Meithrin Gobaith Growing Hope www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi March / Mawrth 2018 The answer’s yes. Now, what’s the question? asks the new Diocesan Secretary HERE’S a new broom a church conference and they said thing as society; in all the work I don’t know whether that’s how the sweeping through the dioc- there was a vacancy in St Davids.” have done I have tried to make office has always presented itself, Tesan office. Within two weeks, he’d sent in the sure there is a strong but it will from now on.” Howard Llewellyn was looking application form, been interviewed element. “Every day I find something forward to retirement after a distin- and been offered the post. “We live in one of the rich- interesting, something involving, guished and varied legal career So, what attracted a man who est countries in the world and yet something educational, informa- when... has been described as “a non- we see food banks, beggars on the tive, something humorous and “I’d been working closely with believing Christian” to the Church? street etc and it struck me that the something downright bizarre!” the diocesan secretary in Oxford “I found myself (in Oxford) in Church was at least standing firm, “I’m working with people who Diocese (as Independent Chair a collegiate, familial environment proclaiming some resistance to this are clearly eager, accepting and of the Safeguarding panel) and in which there were issues that and seeking solutions. open to embracing a new direction.” thought, that looks like an interest- were relevant on a personal level to “What I’ve found here in St So where is that exactly? ing job. people in the community. Davids is that it lends itself to that “It will be a much more “I mentioned this to someone at “I don’t believe there is no such familial, collegiate environment. I open, transparent experience than they’ve had before. I want to create a more public profile so that clerics and parish members feel they can resort to it and don’t feel they are on their own.” “If the Church is not active in its own and the wider community then what is its purpose?” “Our responsibility is to facili- tate help for the parishes where we can, perhaps not in the way congre- gations are used to because we live in a time of public austerity and the or supporting the fabric of their church is a public-facing organisa- church; it’s about enabling Minis- tion. But I don’t think that’s always try and Mission across a much been the case here in the past. wider area. “We will adopt a much more “I hope that by engaging we engaged approach and I expect the can improve the understanding of parishes to respond. I believe we what this money is used for and can make improvements simply by how we can help to improve their meeting people and talking through lot and that of the Church family.” problems, which are mostly about “I want the Diocesan Office to finances.” be ‘a good neighbour’. If there’s “Ministry Share is something a problem, we want to help. The the whole Church is going to have answer’s yes but even if we can’t to review because there are percep- provide the definitive answer we’ll tions that the Mother Church is very help the questioner find it. rich, yet still requires a congre- “This approach is nothing new gation of six or eight members to for clergy but there are fewer of come up with money every year. them. So, I want to expand that “We have to demonstrate that approach from the office.” the money they bring to the Church Plant Cymuned Tre-groes yn mwynhau dathlu dydd Santes Dwynwen yn Ysgol Tre-groes gyda isn’t about paying their vicar pharti, chwaraeon, disgo a bwyd. Diolch i bawb a ddaeth i gefnogi FOCUS ON READERS’ DISCOVERIES – Pages 10 & 11 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, March 2018

areas. We already have a number of any areas who would like some Transition News pre-existing LMA titles but two of support as they begin to think about the most recent are Greater Dewis- how moving into larger working land, licensed a few weeks ago and worshipping areas might work Newyddion Trosglwyddiad and being led by LMA Dean Revd for them, or PCCs who would like Mike Rowlands, and the first of our some clarification on how the new It has been a really busy few months since Diocesan Conference new LMAs, Bro Lliedi, licensed structure will work. Perhaps you’d shot us, at some pace, into transition! Transition Missioner last December, led by LMA Dean like some guidance on how you Marianne Osborne takes a breather to provide an update Revd Canon Huw Mosford. can be proactive in your LMA? S promised, a team has been The LMA Dean is a new posi- The more we prepare, the more Aput together to work with tion within the diocese and, as ever, information we can share within the new LMAs. Our new Transi- our churches and communities and tion Companions are Revd John the easier it will be to make these Hancock and Simon Thane, both of changes. Please don’t hesitate to whom have experience in manage- contact me if I can answer any ment and, in particular, change. questions you might have, or, as Howard Llewellyn, our new Dioc- I say, if I can begin conversations esan Secretary, will also play a within church life I’d be more than consultative part as the need arises. happy to do so. John Hancock As a team, we are commit- Tel: 01437 214612 ted to working with ministers and e-mail: [email protected]. congregations to make the changes The first step towards something new is always the hardest as smooth as possible, ensuring our movements are as transparent “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans as possible and that all who want The most recent Bishop’s Ad to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a to talk about the changes in their Clerum has ensured that all clergy Simon Thane future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will churches, and ask questions, have have the timetable for change. I listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with the opportunity to do so. We have am currently working with the first it is the Bishop’s responsibility to all your heart. compiled a handbook, which can cohort of LMAs and our aim is to appoint. She is prayerfully work- “I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you be taken home after discussions have them licensed and functioning ing on this and will be contacting back from captivity. for reference – it can be difficult to in their new capacity by September potential deans by the usual offi- “I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have retain all of the information at long this year. cial means when she has discerned banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the meetings so we hope this will be a The Bishop’s team is currently these appointments. place from which I carried you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:11-14) useful tool. working on names for specific I would be happy to hear from Yes, but where can I It is more blessed to (such as a ‘tithe’). In essence, the find out more? seminar creates a space where the participants can safely explore Continuing his thoughts on getting involved, the diocesan Lay give than to receive(Acts 20:35) God’s generosity to us and then Development Officer, Robb Wainwright, talks about upcoming Huw Anderson, Diocesan Mission Resources Officer, is offering consider the appropriate response. opportunities to learn more about what goes on in our diocese to run seminars for LMAs on the subject of generosity I would love to run this semi- OLLOWING God’s call in our HIS biblical verse of the title jointly with the nar in all of our LMAs and would Flives may sound simple but it Tis remarkable in two ways. US-based Generosity Path organi- be delighted if readers felt that often requires us to work hard at Firstly, it is the only direct quota- sation. This seminar lasts a day and this might be for them or their our understanding of just what He tion of the words of Jesus recorded should consist of no more than 12 group of churches. All kinds of wants us to do in response to his in the Scriptures that are not found participants and a facilitator. The people should be encouraged to call. Whether as a person of frag- in the four Gospels. Secondly, nature of biblical generosity is attend: people who are already ile health, housebound and called virtually nobody believes it! But explored through videos, discus- big givers, people who perhaps to prayer ministry, or in rude health what if it were true? Indeed, it must sion and teaching. No pressure should be bigger givers and people and raring to take on the world, be true, but what if we acted as if is ever applied to give to certain who already keep very little for whatever our call and our under- we were convinced it was true? causes or to give certain amounts themselves. standing of that call, it behoves us What if we almost tried to outdo to keep listening to the still, small each other in our acts of love and Please contact me [email protected] to express voice of God’s Holy Spirit as he generosity? Perhaps then we would your interest and we will find a way to run a seminar near you. talks to us in our hearts and through tions and discussion afterwards. look something like the Church family, friends and complete stran- There are two further training just after Pentecost where: gers. Our job is to be open in every days this year, both in the north of “All the believers were possible way to whatever the the diocese. On 21st April, Bishop together and had everything in Spirit is saying to us and, yes, that John Saxbee will be at Penrhyn- common. They sold property and includes articles in Pobl Dewi! coch church hall talking about possessions to give to anyone who What can I do? I asked last ‘Pastoral Care in the light of 2020 had need. Every day they contin- time. Well, as promised in the last Vision’ and on 19th May at Aber- ued to meet together in the temple issue, we are running some Taster aeron Church Hall, Revd Sharon courts. They broke bread in their Days from 9:30-4pm; by the time Swain will be offering a fun day in homes and ate together with glad you read this, the first one will have which we can understand and and sincere hearts, praising God taken place at Church scrutinise God’s call in our lives. and enjoying the favour of all the Hall (10th March); the second will Finally, please remember that people. And the Lord added to their be near Carmarthen at Llanpum- the Lay Development Team would number daily those who were being saint Memorial Hall on 14th April. love to lead coffee morning training saved.” (Acts 2:44-47 NIV). There will be speakers covering sessions (2 hrs max) for any church, How wonderful it would be lots of the activities that God calls deanery or LMA on the topics of if we also rejoiced in giving and us to including studying (Theol- Reading the Bible, delivering inter- thus became so attractive that ogy for Life), The Fellowship of cessions or welcoming visitors to newcomers were added daily to Vocation, Safeguarding, Vocations our church services and functions. our congregations! But how can Advisors, the Lay Development Initially please contact me: we encourage this generosity? One Team, Tir Dewi, Pioneer ministry [email protected]. powerful tool that has been used and our youth work in the diocese. Please see the diocesan website to great effect around the world Each presentation will be no more for full information on all these is a seminar called ‘The Journey than 15 minutes, with time for ques- days. of Generosity’, promoted by the Pobl Dewi, March 2018 3 Thy Kingdom Come 2018 Motions Will Strange invites us to imagine being part of a • Do you ever think that there is an issue that the diocese or the Church in worldwide wave of prayer embracing Christians of all backgrounds should be thinking, or making a statement, about? focussing on more people coming to know Jesus Christ • Do you get frustrated by something in the diocesan structure and want to ELCOME to Thy Kingdom change it? W Come. It began as a call If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then why not submit a motion to the to prayer from the Archbishop next Diocesan Conference, suggests Paul Mackness of Canterbury to the Church of England in 2016 and has grown HE Diocesan Conference wel- taries of Conference (Mr Howard doctrine can only come from a since then in a truly remarkable Tcomes motions from parishes Llewellyn or me). We will be bishop of the Church in Wales. way. Last year, which was the initi- and deaneries and even individu- happy to help you with the correct • Motions that relate to diocesan ative’s second year, 85% of Church als. It is the place where issues drafting or wording of any motion. finances can only be advisory to of England churches and cathedrals and matters should be debated and In order to ensure that a motion the Diocesan Board of Finance were involved. It also took off in discussed. Last year, via a motion goes to the next Diocesan Confer- and not binding. other churches of the world-wide that came out of a deanery confer- ence, on Saturday 6th October, • Motions that require a change , including ence, a motion about the confusion it should arrive in written form to, or would contradict, the our own Province, as well as Roman over the Bench of Bishops’ deci- by the June Standing Committee Constitution of the Church in Catholic, Pentecostal, Baptist and sion to extend Communion to all (21st June). This is so that it can be Wales would have to be passed Methodist churches, Free churches the baptised went to the floor of the agreed by the Standing Commit- by the Governing Body after and Orthodox churches. So that Governing Body: it was passed and tee to be in order and further help being passed by the Diocesan now, in its third year, Thy Kingdom raised significant issues. given if required. Each motion will Conference. Come is a truly international and So, if there is an issue that require a proposer and seconder, It is your Diocesan Conference and ecumenical venture. you are burning for the diocese or both must be members of the Dioc- so if you wish to use the democratic It invites all of us to make use Church in Wales to discuss please esan Conference. But please note: process, please submit a motion. of the days between Ascension and submit a motion to the Joint Secre- • Motions that relate to liturgy or Pentecost (10-20th May this year) as a season of prayer. We can commit to pray in a celebrate this venture in prayer whole variety of ways and settings. together. We can, of course, pray as indi- On an individual level, the viduals, but also as families or diocese will be distributing prayer as churches. There are a host of cards, in an easy-to-carry business suggestions and resources avail- card format, with a reminder to able on the Thy Kingdom Come pray for five friends. The cards will website: https://www.thykingdom- have on one side a space to write come.global/ the names of five friends for whom What are we doing in this you want to pray, and on the other diocese? a form of prayer you may want to On a diocesan level, we will use. The cards will be available in launch this season of prayer with English and Welsh. a ‘beacon event’ – a Thy Kingdom The Archbishop of Canterbury Come service in the Cathedral at has said of Thy Kingdom Come: 7pm on Ascension Day itself (10th “I cannot remember in my life May), at which the preacher will be anything that I’ve been involved Very Revd Jon Witcombe, Dean of in where I have sensed so clearly Coventry. Parishes can make this the work of the Spirit.” So let’s get their Ascension Day service, and involved, too. An opportunity for open table fellowship Matthew Hill invites everyone along to a series of services to mark the establishment of St Davids Changing Attitude Cymru/ Trawsnewid Agwedd Cymru (CATAC) The Chaplain to the University of Wales CATAC support group is being St David, Carmarthen, has been appointed to A established in this diocese. The responses I received to the article regarding CATAC in the a new key post in the Church in Wales previous edition of Pobl Dewi, and to the email that I circulated to all other celebrations are as follows: HE Revd Dr Ainsley Grif- will be a blessing to the Church in the clergy in the diocese, has meant 7.15pm, Monday 16th April, Llan- Tfiths will be the Church’s Wales and the wider Church with that this is now possible. badarn Fawr; 7.15pm, Tuesday 1st first Director of Faith, Order and the many gifts and skills that he By way of inauguration, the May, St John’s Carmarthen Unity, responsible for develop- will bring to this new role.” group will host a celebration of the Full details will be posted on ing all aspects of its work relating Dr Griffiths said, “Preparing Eucharist followed by an opportu- the Facebook page of the Diocesan to doctrine and theological reflec- to move into this new post fills nity for simple and open fellowship CATAC Group: https://www.face- tion, liturgy, and ecumenical and me with hope and exhilaration. over refreshments in each of the book.com/catacdsd/posts/ interfaith relations and advising the The key area of doctrine, liturgy archdeaconries. Bishop Joanna will We hope these Eucharists Bench of Bishops. and ecumenism covered within it preside and preach at each of those will create a space where we can He takes up the role having spent are aspects of the Church’s life for celebrations. worship as those who share in the past 13 years as Chaplain at which I have a particular passion. I By the time you read this, common the image and likeness UWTSD and Continuing Ministe- hope to be able to contribute some- the first celebration will have of God and baptism into Christ; a rial Development Officer for the thing significant in our shared task been held in the Archdea- place to recognise more fully the Diocese. of expressing our faith in Christ, conry of St Davids (5th March depths of God’s grace given to us Bishop Joanna said: “Our loss enhancing our life of worship and at St John’s, Pembroke Dock). all, whether we be LGBT or have a in St Davids will be the Province’s moving towards full communion.” The dates, times and locations of the concern for LGBT equality. gain and we are sure that Ainsley 4 Pobl Dewi, March 2018 Appointments

Revd Kingsley Taylor Revd Delyth Wilson Revd Susan Barnett appointed Vicar of the appointed House for Duty, appointed NSM(L) in Benefi ce of Whitland (St Letterston w Llanfair Nant- Charge of Cynwyl Gaeo Marys) with Cyffi g & Henllan y-gof and Puncheston w (St Cynwyl) w Llansawel & Amgoed & Llangan w Revd Ann McKnight Little Newcastle and Castle Talley & Abergorlech, Llandissilio & Clunderwen & appointed NSM(L) Priest in Bythe in conjunction with her 31 January 2018 Revd Dr Emma Whittick Llanboidy, 26 February 2018 Charge of Cil-y-Cwm post as NSM of said appointed Chaplain at (St Michael) & Ystrad-Ffi n w Benefi ce, 5 November 2017 the Campus of the University of Wales, Rhandirmwyn Trinity St Davids, & Llanfair-Ar-y-Bryn, 20 February 2018 7 February 2018

Revd Christopher Lewis-Jenkins appointed Priest in Charge of Revd Dr Adrian Furse Laugharne & Llansadwrnen appointed Associate Priest & Pendine & Llanmiloe & of Newport w Dinas, Llanddowror, 4 March 2018 Revd Shirley Rayner 26 January 2018 Revd Sulin Milne Revd Jonathan Copus appointed NSM Associate appointed Assistant Curate to continue as Interim Minister Priest of Begelly (St Mary) of the United Benefi ce, LMA, Revd Michael Plant of the Crymych Group for an w Ludchurch & East Deanery of Bro Lliedi, appointed NSM LMA Vicar, additional period of 6 months, Williamston, 21 January 2018 21 February 2018 Greater Dewisland, until 2 September 2018 10 January 2018

Mr Timothy Brian Nelson to Revd John Cecil become NS House for Duty to be Deputy Diocesan Director Au revoir Lay Chaplain at Llandovery, of Education, 1 August 2018. 12 Febrary 2018 This is in addition to his role as After Holy Eucharist on 2nd February (Candlemas), the hall of St Peter’s Church, Priest in Charge of the Parish Llanelli, was the venue chosen to celebrate the ministry and 70th birthday of of Steynton Revd Howard Jones, who was laying aside his pastoral role on that date

EFFREY Hughes, sub-warden Jof St Peter’s, thanked Howard for his extensive knowledge of the Anglican liturgy and his readiness, though retired, to serve the various churches of Llanelli on Sundays and Saints’ days, when his sermons and addresses combined erudition with a puckish sense of humour. A small celebration breakfast was laid on and Howard was presented with a fountain pen, wine and card. Jeff rey said that the card contained names of so many well-wishers that reading it would rather be like deci- phering Egyptian hieroglyphics. Howard is held in esteem by all in the congregations in the LMA and everyone extends their good wishes and prayers for his retirement.

Articles which, unfortunately, could not be accommodated in this issue, plus translations of some can be found on the PD Extra pages of our website: Revd Canon Paul Mackness, appointed Archdeacon of St Davids, www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ 22 March 2018. This will be in conjunction with his role as Bishop’s Chaplain until futher notice Pobl Dewi, March 2018 5 In His service From Devon via China to , Gordon and Christine Growing Hope Harvey answer the call to minister in an unusual, but encouraging, way AVING both been blessed in programme. Janet then asked obaith eithrin G M g Hope our childhoods by Sunday Chris to train as a Bible Explorer Growin H school and youth workers, we have presenter to go into primary found ourselves involved in simi- schools teaching an overview of lar work all our lives. Although the Bible in ten one-hour lessons. Christian Adventure Club living in Devon, links were made This programme is run by an with Lampeter and we organised organisation called Walk Through Preparing young people for life is practical and fun, says Robin Morris summer youth camps for teenag- the Bible. So far we have enjoyed ers from both areas. Before we teaching in 25 primary schools, Y wife and I came home were married, God had spoken to from Garth to . from the mission fi eld in M us individually regarding serv- With so many open doors into central Africa just 40 years ago and ing Him abroad, saying, “Were we schools, we began off ering assem- there were, as I recall, 30 children willing to go to China?” It wasnʼt blies at festivals such as Christmas, under the age of 11 who eagerly until after our four children had Easter and Harvest. Knowing Janet accepted Christmas presents from grown up, and each having their sometimes used puppets in the Father Christmas at the Cwmyst- own personal walk with the Lord, Cardigan area, we slowly started wyth Christmas Party. Last year, that the door opened for us to go in puppet ministry in Bro Pedr School, for the fi rst time, Father Christmas 2003. We were there for nine years, Lampeter. Two other couples have was told he needn’t come since the mainly in the east coast city of joined us who have skills in IT/ only remaining child of primary Weihai. Our work included running sound and costume design, so our school age was going to be away an international school and head- team at present stands at six, with for Christmas. ing up the English service team in help from over 20 puppets. The aim So it’s hardly surprising we see the evangelical Chinese Registered is to bring the Good News of Jesus very few children in church but Church. The growth in the church using applicable scripts, music and that surely doesn’t mean that we was phenomenal. games. Children especially love should cease to cater for the chil- Retiring in 2012, and re-locat- the fun and memorable way the dren we do have in and around the ing to the Lampeter area, we met message is presented. This year the Cambrian mountains of mid Wales. a lady called Janet Hawking. She puppets have been used at Harvest, Two years ago the Christian their off spring in a competition to people who are now profi cient in organised three weeks of RE pres- Christingle and family services Adventure Club was born out of light the BBQ’s and cook the burg- fi re lighting and cooking safely entations to West Wales secondary with enthusiastic responses from just such a concern. We already ers. Just one catch, no matches outdoors they also know how to schools on the GSUS Live lorry. all ages. had meaningful contact with a were given to them. Instead each use a map, build a shelter and are This is a large truck fi tted with Through feedback, we learn number of families with children team was shown how to use a becoming increasingly profi cient state-of-the-art technology, provid- both young and not-so-young come of secondary school age and so we fi re steel, a simple, yet challeng- using a bow and arrow. ing interactive lessons dealing to a deeper understanding of Godʼs invited them to come to Ysgoldy ing device familiar to scout groups The third component included with fear, rejection or forgiveness. ways. Please pray that the Lord Goch, the church hall just down the and those who enjoy bush crafts as in our programme each time we It was exciting to help with the will keep the doors open. road from Eglwys Newydd Hafod, a means of producing a shower of meet is a short lesson from scrip- to discover what we had in mind, sparks to hopefully ignite the fi re. ture designed to help the young “but come in your old clothes It was fun and, indeed, having people in their journey through life. ready for a bit of fun” they were fun is at the heart of what we do I once saw someone wearing told. Outside the hall two BBQ’s when we meet each month for 2 a tee shirt on which was inscribed had been set up and, after we had hours in a barn on a Saturday after- ‘for best results follow the Maker’s outlined the essentials regarding noon. We also teach the select instructions’. I believe that to be what we envisaged to do in the group of club members a practi- sound advice. club, parents were pitted against cal skill. So, besides having young

• We are rising to the challenge and already many positives Full steam ahead have surfaced as we start to We continually hear that that Christianity is in great decline, with share our resources: most young adults walking away from, and disillusioned with, • We have saved money by Church. Huw Mosford, Area Dean of Bro Lliedi, considers the having one photocopier instead of three! changes which must come if LMAs are to fulfi l their potential for • Parish expenses are shared mission and ministry between six vicar, one church (those days Challenging but exciting times N a recent World Council of must face some truths and change • There is cross-fertilisation of are gone) as we work together for God’s Churches meeting, a bishop behaviour to reach the world with people, learning and expertise I • Mission and evangelism can be Kingdom. Are you part of His stated “Few things are of greater the Gospel message. • Church activities and organi- left to the professionals as its mission? consequence to the life of the Thus it was, on 9th Novem- sations are streamlined into “their job” Church than having a clear and ber, a new beginning for mission single strong groups instead of, accurate understanding of our and ministry was inaugurated by perhaps, six weaker ones mission, and then having a genuine Bishop Joanna when she licensed • Some of our churches have commitment to fulfi l that mission . and formed the United Benefi ce excellent youth activities which . . . The Gospel is the good news and Deanery of Llanelli, which are enhanced by sharing of what Jesus did to reconcile lost comprises the former parishes of • A Lent study programme in humanity to . Many Dafen, Felinfoel, Llanelli, Llwyn- one church instead of six sepa- in the Church are trying to turn hendy and Llangennech – six rate ones over a new leaf, but the message is churches serving a population • People can travel and fi nd they need to receive and live out a of over 60,000 souls. During the fellowship in the Benefi ce and new life.” service, the Bishop said “I hope share evangelism. We must have a stronger focus that in fi ve years our LMAs will On the negative side: on discipleship and disciple- be communities who have learned • Some still maintain the attitude making, with all of God’s people new ways of being rooted in their that “if it’s not in my church I actively engaged in His mission. As neighbourhoods working together won’t attend.” the Church navigates an increas- to enable them to live out and share • Change is diffi cult for some ingly post-Christian culture, we their faith.” who have always had one 6 Pobl Dewi, March 2018 Spiritual abuse For those seeking to answer The recent conviction of a vicar in Oxfordshire, under the Clergy Discipline Measure 2003, for spiritual abuse highlights the impact God’s call that this can have on vulnerable members of our congregations. Lynn Rees, Diocesan Safeguarding Support Officer, offers an Robb Wainwright reports from the third annual Fellowship of Vocation conference insight into spiritual abuse which was held at Gelli Fawr from 24-26th November

HE perpetrator was found EVD Canon Mike Kavanagh, Tguilty of ‘conduct unbecom- RChaplain General to Prisons, ing or inappropriate to the office was the guest speaker, ably assisted and work of a clerk in Holy Orders by his wife Revd Linda Munt. through the abuse of spiritual There were 24 delegates to the power and authority’ arising from conference with several Fellow- ‘private mentoring sessions’ with ship of Vocations (FoV) chaplains a 16-year-old, whose family were and other clergy available for one- part of the abuser’s congregation. to-one discussions. Once again, The panel ruled that the mentoring we were joined by Revd Mark of the child was so intense that the Ansell, the lead Vocations Advi- victim ‘had been deprived of his sor for the diocese, who was kept freedom of choice as to whether to very busy by the delegates. The continue this mentoring.’ a divine position. Whilst ‘coer- event was opened by the Acting Whilst there is no univer- cive and controlling’ behaviour is Archdeacon of St Davids, Revd sal definition of spiritual abuse, key to spiritual abuse, it is also a Canon Paul Mackness, and Bishop it can be classified as ‘coercion prominent characteristic of many Joanna joined us on Saturday for and control of one individual by types of abuse, which may also be the weekend. another in a spiritual context.’ happening at the same time. Unfortunately for the confer- Research by Oakley and Kind- Although the case in Oxford- ence, two of the main areas of the mond (2013) identifies that the key shire is the first conviction of venue, the bar and lounge, were characteristics abuse are: a cleric for spiritual abuse, it is unavailable owing to the late- • Blame: the victim is blamed for unlikely to be the last. Research running refurbishment works to any problems and is pressured by the University of Bournemouth those areas. This rather limited into silence in partnership with the Churches’ the space available for smaller • Accountability: the victim is Child Protection Advisory Service gatherings but, since the accom- forced or coerced into sharing identifies how widespread such modation was cottages, there were personal information or includ- incidents may be. Out of a sample lounges available for private meet- ing another in decision-making of 1,591 completed on-line ques- ings. In spite of the weather which • Damage: the damage that it tionnaires, 1,002 respondents had was cold and damp, there was a does to the victim, which often personally experienced ‘spiritual tremendous appreciation of the occurs through manipulation, abuse.’ Whilst 72% of respondents three sessions conducted by Mike fear and shame were ‘confident’ that they knew and Linda, which drew deeply on • Inability to work with others what spiritual abuse was, responses their past and continuing experi- is often apparent in spiritually highlighted the need for clearer ences of ministry. In particular, the abusive individuals policies and more training. session on contemplative prayer, • Misuse of scripture and its Work is continuing in both the led by Linda, had a great resonance use to support an individual’s Church in Wales and other denom- with delegates and both of Mike’s personal agenda is a key warn- inations to develop policy in this sessions led to spirited debate. ing sign area and spiritual abuse is included It was a very successful confer- Revd Canon Mike Kavanagh and Revd Linda Munt Spiritual abuse may also include as part of the ‘Safe Church’ training ence with excellent feedback. As manipulation and exploitation, course that is available to parishes. a result, our next conference has I would like to remind every- A quick apology to all dele- isolation, pressure to conform and For more information or to book a already been booked for 23rd-25th one in the diocese that the FoV is gates, the photographs taken at the the requirement to conform to the training session, please email me: Nov 2018, back at the Fourcroft open to everyone who is seeking weekend on my iPad have been abuser, who may suggest they have [email protected]. Hotel in Tenby, which is currently to follow God’s call in their life lost due to catastrophic failure of undergoing refurbishment of its and is not limited to those seek- the device. If anyone has some public rooms. Plans are in hand for ing . If you would like to from that time please will you send a wider cross-section of the fellow- join, please talk to your vicar, Area them to me. Old church – new life? ship members to produce and Dean, LMA Dean, a vocations deliver the group worship and to advisor or contact me directly at Nowhere better illustrates the difference between ‘closure’ of a increase its bilingual content. [email protected] church building and ‘redundancy’ than St Andrew’s, Moylegrove

LTHOUGH having closed for the church found expression Afor worship several years in an initial meeting of around a covering of moss. An enthusiastic ago, St Andrew’s has not moved dozen people in the village on 27th band of volunteers turned up on the to redundancy (the point at which November, chaired by the LMA morning of 13th January and, in a the diocese hands over care for leader. few hours, transformed a scene of the building to the Representative Insurance neglect into an obviously cared-for Body and the church is potentially Out of this meeting came numer- churchyard. put up for sale). ous questions: how could they Questions A group of local residents of form a group with the authority It was a start. There is much more Moylegrove started to become to do or request work; what about to be done and many very practi- concerned about the building in insurance or the reconnection of cal questions to be answered. The their midst in the course of 2017. electricity; what funding bodies long-term outcome is still to be The church, which is a Grade could be approached? explored. II* building in the Pembs Coast However, with these questions But Moylegrove is showing National Park, draws visitors and there was also a determination to the way for what is possible when is a real point of interest in the get on with practical things which the local community is given the locality. could be done here and now. After opportunity to express its concern After discussion on an indi- some years of neglect the church- for a church building – even a vidual basis with the Archdeacon yard was getting overgrown with closed one – in its neighbourhood. of Cardigan and the LMA leader, brambles and saplings, while the Revd John Bennett, their concern path was disappearing under a Pobl Dewi, March 2018 7

Don’t wait until everything is in place – just do it! So, we decided to Serving the community open Starkie’s Café with the facili- For many years, there has been a vision at St Anne’s Church, ties we’d already got. , to open a Community Café in the village. Malcolm We started in November 2017 Dye describes the ups and downs of bringing the project to and the café opens every Tues- day morning from 9am until 1pm. fulfilment The menu is basic: tea and coffee N 2015, we thought the café provide hospitality to clients of (we bought a domestic espresso Iwas to become a reality when Jubilee Storehouse (the food bank machine to provide the usual range we formed a partnership with the run from the church) when they of coffees), cakes, sandwiches, Methodist Church to use their come to collect food packs. toasties and baked potatoes. It was redundant building in the centre A team from the church got decided not to charge, but to ask of the village. Unfortunately, we together to think about what could for donations based on what people encountered several problems, be done. It became apparent that think the service is worth or on which forced us, very reluctantly, our church hall could be made what they can afford. to abandon the project. available for use as a café. So, we So how are we doing? We aver- However, the vision had not set about planning what changes age 17 customers with a high of 29. gone away. We wanted to extend would be needed to make the However, we have not advertised our outreach to the community building suitable as a café, whilst the café widely because most of the lunchtime snack, and that’s when it building, so that the café facili- following on from Starkie’s Lunch retaining its role as a church hall. volunteers were novices at running can get hectic. People are donating ties can have multiple uses in Club, which provides a free lunch During this planning process we a café, and we felt we needed time generously, so the café is more than our efforts to fulfil the aims of to families during the summer went to a conference where we to learn how to cope under pres- covering its running costs. St Anne’s strapline: Serving the holidays. But we also wanted to picked up one piece of advice: sure! Many people come in for a We still intend to renovate the community, growing hope.

nities for the children to hear the offering what support we can to Christian good news. There have Headteacher Nick Dyer and the An exciting development already been good links with the whole school community, and are A brand new church school of approximately 500 pupils has formerly separate schools, such as grateful for the assistance of Roose opened in the Parish of Hubberston, Milford Haven. Andy through assemblies, membership Deanery’s Children and Youth Bookless, Rector of the parish, looks forward to strengthening of governing bodies, sponsoring Worker, Amanda Coombe, who is ties between church and school beautifully illustrated children’s already helping in various ways in Bibles for Year 3 children, Good our outreach. ELLISWICK Church in separate infants and juniors sites News Bibles for Year 6 through the Having such a large Church in GWales VC Primary School is of Hakin Community Primary Bibles for Children programme, Wales school in our parish provides a bright, modern new school build- School, amalgamated, which, after and hosting special school services great opportunities and is an excit- ing with landscaped grounds and consultation, was designated as a in the three churches in the parish. ing development. We pray that God sports facilities overlooking Gellis- church school. and governors, accompanied by It will now be easier to let children will enable us to make the most of wick Bay and the Haven, just along The children were excited to Bishop’s Chaplain Paul Mackness, and parents know about our parish these opportunities for the bene- the road from St David’s Church. start this term together in the new Director of Education Bryan Witt activities, including a monthly fit of the children, their families The school came into being at the building on its completion at the and Schools Officer Jean Voyle Messy Church, a weekly Kids and all involved in the life of the start of the 2017 autumn term, start of the new year. Then, on Williams. Club, Sunday School, and parents school. whilst still spread over three sites, 30th January, Bishop Joanna made We, as a parish, are praying and toddlers group, Little Fishes, when the former Hubberston a visit to bless the school, lead- about how best we can support as well as other special events Church in Wales VC school, and ing an assembly and meeting staff the school and provide opportu- or services. We look forward to

Left to right: History and heritage Revd Caroline Mansell (Priest in Charge); Revd Shirley Rayner (Associate bound together Priest); Mrs Eve Cornthwaite Congregations from the three churches of Begelly Benefice (Rector’s Warden) holding and members of Longstone Chapel gathered on Sunday 28th the book; Mr Michael Howells January in St Elidyr’s Church, Ludchurch, to celebrate their (Arts Society); Mrs Ann Maria Patronal Festival and receive a unique document Thomas (Arts Society); HE guest preacher at the lously study, research, record and Mr David Thomas (People’s Tservice was Revd Canon Paul photograph – sometimes making Warden); Mrs Caroline Mackness who enlightened the exciting discoveries along the way. Speyer (St Elidyr’s); and congregation as to the probable The Church Record becomes a Revd Canon Paul Mackness, identity of the elusive Saint Elidyr wonderful testament to the history Acting Archdeacon of St – likely to be Saint Teilo. and heritage of that church and an Davids The occasion was marked by excellent resource for PCCs, as the presentation of a beautiful the material can be used for guide- copy of St Elidyr’s Church Record books, presentations, fund raising Left to right: presented by Ann-Maria Thomas and grant applications. of the Arts Society. This is the first St Elidyr’s will hold the original Mr Michael Howells (Arts such recording of a church in this Church Record, with copies lodged Society); Revd Caroline part of West Wales and St Elidyr’s at The Victoria and Albert Museum Mansell (Priest in Charge), PCC was delighted to receive it. and The National Library of Wales, Mrs Ann Maria Thomas (Arts A church record comes into Aberystwyth. The information will Society); Mrs Caroline Speyer being after many months, years also be available to view online, on (St Elidyr’s) even, of painstaking work. Enthusi- a new church record database. astic Arts Society volunteers select The project in St Elidyr’s was a church and then set about exam- initiated some years ago by Paul ining and recording its contents, Speyer, who was a member of the and Caroline presented a bouquet looking at the church’s metalwork, Arts group and also a long-stand- to Ann-Maria Thomas in thanks sculpture, woodwork, stonework, ing member of St Elidyr’s, serving and recognition of the Arts Soci- textiles, paintings, manuscripts, for many years as churchwarden. ety’s excellent work. Proceedings memorials and windows. They Paul’s widow, Caroline, and some concluded suitably with hospital- consult experts as they meticu- of their family attended the service ity, fellowship and wine. 8 Pobl Dewi, March 2018 St Davids Cathedral Festival Gŵyl Eglwys Gadeiriol Tyddewi

Hilary Rudge previews this year’s Cathedral Festival, which takes place from Friday 25th May to Sunday 3rd June HAT S ON AT ONCERTS will be in the joined by cellist Leonard Elschen- students from there will perform W ’ C beautiful setting of the broich playing Elgar’s Cello traditional Zulu music and dance. cathedral and at Tŷ’r Pererin (the Concerto. Alexander Mason Other concerts will include ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL . . . cathedral’s education centre). (former organist of St Davids performances by the Cathe- The festival will be launched Cathedral) will provide an impro- dral Choir accompanied by City Passion Sunday – 18th March on Friday 25th May at 6pm by vised organ accompaniment to Musick; Vox Angelica; the Cathe- 6.00pm Music & Readings for Passiontide the popular Children’s Festival the 1923 silent fi lm Hunchback dral Choral Scholars and Vicars Chorus, when young people from of Notre Dame based on Victor Choral; the Cathedral Boys’ Choir Palm Sunday – 25th March local schools will give a rousing Hugo’s book of the same name. and an organ recital by this year’s 8.00am Holy Eucharist performance, led by the renowned This year the Festival is proud to talented organ scholar, Rupert vocal animateur Rebecca Lodge. support Project Zulu, a Univer- Jackson. 10.15am Procession of Palms from the Cross Square We’re pleased to welcome sity of West England Bristol-based For more information and to followed by Choral Eucharist in the Cathedral back The BBC National Orches- charity supporting educational book tickets visit the new website 6.00pm Choral tra of Wales performing Sibelius’ development in the Madadeni at www.stdavidsfestival.co.uk Palm crosses will be distributed at all services Symphony No 1 in E minor and Township, South Africa, and young which goes live this month. Monday in Holy Week – 26th March 10.00am Holy Eucharist & Reading of the Passion Tuesday in Holy Week – 27th March 11.00am Chrism Eucharist for Diocesan Clergy celebrated by the Bishop Wednesday in Holy Week – 28th March 10.00am Holy Eucharist & Reading of the Passion Maundy Thursday – 29th March 7.00pm Choral Eucharist of the Last Supper with Washing of Feet, Stripping of the Altar & Watch of the Passion Good Friday – 30th March 10.00am Good Friday Family Service 12noon The Way of the Cross: A walk of witness through the city (from Cross Square) 2.00pm Devotions at the Cross 6.00pm Choral Evensong Easter Eve – 31st March 7.00pm Choral Eucharist with Confi rmation & Lighting of the Paschal Candle Easter Day – 1st April 8.00am Holy Eucharist Forthcoming Events at Tŷ’r Pererin 9.30am Cymun Bendigaid Tuesday 3rd April, 2-4pm, & Thursday 5th April, 2-4pm 9.30am Family Eucharist Easter eggs will be distributed to children Easter egg hunt in the cathedral 11.15am Choral Eucharist celebrated by the Bishop How many places is it possible to hide an Easter egg in the cathedral? 6.00pm Choral Evensong Come and fi nd out! Cloister Gallery Exhibitions An afternoon of fun for all the family 27th March to 9th April Arts and Crafts 10th April to 23rd April Kersten Howard Fridays 6th & 13th April, 10.30am–12 noon 24th April to 7th May Pembrokeshire Craft Makers Friday pilgrimage to the cathedral 8th May to 21st May Triple Vision Meet at Oriel y Parc Information Centre 22nd May to 4th June Audrey Johns 5th June to 18th June Arts and Crafts Saturday 12th May, 10am-4pm: Retreat Day at Tŷ’r Pererin Concerts ‘Treasure in our Hedgerows’ Tuesday 3rd April, 12noon Flowers in Wales: how do their Welsh names inspire our theological refl ection? St Laurence Church, Catford, Choir; informal concert To include a guided walk around St Davids to observe the fl ora, refl ection & tea in a fl ower Saturday 14th April, 7.30pm garden. Led by Janet Ingram Landsker Singers

For further information about the above events More information: please contact the Deanery Offi ce on 01437 720202 [email protected] or email [email protected] Tel: 01437 729151 See our website www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter Pobl Dewi, March 2018 9 A happy welcome With spring upon us, Caroline Evans, Diocesan Tourism Officer, suggests that we imagine ourselves as visitors to our churches FRIEND is planning on on someone else’s church and see won’t and will assume it is A putting her home on the what they are, and are not, doing – locked up! market and is busily reading up on can one learn anything? Then look Inside – is your church how to give her house kerb-appeal at your own church with an objec- welcoming? Does it smell of damp and feel warm and welcom- tive eye. and mildew or flowers and candle- ing in ways that don’t cost much • Does it look ‘used/loved’, not wax? Are there items of welcome money. At this same time, I’ve abandoned? – visitors’ book, leaflets about the been brought some feedback from • Does it look as if it wants church, history, features indoors two friends who like to ‘cruise’ people to visit? Is the gate and out? Directions to the nearest churches: using OS maps, they unlocked and easily opened loos, other churches nearby? Dona- scan for church symbols in an area (not rusted up)? tions box clearly visible? and then set off looking for them. • Are the path and steps safe to Above all, inside and out, does Calling their trips ‘Spiritual Treas- walk on (moss/algae/leaves your church look cared about? All ure Hunts’, they reported finding cleared)? this can be very difficult when our some absolute treasures, little • Is there a noticeboard with the churches are low on bodies and gems, unexpected and fascinating name of the church, details of cash to do things, but there can be churches. However, they also had services and events? ways, for example time locks could regrets about the ones they found • Are the opening times listed, overcome the lack of key-holders locked up, no indication of open- failing which are there contact to unlock and lock up. So let’s put ing hours nor contact numbers to telephone numbers for key away our valuable items, brush up ring – even no sign of the actual holders? our welcome, and open our hearts name of the church. Some of their • Is this information also on a to our wider congregation, our visi- comments made uncomfortable website, Facebook and other tors, our pilgrims. In the event of hearing. media? any queries, contact us at To enhance our ministry of • Is your church door easy to [email protected] welcome, spring may be the time open? If it sticks, your regu- to give our churches a ‘Welcome lar church family will know Audit’. To warm up, maybe drop in to give it a thump but visitors A life-changing experience Rebecca Boardman looks back on a short-term mission placement with the USPG Journey With Us programme. For 'Peaks, shallows those who want to know more about the programme, there is an ‘Exploration and Discernment Weekend’ in April and deeps' EING woken up with a nent, finding themselves helping “Bphone call at four in the in schools, on farms, in churches are required. There is preparation morning to be told I was needed and clinics. The point is not so before travel, support while you at a meeting 150 miles away that much about the tasks that partici- are on placement, and debriefing evening, then spending nine hours pants might be given, but a chance on your return. on a bus before being asked the to fellowship with your hosts and Anyone wanting to find out next day to speak to a room full of experience the life and mission of more about USPG Journey With bishops and archbishops – that was the local church. Us is invited to attend an ‘Explora- one of the more interesting days!” The programme arranges place- tion and Discernment Weekend’, in After completing a geog- ments of up to 12 months and is Birmingham, from 6th to 8th April. Readers are invited to a guided holiday retreat around raphy degree at Cambridge open to people from Britain and For more information or to book a Italy’s Lake Como hosted by the Church of the Ascension, University, Rebecca Boardman Ireland, aged 18 or over, regard- place, contact Habib Nader Cadenabbia, from 7th to 12th October was keen to explore both the world less of their church background tel: 0207 921 2215 and her Christian faith. She spent or where they are on their faith email habibn@uspg,org.uk 10 months in the Philippines with journey. No professional skills or visit www.uspg.org.uk/journey F, in the past, you have visited we get older? These are some of the short-term mission placement I Lake Como, popular with visi- the questions we hope to address programme run by the Anglican tors from around the world since in this holiday retreat, which will mission agency USPG. the Grand Tour, you may have be conducted by Revd Lyn Philips. “I wouldn’t swap the experi- visited the Anglican Church of the The programme will include daily ence for anything,” said Rebecca. Ascension at Cadenabbia. worship, bible study on events “At home in Hampshire, I was The church, built in 1891 by in Jesus’ own lakeside minis- fresh out of university and used to a a group of English-speaking resi- try, spiritual exercises, discussion fairly predictable way of life. In the dents, still provides a place for groups and times for meditation Philippines, my church hosts drew visitors and residents to worship and reflection. There will also be upon all my skills and resources or simply to stop and have a few visits to sacred places, times for and I rose to the challenge. moments of quiet in its beauti- relaxation and companionship and “The placement stripped me ful interior. Lake Como itself is opportunities to enjoy the inspiring of all my usual labels. In the Phil- a wonderful setting and we want panoramas of Lake Como. ippines the people I met had no to share some of its hidden gems, An average level of fitness and preconceptions. They just saw me which have inspired pilgrimage health is required, as some of the for who I was, without masks, and reflection for centuries. sites involve walking. which was both challenging and How can we refresh our disci- The cost, with 5 nights half- refreshing. It was a case of just pleship and be willing to move board accommodation, is 695 being me, in the moment, drawing forward on our journey of faith? euros; travel to and from Cadenab- upon my resources and creativity, How can we cope with changes bia is not included. but always with the support of my in ourselves, our circumstances, For more information or to hosts.” the church and the world? In what book a place, please e-mail Jeannie Over the years, those taking ways can we let God breathe new Willan: part in USPG Journey With Us have life into us when our spirituality [email protected] been to countries on every conti- feels tired or stuck, especially as 10 Pobl Dewi, March 2018 Eglwysi Caerog Transylfania Focus on Although Transylvania is most famous for its Dracula connection, the highlight for Eluned Rees was learning about the fortifi ed Saxon churches OEDD ymweld â Rwmania i’r trigolion weld y gelynion yn Readers' discoveries Rfi s Hydref yn brofi ad dod. Hefyd roedd ‘sgwâr dawnsio’ diddorol,ac yn enwedig wedi lle byddai pobl yn cyfarfod. Yr gadael Bucharest er mwyn teithio oedd stordai i’r grawn a’r had i Transylfania. Er mai enw yno hefyd er mwyn sicrhau na Just another day in Baghdad Dracula sy’n dod i’r meddwl wrth fyddai newyn, a hyd yn oed ysgol sôn am yr ardal hon, i mi un o’r yn y muriau er mwyn i’r plant Communications Offi cer David Hammond-Williams describes an excursion with a diff erence uchafbwyntiau oedd dysgu am yr barhau â’u haddysg. Yr oedd rhif eglwysi caerog, ‘fortifi ed churches’ ar bob ystafell lle gallai teulu ’VE never been much of one sydd yno. Y mae cannoedd gael lloches, ac yr oedd y rhif yn for the beach and book kind of I ohonynt drwy Rwmania i gyd, ond cyfateb i rif ar ddrws y tai yn y break. My excursions away from clwstwr o saith ohonynt yn ardal pentref. Felly, roedd sicrwydd the Welsh hills tend to take me in Transylfania. Pentrefi Sacsonaidd gan bob teulu bod lle diogel more urban directions. ydynt o’r Canol Oesoedd a ganddynt pan ddeuai bygythiad. However, my city break in sefydlwyd gan Frenhinoedd Fel arfer codwyd yr eglwys Baghdad was unlike any other. A Hwngari yn y ddeuddegfed ganrif ar fryn, er mwyn i’r gwylwyr holiday? Sort of. An experience not er mwyn rhoi cartref i ymfudwyr allu gweld y gelyn yn nesáu. be missed? Defi nitely. o’r Almaen. Ac yng nghanol pob Pan fyddai hynny’n digwydd We think of Iraq’s capital as a un o’r pentrefi hyn y mae eglwys. byddai cloch yn cael ei chanu, war zone still. But these days it is Roedd cymdeithas gref yn a heidiai pawb i gysgodi nes i’r starting to recover from the turmoil y pentrefi hyn o ff ermwyr, perygl ddod i ben. Mae olion of recent years although the scars gwerthwyr nwyddau a chreff twyr tyllau yn y muriau lle byddai’r remain everywhere to be seen. ond yr oeddent mewn perygl pentrefwyr yn gallu saethu at The allied soldiers have gone oddi wrth ymosodiadau gan yr eu gelynion. Roedd y trefniant and, in recent months, Daesh/ISIS Otomaniaid a’r Tartariaid. Felly, hwn yn llwyddiannus dros ben. has been expelled. And it is a testa- codwyd eglwys fawr gaerog yng Y mae murluniau pryd- ment to the human condition that nghanol y pentref, gyda muriau ferth ar waliau sawl un o’r it takes so little time for people to Next door, the church-run the road to the airport alone. And uchel o’i chwmpas ac adeiladau eglwysi ac mae’r mwyafrif resume normal daily life. kindergarten is equally awe-inspir- street after street is lined with huge o fewn y muriau .Yr oedd tyrau wedi’u cofrestru fel Safl eoedd Well, almost. Baghdad is a ing. Some 150 children – almost concrete barriers hiding bombed uchel yn rhan o’r eglwys er mwyn Etifeddiaeth UNESCO. chaotic place, but one that, once all Muslim – attend daily, immacu- out buildings. again, is full of noise and colour. lately turned out and keen to learn. But the shops and pavement From my hotel overlooking the So keen in fact that their parents stalls are bustling and bulging with mighty Tigris River, my fi rst port have asked for the facility to be both the necessities and the luxu- of call was St George’s, the only extended so they can stay there ries of life. And in the fi sh market, Anglican church in Iraq, a brutal- throughout their education. where we went to buy the local ist piece of architecture built by the Then there are the clinics speciality Masgouf – a river carp British military in the 1920s during and the food parcels, ministering unique to the Tigris – you could a previous period of upheaval. to the needs of hundreds every almost believe nothing had ever But inside its heart beats for week. Now that’s community happened. joy. Five (six?) hundred people engagement. I shall not forget my visit to attend here every Sunday. And Back in the city, the legacy of Baghdad in a hurry; the same hearing the Lord’s Prayer recited in war shows itself in the numerous goes for the taste of Masgouf Aramaic is, well, unforgettable – a military checkpoints that guard – delicious! highly emotional moment. key locations – I counted 12 on

a splendid day’s outing. The delights of Llanfrothen is noteworthy as the scene of the famous noncon- formist burial dispute that brought church tourism Lloyd George to prominence at the Although the modern generation enjoys previously impossible end of the 19C. But many years earlier, in 1833, the graveyard access to virtually all areas of the world, Bill Hines is often served as the fi nal resting place struck with how little advantage we take of the beauties which lie for Richard Jones of Wern, famous seemingly unnoticed on our doorsteps as one of the earliest Calvinistic OR those who weary of endless ing Manordeifi and Hodgeston, Methodist Ministers, portions of Fmotorway queues, airport which are well worth a visit. But whose library have recently been cancellations and the like, Wales for the tourist looking to travel a identifi ed at Aberystwyth Univer- off ers unrivalled scenic beauty and little further there are some real sity. , with a beautiful interesting church history. In recent gems. Two of the major examples old lychgate and churchyard, has a years a number of pilgrim trails of Arts and Crafts work lie within memorial to Sir John Owen, who and regional guides have attempted Wales, at Brithdir near Dolgellau, achieved prominence in the Civil to publicise these to the casual visi- and Llanfair Kilgeddan outside War. Ynyscynhaearn lies at the tor, T J Hughes Guide to Wales One Abergavenny. Llanfair has beauti- edge of marshland by the coast and Hundred Best Churches being a ful sgraffi to murals by Heywood has the grave to John Ystumllyn, recent model of such work. Sumner, and Brithdir has wonder- who died in 1791, and was said to However, redundant churches ful woodwork and fi ttings by Henry be the fi rst black slave in Wales. A can easily be overlooked by the Wilson. Just outside Porthmadog guidebook in the church gives his passerby and here the Friends there are three modest redundant fascinating life story. No crowds of Friendless Churches perform churches at Llanfrothen, Penmorfa or commercial pressures at any valiant work in caring for some and Ynyscynhaearn. None has any of these locations but unrivalled of our historic places which now spectacular architectural features, peace and beauty to contemplate lack a regular congregation. Within but they well repay the eff ort in the glory of God’s creation. Further details on the Friends of Friendless Churches website: St David’s Diocese there are a seeking them out down remote www.friendsoff riendlesschurches.org.uk. They also produce an excellent number of such buildings, includ- rural lanes and the group make for thrice-yearly newsletter with the Ancient Monuments Society. Pobl Dewi, March 2018 11

message from Advent to eternity, Celebrating in style before refreshments to restore our voices, then we departed, feeling Sue and Terry Reeves have a great time in a small village church uplifted and happy. Sacred Orkney in Ceredigion Certainly a memorable service – both venue and content full of Jeremy Martineau pauses for reflection at an ancient site IFTH Sundays are always ddilyn ‘mlaen). A pause, not 40 prayer and praise. Our Saviour Fdifferent. This 5th Sunday, at days but awaiting the coming of seemed to cry out ‘Sing louder’ as the end of July 2017, was the day the Holy Spirit, the Comforter, to the rain rattled on the corrugated before our 41st wedding anniver- the hearts of the believers. ‘O Thou roof. sary, so it seemed an appropriate that camest from above . . . still stir Eglwys Dewi Sant is the opportunity to worship somewhere up thy gift in me’. A look ahead to daughter church of St Bridget’s in out of the ordinary. eternity in ‘Jesu, lover of my soul.’ the Parish of Llansantffraed, Cere- Our destination: Dewi Sant, And, finally, rousing praise –O am digion. Services are held at Dewi Nebo, a tin pop-up church. A dafodau fil mewn hwyl ‘Jesus the Sant at Easter, Pentecost, Harvest simple building with alternate name that charms our fears, tis life and Christmas, as well as other pews like tram seats with moveable and health and peace.’ special occasions throughout the backs. The service theme: Through We had a short sermon, because year. Details on the church’s Face- the year with Charles Wesley. we had already sung the gospel book pages. The young organist began by carrying in a battery-powered keyboard and setting it up; there was little time off for him as one hymn swiftly followed the previ- ous one. So, we began in praise with ‘Love divine all loves excelling, joy of heaven to earth come down’ (Gariad dwyfol, londer nefoedd, tyrd i lawr). On to the Christmas season and the proclamation of Christ’s birth in the words of ‘Hark the herald angels sing!’ (Henffych eni ceidwad dyn). By now voices were well warmed up and harmonies flowed ERY ancient sites do not huge effort that must have been as we sang the amazing truth of Vusually reveal their origi- required to erect them are awe- Christ’s death at Calvary for me, for nal purpose. Archaeologists are inspiring. The Stone of Setter, on us! Slipping seamlessly between inclined to attribute religious Eday in the Orkney Islands off Welsh and English ‘And can it be significance to items or sites for the north of Scotland, shares that that I should gain’, followed by which there seems to be no obvi- mysterious purpose. I stood gazing the joy of the first and subsequent ous practical purpose. Whatever at it, looking beyond the wild sea Easter Sundays, ‘Christ the Lord the purpose of the stones erected, and thanked God for our predeces- is risen today’ (Hualau’n rhydd, not always in circles, the landscape sors who lived here some 4,500 a Chalon lân. Mi godais, do, a’th in which they are placed, and the years ago. Ecumenism at its best Robert and Hannah Wilkinson enjoy a well-attended service in the North of England

HILST on holiday in the one giving a negative, e.g. “We WYorkshire Dales, we went don’t believe in world injustice” to the service for the opening of after which the second speaker gave the Grassington Festival. This was the positive, e.g “We do believe in an ecumenical service held in the a just God”, and supported this town hall with about 150 people with a confirmatory quote from the present. The numerous small Bible. congregations in Upper Wharfdale The talk was by the local hold regular ecumenical morning Congregational minister and services every couple of months, turned out to be Welsh preaching and are used to meeting together. A at its best: concise, topical, biblical one-hour service, starting at 10am, and entertaining. His theme was was followed by tea, coffee, sherry Paul in Athens. The message was: and a chance to chat. don’t be politically correct and try We arrived about 10 minutes to accommodate everything; don’t early and were given a service worship an unknown god just in sheet and sheet with words of the case you’ve missed one; know who songs being sung whilst people you believe and why you believe it. arrived. The music was varied, with This was a very good exam- two solos by an opera singer in tee ple of how people from small shirt and jeans, a performance by rural congregations from differ- a ukulele band and congregational ent denominations can be brought singing accompanied by a music together to worship and to encour- group consisting of an electric age each other. piano, a cajon drum, 2 clarinets and a bassoon. A South African statement of belief was used. Two people stood at opposite ends of the stage with Kettlewell Village, Upper Wharfdale, looking south towards Grassington 12 Pobl Dewi, March 2018 Start something new Agents for change Locally and globally, the Mothers’ Union continues to work to A major priority for the Children and Youth Team in 2018 is helping and supporting improve lives, as Glenys Payne explains LMAs to start new work with children and young people. The team is hoping to encourage this in several ways, as Clare Williams explains N 2014/15 Mothers’ Union eff ectively. Thus it is hoped that I (MU) set out plans and hopes the MU will be better equipped to RAYER: We are building for participation in the Church listen to the voices of the people we Pon our days for networking in Wales centenary initiative, serve, and have insights into how and prayer and will support you 2020Vision. Good progress is to work more eff ectively together throughout the year in this way. being made and we are now able to bring lasting and holistic change. Our next date for this is 21st April to demonstrate an impact on more It is also hoped that, individu- in St Mary’s Hall, Cardigan, when than 650,000 lives per year. ally and together, members across we hope you will join us. To create a vision for the future, the world will be inspired in their Planned Events: Take advan- which is grounded not just in our relationship with God and each tage of our forthcoming events members’ views and the needs of other, enabling them to make a focusing on particular things we the communities in which they live diff erence in their church and can off er help with including and work, we need a mechanism community. Messy Church, Schools Work and that will enable us to discern and This coming year will see Wales the Eden Bus – see build the bigger picture. in the spotlight as the General http://stdavids.churchinwales.org. Strategic meetings are being Meeting is to be held at Brangwyn uk/life/children/ for details held globally. The name for this Hall, Swansea in September. St Practical Support: Whilst we try process is MUOLA which stands Davids Diocese will be very much to off er a variety of events to appeal for Mothers’ Union, Observing, involved in this meeting, which to many people, we recognise that Listening & Acting. Representa- will also give us the opportunity to some places need something diff er- tives from St Davids Diocese will celebrate the work of the MU. ent and that others may not be in a be attending one of these meetings Our Families First and Fami- position yet to launch new work. in February in Swanwick, Derby. lies Worldwide publications We always off er to work alongside There are many objectives in provide more details and informa- your team to help in practical ways this process including develop- tion on all these projects. to get things off the ground and to ing ways of communicating more be there to help with leadership too. This can be with any work of your choice from after school clubs to choirs, from Sunday Schools to youth outreach. Email us today and ask for our help. Putting our money where our mouth is: In addition to all of this, please remember that we off er grants to help inject new energy into ministry with children and young people or to get a project off the ground. Monday 16th April is the deadline for the next round of applications. an activity day. We are off ering; year’s Thy Kingdom Come initia- Partnership: In the Diocese as leadership, resources, fi nancial tive, we are holding a Pentecost we move into LMAs we feel this assistance, games and activities Party in the Park on 20th May. (See is a really great encouragement to and a BBQ. We are asking you to details above.) work together as a larger team to provide; volunteers, food and drink If you have any questions, off er provision for children and and of course, the children and require more information or help young people in a variety of ways. young people themselves. Speak please just get in touch: To support this we are using our to us about how to book a Summer [email protected]. Summer Salt project during August Salt day for your LMA. uk for LMAs to work together for Family Fun Day: As part of this or tel: 01267 236145

due to their locality and circum- stances, it was diffi cult to access the services that are available in Plant Dewi Young People’s Project from 1pm-3pm. urban areas. Gaynor Ford continues her tour of Plant Dewi projects with a visit The programme of activi- to the Young People’s hub in Ammanford ties provided range from training sessions, support with budgeting, REALLY enjoy coming in a position where their needs healthy eating, language and play, “I here”; “there is not much to cannot be met by the usual support interview skills, job applications do in the town so it’s great to meet services and this can make them advice and parenting courses. here”; “I have made friends and particularly vulnerable. As new Other professionals also provide we meet up at other times now”; parents, they need support to help sessions and workshops focusing “some of us who have new babies them adapt to their caring role. on specifi c issues that meet the pick up tips and advice from the So, here they are given the needs of the group. others”; “I feel much more confi - opportunity to develop social skills Carys Davies, Project Worker, dent in myself since I have been and their confi dence as well as says that home visits are also made coming here.” being off ered access training and on a one-to-one basis to help those These are some of the many education. They are given support who have emotional issues to build comments made by those at the regarding housing, benefi ts, rela- up their confi dence enough to be hub, which meets every Tuesday, tionships and many other issues. able to come to the hubs and mix from 1-3pm, at the Old Miners This project specifi cally works with people of their own age. Theatre in Ammanford. with young parents in rural areas in Further hubs are held at the Young parents who are not Carmarthenshire. This is because Church Hall in Llandybie on Tues- in education, employment or any research has identifi ed that they felt days, 10am-12pm, and at The Contact Carys on 07483 966166 or Vicky on 07483 966167 training often fi nd themselves isolated and socially excluded, and, Pavi lion, Pencader, on Wednesdays and on 01267 221551. Facebook: young-parents Carmarthenshire Pobl Dewi, March 2018 13 Llyfr am enwau tai a The story of the cross – ffermydd Bont-goch Leonie’s history lost and found The enigmatic grave by the door of St Martin’s Church in Laugharne had puzzled people for a yn codi arian at Ambiwlans century. But now the mystery has been solved Awyr Cymru HE small wooden cross simply Tsaid: “Leonie Sophy Demou- lin” and “A Notre Mère, Regrettée” Lyn Lewis Dafis speaks to Richard E Huws, the author ofa – “To Our Mother, Sadly Missed” recently published book on the house and farm names of But nobody knew who Leonie Bontgoch (Elerch), Ceredigion was, or how she came to be there N ddiweddar ymddangosodd “Mae’n siŵr bod y syniad o . . . until local historian Janet Brad- YEnwau tai a ffermydd Bont- gasgliad o enwau un plwyf shaw decided to dig deeper. goch (Elerch), Ceredigion (ISBN: bach gwledig yn swnio’n beth “I was fascinated yet also 9781784614911) o’r wasg. Yr a fyddai o ddiddordeb lleol yn saddened at the thought that this awdur yw Richard E. Huws sy’n unig ond bydd y sawl sydd yn French woman, as some said she addoli yn Eglwys S. Pedr, Elerch ymddiddori mewn enwau lleoedd was, had died so far from home,” ac fe elwais heibio i’w gartref ym yn sicr o gael eu difyrru.” Janet says. mhentref Bont-goch am sgwrs. Daw Richard yn wreiddiol o “Had she been washed ashore Dechreuodd Richard wrth esbonio Gaerfyrddin a thestun ei ymchwil from a stricken ship like others fod y llyfr yn deillio o’i arfer o llyfrgellyddol oedd tŷ cyhoeddi before her, or maybe come to gerdded. “Wedi symud i fyw i’r Spurrell yn y dref honno. Am Laugharne as a servant to one of plwyf – rhyw 5 milltir o Dal-y- gyfnod Spurrell oedd cyhoeddwyr the local gentry? And what about bont Ceredigion – a cherdded yn swyddogol esgobaeth Tyddewi her children? I was determined to The Demoulin family in Laugharne. Leonie is in the centre, yr ardal sylwais fod nifer fawr o ynghyd â nifer o gylchgronau find out.” dressed in black furddunnod o gwmpas y lle ac eglwysig. Hwy hefyd oedd It turned out she wasn’t French felly dyma ddechrau casglu eu cyhoeddwr geiriadur Cymraeg- at all but Belgian, one of a dozen arranged for a new cross, bearing some years after the war. And she henwau a thynnu ffotograffau Saesneg enwog sydd wedi bod First World War refugees from that the same inscription, to be placed has photographs. ohonynt. Yn raddol tyfodd mewn print am ganrif a hanner. country that found sanctuary in the over her grave. Unfortunately, none of Leonie’s fy niddordeb i gofnodi holl “Dwi’n hapus bod cymaint wedi Laugharne area in late 1914. It was dedicated by the Priest- descendants could be traced to anheddau’r plwyf, gan gynnwys darllen y llyfr yn barod ac wedi It also transpired that she did in-charge, Revd Christopher invite to the ceremony, if indeed y ffermydd presennol a’r tai cyfrannu rhagor o wybodaeth ar not come alone. The Demou- Lewis-Jenkins, at a commemo- there are any. But Janet Bradshaw modern, ynghyd ag esboniadau gyfer ail argraffiad,” ychwanegodd lins numbered four: Leonie, her rative service in January during is still searching. o’r enwau ac ychydig o’u hanes.” Richard. “Un peth sy’n drawiadol husband Michel, their daughter-in- which he drew a parallel between “I’m sure Leonie Demoulin Bu Richard yn gweithio yn y am Elerch yw’r dylanwad law and her young son, René. the Demoulin family’s experience would be proud of us”, she says. Llyfrgell Genedlaethol am dros eglwysig. Comisiynwyd nifer Sadly, in January 1916, Mme of a warm Welsh welcome and the “I’m also sure that she, like I, ddeng mlynedd ar hugain a dod o’r prif adeiladau – yr eglwys, Demoulin died of a heart condi- needs of today’s refugees seeking would still have that lingering hope yn gyfarwydd iawn ag ymchwil ar y ficerdy, a’r ysgol – gan un tion. She had been in Laugharne safety in Welsh communities. that one day we discover whether gyfer hanes lleol a theuluol ac yn dyn, sef y Parchedig Lewis less than two years. She was 58. Also present was retired teacher she has any descendants who could fuan iawn roedd ganddo domen Gilbertson (1814-96). Cafodd And that is how Leonie came Rosemary Rees. She remembers come and visit her final resting- o wybodaeth. Fe’i hanogwyd yntau ei fagu ym Mhlas Cefn to rest by the door of St Martin’s. her grandfather speaking fondly of place at Laugharne.” i lunio’r gyfrol er mwyn Gwyn yn y plwyf ac ef oedd y And now that her story has been the family and recalls him visiting cystadlu mewn cystadleuaeth a ficer cyntaf. Ceir ychydig o’i revealed, the villagers have them after their return to Belgium drefnwyd gan Gymdeithas Hanes hanes yntau yn y gyfrol hefyd.” Amaethyddiaeth Ceredigion. Pris y llyfr yw £9.99 ac mae We thoroughly enjoyed this “Bues i’n llwyddiannus yn y unrhyw elw yn mynd tuag course and found it really worth- gystadleuaeth ac awgrymwyd at Ambiwlans Awyr Cymru Faith Pictures while. We have even recommended y dylid cyhoeddi’r gwaith. Fe ac eisoes cyflwynwyd £500 it to the PCC and hope to run it wnes i hynny ar fy liwt fy hun i’r elusen. Gallwch brynu’r In October a small group from St Mary’s, Haverfordwest, started again in Lent. gyda chefnogaeth oddi wrth llyfr trwy eich siop lyfrau the Faith Pictures course. We all found it a worthwhile and So, if you are looking to do Gronfa Eleri,” meddai Richard. leol neu trwy gwales.com. enjoyable experience, writes Sister Val Legg something that is meaningful, fun, HE course ran in church after but as the battery starts to drain helps you talk about faith and eat Tour normal Friday morning my light dims” one person shared. jelly beans this is the course for communion service. No one knew Another used a blanket they were you and the best thing of all is it quite what to expect, we don’t making to explain how their faith is available completely free online normally do things like this and was really diverse, some bits excit- at https://www.churcharmy.org/ talking about our faith isn’t easy. ing, some bits difficult or dull, but Groups/266913/Church_Army/ms/ The first session was great fun the whole being knitted together Faith_Pictures/Faith_Pictures. and there was much laughter as with love. aspx we got into discussing and shar- ing. We were just talking about the importance of welcome when two strangers walked into church. A chance to put welcome into action. Each week there was a short video clip, activities and discus- sions as well as some ‘homework’. One of our favourite activities involved using jelly beans as a way to think about faith and then getting to eat them! It was amaz- ing how easy it was to start to share on quite a deep level without really noticing and to start to talk about our faith in new and different ways. “My faith reminds me of a rechargeable torch. When I remem- ber to charge it up it shines brightly, 14 Pobl Dewi, March 2018

such texts were not on display but Exhibition elicits enthusiasm had it been otherwise it is believed that their presence would not have Last November, during Interfaith Week, the small but much-loved been problematic for our visitors. Pilgrim Church at Bletherston in mid-Pembrokeshire became the Bibles, however, were much in setting for what may just possibly have been the first of its kind evidence stimulating thoughts of for the diocese. Derek Davies, Diocesan Interfaith Officer, would the issues attached to translation. like more of the same Five centuries must have elapsed since a ‘Vulgate’ was last seen in N exhibition consisting of ‘lots of food for thought’, ‘really Bletherston. Amaps, books and a range of comprehensive display, congrat- To look to the future: a similar miscellaneous documents relat- ulations’. These comments, it event is anticipated for Bletherston ing to major world faiths had been may be noted, were offered in the in 2018 but our beautiful church assembled for the event, which context of all who attended having is small and situated in a sparsely Brexit ar lawr gwlad opened for 2-3 hours on three occa- been invited to indicate if there populated area. It does not possess sions during the week. was any aspect of the exhibition the facilities which might allow Cyfle euraid yn ôl rhai, achos gwewyr a gofid yn ôl eraill. To claim that the numbers who which perturbed them – either in invitations to be extended to either Fe wyddom ei bod yn anodd trafod Brexit a holl oblygiadau visited were vast would be “fake the content of the displays or the greater numbers or representatives ymadael â’r Undeb Ewropeaidd hyd yn oed gyda’n ffrindiau news” but, as a pilot venture, the choice of venue. Sensitivity to the of other faiths from outside the pennaf. Ond os na allwn wneud hynny, yna fe fydd hi’n anodd objective was two-fold. Firstly, risk of inappropriate handling of immediate locality. What might be iawn i ni ddeall ein gilydd wrth i’r newidiadau mwyaf i’n gwlad there was the desire to mark Inter- the scriptural texts of other faiths possible elsewhere in the diocese? ers cenhedlaeth neu ddwy gael eu gwireddu faith Week in a local context, and, had, very appropriately, meant that secondly to explore the level of ENDERFYNODD nifer o Bydd y noswaith yn rhoi cyfle response which such an event Peglwysi cylch Llanbedr Pont i drafod, yn Gymraeg ac yn might generate, should others wish Steffan, o sawl enwad, roi cyfle i Saesneg, beth yw ein hofnau to replicate it in the future. The bobl yn ein heglwysi a thu hwnt a’n gobeithion am ddyfodol ein numbers who attended were indeed ystyried hyn mewn awyrgylch hardal a’n gwlad. Bydd lle i bobl modest but, and it is an important Cristnogol. Mewn partneriaeth â o bob ffydd a phobl heb ffydd, ‘but’, despite the fact that advertis- Gweithgor Cymru ac Ewrop Cytûn ond fe gynhelir y cyfan mewn ing had been confined to just a few (Eglwysi Ynghyd yng Nghymru), awyrgylch Cristnogol. Bydd parishes around Bletherston people maent wedi trefnu cyfarfod cyhoe- croeso i bawb o bob cefndir. came and amply demonstrated that, ddus yn Ysgol Bro Pedr, Peterwell Manylion pellach gan y in the depths of rural Pembrokesh- Terrace, Llambed SA48 7BX ar Barch. Jenny Kimber – jcm. ire, there is a desire to know more nos Fawrth, Mawrth 13 am 7-9. [email protected] of these matters. That this should Bydd Dylan Iorwerth yn cadeirio. be so, I might add, came as no surprise whatsoever to this writer. At the risk of appearing totally immodest, comments left in the visitors’ book included ‘wide ranging display’, ‘interesting Where next after Brexit? discussion’, ‘important exhibition’,

EVER talk about politics Ysgol Bro Pedr, Peterwell Terrace, “Nor religion” goes the old Lampeter SA48 7BX on Tuesday saying. It’s true that many of us March 13 at 7-9pm. Dylan Iorw- at the moment fight shy of mixing erth will chair. The Mothers’ Union religion and Brexit! Yet we know Cytûn’s Policy Officer, Gethin that members of our congregations Rhys, “The aim is to give people and other parishioners are wonder- a chance to listen to one another. It in Bukavu Diocese ing what happens next in their area will not be a platform for politicians and their country after we leave the to pronounce, nor for people with In the latest of his series of articles, Roger Dirokpa describes some of the invaluable European Union. strong views to berate those who work being carried out by the Mothers’ Union in our Companion Diocese in the In the Lampeter area, several disagree. Rather, our hope is that Democratic Republic of the Congo churches of various denominations we can, in small groups, listen to have decided to give an opportu- one another, in Welsh and English, HE Mothers’ Union (MU) Many more projects are being they often encounter difficul- nity for people within and beyond and understand each other’s hopes, Thas increased its activities to carried out by the MU in our diocese ties such as lack of sewing tools, the churches to discuss these fears and ambitions for the future.” contribute to the development of and others are planned. However, machines and financial support. matters in a Christian atmosphere. Everyone is welcome. the Diocese of Bukavu. Led by In partnership with the Wales and Further details from Revd Jenny Mrs Veneranda Bahati, the MU is Europe Working Party of Cytûn Kimber – active in things such as organisa- (Churches Together in Wales), they [email protected] tion of meetings of the diocesan have arranged a public meeting in committee, visiting MU members, parishes and archdeaconries, creat- ing income-generating activities and assisting displaced people and vulnerable women. For more articles which, unfortunately Regarding the latter, amongst the principal work of the MU is teaching women to sew and arrang- could not be accommodated in this ing microcredit funding to help economically vulnerable women issue, plus translations of some, in the diocese, as the loans enable them to set up small businesses to please visit the PD Extra page support their families. The MU projects are beneficial of our website: for many women and their families as this empowers them to combat poverty and unemployment, which, www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/ in turn, leads to positive psycho- pobldewi/pdextra/ logical results, the promotion of well-being and increased economic independence. Pobl Dewi, March 2018 15 Reconnecting, remembering, rededicating

There is little doubt that the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict has many layers and deserves honest discussion. However, at the very heart of the existence of Israel is the two millennia old Jewish desire and hope to be a free people in the land of Zion and Jerusalem, as the national anthem Hatikvah (‘The Hope’) states. Joel Barder reports from an event to celebrate the centenary of the Balfour Declaration IONISM has become, in some Z circles, a term at which the nose is turned up, but at its heart is simply the hope that Hatikvah articulates. Jewish people, scorned Together we’re stronger and persecuted across the world for centuries, perhaps most shame- fully by the Church (e.g. the Blood than the storms Libel, forced baptisms), and lead- ing to the Holocaust, which we marked in January on Holocaust Mari McNeill, Deputy Head of Christian Aid Wales, encourages Memorial Day, had the hope to be us all to get involved in Christian Aid Week, 13-19th May free, to have a home in the Holy Land, a land God promised to ID you know that two thirds Abraham as a gift forever, but from Dof people who are forced from where, since the late first century home are still in their own country? AD, the Jews had been exiled. That’s 40 million people uprooted The British played a proud role by conflict or natural disaster, in making the Jewish hope possi- unwilling or unable to cross a ble. The Balfour Declaration of 2 border. They are largely ignored by November 1917, under the Prime the international community and Minister David Lloyd George and denied official protection afforded disaster, and a fighting chance to Foreign Secretary Arthur Balfour, team (www.balfour100.com). The drama bringing to life the events to refugees. If we knew their build a better life. marked the official backing of the congregation comprised Christian that led to the Balfour Declara- names, it would take us well over Join this Kingdom work, 13-19 British government for a Jewish and Jewish delegates, including the tion, and speeches. There was also a year to read them aloud. May: home in the land, then known by Israeli Ambassador to the UK, Mark a time for Christians to dedicate As followers of Jesus, we are • Give: CAWeek brings tens most as Palestine, and continued Regev, who spoke eloquently. The themselves to fighting Anti-Semi- called to step out in mission and of thousands of Christians rights for non-Jews in the land. Christian impact on the govern- tism and Replacement Theology prayer with the world’s poorest together to achieve incredible This was momentous and began ment of Lloyd George cannot be (the Church has replaced Israel people. This Christian Aid Week things with some of the poorest the long road to what became the underestimated, nor can the theo- entirely in the New Testament). We we will follow the stories of fami- people in the world. Over the establishment of the state of Israel logical influence of those such as ended by singing the British and lies in Haiti who are uprooted past year we have heard great in 1948. the Bishop of Liverpool, J C Ryle, Israeli national anthems. because of violent storms and natu- stories of outreach into our On 7 November 2017, roughly who saw in Scripture a promise Whatever one’s feelings about ral disaster. communities across the diocese 3,000 people gathered to celebrate that the Jewish people would once the state today, British Christiani- Marcelin and his three daugh- with Big Brekkies, concerts 100 years since the publication of again find a home in the land. ty’s positive impact for the Jewish ters have endured some of the and house to house collect- the Balfour Declaration in a special The event had live music people must be celebrated. worst natural disasters on earth ing! This year we are calling service at ’s Royal Albert performances by Christian and – a deadly earthquake in 2010 for new ideas to strengthen Hall, organised by the Balfour 100 Israeli Jewish artists, acting and and Hurricane Matthew in 2016. CAWeek for the future. Have They’re not just survivors. They’re you got an idea you would love fighters. But they’re only so strong. to try? We have a small innova- the UN. And if you would like • Pray: Please uphold the plans prayers, fundraising ideas, schools’ They need our steadfast support to tion fund and we would love to to learn more as a church about for CAWeek in prayer and packs, Big Brekkie, petition sheets, rebuild and withstand the storms. hear from you! what we can do to support the remember that it coincides with and much more – or from the £210 could train a local builder • Act: Please help us to collect 40 million people who are inter- the global wave of prayer Thy Carmarthen office in Haiti to build secure homes for signatures calling on the UK nally displaced, we have a new Kingdom Come. [email protected] people like Marcelin, giving them Government to speak out for exhibition called UPROOTED. Bilingual resources are avail- a safe place to weather the next internally displaced people at Contact us for more info. able online – order of service,

homes. I am beginning to under- brought her battered old hymn King of Love my Shepherd is. I It’s interfaith – but not stand why Jon calls her a saint. book to join Father Jon in a falter- reflected that interfaith has many The previous day I had visited ing but heartfelt rendition of The forms. a Mosque in Abu Dhabi newly quite as we know it dedicated to ‘Mary the mother of John Holdsworth, Executive Archdeacon in the Diocese of Jesus,’ and heard about the recently Cyprus and The Gulf, is impressed created UAE Ministry of Toler- ance. I had heard the Abu Dhabi ’M travelling through the arid to this remote place over 50 years Chaplain, Canon Andy Thompson, Icountryside of the little-known ago having trained in London, and describe his global travels as an Emirate of Ras al Khaima in the has delivered most inhabitants of ambassador for religious tolerance northern United Arab Emirates the village. She looks and speaks in the UAE that had included meet- (UAE) to the remote village of like Mother Teresa when we arrive ings with both the Pope and Donald Sha’am near the mountains that at the tiny shack she calls home. Trump. I had marveled with him separate the UAE from Oman. In the garden there is what looks that his book, Jesus of Arabia, had With the local Chaplain, Father like a discarded ironing board next just been translated into Arabic and Jon, I am going to see someone to a crude wooden crib. Once these commended to Muslims as a must- he regards as a saint and a bridge were the delivery table and nursery read by the Minister of Tolerance builder. Amal is 88 years old and in the tent that served both as home himself – a first. I had heard of a is a Christian, Syrian by birth, and clinic. As a trained nurse Amal forthcoming meeting of the Gulf who wanted to serve Muslims and was the only medic in the district, Christian Fellowship at which a demonstrate Christian love and long before the area became rich declaration was to be signed by mercy as the local midwife: one and famous; she travelled miles church leaders, committing to of four such women with whom on foot, often over rough terrain, better interfaith understanding. Father Jon has contact. She moved to visit patients in their mountain Before we left Sha’am, Amal 16 Pobl Dewi, March 2018 Improving lives and connections for people in Ceredigion Naomi McDonagh, Environmental Health Officer – Health Improvement & 50+ Strategy Co-ordinator, Ceredigion County Council, describes two community services available to everyone ORTH Y GYMUNED (Commu- Pnity Gateway) is a free and confidential service, available to anyone living in Ceredigion, no matter what their age. someone to go with you. We can At Porth y Gymuned, we have also help find support services for a team of Community Connec- you that are offered by the volun- tors who can spend time with you, tary or the third sector. your relative or friend to help make Porth y Gymuned can be sense of all the services, activities, contacted by telephone or via groups and opportunities available email, or, if you would rather, you in your community. They will work can speak to a Community Connec- other areas in Wales now offer a in your own home for as long as but more widely, too. For more with you to identify targeted solu- tor on a one to one basis by making new website and on-line service possible or what childcare provi- information go to: www.dewis.wales. tions that can help contribute to an appointment with us. called Dewis Cymru. This may sion is available in your local area. If you provide a service or your wellbeing. Porth y Gymuned is being led be an option for you if you have It has also been developed to are part of a group that you think We can put you in touch with by Ceredigion County Council and access to the internet, and would help you find a variety of organ- would benefit from being on the social groups, such as friendship will be available from April 2018. rather look independently for isations, services, groups and Dewis website, you can add your groups or luncheon clubs; activities To contact us call 01545 570881 information or advice about your activities in your local area that details directly onto the website or where you can meet new people, or email us at porthygymuned@ wellbeing. You may wish to look can help you take control of your speak to a Community Connector make new friends and try some- ceredigion.gov.uk/communitygate- for general information or some- own wellbeing. It is an all-Wales at Porth y Gymuned who can help thing different. If that feels a little [email protected] thing more specific, such as the service, so not only can it help you you upload the information. daunting, we can even arrange for Dewis Cymru: Ceredigion and support available to help you live search locally or within Ceredigion

visitors about their country and place and to share experiences, Home Hosting facts and opinions about our own Plant Dewi appeal A scheme to offer a personal welcome to those arriving by ship in country. They love to hear about UST a reminder, brothers and buckets and empty them into a Fishguard has proved successful on several levels, life here,” said one home host. “We sisters, of the Wish-You-Well wishing well in the cathedral. says Jeremy Martineau usually exchange small mementoes J as gifts. Of such are relationships appeal for Plant Dewi funds. This money is very important HOSE in the Fishguard area access to many attractions across made that can endure.” The idea of this appeal, if you to help Plant Dewi continue its Twho provided Home Hosting Pembrokeshire. Cruise Wales, As most are older Ameri- don’t already know, is that every invaluable work in the some 30 for the travellers from the cruise as part of Visit Wales, the Welsh cans they are often church people church should have a bucket (£1 projects that we have going at the ship Corinthian last year are ready Government agency, has been very which can give greater depth from Poundland – other suppli- moment, as well as other projects to do so again in 2018. Home Host- successful in promoting Welsh to the conversation. The Welsh ers also sell them), and over this that are in the pipeline – projects ing is a special treat that the Grand ports to the international cruise Government now recognises the coming year the congregation and whereby people who are really Circle Company tries to provide, market. The warm welcome trav- importance of faith tourism. For visitors put money into the bucket. struggling will be helped by your which enables their passengers to ellers have received has astonished some visitors and hosts this may On 15th September in St David’s generosity. get under the surface of the coun- and delighted both Government, be an important part of their hospi- Cathedral there will be a celebra- Thank you so much for help- tries and places they visit and find the travellers and their cruise tality experience. (“Do not neglect tory service, led by Bishop Joanna, ing, not only us in Plant Dewi but out more about life and culture companies. “We don’t get such a to show hospitality; by doing this, giving thanks to all who took part also the people in your towns and there. welcome anywhere else.” some have entertained angels in fund-raising. All the parishes villages. The 90 or so passengers are “It is good to hear from the unawares.” Hebrews 13.2) that participated will bring their delivered to the hosts’ doors, or nearly so, for an hour and a half over lunchtime, between the morn- ing in Fishguard and the afternoon trip to St Davids. Thirty-eight hosts volunteered to be involved and some 14 are used each time. As the Corinthian is scheduled for 13 calls in 2018 all will be used, as most can cater for 4-8 guests. Payment is made through the Chamber of Trade and Tourism, which makes the arrangements. As Fishguard has a well-earned reputation as a friendly place it is hoped that other cruise companies will respond to a development of Home Hosting – to offer larger groups a meal in local restaurants with local people acting as racon- teurs. The guests don’t necessarily want to eat a lot as they are very well fed on board, but they do enjoy local Welsh produce. Fishguard has a bright future as a cruise port as it is an easy approach and mooring, with quick Christopher Lewis-Jenkins holding an appeal bucket Pobl Dewi, March 2018 17 Books for Bukavu Under the auspices of the World Mission Team, a Book Fayre will be held in Newcastle Emlyn over the last weekend in June to raise funds for the Bishop of St Davids Library in our companion diocese of Bukavu. Dewi Roberts invites everyone along HE link between our two appropriate books on the site of St Tdioceses has grown out of Peter’s Cathedral. a personal connection formed There will be an opening pres- by Jennie and Dave Annis, who entation by Revd Jennie Annis at regularly visit Bukavu in the 7pm on the Friday evening (29th Democratic Republic of Congo June) with wine and canapés, and (DRC). We are further reminded then the opportunity to browse and of the link by regular contribu- buy books all day on Saturday and tions to Pobl Dewi from Roger on Sunday afternoon, with coffee Dirokpa, who writes about issues and cake available. Hopefully and matters of concern in the DRC. much support for this special event The Bukavu-St Davids Link will be garnered from across the Committee encourages the sharing whole of our diocese. of human, material and ministe- It is always inspiring to be rial resources between the dioceses involved with projects that are not and the forming of links between centred on local needs alone. As parishes and schools. part of the body of Christ, if we are The proceeds from the Book able to help others who are living in Fayre will provide resources to far more straitened circumstances establish the Bishop of St David’s than our own, then this is certainly Library, which will be stocked with worthwhile. Knowing that we, as Laying the foundations for the library in Bukavu Venue: Church Community Hall, Newcastle Emlyn Friday 29th June, 7-9pm (Admission £5, with wine & canapés) a diocese in West Wales, are eager source of encouragement to them support the Book Fayre Fundraiser Saturday 30th June, 10.30am-4pm (Admission free) to offer goods and services to bring in the midst of the political and for Bukavu; donations will always even a small measure of normality social upheaval that is blighting be gratefully received. Sunday 1st July, 2pm-4pm (Admission free) to lives in the DRC can only be a their country at this time. So please

the feedback from staff and pupils alike proved the effort more than Ancient and modern worthwhile. For all who took part A familiar story demands to be told with flair and imagination if it it was a profound experience, is to enthrall and enthuse a new generation. So successful was bathed in prayer, and rewarded by the new, interactive take on the Nativity at Haverfordwest that the wide-eyed wonder of children plans are in hand to bring the Easter story to life in the same way totally entranced by what they saw and heard. ET us go even unto Beth- writing the script and narrating the Most of all, the plays ensure ‘Llehem and see this thing story through words and music. that these young people celebrate that has come to pass.’ So it was Members of the congregation Christmas and Easter fully aware that more than 250 pupils from played the key roles with a mixture of their meaning for them – and for Haverfordwest schools took the of scriptural accuracy – and some the world God came to serve and to shepherds’ advice and made their inspired spontaneity! save in Jesus Christ our Lord. way to St Mary’s Church to see, Taking part is as impor- The Easter Story will be celebrate and share the good news tant as paying attention and performed at St Mary’s, Haver- of God born as one of us. audience participation was crucial fordwest, from 14-16th March. All Alun Evans and Gill White, to the play’s success (as it will be are welcome. Curate and Churchwarden respec- at Easter). Nine performances over tively, were responsible for three days posed a challenge, but

will take place just two days after area/west-walesdyfed/), the RSCM Ascension Day, and so the theme section of the diocesan website Area Choirs’ Festival ‘King of Glory, King of Peace’ (http://stdavids.churchinwales. could not be more appropriate. Glynis Morris previews this year’s Area Choirs’ Festival and other org.uk/rscmwest-wales-area/) and The arrangements for the day of the RSCM West Wales Facebook Royal School of Church Music events the festival are: 1.30pm Registra- page (www.facebook.com/rscm- E are delighted that David tion; 2-4pm Rehearsal; 5pm Festival westwalesarea). We will be asking WHill has agreed to come Service. The charge for taking part singers to book by 31st March, at and direct this year’s Area Choirs’ is £8 for RSCM members and affili- the latest, so that we can purchase Festival, which will take place at St ates and £10 for others. the appropriate number of books. Davids Cathedral on Saturday 12th There will be a preliminary Other events planned for the May. David is widely respected val includes a copy of the service rehearsal at Narberth Community year include: Meet, Eat and Sing both as a choral and an orchestral book for each singer to keep, an Primary School on Saturday 28th Choral Evensong, 7th July at Holy conductor and this will be a rare approach that seemed to work well April 10.30am-12.30pm (registra- Trinity Church, Aberystwyth; Lift and exciting opportunity to work last year. The book contains a wide tion will be from 10am to allow Up Your Voice, 22nd September, with such a renowned musician, selection of hymns, worship songs time for everyone to collect their location to be confirmed; Young so we hope that a large number of and other choral items suitable for music). We have tried to find a Voices’ Festival, 7th November at singers will want to take part. full SATB choirs, as well as those good, reasonably central loca- St Davids Cathedral; the Complete We plan to use the RSCM’s with more limited resources, so it tion and a strong attendance at the all local contacts around the end of Church Organist, ongoing, see the new Festival Service book King should be useful for all churches rehearsal will help us to prepare February and will also be available websites listed above. of Glory, King of Peace and the and choirs, regardless of size and well for the festival. via the West Wales section of the charge for taking part in the festi- style of worship. Our festival Booking forms will be sent to RSCM website (www.rscm.com/ 18 Pobl Dewi, March 2018

Jesus is no longer in the tomb. He is we are drawn out of the experi- Refl ection in a new life, a life which we share. ence of ‘dying’ into the experience The whole reality of God bound in of ‘becoming’ children of eternal Jesus becomes the hammer which LIFE. breaks the defi nition of death. The This indestructible truth and indestructible life of God, the self- life of the Resurrection reassures giving grace of Jesus, this love us: ‘I live, you will live also’ (John for his creation, his love for us, 14:19), It’s not just about ‘life becomes the power conquering after death’, it’s about life now. death. It is a remarkable challenge The love of Jesus brings life, it to the depth of our very being. comes to us from living-with, and He lives! ‘You seek Jesus’ – in seeking, and loving-with, him. Jesus is not in Archdeacon Dorrien Davies encourages us all to bask in fi nding, him a new dimension is the tomb, it is empty. Where then the glory of the Resurrection and share it with others ushered into our lives, it transforms do we fi nd him? For those of us us and a new life emerges where baptised and believing we need OU seek Jesus of Naza- following his sacrifi cial death, Jesus is ‘here’. look no further than ourselves and ‘Yreth, who was crucifi ed. he did not remain in the tomb, he This acceptance of the resur- in one another. I believe that this He is Risen, he is not here.’ (Mk belongs to the world of the living, rected Jesus makes a diff erence. experience of the risen Jesus gives 16:6). God’s messenger spoke not to the world of the dead. He is We are not dealing with an event those of us who ’live in him’ a chal- these words to the women who the beginning and the end of all from the past but with a very real lenge and a commission. As we were looking for the body of things; he lives not only yesterday and present Resurrection which continue to read Mark 16 at verse Jesus. But St Mark also speaks but today and for eternity. takes hold of us and transforms our 20, the witnesses of the Resurrec- these words to us; Jesus is The Resurrection for the Chris- lives. St Paul says in Galatians, ‘It tion respond to the life which Jesus not a fi gure from the past. He tian is something diff erent and is no longer I who live, but Christ promised which now lives in them lives! and walks before us as wonderful. It brings us into new who lives in me’ (Gal 2:20). Christ by ‘preaching everywhere’. To the one who is alive, calling us to dimensions of faith, new order releases us, we are not partak- world of today it is we who now follow Him, who is the living and understanding, which changes ing in some mystical union with pose the question and the answer God, calling us to live a life of our whole outlook on life and our God but a very real experience, a of the messenger at the tomb: discovery and truth. contribution to the world. What life giving and changing experi- ‘You seek Jesus of Nazareth, For the Christian the Resur- happened at the tomb is some- ence. We become one with Christ, who was crucifi ed. He is risen, rection of Christ enables us to thing that has changed the world, we are liberated from the bonds he is not here.’ rejoice in the living truth that, it changes you, it has changed me. and bounds of sin and death and

An angel called Debbie In January 2017 the St David’s Centre of Mission decided that, as a way of blessing the community of Merlins Bridge, they would make and deliver angels. 180 angels were knitted over the course of the year ready to wing their way round the estate. The results were moving, uplifting and encouraging, says Sister Val Legg

HE angels, each with a that really touch you. One lady given to a family where the mum Thand-written message, were on being given an angel immedi- explained that this would be her delivered over the Christmas ately burst into tears. She then said, fi rst Christmas on her own with period. Many people were surprised “This angel is going to be called fi ve children. For her the angel at simply being given something, Debbie.” She went on to explain showed that someone cared. Later especially when all off ers of dona- that her sister Debbie had recently an elderly gentleman told us that it tions or payment were refused and, died and she wasn’t sure how she was the fi rst Christmas present he instead, they were asked for prayer would be able to cope over Christ- had received in 5 years. Through requests. Some wonderful conver- mas without her. We were able to these visits we also met a bed- sations ensued and some valuable spend some time talking to, and ridden lady who, after asking for connections made with people we praying with, her. We have since home communion, off ered to make would probably not otherwise been told that Debbie the angel some angels for us this year. have met. Our eff orts led to a had pride of place in the lounge all These are just a few of the fl urry of activity on social media, over Christmas. This one encoun- stories which go to show what a many commenting on how it had ter would have made the eff ort little kindness can achieve. Good reminded them of the true meaning involved worthwhile, but God news arrived in the form of knit- of Christmas. always does so much more than we ted angels, how are you going to be As with any outreach project, can ever imagine. good news in your community this there are always a few stories The next day an angel was year?

Data protection: what do the new regulations mean for you? MPORTANT, wide-ranging protection for individuals. I changes to data protec- Churches, PCCs and diocesan tion law come into force on 25 staff are as bound by the new law FINAL COPY DATE May 2018. The General Data as anyone. Protection Regulation (GDPR) To see how GDPR aff ects you, for the June edition of establishes new principles and we have compiled a guide to what obligations for anyone handling it involves on the diocesan website: Pobl Dewi people’s personal data, off er- https://stdavids.churchinwales.org. ing enhanced rights and greater uk/gdpr 11th May 2018 Pobl Dewi, March 2018 19

stonework or the roof as a result MaintenanceBooker of unattended leaking or blocked gutters. Using MaintenanceBooker MaintenanceBooker is a service that helps churches, chapels can help avoid this. and historic buildings access quality building maintenance “Churches are at the heart of services at a good price from approved suppliers communities and are a treasure trove of architecture, history and RGANISED by the National faith. The MaintenanceBooker OChurches Trust (NCT), Main- website will help them continue tenanceBooker is coming to Wales to play a vital role in the life and in April, following a successful wellbeing of local communities for pilot project in Yorkshire, which many, many years to come.” was part-funded by the Heritage MaintenanceBooker was Lottery Fund. The roll-out in Wales formed as the result of a partner- is being supported by Ecclesiastical ship between NCT and 2buy2, a Insurance, the UK’s leading church professional procurement company insurer. Churches and chapels of that helps organisations secure all denominations across Wales visit the website (www.maintain- better value for money. So, if you will be able to use the service to are worried about finding a compe- request online quotes for essential ancebooker.org) and see what it has to offer. It will save you time tent contractor to carry out your maintenance services from quali- maintenance tasks Maintenance- fied contractors before then going and money and can help save your church building! Booker offers you the reassurance on to book the jobs. that all its contractors have been Services available include gutter “Tackling essential mainte- nance tasks sooner rather than later carefully vetted; are suitably quali- clearance, lightning protection, fied to work with church buildings; tree surveys and tree maintenance; can significantly reduce longer term costs and be an investment possess adequate and appropri- asbestos surveys, asbestos removal ate insurances and any necessary and gutter repairs will be available in the church’s future,” Michael Murray, Head of Church Support accreditations so that your church by June. Stonework, lime mortaring will be in safe hands. and scaffolding will be added in the for NCT, told Pobl Dewi. “Although regular mainte- To find out more, contact Janet second half of 2018; bat surveys, Edmond, Maintenance Manager groundworks, grounds mainte- nance can seem costly, neglecting simple maintenance tasks could for the National Churches Trust: nance and graveyard maintenance tel 07734 392445; e-mail are in the pipeline. soon result in significant repair costs. Churches could be faced janet.edmond@ MaintenanceBooker is very Nationalchurchestrust.org straightforward to use so why not with expensive repair bills for

several charitable bodies have also expressed an interest in beginning Mission on the Mount work on the estate. The work of bringing the Good The opening of the Mount Community Centre on 20th January News of the Gospel onto the estate was the culmination of an 18-month campaign to re-open the is already in hand through the only remaining facility on the largest estate in Milford Haven. provision of a weekly teenagers’ Opportunities abound for mission, says Harri Williams group run by Young Life Interna- tional. The ‘Be-Attitude’ Club for HE building had been closed ing an opportunity for anyone to children under 11, which proved Tfor over seven years and, with drop in and enjoy a time of fellow- tremendously popular with 16 chil- continuing cutbacks in public fund- ship; the fortnightly bingo sessions dren attending the first week, will ing, it was unlikely that the centre on Thursday evenings have proved run through the work of St Kath- would ever re-open its doors unless a tremendous success with local arine & St Peter’s Church and we the voluntary sector was prepared families; Plant Dewi have begun also anticipate running projects to step in. their work in centre with the ‘Dewi during the school holidays, such Almost 100 people came along Project’, when men can meet for as holiday clubs and providing to the formal opening of the centre fellowship and develop new skills. hot meals for those who miss such and, during the first week, a differ- The ‘Baby Bundle’ Project will also provision when school is closed. ent event or activity was held each run from the centre and, if fund- The Mount Community Centre day in a bid to engage with different ing allows, a new ‘Young Parents’ provides a much-needed facility in elements of the estate’s commu- project will begin. The local police one of the most deprived communi- nity, which comprises almost 1,000 force intends to run a monthly ties in West Wales, but it also offers residents. surgery, as does the local county a wonderful missional opportu- Since then, several groups have councillor, both of which will hope- nity for the Church to engage with already established themselves as fully assist in addressing some of so many who have yet to know or a permanent fixture in the weekly the substantial social issues which experience the love of God in their calendar. The ‘Knit and Natter’ exist on the estate. Adult learn- lives. Let the Mission on the Mount group meets on a Tuesday, offer- ing classes are about to begin and begin!

Follow Pobl Dewi on Am ragor o erthyglau, nad oedd hi’n bosib www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk eu cynnwys yn y rhifyn hwn, ynghyd â chyfieithiad o rai ohonynt, ewch i dudalen PD Extra ar ein gwefan: www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ www.facebook.com/pobldewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi 20 Pobl Dewi, March 2018 Book Reviews

the ground well and made sense to as their chief abbey in Wales, Digging deep and me, so I did enjoy the read. although much later another abbey There is evidence of a link to was set up nearby, unaware of this the Irish who had settled there important part of their history. uncovering the past under a treaty with the Romans: a He also revealed a fascinat- A Celtic Parish activity in the parishes, and the stone now sitting in Abergwili. The ing fact that Hywel Dda gathered Ancient History of a West area around, Llandysilio and Clun- stone is important, since it actu- a large number of important people Wales Parish derwen. They are geographically ally has a cross etched in it, which here from around Wales to formu- By Kingsley Taylor close and he has been looking for is unusual. There are also remains late the Welsh laws. He was the first Pub: Blessed Hope; 2017 the links to bring people in the of a Roman road, potentially there king of what is now Wales and is ISBN: 978-3-330-70276-9 present-day two parishes together. could also be Roman buildings in highly significant in the formation Price: £14.00 Certain links do exist from the area, and he indicates where of Wales as a nation in its own right. This book contains a wealth of the period just after the Roman they might be found. Kingsley I found that Kingsley has historical research painstakingly occupation and the early Middle does indicate what remains are to presented his results in a way that carried out by Revd Kingsley Ages and Kingsley does his best be seen and this will be a useful makes sense from what must have Taylor. He has gone to quite some to support them and show how guide for historical tourism and for been a confusing set of facts to start length to unravel local stories and they can work. The book does not those interested in this period. with. He has spoken to a lot of local ideas and has reached some inter- reveal very many characters in the He describes what has been people to gather his information. esting conclusions. area and some people may regret discovered about an important Peter Lane He has looked at historical this, but I found the book covered Cistercian Abbey which was built

political and economic develop- become as gods: members of a new necessary to support his hypothesis Not for the faint-hearted ments for 300 years. This creed is species Homo Deus, ‘a new elite of – but is it true? predicated on homo sapiens achiev- up-graded super-humans’. It is this By no means least, his predic- Homo Deus: ing immortality, bliss and divinity period which offers the opportunity tion that intelligence will be A Brief History of Tomorrow but it will be the elites of Silicon for humankind to choose and forge decoupled from consciousness is By Yuval Noah Harari Valley who will deliver these erst- a different kind of future. fanciful in the extreme, given that Pub: Vintage; 2017 while theological outcomes – at For example, Harari suggests human consciousness remains a ISBN: 978-1-7847-03936 least, for themselves! that capitalism will continue to mystery which mere intelligence Price: £9.99 It is now commonplace to be the dominant socio-economic will have neither the wisdom nor One-volume histories of human- describe this era as Anthropocene, driver, but the persistence of capi- capacity to resolve. ity, the universe and everything are with humanity in control of its own talism is far from being a done Futurology is a hazardous busi- now in vogue. Following his best- destiny and the future of the planet. deal. ness and can even be dangerous if seller Sapiens, the Israeli historian Advances in medical science Secondly, the God believed in taken so seriously as to become a Yuval Noah Harari has written portend ever more extended by what most of us would describe self-fulfilling prophecy. Harari’s what he calls ‘a brief history of lifespans, whilst technological as ‘bad religion’ may indeed be hair-raising adventure is enter- tomorrow’. developments herald a revolution dead and deserve to be so. But taining, occasionally inspiring and As the title Homo Deus in lifestyles, work-patterns and there is sufficient ‘good religion’ full of memorable bon mots. It is a suggests, it predicts a future in Orwellian regimes of surveillance in the world to ensure that Hara- good read, but his crystal ball could which some human beings assume and control. ri’s dystopian vision does not go do with a bit more philosophical divine status, determining the lives However, Harari believes unchallenged. spit and theological polish. and destinies of all other beings. the body’. Dataism will be the new that there will be a transition Thirdly, his claim that modern Rt Revd John Saxbee God is deemed dead ‘even if it is religion succeeding the human- period before the tiny elite which people ‘agree to give up meaning taking a little while to get rid of ist creed which has driven social, owns the all-powerful algorithms in exchange for power’ may be

regarded as his most important demonstrates that attention has to Taylor’s writings during the A useful summary composition. A final chapter covers already been given to this matter, Golden Grove period, when, “He compositions during his final although some remain. For exam- who stilleth the raging of the sea, Jeremy Taylor (1613-1667) as well as acute . . . I believe such years in Ireland. Summaries of the ple on page 109 it was King Henry and the noise of His waves and A Prebendary of St Davids a complete man hardly shall we arguments in the books are accom- IV of France who granted Hugue- the madness of his people, had Cathedral meet again”. Popular editions of panied by a selection of Taylor’s not toleration. The text is fairly provided a plank for me [and] the By Dr L Baker-Jones Taylor’s main works continued to devotion and prayers. A biblio- dense, and it would, perhaps, have opportunities of content or study”. Pub: Quatrefoil Books; 2016 appear through the 19th century graphy of recent writings on Taylor made for a more digestible read if Bill Hines ISBN: 978-0-9550916-2-9 and clearly he exercised a signifi- is provided by Dr Hugh Walters. the author had confined himself Price: £14.95. Available at the cant and extended influence on A pernickety reviewer will discounted price of £9.95 to Christian thought. Many of his often draw attention to misprints readers of Pobl Dewi (quoting most important books were written but a table of inserted corrections reference PDM) from The while he was under the protection Friends of St Davids Cathedral, of the Vaughan family at Golden Contributions to Pobl Dewi The Deanery, St Davids Grove after the Civil War, and it We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, is to be regretted that he is appar- SA62 6RD; e-mail: friends@ we would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. stdavidscathedral.org.uk ently so little regarded in the Wales Also available from the of today. Articles should be e-mailed to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, cathedral bookshop To mark the 350th anniversary [email protected] John Wesley began the Preface to of his death, Dr Leslie Baker-Jones Photographs of children must have parental permission his Journal noting, “It was in pursu- has produced a useful summary for publication in print and on the internet. Please confirm of Taylor’s major works, which ance of an advice given by Bishop this in writing to the editor when submitting photos. Taylor in his Rules for Holy Living may serve those who lack ready and Dying, that about fifteen years access to the ten collected volumes ago, I began to take a more exact of his writings. The first chap- account than I had done before, ter of the book is given over to a Disclaimer of the manner wherein I spent my survey of Taylor’s life and minis- Pobl Dewi and the take no responsibility, time . . .”. Writing to Keats almost try. The other chapters are devoted liability or share the views or opinions of any articles a century later Coleridge said of to coverage of individual writings contained herein. All information is the responsibility of the Taylor, “such a miraculous combi- such as The Great Exemplar, Holy person or organisation submitting the article. Pobl Dewi take nation of erudition, broad, deep, Living, Unum Necessarium, and no responsibility for any errors or omissions and omnigenous; of logic subtle Ductor Dubitantium, which Taylor