www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk

Tachwedd/November 2011 Challenge, change & opportunity: Is the church fit for purpose?

“We’re here to listen.” And there was no shortage of bishop Barry’s call for the Church Those were the opening words answers. At least half those attend- to be more outward-looking as it from Lord Harries, former Bishop ing had something to say. And approaches its centenary in 2020. of Oxford, to the hundred-plus several common themes emerged Two main themes domi- people who attended the open as candidates for change: nated the debate: are the Church’s meeting held in on 8th • The Church must uphold the resources being used efficiently November for the diocese to tell its principles of Christianity, to further its mission? Does the leaders where the Church should be not just in the pulpit but also organisation of the Church enable going and how to secure its future. outside; it to address the nation effectively? Lord Harries and his Review • Churches should be focal Probably not was the verdict, Panel wanted answers to four points for the communities and definitely not when it comes questions: they serve, which means look- to the deployment of out two great- • What aspect of the Church/ ing at new ways of ordering est assets – people and buildings. diocese are you most positive them. They cannot only be Furthermore, the organisation about? places for worship on Sundays should be adapted to provide a • What changes would make if they are to remain relevant coherent, sustainable model for witness and ministry more and viable; age mission and spiritual ing attendances – especially among mission in the future. effective? • Obstacles to ministry must be leadership; younger people – and the falling Speaker after speaker asked for • What steps must be taken to removed so that everyone can • The freedom to worship in the income at all levels that goes with root and branch reform of the ordi- address the predicted shortfall use their skills for the common is crucial to it. Something, all agreed, must be nation process, and particularly the of clergy? good; many rural congregations and done. way people are trained for ministry. • How should we ensure the • Administrative and organi- must be fostered. The review will also be Ordaining readers, for example, future financial viability of the sational structures must be The panel’s consultations informed by the findings of the would help ensure there continued Church? revised to revive and encour- come against a backdrop of fall- focus group meetings at the to be an ordained person in every Governing Body over the past parish; and why is it that all ordi- year, which considered what will nands have to attend St Michael’s be needed to meet the needs of the College? “We need shepherds,” Church and communities of Speaking out for children in ten years’ time, and by Arch- continued on page 3 and young people Ironman Wales

HE real-life stories of fami- Tlies struggling for a better life are vital ammunition in persuad- ing governments to fork out extra funding and support, according to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales, Keith Towler. Mr Towler was speaking – but mostly listening – during a visit to the Families Together support group in , near Amman- ford, run by Plant Dewi. About 50 mums, dads and chil- dren were on hand to meet him and Mr Towler spent nearly two hours listening to their experiences. Peter Lewis wonders who benefits from this “It’s vital that people in power that’s available wisely,” he said. Swansea, was created in 2001 to event, see article page 11 understand what families really The post of Children’s stand up and speak out for children need so that we spend the funding Commissioner for Wales, based in and young people. Children’s & youth work: introducing Naomi Wood & Marianne Osborne – Page 5 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, November 2011 Organ donation, equal rights and the Review Paul Mackness reports from the September meeting of the Governing Body

HE September meeting of the teers into conscripts . . . our bodies women on the GB had moved from TGoverning Body took place should not be State assets.” 27% in 2008 to 41% in 2011. There in Lampeter – the main theme this One of the guest speakers was appears to be a balance between session was Equal Opportunities. Ann Beynon, OBE, the Wales the genders at a parish officer The Presidential Address, Commissioner for Equality and level. The GB has passed an Equal given by the , Human Rights. She gave a very Opportunities Policy, and this area Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan, was informative talk about her role and is now part of some CMD (Contin- content-packed, some of which that of the Commission, and high- uing Ministerial Development) proved to be controversial. Unfor- lighted areas in which the Church programmes as well as part of tunately much of the Archbishop’s and the Commission can work training for ordinands. The report speech was taken out of context together to improve the lives of the was warmly received, however the by the media, and his concerns people of Wales. Archbishop, when asked, indicated about the moral and ethical consid- Dr Gill Todd presented the that there were plans to re-examine erations as a result of the Welsh report of the Working Group on the the area of women in the episco- Government’s proposed “presumed Representation of Women which, pate. That discussion would take consent” with regards to organ in 2008, was tasked to report on place at GB leading to legislation donation were overlooked. the implementation of the Repre- being brought forward for a vote to “Organ donation surely ought sentation of Women in the Church make it possible for women to be Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan, Archbishop of Wales to be a matter of gift, not duty,” Bill. It was noted that a number of come bishops. said the Archbishop, “If one takes senior clerical post holders were In line with the Equality needs receiving either support or each diocese for consultation and organs without consent on the now women and the proportion of Agenda, a motion was brought discrimination by churches. all are encouraged to submit obser- assumption that, by not opting out, forth in the form of a Report on The Archbishop also reported vations and make comments. (See a person is tacitly assenting, then Ministry and People with Disa- on the Church in Wales Review led page 1 for a report on the St Davids this is no longer a free gift, an act of bilities and Additional Needs. It by Lord Harries, the former Bishop meeting.) love and generosity. Giving organs was noted that this was work in of Oxford. “To examine the struc- Further details, and a more is the most generous act of self progress and sought to look at the ture and organisation of the Church detailed report, are included in giving imaginable but it has to be a way the Church approaches this in Wales with a view to increasing Highlights which is available in choice that is freely embraced, not whole area. Members of the GB the effectiveness of its ministry and parishes and on the Church in something that the State assumes. heard a number of stories of people its witness to the people of Wales.” Wales Website. Put it more crudely it turns volun- with disabilities and additional The Review team will be visiting Bread, wine and Songs, Psalms & Spirituals Links between churches and the communities in which they serve come in all shapes A new photo-copiable collection called ‘Songs, Psalms & and sizes, and sometimes they are difficult to forge. Catherine Hammond records a Spirituals’ has just been published by the Royal School of successful event for all ages in Fishguard Church Music (RSCM)

T St Mary’s we were offered a and Goodwick Round Table, to of bread, wine and community HE collection of over 50 acces- Areadymade link when we were celebrate and promote the food and under the title A Taste of Autumn. Tsible pieces has been assembled invited to be part of the new festi- culture of the area. Ideas for the event were sifted with ordinary choirs in mind, val – Fishguard’s Autumn Festival We decided the size and shape against our aims of supporting the including those with limitations on – instigated this year by Fishguard of the link when we chose the theme community event as a whole and the numbers of available voices. It saying something thought-provok- draws on music spanning thousands ing about life and Christianity. of years from the Psalms of David to It was also a good opportu- spirituals moulded out of the slave nity to encourage people into the trade era and contemporary songs. church building and to inform them Some psalm compositions are for of what else we did. congregation and choir, includ- During the event in our church, ing Psalm 23 and a lively setting wine and much bread were tasted, a of Psalm 150 by John Barnard, wheatsheaf loaf was made, vegeta- himself a highly-regarded hymn- bles were juiced and apples pressed. tune composer. The trail led people past information ‘Songs, Psalms & Spirituals’ is about the local farming community available from RSCM Music Direct. in the 18th and 19th centuries with Further details: 0845 021 7726 an opportunity for children to glean [email protected] www.rscm.com/shop against the clock (speedily collect- ing wheat grains) and into the choir stalls, where a video loop about were very happy to stop, chat, taste Bro Gwaun who did all the juicing the Last Supper ran and stories and enjoy. Children got engrossed and provided a sourdough stall. We were told about Jesus’ willing- in moulding ears of corn for the also linked up with shops which ness to eat with all sorts of people. loaf, while adults consulted each supplied wine, bread and books The final display highlighted the other about the effect of beetroot and baked our loaf; we also liaised uneven distribution of staple foods juice on their teeth. with the Farmers’ Market and the throughout the world and gave We were pleased that, as a Round Table. In essence this was some suggestions of what we might church, we had been able to support an opportunity to work alongside do. From midday until four o’clock the community. About 15 church many others for the good of the there was a steady trickle of people volunteers were involved and we area and to follow our calling to be (total c200) coming through who shared the work with Transition Kingdom people in Fishguard. Pobl Dewi, November 2011 3 Liturgy, sacraments, ethics, discernment Peter Sedgwick reports from the latest round of talks of the Anglican Roman Catholic Commission HE Anglican Roman Catho- Gooder the lay biblical scholar ing community Christ calls you to Tlic Commission (ARCIC) met from Birmingham well known be, and how listening to the other for the third time in May. ARCIC for her writings, the first woman might enable a deeper abundance began in 1967, and, since then, bishop on ARCIC (Linda Nicholls of life and a renewed sense of there have been many rounds from Toronto), many people from catholicity. of talks on structures of author- Rome, a Catholic Nigerian sister Challenging enough! But ity, justification, Christian life who is a professor of biblical stud- now move onto ethics. The group and ethics, and the place of Mary. ies and a lay woman ethicist from recognised areas of difficulty ARCIC had not met since 2006, the USA. which inhibit the mission of the when the document on Mary was The first task when we met Church, particularly relating to given to the two communions. was to think about the church as decision-making and discernment. Since then, the Anglican Commun- local (for Anglicans this will be On many major issues facing us ion has had a bumpy ride and it the diocese, and not simply the today, such as freedom (including took some time before the Vatican local congregation) and also as religious freedom), justice for poor local churches in communion; ARCIC III wants to test out its agreed to another round of talks. universal. There are liturgical and marginalised people, and some how, historically, discernment thinking along the way, so we will The issue for its members was and sacramental dimensions (e.g. issues of violence, Anglicans and of right ethical teaching has be going back to local churches and whether ARCIC III had anything baptism and eucharist), making the Catholics largely share a common been done; how moral decisions sharing what we have discussed. It new to say. church both local and universal, mind even if the way of thinking and the doctrine of the church is not an easy journey and every The Commission has about a which will be expressed differently may differ. The joint statement of (ecclesiology) indicate that such so often issues like the ordinari- dozen on either side. The co-chairs in different cultures. the British Anglican and Catho- discernment should take place; ate will pop up, too. None of us were the Anglican Archbishop We then discussed how the lic Bishops on end of life issues is how ethical decision-making is expects unity to happen very soon, of New Zealand, David Moxon, local church relates to the universal a case in point but there are other done at the local, regional and but all of us are deeply committed and the Catholic Archbishop of church. It was argued that recep- areas where it is not so easy. worldwide levels. The crucial to it. Hold us in your prayers. Birminghan, Bernard Longley. tive ecumenism is not about trying The need at this point is to thing here is how the Church reads In the meantime, I would be Other members included a South to convince the other that you are ask how Biblical discernment the modern world today. pleased to hear from anyone who African bishop, an evangelical right, but trying to see what gets in of right ethical teaching takes We meet again next May to would like to get in touch: theologian from Singapore, Paula the way of you being the flourish- place between universal and discuss what we have written. [email protected] Is ‘social media’ interaction really important?

Diocesan Communications Officer David Hammond-Williams explains why the Church and its people should get involved in social media

MAGINE a conversation in a Iroom; a conversation with every- Wouldn’t you just love to see And that’s the point. If we one you know – and many you some of them in your church? are serious about spreading our don’t – which never ends. What Well, now you know where to find message in today’s world, we need would you talk about? them. It’s an opportunity we cannot to be where the biggest audience is As Christians, we are charged afford to miss. to be found. with a responsibility to promulgate http://www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobl_dewi/ the gospel at every opportunity and to share the experiences and the joy that faith brings. continued from page 1 “This is a crucial moment in the Time was when such oppor- life of the Church in Wales,” Lord tunities were somewhat limited. someone said, “not just contracted Harries said, summing up, “and I The pulpit, for sure. Pamphlets? providers of a service on Sunday.” sense a great feeling of family and Perhaps a person-to-person encoun- There was concern, too, that commitment, a desire to use hope ter? Or a soapbox? Not any more. cutbacks in manpower fell dispro- and love to get through this diffi- Welcome to the world of social portionately on the parishes. “We are cult period.” media. over-bishoped and over-diocesed,” The panel’s final report will be You’ve probably heard the connecting. Instantly, and for free. Or maybe they’re searching – for said another speaker. Others, delivered in September 2012. best-known names, even if you’ve The statistics tell their own answers to life’s questions or just however, worried that reducing the If you were unable to attend the dismissed them as “not for me”: story. Facebook boasts 23 million somewhere to visit on that holiday diocesan structure would make the meeting, written submissions can be Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, for active users in Britain alone – (like an historic place – a church head even more remote from the sent, by 12 January 2012, to Lord example. But there are many more that’s a third of the population! perhaps). body than it is now. Harries of Pentregarth, The House and the number is growing daily, as Twitter has generated over six tril- As for buildings, there was of Lords, London SW1A 0PW. common consent that they can no The panel consisted of three is the number of people using them. lion ‘tweets’ to date worldwide. These sites are where the people For 20-40 year-olds, sites like “Social Media gives young and longer be devoted to worship for experienced Christian academ- we need to connect with are, well, these are reckoned to be the main vulnerable fathers the option the few, but must be opened up to ics: Lord Harries of Pentregarth, means of communication with the to engage via a medium they whatever the wider communities former Bishop of Oxford; Profes- wider world – keeping in touch are familiar and comfortable around them need them to do. If sor Charles Handy, a retired with far-flung friends, yes, but also with. They are in control of a village needs a Post Office, then businessman, lecturer and author “We decided to opt for a for a host of other activities, from when and where to respond why not find a place for it in the in organisational behaviour and Facebook page as our website is picking a holiday to finding a job. Plant Dewi Parenting church? And let the villagers help management; Professor Patricia quite a static piece of machinery make that happen. There were Peattie, OBE, former Convenor – it’s a bit like comparing a repeated calls, also, for an over- of the Standing Committee of the lorry and a quad bike” haul of the faculty process, which General Synod of the Scottish Epis- Revd Leigh Richardson, Carmarthen was seen as a millstone, crippling copal Church. http://www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi smaller parishes with inflated costs. 4 Pobl Dewi, November 2011 Appointments

Mrs Naomi Wood, Revd Aled Thomas, Vicar of Revd David R Evans, Revd Jonathan Copus, half appointed Children’s & Youth St Dogmael’s w Moylgrove & ordained deacon on 15th time post of interim minister Development Co-ordinator , Monington w Meline, to serve September, Curate in the Revd Dr Miles E Maylor in the Group of NS Assistant Curage in St as Vicar of St Dogmael’s & parishes of Dale & St Brides Parishes for six months from Barnabas Church Oxford, Monington & & Y w Marloes & St Mary’s 4 September 2011 to serve as Curate in the Beifil Hebrandston w & Rectorial Benefice of Carew St Andrew, Robeston West Readers , Revd Roger Thomas The following were licensed Incumbent of the Crymych as Readers on Saturday Group to serve as Incumbent 15th October in St Davids of Llansadwrn, w & Cathedral: Manordeilo Ms Jennifer Britton Ms Mary Bound Revd Gary C Powell, Vicar of Dafen, to serve also as Mr Graham Fisher Revd Paul Nash, Rector part time Chaplain to Prince Mr Alan Kent of w Llanmiloe & Philip Hospital and Area Dean Mr Jim Rollinson Eglwys Gymyn w Marros, of Cydweli Mr Ian Scale so serve as Rector of the Rectorial Benefice of Monkton

Revd Neil Llewellyn, Rector Revd Delyth Bowen, Revd Marianne Osborne, of Newport w Cilgwyn & Vicar of Betws St David w Curate in the Rectorial Nevern & Y Beifil & Dinas , to serve as Pobl Dewi 2012 Benefice of , to serve as w Llanllawer, to serve as Incumbent of the grouped Priest-in-Charge of Burton & Rector of Newport w Cilgwyn parishes of Cynwyl Gaeao Thanks to the number of articles we receive for each issue and Children’s & & Dinas w Llanllawer & w & & of Pobl Dewi, and the willingness of a huge number of you Youth Development Chaplain Moylgrove & Meline Abergorlech to contribute, we are going to publish 4 issues next year. In this way, some of the material which is sent in will be more current than if it was held back for a month or so, as it is now. It is also likely that each issue will be fewer pages, although this is not certain. At the end of 2012 we will New Organist and Master of the Choristers review how this has worked and any feedback from you, the readers, would be welcome. Daniel Cook takes up his appointment as Organist and Master of the Choristers at St Davids Cathedral this month In the meantime, please note Pobl Dewi dates for 2012: Copy deadline Out in parishes ANIEL was born in Newcas- engagements in most of the cathe- 17th February 18th March (Mothering Sunday) Dtle upon Tyne in 1979 and drals in Britain, several Oxbridge 18th May 17th June received his early musical educa- College Chapels and in West- 24th August 23rd September tion at Durham Cathedral with minster Abbey’s Summer Organ 9th November 9th December Keith Wright. Following a year as Festival. He is also well known as Organ Scholar at Worcester Cathe- an accompanist and has worked Articles of interest can be sent in at any time – you don’t dral, he moved to London to take with many of the distinguished have to wait to be invited and you don’t have to wait until up a place at the Royal Academy of vocal ensembles and choral groups a copy deadline. Music where he studied with Nico- in the UK. He has made several We would particularly welcome more articles in Welsh. las Kynaston, James O’Donnell, solo CD recordings for Priory General guidelines are that each article should be an and Patrick Russill and performed Records, both at Salisbury and on absolute maximum of 400 words, accompanied by good in master classes with many of other important British organs. quality photos and sent to the world’s leading organists. At Recent projects have included a the Academy he worked as Organ performance of the complete organ the Managing Editor, Tessa Briggs Scholar at Southwark Cathedral works of Olivier Messiaen in six [email protected]) and Westminster Abbey before recitals to celebrate the cente- as soon as they are ready. graduating with first-class honours nary of the composer’s birth, and in July 2003. While still a student, a CD recording of contemporary he was appointed Assistant Organ- organ music for the John Armit- Disclaimer ist at Westminster Abbey where he organist and founded the Cathedral age Memorial Trust and ‘Choir & Pobl Dewi and the take no participated in many national and Chamber Choir. Organ’ magazine. responsibility, liability or share the views or opinions of any international services. He moved He has twice been a finalist in Daniel is married to Miriam, a articles contained herein. All information is the responsibility to Salisbury Cathedral as Assistant the St Albans International Organ geography teacher, and they have of the person or organisation submitting the article. Pobl Director of Music in September Competition and he has performed two sons, William aged 2, and Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions. 2005, where he worked with the throughout the UK, Europe and Edward, 1. cathedral choirs, was principal the USA. Recent years have seen Pobl Dewi, November 2011 5 The truth is ‘out there’ David Hammond-Williams meets the Church in Wales’ new Social Responsibility Officer HE Reverend Carol Wardman’s the world. My task is to interpret it felt my ministry should be in a Toffice at the Representative and then apply it to the work of the secular context, rather than in a Body in Cardiff’s Cathedral Road Church.” parish. I wanted to be where most looks out (just) over the autumnal Carol’s spiritual and profes- Christians live out most of their splendour of Sophia Gardens. As sional journeys have taken her lives, in the wider community.” first impressions of Wales go, it’s down several separate, but largely And so it turned out. She was not a bad one. parallel, roads. Born in Yorkshire, ordained in 1994 into the non- “I am looking forward so much she was raised, mostly, in Essex. stipendiary ministry, but the ‘day to discovering what makes Wales But it was to the north that she job’ continued, with the paths only special,” she enthuses. “It’s not a returned when her career – and her converging three years ago, when place I know well, and I can’t wait calling – beckoned. she was appointed Adviser to the to get to know it.” The 1980’s saw her start to Bishop of Wakefield on Older Her new role as the Church’s hone her skills and expertise in her People. Social Responsibility Officer will chosen field of community devel- Carol’s arrival in Cardiff share on both these counts and any available to it. Very often the offer plenty of opportunities to do opment. And in the years that coincides with what she sees as others that present themselves. Church is the only organisation that as she seeks to promulgate the followed, she built up a wealth of exciting, but challenging, times. “The church can be an honest offering pastoral care and support Anglican dimension across a broad experience across the board: urban The new powers given to the broker here,” she says. “We are in the local community. range of socio-political issues. and rural, social and economic, Welsh Assembly have put a differ- in a position where we can be in “And in times of trouble, people So what exactly is Social culminating in the CEO’s chair at ent complexion on government in contact with parts [of society] that instinctively turn to the Church for Responsibility in her view? “It’s Age UK (formerly Age Concern) Wales; and the state of the econ- other organisations cannot reach. help, guidance or simply comfort. everything that’s ‘out there’,” she in Leeds. omy is affecting people throughout “There are 600 clergy in the The Gleision mining disaster was responds, waving her arms towards But God had plans for her too. the nation. It will be for her to give Church in Wales – that’s a very a classic example. That’s a big that window. “I see my role as an “I recognised that He was calling voice to the moral and spiritual strong card to play – no other responsibility.” interface between the Church and me,” she explains. “But I always concerns that Anglicans in Wales charity has that kind of resource ‘In every task that must be done, there is an element of fun – find the fun and . . . snap!’ Naomi Wood, the new Children’s & Youth Development Co-ordinator, and Marianne Osborne, the new Children’s & Youth Development Chaplain, look forward to the challenges ahead

Naomi: Marianne: sity and vibrancy is what makes it Good old Mary Poppins! I’m not Unlike my colleague, Naomi, I so wonderful! so convinced about a spoonful of didn’t grow up being part of a As the new Children’s and sugar each for the children and church community and so when I Youth Development Team we will youth of the Diocese – they have did become receptive to God in my begin our work by conducting a enough energy as it is! But, it is so life I realised that He had been that survey of children’s and youth easy to find ourselves bogged down part of me I didn’t know existed, work currently happening in the in the running of children’s and especially through my teenage Diocese. We will visit each parish youth work with constant battles years as I searched for my own and meet you to find out what your and struggles that it’s no longer purpose in life. vision for your area is. We will be fun and then we run the danger When I had my own children I creating mailing lists and send- of giving up. The Revd Marianne decided that they would know the ing out information of events and Osborne and I have been appointed love and grace of God in their lives courses. We hope to hold some by the Bishop to be your ‘spoonful as they found their own way in the social evenings and networking opportunities. Children’s and youth of sugar’! Naomi Wood world today and I’m pleased to say Marianne Osborne I began working with children that they do, they may not always workers and volunteers often feel and youth when I lived in Aber- to work for them as Children’s like where He’s guiding them (!!) I would just like to say that I very isolated so we want to bring ystwyth. I volunteered with the Officer. but they are aware of Him being a am really excited at the prospect of people together to support, encour- Sunday school and after school There were no children, young part of them. getting to know my fellow clerics age and pray together. clubs, youth groups and holi- people or families in the church When I was called to ordained and their congregations better over You can find us on Facebook day clubs. Having spent most of and my job was to bring them in! ministry I was working as a nurse. the next few months and I truly (DYC What’s Occurring Then) and my school days wanting to be On my very first Sunday a family Children and youth ministry in my hope that we can work together to Twitter (@DewiYouth) where there a primary school teacher, after walked in. Their mum said that home church was taking over my develop new initiatives for the chil- will be information about events, completing my A-levels I moved one of the girls had been pester- life outside working hours and I dren and youth of our diocese. links to useful websites, responses to Carmarthen to do my teaching ing for ages to go to church but knew that God’s call was for me The Team: to current affairs and all kinds of degree (which I completed through mum didn’t want to as there was to try and make a difference in the Whew! There is much to be done other information. They are sites the medium of Welsh). While stud- no Sunday school for them. I set up lives of our young ones. I felt he and we’re not here to do the work designed for the youth, volunteers ying I helped to run Saturday clubs and ran a Sunday school, parent & wanted me, and still wants me, to instead of you! As a team we’d and staff of the Diocese. There will and youth clubs in the church I toddler group, after school clubs, show them the door to someone like to say that we’re here to facili- be other sites that are accessible to attended and began to realise that holiday clubs and I took assemblies who would always be there for tate and support the work you are the children of the Diocese that are perhaps this is what God was call- in local schools. them and love them uncondition- currently doing and anything you age-appropriate. ing me to do. It was not an easy task and ally regardless of who they are or would like to set up in the future. You can contact us at: Once I had finished my degree there were lots of disappointments, where they came from. Our aim is to develop the ministry Naomi Wood I moved to Cardiff with my but the PCC and congregation of Since my ordination I have of the Diocese with the children, [email protected] husband, Richard, in order for him the church were fully supportive been working as Assistant Curate in youth and their families by work- Diocesan Office – 01267 236145 to study at St Michael’s Theologi- and prepared to get stuck in and Tenby where I have been involved ing alongside you. Without your cal College in preparation for being help out. There are many churches in a very successful Sunday club, hard work and courage to take Marianne Osborne ordained into the Church in Wales. like this which is really exciting: youth club and school programme. I risks it cannot be done, simply [email protected] I had searched for teaching jobs churches that are enthusiastic about have been a member of the Diocesan because children’s and youth work Mobile – 07791537134 and none were available, then I was bringing children and young people Youth Team twice – currently and looks so different in each and every approached by a church and asked into a relationship with Jesus. during my time before ordination. church and community. Its diver- 6 Pobl Dewi, November 2011 St Davids Cathedral Roadshow Dorrien Davies reports on the series of Roadshows held earlier this year and encourages parishes to make use of what the cathedral has to offer Diocesan Conference review ROM 14th to 16th June the David Hammond-Williams sums up this year’s FCathedral Roadshow visited Diocesan conference the three Archdeaconries at the following venues: Holy Trinity Church Hall, Aberaeron; St Mary’s Church, and Trinity St David Carmarthen campus. This venture was to publicise the role of the cathedral within our diocesan family. It was a chance for parishes the length and breadth of St Davids to be able to appreciate and touch base with the mother church. It was considered that the relevance of the cathedral to the daily spiritual life of the varying parishes in our diocese was something that needed ELLING, Teaching, Tending, Council for Mission and Ministry to be recognised, valued and Treasuring and Transforming – are already combining to discuss shared. Similarly it was an oppor- T the five T’s loomed large over this diocesan strategy. tunity for the cathedral to value the year’s Diocesan Conference. And last, but by no means help and support it receives from They sum up the Five Marks of least, the appointment – announced clergy, parishes and friends. Mission, the guiding force behind at conference – of Naomi Wood One comment made recently the root-and-branch investigation as Diocesan Children’s and Youth was “I didn’t realise that the cathe- of where we are as a Church and, Development Co-ordinator and dral had so much to offer.” The more importantly, where we want Revd Marianne Osbourne as Roadshow’s aim was to show how to be, come our centenary in 2020. Children’s and Youth Develop- the cathedral’s daily life of prayer, A year ago, we embarked on ment Chaplain signals the start of Christian welcome and Eucharis- our own mission: to define what a positive initiative to address the tic worship could become an aid the Church is for, where it needs to widespread concerns about our to encourage church growth, and go to survive and grow and what is work with young people. support different projects and ideas helping and hindering that evolu- If they can make it work in in the diocese. The wealth of our tion. These questions formed the places like Pakistan, the Philip- music foundation, so eloquently basis for the deanery meetings held pines and Palestine, then it ought presented by Alexander Mason in Lent. And now we have some to be achievable in our corner of and Simon Pearce, emphasised the answers, which were outlined by the vineyard. That, at least, was importance of music in its proper The Very Reverend Jonathan shared with all parishes that look Bishop Wyn in his presidential the view of Bishop Michael Doe, context within church worship. Lean, Dean of St Davids, hopes towards the cathedral as the centre address. former secretary-general of the The role of the Friends of the that as a result of the Roadshow and focus of this diocese. So what needs to be done? United Society for the Propagation Cathedral, presented by Geoffrey many priests and parishes will feel For further information about Well, it starts with discipleship and, of the Gospel (USPG: Anglicans Tate, gave an insight into to how more enabled to use and visit the what the cathedral has to offer you leading from that, ministry. Some in World Mission). His whistle- the cathedral is supported so gener- cathedral for parish events (e.g. and your parish please contact the 80 people are already involved in stop world tour of the Anglican ously by its many friends. All of pilgrimages, quiet days, retreats Deanery Office on 01437 720202; the Exploring Faith course, engag- Communion showed delegates these aspects, we hope, might be and guided tours). He feels that the or [email protected] ing with theology for the first time, how the Five Marks are being able to help and encourage mission ministry here at St Davids is not an under the guidance of Course translated into action in places and growth throughout the diocese. exclusive one but one that can be Director Revd Dr Rhiannon John- where the Church is often under son. And eight of those are training great pressure from hostile condi- for authorised ministry. But the tions or regimes. problem of finding people who Closer to home, our current can minister to Welsh-speaking crop of ordinands showed us what congregations must be addressed. NOT to do in dramatic style – Five Next, we need to examine our Missions wide of the Mark! Fore- structures: consultations on this warned is forearmed. “Get on with are imminent at all levels of the it, run with it, it’s over to you,” diocese with an emphasis on devel- Bishop Wyn urged in his clos- oping means of collegiate and ing remarks. “So that when – and collaborative ministry, like those it will be when rather than if – being piloted in Llanbadarn Fawr, when change comes and we move Llangadog and . Mean- forward, it will not be a surprise.” T started with just three while, the various teams in the Igroups and a hand- from a master. It is educa- where the beliefs of others ful of people, but this tion for discipleship, helping may be coming from; and September there were to deepen our faith and a confirmation of the need nine groups throughout further our Christian jour- for God’s word in all that we the diocese studying the ney by learning alongside are and in all that we do.” Exploring Faith course. other disciples, building The strange thing, This year the students up the body of Christ. however, is that most will be studying Begin- When asked what the of the groups are in the ning the New Testament, course meant to him, one south of the diocese. Communicating the Bible of the students wrote: “The If anyone is think- and Call and Vocation. course brings me the chal- ing of beginning a group, The New Testament expert lenge of new ideas; the joy particularly in Ceredi- David Wenham will lead our of fellowship and debate; a gion, please contact the first Saturday School of the firmer grasp and articula- Diocesan Course Direc- year on 26th November. tion of my own ideas about tor Rhiannon Johnson But the course isn’t just God and their limitations; on 01437 781279 or about learning facts, even a better understanding of [email protected] Pobl Dewi, November 2011 7 Taking Forward our Church Heritage A three-year project was launched in 2010 to offer help and advice to those caring for historic places of worship. Tina Andrew, Church Heritage and Conservation Officer for the Church in Wales, describes the project and invites parishes to get in touch

T the very end of last year a trialled in the Diocese of St Davids, ship Conference held at Llandaff Anew project was launched with training taking place at Cathedral and St Michaels Theo- across the whole of Wales to venues in each archdeaconry. It logical College in May of this provide practical help and advice was because of the success of year, was also part of the Taking to volunteers caring for historic these events that the training was Forward our Church Heritage places of worship. The project, subsequently made available to project. The theme of the confer- Taking Forward our Church the remaining Church in Wales’ ence was the care, conservation Heritage, is jointly funded by the dioceses. and maintenance of places of Heritage Lottery Fund, the Church To date, training has taken worship and the way forward for in Wales and Cadw, and will run place across the whole of Wales, Welsh places of worship. Lectures for three years. It is also interde- from Menai Bridge in the North and practical advice was given by nominational, so all faith groups West to Magor in the South East, four conservation professionals on represented in Wales will be able to reaching nearly 500 people. A stone conservation, stained glass benefit from it. whole series of further training conservation, historic brick conser- Feedback from initial research events are planned with topics vation and building contracts, enabled the identification of such as quinquennial inspections with approximately 90 delegates take place in Wrexham in May and ence or would like some advice or several key areas where training & reports, heritage & religious attending. will feature both expert speakers training, please get in touch with would benefit volunteers and two tourism, churchyard care & main- Next year’s conference is already and case studies from PCCs already me, Tina Andrew at programmes are now underway, tenance and the community use of being planned and will explore the using these new technologies. [email protected] namely Church Care & Main- places of worship, to name but a use of sustainable technologies and Finally, if anyone from the or telephone 02920 348226. I look tenance and Grants & Funding. few! environmentally friendly practices Diocese would like to contribute a forward to hearing from you! Both programmes were originally The recent Welsh Places of Wor- in historic places of worship. It will case study for next year’s confer- Lights, Camera, ACTION! What to do when a TV crew comes to call . . . HURCHES and churchyards Is any furniture to be moved? Chave long been high on the This may have faculty implica- list of popular locations for film- tions. The Diocesan Registrar can makers. Indeed whole TV series advise. have been built around them, fact You also need to know whether and fiction. any facilities will be required, like Their history, heritage and electricity, water and so on. If there Stradey Castle, architecture make them extremely are large props, or tracking laid for photogenic. And the acoustics? cameras, a schedule of condition Well, where better? will be required, paid for by the But what’s in it for your company. church? It’s a question you need You should request at least two Stradey has been in the news recently because it is the location to ask when the producer comes weeks notice of any filming, to for some of the scenes of the forthcoming ‘Dr Who’ Christmas knocking. And the answer will there is one – will depend on the ensure there is sufficient time for Day special programme. Patrick Mansel-Lewis is impressed, and dictate much of what follows. A the necessary consultations to be size of the production, and on the now plans to use the experience to good effect quick interview for the local news extent to which the church benefits, made and for the Representative programme, or an item about your in terms of publicity for example. Body’s authority to be obtained. HE BBC made contact with treated my family and those who latest fund-raising venture, is one The company should provide Ultimately, though, it’s largely Tme in the summer because they work at Stradey. Moreover they thing. Scenes for a network TV indemnity insurance, including up to individual churches to decide were looking for a country house were extremely skilled and abso- series, or a Hollywood blockbuster, cover for consequential loss and if they want to be involved. Your to feature in ‘Dr Who’. Geograph- lutely loved their time working are altogether different. For these, any items within the church for diocesan Communications Team ical considerations meant that with us. help is at hand. which special precautions need to is here to help if you need it. So they were looking for somewhere Large houses, like cathe- First, you need to know what be taken. Tell your insurers that the call them and they will be happy to within an hour’s drive of their drals, need to be filled up from the programme is about and how church is to be used for filming. advise. Cardiff studios. Stradey is regis- time to time to create the kind of the church will be portrayed. Find tered with a couple of websites atmosphere for which they were out what they are planning to shoot which advertise potential film loca- constructed. However nice it was to and, if it’s drama, request a tran- tions to the cinema and television have the BBC team at Stradey, they script for the scene(s) and notify industry. Location managers like had to distribute themselves around the secretary to the Churches and to make relationships with prop- the house. In so doing they trans- Pastoral Committee. erty owners with whom they find it formed rooms, doors, corridors For larger productions, any possible to do business. Claire, the into something totally different. In company wishing to film in a family and I soon found ourselves the process our furniture, paintings, church or churchyard should the centre of interest of the location china and knick-knacks discretely contact the Representative Body so manager, the whole art department disappeared for the duration until that a location agreement, includ- of BBC Wales and the director of they were, at the end, equally ing any fee, can be agreed. ‘Dr Who’. It is important for the discretely replaced. Then, all of Fees for filming in churches or householder to receive a televi- a sudden, everyone disappeared churchyards fall within the Church sion crew in the spirit in which (rather as ‘Dr Who’ does), and we Sales Regulations and, where the they arrive. They could not have were left alone again. fee is below £7,500, are payable to been more courteous, considerate the PCC. The size of the fee – if and co-operative in the way they continued on page 13 8 Pobl Dewi, November 2011 Merch y ’Ffeirad In the first of a three-part series, Eluned Rees looks back on her childhood as a vicar’s daughter, Generosity and reflects on the way her upbringing in a vicarage has shaped her life

YDD llawer o ddarllenwyr B‘Pobl Dewi’ (gan gynnwys and ein Hesgob) yn gwybod cymaint yw’r anrhydedd a’r cyfrifoldeb o gael eich magu yn y Ficerdy. Wrth edrych yn ôl ar fy mhlen- community spirit tyndod, ac yn enwedig wedi colli fy rhieni annwyl, y mae llawer o atgofion melys, rhyfedd a diddorol yn dod i’r cof. Y mae’n syndod sut mae’r Eglwys,yn ogystal â chrefydd a ffydd, yn gallu dylanwadu’n drwm ar fywyd pobl. Mae’n siŵr i hyn ddigwydd yn ein teulu ni, yn ddiarwybod bron, gan i’m chwaer a finnau fod yn warde- niaid yn ein heglwysi, ac mae’r ddwy ohonom wedi bod yn Dorothy Cox celebrates the completion of the £137,000 eglwyswyr selog trwy’n hoes. restoration of St Tudwal’s Church, , Des i o hyd i hen ddyddia- dur yn ddiweddar, am y flwyddyn 1969, ac roeddwn wedi ysgrifennu ynddo bob nos. Roeddwn yn VERY special service of mounted in the south transept, nosbarth chwech yr ysgol rama- Thanksgiving took place at St where copious amounts of tea and Yr awdur gyda ‘i chawaer a’u tad, 1956 A deg ar y pryd, ac mae llawer o’r Tudwal’s on 7th August, marking cake were served after the service. cynnwys am yr ysgol, am gariadon gwrddai yn y Ficerdy, i fyny i’r Os gofynnwch i unrhyw blen- the successful completion of the The completion of the project was (pwy yn y byd oedd Harry, cariad llofft lle ganwyd fy chwaer fach tyn y Ficerdy am dymheredd restoration project. only possible through the generos- imi? Dwyf fi ddim hyd yn oed yn ddiwrnod ynghynt. Ac ar unwaith ei gartref yr un yw’r ateb – oer The project was launched back ity of so many organisations and ei gofio!) ond hefyd am wasana- fe sylweddolir bod Ficerdy yn a llaith! Cwrddais â chariad in 2008 when we learned that vital individuals from far and wide, ethau bob dydd Sul. Cofnodais perthyn i’r plwyf, yn ogystal â bod ffrind oedd wedi ei magu mewn work needed to be done to the tower including £52,000 from the Herit- yn selog sawl un oedd yn y tri yn gartref i’r offeiriad a’i deulu. ficerdai yn Lloegr yn ddiwed- roof and the roof of the main body age Lottery Fund, and the strong chwrdd (bore, Ysgol Sul a chwrdd Pa mor dlawd bynnag oedd y dar ac roedd hi a minnau’n of the church to make it weather- community spirit which has proved nos) ac roeddwn yn siomedig teulu, ac nid oedd cyflog offeiriad chwerthin wrth rannu storïau proof. If the work was not done the to be alive and well in the parish. iawn os mai ‘dim ond 45’ oedd bryd hynny yn fwy nag yw heddiw am rew tu fewn i ffenestri, am church would quickly fall into disre- Among the congregation, which yno. Mewn eglwys fach bentref yn hael, roedd yn rhaid cael un bapur wal yn cyrlio ar y welydd pair and disuse. A stalwart band of was just short of 100, were Russell fe fyddwn wrth fy modd heddiw. ystafell, y stydi gan amlaf, lle llaith ac am gysgu mewn sach workers set to, with enthusiasm, Bailey from Caroe & Partners, the Fy nghof cyntaf erioed yw gellid mynd ag ymwelwyr a phlw- gysgu gyda photel dŵr twym tu to raise the funds and, by August architects, and Dick, Jack (Jnr) and bod yn 2 flwydd oed ac arwain ‘ yfolion. Yma roedd tân trydan, fewn i ddillad gwely arferol. 2010, all the money needed was Jonathon Tree of Tree & Sons, the y dosbarth Ysgol Sul’ sef rhyw yr unig wres heblaw am dân glo I’w barhau . . . in place. Red tape and paperwork contractors. Also present was Ted ddwsin o blant y pentref, ac a yr ystafell fyw, yn y Ficerdy. prevented the start of the work until Sangster from the Heritage Lottery November but with the help of the Fund who, after the service, was architects, Caroe & Partners from taken up to the new tower roof and Cardiff, and the contractors, Jack shown how some of the Lottery Tree and Sons of , grant had been spent. Eglwys y drindod sanctaidd the work was finished on time and The collection taken resulted As Holy Trinity Church, Mydroilyn, celebrates its 20th Birthday, Eileen Davies celebrates all that has within budget, with a minimum of in a contribution of just over been, all that is, and looks forward to the future fuss and upheaval. £300 for the East African famine A lot of work went into spruc- relief appeal. In his sermon Canon ID yn aml mae eglwys yn Aberystwyth yn adeiladwyr, a Mr ing up the churchyard for the Dennis Wight reassured us that we dathlu ei phen-blwydd yn Dai Edwards o Ddihewyd gyda N celebration; the church, deco- don’t have to walk on water, but ugain oed, ond dyna yw’r dathliad chymorth pentrefwyr yn gwneud rated with wonderful flowers, was we do have to move forward, in yn Eglwys y Drindod Sanctaidd y gwaith saer a chelfi.wneud y very welcoming. An exhibition of the boat/the church with Christ. By Mydroilyn ar yr 20fed o Dachwedd gwaith saer a chelfi. ‘before and after’ photographs, and the end of the afternoon the ‘boat’ 2011. Eglwys sinc a fu yn gartref The church was built on the a fascinating time-line showing the may have been a little lower in the ysbrydol i aelodau Mydroilyn am foundations of the old church and history of the church in relation to water, given the amount of tea and gan mlynedd, lle y clywyd y Gair a wood from the original church was events in the wider world, were cake we all enjoyed! rhannu’r Sacrament. Ond yna ar ôl country, and people wearing “I am crafted into the large crucifix which archwiliad yn 1988, gwelwyd fod a brick for God” proudly supported is hung from the ceiling – remnants ddiffygion enbyd yn yr adeilad- the venture. Even I bought many a from the past to build upon for the waith, drwy fod y sinc yn gollwng badge, never envisaging I would be future. The whole parish made a dŵr, y coed yn pydru, ac yn ôl Priest in Charge of the church on clear statement 20 years ago that adroddiad cynharach roedd pryfed its 20th birthday! no challenge was too great for y coed i weld yn tyllu yn y tresi. Bu yna wahanol weithgared- them, and throughout the project. There were mixed emotions dau ar hyd blwyddyn gyfan yn codi The words of Psalm 127, verse 1, as the unique corrugated iron con- arian yn frwdfrydig, gan gynnwys kept us focussed: “Unless the Lord struction was dismantled, and the pererindod o Fydroilyn i Dyddewi, build the house, those who labour, challenge of raising over £40,000 ac ar ôl tair blynedd gwelwyd labour in vain”. May we face the plus grant support was faced by ffrwyth llafur cariad pan y cwbl- challenges of today with the same a handful of enthusiastic parish- hawyd y gwaith o adeiladu eglwys vigour and enthusiasm of twenty ioners for a new church. “The Tin newydd, bricsen ar fricsen. Roedd years ago. And may we never lose Shed Church launches a Buy a y gymuned gyfan wedi gweithio sight of the fact that most impor- Brick campaign” hit the newspa- er mwyn sicrhau cartref ysbrydol tant of all is the Lord of the Church per headlines, and the logo of “Buy newydd, gyda chwmnïau lleol and the mission of the Church to a Brick for God” were the words wedi eu cyflogi i wneud y gwaith: the World. L to r: Russell Bailey and Jane Chamberlain from the architects heard, as badges costing £1 each Mr Andrew Davies o Lanbedr Pont Caroe & Partners, Church Warden Anthea Evans, Dick Tree from were sold to different parts of the Steffan yn archwiliwr, ABC Homes the contractors Jack Tree & Sons Pobl Dewi, November 2011 9 Missing Postcard from generations Baghdad Paul Mackness sums up a meeting attended by members of the John Holdsworth, Executive Archdeacon in the Diocese of Cyprus and the Gulf, writes movingly of Governing Body who are under 40 years of age, when priorities life in and around St George’s, Baghdad, and the ordination of the first Iraqi Anglican priest in Iraq for the Church in Wales in the coming years were considered

N anticipation of the centenary, in Rebecca Stevens, an under REETINGS from Baghdad. I2020, of the disestablishment of 30’s rep and ordinand: “We should GI am here for the ordination the Church In Wales, and following utilise focus groups to find out what of the first Iraqi Anglican priest in various discussions and meetings those who don’t come to church Iraq. I have been met at the airport held over the last two sessions of think and want . . . We are blessed by two pick-up loads of armed the Governing Body, five priorities that the bishops take a stance guards who will be our security have been established: on what is right, regardless of for the twenty minute drive to the 1. We must demonstrate our rele- public opinion . . . The Church has church compound. Having seen vance to the Welsh nation; become too comfortable and not our driver, I would rather have 2. Provide effective local leader- prepared to take risks. We need to him as a friend than an enemy. We ship for all our congregations reclaim the heart of the community, drive at break-neck speed weaving using ordained and lay people both people and places. It is great back and fore to frustrate potential as appropriate; to have the Review, but for change bombers or snipers, our escort vehi- 3. An organisational review to to take place, it needs not only to cles with sirens sounding and blue ensure proper management of be top down, but enacted from the lights flashing, our guards waving this local leadership; bottom up as well. All of us have their guns at anyone who fails to 4. A concerted effort to lessen the the ability to make a difference if give way or who comes too close emphasis on church buildings; we step out and take a risk. We to us. Through alleys of bombed Faiz being greeted by members of the congregation 5. Closer co-operation between need to start doing it, not just talk- out buildings, past endless concrete those understanding finan- ing about it or complaining about blocks and barbed wire we arrive This is St George’s. It is guest flat on site, too. Tonight there cial matters and those setting things, but to roll up our sleeves at the church compound which has home to a congregation of several is a youth meeting, but a curfew new strategies and seeing new and, with prayer, step out in faith been miraculously spared direct hundred every Sunday. On the means there will be fewer people visions. and act.” hits, unlike all the buildings that same site we are shown the clinic. than usual. Around 40 youngsters As a result of these the Standing Revd Dr Trystan Hughes, from surround it. A concrete mixer filled The church employs four doctors turn up and sing choruses and say Committee asked if those members Llandaff Diocese, “There are only with explosives did get rid of all and three dentists and treats around prayers before settling down to the of the GB under 40 years of age 14 members of the GB under 40 the glass recently. The congrega- 200 people each day. There is also main business of the meeting – a would meet to discuss them, bearing years of age – why so few? The tion has done their best to repair a pharmacy. There will shortly be bishop and archdeacon question in mind that these were the people principal reason is the low number the damage with coloured plastic. a church primary school with a and answer session. The first ques- who would be most affected by any of young people in our churches. tion is about how much the outside priorities or changes. As one of the Reaching out to young people has world knows what is happening at 14 members (of 143) who are under to be an absolute priority for the the church in Baghdad (very little). 40, I attended the meeting with 11 Church in Wales. We don’t just have The second is a haunting question others plus one member of the RB a missing generation, but 2, 3 and about what hope there is here. I sit staff who was under 40. It was 4 generations. We are losing young there wondering by what right I very interesting in that even though people at secondary school level. can speak to the young people of many of us came from different We need to give time and resources Baghdad about hope. backgrounds and theological stand- to reach out to young people in our Tomorrow is the eve of 9/11. I points, we were all united in the communities. St Michael’s College find myself presiding and preach- view that things need to change. should prioritise practical youth ing at a Eucharist in the American There was a degree of scepticism work in their ordination training. embassy, the largest in the world. regarding the review. Many reviews We must do something urgently I speak about forgiveness, atone- had been held before and yet very before we have a fifth missing ment and redemption in a service little came from them. There was generation.” which has a moving memorial to a feeling that any change needs to Will any notice be taken of the fallen. Many people present come from the grass roots rather the under 40’s views? Well let’s know someone who died. than top down. There was also a see what the review turns up and Sunday sees the ordination desire for action rather than talking. recommends. I am not holding my itself. This is a great day and cele- A few of our members spoke in the breath. brated as such. At the moment of debate the following day. priesting the new priest is show- The bishop and Faiz ered with toffees, amidst an absolute cacophony from the five or six hundred people. As the procession leaves the church we A spiritual journey to Greece and Cyprus are confronted by a live lamb. Its throat is slit in our presence, and then it is butchered and the meat with the Venerable Dr John Holdsworth & Dr Nigel Ford given to the poor. Every Sunday over 500 sets of food rations for the 5th - 17th October 2012 week are given to the needy after the service. It’s all administered T the beginning of the third New Testament, such as Thessa- Athenians to the “unknown God”. St Barnabas Monastery. by the Mothers’ Union. Most are Amillennium it is good to look lonica, Philippi and Corinth, will Visits during our three night stay The cost of this tour is in the given to people who are not Chris- back to the first century missionary be visited. in Athens include the Areopa- order of £2,390 tians, as a mark of generosity. journeys of St Paul and the expan- Our pilgrimage is a journey gus, where Paul preached, and the More details are available from I have ordered a red stole from sion of the early Christian Church covering the length of Greece and incomparable Parthenon adorning the shop whose profits help fund and particularly its transition west- Cyprus. We begin in Thessalonica, the Acropolis. Dr Nigel Ford these activities. When I wear it wards from Asia to Europe. St Paul then travel through rural Greece From Greece, we travel to 4 Pond Meadow to remember saints and martyrs, was the first to bring Christian- and on to the fantastic Meteora Cyprus for a four night stay at Larn- Steynton or the work of the Holy Spirit, I ity to Europe and this pilgrimage monasteries and the ancient oracle aca. Visiting Pafos and St Paul’s Milford Haven SA73 1HB shall think of the Christians of St will bring to life the early churches at Delphi. Our destination, like Pillar where Paul was lashed, as Tel: (01646) 693452 George’s. Paul founded and corresponded Paul, is Athens. Here he preached well as other sites. Other visits will [email protected] with. Places so familiar from the his famous sermon introducing the include Famagusta, Salamis and 10 Pobl Dewi, November 2011 Voices from the grave Efforts are under way to record different types of gravestones in S W Ceredigion and to develop a Pwntan sandstone trail. Tremain Church is constructed of this stone, locally quarried at Tan y Groes, which also features in numerous other local buildings. Brenda Howell reports

ANY people enjoy wander- Take a closer look at the Encouraged by A. O. Chater, Ming through graveyards for a gravestones in your churchyard author of Early Cardiganshire variety of reasons – to visit graves – especially those which may be Gravestones, we are endeavouring of loved ones, for quiet reflection, leaning against a wall. The base, to record: A. examples of “angels” for peaceful prayer, to admire the which is usually buried, often on headstones; B. gravestones architecture, wild flowers, lichens shows the makers signature – occa- signed by Enoch John; C. Pwntan . . . Tremain Churchyard provides sionally this can be read on upright sandstone gravestones, referred to for all of these, but also raises headstones too. by Arthur as typically small and questions from visitors, such as: In Tremain we found the grave- round-topped, inscribed in Welsh, 1. Are they “angels” faces on some stone of Enoch John, stonecutter of many featuring “YMA” centre top. of the gravestones? Cardigan (left in photo), and next They are to be found in vari- 2. Why do the smaller sandstone to it a headstone signed by him ous churchyards between Cardigan details or indeed wishing to help or telephone 01239 810657. gravestones say “YMA” and the as sculptor and mason. The two and Llannon and inland, with a few with the establishment of a trail, A mini movie can be viewed on larger more elaborate slate head- headstones on the right each have examples in . please contact Youtube by searching stones say “IHS”? “angel” faces. Anyone interested in further [email protected] bmfdhowell-Tremain Church History.

Alice Pyper, Archaeo- logical Trust, Bruce Langridge, Caring for God’s Acre National Botanic Garden of Wales and Simon Willcock who spoke Why should we value our churchyards? This was a question about ecclesiastical security in posed in the second of a series of days arranged by the Diocesan graveyards. Tourism Group. Elizabeth Thomas reports Revd Sarah Geach, Chair of the Diocesan Tourism Group, said HE day, chaired by the Revd reasons why a visitor might visit it is important to acknowledge TSarah Geach, began and a graveyard; how to help them to the excellent work that is already ended with very thought provok- feel welcome and the ways they going on in the diocese, for exam- ing presentations from Sue Cooper could get information. Sue empha- ple the work being undertaken at 2.00 — 5.00pm of Caring for God’s Acre, a small sised the need to think carefully Llandre where a heritage trail has charity set up in 2000 for the about how to make interpretative been developed, the prayer laby- conservation of churchyards and information available and advised rinth at Llanfihangel-Rhos-y-corn, burial grounds. that when preparing material it work at Tremain and the graveyard Saturday 17 March 2012 Sue pointed out that we value was essential to ask yourself “what survey at Llandeilo. churchyards as places for burial do I want the visitor to go away Reflecting on the day, Sarah and quiet reflection and they have a remembering?” This means high- added “We are pleased this has St Cledwyn's Church, Llanglydwen historical significance, often being lighting interesting, and possibly been so successful, it was both informative and inspiring and gave the oldest enclosure in a parish. unique, features of each particular Churchyards are important for the churchyard in a way that provides plenty of food for thought.” study of archaeology and history in learning for all age groups. For further information on the a broader sense, a haven for wild- The day was marked by a work of Caring for God’s Acre Author, broadcaster and hymnologist Hugh Ashley will be the tutor for life, both plants and animals and range of speakers including Isabel contact Sue Cooper, this hymn-writing workshop which will focus on practical exercises in [email protected] or visit they provide a resource for the Macho, Carmarthenshire Biodi- writing hymns, both words and music, and will end with a short act of local community in terms of learn- versity Officer, who spoke about www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk. ing, celebration and for welcoming drawing up a management plan for For information on the work worship using the material generated during the afternoon. visitors to our churches. church graveyards with regard to of the Diocesan Tourism Group or No previous experience of hymn-writing is required. The issue of making visi- the cutting the grass. She stressed any of the above projects please tors welcome was a particular that “management for conservation contact Revd Sarah Geach; tel The cost of the event is £8.00 (RSCM affiliates £5.00). focus of the day and those present was not about neglect but about 01834 812078, were invited to consider the many purpose”. Other speakers included [email protected]. Under 18’s must be supervised by an adult.

For further information please contact: Rev’d Jonathan Copus 01994 419792 / [email protected] Brave teddies leap into the CHURCH ART - FAITH TRAIL Would your church like to be part of an Art – Faith Trail? Currently this is being considered for Pembrokeshire, but in unknown due course it is hoped to extend it across the whole Diocese On 28th August, St Mary’s What does it involve? Church, Begelly, near Open churches along a defined trail exhibiting a variety of , Pembrokeshire, works of art by locally recognised artists. was invaded by over 100 teddy bears, who dropped in If you would like to know more or register an interest, (and down) to help raise over please contact Revd Sarah Geach £1,300 for the church tower 01834 812078 / [email protected] appeal Pobl Dewi, November 2011 11 ’Learn with Grandma’ Campaign pays off Jeremy Martineau, celebrating the increased number of daily trains in and out of Fishguard Harbour, challenges readers to leave their cars behind

goes global EOPLE in North Pembrokeshire A not-for-profit company, founded by Carroll Nunnerly and Pare rejoicing at the reinstate- Val Wood-Gaiger, uses modern technology for intergenerational ment of more trains into Fishguard Harbour. There are now seven projects around the world trains each day connecting with the T a time when more and 3,000 Ugandan students via Skype rest of the UK, instead of just the more grandparents look after and, in May, she spoke to Tanzani- two for the ferry. After many years children,A Learning with Grandma ans via www.elearning-africa.com. of hard work by a determined local (LwG) has established a network Closer to home, LwG is part person, what may have swung the of support groups. Not only are the of the plan to strengthen the decision by the Welsh Government meetings social occasions, but each community of , and Pem- to allocate £1.4m to this three- generation has skills, traditional brokeshire Older Persons Strategy year trial was the campaign by and modern, they can teach the Co-ordinator, Ann Edmunds, is two young people from Crymych other. In September Bishop Wyn keen to include the concept in Age School. became a Patron of LwG. Friendly Communities, another Now that the train service is Following a successful EU successful EU project – exactly working, the challenge for local partnership in 2008, LwG is now what Learn with Grandma is about! people and visitors is to use it. expanding its intergenerational ‘Psalm 78 is about teaching Regrettably the trains have little out of their cars and onto public prices and insurance price them off learning concept to 10 European the next generation,’ says Val, ‘and space for bicycles, which are transport may be more difficult in the road. countries. This small company LwG aims to bring the generations being brought in by increasing this rural area than it would be in Changing our travel habits will hopes to achieve a great deal using together, to learn from each other. numbers of visitors determined a city. Much effort will be going take time and hard persuasion. free technology and the equipment We are in danger of losing so much to enjoy the wider countryside of into persuading the public to use But change we must if we are to which people already have. For – we can’t go back to a simpler time Pembrokeshire in a healthy way. this new lifeline to other places. reduce our carbon footprint enough example, Val will soon speak to but we can preserve all that is good.’ This new connection with the rest For some it will mean an opportu- to make this lovely planet inhabit- of the world may lift some of the nity to apply for jobs as far away as able for our great grandchildren. economic gloom of the area. The Carmarthen. Parents of university This is not just about economics, final piece in the jigsaw will be the students at Swansea or Cardiff can but morality too. More about that re-opening of Goodwick station, encourage their offspring to enjoy another time when readers of Pobl which will be much more accessi- the best way of travelling – by rail. Dewi will hear about the Behaviour ble to people on foot and local bus Many young people may never Change project in Fishguard and services. have been on a train; they will need Goodwick. The challenge to get people to learn about its benefits, as fuel

revenue brought in by the triath- letes must surely have helped a number of small businesses, at the Who, end of a season, which may have been affected by the recession. The helicopter shots highlighted the natural beauty of the area – it all For more information please contact Val Wood-Gaiger at What helps put the place on the map. [email protected] www.learnwithgrandma.org. “I’d like to think if a race like that happened where I live, I’d put up with it for a day (or plan to work and Why? around it) and see it as a brilliant A big hug poster for the people and the place. and Bletherston Mothers’ Union have had several It can only grow from strength to strength.” enjoyable sessions making mini quilts for premature babies in conjunction with Project Linus Peter Lewis wonders who benefits from Ironman Wales –a In the past the Church may triathlon event which took place in Pembrokeshire in September have tried to dictate what people ROJECT LINUS UK co-ordi- the Special Care Baby Unit at could do on Sundays, with ques- Pnates the donation of quilts/ Withybush Hospital to present the N Sunday 11th Septem- In Narberth High Street I tionable authority, now it seems blankets to hospitals to provide 26 quilts they have made to date – Ober, much of Pembrokeshire saw spectators rather robotically secular authorities, and the great security and comfort to children the process is ongoing. ground to a halt. Roads throughout applauding in a succession of anon- gods of sport and commerce, feel who are seriously ill or traumatised For further information visit the county were closed from early ymous cyclists, wondering “Who they can do the same. Ironman – children who need a BIG HUG. www.projectlinusuk.net or local in the morning to late evening, are they?”, “What’s their race Wales is coming to us again, and I As a result of their efforts coordinator Mrs Ingrid Baum on leaving many people virtual pris- position?”, “Why is anyone watch- for one, will still be asking “Who, Llawhaden and Bletherston Moth- 01437 541268. oners in their homes all day. A large ing?”, although some parishioners what and why?” ers’ Union were delighted to visit number of churches had to cancel admired the collective effort. their services, access to them being I put these thoughts to Rob Journeying is a not-for-profit cut off at crucial times, others were Walker who provided the TV organisation which takes small forced into major rescheduling. Commentary for the day, who said: groups of people on holiday in The Reason? Ironman Wales, “Tenby did a great job hosting the an informal Christian ambience a triathlon event which saw nearly first Ironman Wales. I have covered to the more off-the-beaten-track 1,300 competitors swimming off quite a few of these long distance parts of Britain and Ireland. the beaches of Tenby, cycling 120 races for Channel 4, and the atmos- miles along the roads and finally phere was the best I’ve ever seen in The programme for 2012 running a marathon. the UK. includes the Towy Valley, Angle- All this caught many people “I am aware that some local sey, Pembrokeshire, Ireland unawares. The organisers stressed residents in the towns surrounding and Scotland. Full details from the anticipated economic benefits Tenby had experienced disruption 1 Westfields, Saffron Waldon for the area, but many locals asked to their normal Sunday and that is CB11 3DZ. Pictured l to r: Miriam Howells, Margaret Day,Staff Nurse Susan the questions “Who wants this?” unfortunate. But surely there’s a [email protected] O’Connor, Mary Lewis, Nan Warlow, Sheila Phillips, Diane “What authority has sanctioned it case for looking at the wider picture www.journeying.co.uk Phillips, Pearl Edwards, Ingrid Baum, Sister Linda Jones and why?” on behalf of the whole area? The 12 Pobl Dewi, November 2011 John Stott – a humble man of God

Bill Lewis, Rector of from 1969 to 1984, looks back on the leadership and world-wide influence of John Stott, who died earlier this year

OHN STOTT, who died on day I may live in your presence J27th July at the age of 90, was and please you more and more. a Christian leader of great abil- Lord Jesus Christ, I pray that this ity and world-wide influence. In day I may take up my cross and 2005, Time magazine included follow you. Holy Spirit, I pray that him amongst the 100 most influen- this day your fruit may ripen in my tial people in the world. He wrote life – love, joy, peace, patience, over 50 books, and he travelled to kindness, goodness, faithfulness, St Petrox, the failed the far corners of the earth, preach- gentleness and self-control. Holy, ing, teaching, encouraging – and blessed and glorious Trinity, Three indulging in his favourite pastime persons and one God, have mercy of bird watching. upon me. Amen.’ miracle and Cornish Some idea of the extent of his At the age of 86, four years influence can be gained from read- before his death, he said, in his ing the entries on his memorial final address at the Keswick website (www.johnstottmemorial. Convention, ‘I want to share with connections org), with brief comments of grati- you where my mind has come to Mary Baker continues her series on the lives of saints tude from all over the world, and rest, as I approach the end of my with a growing number of Thanks- Photo courtesy Kieran Dodds pilgrimage on earth, and it’s this – T PETROX in South Pem- The story continues that he lived giving Services planned in many God wants his people to become Sbrokeshire is named after the there on a beach for seven long countries. I, along with many others, like Christ. Christ likeness is the patron saint of Cornwall, where he years, eating just one everlasting His parish ministry was in have good reason to be grateful will of God for the people of God.’ is known as Petroc, and there are fish, before returning to Cornwall central London, he was chaplain to him for his books, his teaching His final earthly resting place several dedications to him in the in a shining dish that skimmed to the Queen, but you could also and his constant encouragement is in the village cemetery in Dale, South West of England. He was over the water and bringing with say that the world was his parish! of ministry in the local church. where I was given the great privi- born in Glywysing, South Wales, him a tame wolf. This fanciful tale However, he also had a special One special memory I have is of lege of leading a service of burial now an area of South East Wales. reflects myths from the deep past fondness for a small corner of the time when he came to preach of his ashes. He entered a monastery at an early and legends borrowed from pagan Pembrokeshire. In 1954 he bought for me in St Giles, Letterston, in Eventually a gravestone, in age and then travelled to Ireland. ancestors. It does however add that The Hookses, Dale, a neglected 1971: his sermon was a clear and Welsh slate, will mark the spot He was also reputed to have been extra special something and I am farm house, of which the land winning exposition of the Gospel, with the following simple inscrip- the son of high born parents. A sure it gripped the listeners and had been requisitioned for Dale but the thing which impressed tion ‘Buried here are the ashes familiar pattern emerges as most readers that those recording had Airfield. Over the years, the house me most was to watch him, in the of John R W Stott, 1921-2011, of our early saints had a good wished to impress. and outbuildings were improved after-church ‘bun fight’, wandering Rector of All Souls’ Church, Lang- pedigree and travelled to or from Why the Pembrokeshire church to make a superb retreat centre. around, cup of tea in hand, speak- ham Place, London, 1950-1975, Ireland, becoming committed to bears his name we do not know One portion of an outbuilding was ing to as many of the village people Rector Emeritus, 1975-2011: who monastic life at an early age. but we can presume he spent time converted into a self-contained flat, as possible – following the exam- resolved, both as the ground of his Petroc left Ireland after 20 at this lovely spot at some time in looking straight out to sea. Here he ple of Jesus, as ‘one who came, not salvation and as the subject of his years of further study and made his exciting life. The Church of St spent an average of three months to be served, but to serve.’ ministry, to know nothing except landfall in Cornwall where he set Petrox sits high on a ridge over- every year and here he worked on It was his regular habit to pray JESUS CHRIST and him crucified up a monastic settlement. looking the gleaming waters of most of his writing and preparation the following prayer every day: (1 Corinthians 2:2).’ For 30 years he dwelt in prayer the Bristol Channel. The build- of sermons and talks. ‘Heavenly Father, I pray that this and simple living until, one day, ing has a quiet, still dignity, and, he made a rash promise that he on the sunny day I visited, I met could stop the torrential rain that three others – here is a church that had deluged Cornwall for months. reaches out and beckons to the When the predicted miracle did community. I recommend that you Camrose church not occur his credit as a prophet halt a while and take a look. If you and performer of miracles ran do visit look out below in the ocean out and he was forced to depart and you may just catch a glimpse harvests cash for Africa on a wondrous journey via Rome of a shining bowl with a wolf and to Jerusalem and thence to India. saint within! Members of Camrose Parish Church were so moved by the television footage of the famine in East Africa they felt they had to do something to Advent homilies in Welsh help. So, following a huge Help is at hand for those struggling to provide homilies in Welsh Parish effort, a total £1105.10 has been collected and given HERE is an increasing number of clergy and readers ministering in to Christian Aid this month, Tbilingual parishes who have learned, or are in the process of learning, to help with humanitarian Welsh. It may well be that they are able to cope quite competently with the relief in East Africa. The Welsh liturgy but find giving a homily in Welsh too formidable a task. money has been raised by A pilot scheme devised by Canon Alan Meats (former Vicar of Penbre with Llandyry) attempts to meet this pastoral need by providing, free of various events – the EcoKids charge, a series of four Advent homilies. It is intended that a series of six Recycling Project (organised homilies for Lent 2012 will follow. Alan’s second language is Welsh and, by Louise Fair and the before ordination, he was a teacher of the subject at secondary school level. young people of the church), During his ministerial career he has been instrumental in devising courses Harvest Service Collection in Welsh for ordinands and clergy in post. and a Harvest Supper Social Copies of the homilies are available by request in two ways: either from Evening held in the Church [email protected], or post an A5 stamped addressed envelope to Revd (organised by Father Paul Young helpers with Gareth Fair, Father Paul Boyle and Louise Canon A J Meats, 77 Parc Tyisha, , Carmarthenshire SA16 0RR. Boyle and his wife Lynne). Fair on the EcoKids Recycling Project Collection Day in Camrose Do take advantage of this facility if you are ministering in a bilingual setting. Pobl Dewi, November 2011 13 Mountain-top Salt of the earth Reg Soady, aged 77, from , near Llanelli, was recently awarded the Halen Y Ddear (Salt of library the Earth) award by S4C’s Wedi 3 N 1979, Reg Soady won what had The challenges facing booksellers today need not herald disaster, Ibeen his father’s seat in the local says John Pendlebury elections and remained a councillor until losing in the 2004 elections. EADERS of Pobl Dewi can’t had received over a hundred orders During this time, he also served as fail to be aware that enormous R from the United States – many for Chairman and Vice Chairman on changes are underway in the worlds books that we had had in stock for Llanelli Rural Community Coun- of publishing and bookselling. The years. cil, and, since 1979, has served as a closure of most of our High Street The increase in orders contin- School Governor of both Felinfoel Christian bookshop chains such as ued apace and, having always Junior and Infants schools – now SPCK, Wesley Owen and Church longed to live on a remote hill merged into Ysgol Y Felin. of Scotland bookshops gives added farm, we decided to close the As a councillor, Reg was testimony to the particular difficul- London shop and deal largely by a member of the Llanelli Joint ties faced by religious booksellers. mail order. Burial Authority and was deter- Mirroring this has been a simi- We considered a huge number mined to get a crematorium for lar decline in the second hand and of places in Scotland and the wilder Llanelli; after much hard work he antiquarian bookshop trade which reaches of England but eventually succeeded in 2002. He also served has always had a sizeable number settled on a farm in Carmarthen- on the National Association of of theological dealers among its shire. By pure chance the farm’s Playing Fields and was an Execu- number. owners were also publishers and tive Member of the 2000 National Eisteddfod in Llanelli. Reg was also the driving force behind gaining permission to use the church hall for the Felinfoel Luncheon Club some 20 years ago and has continued to support and canvass for this provision ever since. His other community work included serving on the Committee of the Llanelli RAFA, being Treas- urer of the Llanelli Committee of the Church of England Children’s Society, membership of the Loyal Order of the Moose, and, with his son Mark, founded the Plas Old People’s Home League of Friends Reg receives his award from Alwyn Humphries in the 1970s, which Reg’s wife, Pendleburys, our Carmarthen- had put an awful lot of work into Joan, would later chair. He is a long involved with church life at Holy fice wardens of the new Llanelli shire family-run theological book converting the barns into rooms standing member of the Llanelli & Trinity, Felinfoel. Until he became Rectorial Benefice. He also served business, has, however, seized suitable for books. District Hospital League of Friends unwell last year Reg had acted as a on the St Davids Diocesan Confer- upon these changes to both build So here we are, at 700 feet in and, after losing his seat on the crucifer, worship leader and Eucha- ence and Diocesan Board of upon business success and realise , sending out books council, Reg became Treasurer of ristic assistant in church, and held Finance for many years. a life-long ambition in the process. daily to all parts of the globe and the Plant Dewi Felinfoel Scheme, services of communion in Ty Mair Reg had to retire from public We first opened in London in 1984 receiving visitors from all parts of as well as a member of the local nursing home and Y Plas Felinfoel following two massive strokes last but when the internet first became it too. Even during the worst of the Communities First committee and for the house-bound residents. He November but hopes to resume widely available as a means of winter weather we got our parcels the Friends of Felinfoel. spent many years as church warden some of his community work once conducting business, we were one out by stacking them in a wheel- All his life Reg has been very and was one of the first two bene- his health permits. of the first bookshops to place our barrow and walking a mile to meet entire stock on the internet and, our local postman. Stradey Castle by 1998, had some 26,000 second For further information contact – continued from page 7 hand and antiquarian titles listed. Pendleburys, We took about 30 hours to send Garreg Fawr, Stradey began life as a mid- our files across to an American Porthyrhyd SA19 8NY Victorian country house. “Castle” based site (it is now done in less Tel: 01558 650840 became part of the name when my than 30 seconds) and within a day www.pendleburys.com great-grandfather, an artist, added a studio and billiard room with a tower extension. They served their intended purpose for no more than one generation. The studio was active from 1874 to perhaps the mid 1920s. By the 1950s the studio was a bare flat and the billiard kind of congress entirely natu- tial), Alpha days away, conferences room had become a store room for ral and there is nothing new about and festivals. We also plan to use paintings, drawings and prints of these visits. In different ways they the house and garden as a venue my great-grandfather and his artist haven taken place for years, prob- for weddings, exhibitions and friends. ably since my great-grandfather conferences on a commercial basis We, the family, moved in in founded the Llanelli Art Society – hopefully the income gener- February and now the studio flat is before 1900. ated will not only help to support being transformed into a residence Besides artistic heritage, the the running costs of the house, but from which we can run the rest of house can offer space to those will also subsidise, to some extent, the house as a more open establish- who want to explore the Chris- the more charitable and spiritual ment. More formally, we have, this tian faith. Subject to being able aspects of the life of the house- The photographs show the shop sign being put into place after year, hosted visitations from the Art to comply with planning require- hold. For more information visit the conversion work was completed. The sign was made by a fund, Carmarthenshire Antiquar- ments and fire risk assessments we www.stradeycastle.com; local woodsman from a single piece of timber and weighed in at ians and Plant Dewi. The aesthetic plan to welcome parish groups for e-mail: [email protected], 3/4 of a ton heritage of the house makes this quiet days, retreats (non-residen- or tel: 01554 773059 14 Pobl Dewi, November 2011

If we wish to, we can always tale there is real meaning here. Reflection find the true message and meaning Dickens hated the trend, of Christmas. It’s one of peace and current in the 19th century, that hope and it’s there for all to find. economic power meant perfection One little known fact about in humankind. All that doctrine is The season of goodwill your newest Archdeacon is that he embodied in the character of Eben- collects versions of that wonder- ezer Scrooge, and the story of his Keith Smalldon, and a keen collector of ‘A Christmas Carol’ in all types of ful story ‘A Christmas Carol’ by journey into the depths and then media, reflects on the true meaning of Christmas Charles Dickens. I have it in print his journey back towards redemp- in various forms but also radio, tion is an inspiration for us today. TV and film versions. Remem- N towns and cities across our land The commercialisation of smiles for each other. Morality tale Ithe Christmas decorations are Christmas is a great worry to many For the few days of the season ber the old black and white one going up in the streets and various Christians who feel that the festi- of goodwill we look with fondness with Alistair Sim and another film This is a lovely tale, a morality celebrities, dignitaries, worthies val, which purports to celebrate the and love on relatives and friends version gave us George C. Scott’s tale full of verve and happiness and stars of soap operas are being coming of our Lord in to the world, who can irritate us at other times stark interpretation of the story? and Charles Dickens reckoned he invited to switch them on. Shops is in danger of being swamped of the year. On Christmas Day Albert Finney gave us a musical wept and laughed and wept again proclaim special offers and exhort by glitz and razzamatazz. I am itself there is a calm serenity in our version in ‘Scrooge’ – we laughed and laughed again as he read it. I do us with messages concerning the always concerned when I hear of streets and it seems, as a small boy at Bill Murray in ‘Scrooged’ and the same every time I read, watch number of days we have left to buy shops and stores which feel that said to me once, “as if someone roared with laughter at the ‘Muppet or listen to it – I laugh and cry by presents and food. Some places they must open throughout Christ- has cast a huge magic spell over Christmas Carol’ with Michael turns. Ultimately the story closes have, I know, have had decora- mas in order “to maximise sales the whole globe”. Well, someone Caine. with God, thus . . . tions and Christmas offers in their opportunities”. has! It’s not a magic spell but it’s Fascination “. . . and it was always said of windows for some time now. Yet I far more powerful. God is making I have all these on DVD, and more him [Scrooge], that he knew how think that the record must go to a Hustle and bustle his presence known and felt in his besides, including a vinyl LP with to keep Christmas well, if any man hotel where I saw a banner urging Yet for all the hustle and bustle I world. The words of a particular, Roy Dotrice but my favourite is a alive possessed the knowledge. folk to “book your Christmas lunch believe that the message of Christ- popular Christmas song are never radio play from the 1960’s where May that be truly said of us, and all NOW to avoid disappointment”. mas still burns in many hearts. more true: “. . . and all of this the narrator is Sir Ralph Richard- of us! And so, as Tiny Tim observed, And the date – 1st July!! Yes, abso- At this time of year people seem happens because the world is wait- son. Why the fascination? Well, God bless us, every one!” lutely true. to have more time, patience and ing, waiting for one child . . .”. apart from being a thumping good Enjoy the season!

notes for Advent and Christmas. cult indeed. anxious about it and were relieved The notes would then be compiled All those who volunteered were to know that their notes would be The Word into a booklet, which we entitled given their set texts in June and checked before being made widely ‘The Word’, and made available asked to return their contributions available. Contributors came from Parishioners from Holy Trinity to anyone in the parish, and the by early September. In an effort to every age group, from teenagers Church, Aberystwyth, have wider community, who would be keep production costs down, and upwards, and we have covered written a series of daily Bible interested in following the daily to ensure the notes were focused, every day from the first Sunday study notes for Advent and readings. we asked for a brief introductory of Advent into the new year. All Christmas. Ian Girling is Preparation was the key to thought or prayer, followed by a those who took part were asked, impressed this project: the set texts were reflection of a maximum of 200 informally, if they had enjoyed the compiled into lists, and contribu- words, then a brief closing thought experience, and almost all said that N this year of celebration of tors allocated their readings from or prayer. What arrived was a they had. Ithe 400th anniversary of the the Lectionary, for two consecutive thought-provoking and interest- It is hoped that ‘The Word’ will King James Bible, members of days. No consideration was given ing collection, reflecting different be appreciated and enjoyed, and we the congregation at Holy Trinity as to which readings were given to styles and responses to the task. are considering a similar project in Church, Aberystwyth, were invited which contributor, as this would Many were happy to ‘give it the not too distant future. to write their own daily Bible study have made the task extremely diffi- a go’, although some had been

yn fanwl ar y blodau gwyllt sydd o’n cwmpas, y Rhosyn “Chwi ddiolchgar gwyllt, Bysedd y cŵn, Clychau’r gog, Dant y llew, a’r Feillionen Keeping in touch wen ond i enwi rhai. Ni allwn weld Duw, ond mae’n bosib i ni As part of its outreach and support for families, Wiston weld ei waith ym mhob man. branch of the Mothers’ Union keeps in touch with those pobl dewch . . .” Yr had yw Gair Duw. Ni, pobl who have been baptised in the church Duw sydd yn gyfrifol am yr had. S part of its outreach and If Harvest Thanksgiving means anything, it means that we Ni sydd yn gyfrifol am blannu’r support for families, Wiston realise our relationship with God, and are made aware of had yn ein calonnau ac yng ngha- A lonnau pobl eraill. Dewch i ni branch of the Mothers’ Union has, our place in the universe. Dafydd Jones encourages us all wasgaru had yr heuwr allan o’n for several years, sought to support to be eternally thankful basgedi ni. Y pridd yw bywyd children who have been baptised AWR, wn i ddim amdanoch wres yr haul a golau gwan y lleuad pob yr un ohonom. Creodd Duw y in Wiston Church. This has been Nchi, ond dwi’n mwynhau gyda’r hwyr, am ddisgleirdeb y pridd a’r had er mwyn iddynt gyd- done by presenting a gift of a New gweld Tymor y Cyrddau Diol- sêr a ffrwythlondeb y ddaear, ac weithio gyda’i gilydd ynom ni. Testament to each child when they chgarwch am y cynhaeaf. Yr am y nant fach yn canu ei chân Os yw Diolchgarwch am y are baptised, and by sending cards adeg pan fydd pawb yn mynd wrth iddi ruthro trwy’r dyffryn. Cynhaeaf yn golygu unrhyw- on the first three anniversaries of ati i addurno’r eglwysi gyda Un o’r pethau dwi’n hoffi ei beth, y mae’n golygu ein bod baptism. blodau’r maes, ffrwythau o’r wneud yw mynd am wâc gyda yn sylweddoli ein perthynas â’r This year, the branch have a berllan a llysiau o’r ardd. Gweld Non y gorgast fach. Wrth i ni’n Creawdwr, ac yn sylweddoli new supply of cards, beautifully y dail yn newid i liwiau lliwgar dau gerdded ym mhrydferthwch y ein lle yn y bydysawd. Mewn designed and created by Mrs Helen godidog, y gwynt yn chwythu lôn fach a’i llwyni lliwgar, hawdd perthynas â’r Tad sy’n ein caru, Furlong of Clarbeston Road, and pob un deilen o’r coed ac yn yw sylwi ar y byd natur anhy- sylweddolwn nad pobl â hawliau printed by her mother, Mrs Bea eu hysgubo hwy i ryw gornel. goel sydd o’n cwmpas yr adeg ydym, ond hytrach pobl sy’n ddib- Burn, a member of Wiston Branch. Teimlo llaw oer yr hydref yn hon o’r flwyddyn. Wrth gwrs, ynnol ar oddefgarwch a thrugaredd The cards are illustrated with cyrraedd ynghyd â’r rhew cynnar mae byd natur yn rhyfeddol i’r Duw. Derbyniwn felly gyda diolch watercolour prints of symbols of which, we are sure, will be appre- yn flanced gwyn dros yr ardal. llygad yn ystod pob tymor. Mae wahoddiad Iesu i ddod mewn Holy Baptism, and contain a short ciated by all who receive them, and Mae’n adeg i ni ddiolch i Dduw crefft y Creawdwr yn medru i’n bywydau bob dydd, i fod yn prayer and a greeting from the to Mrs Mary Morris who arranges am brydferthwch a rhyfeddod y siarad a’n dysgu, os ydyn ni’n Waredwr i’n hachub, yn Argl- branch. for the cards to be sent throughout cread a chysondeb y tymhorau; barod i wrando ac edrych. Yn wydd i’n rheoli, ond yn bennaf oll We are very grateful to Helen the year. am ffresni’r gwynt a’r glaw, am ystod y gwanwyn a’r haf, syllwn i fod yn Ffrind annwyl i ni gyd. and Bea for these superb cards, Pobl Dewi, November 2011 15

as many as possible but they don’t know who they are nor where Stepping out in faith to find them. And they have no money.’ Christmas services Sue Fletcher reflects on Plant Dewi’s annual retreat which took I wish this was an exaggeration place at Ffald-y-Brenin in the Gwaun Valley, Pembrokeshire, in but it isn’t. We start with nothing July and we make things happen, time and events and time again, as the centres, N this beautiful setting the team know the difference we have made projects and events grow; we find had the opportunity to grow – we simply have to trust in the I the families or they find us. spiritually together, reflect on the faith that we have. at the cathedral Returning to the inspiration year, share a vision for the future We also have to know when to for my highlight during the church and enjoy companionship. The stop and accept that things are not service. The vicar told us that when Venerable Alun Evans, Chair of going to happen, and we have to she drives home in winter she the Diocesan Council for Social trust that we have made the right knows the vicarage light will come Responsibility, led the retreat, decision and offer the things we on at a certain point on the drive- providing a programme of together cannot do up to God. Sunday 27 November – Advent Sunday way to light her way. When her times, worship, quiet times and The job is not always easy, it 6.00pm – The Advent Procession with Carols husband arrives home earlier than spiritual reflection. can be hard and it can sound quite her, she has to park further away, The opening session gave us an unusual. Imagining a conversation Wednesday 30 November walk out in the dark and trust that opportunity to share a highlight of at home at the end of the first day 6.30pm – St Andrew’s Tide Fayre & Cathedral Shops Open the light comes on. She has to step the year and a wish for the future. as a project worker for Plant Dewi, Evening forward in faith. That is what Plant Two weeks earlier in church, the it might go like this: ‘They want Dewi has to do – step out in faith Wednesday 7 December vicar’s address had been about me to set up a family centre but and trust that the light comes on. 7.30pm – Christmas Concert by Cantorion Tyddewi stepping out in faith, and this they don’t know where. They want There is no point in dithering at the inspired my highlight which was me to involve the community but Friday 16 December beginning of the path or putting up the ability of our staff to make they don’t know which community 6.00pm – Ysgol Bro Dewi Carol Service & Nativity a poster about what we want to do, things happen. They do this so nor do they have contacts. They because nothing will happen. We Saturday 17 December well as their commitment and love want me to set up a family centre have to take that first step, find the 7.30pm – J. S. Bach’s Christmas Oratorio performed by the drives them forward. Some things but they don’t have a venue. They right direction and turn on the light. we make happen can be seen, but, want about 50 families to use the Dyfed Choir We have to take risks, and we may in other situations, we may never centre and they want me to involve stumble on the way, but unless we Sunday 18 December take a step forward and trust in our 6.00pm – Choral Vespers with Ceremony of Carols by faith, we will never make things Benjamin Britten happen and we will never make the Monday 19 December light come on. We must also accept 5.00pm – Children’s Crib Service that, when we can’t go on, we must not be afraid to continue stepping Tuesday 20 December out in faith. 2.00 & 7.30pm – Ysgol Dewi Sant Carol Services My wish for the future for Plant Thursday 22 December Dewi is to see the areas of expertise 7.00pm – Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols grow and projects spread through- out the diocese. I have no money to Saturday 24 December – Christmas Eve do this, no venues or firm contacts 10.30pm – First Eucharist of Christmas, Procession & as yet, but I do have a vision and Blessing of Crib unless I am prepared to step out in faith it will not happen. Sunday 25 December – Christmas Day 8.00am – Holy Communion 9.30am – Bilingual Parish Eucharist 11.15am – Choral Mattins Appeal for Wednesday 28 December Christmas Cards 7.30pm – Christmas Film Night: The Polar Express Plant Dewi has six new bilingual Christmas card designs for 2011. volunteers Sunday 1 January 2012 The greeting on all cards reads “Heddwch a Gorfoledd adeg y PLANT DEWI is currently 8.00am – Holy Communion Nadolig/Peace and Joy at Christmas”. The cards are available appealing for one or more 10.30am – Benefice Eucharist with Carols either from the Plant Dewi office, tel: 01267 2215551, or from the volunteers to carry out 6.00pm – Carols & Readings at the Crib Plant Dewi Shop at 21 King Street, Carmarthen. Order forms are administrative work at the office at 3 Red Street, Carm- available on the Plant Dewi website: www.plantdewi.org.uk. Monday 2 January arthen. If anyone has a few 2.15pm – New Year’s Day Concert by John S Davies Singers hours to spare either weekly/ fortnightly/monthly or even Sunday 8 January occasionally we would be 6.00pm – The Epiphany Procession with Carols very pleased to hear from you. Sunday 5 February All you need to do is contact 6.00pm – The Candlemas Vesper & Procession Heather on 01267 221551. For further information please contact the Deanery Office on 01437 720202 or email [email protected] 16 Pobl Dewi, November 2011

festival service, ranging from Old net access visit www.rscmshop. (early 17th century) to new (just 8 com/index.php/the-word-revealed “The Word Revealed” years old) and from quiet (Taize) to and revealed it will be. loud (‘And the glory of the Lord’ RSCM awards presented dur- An Order of Service celebrating the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible, published by the from Handel’s Messiah, which was ing the service were as follows: a wonderful sing). Royal School of Church Music (RSCM), can be adapted to suit most choirs for an uplifting service, Bishop’s Award says Peter Absolon OK – huge cathedral, big choir, skilful conductor, powerful organ, Jürgen Brand, Canticum Novum S an ordinary singer in a local a magnificent experience, but just a Mary Evans, Canticum Novum Aparish church choir, what a few months before, we had used the Jill Rimell, Canticum Novum joy and privilege it was to make same resource in our own parish, Mark Turtle, Canticum Novum the annual pilgrimage to St David’s for a village service with a choir cathedral, spend an afternoon of ten and a congregation of just Dean’s Award Tristram Barker, Canticum Novum rehearsing music under the direc- Bible, the RSCM has published an slightly more than ten (not forget- tion of Simon Pearce, and then to order of service, which ‘traces the ting our own excellent choirmaster, Ruth Grant, Canticum Novum sing the evening service along with story of the Bible in the English organist and organ). Where there Alexandra Osbourne, Canticum the other cathedral choristers. This language, linking this to the were options, we picked easier Novum occasion, on 24th September, was wider issue of the place held by items that were better known to us, Fergus Turtle, Canticum Novum the RSCM West Wales Area Festi- holy scripture within the life and we used more hymns and mixed Amy Barwick, St Davids Cathedral val Service and awards ceremony, worship of the church.’ It is called well-known standards with some Joanna Foster, St Davids Cathedral where parish church choris- “The Word Revealed”. As well as 21st Century ones. It is well worth Ceridwen Price, St Davids ters were presented with awards readings about, and from, the Bible, a look: there must be several hours Cathedral for passing milestones along the there are hymns, songs, anthems, of material to choose from, and an Amy Radburn, St Davids Cathedral RSCM ‘Voice for Life’ pathway. a Taize chant, a psalm and some hour is easily filled, even if you Alice Silverstone, St Davids To commemorate the 400th prayers. And this was the source of have no choir and replace anthems Cathedral anniversary of the King James the material selected for the RSCM with hymns. For those with inter- Girls Friendly Society – Challenge and change Glenys Payne, Girls Friendly Society Welsh President and branch leader at Felinfoel, has been appointed World Wide President of the society. There is much to celebrate, she says, despite the many challenges which lie ahead

HALLENGE and Change – GFS Japan, following the devas- President for the next triennium by CA time for new thinking” was tation and long term effects of the Bishop Michael Mayes. the theme for the 20th GFS World tsunami and earthquake earlier this We are keen to rekindle links Council which met at Kings Hospi- year. An Emergency Relief Fund between the GFS and the Moth- tal School, Dublin, in the summer. was also set up. ers’ Union and, following a speech Over two hundred members of the On Saturday 2nd July an Inter- to Council by Rosemary Kempsall, society, from 18 different coun- national Fun Day was attended by World Wide President of the MU, tries, gathered to renew friendships, over 700 members from all over I have been invited to speak at the develop links between countries Ireland. This was an opportunity Mothers’ Union AGM next year, and to choose a new world project for the wider GFS community to which will be held in Llandudno. to support. Included was a delega- see the work that is going on in In my role as Chair of the Trus- tion of ten members from Wales, other countries, to sample some tees in London, I have also recently two of whom – Jessica Owen and craft ideas from around the world attended Westminster Abbey for a Frances Payne – were from the and to participate in a variety of Service of Thanksgiving to cele- GFS branch in Felinfoel, Llanelli. activities. brate the bicentenary of the National During Council, the Solo- The closing service took place Society and the 400th anniversary mon Islands were accepted into at Christ Church cathedral, Dublin, of the King James Bible. membership, and designated as the when the address was given by the Jessica Owen, Reserve Junior World Project for the next three Rt Revd Kay Goldsworthy, Assis- Delegate for Wales, and a member years – monies raised will provide tant Bishop of Perth Diocese. of Felinfoel GFS, has represented Director, Joy Lauzarri, to the Houses lenges ahead and hope that readers leadership training. A second During the closing service I was Wales on the Youth Forum in of Parliament on 18th October. will support us and keep us in their project will provide support for commissioned as World Wide London and accompanied GFS We look forward to the chal- prayers. Wiston windfall Notice received Hymns for Today’s Church HE Saints and Stones Group, a charity which seeks (words edition) 300+ books surplus to need and free to good home. Tto support and promote awareness of small rural St Michael’s Church, Aberystwyth. Telephone 01970 617184 churches in Pembrokeshire, recently made a donation of £500 towards the restoration fund for St Mary Magdalene Church, Wiston. The church is facing a project costing around £180,000 for urgent repairs to the building, and is seeking funding from various charities and grant-making Contributions to bodies, as well as individual donations and parish fund- Pobl Dewi raising events. Pictured is Revd Nicholas Cale, Vicar of Wiston, receiv- We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, ing a cheque from the Treasurer of the Saints and we would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. Stones Group, Dr Anthony Care. Revd Cale said, “We Articles should be sent to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, are extremely grateful to the Saints and Stones Group for this generous donation from their funds. Small rural [email protected] churches like ours find it very difficult to raise the neces- or they can be posted to: sary funds for major restoration projects without the help Pobl Dewi, and support from charities such as Saints and Stones. We The Diocesan Office, , Carmarthen SA31 2JG, are also grateful to the other charities and individuals who have supported our project.” marked for the attention of ‘The Editor’