Meithrin Gobaith ESGOBAETH TYDDEWI DIOCESE of ST DAVIDS Growing Hope Pobl https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk https://www.facebook.com/stdavidsdiocese Dewi https://twitter.com/PoblDewi December / Rhagfyr 2019 TAKING CARE of our planet and our congregations Two new diocesan appointments have been made to address key current concerns

HE issues are the ongoing may sometimes feel diminished funding a mission strategy. mission. Today that struggle goes development of LMAs – but it is an influential constituency, “Mission has to be resourced,” on.” Tand in particular their sense often active at the heart of wider he says. “It was ever thus. Even St You can meet them both on of mission – the other is climate civic life. What we do matters, not Peter and the early church strug- pages 4 and 5, where they explain change. just in terms of individual Chris- gled to produce the resources which how you can help them to help you The keyword for both is tian responsibility, but also in our were needed to pursue Christian and your church. Resourcing. And both are in the impact on society.” stewardship business in their sepa- Jeff’s mission, meanwhile, is to rate ways. be a helping hand when it comes to Revd Marcus Zipperlen, Priest We will in Charge in the United Bene- fice of Roose, based in Llangwm near Haverfordwest, has accepted Marcus Zipperlen speaking remember them an invitation from the Bishop to at this year’s Diocesan become Creation Care and Sustain- Conference ability Officer for the diocese. Revd Jeff Thomas, Associate tion in responsible stewardship of Priest in the United Benefice of Creation is vital if we are to turn Bro Dyfri, based in Llandeilo, has humanity from this chilling and been appointed as diocesan LMA dismal prospect to a more blessed Stewardship & Support Officer. future,” Marcus says. “The Church’s active participa- “Anglican church attendance Jeff Thomas

On Saturday, 9th November, the eve of Remembrance Sunday, the Royal School of Church Music West Wales ran a Come and Sing Rutter’s Requiem at Holy Trinity Church, Aberystwyth. Around 45 choristers from the around the diocese participated and worked hard to learn the work in just four hours, under the patient leadership of conductor, Simon Pierce. In the evening, a good-sized, appreciative audience came along to the poignant The children of St Florence performance, when each movement of the Requiem was VC School, Tenby, revive a interspersed with Bible readings and poems. tradition as the restoration Meirion Wynn Jones was the organist and the soprano soloist of St Florence church tower was Sophie Anthony. The performance was dedicated to those nears completion. who have made the supreme sacrifice in conflicts around the See Jumping for joy, p8 world, enabling us to live as we do today. OPTIMISM IN BUKAVU – Page 12 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, December 2019 Appointments Grasping the nettle There was a diff erent feel to this year’s diocesan conference, as David Hammond-Williams reports

Revd Dr Matthew Hill installed Canon, occupying the Revd Marianne Osborne stall of the 2nd Cursal, Revd Andrew Loat installed Canon, occupying the 3 October 2019 installed Canon, occupying the stall of Llanfaes, stall of Caerfai, 3 October 2019 3 October 2019

and the processes can take longer OR a start, it was in a new have seen how painful [transition] Faculties – a quick guide than you might expect. This should Fplace, the conference centre can be,” she said. “But it involves avoid grant deadlines approach- at Aberystwyth University, the healing too.” It is apparent that across the diocese there is a lack of appreciation, ing, or passing, while you await the fi rst leg of a tour that will take it The Archdeacon for New Chris- knowledge and understanding of the Faculty System processes outcome of the faculty application. to every corner of the diocese over tian Communities, Mones Farah, leading to frustration, confusion and delay A good example the next few years. announced that a £1.7m bid to the HE Faculty System is a privi- An enquiry was recently made And there was plenty to discuss provincial Evangelism Fund for Tlege allowed only to churches. to the DAC regarding the repair and as Local Ministry Areas (LMAs) growth initiatives in Cross Hands Without it we would have to submit restoration of an Historical Hatch- move from transition to develop- and Merlin’s Bridge, had passed its applications through the general ment, which initially would seem ment, not least the constitutional fi rst stage and will proceed to Stage planning system for considera- to fall under List A (no determi- changes needed. 2 in February, when he was confi - tion by local authority planning nation required, only registration A motion proposed by Arch- dent it would succeed. offi cials and committees. Such a of work carried out on the online deacon Paul Mackness sought However, the Chairman of privilege is not guaranteed and faculty system). This was not so. to change the way conference the Diocesan Board of Finance could be withdrawn. If we are to As the item is of historical interest members are elected, to bring the (DBF), Nick Griffi n, sounded a keep the privilege, we must comply and value, it required a full faculty. process into line with the new more cautionary note. Finances with the applicable law, regulations In order to determine the applica- LMA structure from next January. remained stable, he said, but other and procedures in every case. tion, the DAC and the Chancellor In particular, the changes refl ect sources of income were needed if If your church or churchyard matter with you. Contacting Jan required specialist documentation the greater involvement of laity in ministry share was to be contained. requires any work, minor or major, at the earliest possible stage will to support the application. LMA ministry and are intended to He reported that £200,000 of you should immediately contact simplify the process and reduce the In this case, initial discussions promote more inclusive relation- reserves were being used to reduce Janet Every (pictured), Secretary risk that your application will be with Jan ensured a complete and ships within ministry teams. The an increase in ministry share from of the Diocesan Advisory Commit- returned due to lack of information accurate application was submit- motion was carried with two votes 10.4% to 5.8%. He also revealed tee (DAC), for advice on whether or details. ted which will lead to a prompt against and three abstentions. that the DBF was reviewing the a faculty is required, and, if so, It is important to remember decision. The bulk of formal conference way Ministry Share is spread what type. Jan will give accurate that a faculty application should For help with faculties contact business is the receipt of reports across the churches. “The goal is advice and explain all the elements be submitted before, or at the Jan Every at from the various diocesan boards equality,” he said. “The challenge of the process. She will help you same time as, an application for [email protected] and committees. And this looked is to maintain our level of clergy at make the application, if necessary, grant funding as the documenta- tel: 01267 236145, diff erent, too. The reports from the quota of 85.” visiting the church to discuss the tion required for both are similar or visit the Church in Wales website. the Ministry and Mission direc- Bishop Joanna summed up the torates included presentations on mood in her closing presidential key aspects – vocations, leading address, the fi rst to be delivered worship, LMA development and bilingually: “I trust God to work Save your milk evangelism. through us as a diocese,” she said. Canon Marianne Osborne, who “I trust God to give us the fi nancial has led the transition team guiding resources we need. And I trust you bottle tops LMAs, referred to the conference to let him.” Help St Davids go greener theme – Grasping the nettle. “We and also help diocesan funds, A transcript of Bishop Joanna’s address is available online at says Nick Griffi n, Chair of the https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/bishop-joanna-sermons-etc Diocesan Board of Finance LASTIC milk bottle tops – red, Pgreen and blue – are recycled by being shredded and then fed Centenary hymn competition into 3-D printers for a large vari- ety of uses. St Davids Diocese is inviting entries into a competition to fi nd a new We have now joined this recy- liturgical hymn to celebrate its centenary and that of the Church in cling scheme and when enough Wales in 2020. milk bottle tops have been collected The hymn must be new words set to either an existing tune or a they will be sold and the proceeds new one. It should be celebratory in tone and suitable for congrega- devoted to diocesan projects. church. The tops can also be deliv- inated and thus attract less money. tional hymn singing. Entries can be in English and/or Welsh. There are collection points in the ered to the Diocesan or Bishop’s The Diocesan Board of Finance To fi nd out more about the competition and conditions of entry, following markets: Fishguard, offi ces in Abergwili. is committed to fi nding diff er- visit Pembroke, Haverfordwest Farm- Please make sure only milk ent ways of raising money, thus https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/competition ers and Cardigan. Many churches bottle tops are collected, as other furthering the mission and ministry https://tyddewi.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk/cystadleuaeth have containers in the back of the plastic tops are deemed as contam- of the Diocese. Pobl Dewi, December 2019 3

and pouring with rain. 5pm came and only one family had arrived. Lights in the dark So much expense! What had we Rather than ignoring the annual celebration of Hallowe’en, a light done? party was held at Talley Church Hall as an upbeat reminder of the God is good! By 5.15 the little fundamental Christian message that there is always light in the hall was full of children and their darkness. Delyth Wilson describes an amazing event parents . . . Result! What a party. For the warm-up IRST, we had to set a date, recipes; World Vision have fun games the hall lights were on and, Fwhich meant we were commit- Bible-based material for 4-10 following the food, the lights were ted to deliver. To avoid clashing year olds called Pumpkin Heroes turned off to watch a video from with other events, we chose the (pumpkinheroes.com). the 2018 light pack beginning with last Friday of October when school The party was to begin at 5pm God creating the world. The talk ended for the beginning of half- and end at 7pm. We had spread then started in the dark and slowly, term week. Prayer is, of course, our posters far and wide, distrib- as the story of Jesus coming as vital, but we also needed to be uted flyers to parents, constantly the Light of the World and what well prepared and do our research. reminded our JAM afterschool that means for all of us unfolded, We found a wealth of resources: club, posted on social media and the fairy lights were switched Scripture Union produces a light visited school on the day as a final on. There was an audible gasp of party pack (scriptureunion.org.uk/ reminder. The hall was decorated wonder from the children. lightparties), which provides mate- with thousands of fairy lights, We sang a modern version and then each child was given an girl who has been attending the rial for all ages, including videos, pumpkins carved, food prepared, of This little light of mine – we LED balloon as we concluded with after school club, didn’t want to go talk outlines, games, craft ideas, crafts sorted, technology in place, danced and praised God for send- prayer in the darkness. home, she said it was the best party templates for invitations and post- heating on. We were ready. ing Jesus to lighten our hearts and It was a full on two hours but so ever! ers, music suggestions and even The weather was cold, windy lives. A craft session followed enjoyable. Carys, a very shy little Dod i adnabod ein gilydd Cursillo One of the challenges facing Christians in newly formed Local Ministry Areas is N Saturday 19th October, presided over by the Bishop. It was how to enable people to get to know each other better. Lyn Dafis outlines one O St Davids Cursillo members a very joyous service, and closed successful example in the Bro Padarn LMA gathered in St John’s Church, with the hymn I the Lord of sea and N o’r newidiadau mawr Gŵyl Dewi eleni gwahoddwyd gwasanaeth cyfieithu ar y pryd Carmarthen, for the commission- sky, which has become something Uyn dilyn sefydlu ardaloedd pregethwr gwadd, sef yr Hybarch er mwy iddynt fedru bod yn rhan ing, by Rt Revd Joanna Penberthy, of a Cursillo anthem in the diocese. gweinidogaeth lleol ar draws yr Dorrien Davies, Archddiacon o’r tîm sy’n croesawu. Caiff y of Revd Marina Evans as Cursillo If you would like to know more esgobaeth yw’r angen arnom ni fel Caerfyrddin (yn y llun gyda’r gwasanaeth hwn ei werthfawrogi’n Diocesan Spiritual Director and about Cursillo, attend one of our Cristnogion i ddod i adnabod ein Parchgn Loat a Morgan). Ond fawr, a hefyd mae’n fodd o Wendy Kidd as Cursillo Diocesan meetings or hear more about our gilydd yn well. Lle’r oedden ni’n ar gyfer y gwasanaethau eraill arbrofi gyda dull gwahanol o Lay Director. The commissioning annual three-day weekends, please medru byw’n ddigon cysgodol yr ydym wedi troi at wahanol fod yn eglwys ddwyieithog. took place within a Holy Eucharist contact Wendy on 01239 682990. gan gwrdd â phobl o’r ‘tu allan i’r aelodau o’r tîm gweinidogaethol Wrth i’r ardal weinidogaeth plwyf’ unwaith neu ddwywaith i bregethu. Mae aelodau’r symud o gropian i gerdded y flwyddyn ar y mwyaf, nawr gwahanol gynulleidfaoedd mae’n bosib y byddwn ni’n dod i mae cyd-gyfarfod, cyd-addoli, hefyd wedi gwasanaethu trwy adnabod ein gilydd mewn llawer cyd-weithio yn mynd i ddod ddarllen ac arwain yr ymbiliau. ffordd arall, ond nid oes ffordd yn rhan arferol o’n bywyd fel Dyw’r holl gynulleidfa mewn well ar ddechrau adnabod nag eglwysi. Er mwyn i hynny fod yn eglwys benodol ddim yn medru addoli Crist gyda’n gilydd. Diolch effeithiol mae’n rhaid inni ddod dilyn pregeth Gymraeg ac felly i bawb sydd wedi cefnogi’r fenter i adnabod ein gilydd yn well. ar gyfer yr aelodau hyn darperir hon gyda brwdfrydedd hyd yma. Yn ardal weinidogaeth leol Bro Padarn mae’r ymgais yma wedi mynd law yn llaw â sefydlu trefn o wasanaethau chwarterol i ddwyn siaradwyr Cymraeg ynghyd i addoli’n rheolaidd yng ngwahanol adeiladau’r ardal weinidogaeth. Wrth baratoi ar gyfer y gwasanaethau hyn ac wrth gyfeillachu ar eu holau mae wynebau bellach yn enwau, ac enwau yn dod yn wynebau cyfarwydd. Gyda sêl bendith deon yr ardal weinidogaeth, y Parchg Ganon Andrew Loat, yr wyf fi, ynghyd â chlerig sydd wedi ymddeol, y Barchg Ganon Enid Morgan, wedi cynllunio pedwar gwasanaeth ar gyfer y flwyddyn. L to r: Wendy Kidd, Bishop Joanna, Revd Marina Evans Yn y gwasanaethau hyn dilynwyd trefn draddodiadol. Y nod yw cadw cyswllt gyda’r hyn sydd wedi ein cynnal yn ysbrydol Am ragor o erthyglau, nad oedd hi’n bosib eu cynnwys yn y dros y blynyddoedd ond peidio â gadael i hynny ein caethiwo rhifyn hwn, ynghyd â chyfieithiad o rai ohonynt, ewch i dudalen na’n cyfyngu yn y presennol. PD Extra ar ein gwefan: Ar gyfer ein gwasanaeth https://tyddewi.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk/pobldewi/pdextra/ cyntaf a gynhaliwyd ddydd 4 Pobl Dewi, December 2019 Shaping our future: What is Church? Rural ministry, the history of the Church in Wales and contemporary local context were all discussed at a training weekend last month, as J-D Laurence reports HE weekend of 25-27th the apostles to the present day, no TNovember saw the current mean feat for one weekend! She cohort of NSM(L) ordinands in St considered not only the beginning Davids Diocese enjoy their latest of the Church of England but also residential training event at Llan- disestablishment and the Welsh gasty Retreat House near Brecon, Anglican Church, giving us a on the theme of Understanding the not having set out in her farm 4x4 sense of context for where we find descriptions of the Church in its to mention being warm and dry in Church in Wales. vehicle! She led a passionate and ourselves now in relation to where essence. Later we had an opportu- the midst of flooding which, thank- We arrived on Friday in the inspiring session on the challenges we have come from. That histori- nity to evaluate our own contexts fully, subsided before we headed driving rain, and the flooding was of rural ministry, a topic of particu- cal dimension was balanced by in the light of all we had heard and home, tired yet inspired. such that on the Saturday morn- lar importance for those training in Paula’s teaching on the Anglican began to dream the future together. My role as St Padarn’s Tutor in ing Archdeacon Eileen, who was our diocese. Communion, which enabled us to The weekend was rooted in regu- St Davids Diocese involves super- due to speak, was badly delayed. We also had the privilege orientate ourselves horizontally in lar worship, which we took turns vising the training of all those However, we never lost confidence of welcoming Dr Paula Yates, the global family of the Anglican to lead, and we all appreciated from our diocese in formation for in her arrival as we firmly believed a church historian who special- Church today. the variety of styles each indi- licensed ministry. that if anyone would find a way it ises in the Church in Wales. She I contributed teaching on the vidual contributed. We were well You can contact me on would be her; when she finally did walked us through the main events theme of What is Church? and looked after at Llangasty and the [email protected] make it she told us she regretted in our ecclesiastical history from we looked at the central biblical tasty meals went down well, not or 07552 385330. Creation care in our churches: a calling, a challenge, but a great opportunity Start with some small easy steps, says Marcus Zipperlen E know from the geologi- dismal prospect to a more blessed Care and Sustainability Officer Wcal records that there have future. Anglican church attendance for the diocese, which is me! So been five mass extinctions before may sometimes feel diminished here I am, introducing myself, humans came to grace God’s Crea- but it is an influential constituency, and straight away saying, ‘I really tion. We now appear to be at the often active at the heart of wider won’t be at all effective work- beginning of a sixth, and of course civic life. What we do matters, not ing alone, so please if any of you what’s different this time is that it just in terms of individual Chris- would like to be part of a network is us humans that are responsible! tian responsibility, but also in our to assist the Church with Creation The Church’s active participa- impact on society. care please do get in touch, I’d tion in responsible stewardship of To help our local churches be glad to hear from you.’ (01437 Creation is vital if we are to turn respond to the challenge, Bishop 899548; [email protected]). humanity from this chilling and Joanna has appointed a Creation It’s sometimes difficult to know where to start when faced with a challenge of such magnitude, so as a suggestion why not consider doing two things, both relatively simple, and both something your church could do this week. 1. Swap your church energy supplier to one that uses only renewable energy. The ‘Big Church Switch’ website will direct you to recommended suppliers. https:// www.bigchurchswitch.org.uk/ 2. Take the on-line ‘Ecochurch’ and parents from the village: we 21-22), Creation is ‘groaning in survey (https://ecochurch.arocha. had a fun afternoon together, and travail’ waiting for us to play our org.uk/) to see how much Creation families left with a small stake in part as children of God. This week Care may already be part of church wider church life. might be a good time to take a new life, and suggest further steps to As St Paul noted (Rom 8: step to help with the healing. move you in the direction of becom- ing an Ecochurch. This may take some time, but along the way valu- able opportunities emerge to engage In the next issue with our communities in ways people are willing to respond to. As The Focus section just one example, in St Jerome’s, Llangwm, we made a ‘bug hotel’ for the March 2020 edition of Pobl Dewi will be on to help increase biodiversity in our Reader ministry graveyard which drew in children Pobl Dewi, December 2019 5 Beyond formation As we come to the end of the year, the time has come for refl ection, discernment and planning together on how best to equip our LMAs to redirect their energies from the practicalities of transition towards outward mission, says Marianne Osborne E began to discuss the needs The Development Team will Wof individual churches in continue to off er support as the LMAs our transition meetings, particu- fi nd their feet working within the new larly with the Shadow Councils. standing orders and developing rela- Together we assessed the shape, tionships within their new areas. strengths and weaknesses of the Revd Canon Dr Rhiannon new ministry areas. We also led a Johnson is compiling a list of day in each archdeaconry talking useful resources that can be used in to ministry teams about poten- training members of our churches tial resources (some pictured), a as God continues to raise up work- toolbox if you will, to empower ers within the LMAs. each LMA to identify compatible Janet Ingram, Education and resources and approaches for evan- Pilgrimage Offi cer at Tŷ’r Pere- gelism and growth. rin, is off ering LMA Vision days: We want to encourage LMAs a time to be prayerful and refl ec- year, the diffi culties and chaos of ways both new and unknown, to God to show us the way into our on their individual journeys into tive resulting in the production of reorganising the diocese. It has work towards Reimagining ministry, communities, to the places where mission and through discernment, a Spirit-led vision for the future of been challenging but we can’t just Revitalising churches and Rejuve- He is already at work and where we considering their unique geograph- individual LMAs. breathe a sigh of relief and think it’s nating the people with the hope that just need to fan the Spirit of God ical locations, Welsh language Our diocesan conference this over; we have only just begun a new Christ Jesus brings into our lives. into fl ame so that the glorious light needs, size of churches, and socio- year was entitled Grasping the chapter in the life of our diocese. We are part-way towards reach- of Christ may burn brightly for all economic contexts: no one plan nettle, acknowledging, I believe, Our Diocesan Strategy, Grow- ing our goals. However, now is to see; then the work of evangelism should, or indeed would, fi t all! the pain of change over the last ing Hope, asks God to lead us on the time to pause and pray, asking and mission really begins!

and encourage others to join us Tilling the roots on this adventure, and to do so we The ‘E’ word need to refresh, renew and excite our churches and LMAs to get We need to get out and proclaim the good news about our reaping the harvest engaged and to come on board. To faith, says Archdeacon Mones Farah. Not always easy, he that eff ect, the diocese is hosting a Stewardship & Support Offi cer Jeff Thomas introduces himself acknowledges, and invites readers to a day of motivation and day on evangelism for all LMAs, to and describes his role encouragement in January which the leaders and three others AVING retired from being O, what would it take for me of Father God, Jesus and the Holy from each LMA, at least 2 of whom H a government lawyer in S to share my faith? Well, I have Spirit. This fl ame was re-ignited are laity, are invited. September 2018, my duties as a to say it was so easy for a year or when the conviction that I once had The day will be divided into Non-Stipendiary Associate Priest so after coming to faith, I was so returned to my life, namely that the three sessions and lunch will be were keeping me pretty busy but excited about who Jesus was and message that we have as Christians provided. It will be held on 25th I was restless and felt a call to what he had done in my life, but is good news, I would even go as January at the Halliwell Thea- I-didn’t-know-what! God can do as the days went by I became more far as to say it is the best news ever. tre, University of Wales Trinity St that to you. and more reticent. It is comfort to the sad, hope to the David, Carmarthen campus, from When I saw the advertisement Faith hopeless, strength to the weak, and 10am-4pm. Please book directly light to those who live in darkness. with me for my present post I felt I ought Evangelism has become such a It tells of forgiveness of sins, life Archdeacon.Farah@ to apply, and, having just started diffi cult notion for the church beyond the grave and joining the churchinw ales.org.uk at Diocesan Offi ce, I have a strong people today, and that is due to a family of God. I look forward to seeing you all sense, at last, that this is where I am couple of factors: ‘faith is a private which has been done by ordinary However, what I also discov- there. meant to be. matter – I share my faith by what Inspired people over many years. That work ered is that we need to motivate enables us to retain fulltime stipen- I do’; ‘Christians are increas- God’s mission is pursued through diary clergy, to train people in ingly becoming a minority, we human agency, inspired by the Annwyl Arweinydd new and diverse ministries, and to have specialized people who are Holy Spirit and we all have our Ardal Weinidogaeth continue to be productive members happy, willing and cut out to do part to play. Consider these words Leol. of the body of Christ. evangelism.’ by St Teresa of Avila: “Christ has After my initial reticence, I Fe’ch gwahoddir ‘Integreiddo no body now but yours. No hands, Prepared went on a journey of rediscovering chi a thri/thair arall o’r Tystiolaeth i no feet on earth but yours. Yours Stewardship is to church what AWL i gynhadledd Fywyd yr the exciting and thrilling adventure undydd. Eglwys.’ are the eyes through which he looks gardening is to gardens. Gardens of sharing my faith and what I know with compassion on this world. need to be planned, prepared, Yn Theatr Halliwell, Coleg y Drindod, Yours are the feet with which he planted, nurtured and enjoyed. Caerfyrddin ar Ionawr walks to do good. Yours are the Whatever type of gardener we accounting are just some of the hands through which he blesses are, it is pretty hard work! When matters I can help with. 25ain Ionawr 2020. 9:30yb-4:30yp. all the world. Yours are the hands, it comes to resourcing ministry I am here to be a resource for [email protected] yours are the feet, yours are the we all play our part, whether by you and look forward to meeting eyes, you are his body. Christ has giving, fundraising or cooking for you all. no body now on earth but yours.” that coff ee morning. Mission has to be resourced. Just as gardeners can look to an * * * Jeff is from Llandeilo where he It was ever thus. Even St Peter Alan Titchmarsh or a Monty Don For more articles which, unfortunately, could not be and the early church struggled to for help and advice, stewards on lives with his wife, Diane, and accommodated in this issue, plus translations of some, produce the resources which were church councils can look to me for their cocker spaniel Branwen. needed to pursue Christian mission help and advice on resources. Gift Their children have grown up please visit the PD Extra page of our website: (Acts 4 & 5). Today that struggle Aid, planned giving, charitable and left home. Jeff and his https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/pobldewi/ goes on, and the diocese is very status, fundraising, ministry share, family are all fi rst language pdextra/ grateful for the excellent work fi nancial planning and church Welsh speakers. 6 Pobl Dewi, December 2019

Wicklow, Wexford, and Water- Germany and USA. A toolkit will route and many others. Ensuring ford – and was developed to be available for businesses and your church’s website/Facebook Celtic Routes promote the natural, cultural and destinations, with guidance and pages emphasise its Celtic connec- heritage assets common to each ideas about how to create their own tions and stories search engines of the counties, increasing visi- Celtic experiences. will pick this up, and communicat- tor numbers and maximising their It is in these experiences where ing your pilgrim visitor welcome tourism economies. The plan is to our many ancient churches can be will enable your church to bene- encourage new and returning visi- involved with the theme of Routes fit from the project’s marketing tors to explore much wider areas for cultural explorers looking at activities. Caroline Evans, Diocesan Faith Tourism Officer, encourages and places (like our churches), spiritual places and sacred stones. To take the first step towards churches to get involved in a pilgrimage project built on the away from major transit routes For example, a suggested three-day discovering Celtic Routes visit shared heritage of Wales and Ireland and well-known tourism ‘honey- route links Strata Florida Abbey, www.celticroutes.wales. pots’. The formal launch was held the Holy Cross Church at Mwnt, Or e-mail me: ALES and Ireland have an collection of tourism experiences recently in the new S4C building St Dogmael’s Abbey, St Brynach’s stdavidstourism@ Wunbreakable bond formed encouraging travellers to visit Yr Egin in Carmarthen however Church at Nevern, St David’s churchinwales.org.uk through a shared heritage of ancient South East Ireland and West Wales the St David’s Diocese Faith Tour- Cathedral, St Non’s Chapel and crosses, sacred stones, and Celtic to discover the Celtic spirit, by ism Group has been involved since Holy Well, St Govan’s Chapel, Saints – it’s these stories, myths, suggesting immersive and authen- the early days of putting the project Caldey Island with the Old Priory legends, and beautiful rugged land- tic experiences. The £1.7m project together. and St Illtyd’s Church, finishing scapes that are central to a new brings six partners from either side With this official launch, an up at the Old Bishop’s Palace at tourism project between the two of the Irish Sea together for the ambitious marketing campaign is Abergwili. We have so many more countries. first time – Carmarthenshire, Cere- underway targeting potential visi- lovely churches that could be our Celtic Routes is a branded digion and Pembrokeshire with tors from the UK, Ireland, France, pilgrim visitor destinations on that

Challenging, inspiring and uplifting A diverse group of our church members and leaders from across the diocese, gathered for a day of Renewal and Celebration on 9th November at St Davids Cathedral. A day of worship, communion and teaching challenged, inspired, fed and uplifted us, says Mones Farah

N a very busy weekend at the expression preceded the Renewal for the best part of four decades. Ocathedral, the Dean and her Day. This was held in St Clears and Even before I got home last Ecumenical celebrations amazing team welcomed us, made attended by 29 lay and ordained night, merely an hour after the day us feel at home and went of their individuals who are interested in finished and after an hour’s -inter way to serve all those who came. doing church in new ways relevant cessory prayer, I had received a in Pembrokeshire We numbered about 80 in total, to, and in order to reach, those who few encouraging emails from indi- plus the Sound of Wales worship are not in our churches already. viduals from different traditions Baptist Pastor Rob James was delighted with both the turn out band and their technical support. Throughout the weekend we within the diocese telling me how and the response to an initiative he has longed to see taking It was so wonderful to have a were led in teaching by The Rt good the day was and how blessed place in Pembroke’s historic castle, and he was keen to express blend of worship, contemporary Revd Graham Cray (pictured they were by the content of the his thanks to all who contributed to the success of the venture, not songs, prose and hymns, culmi- below right), the chair of the group weekend. least the Trustees who kindly allowed free entry for the afternoon nating in a Eucharist celebrated by that worked on and produced the Our next Renewal Day is Bishop Joanna with the laying on Mission Shaped Church report and scheduled for 17 October 2020. HIS has to be the best Ambulance. Roll on next year”. of hands and anointing with oil. who has been involved in fresh The venue and content are yet to be “TChristian event I have ever The afternoon’s praise opened An evening focusing on fresh expression and theological training arranged. been to in Pembrokeshire.” with a session led by Pastor Mike “I reckon this was the larg- Bave and his group from Bethel est gathering of Christians in the Baptist Church, Pembroke, followed county in the last 30 years.” by a six-piece a capella group from “If things go on like this we Grace Church in Narberth. Mount will need a bigger castle in a couple Pleasant Baptist Church, Pembroke, of years.” led the worship beautifully and the These were but a few of the event ended with Cath Woolridge responses to the ground breaking and her fantastic band of musicians, Picnic, Prayer and Praise held in Sound of Wales (pictured). Town Pembroke Castle in September Hall Messy Church, Pembroke, Trustee Roger Baker was ensured that all the youngsters equally excited, saying “When I present had plenty to occupy their first conceived the idea of Picnic, minds in the intervals and everyone Prayer and Praise, I did not fore- agreed that God had done an amaz- see how great the response would ing job in ensuring the weather was be. Obviously, it had an effect just what was needed. Revd Peter as over 700 Christians came to Jones, Rector of Monkton Recto- the event. Churches and chapels rial Benefice, brought everything from all over Pembrokeshire, and to a suitable close with prayers of several from as far away as Swan- thanks. sea and Cardiff, were represented. “We are praying that this will It was a true celebration of faith, be the first of many such celebra- fully supported by my fellow Trus- tions,” said Rob James, who added, tees, with a programme organised “We are thrilled that in the birth- and directed by Pastor Rob James, place of the first Tudor King we ably assisted by many individuals, were able to celebrate the King that congregations, Pembroke Messy even Henry VII acknowledged as Church and organisations such his Lord. Watch this space. This is

Photos © Revd Neil Hook as the Street Pastors and St Johns just the beginning.” Pobl Dewi, December 2019 7 Growing Hope Gwasanaeth i’r gymuned Growing Hope

our community so we made every- Come and See thing free including refreshments served 10am-4pm in a beautifully This was our mission to our community, says Andy Bookless decorated marquee where people T was a four-day event held a Fun Day including free lunch, relaxed, talked over a cuppa and Capel Dewi Sant I in August. Two churches in bouncy castle, parachute games enjoyed the steady supply of cakes, Hubberston and Hakin (popula- and other family fun led by Revd jam scones and other goodies. tion nearly 5,000 on the edge of Victoria Jones. The event made a real impact Viv Sayer writes about an unexpected mission opportunity at Milford Haven) made their pres- Some activities were more on local people, with appreciative Capel Dewi Sant using the Welsh language ence known. A large marquee, two geared towards adults – a concert comments about the happy, unpres- EITHIAU mae pethau’n Roedd Maria, perchennog siop smaller marquees and a 15 foot with the Tenby Salvation Army sured and loving atmosphere. One dod at ei gilydd mewn y pentre, wedi dod â detholiad o cross were erected on Hubberston Band including testimonies, and mum who chatted with church W ff ordd annisgwyl iawn. Roedd nwyddau er mwyn i ni chwarae Green, and the scene was set for a daily evening meetings. These members felt encouraged to begin pwyllgor Capel Dewi Sant ‘siop’ gydag arian go iawn. Roedd range of activities through which involved sung worship, stories praying, and said it felt as if she wedi bod yn trafod cenhadaeth. y grŵp am gael profi adau sy’n local people were invited to Come from local people about how they now had a new family. Roedden nhw’n awyddus iawn berthnasol i fywyd pob dydd. and See. have experienced Jesus trans- For others the response went i genhadu ond doedden nhw Ces i syniad. Beth am There was plenty for children forming their lives, and a message further. Several people prayed to ddim yn gwybod sut i fynd ati. gynnig profi ad o ddiwylliant and families, including morning – speakers included Archdea- receive Jesus as their Saviour. One “Does dim cymuned o traddodiadol Cymru? Pan wnes activities blending Messy Church con Mones Farah and Revd Josh man wrote “Well, I am a Christian. gwmpas yr eglwys,” medden nhw. i awgrymu ymweld ag eglwys craft with interactive Bible stories Maynard – giving a clear opportu- Yes, I have made mistakes that I Mae hynny’n wir. Capel Gymraeg, roedden nhw’n and songs. We held a Games After- nity to respond to Jesus. cannot be sorry enough for. It’s a anwes yw Capel Dewi Sant frwd iawn am y syniad. noon, a Teddy Bears Picnic, and We saw this event as a gift to new dawn. It’s a new day. It’s a new life for me”. sy’n sefyll ar ei ben ei hunan ar Ar y 15fed o Fedi daeth sawl After the mission, the number y briff ordd rhwng Llanwrda a un i Eglwys Dewi Sant i fwynhau of children attending one of the Llambed. Adeiladwyd yr eglwys gwasanaeth o Hwyrol Weddi. churches doubled from 10 to 20, i wasanaethu’r cymunedau bach Roedd y salm a’r darlleniadau with nearly 10 new adults also rhwng Llanwrda a Llansadwrn. wedi cael eu symleiddio’n llwyr coming. We started an Alpha “Dyn ni ddim yn gallu cynnig ac roedd popeth wedi cael ei Course with about 25 people (a dim byd,’ medden nhw. ‘Rydyn gyfi eithu hefyd i’r Saesneg. Roedd record for us). We sense life and ni’n hen. Does dim neuadd i’r ymgeisydd am y weinidogaeth growth. eglwys. Does dim adnoddau.” o’r enw Heulwen Evans gyda The mission involved a lot “Ond,” dywedais i, ‘mae ni am y tro cyntaf a helpodd hi i of hard work for members of the gennych chi rywbeth sy’n werth gyfl wyno’r patrymau iaith syml. Church of the Holy Spirit and St y byd i bobl eraill. Rydych Dewisodd Dr Lyn Davies, yr David’s Hubberston. We were all chi’n addoli trwy gyfrwng organydd, emynau cyfarwydd “The Mission Team”, with months y Gymraeg. Rydych chi’n gyda llawer o ail-adrodd yn y of prayer, preparation, detailed siarad iaith y nefoedd!’ cytgan. Rhoddwyd braslun o bob organisation and training. But it Fel rhywun sy wedi dysgu’r emyn gan aelodau’r eglwys. was worth it! We give all the glory Gymraeg, dw i’n cymryd Ar ôl y gwasanaeth cawson ni to God. diddordeb mawr yn yr iaith, ac baned a chacennau, ac roedd ro’n i wedi bod yn mynychu grŵp cyfl e i’r dysgwyr siarad â’r dysgwyr ym mhentre Llanwrda. aelodau am eu gobeithion a’u Pan ddaeth eu cwrs blasu i ben, huchelgeisiau ar gyfer y dyfodol. roedden nhw’n awyddus iawn Roedd yr eglwys yn byrlymu. i gael bach o ymarfer dros yr Nawr mae Capel Dewi Sant wrthi haf i beidio colli’r iaith roedden yn dyfeisio’r gwasanaeth nesaf. Growing Hope IV nhw wedi’i dysgu hyd yn hyn. O Wedi’r cwbl, beth sy’n well na ganlyniad ro’n i wedi bod yn eu rhannu iaith y nefoedd gydag On Saturday, 9th May, the next day conference celebrating the success of the diocesan strategy of cefnogi. Cawson ni lot o hwyl. eraill ac addoli Duw yr un pryd? Growing Hope will be held. Robb Wainwright, Diocesan Lay Development Offi cer, outlines the plans and encourages readers to put the date in their diaries HIS time the focus will be Much of the strength of these achievable target. There will be the Ton the relationship between conferences lies in the open- opportunity to meet members of our church and the schools with ness of the discussion between the Diocesan Board of Education which we engage. Our working the speakers and the delegates to and the Director of Education so title is The Church and schools: the conference. The ability to ask please dust off your questions and how they connect and there will be the nitty gritty details in a group have them ready. workshops covering all aspects of of eight to ten people gets to the There will be a further article in that relationship from foundation heart of issues raised in a way that the next issue of Pobl Dewi giving school governorship to reading is not seen in the larger conference full details of the day and the venue alongside pupils. context. for the event as well as information As usual the format will be The conference is open to all on how to book your places. If, in a keynote speaker on the subject church members and, although the the meantime, you have any ques- and the ten workshops that will original conference concept of ten tions about the outline programme run twice, once in the morning and delegates from each church has then please contact me. again in the afternoon. Two or three proved, over the years, to be a little Tel: 01834 849459 of these will be off ered in Welsh as optimistic it is hoped that three or e-mail: [email protected] well as English. four from each LMA would be an Mae Jane a Patricia'n siarad dros baned 8 Pobl Dewi, December 2019 Jumping for joy From Zulu film to Zulu King The children of St Florence VC School, Tenby, revive a tradition as For one young member of Llangwm’s church congregation, the film ‘Zulu’ the restoration of the St Florence church tower nears completion. screened by the Film Club @ St Jerome’s led to her being invited to meet the Zulu King. Robb Wainwright enjoys the event Pam Hunt reports WONDERFUL new grotesque were invited to do the same with INCE the completion of its (not a gargoyle*) has been the new grotesque. After being A restoration in 2017, St Jerome’s carved by Oliver Coe of Coe Stone, introduced to Mr Coe as the carver S Church in Llangwm runs a film club the main contractor on the resto- of the stone they came out by class that meets between September and ration of the St Florence church to look at it and then, when it was April every year with the screen- tower, to replace one on the south- laid, flat they each either jumped ing of a classic film once a month, east corner of the tower which off the stone or over it. With nearly along with a couple more family had been destroyed by weather. In 60 pupils taking part there is sure films thrown in over the Christmas discussion, it emerged that in many to be some lively debate between season. So when Stanley Baker’s places when a new weathercock parents and children over the next film ‘Zulu’ was screened in April was placed on top of a tower it was two or three generations about this year, the story of the Zulu Wars taken in to the local school where whether, and under what condi- sparked an interest in the Thomas the children were invited to jump tions, the jump happened! family to find out more. So, with over it as it lay on the ground. This *Gargoyle takes its name from her grandmother Elizabeth Davies, allowed those children, on becom- the French word ‘gargouille’ for her mother Claire Thomas and her ing adults and having their own throat and is the term given to big sister Evelyn, 7-year-old Violet families, to say to their children a carving which is designed to Thomas embarked on a visit to the and grandchildren when pointing convey water from a roof and Royal Welsh Museum in Brecon. at the weathercock atop the tower away from the side of a building. “I jumped over that”. A grotesque does not have an On a slightly damp morning opening through which water can in early November, the children pass and is a decorative piece of today’s St Florence VC School only.

King Goodwill of the Zulus arriving at Museum the South Wales Borderers were to return to Brecon and meet King merged into the Welch Regiment. Goodwill of the Zulus along with When the family visited the members of his family on 21st July. museum, the children became The story of the defence of aware of an art competition being Rorke’s Drift touched the imagi- run, the winners of which would nation of these children and then Violet Thomas have the opportunity to join it delivered an experience that with her winning entry King Goodwill of the Zulus and the family never imagined would his family on a visit to Brecon. happen. The film tells the story of the Violet and Evelyn wanted to take Have you thought of start- famous battle when 150 South part, but officially Violet was too ing a film club at your church? It Wales Borderers defended the young; nevertheless the organis- costs just £145 per year to obtain Mission Station at Rorke’s Drift ers allowed her to enter. Although the necessary PPL, PRS and CCLI against between 3,000 and 4,000 only 7-years-old, Violet is already licenses to be able to screen films Zulu Warriors. Remarkably only an accomplished young artist, even and play copyright material to your 17 soldiers were killed and 15 so it surprised her family when she congregation. To find out more, go wounded. As a result of the brav- won one of the prizes, which was to https://ukccli.com ery of these defenders, 11 Victoria Crosses were awarded. In 1969, PATCH cheque

At September’s Harvest Supper at Carew Memorial Hall a cheque for £410 was presented to Plant Dewi Family Fun Day PATCH (Pembrokeshire Action to Combat Hardship). This was the proceeds from Plant Dewi, the diocesan family support charity, held its annual a collection made at a Songs Family Fun Day at St Davids Cathedral on Saturday, 21st of Praise evening during September. Hundreds of mums, dads and children spent hours this year’s Summer Festival. enjoying a variety of craft activities, singing along with the Stepp Pictured, Revd Joel Barder, Up puppet theatre and having a bash at drumming in workshops Priest in Charge at St Mary’s held by the Samba Doc band. They then led the procession into Church, Carew, presenting the nave for a short service at which it was announced that Plant the cheque to Revd Marina Dewi’s Project Manager, Sue Fletcher, was to retire after more Evans, a PATCH Trustee than 25 years. We wish her a happy and fruitful retirement Pobl Dewi, December 2019 9 Joe’s Story August in Albania When Joe was given a copy of the book Diary of a Disciple, Cerys Burton enjoys herself at a Christian summer camp produced by Scripture Union, as a gift, he enjoyed reading it so N 22nd August, Tim Eldon, stories of faith. Our answer was was nice to have a tour around their much that he had a good idea O Julie Williams (Team Lead- of course that Jesus is for every- local ‘hood’. IARY of a Disciple is the target was met! In fact, it caught ers) and I met in Aberystwyth with one. The rest of the time was spent Three planes and a car journey D book of Luke, written in a people’s imagination so much that our bags packed, ready to go on walking through the beautiful Alps, later we finally hit Aberystwyth, child friendly format. Joe has some donations kept coming in and so our adventure. Robin Morris, our during which we had a blast, enjoy- very tired but glad of the experi- reading difficulties, but because another set of books was bought to Christian Adventure Club Leader, ing God’s creation and getting to ence. We would highly recommend the book is styled around pictures be given away to another school in had arranged for us to go to a know each other. Spare time was travelling to a Christian camp and the use of simple language, he Pembrokeshire. Christian summer camp in Albania. filled with some highly competi- abroad, to experience different found it easy to read and it helped The Scripture Union Cymru So, we left a drizzly Wales and Tim tive games of Uno, with some very cultures, develop your faith and him to understand the Bible better. team, along with volunteers from drove us to Manchester airport. We interesting rules. broaden your horizon. We are It then sparked an idea in Joe local churches, spent the day in knew each other before going, but After a wonderful five days in always looking for members to – what if all of the children in his Joe’s school running a Diary of we were about to know each other the Alps it was time for the camp join the Christian Adventure Club class at St Mark’s VA Church in a Disciple workshop. This was a lot better and soon became a tight to come to an end. We spent the – perhaps you might join us on our Wales Primary School were given created to accompany the book and unit. next few days in Shkodra, the city next adventure abroad! a copy of this book to help intro- to inspire them to continue reading After two flights, we landed where our fellow campers live. It duce his peers to the Bible and to it for themselves. in the late evening in Tirana, the help others understand the Bible Joe handed out a copy of the capital of Albania, and the first better? book to each of his fellow pupils in thing to hit us was the heat. It was He shared his idea with his a special assembly. The children’s 20 degrees at 11pm. We spent two uncle, who works for Scripture reactions were amazing. Some of days exploring Tirana, using the Union Cymru, who suggested that them couldn’t believe that Joe had Christian Centre as our base. they set up a crowd funding page raised the money to buy them a Then, after a four-hour, 47-mile to try and raise some of the funds book and all were very grateful for journey down a mountain track we to help buy some books. Scripture their copies. arrived in Theft at 9pm in total Union loved the idea and gave Joe Joe’s big dream is to continue darkness, where we were greeted a special price to buy 70 copies. to raise funds for more books, so with local refreshments and warm He also wrote to the headteacher that as pupils in his school move hospitality. The next morning, we of the school, Revd Heather Cale, up from Foundation Phase to Key got ready for our fellow campers, with his idea, and asked permission Stage 2, they will receive a copy of who arrived that afternoon. The to share the books with his fellow Diary of a Disciple and a team will following four days consisted of pupils. come in to run the workshop. staff meetings, English lessons, The target was set – £300 to You can hear Joe’s story in Bible studies, hikes, fun activities buy 70 copies of the book. Within his own words at: https://content. and socialising around the camp- three hours, the story had caught scriptureunion.org.uk/joe fire. Our English lessons were very people’s imagination and the fluid, and we exchanged a lot – we learnt as much Albanian as they did English. In our Bible lessons we explored the theme of ‘who is Jesus for?’, through the stories of Nicodemus, the woman at the well, the rich young man, and our own Baby basics The Plant Dewi Baby Bundle project has been in operation for several years and has collection centres in Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven and Carmarthen. St Mary’s Mothers’ Union, in Tenby, has enthusiastically supported the scheme since it began and a considerable quantity of clothing and equipment has been donated to the Pembroke Dock Hwb, as Gaynor Day reports OLLOWING a referral from a paediatric special baby care and tion of items ready to be delivered Fmidwife, health visitor, social maternity units and makes a really are the Plant Dewi co-ordinator at worker or through the various Plant valuable contribution to our regular St Mary’s, Suzanne Bevan, with Dewi support groups, families or donations. MU leader, Ellen Powling and single parents in financial need are Pictured with the latest collec- members of the MU committee. able to access many of the essen- tial items required to care for a new baby. As a Christian organisa- Am ragor o erthyglau, nad oedd hi’n bosib eu cynnwys yn y rhifyn hwn, tion supporting families around ynghyd â chyfieithiad o rai ohonynt, ewch i dudalen the world, we aim to share God’s PD Extra ar ein gwefan: love through the encourage- https://tyddewi.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk/pobldewi/pdextra/ ment, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. We see the continued backing of this excellent project as a charitable and FINAL COPY DATE truly worthwhile activity. We bene- for the March 2020 edition of fit from regular gifts of handmade, soft, wool baby blankets and tiny Pobl Dewi bonnets, beautifully crocheted by Anita Ashley from Aberdare. This 5 February 2020 generous lady, who is currently housebound, formerly worked in 10 Pobl Dewi, December 2019 Patient care in Pembrokeshire The Save Withybush campaign is fighting on several fronts for the retention of as wide a range of health services as possible at the hospital in Haverfordwest. Hayley Wood considers future health care plans for Pembrokeshire HE resident population of and that decisions had been taken TPembrokeshire of 124,000 before consultations were carried is hugely enlarged by the annual out. The transfer of key staff from flow of 4.3m visitors, not all in the Withybush to other locations gives few summer weeks. The Hywel the Save Withybush Campaign Dda University Health Board the impression that Pembrokesh- (HDUHB) struggles to provide all ire’s only hospital is superfluous the resources necessary to main- and will be reduced to a part-time the care they receive in hospital. istrative confusions over such the difficulty the HDUHB has in tain full accident and emergency hospital. The issue is how far away they live appointments can waste days in the recruiting staff, despite the loveli- services and are putting more The dream of a new mega from that care. lives of patients and their families. ness of Pembrokeshire; the three support through paramedics who hospital to the west of Carmarthen The relative remoteness of parts The NHS in general is encour- main factors that stand in the way can get to patients more swiftly. to serve the wider region needs to of Pembrokeshire is a challenge to aging people to be aware of and use of HDUHB’s recruitment drive The campaign argues that this is not be a reality before further reduc- those seeking to provide any kind the wide range of health services include the level of education in enough. On presenting the largest tions in services, both maternity of specialist services. The distance such as pharmacists, nurse prac- the county, the remoteness from petition ever (40,000 signatures) and A&E at Withybush, can safely of 50 or 80 miles to appointments titioners, physiotherapists and teaching hospitals where medi- to the Welsh Government, the be considered. Patients generally in Glangwili or Morriston is costly to look after one’s own health cal careers can develop and the campaign was left feeling ignored report glowingly on the quality of for patients and HDUHB. Admin- more. The Campaign recognises national shortage of qualified staff. Health and care in The hidden Pembrokeshire Exciting developments to support the health and well-being of Pembrokeshire people affliction are ongoing, with £millions of investment and new ways of working Loneliness is a well-documented cause of illness. Caroline YWEL Dda University • Welsh Government transfor- tions and treatment for complicated Evans, a Trustee of the mental health advocacy charity Eiriol, Health Board (HDUHB) has a mation funding providing the conditions, usually for less than 72 H looks at moves in Carmarthenshire, and beyond, to help long-term strategy for the next 20 opportunity to: hours before people are discharged years. It involves working across • recruit additional social home or to a more local hospital. N the September issue of Pobl the whole system, improving tradi- workers, occupational thera- The business case for this is I Dewi, Jack Evershed’s article on tional health care and involving pists, physiotherapists and long, but other work to improve social prescribing spoke about the communities and organisations ‘navigators’ for community access to unscheduled and emer- damaging effects on health of lone- that affect health and well-being. support; gency care continues. For example, liness, stress and lack of physical This includes: • support the Pembrokeshire is by April 2020 HDUHB will be part exercise, and the Campaign to End • Investment in Withybush Kind’ concept (e.g. demen- of a major trauma network, shown Loneliness claims “ . . . it (loneli- Hospital to provide the best tia and disability-friendly to improve outcomes for patients. ness) is as bad for you as smoking possible care for patients now communities); The Medical Retrieval and Trans- 15 cigarettes a day and worse for – £3m refurbishment of Wards • work with towns and villages fer Services (EMRTS), which you than obesity.” Their figures frail, depressed or have mental 9 and 10; improvements to the to promote informal volun- provides life-saving treatment at talk about 9m lonely people in the health problems. The ageism that Coronary Care Unit and Ward teering and skill-sharing the scene, is also due to become a UK of whom 4m are elderly; many the Older People’s Commissioner 3 (surgery); HDUHB wants to build a new 24/7 service from late 2020. older people say they would find it for Wales, Helena Herklots, has • Recruitment to a range of key urgent and planned care hospital, As health and care plans hard to admit to feeling lonely as highlighted recently can also create clinical roles; between Narberth and St Clears, as develop, HDUHB has pledged they do not want to be a burden barriers. • A trial for urology and diabetes the most equitable distance for the to continue talks with all those to others, even feeling a sense of Complex outpatients to have consultant majority of the south Hywel Dda concerned. You can get involved shame. There are now several organisa- appointments from a nearby population. It would provide the by joining the membership scheme Rural areas tions, for example Age Cymru, that community health centre via main emergency department for www.talkinghealth.wales.nhs.uk, The Wellbeing of Wales report are doing what they can to try to Skype; the area, delivering major opera- telephone 01554 899 056. found 17% of people in Wales are address the numerous and complex • More activity and support from lonely with the more rural areas reasons for loneliness, with each district nurses, with around experiencing higher rates. This is local authority supposedly leading 2,300 people supported each hardly surprising as so many facili- with their own strategy. Strangely, month, and the acute nurs- ties and opportunities to interact weird things happen, such as the ing team providing care in are disappearing. original announcement that to the community to around 160 The Be More Us campaign renew our bus passes, one had people a month; lists ten things one could do to to apply online – reversed fortu- • The fire and ambulance services become more connected, such as: nately! On offer is telephone and putting in place co-responders, phone a friend, get involved in face-to-face befriending which to provide the earliest possi- your community, start a conversa- is working well, social events, IT ble response to life-threatening tion with a stranger, go for a drink, classes. Our church groups can do medical emergencies, in St write a letter, join a club, try some- so much to help as it is what we do Davids, Crymych and Angle; thing new, volunteer. However, anyway. For example, in Brechfa, • Community Connectors from how many of those depend on the church has got a bit of start-up Pembrokeshire Association of one’s physical ability to get around, funding for a monthly Lunch Club, Voluntary Services supporting The multi-disciplinary Joint Discharge Team, based in Withybush, on local public transport, availabil- a Film Club and an IT Hub with people to enjoy life, improving forms the basis for future integrated intermediate care service to ity, and on the lonely person having sessions to get people online. So health, well-being and social support people at home or to transfer them to a place where the confidence to DO something, let’s care and share! interaction; recovery, re-ablement and assessment can take place which is not easy if you are unwell, Pobl Dewi, December 2019 11 From Aberystwyth to the Arctic Circle Simply water Stuart Bell enjoys his time as a chaplain aboard ship AVING a Sunday congrega- of their client base this is a very In addition, we have been asked H tion of 100+ would be some- astute move. Mostly, but by no to provide Bible Studies which thing to celebrate for any of us, means exclusively, their passen- have resulted in groups as large as and yet that is the norm on a Saga gers are white, middle class and 26 coming to look at what the Bible cruise liner. For a number of years retired. None the worse for that. has to say about faith, suffering, now, as a matter of policy, Saga They need caring for spiritually prayer, life after death and ageing. have employed volunteer clergy as much as anyone else. Saga are There is also a Sunday Mass for the Archdeacon John Holdsworth writes from Ayia Napa, on a berth and board basis, which one of the few cruise lines that are Filipino crew who are an absolute where ecumenical ministry is at its best means that they can offer spiritual committed to this provision. delight to meet and many of them provision to those who sail with One of the lovely things about so full of faith. them. working on board is the profile The passengers come from all NE of my more credible simply offers cool water to anyone Considering the demographics which is given to the work of the over the UK and there’s always a O claims to notoriety happened who wants it. The holiday reps chaplain. We don’t have to create a Welsh contingent aboard. On one recently when I was breathalysed take the view that these are people platform for ministry but are given voyage, our Cruise Director was at 2am on a Sunday morning in who want to drink themselves Church is a community rather than one as a prominent member of the from Aberystwyth, would you Ayia Napa. To the disappointment at least to the edge of inhibition, a building. There is an important team. believe it, educated at Penglais of the officer I was one of the few and they arrange programmes that ministry here, to those who come Not only are there Sunday School! More recently, our celeb- people who had not been drinking help make that happen. The water to get married. Presently we cele- duties but also there is a chap- rity guest speaker was former in this notorious Cypriot flesh pot. station is where most of them end brate up to 100 such weddings lain’s hour daily where those who Home Secretary Michael Howard, In a town synonymous with club- up, at the centre of the clubbing each year. There are two resident are faced with personal troubles a Llanelli Grammar School boy, bing and youthful excess, I had area. The young people are very priests and a Reader in a parish that can come and unburden them- and one of the whale-watching been helping with the churches’ grateful, usually very courteous includes the neighbouring holiday selves. “Tell me what to say to my crew was from Machynlleth. water station. This joint initia- and puzzled as to why churches area around Protaras and, across husband who is an unbeliever”, We’ve sailed to the western tive between the Anglicans and should do this. the green line, the busy northern asked one lady. “I lost my dear Mediterranean, to the north of the Lutherans provides plentiful water It’s just one ecumenical initia- resort and university city of Fama- husband six months ago” said Arctic Circle and, next March, to to young people who are seriously tive of many. For most of the year, gusta. Anglican/Orthodox relations another, “convince me that I’ll see the cities of Scandinavia. See you dehydrated as a result of alcohol Ayia Napa is a pleasant resort, here are excellent. him again.” on board? Start saving now. consumption. favoured by Scandinavians, many There is an exciting future in It’s a simple concept. There is of whom settle here. It’s the centre prospect for ministry here. A 2017 a temporary station set up a couple for the Lutheran church whose report describes an aspiration for of times each week, manned by building we use for Anglican Ayia Napa to become one of the the churches’ lay members, which services. Christ Church Anglican top three beach and nightclubbing resorts in the Med. A large upgrad- ing and marina building programme is in process. Ministry here is three- fold: to residents, to visitors and to the vast army of largely immigrant lower paid workers who service the visitors. At the centre of the resort, somewhat incongruously it seems, is the monastery which was built in Venetian times in this ‘Holy Copse.’ The churches are all still working, optimistically, to retain the ‘holy’ in Photo by v2osk on Unsplash The car park wall of the main Orthodox Church of Ayia Napa Napa. Northern Lights

Society (ICS), a Church of England Holidays and Holy Days organisation, in various places in Europe. ICS also has seasonal Going on holiday needn’t interrupt your regular pattern of worship chaplaincies which are predomi- and Christian fellowship. Wherever you travel, there’s likely to be nantly for holidaymakers, with a a church which would welcome you, writes Peter Bement strong emphasis on evangelism. Y wife Anna and I were on a in Paris and the Anglican Church I have undertaken seasonal chap- Mshort break earlier this year in Basel. On other continents, we laincies, typically of a few weeks’ in Mallorca, and went on Sunday have joined in worship with local duration, in France and Switzer- to St Andrew’s Porto Pollensa. Anglican congregations in Barba- land for ICS. St Bernard’s Wengen, The congregation consisted of dos, the USA and New Zealand. for instance, is a pretty little church ex-patriot British residents and Scattered across Europe in the Bernese Oberland minister- visitors like us. After an inspir- there are 295 churches belong- ing to skiers in winter and walkers ing sermon and Holy Communion ing to the Church of England in summer. I discovered there that we were able to meet people over Diocese in Europe. They cater it is somehow easier for a chaplain coffee and cake. Last year we mainly to English-speaking ex-pat to engage people in conversations discovered St Thomas Kefalas, not communities, such as St Luke’s about God among alpine meadows far from the resort of Almarida in Fontainebleau near Paris, where I thronged with flowers, dominated Crete, which has a similar mix of am serving as locum Chaplain as by the grandeur of the Jungfrau and people. The service happened to I write this, or AC Freiburg, where the North face of the Eiger. be led that Sunday by the head of I was Chaplain during an interreg- Wherever you are on holiday, the Anglican Church in Greece, num in 2015. In popular tourist there is very likely to be a church Peter Bement opens an umbrella full of prayers as he and Anna Revd Canon Leonard Doolan. We areas, a very high proportion of near you. Have a look at the Diocese (far left) say farewell to the Anglican Church in Freiburg enjoyed an excellent lunch with congregations will be people on in Europe’s website (https:// him and others afterwards in a local holiday. europe.anglican.org) to locate a Gulf website (https://cypgulf.org) terranean. Or simply Google your taverna. We have worshipped in St There are also churches planted church in mainland Europe, and for worship opportunities in the resort name for a church nearby. George’s in Venice, St Michael’s by the Intercontinental Church at the Diocese of Cyprus and the Middle East and the Eastern Medi- 12 Pobl Dewi, December 2019 ‘Diolch’ from Bukavu diocese Exciting developments Rwlizibuka Bwenge Benjamin, the 23-year-old youngest son of a priest in our Companion Diocese in DRC of Bukavu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), is in the UK for several months and writes a little about his hopes for the future Roger Dirokpa, from our Companion Diocese of Bukavu, in the Y goal in life is to fight Democratic Republic of Congo, feels more optimistic about the M poverty in Bukavu by future studying agriculture. I have now FTER several months of completed four of the five years of Asuspense, the first govern- my degree, and hope to go on to do ment of President Felix Tshisekedi a Masters and then work to help (pictured) is finally here. The improve people’s lives. announcement was made on Most growers in Bukavu are 26th August in Kinshasa, when subsistence farmers, with small Tshisekedi appointed, by presiden- plots on which they try to grow tial order signed on the same day, enough to feed their families. the members of the government. However, due to lack of resources, Since my last article in Pobl Dewi they cannot, or do not know how (September 2019) the Congolese to, for example, rotate crops to get political landscape has changed. the best out of the land so now the Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba, the nutrients in the soil are exhausted Prime Minister, praised the char- and the crops are poor and very acteristics of his team which is limited. made up largely of new ministers Instability who have never served in previ- Furthermore, life is a contin- ous governments. He said that the ual test for most people in DRC Congolese people have been wait- due to ongoing war and political ing for this government for a long part of DRC has been launched and and economic instability, which time: this spirit of collaboration is a the fight against the Ebola Virus resembles a living hell with no new experience for us. in the north east of the country is foreseeable, positive end. The bishops of the Catholic proving positive. Major road infra- Challenges Church, who are very influential structure improvements have also begun. It’s not laziness or apathy in the Democratic Republic of The Special Representative which prevents the majority of Congo (DRC), have committed themselves to supporting the new of the UN Secretary-General in people living in Bukavu from many challenges. In these painful and answered our SOS by renovat- government and its commitment the DRC, Ms Leila Zerrougui, resolving their problems and conditions, and struggling to find a ing schools, assisting the needy and to work to improve the lives of the welcomed the establishment by dreadful living conditions, but the way out, our SOS is always “on” to giving young people the opportu- Congolese people. The priorities of the government of an ambitious lack of employment, education and those who can help. nity to realise their dreams. the new government, as stated by programme to stabilise the country. encouragement. The situation is Luckily, the people of St Although the struggle is not President Tshisekedi, are the well- She said that new, positive poli- improving but the people still face Davids Diocese have understood over and we still need help, no being of the country’s people, the cies, eventually likely to lead the words can describe how grateful security of the Congolese territory Congo towards stability and peace, we are for the generosity and kind- and social improvements. are being put in place following the ness of the people of St Davids Among the measures already peaceful transition which occurred and we are looking forward to the implemented is that basic, primary at the beginning of this year. Mercy arrival of the shipment next year, school, education has been compul- The DRC has embarked on which contains donations of many Judy Webb provides an update to the story of the little girl who sory and free in the DRC since the a new development path and much-needed items, which will has no feet beginning of the school year this the people aspire to, and believe help us. OU may remember Mercy September. faithfully in, a new Congo with a Y(Pobl Dewi, December 2018) The pursuit of the rebels who brighter future. – the little Ugandan girl who is have caused havoc in the eastern Pray for the new DRC! supported by the Crymych Group Cathedral of Churches House Group. Well, she’s had an eventful couple of will be featured at the event, includ- and the programme for the book months. Thanks to generous dona- Library events ing Bishop Joanna. To book a launch, can be found on PDExtra, tions, a Mercy line dance and the ROFESSOR Norman Doe place, visit https://bit.ly/2Q1fHsv. https://stdavids.churchinwales.org. sale of crocheted bookmarks and P(pictured), Director of Cardiff An extended version of this article, uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ bells, we have been able to provide University Centre for Law and her with her first wheelchair. Her Religion, was one of the main foster parents’ backs were begin- speakers at the first annual UK ning to suffer with the strain of Libraries Week event held in St carrying a 10 year-old; this was Davids Cathedral during October. becoming even more difficult as Each session focused on a particu- Mercy had outgrown her prosthetic lar book in the Cathedral Library’s legs and has recently had surgery historic and eclectic collection. to trim back her leg bones which Prof Doe spoke on the oldest book were breaking through her right in the Cathedral Library, published stump. As well as the wheelchair in about 1505 – a classic of canon (she can’t always be on her feet) law by former Bishop of St Davids, she has just received a new pair of William Lyndwode. prosthetic legs – the picture shows Prof Doe will be returning to her taking her first steps on them at the cathedral on 30th April for a CoRSU Hospital, Entebbe. conference to launch a new book The heartfelt thanks of Mercy, he has edited on the centenary of her family and friends go to every- disestablishment, and first 100 one who has contributed. Now years, of the Church in Wales, enti- we’re busy topping up a depleted tled A New History of the Church in bank account! Wales. Several contributing authors Pobl Dewi, December 2019 13

Officials have resorted to trans- porting water to citizens every day. The precious cargo is brought to A drought of biblical us by train from the green Yelagiri Hills of southern India. Demand for water in the manufacturing and proportions IT hub on the Bay of Bengal far outstrips supply, forcing authorities to take extreme and costly meas- ures to serve the city’s 10 million Chennai, a major city in southern India and home to people. And so, every day, the train eight million people, is running out of water. John sets out on a 4-hour, 216-kilometre Selwyn, a resident of the city, describes the crisis (134-mile) journey, its 50 tank cars carrying 2.5 million litres (660,000 gallons) of water drawn from a OUR of the city’s main water nai depend on the autumn monsoon dam on the Cauvery River. Freservoirs dried up after a long to provide half of the city’s annual turned into puddles of cracked summer monsoon arrived as a India’s water crisis is just the drought following already low rainfall. Last year, the city had 55% mud. Some parts of the city have disappointing light shower. People latest example of extreme weather rainfall. Piped water has run dry in less rainfall than normal. been without piped water for five in the city lined up with cans amid occurring around the world. Think Chennai, the capital of the south- When the monsoon ended months now. Weary women, men a widespread water shortage but earthquakes, droughts, storms, ern state of Tamil Nadu; 21 other early, in December 2018, the skies and children with brightly coloured were disappointed. Millions of hurricanes, wildfires, floods and Indian cities are also facing the dried up and stayed that way. Chen- plastic jugs now await water tank- people in Chennai are affected more. These events have caused spectre of Day Zero, when munic- nai went without rain for 200 days. ers, sometimes in the middle of the by the water shortage, which has some to wonder if we have reached ipal water sources are unable to The temperature rose to 108°F night. sparked protests, work stoppages the end times described in the meet demand. The people of Chen- (42°C) and its four water reservoirs On 20th June, the delayed and even business closures. Bible.

ministries, and which engaged The Nazareth Trust around 200 people in short and longer term placements last Lent 2020 in the Holy Land Frank Kantor, Nazareth Hospital’s Spiritual Director, considers year. the 158 years of work which honours Jesus in his home town, This growth and development has taken place despite war and and invites readers to get involved conflict. We have sought to be HE Nazareth Trust has main- guided by the words of Jesus, Ttained a Christian presence which he read from the scroll of in Nazareth since 1861 when the prophet Isaiah in the Nazareth Kaloost Vartan, an Armenian synagogue, known as the Nazareth doctor, responded to the request Manifesto (Luke 4: 18-19). This of the Anglican vicar of Naza- requires attentiveness to both the reth to start a medical clinic. Dr proclamation and demonstration of Vartan, who was in Beirut at the the good news embodied in Jesus time, recognised this as a call from of Nazareth which we endeavour to Members of St Catherine’s, Brynamman, will soon God (having completed his medi- do through a sensitive ministry of be setting out on a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. cal training in Edinburgh with the prayer, presence and proclamation There are still places available, says Andrew Steven generous support of the Edinburgh in the ethnically and religiously Medical Missionary Society), and diverse context of Nazareth. E will be joined by a group Jericho, will go to Jerusalem, stop- immediately set out for Nazareth In the words of Phillip to the Wfrom Tavistock Dean- ping to view the old Roman road on his donkey. On arrival, he began incredulous Nathanael we would ery, Devon, on what started as a on which Jesus based his Good treating the local Arab population like to invite you to come and see chance, throw-away remark. After Samaritan parable. Before leaving in two rooms which served as his the good that is still done for God’s watching a video series on the life Jericho we will go to the top of the clinic. kingdom in Nazareth by serving as of Jesus with the St Catherine’s Mount of Temptation in the cable From this humble beginning, an international volunteer chaplain Fellowship Group, I said I would car to view the Dead Sea desert the Nazareth Trust has grown into as part of an exciting new chap- love to take them all to the Holy region. a dynamic organisation that is laincy program we are launching in Land and actually show them some We will be staying at the responsible for running: Hospital chaplain, the new year. of the places we had been looking grandly-named Ritz in Jerusalem • The Nazareth Hospital EMMS Revd Suhail Bathish For more information on this at. Someone then said, “Well why which has a roof-top terrace looking – a modern general hospital and how you can get involved don’t you?” So, starting with a out over the Old City. We will be offering acute care and special- enhance the Christian life and through prayer, presence, or provi- rather tentative call to the Marana- visiting the important sites associ- ist medical treatment services witness of the Nazareth Trust, sion please visit: tha Tour Company a pilgrimage ated with the life and death of Jesus to around 200,000 people in strengthen and encourage local www.nazarethtrust.org was put together, resulting in an including Bethany, the Mount of Nazareth and the surrounding eight-day tour of specially selected Olives, the Garden of Gethsemane areas; sites in March next year. and the Church of the Holy Sepul- • The Nazareth Academic School We will be flying from Heath- chre. On our final day we will call of Nursing which runs a BA row and spending two days in in at Caesarea Maritima, Herod’s Nursing Degree programme Galilee, starting with a private massive seaport and capital on the and BA Conversion Course sail across the sea in a Jesus boat, Mediterranean where Pontius Pilate with 300 students enrolled each stopping halfway and cutting the also had his headquarters. year; engine to appreciate where we are There are still places available • The Nazareth Village – a living and absorb the atmosphere of our if you would like to join us. history village that recreates surroundings. We will then visit More details, and a booking village life at the time of Jesus some of the significant locations of form, are on St Catherine’s website on the site of an authentic first Jesus’ ministry such as Nazareth, www.stcatherinesbrynamman.org, century farm which was visited Capernaum and the River Jordan. or call me on 01269 826101 and by close to 120,000 local and The hotel where we will be stay- ask for a hard copy of the brochure. international visitors last year; ing is on the shore, complete with The itinerary has been carefully • SERVE Nazareth – a gardens and swimming pool. chosen to allow plenty of time to programme offering volunteer We will then leave Galilee appreciate everything in the places placements in Nazareth to behind and, following the Jordan to we will be visiting. 14 Pobl Dewi, December 2019

form of pilgrimage in tune with the

secular age. Partners in the project, which include Wexford County Coun- cil, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Visit Wexford are very keen that the stories which are unearthed are used to create a Two sea-faring nations more meaningful experience for visitors to both regions. HAT S ON AT Ancient Connections, is funded W ’ and a willow boat by the European Regional Devel- opment Fund through their Ireland ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL . . . The Ancient Connections project, launched recently in St Davids, Wales Cooperation programme and is hailed a great success by project partners and local community aims to sustainably increase over- members Concerts seas tourism to and between both VER 100 people from Wales will now travel to Ireland where regions. The project is focusing on 14th December 7.30pm Côr Dyfed O and Ireland attended the communities there can contribute boosting tourism in the shoulder 1st January 2.15pm John S Davies Singers Ancient Connections project their ideas as well. seasons, encouraging more people 8th January 7.30pm Welsh National Opera launch at Tŷ’r Pererin, St Davids, The project will focus on local to visit in Spring and Autumn, Orchestra in September. People representing history, heritage and stories, often thereby extending the season and community groups, the arts, busi- using art as the medium for sharing improving the local economy. Services ness and local government came stories. For more information contact 15th December together to hear more about this The opportunity to develop rowan.matthiessen@pembrokesh- 4.00pm Choral Vespers with Ceremony of Carols exciting new project and to start old and new pilgrimage trails to ire.gov.uk or call 07760272723. 18th December building a relationship that will last St Davids is proving very popu- You can follow the project and 7.00pm Plygain, Welsh Nine lessons & Carols much longer than the three years of lar. These can be traditional routes fi nd out more on Facebook @ 20th December the project. calling into the several churches AncientConnect or Twitter @ 5.00pm Crib Service Ancient Connections is a herit- across the area, or develop a new AncientConnect1 age and arts programme led by 22nd December Pembrokeshire County Council Scratch Nativity 10.30am which will link communities across 22nd December the Irish sea and generate new 7.00pm Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols works of art, community projects, (doors open 5:45pm) events and activities inspired by 23rd December the stories that connect these two 6.00pm Christmas Lily Service (dedication of lilies regions. The areas to be most in memory of loved ones) involved are those between Fish- guard and St Davids, and in Ireland Christmas Eve around the ancient town of Ferns. Attendees were also invited to 24th December place their hopes and dreams for 4.00pm Carols around the crib the project into a stunning willow 11.00pm First Eucharist of Christmas, Procession boat created by local artist Michelle & Blessing of Crib Cain (pictured), commissioned especially for the launch. The boat Christmas Day 25th December 10.30am Bilingual Christmas Choral Eucharist 12th January 6.00pm Epiphany Procession with Carols Forthcoming Events at Tŷ’r Pererin 2nd February 6.00pm The Candlemas Vesper & Procession Thursday 26th December: available 11am-4pm

St David’s Day BOXING DAY @ THE CATHEDRAL 1st March Nativity treasure hunt for all the family. Travel around St Davids Cathedral to retell the 11.15am A Pilgrim’s Walk Christmas story. Angels, shepherds and wise men are hidden in secret places. Read the 11.45-11.55am Bell Ringing map and follow the stars to fi nd your way. Once you have all the clues you can light your 12.10pm Bishop’s Blessing of the City at The Cross own Christmas pea ce candle and visit the crib. Collect a reminder of the story for your own Square Christmas tree. 12.30pm Prayers & Readings at the Shrine of St David Wednesdays 11th December, 8th January, 6.00pm Choral Eucharist for the Feast of St David 12th February, 11th March, 3.45-6pm There are no exhibitions MESSY CHURCH in the Cloister Gallery Bible stories, art, games, fun & food for families with 0-11 year olds. during this period Led by the cathedral & churches in St Davids & Greater Dewisland.

For more information or to book a place, contact For further information about the above services and events Janet Ingram, please contact the Deanery Offi ce on 01437 720202 Tŷ’r Pererin, Quickwell Hill, St. Davids or email [email protected] Tel: 01437 729151 See our website www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk [email protected] Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter Pobl Dewi, December 2019 15 Facing the four winds In the latest of her series on ‘little gems’, Caroline Evans visits St David’s Church, Whitchurch IGH up, on top of the cliffs me was a hagioscope (pictured church with a handsome vicar- H above the tiny port of Solva, right) in the south wall of the chan- age just down the road. However, stands the Grade II listed church cel – a squint. due to population changes in, and of St David’s at Whitchurch. Posi- The love and care expended the development of, Solva a new tioned alongside the old turnpike on the church is obvious – embroi- church (St Aiden’s) was completed road from Haverfordwest to St dered tapestry covers on cushions, in 1879 in Upper Solva. Davids, it has been standing there, fresh flowers, an up to date notice- One image remained with me exposed to the four winds since board, a visitor table, a donations – in 1942, RAF St Davids was the 13th century. There is a large jar appealing for around £181,000 built just across the fields and used graveyard, fully enclosed with a for renovation work. Pews covered by the Coastal Command – those stone wall, with some table tombs. by plastic sheeting shows how time flyers must have seen the church These days the main road to St has deteriorated the fabric of this below them as they took off from Davids runs through Solva, but the church, but church life carries on the airfield, maybe a last sight of lane retains significance as it is the with regular services. their home shores. Sustrans Route 4, the long-distance The fortunes of St David’s Open for visitors, this is well cycling route from London to Fish- Church have fluctuated – recorded worth a visit. (Postcode SA62 guard. On the day of my visit, in 1291 as belonging to the Cister- 6UB) several cyclists stopped by the iron cian order, it was the main parish gate to look at the church, the view and to catch their breath. Despite being heavily restored by the Victorians (1874), when you step inside you really feel that it has not changed much over the centu- ries. What hits you is the light; on an overcast day, the light poured in through the windows, some with interesting stained glass. With the white painted walls, the atmosphere is peaceful and unfussy. Beside the door is a medieval octagonal font (pictured) with a very ornate font cover. There is a wall plaque dated 1771, some inscribed grave slabs in the floor and nicely carved altar table and pulpit. What fascinated

church on the Explore Churches prepare images before you start. in the partnership. Joined-up thinking website (https://www.explore- Follow-up training days focusing If you have any queries, or would churches.org/) which is free and on bookable experiences will be like to get involved, please contact Historic churches and chapels are to become a key part of Wales straightforward to use. It is helpful held in 2020. This is a great oppor- me at tourism, thanks to a new project from the National Churches to (a) see how other churches have tunity for us, as a diocese, to be stdavidstourism@ Trust. Exploring Sacred Wales is an exciting project, says used the space and sections, and part of a joined-up tourism plan for churchinwales.org.uk Caroline Evans, Diocesan Faith Tourism Officer (b) compile your information and Wales, led by the NCT and others tel: 01267 202305. XPLORING Sacred Wales is churches within the 15-mile corri- Egoing to be a great help with dor of the A487 and which are our diocesan plans for a pilgrimage open for visitors on a regular basis, route from north Wales down to St encouraging them to send a repre- Davids. The project is being organ- sentative to the workshop, which ised and supported by the National was all about how tourism can Churches Trust (NCT) – the benefit our churches and chapels, church buildings support charity, including: and managed by NCT Heritage • how we can all help put Wales’ Services Ltd in partnership with amazing sacred spaces on the Visit Wales, the Church in Wales, tourist map; Addoldai Cymru, Friends of • welcoming visitors to our Friendless Churches and the Royal areas, helping them appreci- Commission on the Ancient and ate our heritage, supporting the Historical Monuments of Wales. local economy and spreading Experiencing Sacred Wales aims to the word about our work, both attract UK and international visi- in the community and further tors to visit our wonderful sacred afield; heritage of Wales, particularly • topics included: why faith along the Visit Wales initiative of buildings appeal to visitors, the the three Wales Ways, of which benefits of getting involved, the Coastal Way follows the A487 thinking about publicity and from north to south along the coast. security, tips on welcoming The first stage is a set of three visitors and how we can help workshops, of which the West you raise income by develop- Wales event was held in Cardi- ing bookable experiences. gan on 27th November. Our Faith Churches are also being encour- Tourism Group contacted historic aged to put information about their Llanrhystud Church 16 Pobl Dewi, December 2019

19 July 1945. However once back Naked vegetables WWII: an evacuee’s in London, I found it very difficult to settle down and so I asked the Polly Zipperlen describes Creation Advent in Llangwm, Hancocks if I could return to them Johnston and Freystrop story and they said yes. I arrived back KNOW, I know, here comes farm shops where possible; here on 22nd December 1945, just I the eco-bandwagon spoil- • bulk buy from producers or Millions of children who were evacuated during WWII found in time for my Christmas dinner. ing Advent. This is exactly what co-operatives. As a family, being wrenched from their families traumatic. Today, more than “After the war John and I lost I would have thought before my we are part of a village group seven decades later, many evacuees are only just talking about touch but, after 36 years, we were most recent (I frequently fall off the which buys from Suma Whole- the experience. Albert Smith tells Shirley Murphy his story reacquainted after John wrote to eco-wagon) environmental epiph- food Cooperative, who are the Rector of Narberth asking any after picking up a discarded committed to Fairtrade produce HE single defining feature for of their own and they were very for my whereabouts. Sadly, John sandwich wrapper in the hedgerow, and reducing environmental Tmost evacuees was that they fond of, and kind to, us both” says passed away a few years later.” only to find that its contents had impact. were moved without warning. One Albert. “I had never seen a cow Albert now lives in Robeston contained chicken from Thailand. These are simple ideas which can such person was Albert Smith born except in books. There were also Wathen and is a regular worshipper This led me on a brief rampage be rolled out at any time, or season, on 7 July 1932 in Greenwich, the sheep and hens and I enjoyed my at Holy Cross Church. round large chain stores, only to of the year. only boy among seven sisters. stay. To conclude he says “Although find other foodstuffs which could The Church in Wales has He remembers how peaceful “Once the war ended, they sent I was happy and well looked after, easily be have been sourced in the already pledged to Fairtrade London was before the war, but all the younger children home first I never quite lost that nagging UK, but had travelled similarly tea, coffee and chocolate so once it started it was chaotic and he but, since I was older, I was one of sadness that I would so much rather ridiculous distances in the name of let’s approach this promise with and two of his sisters were evacu- the last. I returned to London on have been with my mum.” cheap food. renewed vigour. With this in mind, ated immediately. Albert was first “Right, I’ve had enough!” I all our chocolate at Advent and evacuated, in September 1939, to said, but I needed to take action, Christmas events will be Fairtrade. St Leonards on Sea, near Hast- and what better time than Advent Our churches run a Pilgrim- ings. However, in 1940, when the to both reflect on, and improve, age Group for young people German planes started bombing our relationship with God and His aged 8+ who meet monthly and Hastings he was again evacuated to created world? already undertake Creation-based Wales. Advent is the opportunity to activities and, last year, I organ- Albert remembers feeling very show the wider community that ised a church Advent calendar sad as he had no idea if he would our care of Creation is now a prior- in Llangwm. Each day a differ- ever see his family again. He also ity. This year, this includes the ent child from the village opened remembers asking one of the boys provision of paper bags for our a window. Inside was a chocolate on the train where they were going. congregations to use when shop- (Fairtrade this year), a Bible verse “Wales” was the reply. Albert had ping and encouragement to: and a task, which this year will never heard of Wales until then. • avoid single-use plastics, for be Creation-focused. The Advent On arrival at Narberth station example, not buying produce calendar brought new people into all the children were taken to the that is wrapped in plastic, such the church building last December, County School to be picked up. His as cucumbers and swedes, and and this year we are encouraging a two sisters were collected immedi- avoiding products with excess little environmentalism – although ately and taken to Redford Farm, packaging, like crisps and indi- children often embody a deeper Princes Gate. Albert and a boy vidually wrapped cakes and understanding and commitment to called John Williams went with biscuits; Creation (and God) than adults. the Hancocks, from the Welsh Furs An extended version of this article can be found on PDExtra: • buy UK or local produce and Remember . . . “God so loved Farm, Princes Gate. from smaller producers/shops/ the world . . .”, and so should we. “The Hancocks had no children https://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/

they were fenced in, with little cultivation or disturbance, and Elfin Saddle often provide unique habitats for Tessa Briggs enjoys learning how to identify fungi flora and fauna. The Beautiful in a local churchyard Burial Ground Project is now half complete and, to date, 113 sessions N 5th November, ten of us Sharp, Community Co-ordinator have been run across England O gathered to learn more about of the Beautiful Burial Ground and Wales, engaging, training and identifying fungi in the churchyard Project at the organisation Caring working with 1,500 volunteers of St Michael’s, Llandre. The morn- for God’s Acre (CfGA). to look at the natural, social and ing, funded by Natural Resources Management of burial grounds built heritage of their local burial Wales, was introduced by Georgina has largely stayed the same since grounds. As part of this project, Biodi- versity Hotspot surveys are being carried out in eight mid-Wales churchyards, of which Llandre is one and where the Churchyard Management Plan, drawn up in collaboration with CfGA, is being implemented. With guidance from the knowl- edgeable Rob Rowe, we walked slowly round the churchyard look- ing for fungi and found around 25 different types, including the quaintly named, unmistakable, Elfin Saddle, Helvella lacunosa, (pictured) and (inset) a tiny Mycena belonging to a large family of miniature, delicate fungi, often found in grassland and hard to Learning about Creation through bushcraft at Coppicewood College identify to species level in the field. Pobl Dewi, December 2019 17

A number of skeletons will also be Walsingham 2019 subjected to stable isotope analysis for dietary reconstruction, and to A wonderful week of traditional Anglican worship, at the Shrine identify whether the people buried of Our Lady of Walsingham, was enjoyed again this September at St Patrick’s Chapel were local to by a group of pilgrims from West Wales, as Mike Lewis reports the region as children. Excavations carried out at St Patrick’s Chapel, and the analysis of the remains of those who were buried there, have the potential to transform understanding of Chris- tian coastal communities who once lived and died in Pembrokeshire Remembering St Patrick during the early mediaeval period. But the time had come to return the site underground. And so, before A beach-side service has marked the end of one of the most the dunes were replaced, a pop-up important archaeological digs to take place in Pembrokeshire for congregation gathered under the many years leadership of Revd Ian Cohen to INCE 2014, archaeologists adult female; at the head of the mark the occasion and celebrate Sand local volunteers have grave, excavators uncovered a the legacy of the Welsh-born patron been excavating the remains of cross-shaped grave marker with a saint of Ireland. St Patrick’s Chapel, a mediae- ring-cross carved on the surface of “God’s own on their pilgrim- val cemetery buried beneath sand the stone. This is the only example age following where God’s spirit HE coach set out from Llanelli gardens was a truly inspiring sight, dunes at Whitesands Bay near St from Britain of a radiocarbon dated leads.” Twith pilgrims from Aber- with more than 80 people carrying Davids. 7th-9th century AD cross-carved Prayers were said and a hymn ystwyth, Pembrokeshire and the candles. Over 40 bodies dating from grave marker found in situ. sung. The Mayor of St Davids, Llanelli area, to make the long jour- The group’s penultimate day the 7th century onwards have been The human remains were Cllr Michael Chant, gave a reading ney to North Norfolk. A couple of was spent visiting Sandringham recovered. The deceased received very-well preserved and are now from the Confessions of Patrick: refreshment stops were made along House, where the Queen and the no possessions in keeping with undergoing osteological analysis “It was the over-powering grace of the way, and, as we approached our Royal Family traditionally spend a Christian burial tradition. One at the University of Sheffield to God at work in me, and no virtue destination, the hymn To Our Lady Christmas each year. The wonder- of the most significant discov- establish the demographic profile of my own, which enabled all these of Walsingham was sung with great ful gardens, parklands and nearby eries was the burial of a young and health status of the population. things.” gusto. parish church, along with some Services of Morning Prayer last minute gift buying in the estate and Holy Mass were conducted shop, ensured an enjoyable visit. by the two priests who accompa- The day was rounded off with a News from nied the group, Canon Philip Wyn short visit to Wells-Next-The- Davies SSC and Fr David Davies Sea; a small fishing port noted for the Towers SSC, who also gave very inter- the high quality lobster and crab esting and informative addresses landed there. On Saturday, 10th August, during the week. A weary but spiritually St Mary’s, Haverfordwest, The Service of Healing, which refreshed band of ‘happy pilgrims’ hosted two events for St included the sprinkling of water returned home at the end of the Davids Diocesan Guild from the holy well, the laying on of week determined to return again of Bell Ringers. Steve hands, and, finally, being anointed next year. If anyone would like to McGrath, Tower Captain & with holy oil, was attended by be a part of next year’s pilgrimage Ringing Master of St Mary’s, a large number of pilgrims. The contact the Group Secretary, summarises the events candle-lit procession of The Image Mary Rees on 01554 759408 of Our Lady around the shrine [email protected] N the morning, a workshop was I held to give some basic training In the afternoon, the monthly extended to all and it was particu- on rope splicing (pictured) – this diocesan bell ringing practice larly pleasing that some of those is a skill which every church with was attended by more than 15 learning to ring were confident Interfaith debate bells needs. The workshop was led ringers from their home towers enough to come along. by Anne Bunker, Master of the St of Carmarthen, Haverfordwest, We rang a variety of call To mark Interfaith Week in November, Bletherston Pilgrim Church Davids Guild of Bell Ringers, and Llanbadarn Fawr, Llandovery, changes and methods on 8, 7, 6 was the venue for a question and answer evening for those attended by six people from across Llandysul, Llansteffan, Pembroke, and 5 bells, led by Chris Tough, wishing to learn more about the subject. Derek Davies reflects the diocese who are now capable of St Florence, St Davids and Lland- St Davids Guild Ringing Master. on a thought-provoking event splicing ropes. eilo. A very warm welcome was A great time was had by all. E were fortunate in having sional nature of our knowledge. Wfor our panel Bishop John The legacy of our Imperial history should not persuade us to believe The evening concluded with may need to be adapted, that other Saxbee, Revd Peter Lewis, one continues and, indeed, the use of that these atrocities are anything the hope that the modest endeav- faiths should be invited to contrib- time rector of Narberth, and Revd predicates such as ‘old & new’ more than the actions of a minis- our at Bletherston may be taken ute goes without saying but of the Shirley Murphy, currently serv- still influences our perspectives; cule minority. up in future years at other loca- current of thought which prevailed ing in the Narberth ministry team. perhaps extended covenant might On the intriguing question as tions with larger population bases in Bletherston amongst those who Numbers may have been modest be more appropriate in conjunc- to what, from other faiths, we may within the diocese. That the format attended there is no doubt. but there was no dearth of interest tion with the Hebrew Scriptures? seek to place greater emphasis and questions leading to extensive To see the good in other faiths as upon in our Christian witness, some discussion; evidence once again of representing anonymous Christian- interesting responses were forth- the hitherto untapped “searching” ity is surely patronising. coming. From within Islam came which exists in our midst. Nevertheless, there were, with the priority of prayer; from within This brief report is an attempt some caveats, strong expressions Buddhism a less driven engagement to summarise a few of the avenues of hope and recognition that much with life; and from within Jainism of thought which were pursued. has changed for the better within the sanctity of all creation. None A prominent theme which reso- the last two generations of expe- of these perspectives are in any nated clearly at the outset was the rience of those present. It was felt way unknown to Christianity but need for rather more humility in important to note that the media perhaps they have been relegated our Christian view of other faiths coverage of extreme events, utterly and lost the sense of priority which and a greater sense of the provi- deplorable as they have been, they may once have enjoyed. The panel 18 Pobl Dewi, December 2019

Reflection

whilst Mary and Joseph knew that something important was going to Joy to the world happen and the Magi knew that A prayer for peace Relish the build-up to Christmas, whenever it starts, and share the something momentous was afoot as treasure we’ve all been given, says Archdeacon Paul Mackness they gazed the heavens, the major- ity of people knew nothing – they in our land ANY in the diocese will our midst. Sadly many Christians were oblivious to the significance A specially commissioned prayer for these troubled times M know about my addiction take offence or moan that we sing of what was happening. It was no to stationery and clerical shirts, Christmas Carols too early, deco- different from today. Almighty and Everlasting God, perhaps not so many will know rate too early, celebrate too early, However, the message of the assist with your spirit of counsel and wisdom that I wish life was like a musical. but the reality is that, unless you are angels brought good news of great those who are responsible for our governance, Every Christmas I love to watch a Christian, Advent is meaningless joy to the shepherds on the hills that their administrations may be conducted the film Nativity and its sequels. – why? Quite simply because we around Jerusalem, who being told with honesty, truth and righteousness. Few however, unless they are stuck have allowed it to be so – we have of what had happened then went to May this time of national uncertainty behind me in a traffic jam, will not put the Baby who was born in see the child in the manger. Are we be framed with an attitude of respect, virtue and charity know that I sing along to the songs the hay in the centre of what we do. angels at Christmas, bringing the so that political welfare may be seen to be upheld in my car. In Nativity 2 – Danger Instead Christians in the run up to message of joy and peace or are by justice, mercy and common purpose. in the Manger (set in Wales) the Christmas come out as killjoys and we more like Herod, brooding and Direct with your Divine Providence school compete in a Christmas miserable rather than people wait- spitting with anger? the deliberations of Parliament, the Welsh Assembly Song Competition. The chorus ing excitedly to welcome the Word Let us be clear, God sent his and all those who have been entrusted with from the winning song runs: made Flesh into the world. Instead only Son to take human form, not the wellbeing of your people and our country, “You want your big Christmas Day, of being heralds of glad tidings we just for the pious and the righteous that they may seek to preserve peace, promote national happiness, You want your Santa and Sleigh, come across as being Scrooge! but, more importantly, for every- and ensure liberty, equality and freedom of thought. But don’t forget about the Baby, Over the weeks leading up to one who wasn’t. The Nativity and Despite our differences, shortcomings and failures, Who was born in the hay!” the Feast of the Nativity we’ll see the Incarnation are central to our may we strive to preserve our union, the sanctity of human dignity This sums up the problem that trite slogans outside churches and faith, but, we do not have a monop- and respect for one another, to live as your love commands, we as Christians have when we chapels . . . “Jesus is the reason for oly on Jesus – he came to save by presenting and preserving the rule of this nation look at the way the world views the Season” or “Glory to God in the everyone – those who recognised with virtue and peace to your honour and glory. Christmas. Highest – not Glory to God in the him and those who didn’t. We ask this through Christ our Lord, Amen For many outside the Church High Street!”. Jesus is a gift to the universe all that Advent means is a calendar Please don’t get me wrong – the best gift that there can ever – usually with a chocolate or toy – – Advent and preparation is impor- be and for all humanity. Let us be but for us it is an important period tant and is, in fact, my favourite people who make that the message Gweddi am heddwch of preparation as we prepare afresh season of the church year, but let that we bring this season, let to welcome the Christ Child into us be realistic. That first Christmas, people see us enjoying Advent: it’s about preparation and reflec- yn ein gwlad tion, not mortification and misery Dyma weddi a gomisiynwyd yn arbennig ar gyfer yr amserau – God takes human form! And let ansicr yma us, when we do celebrate Christ- mas, do it well, remembering that Hollalluog a Thragwyddol Dduw, it goes on until Twelfth Night, it cynorthwyo gyda dy Ysbryd o gyngor a doethineb doesn’t finish at lunchtime Christ- y rheiny sy’n gyfrifol am ein llywodraethu, mas Day or the day after Boxing fel y rheolir eu gweinyddiaeth Day. People will not know the true gydag onestrwydd, gwirionedd a chyfiawnder. meaning and joy of Advent and Bydded i’r cyfnod hwn o ansicrwydd cenedlaethol Christmas unless we tell them and gael ei weinyddu gyda pharch, rhinwedd a chariad show them by the way we cele- fel bo lles gwleiddyddol yn amlygu ei hun brate them. Our role this and every drwy gyfiawnder, trugaredd a phwrpas cyffredinol. Christmas is to recall people to Cyfarwydda â’th ragluniaeth dwyfol what Christmas is about, not with drafodaethau y Senedd, Llywodraeth Cymru scowls and disapproval but rather a phawb sy’n gyfrifol am les dy bobl a’n gwlad, joyful hearts, smiles and love. fel y gallant weithio dros heddwch, hyrwyddo hapusrwydd cenedlaethol a sicrhau rhyddid, cydraddoldeb a rhyddid meddwl. Er ein gwahaniaethau, ein beiau a’n methiannau, ceisiwn ddiogelu ein hundeb, sancteiddrwydd urddas y ddynolryw Music awards a pharch at ein gilydd, i fyw fel y gorchmynna dy gariad, drwy gyflawni a chadw rheolaeth y genedl hon Two organists from St Davids Diocese have been recognised for their contributions gyda rhinwedd a heddwch er mwyn dy anrhydedd a’th ogoniant. to church music in the latest round of Archbishop’s Church Music Awards Gofynnwn hyn drwy Iesu Grist ein Harglwydd, Amen ILEEN Thomas has been the E organist at SS Jeffrey and Oswald Church, Jeffreyston, for 46 years; Diane Campbell has played at St Mary’s Church, Burton, for 51 years. Both received the Arch- bishop of Wales’ Certificate of Merit in Church Music, which pays tribute to the talents and faithful service of musicians who are not professionally trained. Presenting the awards, Arch- bishop John Davies said the awards were a way for the wider church to recognise the important part music plays in worship and to thank those who make it happen. Eileen Thomas Dianne Campbell Pobl Dewi, December 2019 19 The difference between believing in and knowing God On 6th October, as part of the monthly family service in St Mary’s, Angle, the congregation had the great privilege of being able to listen to Mary, as she shared her testimony, which Josh Maynard relates with her permission WAS baptised when I was I come up for a blessing, so each “Afterwards I felt such an inner “I around 12 years old, because week I went up for a blessing and peace; issues that I had had for I believed in God, but now I have thought ‘this is OK, I can do this. years disappeared, it was wonder- come to know God. The journey “Then on 11 February 2018, when ful. Now I know that Jesus loves from believing to knowing took I was just shy of 70 years old, my each and every one of us, He is many years and I know now it was life changed forever. I went up for there for us 24/7, He knows us all because I did not pray enough. For the blessing and as I turned to go by name, and is so easy to contact. many years I guess I was a little back to my seat, I felt an intense You don’t need a smart phone or lost sheep, I would not even take warmth all around me, and I was app, all we need is to pray, talk communion because I felt I wasn’t being made to look up – everything to Him as one would a friend. He the courage to share her story and life should be about? Rejoicing as worthy enough. was blue with an edge of white. It listens, He guides, He answers. we are all so glad she did. Some we see Jesus transforming lives! “Then our new vicar arrived and was so powerful and then it was Love and trust the Lord Jesus with members of the congregation were Let us all pray that we experience immediately asked me why I didn’t gone; it was only a few seconds but all of your heart; I know I do.” in tears and several prayed with more of the joy which Mary has take communion and suggested it was so powerful I was shaking. It took Mary over a year to build up her. Surely this is what our church found in Christ.

dumbfounded because I consid- 10-year celebration Pointing upwards ered serving to be a privilege. He insisted I take it, however, and the As Anthony Wintle sat, a 12-year-old boy, listening to the school’s payment was repeated each time. for the Hermitage deputy head explaining Gloucester’s role in the Civil War, he lit- Sometimes the bishop would not 24 July 2019 marked ten years to the day since the dedication tle suspected that, much later, he would be asked to conduct the be ready when I arrived, so I would wait in his study, where one of the of the Hermitage, in the Carmarthenshire hills, by the then deputy head’s funeral, whose undertaker was also sitting in the bishop’s two sons – an ordinand, Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, who, in front of same class! Anthony looks back on his 50 years as a priest some years older than I – would 17 witnesses, also enclosed Sister Ruth as the first hermit-in- HAD no suspicion, in that During my youth, I was fortunate to be discussing things churchy with residence I classroom, that the sub-warden have been influenced by some fine his father. Tragically, that son was SMALL group gathered to mountainside). of my theological college would priests, especially Peter Keightley, to lose his life sailing off the Dover A celebrate this special anniver- The tree was adorned with long much later hand over to me his my vicar. Whenever vocation was coast. It gave an added poignancy sary, and, in particular, to honour colourful ribbons, and all helped final parish. Nor did I suppose that preached about, I knew at once, to Dickens’ description of the death monastic life and the Archbishop to fill it in and firm down the tree I should be visiting him and his despite my initial dislike and rebel- of Steerforth in David Copperfield, Rowan Williams Hermitage Trust’s roots, which was then censed and wife in different nursing homes lion, that I was being called. which I had been reading. third objective which provides for asperged by the celebrants. The near the end of their lives. More- Later I attached myself to God made it very clear that inter-practice and inter-commun- Buddhist monastics then linked the over, if you had told me that the Gloucester Cathedral, where I he wanted me to be a priest, to ion between Buddhism and group with a red protective cord plump, cheerfully bustling wife acted as bishop’s verger. I would draw others to something, some- Christianity (where a suitably and led them in chanting the loving of the warden would end her days collect the bishop, Basil Tudor one, greater than himself – to authorised person is in residence). kindness Sutta in English, Welsh as an emaciated, desperately ill, Guy, from the garden gate of his God in Christ. The priest is what By contrast, ten years ago it was and Parsi. Then it was back to the patient in the parish nursing home, house, which was reached along a he is; where he is; doing what he the first two objects of the eremitic Hermitage for tea and cake. The where I visited her, I should have grassed area behind the cathedral. does, because he bears witness to and contemplative life which took afternoon finished with compline staggered with unbelief. Yet all of I would then process him round God, the Ultimate Reality. Like the precedence. in the Hermitage’s small mezza- these came about. the grounds and into the cathedral. church spire, he points upwards: The resident hermit, Sr Ruth, nine chapel. When we returned on the first occa- remember God amid your work the Hermitage’s Guardian, Arch- sion, he offered me a pound. I was and play! bishop Rowan, and Fr Neil Hook TSSF (one of the Hermitage’s Priest-Companions), along with attendant Sandra Jones, were joined on this occasion by three Buddhist monastics. They jointly started the celebration with an hour and a half of silent contem- plative prayer and the specially written liturgy based around the religious significance of the tree. The group processed to the central point of the small grass labyrinth to plant a Japanese Rowan tree (the Hermitage’s small flock of rescue sheep limit the choice of non-toxic trees which can be planted on this

FINAL COPY DATE for the March edition of Pobl Dewi is The author (left) with Fr Michael Lewis at St Mary’s Church, Maenclochog, where Anthony Wintle was interim minister for February 5th nine months. The friends were both ordained in September 1969 in Llandaff Cathedral 20 Pobl Dewi, December 2019 Book Reviews

poustinia is also a window onto the A place of solitude and natural world, which imparts an appropriately organic structure to With no thought her reflections. Each month begins divine encounter with a piece of poetry as in these lines from the September entry: Treasure at the bottom of my Here where the Celtic saints for others garden see the whole world as sacred, By Judy Roblin earth touches heaven in the mira- The Professor and the Parson Pub Matador; 2019 cle of everyday; each day is a A story of desire, deceit and ISBN: 978-1-78901-1-795-3 feast day, every duty a sacrament, defrocking Price: £8.99 and the mundane [is] transformed By Adam Sisman Key to an understanding of this by the wonder of your love for us. Pub: Profile; 2019 book is the poustinia, the simple Here I have deliberately tran- ISBN: 978-1-78816-211-1 and simply furnished wooden hut scribed the poetry without its Price: £12.99 (hardback) at the bottom of Judy Roblin’s original line breaks even though Adam Sisman is an award-winning Pembrokeshire garden. It is a place these help the reader to tune into biographer who stumbled upon his of solitude but also a place of divine the rhythm. I have done so because, latest subject whilst researching the encounter to which each morning for me, Judy’s writing works best life of Hugh Trevor-Roper, MI5 the author makes her pilgrimage. when it captures the simplicity of wartime operative and Professor The word poustinia comes prose, as it does in this quotation. of History at Oxford University. from the Russian word for ‘desert’ Simplicity is the essence of the Roper had kept a dossier spanning and this particular form of desert, poustinia, which is why I some- 25 years on the exploits of Revd inspired by the work of Russian- times found myself enjoying the Robert Peters, sparked by an inter- born Canadian writer Catherine embeds the monastic tradition prose sections with their care- view he’d had with him in 1958. Doherty, has found its expression into her daily routine. Within its fully observed nature notes more Peters was a post-graduate student within the contemplative tradition confines she finds freedom, but than the poetry. In these more of Magdalen College who already all over the world. To make a pous- also a responsibility to communi- extended prose expositions I feel had a first-class degree from the believe his own lies, who knows tinia is the intentional creation of cate something of her experience that the author has succeeded in University of London, excellent the workings of academia well, meditative space and it is in this there. conveying both the particular- references from fellow historians uses the old school network to his space that Judy Roblin finds the With engaging honesty, she ity of her experience and its more in Roper’s circle and was also an own ends, defrauds and lies his way treasure which sustains her spiri- writes of her past struggles with general potential for readers who ordained priest from the Episcopal through situations with no thought tual and emotional life. mental health as she records a are persuaded to try for themselves Church of America. for others and who charms his way With strong connections to distillation of her thoughts, month the adventure of the poustnik, those In the interview, Peters asked into at least seven marriages, many the monastery at Tŷ Mawr in by month. Her use of a seasonal who seek God in desert places. Roper for help in dealing with a of them bigamous. His clerical Monmouthshire, Judy’s poustinia calendar is not accidental; the Revd Viv Sayer situation he found himself in with credentials were fraudulent, too, the Bishop of Oxford, whom he yet he continued to make fools of awdur syniadol ar wleidyddiaeth. accused of “persecuting him in religious and academic establish- Cenedlaetholdeb Gristnogol? Yn y gyfrol ddifyr hon mae the most unaccountable manner”. ments, by always finding his way Llwyd yn ein cyflwyno yn fras i Peters presented as a man insulted, to positions of authority. humiliated and poorly treated by Less interesting to me, in the Tynged cenedl disgwyl y byddai’n gwneud yn fywyd a gwaith Tudur Jones ac the church. second half of the book, was the Cenedlaetholdeb Gristnogol 1920? Nid eglwyswyr yn unig yna yn mynd ati i ddadansoddi ei Roper’s enquiries quickly repetitive pattern of the man’s R. Tudur Jones sy’n gwneud yw hyn wrth gwrs. ddynesiad unigryw at berthynas uncovered a trail of deception offences and the detail in which Gan Rhys Llwyd Mae’n beth cyffredin ymhlith Cristnogaeth a chenedligrwydd crossing continents, revealing they were recorded. Sisman did Cyhoeddwr: Cyhoeddiadau’r Gair Cristnogion oherwydd nid yn unig o safbwynt Cymreig. Peters as an utter fraud. It tran- answer some of his own questions ISBN: 978-1-8599-49177 y mae’n ffordd o sylwi ar beth Nid yw hon yn gyfrol hawdd spired that there was no degree about the sheer gall and persis- Pris: £9.99 sydd wedi digwydd ond yn fodd i’w darllen. Mae’n gofyn am from London University, Peters’ tence of Peter’s re-offending and Yr ydym ni wedi bod yn siarad hefyd o gofnodi haelioni Duw. ymrwymiad ac ymdrech gan y references were forged, his previ- his blatant lack of conscience, yn hir am y flwyddyn 2020 ac o’r Wrth inni edrych yn ôl ar y cyfnod darllenydd, ond mae hynny’n ous positions as Lecturer in History by outlining, in his conclusion, diwedd y mae bron â chyrraedd. a arweiniodd at ddatgysylltu’r talu ar ei ganfed wrth i ni nid yn had been acquired on false creden- the characteristics of people with Fel eglwyswyr byddwn yn siŵr eglwys un o’n dehonglwyr mwyaf unig ddeall Cymru yn well, ond tials, unpaid bills were mounting narcissistic personality disorder. o edrych yn ôl i weld i ba raddau dibynadwy a phryfoclyd fydd ein Cristnogaeth hefyd. I’r sawl and one of his previous employ- Peters seemed a textbook case. y cyflawnwyd gobeithion a gwaith R. Tudur Jones, a’i ddwy sydd am ddeall canrif gyntaf yr ers – a finishing school for young The author wanted this tale gweledigaeth y rhai a sefydlodd gyfrol Ffydd ac argyfwng cenedl Eglwys yng Nghymru y mae’n women – was making alarming to be entertaining: it started out yr Eglwys yng Nghymru. A (2 gyfrol, 1981-82) yn arbennig. gyforiog gyda themâu ac awgry- accusations regarding his conduct. that way but, for me, it became a wnaeth yr Eglwys yng Nghymru Yn ddiweddar cyhoeddodd y miadau ar sut i ddarllen yr hanes By the time the university was sad, disturbing one. Robert Peters lwyddo i gymryd ei lle ym mywyd Parchg Ddr Rhys Llwyd gyfrol hwnnw a deall o ble ddaeth yr prepared to challenge Peters, he couldn’t get away with such a life cymdeithasol a chyhoeddus Cymru ar syniadaeth a gweithgaredd argyfwng a effeithiodd ar holl had fled. nowadays, could he? fel yr oedd hi yn gobeithio ac yn wleidyddol R. Tudur Jones: Tynged eglwysi ein gwlad a’n helpu ni Therefter, Sisman tells a good cenedl: cenedlaetholdeb Gristnogol i ddeall ein sefyllfa bresennol. Revd Caroline Mansell story of a man who seems to R. Tudur Jones. Perthynai Tudur Y Parch Lyn Dafis Jones yn ddigyfaddawd i’r traddodiad anghydffurfiol, ond wrth ddarllen dadansoddiad Llwyd o’i syniadau am berthynas eglwys a Contributions to Pobl Dewi gwladwriaeth, Crist a chymdeithas, We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, we mae’n llwyddo i drafod nifer o would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. feysydd sy’n berthnasol iawn hyd heddiw i Gristnogion Cymru. Articles should be e-mailed to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, Yn anarferol, llwyddodd Tudur [email protected] Jones gyfuno gyrfa fel diwinydd, Photographs of children must have parental permission for publication in print and on awdur a gweinidog gyda’i enwad the internet. 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