GOD CALLS US TO BE MONMOUTH GRAPEVINE Diocesan Conference 2017 edition