FREE TEULU ASAPH of February/March 2014

THE JEWELS IN OUR CROWN Before becoming of St Asaph, Bishop Gregory schools, and contributes the majority of the cost. I think was a school chaplain. Here he tells us why faith schools that is a wise decision. The Government recognis- are so important for educating our children in Wales. es that education is too important a matter to let one size fit all. Diversity of educational provision allows different Our Church schools were described by one of the Church models of education to be tested out against each other. in Wales Review team as “the jewel in the crown”. We are committed to a model which puts concerns for The is Wales’ largest provider of spiritual education, for values and ethos, in prime education after the State, a position that we’re position, and we have distinctive insights and proud to have held for centuries. There contributions to make. are 168 Church in Wales schools, edu- That’s why I support Ysgol Llanbedr in cating 21,000 children and employ- THE , for instance – it is important ing 3000 staff. Almost a third of not to lose faith based provision these are in our Diocese. Just in this part of . 6.4p in the pound of parish JEWELS IN Closing Ysgol Llanbedr share is spent support- would do a huge dis- ing our schools, which service to future gen- makes the work the di- OUR erations of children, re- ocese does incredible value. moving the opportunity for Church schools are a significant CROWN English medium rural church part of our mission. education in the Ruthin area. It would also set a dangerous precedent Why do we do it? for other small rural church schools, all of Our schools offer Christian and Anglican edu- which contribute something vital to their com- cation. We’re not primarily in education to con- munities. vert, however. Although we do bear witness to our faith and we introduce our pupils to Jesus and to the So what can parishes do? value of the Bible and the Christian faith, we encourage Support this work. We may not have a Church school independent and critical thinking and other skills to en- in every parish, but your continuing help for the children hance life and contribute to human flourishing. and young people of our part of the world is essential for Our goals are not just those you might hear from some of this work to continue. Help us to invest in young people our politicians. Our Church schools do their job, helping and their future. We have to be inventive in finding ways to create a skilled workforce, an educated electorate and to involve young people in our churches; they are in our well-qualified job seekers, but fundamentally we educate schools. What could the Church do for Wales which is simply because we believe that every child in Wales is more important, than to pass on to the next generation created in God’s image, and called by God to live life to all that we value in our own: faith, optimism and service. the full. Each deserves to reach their potential and be- come the fullness of what God created them to be – and How can individuals help our that can include faith, where it is freely and intelligently schools? chosen. Our Church schools are always looking for suitable volun- teers from the local to listen to children read, Can’t we leave it to the State? help with extra-curricular activities or introduce pupils to In the twentieth century the State picked up on a task a specialist skill like bee-keeping or needlework. that the Church had already been doing. Even two hun- There are always opportunities to get involved with things dred years ago, through bodies like the National Society, like art and gardening projects or partnership work with the Church had set a goal of establishing a school for all our local Churches. Could you volunteer in this way? the children in every parish. If you think you could help out, why not get in touch Although state schools are the vast majority, the Govern- with your local Church school to see if you can help faith ment recognises in law the benefit of having voluntary education in Wales to continue to flourish? 2 Denbighshire County Council votes new facilities. Shirley cut the ribbon at the to cut faith school provision entrance to the school – one of her last official engage- Despite strong backing from Bishop Gregory and the Dio- ments before retirement. Councillor Raymond Bartley cese of St Asaph, Denbighshire County Council have de- then unveiled a plaque to the crowds watching on. cided to move towards closing Ysgol Llanbedr in Ruthin. It took 3 years of hard work by all involved before the At a Cabinet Meeting in January the Council voted to pupils at Ysgol Dyffryn Iâl finally moved in to their new press ahead with a Statutory Notice to close the Church school at the end of August. Despite that, the campaign to save the school continues. Local Councillor Huw Wil- liams has called the decision in for further scrutiny by the Local Authority so there is still a chance to object. Both the Bishop and the Diocese were disappointed with the Council’s decision. In a letter sent to Council- lors ahead of the Cabinet Meeting, Bishop Gregory said: “In Llanbedr we have a community who have responded positively to the challenge set by this consultation. I believe that the community and the school family have school building in October. It replaces the previous split overwhelmingly demonstrat- site school buildings in and . ed their support and need Head Teacher Teleri Llwyd-Jones, said: for a faith school in Llanbedr. “Seeing the children settling in to their new school build- The numbers of children ing has made all the hard work worth it. I would like to who have applied for nurs- thank all involved in creating the new school and I look ery admission in September forward to watching our pupils thrive in it.” 2014 is 13 (compared to an Delivering the project involved collaboration between admission number of 11) so Denbighshire County Council, the , this is now an oversubscribed the School and Governors, the Llandegla Memorial Hall school.” Trust, Llandegla and local residents. A campaign to save Ysgol Llanbedr has been taken to some of the farthest flung corners of the globe. A “Hands off our School” poster has been photographed at Down- ing Street (pictured), the Houses of Parliament, Lambeth Palace and even further afield in America and Egypt. Revd Philip Chew also worked on a song with the pupils of the school which has been seen more than 1000 times on YouTube. A statutory notice of closure will be published in due course and people unhappy with the decision will again be able to voice their objections.

Joy at new building for school in Llandegla Archdeacon Shirley added: “I am delighted with this new Bishop Gregory has blessed the new school building at faith school and more importantly the children are de- Ysgol Dyffryn Iâl in Llandegla after a service at the Parish lighted with it too. It’s good that the Diocese of St Asaph Church to officially open it. and Denbighshire County Council can work closely to- Pupils from the faith school gathered at St Tecla’s just be- gether for the good of the education of children in our fore Christmas before a procession down the road to the local community.” 3 Gofynnodd Esgob Gregory i’r Bishop Gregory asked retiring Archddiacon sydd newydd ymd- Archdeacon Shirley Griffiths to deol, Shirley Griffiths, i ysgrifennu write our Insight, with a reflection ein Mewnwelediad, gan fyfyrio ar on her calling and ministry. ei galwad a’i gweinidogaeth.

Wrth edrych yn ôl ar dros 40 mlynedd o weinidogaeth yn Looking back on over 40 years of ministry in the Church yr Eglwys, dechreuais feddwl pa bryd oeddwn i wedi syn- I wondered when did I first have a sense of calling? Was hwyro’r alwad am y tro cyntaf? Ai pan glywais bregeth ar it on hearing a sermon on Psalm 139 preached in Llys- Salm 139 yn gan y Canon Raymond Byles y dig- faen by Canon Raymond Byles? Was it taking part as a wyddodd hynny? Ynteu ai pan gymerais ran fel arweiny- leader at diocesan youth camps? Well – yes and no! My dd mewn gwersylloedd ieuenctid esgobaethol? Wel - ie a sense of calling was not a sudden realisation of God’s will na! Nid sylweddoliad sydyn o ewyllys Duw ar fy nghyfer for me, but more a gradually growing awareness of God oedd fy synnwyr o alwad, ond rhywbeth yn nes at ymwy- at work in my life, an awareness which began as a child byddiaeth gynyddol a graddol o Dduw attending church in and as a ar waith yn fy mywyd - ymwybyddiaeth pupil at Trelawnyd VP School. a ddechreuodd fel plentyn pan oeddwn Never underestimate the influence that yn mynd i’r eglwys yn Nhrelawnyd ac attending a church school can have on a fel disgybl yn Ysgol Eglwys Trelawnyd. child’s journey of faith. Peidiwch byth â thanbrisio’r dylanwad y Never underestimate the importance gall mynd i ysgol eglwys ei gael ar daith of a close relationship between church, ffydd plentyn. Peidiwch byth â thanbrisio school and clergy. pwysigrwydd perthynas agos rhwng yr What I gained through that relation- eglwys, yr ysgol a chlerigion. Mae’r hyn ship provided me with a firm founda- a gefais trwy’r berthynas honno wedi tion which has stood me in good stead darparu sylfaen gadarn i mi, sydd wedi throughout my ministry. Indeed, that fy rhoi mewn sefyllfa dda drwy gydol fy relationship provided me with a strong ngweinidogaeth. Yn wir, rhoddodd y ber- incentive to work with church schools thynas honno gymhelliad cryf i mi weithio gydag ysgolion both in this diocese and in the diocese of and . eglwys yn yr esgobaeth hon ac yn esgobaeth Ripon a Leeds. My experience from a young age of the ‘numinous’ that Fe wnaeth fy mhrofiad o oedran ifanc o natur ‘ddwyfol’ ‘otherness’ of God inspired me in developing church and ac ‘arallrwydd’ Duw fy ysbrydoli wrth ddatblygu gwa- cathedral services and workshops for children and fami- sanaethau a gweithdai mewn eglwysi ac eglwysi cadei- lies. I have always wanted to give others the opportunity riol ar gyfer plant a theuluoedd. Rydw i bob amser wedi to experience that sense of the holy, to experience that bod eisiau rhoi cyfle i eraill brofi’r ymdeimlad hwnnw sense of awe and wonder which the otherness of God o’r sanctaidd, i brofi’r ymdeimlad hwnnw o barchedig evokes. ofn a rhyfeddod y mae arallrwydd Duw yn ei ysgogi. My journey of faith has been an interesting one, not least Mae fy nhaith ffydd wedi bod yn un ddiddorol, yn sicr because so frequently I was treading where no other gan fy mod i’n aml wedi troedio lle nad oedd unrhyw woman had trod before. Indeed, when I began to explore ferch arall wedi troedio o’r blaen. Yn wir, pan ddechreuais my vocation at the beginning of the 1970s there were no ystyried fy ngalwedigaeth ar ddechrau’r 1970au, nid oedd women lay Readers and no women in holy orders. unrhyw ferch yn ddarllenydd lleyg ac nid oedd merched As a result I feel that I have had a very privileged min- wedi cael eu hurddo. O ganlyniad, rydw i’n teimlo fy mod istry – and a ministry where I have been given so many i wedi cael gweinidogaeth freintiedig iawn - a gweinido- opportunities and where I have received so much help gaeth lle rydw i wedi cael cymaint o gyfleoedd a lle rydw i and encouragement from clergy and laity alike. For this wedi cael cymaint o gymorth ac anogaeth gan glerigion a ‘thanks be to God’. lleygwyr fel ei gilydd. Am hynny, ‘diolch i Dduw’.

4 Our Mission for Growth

Creating a Mission Area to plan for Growth Wouldn’t Ministry Area be a better name Church structures have been changing for the past 25 than Mission Area? years. Gone are the days when one Vicar served just The problem with “Ministry Area” is that it creates one Church. In fact, most Vicars now serve a number the impression that we are standing at the doors of of Churches – often in separate parishes. Something has our Churches and looking in. A Mission Area is about to change and that is the purpose of 20:20 Vision – the standing at the doors of our Churches and looking out Church in Wales Review – which proposes a radical new into the communities that we serve to invite people in approach to Church life. so our Churches can flourish. One of the key recom- Surely the Constitution won’t let us do this? mendations of 20:20 Vi- We have set up a legal issues group to answer questions sion is that parishes start like this and so far they have been very clear. The ex- to work together to de- perimenting that goes on within Mission Areas should velop Shared Ministry. This means a team of clergy and allow new opportunities and ministries to grow. This lay people working across their Deanery to serve people will mean letting what happens in Mission Areas change in all their churches. 20:20 Vision calls these “Ministry the Constitution, rather than allowing the Constitution Areas” but in St Asaph we are calling them “Mission Are- to resist change. as”. Mission Areas are about building a team of ministers How will the funding work? – clerical and lay – within our existing Deaneries to ensure Each Mission Area will be financed by the money raised the Church in Wales is healthy and vibrant as it heads from the congregations within that area. 20:20 Vision towards its centenary in 2020. recognises that in some rural areas and some deprived Here, we will try and answer some frequently asked ques- urban areas this will not be possible, at least in the short tions about this new way of working. term. The share that is raised in the Diocese as a whole Are Mission Areas re-branded Deaneries? will need to take this into account. The Bible has much Mission Areas are different to Deaneries but they will to say about generosity and the strong supporting the grow out of the existing Deanery structure. We want to weak. Provision will be made for areas that cannot cov- see teams of clergy and laity which we hope will change er ministry costs for good reasons. Church culture towards Shared Ministry in the Diocese We are looking at developing a financial framework for of St Asaph. Mission Areas that can be used across Wales. This will But isn’t ministry and mission just for the be supported by high quality training and be a clearly Vicar? defined stage on the journey towards a Mission Area. In short, no. The whole point of working together is Mission Areas are an opportunity for Churches to work that everyone who is baptised becomes part of the mis- together and build teams of clergy and laity to take God’s sion. This involves clergy and laity working together. mission forward in the Diocese of St Asaph. Your Dean- Does this restructure mean that we will be ery is the place to start on this journey. It’s time to start bussing people between Churches every working together to make this shift in thinking a reality. other week? Dr Huw Lloyd and Revd Philip Chew are our 20:20 Vision No. On the contrary, rather than managing decline, advocates and are building a “tool box of good practice” this model allows us to put in place leadership teams that can be shared with other Mission Areas. If you have which will prepare us for the future. This means a shift any ideas, models or practice that is bearing fruit and if in our thinking. Working together in a Mission Area you know anyone who wants to help take 20:20 Vision allows us to prepare properly for renewal, evangelism forward in your Deanery, please contact Huw or Philip on and growth, not Church closures. [email protected] or [email protected] 5 Church News

of Cedewain. Alex has served as a New roles and Curate in Bistre since her ordination parishes for in 2011. There is also a new role for Revd Richard Hainsworth who will Diocesan Clergy leave his post in the Rectorial Bene- fice of to become Director The Revd Judith Prust has been or- of Exploring Faith as well as serving dained as a Priest by Bishop Gregory as half-time Vicar of . during a service in December. Revd Canon Sue Huyton will also be She will continue to serve as Assis- moving to a new role within the Dio- tant Curate in the Llanrhaeadr ym cese. The current Vicar of Mochnant group of parishes follow- will become Vicar of the Bangor-on- ing the service at Penybontfawr (pic- Dee group of Parishes and will also tured). Meanwhile the Bishop has an- serve as the Mission Area Leader nounced that Revd Alex Mayes will there. Revd Manon James is now Di- become the new Vicar of the Kerry ocesan Director of Ministry but carries group of Parishes in the Mission Area on serving in & Llysfaen.

presented with the Order in Novem- More Laity ber were Meriel Rice Jones and Ed- Retired Clergy honoured with ward Wardle as they were unable to thanked in Dee be at the Diocesan Conference. Order of St Asaph Mrs Rice Jones was honoured for her Valley service to the Mothers’ Union locally, regionally and provincially. Mr War- dle was honoured for his many years of service as Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance. Ahead of the presentation Bishop Gregory said: “I like to believe that we are truly a family called by God to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ and called to be disciples of Kenti- gern and Asaph in bearing witness to Clergy in Dee Valley Deanery invited Bishop Gregory presented two more Jesus Christ in this part of the world. their retired colleagues out for a meal members of the laity with the Order It’s easy to think that we clergy in our towards the end of 2013 to thank of St Asaph during a special Even- finery do this work of God but it’s ac- them for all the help they had given song at the Cathedral. tually done by the whole people of during the year. The Order is a way of celebrating God.” Six retired clergy attended the Plassey outstanding service to the diocese by All those who have received the Or- Leisure Centre Restaurant in Eyton – leading lay members. Eight people der have their names printed in the thanks to Area Dean Revd Canon Dr received it during 2013 and the two Diocesan Directory. David Child for the photograph. 6 After being presented with gifts from Diocese bids both the Cathedral and the Diocese, farewell to Shirley reflected on more than three decades in ordained ministry. She Archdeacon Shirley was first licensed as a Reader in 1973 and was ordained Deacon 31 years ago. Meanwhile, Shirley’s last ser- vice in St Tecla’s, Llandegla was their Carol Service at the end of December. Shirley said: “I’ve got mixed feelings She presented Mr with about retirement because I enjoy my a certificate from the Bishop for 50 work very much and I shall miss visit- years service to the Church. ing parishes, working with clergy and being part of the Bishop’s staff team. A special Evensong was held at St Although there are all the problems I Asaph Cathedral to celebrate the min- shall be happy to stop dealing with – istry of the Venerable Shirley Griffiths fortunately the good parts have out- as she retired. Shirley has stepped weighed the difficult parts. down from her role as Archdeacon “I’m looking forward to taking up of Wrexham, Rector of Llandegla needlework again. I used to teach it and Vicar of Bryneglwys and plans to many years ago and I have very little spend more time with her family as In return the Church presented time for doing it these days so I look she and husband Robin move to the Shirley with a silver tray and Robin, a forward to improving my needlework north-east of . keen gardener, with a spade and fork. skills.” Happy retirement Shirley!

diance of God’s glory” in chapter 1 Bob has served in the Diocese of St A warm welcome and verse 3. The Bishop explained Asaph since his ordination in 1976 to new Archdeacon that the Greek word for “radiance” and is currently the interim Chair of the Diocesan Board of Finance. The Venerable has start- Commenting on his installation as ed work as Archdeacon of Wrexham Archdeacon, Bob said: after being installed during Evensong “I hope I can use my experience as a on Sunday 12 January. parish priest to serve the clergy and In his ministry, Bob will also serve parishes within the Archdeaconry of as Rector of Llandegla and Vicar of Wrexham. Bryneglwys and will be inducted into “I believe that the role of the Arch- these parishes in March. deacon is to be a pastor to the clergy, During the induction a packed St to be a resource to them and their Asaph Cathedral heard readings from parishes and to walk alongside them Joshua and Hebrews. In his sermon, as we look to the future and move to- Bishop Gregory picked up on the He- is the same word used to describe the wards meeting the opportunities and brews reading, particularly the phrase shining of a star and so is an apt de- challenges that 20:20 Vision gives to where the author talks about the “ra- scription for disciples of Jesus Christ. the Church.” 7 Tear Gassed on Pilgrimage to the why we had come here. Holy Land The Church of the Nativity was heaving with pilgrims from all corners of the globe. We queued for two hours Revd Noel and Wendy Carter took part in a study tour to to eventually kneel in the grotto, where a silver star em- Israel in 2013, organised by The Church Mission Society bedded in a marble floor marks the place where Jesus which allowed them to take in the familiar holy sites, but was born. Strangely, amidst all the crowds and chaos, it also to meet local Palestinian Christians. was a moving experience. But Bethlehem will remain in It gave Noel and Wendy the chance to experience first- my mind as an unhappy place, where tension is never far hand the tensions between Jews and Palestinians in the below the surface. modern state of Israel and the West Bank – including one rather unsavoury clash in a refugee camp. The Pilgrim’s Pullout Our visit to a refugee camp there was to prove unforgettable. To enter the camp you pass under a huge door key stretched across the road (pictured below). The key is a poignant symbol of the loss many Palestinians still feel, since both land and property had been taken over by the Israeli government. They carry the key to the door of their lost houses in the Noel writes: Wendy and I had never been to the Holy hope of returning home one day. We met refugees who Land and the Year of Pilgrimage prompted us to explore had been in the camp all their lives, as had their parents the possibility of travelling to Israel for our own pilgrim- and grandparents. It was whilst leaving the camp that age adventure. We did some preliminary reading, but we were caught up in an altercation between Palestinian we were unprepared for the reality of modern day Israel, youths and Israeli soldiers. The smell of tear gas still lin- with its deep religious and ethnic divisions. gers in our memory. It was just an hour’s drive from the airport to our ho- Next time... Jericho and Jerusalem. tel in Bethlehem but the first shock was the securi- ty fence and checkpoints that separate the West Pilgrimage Course for Churches Bank from Israel. We also had our first glance to use during Lent of young Israeli conscripts carrying very big guns Our Year of Pilgrimage study course which was launched which was all rather disconcerting. So, as we in 2013 to coincide with the celebrations has now been entered Bethlehem, we were relieved to pass revised ready for use in Lent this year. a man in flowing robes, Edited by Revd Manon Ceridwen James it looks at some leading a donkey with of the places of pilgrimage around the Diocese before a young woman on using Bible study and reflection to help Churches to think its back. A timely about their story and how to effectively plan for the reminder as to future. The six-week course includes a number of stories

8 from around the Diocese, both historic and current. Mold Pilgrimage to ’s Manon is encouraging parishes to consider using it in the Cathedrals run up to Easter as it helps us to focus on the journey our churches have been on and how they can flourish. Thirty parishioners from across She said: “Very often when we think about the past we the Deanery of Mold have vis- can feel depressed and compare how ‘success- ited the two Cathedrals in Liv- ful’ our churches erpool on a pilgrimage led by Area Dean Revd Adrian Cop- ping. Starting at the Metropoli- tan Catholic Cathedral in the morning, a guide showed the group around and explained The Pilgrim’s Pulloutseemed to be then compared to the spiritual significance of the wall decorations in the now. However this course uses what’s called ‘Apprecia- principal space. They were also able to explore the var- tive Inquiry’ so negative thinking is not allowed! ious side-chapels with their splendid art works We can learn from our past, and what worked along with the crypt beneath the cathedral, de- then, in order to be effective in our mission signed by Sir Edward Lutyens in the 1930s. and ministry now. The course helps churches After transferring to appreciate their history and think about ways the Anglican Ca- of sharing their faith in their communities.” thedral at midday, This course has been designed with the Dio- Cathedral cater- cese in mind and can also be used as a gen- ing staff pro- tle way of reviewing parish life as we start vided a buf- thinking about 20:20 Vision. Download fet lunch the course on our website http:// before a guided journey through that bit.ly/1aohE3q or contact the building. Diocesan Office on 01745 Adrian said: “The guide leaflet 582245 for a hard copy. described it as ‘awesome and intimate’ which it truly was. We were invited to experi- Pilgrimage with a difference for ence a ‘mini retreat’, a ‘short pilgrimage’, a ‘journey for Harvest the body, mind and spirit’, and to ‘walk it slow- A band of pilgrims from the Group of parishes ly’, to ‘reflect and be refreshed’, and to ‘en- have taken part in a Pilgrimage for Harvest. counter God’. To conclude and enhance our Across the Group, each parish focused on a different as- afternoon of uplifting experiences, we sat in pect of the harvest – pastoral: St Wddyn’s; arable: Christ the choir stalls and joined Choral Evensong, Church; and industrial: St Myllin’s – seeking to reflect together with the Cathedral Choir more fully on the ways and types of harvest. and the visiting St Travelling by car, the pilgrims visited each of the churches German’s Choir in the Group for a short service with a harvest and pil- from the Isle grimage theme running through them. of Man.” Revd Hermione Morris said: “We started off at St Wd- dyn’s Church, where the service was followed by a welcome cuppa, before journeying onto Christ Church, Bwlch-y-Cibau, and then to St Myllin’s, Llanfyllin for a ‘bring and share’ lunch followed by the service. “Four pilgrims made the complete journey, and were joined by others for one or two of the other stages.” 9 Your News

Diocese Saddened Shining Stars for by death of African Christmas in Hope Bishop On each of the four Sundays in Ad- vent, a star shone out from each side of the tower at Hope Parish Church. Local Councillor Ian Sumpter came up with the idea and agreed with the local council to fund the stars and help with their installation. It meant that by Christmas Day there was a star shining out on all sides of the Church tower. Revd Adam Pawley, The thoughts and prayers of people Rector of Hope said: “The stars on across the Diocese went out to our the church tower looked fantastic. brothers and sisters in South West Everyone in the village was talking Tanganyika after the sudden death of about them – they did my reputation Bishop John Simalenga. as the new rector wonders! Though Bishop John died at home after a I have to confess they were the idea lights. The church was very grate- short illness and his funeral was held of Hope Community Council, and in ful to Hope Community Council for on Thursday 28 November. He visited particular local councillor and carpen- providing this innovative and creative St Asaph in 2012 as part of our di- ter Ian Sumpter, who provided and way to celebrate Advent and Christ- ocesan link and welcomed a number arranged for the installation of the mas in Hope village.” of groups to South West Tanganyika from this diocese. the chancel. Revd Jonathan Smith Paying tribute to Bishop John, Bishop Church receives was presented with the Act during a Gregory said: 450-year-old copy candlelit service on Advent Sunday. “Bishop John Simalenga became a great friend to the Diocese of St of Act of Parliament Asaph in the short time that we were able to co-operate on our link. He St Marcella’s Church in has was always extremely generous and received a copy of the Act of Par- enthusiastic about the welcome he liament that allowed the Bible to could offer to visitors to South West be translated into Welsh. The Act – Tanganyika, and had a passion- passed some 450 years ago – was Among the congregation were Gay- ate commitment to see the Gospel championed by Humphrey Llwyd, nor Morgan Rees, the of Den- preached and the Church grow under MP for Denbighshire. Humphrey Ll- bigh, Chris Ruane MP, Ann Jones his care. We commend him to God’s wyd is buried in St Marcella’s and the AM, Raymond Bartley, chair of the care, and remember Martha and his copy of the Act will be framed and County Council and Medwyn Jones, family in our prayers.” displayed close to his monument in Clerk.

10 to discover wall of the Ancient Celtic Cross that of the Lady Chapel. finds permanent 2000 years The Friends Jesus has of Hope home been risen, Church plan potentially to provide A fragment of a Celtic cross, dating 1200 have readily avail- back around 1000 years has been been marked able informa- officially unveiled to the public at in Hope. The tion about the Hope Parish Church. Experts believe Christian faith has relic so that others the cross would have been used as a stood the test of time in this place can enjoy it for many years grave marker and it’s been dated to and it further strengthens my confi- to come. Friends member Elizabeth somewhere between the 9th and 11th dence that Christ will continue to be Poynton added: Centuries. worshipped here too.” “It is with a sense of relief that we It means that Christian worship has The cross fragment was discovered now celebrate the setting of the Celt- taken place in Hope since the early by chance during the Millennium ic Cross into the wall of the church; it mediaeval period. Restoration Project in 2000. Now the is now safely secure within the fab- Revd Adam Pawley, Rector of Hope, Representative Body of the Church in ric of our church so it can’t be lost or led a short service to unveil the cross Wales has provided funding so that damaged and it is there as a perma- in December and said: “How exciting the Celtic cross is mounted into the nent reminder of our long history.”

along with Tenors of Rock who ap- Church hosts X peared on the show in 2013. Factor Singers More than 1000 people queued up to get into the concert and Revd St Thomas’ Church in Rhyl host- , Vicar of Rhyl had a ed Denbighshire County Council’s chance to plug all of Rhyl’s Christmas “Christmas Pops” with an X Fac- services. He said: tor finalist as one of the main acts. “The picture shows me with Tenors Rhydian Roberts was runner up on of Rock and I sang ‘Who wants to the ITV show in 2007 and took to Live Forever’ with them. They didn’t the stage at the concert in December recruit me!”

and Choir Master Gareth Erlandson Choir Hymnathon they raised the cash for the upkeep raises £340 and maintenance of the Grade I listed Church building. The choir kept busy The choir at St Mary’s Church in Ru- over Christmas and sang at the Tes- abon raised £340 for Church funds co store in , Hafod House with a Hymnathon which lasted more Residential Home in , Bod than two and a half hours. Under the Llwyd Nursing Home in Newbridge leadership of Organist Kevin Whitley and Plas Telford in Acrefair.

11 Canon John Kwetu in the centre). Tanzanian Projects Meanwhile the parish of Mapagoro gain traction have received a donation towards the pig sharing project from St Tud- fil’s Ladies’ Craft Group in Coedpo- Several projects that were initiated by eth. Mapagoro is now linked with Revd Mike and Mrs Roz Harrison on parishes in , and their trip to South West Tanganyika . If your parish would be in summer 2013 have come to frui- project is underway in Mapagoro and interested in a link with a parish in tion in our linked Diocese. A beehive the chicken pass on project (pictured) South West Tanganyika, please con- in Mafinga Parish is being supported at Lunyanwi is being led by Father tact Revd Mike Harrison on mike- by and Llanfyllin, a pig Mathiya Mtweve (pictured left with [email protected].

in Wales School. After making their Advent Journey for way around families in the Parish, knitted Bible figures the figures – knitted by June Sharp – were returned to Church for the Two knitted figures of Mary and Carol Service on Sunday 22 Decem- Joseph set out on an Advent jour- ber. Meanwhile another Mary and ney around homes in the Parish of Joseph knitted by church in the run up to Christmas. member Gwen Cooper left Mont- The figures were collected by To- gomery church on Advent Sunday to mas and Evan Haines at St Michael be passed on in Collective Worship at and All Angels’ Church before they Montgomery Church in Wales school were passed to another family during before arriving at St Nicholas’ Church Collective Worship at Forden Church on Christmas Eve.

The debate in Parliament about the food aid to those in need is the right Vicar’s Foodbank use of Foodbanks before Christ- thing to do. Eventually though, we challenge highlights mas seemed to blame the crash, the must ask why are so many in such poverty overspend and debt for the problem. dire need? The Trussell Trust tells us Now one of our Vicars is highlighting that there are many reasons includ- it in a different way. ing redundancy, illness, benefit de- Revd Stuart Elliott is taking the Food- lay, debt, domestic violence, family bank Challenge which sees him living breakdown and extra heating dur- for three days on the basic rations of ing winter. How many of these are a food parcel. avoidable situations? Stuart writes: “We are often reminded “This challenge allows us to experi- by the Old Testament to share bread ence a little of what it is like to live with the hungry and Jesus asks who on very basic food rations and then would give a stone to a child asking share the experience with others.” for bread? It is clear that emergency www.facebook.com/FoodbankFast

12 Churches in Rhyl raise cash for flood victims & Hospice

In 2012 St Asaph that was the scene of devastating flooding. In 2013 Rhyl bore the brunt of it as homes and businesses were hit by a huge storm in December. Dozens of prop- erties were evacuated and hundreds of people gathered in a rest centre at Rhyl Leisure Centre after the gale force winds and high tides caused flooding. In response, the collections in Anglican churches in Rhyl on Sun- Andy Grimwood offered church can- we want to do all we can to support day 8 December were donated to the dles to those without electricity and them.” Mayor’s fund to help the storm vic- spoke to his Churchwardens to allow Meanwhile instead of sending Christ- tims. £380 was raised at St Thomas’, collections to go towards Rhyl Town mas cards, St Thomas’ donated the St John’s and St Ann’s Churches ini- Council’s emergency aid fund. He money they would have spent to St tially but since then the total has ris- said: “It’s been heartbreaking talking Kentigern’s Hospice raising £200 for en to £1250 which was added to the to those who have been forced out their work. Revd Andy is pictured relief fund. The Vicar of Rhyl, Revd of their homes in the flooding and above with the donations.

praise and fellowship featured music group who represented each of the Ecumenical led by St Cecilia’s church band before five churches, and refreshments and Partnership Bishop Gregory preached from Ephe- fellowship followed the service.” The celebrates 10 years sians 4 which speaks of unity, remind- photograph shows the Revd Martyn ing us that we have “one Lord, one Hill who was Vicar of Bistre at the The five denominations in the Myny- faith and one baptism.” Comment- time of the signing of the Covenant dd Isa Local Ecumenical Partnership ing on the celebrations, Helen Green- talking to Revd Martin Batchelor – (MILEP) celebrated their tenth anni- wood from the Parish of Bistre said: the present Vicar of Bistre – who is versary - a decade to the day after “Bishop Gregory opened his talk with chairman of MILEP. signing their Covenant. The churches a reference to an amusing ‘tall’ story have met for worship once a month about St Peter welcoming Christians ever since and the celebrations at My- of different denominations through nydd Isa Community Centre involved the gates of heaven, and conclud- the Church in Wales, the Methodist ed by likening ourselves to a Panet- Church, the Presbyterian Church, the tone dough kneaded on a television United Reformed Church and the Ro- programme by Paul Hollywood! In- man . The evening of tercessions were led by five of our

13 Focus on Schools

Pupils celebrate School art depicts Nativity Fair Trade Nation As part of their art classes in the run up to Christmas, children from Overton St Mary’s School created images of On the fifth anniversary of Wales becoming the world’s the nativity. As part of this work they presented the Parish first Fair Trade Nation, pupils from Johnstown Junior Church with paintings of the Christmas Story, which were School have linked up with a Fair Trade cocoa producer in hung on the church pillars over the festive season. the Dominican Republic. They talked to Abel Fernandez on Skype (pictured) and were able to ask him why buying Fair Trade goods makes a difference to him and his community. The project is part of a scheme funded by The Co-opera- tive Membership, and managed by Fair Trade Wales, the organisation that supports the people of Wales to learn about the difference Fair Trade makes. Locally it was delivered by TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru / Together Cyngerdd ysgol yn codi £700 Creating Communities) who led the campaign to make tuag at waith ar yr Eglwys Wales a Fair Trade country. Gadeiriol Côr Cytgan - a choir from Ysgol Glan Clwyd who enjoyed phenomenal success in the National - raised £700 for the extension at in their Christmas concert. Here’s the full report in Welsh. Fe wnaeth Côr Cytgan Clwyd - côr a gafodd lwyddiant ysgubol yn yr Eisteddfod Genedlaethol dros yr haf, gan ennill y wobr gyntaf yng nghystadleuaeth y corau ieuenc- tid – lwyddo i godi £700 tuag at yr estyniad yn Eglwys Gadeiriol Llanelwy yn y cyngerdd Nadolig. Bydd yr arian yn mynd tuag at y gwaith gwerth £500,000 sydd ei an- As well as involving pupils from Johnstown, Ysgol Maes gen i ddarparu ystafell gyfarfod a chyfleusterau toiledau Garmon in Mold also took part in the project. newydd. Fe wnaeth nifer o unawdwyr gymryd rhan yn Kay Polley, lead organiser for TCC said: y cyngerdd, a’r artistiaid gwadd oedd y delynores Ang- “It was amazing that the pupils could see and talk to harad Wyn Jones, aelodau o’r grwp poblogaidd Dr Jazz, someone in the Dominican Republic directly. They were Brassacino, sy’n bumawd pres ifanc, a G’nethod , able to ask all sorts of questions about growing cocoa, sy’n barti cerdd dant – daw’r ddau olaf a enwir uchod o what a difference Fair Trade has made to the producers’ ardal Rhuthun. lives, and even what kind of music they listen to!” Educational resources will be produced from the project in 2014 for all Welsh schools and institutions to use to learn more about Fair Trade farmers around the world. For more information contact [email protected]

14 Threatened Farming Charity to receive Church Diocesan Offering School FCN - Farming Community Network – is a Christian produces organisation providing support to people in the farming community and it has been selected to receive the Dioce- winning san Offering in 2014. card

An 8-year-old pupil from a school threat- ened with closure by Denbighshire County Council won Bishop Gregory’s annual Christmas card competition. Lucy Spencer Jones from Ysgol Llanbedr near Ruthin was presented with first prize during a special school assembly in December. Every year the Bishop challenges Church Schools across the Di- ocese of St Asaph to come up with festive designs before a team of judges pick their favourite. The winning design With a network of some 300 volunteers, FCN provides is then printed and sent to the Bishop’s friends and col- pastoral and practical support to farming communities, leagues around the world. helping people to find a positive way forward through their business or household problems for as long as it is needed. After the harsh winter in 2013, FCN has been helping farmers across the Diocese and indeed throughout Wales, to get back on their feet. Most of their volunteers are involved with farming or have close links with agricul- ture and FCN has a clear Christian ethos in all it does. All their services are made available to people of all faiths and none, and are offered in a supportive and non-judgemen- tal manner. FCN also offers a national telephone helpline which is open from 7am until 11pm every day of the year. Commenting on this year’s winning card, Bishop Gregory In 2014 the Diocese will raise money for this worthwhile said: “It’s a joy to see the creativity of our Church School cause and by the end of January parishes received a letter pupils and it’s always a difficult decision to pick a winning from Mrs Clare Cameron, who is the President of the Of- design. It just goes to show that some of our smallest fering, with an envelope for their donations. They will be schools can produce the best results.” invited to send in their contributions by the end of June. Revd David Lewis helps to organise the Offering and said: “At the Diocesan Conference in October, we will cele- brate the work of FCN and present them with a cheque to reflect the money raised. Much of our Diocese is rural, so please support the work of this charity which has such an impact on our farming communities.” 15 Around the Diocese

11 February - St Asaph Theological Society meeting Folk Band rock St Asaph Cathedral - 7.15 for 7.30pm at Gladstone’s Library, . The St Asaph Cathedral welcomed folk band Paper Aeroplanes theme will be pilgrimage and there will be an introduction in December for a night of candlelit music and mulled to the diocesan pilgrimage course available for Lent groups. wine. Working in partnership with the Ymuno Festival, the Diocese put on an evening of entertainment which 17 February - Women Code of Practice con- started with Young Folk Musicians of the Year 2013 Greg sultation, St Peter’s Church, Holywell. 7pm. Russell and Ciaran Algar.

20 February - Women Bishops Code of Practice con- sultation, St John’s Church, . 7pm.

3 March - 7pm. Ven Bob Griffiths induction as Rector of Llandegla and Vicar of Bryneglwys. St Tecla’s Church.

21 March - Centenary celebration service at St David’s Church, Connah’s Quay. 11am - All welcome.

23 March - Centenary celebration service at St David’s After their high tempo set there was a break for mulled Church, Connah’s Quay to be attended by all the past wine, specialist beers and teas and coffees provided by incumbents of the parish. 3pm - All welcome Vino Mondo and Providero. Paper Aeroplanes then took to the stage and moved the audience with their stunning, Training Together - Understanding Gift Aid well crafted songs. 18 February: St Margaret’s Church, Wrexham. 7 - 9pm. Organiser and Under 25’s Officer Tim Feak said: “Their 19 February: St Asaph Diocesan Office. 10am - 12pm. version of In the Bleak Mid Winter stopped the audience 25 February: St John’s Church, Pool Quay. 2 - 4pm. in their tracks and was an amazing end to the evening To book contact [email protected] or giving us a real sense of what Christmas is all about. It 01745 582245. was one of the best things I have ever been a part of and All courses free of charge. it was such a pleasure working with Ymuno.” We need your help! The stories and photographs you send are the lifeblood and Cynyddu ein cynnwys Cymraeg. the major ingredients of every edition of Teulu Asaph. While it Rydym yn awyddus iawn i gynyddu nifer yr erthyglau is essential that we receive photos that show the main people Cymraeg rydym yn eu cael ar gyfer Teulu Asaph, ac involved in the article can we request that you also send us ydym angen eich help i sicrhau fod hynny’n digwydd. close-up photos of the medal or certificate that is being award- Os hoffech gyfrannu yn Gymraeg, ond eich bod chi’n ed, or the piece of art or craft that has been made? Think of it ddysgwr, efallai, neu ddim yn defnyddio’r iaith bob as trying to tell the story in photos and if possible please shoot dydd, cysylltwch ar bob cyfrif â Dorothi Evans o Grwp the images both in ‘landscape’ and ‘portrait’. We’re sorry that Llywio Teulu Asaph, a fydd yn eich helpu i gyflwyno eich we cannot use everything we are sent. Please send all pho- gwaith yn Gymraeg. Gallwch gysylltu â hi ar tos as high resolution files to: comms.stasaph@churchinwales. [email protected] org.uk. April/May deadline: Monday 3 March 2014.

Teulu Asaph is designed by Martyn Walsh, edited by Phil Topham and printed by PWS Print Limited.