Meithrin Gobaith Growing Hope www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi Rhagfyr / December 2014 “We belong to one another” The inauguration of a new Companion Link between St Davids and the Congolese diocese of Bukavu has been hailed as a landmark moment – for both sides HE agreement was signed prayer and exchange of informa- Bishop Wyn said he was “We have very many poor Dewi. “But the buildings are poor. Tat a ceremony in the dioce- tion; greater understanding of honoured to have signed the agree- people,” he said. “They have There are no books. In Wales, you san office by Bishop Wyn and the each other’s culture and heritage; ment. “Our two countries are very known only fighting and conflict have good buildings and education Bishop of Bukavu, Rt Revd Bahati engagement in common tasks and different with very different expe- for ten years. Jennie and David is free. In Bukavu parents must Bali-Bulsane, during his two-week sharing of human and material riences,” he said, “but we share the have helped many people in many pay to send their children. Many visit to Wales in late October. resources. It will last, initially, for same faith. Links like this give us a ways.” cannot afford it. And there are It states: “We belong to one five years. chance to look outward.” Principal among these are many orphans who have no-one to another; we need each other; we Welcoming the link, Bishop The agreement was champi- improving the circumstances of pay for them.” are the body of Christ.” Bahati said: “As churches we need oned here by the diocesan World women and children. Fortunately, relationships between It aims to provide mutually to know one another, to pray for Mission Team (WMT) and cements “We have 140 schools in effective and practical support one another and exchange experi- a relationship between the two Bukavu,” the Bishop told Pobl continued on page 19 and enrichment through regular ences – and visits.” dioceses that has existed for some time. WMT member Revd Jennie Annis, from Fishguard, and her husband David have made frequent visits to Bukavu and continue to do so, offering educational and pasto- ral support as well as practical aid and gifts from home. And Bishop Bahati paid tribute to the Annis’ response – and that of the people of Wales – to the plight of his people. Bukavu is Congo’s easternmost region and so is in the front line of the insurgencies that rampage across its borders with Rwanda and Uganda.

Croesi’r trothwy, cynhadledd i nodi gweithredu deddfwriaeth newydd sy’n caniatáu ordeinio gwragedd yn esgobion. Ewch i dudalen 2

A very wet visit to the mart in Newcastle Emlyn with Rural Affairs Adviser Eileen Davies Pub Praise! Holy Eucharist down at the local – see page 16 FOCUS ON SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY – Pages 10 - 13 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, December 2014 Croesi’r Trothwy Enid Morgan reports from ‘Crossing the Threshold’, a conference Clergy Conference 2014 held in Llandaf in September to celebrate the emergence of the Church in Wales as a province able to ordain women bishops

Ministry areas, church growth, diocesan strategies, managing change – these are all important things, but where does the energy come from to do them all? This year’s Clergy Conference was designed to help us find the spiritual resources for the work HAID cyfaddef bod ysgri- esgobaethau bychain a diarffordd, God calls us to do, writes Ian Aveson Rfennu “dwy esgob” yn codi neu’n esgobion cynorthwyol. gwên! Roedd cwrdd â’r ddwy fis Soniodd y Prebendari Jane T was a treat to find ourselves in moment brings, and it allows us to Medi yng Ngholeg Mihangel Sant, Tillier am sefyllfa Eglwys Loegr Christ Church, Oxford, on bright take risks because we are secure. I Llandaf yn gyffro, yn ddifyrrwch a lle dewiswyd saith gwraig ‘hŷn’ September days. Christ Church is Revd Dr Emma Percy picked bendith. Daeth rhyw 30 o wragedd i fynychu cyfarfodydd Mainc one of the university colleges, its up the theme of engaging in ordi- sy’n offeiriaid ynghyd i ddathlu yr Esgobion fel sylwebyddion. chapel is also the cathedral of the nary things in her address on ein bod bellach yn dalaith a allai Does ganddyn nhw ddim pleidlais Diocese of Oxford, where the staff “Paying Attention” – the Christian ordeinio gwraig yn esgob. Dyna ond maen nhw’n cael y profiad welcomed us as we shared daily discipline of thankfulness is a way pam y teitl “Croesi’r Trothwy”. o gyfrannu i’r drafodaeth, a’r worship: Morning Prayer, Eucha- of paying attention to all that we Ymunwyd â nhw gan yr Arches- esgobion felly’n cael cyfle i ddod rist and Evensong. I think we had encounter. A sense of wonder helps gob Barry Morgan a’r Esgob yn gyfarwydd â’r ‘ffenomenon’. something to contribute, too – as us to be ready for the “epiphany Gregory Cameron o Lanelwy. Roedd barn gref ymhlith y one of the cathedral clergy said, moment” when something special Yng nghyfarfod nesaf y Coleg Cymry y gallai arbrawf felly fod “It seems you can no more stop brings a sense of the divine. In Ethol, bydd yn bosibl cynnig yn gam ’mlaen yng Nghymru. the Welsh clergy from singing than the second address, entitled “Inte- enw gwraig. Ddeugain mlynedd Erbyn hyn mae tair gwraig ‘hŷn’ hold the rising sun in your hand!” gration and Vocation”, Dr Percy yn ôl roedd crybwyll y posibilr- o bob esgobaeth yn dod ynghyd We shared worship of a contrasting He unlocked the idea of grace, related something of her own story wydd o ordeinio gwragedd yn codi yn Urdd S. Deiniol i drafod style in the middle of the day, with the outward reflection of the deep – as she shared her experience chwerthin gwawdlyd yn y Corff materion wrth i’r weinidogaeth contemporary music and a greater character of God who loves us and we were encouraged to be honest Llywodraethol. Dros y blynydd- ddatblygu yng Nghymru. scope for bilingual worship. invites us to treasure ourselves as about aspects of our own vocation oedd mae’r gwragedd hwythau Cawsom hefyd gwmni’r Revd Professor John Barton He treasures us. This grace sets us and spiritual life. God calls us – we wedi defnyddio chwerthin Barchedig Jenny Hurd, led us in a Bible study each day on free to receive all that the present have accepted the call. tirionach fel ffordd o ymgyn- Cadeirydd Synod Cymru o’r “Encounters with God”. He spoke nal, o lanhau clwyfau a chadw Eglwys Fethodistaidd – swydd on Moses at the burning bush and synnwyr cydbwysedd yn y trafod gyfatebol i swydd esgob a’r on two events in the life of Jacob. am sut orau i ddygymod. Farwnes Eluned Morgan. Professor Barton showed us that an Daeth y ddwy esgob o’r Unol Daeth y gynhadledd i ben encounter with God is not trivial: Daleithiau i gyd-ddathlu ac i rannu mewn Ewcharist a weinyddwyd in words that he quoted from John o’u profiadau fel offeiriaid ac fel yn Eglwys Gadeiriol Llandaf gan Bowker, “If God turned out to be esgobion. Bellach mae’r Esgob yr Esgob Geralyn a’r Barchedig God, he would actually turn out Geralyn Wolf wedi ymddeol, a Mary Stallard yn pregethu. to be God.” One strand of Biblical siaradai’n ddoeth ac yn ddoniol Llywydd y gynhadledd oedd thinking is that God is a consum- am brofiadau o gefnogeth ac yr Hybarch Peggy Jackson, ing fire – the remarkable thing in anghwrteisi. Roedd yr Esgob Archddiacon Llandaf a’r the Moses story is that the bush Gayle Harris hithau’n chwerthinog Parchedig Jo Penberthy roddodd was not consumed. The God whom eironig am ei phrofiad o gael ei sylwebaeth ddiwinyddol. Daethom we hold in awe is also the God who bychanu fel gwraig groenddu oddi yno gyda geiriau’r Esgob chooses to be kind. ac fel offeiriad. Er bod nifer o Gayle yn ein clustiau: ‘Mae’r Revd Dr Adrian Chatfield wragedd yn esgobion yn yr Unol gallu y tu cefn i chi’n fwy na’r brought us “Prayer and Grace” Daleithiau mae’n amlwg bod y dasg sy’ o’ch blaen’ – geiriau and “Prayer and Imagination”. mwyafrif ar hyn o bryd mewn o galondid i bob un Cristion.

we are aware of concerns regard- ing these expenses and are giving New parsonage for New Quay them special attention. Peter Campbell, Chairman of the Parsonage Board, is pleased The house is designed to with a new property which is purpose-built and incorporates the include separate study accommo- latest energy saving systems dation with its own entrance so as to provide privacy for the family as HE Parsonage Board has built panels and heating is by Dimplex well as good working space for the Ta new property outside New Quantum, a new off-peak electric- incumbent. We have adopted this Quay to serve the future Local ity system that provides individual design layout as a policy for future Ministry Area. Built in 22 weeks control and flexibility to each room, developments, where site provision from the purchase of the plot, the 4 promising economic and afforda- and funding permits. bedroomed house meets the latest ble running costs. The Board currently has three thermal standards and technologi- We envisage that the provi- new properties in the process cally is the most advanced we have sion of purpose-built housing will of development together with built so far. lower long term maintenance and improvement works on a further Hot water is supplied by solar running costs for incumbents, as four. Pobl Dewi, December 2014 3 Mission, ministry and discipleship together David Hammond-Williams, Diocesan Communications Officer, looks back at the 2014 Diocesan Conference

ONFERENCE offers a rare in his address on this – coinciden- lists alone; nor in service, mission Copportunity each year for tally – the Feast of St Francis of or ministry alone, but together.” people from the four, often dispa- Assisi. Of course, the ways in which we rate, corners of the diocese to Francis, he reminded us, was do this are changing as the imple- meet, catch up and compare notes. big on sharing and discipleship. mentation of the diocesan strategy, There’s nothing quite like it. But . . . “Francis did not exer- Growing Hope, starts to gather And that spirit of togetherness, cise his discipleship alone; he did momentum. And the main focus of of sharing, permeated this year’s not evangelise alone, nor minister the afternoon session was on how gathering. alone. And nor must we. that is being realised on the ground. It began with sharing faith in “We are called not to express Delegates were able to welcome Questions from the Floor: Ministry Presentation Panels addressed the opening Eucharist. And it was the first of our new Self-Support- our calling as disciples alone, nor delegates’ concerns about diocesan strategy a theme developed by Bishop Wyn as apostles alone; nor as evange- ing Ministers (Local) – SSMLs, ordained just a week earlier. And, several years to forge a Companion kinship shown to family members, under the guiding hand of Director Link between St Davids and the and conference heard of the many of Ministry Dennis Wight, some of Diocese of Bukavu in the Demo- good deeds done over the years by them joined in a series of question- cratic Republic of Congo. And missionaries from St Davids that and-answer sessions to share their this year, finally, it came to frui- have made a real difference to the experiences. tion on the conference floor with lives of our brothers and sisters in The diocese also has its first Bishop Wyn signing the enabling Bukavu. new Ministry Area and so here, document. It’s a concept that could well too, was a golden opportunity for Team member Irene Doull come in handy in the year ahead. those going through the process introduced delegates to the Afri- For more on the Companion Link (and there will be over 30 by the can concept of Ubuntu, which she with Bukavu, see the front page time next year’s conference comes translated as “I am because we interview with Bishop Bahati. around) to hear about the chal- are”. Its spirit lies in the honour and lenges, positive and negative, that those at the head of the queue have faced and met. But this spirit of sharing faith and discipleship was not confined to our own diocese. The dioce- ReSource san World Mission & Ecumenism Our new SSM(L)s played a big part in the conference Eucharist Team has worked tirelessly for Growing Hope 2

and acting needs a delicate balance. “He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each Being there 2 There are many aspects of grief part does its own special work, it helps the other parts with many stages taking place in grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and coming to terms with bereavement. The Lay Development Team hosted its latest training day at full of love” Ephesians 4.16 Sharing his vast experience Maenclochog Community Hall on Saturday 6th September. in this ministry with us, Bishop Helen McDermott reports URTHER to our Save the Date advertisement for the Growing John told many thought-provoking FHope 2 conference to be held on 25th April 2015, at University T was a glorious sunny Septem- stories. Everyone had the oppor- of Wales Trinity St David, Carmarthen, we are now in a position Iber morning so the drive to tunity to tell their own story and to invite ‘Expressions of Interest’ from Benefices or Groups of Maenclochog was a real pleasure there were certainly some deep and Churches throughout the Diocese of St Davids. and a great start to the training day meaningful ones. As with the previous conference and also expressed in the on ‘Supporting and listening to Bishop John’s printed handouts September issue of Pobl Dewi, we will be encouraging bookings the bereaved’ with the ever-popu- were a helpful addition for every- from groups of up to 10 people to be sent by their Benefice, hence a lar Bishop John Saxbee. Nearly one to take home. minimum of five people is to be desired. This is to ensure maximum 50 delegates, comprising Readers, A very enjoyable day was had benefit is gained from delegates attending different workshops and Worship Leaders, Pastoral Eucha- by all. The Lay Training Days taking the experience back to their churches to share more widely. ristic Assistants, Ordinands and are always a great way to come The fee of £30 per group of ten candidates (or pro rata) will be those involved in, or exploring, a together to partake in fellow- payable at the time of booking. role in lay ministry, from across the ship and, of course, exchange diocese were in attendance. experiences. As well as the opportunity to listen to inspiring speakers in a We began with uplifting Morn- number of small, workshop environments, the fee will also include ing Worship, compiled and led refreshments and a simple lunch. by Barbara Bennett who also Each expression of interest will be added to our data base to accompanied the singing with her ensure booking information is sent directly to your nominated beautiful harp playing. person with full details of available workshops being offered. The Bishop then gave a theo- The conference will again be commencing at 9.30 and finishing logical background to bereavement at 16.00 with a full, informative, exciting and inspirational day and the history of Christian beliefs planned! on death and dying from the Early Please forward your expressions of interest to the following Church, 500 AD, to the present. email: [email protected] The rest of the day took the form of interactive discussion with practi- marking the subject line with ‘Growing Hope 2 Expression of cal exercises and questions aplenty Interest’. for the Bishop. Once again, early contact is advisable as there will be limited Bishop John stressed how spaces available. important bereavement ministry We at the team look forward to hearing from you. is. He explained that, when minis- tering to bereaved people, how St Davids Diocese Lay Development Team ‘Being There’, listening, speaking 4 Pobl Dewi, December 2014 Following in St David’s footsteps

Tuition ... and competition at the GN (Good News) Youth Club in St Clears

From St Clears to Saundersfoot, Cwm Aman to Llansadwrn, Bishop Wyn’s three-year mission to visit every parish in the diocese is being realised, week by week and month by month. St Paul’s, Manordeilo Memorial window Here’s our latest selection of snapshots from his journey.

Follow the Bishop’s footsteps in his TravelBlog: www. followingstdavidsfootsteps. com or visit the Bishop’s page on the diocesan website Llansadwrn – discussions with the movers and shakers

Cwm Aman Group

Questions and answers: Bishop Wyn at Saundersfoot Community School

Local Brownies and Guides parade their colours The church hall in Gwaun-cae-Gurwen is home to an internationally-acclaimed circus company at the start of the service in St Issells Church, Saundersfoot Pobl Dewi, December 2014 5

there were areas of growth not just Governing Body Report decline. He wanted to draw partic- ular attention to the growth of new Following the weighty agenda of past Church in Wales Governing Body meetings, the September forms of church, especially those conference, held at the University of Wales, Trinity St Davids, Lampeter Campus, was relatively that related to work with children, light. Nevertheless, the delegates had much to consider, writes Paul Mackness youth and families, and he issued the challenge “Stay calm, do HE Presidential Address given A film showing how change is mission.” Tby the Most Revd Dr Barry happening across the province in Our own Revd Dr John Gilli- Morgan highlighted two former response to The Church in Wales brand contributed to a presentation issues from previous sessions of Review, or 2020 Vision as it is now and debate on ‘Ministry and People the Governing Body (GB), namely known, presented stories from each with Additional Needs’, and spoke the Code of Practice for those of the six dioceses, with the para- very passionately and movingly on who, in conscience, cannot accept ble of the sower being a central the whole area of inclusion. This women in the episcopate and the theme. Bishop Wyn’s visit to the also formed the basis for group issue of same-sex marriage. The Carmarthen Group of Churches work at the meeting. Archbishop went on to give a state- was St Davids Diocese’s contribu- St Asaph Diocesan Confer- ment on what the Bench of Bishops tion, with an emphasis on our own ence, through its representatives, had come up with for the code, Diocesan Strategy. brought a Private Member’s Bill to keen to emphasize “The Church in The Representative Body report reduce the age limit of membership Wales therefore remains commit- (never the most exciting of pres- of Diocesan Conference from 18 ted to enabling all its members to entations) highlighted the new Revd Dr John Gillibrand to 16. This was passed, and it will flourish within its life and struc- Transformation Fund that was be interesting to see what happens tures as accepted and valued. being created to help dioceses with look at ministry to children, families when the Diocese of St Davids’ Appropriate provision for them Most Revd Dr Barry Morgan the implementation of 2020 Vision and youth, as well as other pioneer representatives bring forward a (those opposed) will be made in a and their own diocesan strategies. ministries, as we move towards the Private Member’s Bill in 2015 way intended to maintain the high- Provincial Assistant Bishop was £3.5 million will be made avail- establishment of Local Ministry about the removal of upper age est possible degree of communion not an option. Consultations on the able across the province. Our own Areas. restrictions as agreed by our own and contributes to mutual flour- issue of same-sex marriage will diocese has already agreed to match The membership statistics were Diocesan Conference. ishing across the whole Church in be held across the province prior our proportion of this fund with not particularly uplifting at first Further details of GB business Wales.” However, it was clear that to the GB discussing the matter in money from the legacy the Dioc- glance, but the Bishop of Bangor and news are in Highlights, avail- the idea of the reinstatement of a September 2015. esan Board of Finance received to teased out from the figures that able in churches or online. The Time is Now Peter Jones reports from November’s conference, ‘The Time is Now’, held in Llandudno. 200 delegates, from across Wales, met to explore where the Church in Wales is, and where the Lord is calling us to go, particularly focussing on the development of Ministry Areas and Ministry Area teams HE Most Revd Dr Barry these things were being imple- statistic, which caused a palpable TMorgan set the scene with his mented through discussion and intake of breath: the areas in the opening comments, saying that the collaboration. Many encouraging world where the Christian faith is conference was about exploring stories were heard of how groups growing fastest are those where how we can relate more effectively were working together to develop there are the least numbers of cler- to those in our parishes; to think children’s and youth work, clubs ics and bishops. through the implications of Minis- and outreach events, and that many Canon Dr Christina Baxter try Areas and for us to recognise lay people were stepping up to CBE, the Conference Theologian, that it is very much about a “culture the challenge, despite the changes was encouraged by the growing The first new Ministry Area to be created in the diocese was of change.” being scary to many of them. culture change that is taking place officially inaugurated at a service in St Mary’s, Begelly, on Each diocese explained how at every level in the CiW; she is September 29th. KiIlgetty Enfys unites seven parishes in the the Church in Wales (CiW) 2020 Front-line work convinced that this is of God, and area north of Tenby and representatives from them all signed Vision is being worked out locally, For some of the clergy involved, if it is of God, then He will provide the Compact Agreement during the service. The new federation which we explored over four key it has challenged their ministry the people and resources needed. will be led by the Rector of Begelly, Revd Canon Sarah Geach sessions. Breaking into groups of deeply. It is not easy for clerics to She was careful to use the word (pictured). Over 30 similar groupings will come into being in the six – one person from each diocese move from direct hands-on minis- ‘need’ rather than want: an impor- – we then discussed and explored try to a role where their main task tant distinction which means that year ahead what we had heard. is to encourage, equip and release where we end up may be quite It became clear that all the people’s gifts to do the front-line different from where we think we dioceses were developing their work. However, we heard how, should be, but it will be the Lord’s own programmes and starting to through consultation, and the laity building that will last. introduce Ministry, or Mission, taking on real responsibility, new An encouraging and inspir- Areas. The reports showed that life has emerged in these churches. ing conference, which showed that there was great excitement when We were given a sobering Ministry Areas meet local needs.

Self-Supporting Ministers (Local): The first cohort of SSM(L)s was ordained in St Davids Cathedral on 27th September 6 Pobl Dewi, December 2014 Appointments Concert of remem brance St Jerome’s in Llangwm was packed to capacity on 31st October for the annual concert in aid of the British Legion. Joan Stephens reports

HIS was the concert’s fi fth Tyear and, by popular vote, the best yet. It had been decided the theme would be the World War 2 so as not to steal the thunder of the World War 1 village commemo- rations due to start the following week in the form of both a history exhibition and village opera. The award-winning Goodwick Brass Band was welcomed back Revd Derek Davies to St Jerome’s, performing to their Associate Priest, Steynton; Revd Alex Grace incredibly high standard under the to serve also as Diocesan Appointed Curate in Charge of baton of Matthew Jenkins. They Interfaith Offi cer, Manorbier & St Florence, treated the audience to a fi rst class 16 September 2014 13 October 2014 evening of music ranging from the sacred to popular tunes of the forties, including a Sing-along-a- Max which attracted a good level former World War 2 soldier, Ted from Laurence Binyon’s poem, of audience participation! Owens, describing his role in the For the Fallen, culminating in the The event was ably compered by Normandy landings in which he pledge “We will remember them”. Mike Wargent, former RAF heli- was injured and repatriated, only Thanks to all who supported the copter pilot. Dean Wilson, also a to return again to the front. There event which raised £350 for the former serviceman, read the open- followed a moment of palpable British Legion. In addition enve- ing poem. As ever, Pam Hunt, who emotion when Mike introduced lope donations for St Jerome’s organised the evening, excelled Ted, now aged 91, who was in the totalled £72 for which we are very with her fi lm and lighting effects. audience. In his army uniform, Ted grateful. The highlight was a fi lm of stood to deliver the moving words

Revd John Bennett Incumbent of Cardigan w Mwnt Revd Huw Mosford w Y Ferwig w Llangoedmor; A meeting in Cairo Priest in Charge of The to serve also as Acting Area Patrick Thomas was pleased to take part in discussions with Oriental Orthodox Grouped Benefi ce of Dafen Dean, Deanery of Cemais & & Felinfoel; to serve also as Sub-Aeron, theologians in October, when ground-breaking agreement was reached on Christology. Diocesan Ecumenical Offi cer, 1 October 2014 The meeting also had its lighter moments 22 September 2014 HE Oriental Orthodox family Tof churches emerged as a result of the fi rst great split in Christianity following the Council of Chal- cedon in 451. It includes the Coptic Orthodox Church, the Syrian Orthodox Church, the Arme- nian Apostolic Orthodox Church, the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and the Syro-Malankara Indian Orthodox Church. In 2013 these churches resumed discussions with the Anglican Communion. This October I was among the Anglican © ACNS © representatives on an International Commission, meeting Oriental Miraculously, after some very Evensong and a Reception at Orthodox theologians in Cairo to lengthy discussions, we eventually Cairo’s Anglican Cathedral, where consider doctrinal issues. It was reached an agreement on Chris- members of the Commission spoke also a chance to gain an insight tology which may help to end movingly about the position of into the diffi culties and dangers centuries of division and dispute. Christians in Syria, Iraq and Iran. faced by our fellow Christians in We had the privilege of attend- There were several surprises. the Middle East. ing an audience with the Coptic Father Samy, the Anglican Dean The Commission’s joint chair- Orthodox Pope Tawadros II, having of Alexandria, turned out to have Robert Wilkinson (far left) and Rhiannon Rowley (2nd from men for the meeting were Bishop fi rst attended his weekly sermon at been taught New Testament Greek right) were among those licensed as Readers at Christchurch, Geoffrey Rowell, the amiable Cairo’s Coptic Cathedral, delivered by the Vicar of Meidrim, Canon Carmarthen, on 11th October retired Bishop of Europe, and to an enthusiastic congregation Jeffrey Gainer. A Syro-Malankara Metropolitan Bishoy of Dalmietta, of about four thousand people. theologian from Kerala in India a formidable Coptic prelate. He Egypt’s Christians have faced diffi - was keen to discuss Celtic spirit- was responsible for an unexpected culties in recent years. Churches uality. The Archbishop of Dublin pun, which lightened the proceed- were burnt down and many Copts and I (both Armenian enthusiasts) FINAL COPY DATE ings. We had been discussing St emigrated. Things are much more shared a hair-raising ride through for the March 2015 edition of Cyril of Alexandria, a powerful but stable under the present govern- the Cairo traffi c to meet the local controversial Egyptian Father of ment, but it was noticeable that Armenian Bishop. Our next meet- Pobl Dewi the Church. “Who is this ‘Cyril’?” there was still an armoured car ing is at Hawarden in North Wales, remarked Metropolitan Bishoy. and a group of soldiers keeping a which will be rather less exciting. 6th February 2015 “His name is ‘Kiril’. . . ‘Cyril’ is protective eye on the entrance to something you eat for breakfast!” the Cathedral. We also attended Pobl Dewi, December 2014 7 Exciting times for the Girls’ Friendly Society Glenys Payne, Welsh President of the Girls’ Friendly Society (GFS), is enthusiastic about recent appointments and looks forward to increased membership of the GFS worldwide

ACHEL MATTHEWS, who members of Mothers’ Union (MU) Rtook up the position of GFS and the congregation. At a simi- Development Officer in June, sees lar service held on the same day her role as developing new branches in South Africa 35 young GFS in Wales. She lives in Whitland, members and 30 MU members Carmarthenshire, so is keen to were enrolled at the same service. begin by setting up branches in and Mary Townsend, founder of the around the Carmarthen/Llanelli/ GFS, and Mary Sumner, founder Swansea area. The GFS is active of the MU, were great friends with in 23 countries, with three coun- Rachel Matthews the same vision. GFS continues to tries in the process of enrolling work in partnership with the MU in for the 16 to 25’s. Hopefully a Africa (2020). It would be wonder- as members. Membership has ties including cooking, craft work, many countries. pilot scheme will take place next ful if a number of GFS girls could increased greatly over the past singing, acting and worship. At Over 200 delegates attended summer in Sri Lanka. represent Wales at one, or both, of three years especially in South the time of writing, they are look- the 21st GFS World Council at The next World Councils take these events. Africa, Kenya and Ireland. It would ing forward to a pilgrimage to Tŷ’r Swansea University in August. The place in Australia (2017) and South be great if we, in Wales, could also Pererin and St David’s Cathedral Youth of GFS had a greater voice increase our membership. during half term. in this council than ever before. Felinfoel GFS, in the Parish A World Day of Prayer Service As a result we have a new World For further details about the GFS, or if you are interested in of Dafen & Felinfoel, currently was held on Monday 29th Septem- Youth Officer who has already set setting up a branch, please contact has 18 members aged between 7 ber at Holy Trinity Church, up a world social media network Glenys Payne: 01554 777997; [email protected] and 16. They meet weekly during Felinfoel, when 15 young women for GFS and intends to set up a or Rachel Matthews [email protected] term-time and do a range of activi- attended and were supported by world youth exchange programme

St Mary’s, Tenby, A worldwide support network Despite her initial disinclination to join the Mothers’ Union, Sundayfunday Club Wendy Evans, now Diocesan Secretary, feels privileged to be a member HIS year, at Harvest Thanks- Since becoming Diocesan MU baptised in the name of the Trinity Tgiving at St Peter’s Church, Secretary in 2013, I have been regardless of age, gender, marital Carmarthen, we didn’t have a guest privileged to work with incred- status and so on. You never know preacher. Instead, ten members of ibly committed and enthusiastic where membership might lead. the congregation were invited to members. I would encourage every- For more information call speak for one minute about some- one to join as branch or diocesan 01267 238033; thing that made them thankful to members and wish to stress that the visit www.mothersunion.org God. As one of the ten, I chose to MU is open to all whom have been [email protected]; say that I was thankful for the work of the Mothers’ Union (MU) and Mothers’ Union prayer grateful that I am a member of such Loving Lord, a wonderful organisation. We thank you for your love so freely given to us all. If I’m honest, I joined back in We pray for families around the world. 1993 because I didn’t like to say “no” Bless the work of the Mothers’ Union as we seek to share your love through the At a recent musical celebration service in St Mary’s, Tenby, when I was asked. However, I soon encouragement, strengthening and support of marriage and family life. led by The Very Revd Jonathan Lean, the children presented realised that I couldn’t have made Empowered by your spirit may we be united in prayer and worship, and in love Dr John Harrison (pictured back right) with a poem they had a better decision. This fact struck and service reach out as your hands across the world. In Jesus’ name, Amen written especially for him. The poem was to say thank you and me during a Service of Corporate commemorate his fortieth anniversary as organist and director of Holy Communion at a MU Dioce- san Council meeting. The cup was music at the church. The children also presented the delighted administered by an MU member Dr John with a silk piano keyboard bow tie, which he has worn to who used the words “my friend” as many church events since. she stopped at every communicant. I realised that membership meant I was surrounded by friends; nearly 40 in my branch, well over 1,000 in our diocese and more than four million worldwide! Of course, MU is not a social club. Four words stand out in our prayer to remind us of this. They are “prayer”, “worship”, “love” and “service”. Members work tire- lessly to transform communities across the world through prayer, financial support and working within their own communities. Then, in October, the children celebrated harvest with games From knitting items for prema- and a picnic in the beautiful autumn weather after the church ture babies and teddies for tots in service. During the service they had dramatised the story of distress, to empowering women the lady with ten apples and given out harvest keepsakes to through the Literacy & Financial the congregation. They have also recently sent a handmade Education Programme in Africa, daisy chain of messages to the children of Great Ormond Street MU members reach out to those in Hospital, along with their donations need. 8 Pobl Dewi, December 2014 Driest September in years? Not at St Giles’ Church, Letterston, says Kate Theobald ReSource

ith two sea baptisms and Wan ice bucket challenge, this Meithrin Gobaith 2 September has been a wet one for Patricia (Pat) Rogers, the new Vicar “Wrtho ef y mae’r holl gorff yn cael ei ddal wrth ei gilydd at St Giles’ Church. On Sunday a’i gysylltu drwy bob cymal sy’n rhan ohono. Felly, trwy 7th September she was joined weithgarwch cyfaddas pob un rhan, ceir prifiant yn y by husband and Church Warden corff, ac y mae’n ei adeiladu ei hun mewn cariad.” Richard in donning wet-suits and Effesiaid 4.1 plunging into the surprisingly warm sea at Lower Town Fish- N dilyn ein hysbyseb Cadwch y Dyddiad ar gyfer y gynhadledd guard with two young members of YMeithrin Gobaith 2 sydd i’w chynnal ar 25 Ebrill 2015 ym the congregation. Mhrifysgol Cymru: y Drindod Dewi Sant, Caerfyrddin, rydym Pat was delighted to baptise bellach yn medru gwahodd bywiolaethau neu grwpiau o eglwysi Stephanie Knight (13) who coura- ledled Esgobaeth Tyddewi wneud ‘Datganiad o Ddiddordeb’. geously walked straight down into Yn debyg i’r gynhadledd gynt ac yn unol â’r nodyn a welwyd the sea, in spite of her fear of water, yn rhifyn mis Medi o Pobl Dewi, byddwn yn annog grwpiau o hyd to be baptised into the Christian at 10 unigolyn, a anfonir gan eu Bywiolaeth, i gadw lle. Rydym Church. She wanted to prove to yn gobeithio y bydd y grwpiau yn cynnwys o leiaf 5 unigolyn er her friends and family that her love mwyn sicrhau y budd gorau posibl wrth i’r cynrychiolwyr fynychu for God was greater than her fear gweithdai gwahanol a mynd â’r profiad yn ôl at eu heglwysi er of water. Katy Bowen (12), who mwyn eu rhannu’n ehangach. was baptised as a baby, also went Dylid talu’r ffi o £30 ar gyfer pob grŵp o 10 cynrychiolydd into the water to renew her baptism (neu cyfanswm pro rata) wrth i chi gysylltu er mwyn cadw lle. Yn vows for herself, committing her ogystal â’r cyfle i wrando ar siaradwyr a fydd yn eich ysbrydoli life to God. Terrified of public mewn sawl gweithdy bychan, bydd y ffi yn cynnwys lluniaeth a speaking, Katy also overcame her chinio syml. fears to join Stephanie in shar- ing, before a gathered crowd, how Ychwanegir pob datganiad o ddiddordeb at ein bâs-data er much God meant to her and why mwyn sicrhau yr anfonir y wybodaeth yn syth i’r unigolyn rydych she wanted to make such a public chi wedi ei enwebu, gyda manylion llawn y gweithdai a fydd ar declaration. These young people gael. are the future of our church and Bydd y gynhadledd yn cychwyn unwaith eto am 9.30 ac yn we’re thrilled to see them make gorffen am 16.00, gan gynnig diwrnod llawn gwybodaeth, cyffro this life-long commitment. ac ysbrydoliaeth! Both girls are keen to take Anfonwch eich datganiad o ddiddordeb yn syth at y cyfeiriad confirmation classes next year, e-bost canlynol: [email protected] gan lenwi’r along with two adults who also llinell pwnc gyda ‘Meithrin Gobaith 2 Datganiad o Ddiddordeb’. want to make a public declara- Bucket Challenge after the morn- all in a good cause and the ever- Unwaith eto, fe’ch cymeradwyir i gysylltu’n fuan gan mai tion about the importance of their ing service in front of congregation generous congregation raised a lleoedd cyfyngedig fydd ar gael. relationship with Jesus. It’s really and gathered family and friends. substantial amount for charity. encouraging to see youngsters and She stood unflinching (frozen!) We’ve enjoyed a wonderful Edrychwn ni, y tîm, ymlaen at glywed gennych. adults alike continuing on their under the torrent of ice and water summer this year, the sunshine Tîm Datblygiad Lleyg Esgobaeth Tyddewi faith journey. thrown over her by Church Warden makes your heart sing – but Pat is Pat had another wetting on 21st Trevor Theobald. It’s not every day one vicar who has had a wetter than September when, challenged by a warden gets to throw a bucket of usual September and is very happy her brother Stuart, she did the Ice iced water over his vicar but it was to have done so. © Diocese of Coventry/ACNS

The Coventry International Prize for Peace and Reconciliation has been awarded to Thérèse Mema Mapenzi for her work with those who have suffered sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The prize honours initiatives, organisations, individuals or projects that have made an exemplary contribution to working for peace. Thérèse Mema Mapenzi is the Sexual Violence Programme Leader for the Justice and Peace Commission in the Democratic Republic of Congo. She works with rape victims in Bukavu, and runs 16 listening centres in the region. These centres Members of Felinfoel Girls Friendly Society test the slope of the cathedral floor help women to tell their stories in a safe place, coming to terms during their visit to Tŷ’r Pererin with their ordeals through counselling, listening and support Pobl Dewi, December 2014 9 Ty’r^ Pererin: A place of education & service Volunteers make a valuable contribution to the work of Tŷ’r Pererin. Janet Ingram and Clare Williams invite anyone interested WHAT’S ON AT ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL . . . in joining the team to attend an open day

Friday 12 December Ysgol Bro Dewi Christmas Concert 6pm Saturday 13 December Dyfed Choir Christmas Concert 7.30pm Tuesday 16 December Ysgol Dewi Sant Christmas Concerts 2pm and 7.30pm Monday 22 December Nine Lessons and Carols 7pm Thursday 1 January John S. Davies’ Singers Concert 2.15pm Wednesday 14 January Retreat Day at Tŷ’r Pererin 10am – 4pm Art and Spirituality led by Artist Nigel Pugh beginning with coffee at 10am. Lunch break 12-1 (please bring a packed lunch or arrange to eat in St Davids) Please bring along some materials to use during practical sessions – anything you feel most comfortable using, some basic equipment will be available. All welcome, we invite a contribution of £5 per person to cover the costs of the day. Friday 16 & Thursday 22 January Artist in Residence Day for Primary Schools 10.30am – 2 pm email [email protected] for more information and to book Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 January Tonalis Music Course: Songs from the World Church Saturday 31 January Open Day at Tŷ’r Pererin 10.30am – 12.30pm for anyone wishing to become part of our volunteer team working with school groups and other visitors. Coffee at 10am Monday 2 February Schools’ ‘Meet the Bishop’ Day 10.30am – 2pm email [email protected] for more information and to book Wednesday 4 and Friday 6 February 10.30am – 2 pm Artist in Residence Day for Primary Schools email [email protected] for more information and to book T DAVIDS Cathedral educa- to use these gifts in the best way Monday 9 February 12.30pm – 2pm Stion department based at Tŷ’r possible. Going Public Theatre Group Performance and workshop for Secondary Schools Pererin has developed a range of Would you consider being email [email protected] for more information and to book educational programmes cater- part of the team? Here’s how you ing for pupils at all stages of their can help. Patronal Festival Celebrations schooling and on into further You will bring with you Saturday 21 February education. Over the last 19 months a wealth of skills and experi- we have welcomed over 4,000 ence which will be invaluable for Messy Cathedral event for children and families on the Theme of St David children. Programmes, in a cross- supporting work with schools and 11am – 2pm with lunch provided curricular manner, engage not only other visitors. Some will wish to 23 – 27 February & 2-6 March St David’s Day workshops for schools with faith, but with history, reli- be involved extensively, working gion, maths, the arts and culture. with many groups for a variety of Saturday 28 February As well as being a place programmes, others will want to 11.15am Pilgrimage walk beginning at St Non’s Well of education, Tŷ’r Pererin has use particular skills to help prepare 12 noon Bishop’s Blessing of the City become a place where many can for programmes by making things use their God-given skills, gifts rather than working with groups 12.30pm Prayers at the Shrine of St David and talents in the service of others. directly. Some volunteers fi nd it Sunday 1 March Our education programmes would useful to book certain dates or not be possible without the help programmes to fi t in with other 8.10am Live broadcast on Radio 4 and support of a dedicated team commitments they have. 11.15am Choral Eucharist of volunteers. They are particu- If you would like a chance 1 – 4pm Full peal attempt by ringers from Exeter Cathedral larly gifted in being fl exible, using to grasp the bigger picture and 6pm Stations of David their skills and experience to guide, discuss your possible involve- teach and encourage the students ment please do come and join us Monday 9 March 10am – 4pm who visit. Over the year this team at an Open Day, 10.30am-12 noon, Retreat Day at Tŷ’r Pererin has had opportunities to discuss Saturday 31st January at Tŷ’r Pere- St David, the man, the cult, the saint led by Revd Canon Dr Patrick Thomas activities, prepare resources, rin. Once we have decided together beginning with coffee at 10am. Lunch break 12 – 1pm observe programmes and then the best way to fulfi l the work of (please bring a packed lunch or arrange to eat in St Davids) share in the leading of an activity Tŷ’r Pererin we will invite you to with students. attend training and join meetings All welcome, we invite a contribution of £5 per person to cover the costs of the day We value the varied contribu- so that you are prepared for the For further information about the above services and events please contact the Deanery Offi ce tion our volunteers give to the work work ahead, subject to the usual of Tŷ’r Pererin as part of the minis- Disclosure and Barring guidance. on 01437 720202 or email [email protected] try of the cathedral. We recognise Education & Pilgrimage Team See our website www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk the wealth of experience which [email protected] Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter they bring to support education and (01437) 720151 pilgrimage in this context and aim 10 Pobl Dewi, December 2014 Focus on Social Responsibility Social responsibility in the Church

Jim Rollinson, Rob Lowe and Jeni Parsons consider the meaning of social responsibility and how it is refl ected in one project in Llanelli ET justice roll down like what that might mean in their the sale of the other churches in “Lwaters and righteousness communities. the diocese, was undertaken by like an ever-fl owing stream” said It was with this intent that the local builders who incorporated Amos. It is the prophets who call Board held its latest meeting at St some features from local redundant God’s people back to a corporate Peter’s, Llanelli, situated in the churches including a wonderful life that refl ects the God whose midst of a community classifi ed stained glass partition which tells justice and mercy extend to the as amongst the top ten socially the story of the industrial heritage whole of creation. Amos and deprived areas in Wales. An invita- in such a way as to link the older They are also seeking to were delighted to see this example Elijah, Hosea and Elisha all call tion to the Church Army to see what church with the modern foyer develop links with the St Paul’s and suggest you take a look soon. for a balance between worship of could be done led to Captain Rob and multi-use space created at the Family Centre, Llanelli who offer Here “the widows, orphans God and holy living which leads Lowe being appointed as an evan- West entrance to the church. Here family support. Rob is seeking to and strangers in the land” meet the to care of “the poor, the widow gelist for children, young people a number of activities are provided develop services which comple- love of God. The DCSR is proud and the stranger in the land”. Jesus and families. The church, built in to benefi t the community practi- ment the work of the family centre of its work with Plant Dewi and renews that call and through the 1869, was not suited to today’s cally and spiritually, which include such as creating a ‘Dads and Lads’ Eileen Davies’ work with farming Diocesan Board for Social Respon- needs and so Rob prepared plans Thrift Shop, coffee mornings, kids’ evening and starting a Messy communities but has so much more sibility (DCSR) we seek to respond which were developed by archi- club, and holiday club activities for Church. Worship and Social Action to look forward to in helping us all by supporting churches to explore tects. The work, funded through the local children. belong together at St Peter’s and we be salt and light in God’s world. “Tea service” Meeting people where they are It’s a real treat to have afternoon tea. You can now pay quite Jeremy Martineau considers the often unsung work of those who patiently and graciously build, extraordinary sums for the pleasure in the fi nest restaurants and or re-build, bridges between and church and community hotels around the country. However, at St Mary’s, Fishguard, on HRISTIAN congregations are the afternoon of Sunday 14th September, no bill was tendered used to responding to people’s for a special afternoon tea. In this case the service came fi rst, C needs: food for the starving, homes writes Christopher Brown for the homeless and many more E have been looking at in church. Transport was arranged good works. Scripture is less direc- Wways in which the church for those who required it, as was tive about what may be even more can reach out to people who fi nd the offer of a sitter, to stay with important – dealing with the causes it diffi cult to come to church. someone who needed an eye kept of poverty or homelessness and so Perhaps because of frailty, perhaps on them. Both of these offers were on. This is the realm of politics and because someone needs to bring gratefully accepted and a number the economy. It is an area of life them, or they need a person to look of people were able to come to where many Christians work out after someone they care for. On the church who had not been able to their faith, usually unrecognised, other hand, perhaps it is because do so for quite some time. Others unseen and unsupported. My minis- when someone is not used to going came to see how things turned out, try began in Jarrow, being advised to church, a morning service with some for the company, some for by ordinary people in the street all the regulars is a bit daunting. the cakes and sandwiches, all came to “come down where we are and So we thought a treat might and met together to praise God. then we will listen”. So a ministry guard and Goodwick Chamber of When asked why I am doing this I help all sorts of people. After- The feedback has been hugely in industry, and economic develop- Trade and Tourism, and the Town may refer to scripture, but usually noon Tea, preceded by a short, encouraging. Evening services are ment began. Now, representing our Team I spend much of my time it is about starting the re-build- fairly simple service with favour- increasingly diffi cult to sustain church, and as secretary of Fish- working on the edge of church, ing of a bridge that may have ite hymns, well known from here but an afternoon time seemed stirring up businesses and commu- been broken years ago, in child- television, school or earlier days very popular. Not having to stand up then sit down all the time was nity, serving people who may well hood, with strange assumptions appreciated, not only by those who be beyond the normal reach of about what it is thought Christians fi nd doing so physically diffi cult. church or chapel. believe (of course some do) or an Will we do it again? You bet we There are many opportunities offence that was caused by a care- will, not too often, it needs quite a to build relationships with a wide less or uncharitable remark. bit of organising (especially with range of people. In any relation- This is a ministry that many the community bus) and a treat is ship it is important to bide one’s people in the pews conduct, and only a treat when it is occasional. time, to wait until a question is our church ministers should recog- For people who need to make a asked or an opportunity given to nise this, enquire about it, support large commitment in time and speak about faith, for the British it by prayer and help the congrega- energy, too often would be too are reticent and nervous about such tion support those who are exposed demanding. Looking at the needs private areas of the inner soul. On in daily life to the hard work of of a locality and seeing where the other hand there are those who witnessing in the work place. When God is calling us to reach out is all are quick to criticise the Church, Jesus was asked about the images part of our calling to serve and to maybe for justifi able reasons, but on the Roman coin (Mt 22 v20) his witness to the gospel. Something often without substance. These answer does not mean that faith has like this might be a treat for you, can be dealt with gently but fi rmly nothing to do with politics, but that too. and such conversations often lead God is Lord of all, including the into deeper and more useful areas. world of politics and economics. Pobl Dewi, December 2014 11 Ministering to congregations under pressure Reader Glenys Bowen considers the distress associated with declining congregations and possible church closures

ANY churches and chap- this faith is embryonic. Mels in rural Wales and, For the minister (clergy, lay doubtless, in England as well, are ministers or members who offer struggling to keep open. This can pastoral care): lead to considerable sorrow for First of all explore a place those members that remain. where hope and life are experi- I should like to suggest that enced. This can be anywhere, and there are parallels with care for is rarely an “ecclesiastical” setting. a dying person. The members of It can be sport, music and the arts, these congregations deserve the walking, gardening, bird-watching, following going to the cinema – the possibili- 1. Comfort and encouragement. ties are endless. 2. Discussion of how the situation Secondly, forgetfulness of is regarded, with expressions iii. are there other congrega- the needs of these members can of anger, sadness, comparison tions in the area which happen, because they may no Let’s lend a listening ear of the past, fears of the future. seem more “attractive”, longer be present at services. If Winter is truly upon us, daylight is in short supply and the nights 3. A degree of analysis appro- where the needs of a person they are elderly or suffer from ill- are drawing in, “the cattle are lowing” all are safely gathered in priate to the condition. To be appear to be met? health, home communion can be the cowsheds, and the manger is full of silage and hay. However, considered in this category are iv. are there real fears that a offered by someone licensed for as statistics reveal, some of those who work in our rural and the following possibilities: person may not be buried this. isolated communities are in need of help and support – could i. is approaching “death” with their family members Some of these churches are caused as a result of feel- if the church is closed? situated in new local ministry you volunteer? ing that the building of v. is there a true Christian areas: whilst the emphasis is on HE workload seems never make a big difference. Training the church is owned by faith to be nurtured? reorganisation within an area, it is Tending, and is there some- will be provided, guidance and members or families of the The giving of assurance and of fundamental importance that the one who is prepared to listen? support will always be to hand. congregation? hope is fundamental. Sometimes needs and desires of people who Yes, is the answer. As a Church, Mae Esgobaeth Tyddewi yn ii. has the church congregation “death” has to happen for growth have worshipped in a particular we are committed to work- ardal wledig, ac yn cynnwys declined because of absent to occur. There needs to be encour- church for, perhaps, generations, ing with farmers and all who ardaloedd anghysbell ac unig, pastoral care, and no appar- agement where a true faith is are not neglected. feel isolated in our rural areas. gyda nifer helaeth o amaethwyr ent ministry in the area? present, and some teaching where Recently published figures from Cymraeg eu hiaith fyddai yn hoffi the Office for National Statis- rhannu eu gofidiau gyda rhywun tics revealed suicides among fyddai ym medru cyfathrebu yn men under the age of 45 were at eu mamiaith. Mae unigrwydd a 15 year high, with the highest a phwysau cynyddol yn medru People not labels percentage involved in agricul- llethu person a’i yrru i’r eithafion, Andy and Helen Bookless describe one parish’s response to those in need ture. Working closely together ond yn amlach na heb, petai yna with the Farming Community rywun oedd yn barod i wrando HE Parish of Hubberston has encouraged by a church member to come alongside people on their Network, The Royal Agricul- mi fydde’r ddihareb yn cael ei Tbeen running a sermon series who is a recovering alcoholic and journey towards recovery from tural Benevolent Institute and The gwireddu, “problem i’w rhannu, on ‘Life-Changing Encounters whose own life-changing encoun- addiction, and Carol Hardy came National Federation of Young problem i’w haneru’. Fedrwch with Jesus’. The tormented man of ter with Jesus has made an impact to introduce the project to others Farmers Clubs, we can raise chwi gynorthwyo, fedrwch chwi Mark 5 (“Legion“) was someone on many. He has started a local AA here. We have an opportunity to awareness of mental illness, stress estyn clust i wrando? Os felly, who had probably been labelled, group, and helped us become more use a local shop unit to help us related illnesses, isolation, and cysylltwch â’r Barch Ganon Eileen but after his encounter with Jesus, sensitive to people’s difficulties with community outreach, so we be there to offer a listening ear. Davies, Ymgynghorydd Materion people could see the man rather and challenges. are praying and consulting on this However, we need volun- Gwledig Esgobaeth Tyddewi ar than the label. Pobl Dewi had previously too. teers to help us, and if, while 07814272998. Gyda’n gilydd fe It’s easy to use labels – alco- carried a brief article (June 2013) Jesus doesn’t see problems you are reading this article, you fedrwn ni wneud gwahaniaeth. holic, druggie etc – rather than for The Living Room in Cardiff, a or labels, He sees people, so our feel you have knowledge of, and “Daw fy nghymorth oddi seeing a person with a problem. centre which helps people strug- aim and prayer is that more people empathy for, rural issues, good wrth yr Arglwydd, creawdwr One of our churchyards is a place gling with addictions. We made will have life-changing encoun- listening skills and would like to nefoedd a daear. Nid yw’n where men with alcohol issues contact, and a small team of us ters with Jesus as we learn to love know more, please get in touch gadael i’th droed lithro,” often hang out. It’s difficult – they have been attending Reaching Out and support them on their road to with Revd Canon Eileen Davies, “I love thee, Lord Jesus, look leave litter, bottles, cans and more, Project workshops in Carmarthen recovery. Adviser on Rural Matters, on down from the sky, and stay by and create work for faithful church to help us become better equipped 07814272998. Your help will my side until morning is nigh.” members trying to keep the church- yard respected and tidy. However, we are also aware that they are people, someone’s relatives – in some cases we know whose. So we have been trying to get to know them, talk to them, listen, and pray for them. During our tent outreach week in July, some of them came along, listened, chatted, a couple even stayed the night in the tent with the security team, and some received prayer. We are also coming into contact with people who are caught up with very addic- tive legal highs, and some have begun to discover how much God can help. We have been inspired and The Living Room, Cardiff 12 Pobl Dewi, December 2014 Banc Bwyd Llambed Food Bank Banc Bwyd Llambed (BBL) arose from the concern of local churches about food poverty among local people on limited incomes, whether working or not. We see it as our Christian calling to assist and come alongside those in need, as an expression of God’s love, says Julia Lim

BL is staffed by a small group an area of approximately 15 miles receiving no income, for the week. Bof volunteers from the main around Lampeter. Those in need Food poverty is an increasing supporting churches in Lampeter are referred by partner agencies, reality in the UK, with people in (Emmaus Christian Fellowship, now 26 in number. This summer a Wales disproportionately affected, Lampeter Evangelical Church, St generous bequest enabled the BBL as detailed in Below The Bread- Thomas Methodist Church, Mount to include some fresh fruit and line: the relentless rise of food Carmel Catholic church, Noddfa vegetables in food parcels. poverty in Britain, a 2014 report Baptist Chapel and Lampeter Quak- Typical stories illustrating the commissioned by Church Action ers). The food bank is supported range of situations leading to BBL on Poverty, Oxfam and the Trussell by Trinity St David University referral include: a young mother Trust. To read the report visit www. Lampeter, who provide a storage and her two children who had to church-poverty.org.uk/breadline/ room free of charge; donations are flee an abusive relationship with read/belowbreadlinereport received from a variety of sources, only the clothes they stood up in; In a country as relatively including the Anglican churches in the sole wage earner in a family of wealthy as the UK, food poverty is Cwmann and Lampeter, and their 3 adults and 3 toddlers being made a matter of injustice and inequality. Deanery. redundant; a grandmother who fell Our faith calls us to respond to the Since starting in January into debt after paying court costs to humanity of those who struggle to from the local community and the been properly addressed. 2013, BBL has provided 176 food secure custody of her two grand- maintain the dignity and health of prayers of our supporting churches, Please continue to pray for the parcels to local people, 106 of them children; a man on a zero-hours themselves and their families. We and this will need to continue until work of Banc Bwyd Llambed. (2,439 meals) in 2014. We serve contract not given work, therefore are blessed with generous support the causes of food poverty have

able to share in weekly worship. Caring for each other Healing services and heal- ing prayer are being arranged Holy Trinity Church, Aberystwyth, has recognized that it is a on a regular basis within church church needing regeneration and its members have taken steps services. The times of prayer for to address this, writes Ian Girling healing at the end of Communion have proved very popular and this VEN though our numbers everyone having a part to play, and type of service will be held more Eare falling we believe that of feeling included, valued and of regularly. the church still has a large part to sharing responsibilities, not allow- The church also donates to the play in the lives of its congrega- ing the vicar do it all, whilst at the food bank run by St Anne’s Church tion, of those who can no longer same time expanding our role in in Penparcau. This is good, both attend the church through illness or the community. socially and for us as a church to being housebound and, equally, of The things seen as impor- enable us to give directly to those in those of little or no faith outside the tant were teams that could be set need and to look outside ourselves church. up to visit the housebound and to the needs of others. A questionnaire was devised those in hospitals. Another team Another request was to keep that was given to members to has been arranged to offer lifts to the church open when we can. We Afternoon house service ascertain what people needed from church services on Sundays when do this now on Wednesdays each One of the responses to the made a start but we still have a long the church and what they could public transport is not available. week after mid week Communion. questionnaire was quite telling. way to go to fulfil one congrega- offer. A number of the responses Yet another team has been set up to Hardly a week goes by when some- The comment was made that we tion member’s vision. Maybe one that were received stressed the take services in people’s homes for one does not drop in for a period of need to ‘be a church of the future day it will become a reality! importance of team working, with those who, otherwise, would not be quiet reflection. as well as of the present’. We have Nurturing children, strengthening families, building communities Plant Dewi is a resource available to any parish within the diocese, says Sue Fletcher

LANT DEWI is the Diocese point of need, spreading that love felt that her experience in the care Pof St Davids’ very own chil- to care for others. system was one of being moved dren’s project that forms part of As a team we like to think that we from family to family. She told us the work of the St Davids Diocesan are a Plant Dewi family and invite that the one thing she had learned Council for Social Responsibility. those who feel, lonely, isolated, or in life was not to trust anyone. The Council’s overall objective in need of support or friendship to Following her experience of being is to improve the wellbeing of the join us. part of the Plant Dewi family she diocese and the work of Plant Dewi We work and pray for a society wanted us to know that for the first is well-embedded in this brief. where: time in her life she felt that some- Plant Dewi is a resource for any • every family can provide a one genuinely cared for her and parish in the Diocese of St Davids. positive, enriched childhood for her baby and, importantly, she was Our Christian values and beliefs their children able to give that care back and look This vital ministry, firmly future mission of a serving church. form the basis of our work and • the uniqueness of every person forward to a future. rooted in the everyday experiences It is the practical outworking of are our motivation for working in is respected, affirmed and valued In Burry Port, following a of local people, is essential to the faith. communities, where we can help • people feel fulfilled and are request from the local vicar and set up projects that provide support able to reach their potential the school, we supported a group to children, young people and their • there is always hope in every to establish a family centre in Parishes wishing to have further details of our work should families. We believe in the uncondi- one’s heart a disused school building. The contact Sue Fletcher, Manager, Plant Dewi, Dark Gate tional love of Jesus and we embody We have numerous testimoni- centre is very busy and a wonder- Buildings, 3 Red Street, Carmarthen SA31 1QL that love by meeting others at their als that our families share. Anne ful resource. tel: 01267 221551 e-mail: [email protected] Pobl Dewi, December 2014 13 Inspiring others Jeremy Martineau considers the role which Christians can play in sustaining and managing the Earth’s resources for future generations

IVING responsibly in society live on. Since 1988 the fi ve marks is developing is a wind turbine with Lis not confi ned to Christians. of mission have been core to the the capacity of generating 10% The Church calls it social respon- Anglican Communion. One of of Fishguard’s electricity. What is sibility. This living encompasses them is To strive to safeguard the special is that the project is 50% every aspect of human society and integrity of creation and sustain owned by the community and the this newspaper wants to hear what and renew the life of the earth income will be used in the commu- people in the diocese are doing, Christians are hesitant about nity to help create further carbon living socially responsible lives. speaking out about how faith leads reducing projects, such as electric Our society is hungry for inspira- to action. This mark of mission is cars and solar panels on community tion. Our small individual examples one way by which local churches buildings. You can get involved, can be part of that inspiration. Find can connect with a wider soci- and help yourself too, by offer- out in your congregation what ety that is increasingly concerned ing to help fund the loan scheme people are doing – get them to talk about a sustainable future. It is time to purchase the turbine (£280,000 about it in church, support them to come out of the closet and share needed) TBG can reward you with and pray for them. more openly why we do what we a 4% p.a. return over fi ve years. One example comes from Fish- do in the name of a caring God and Full details available from guard where seven members of a loving Christ. transitionbrogwaun@phonecoop. St Mary’s Church are supporters TBG has won several awards coop. of Transition Bro Gwaun (TBG), recently for its surplus food project Is there a Transition group near one of many hundred local groups with a successful café helping you? Visit round the world that are commit- reduce food going needlessly to www.transitionnetwork.org/nearby ted to reducing carbon emissions landfi ll and, by its decomposition, to fi nd out. as one way of ensuring there is a fuelling dangerous climate change. Read Ezekiel 33 v 7. planet for future generations to One ground-breaking project TBG Does it apply to you? The Church responds A Flanders hero N unsung hero of the First AWorld War has been remem- bered in Merthyr near Carmarthen to Ebola outbreak on the 100th anniversary of the outbreak of the confl ict. A display Anglican Churches in West Africa are using their networks and infl uence in communities containing the war medals and a to help people to guard against the spreading Ebola virus. Mike Brooks, from the photograph of Acting Sergeant church-based charity Us (formerly USPG), gives more detail and asks not only for David John Evans of Bancbach was donations but also prayers for people in affected countries presented to St Martin’s Church by three of his great-nieces. BOLA is spreading in Liberia, outbreak in history. When commu- with chlorine and soap, avoid shak- David died in Flanders on 31 ESierra Leone and Guinea and nities face such terrible suffering ing hands and, as much as possible, July 1917 while serving with the threatens other countries in West the church must be there to combat refuse unnecessary bodily contact. Royal Welch Fusiliers, but little is Africa. Confi rmed deaths from the fear and hopelessness with both We encourage the public to keep known about where or how he was disease now exceed 5,000 but it love and tangible support. their environments clean.” killed or where he might be buried. is thought that this fi gure is much “The church can also be a Ade Renner-Thomas, Chancel- The display case was handed over David John Evans with an higher. source of knowledge to help fami- lor for the Diocese of Freetown, on Remembrance Sunday, 9th unknown relative We, at Us, are in contact with lies understand the situation, and Sierra Leone, writes: “Many thanks November, by Meinir Hall of Ty and their sister, organist Ann Rees. our Anglican partners throughout can help to make sure governments for your thoughts and prayers. Here Croes, Ammanford, and Glenda David, who die d on the same the Church of the Province of West are fully aware of what is happen- in Sierra Leone the government has and Glenys Evans of Morriston. day as the poet Hedd Wyn, is also Africa (CPWA), which includes ing at community level.” declared a state of public health David is also survived by his great- commemorated on the war memo- The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, The Most Revd Jonathan Hart, emergency. It means there are quar- nephew, Merthyr People’s Warden rial inside the church, which Meinir Guinea, Cameroon and Ghana. Archbishop of Liberia, reports: antines in the areas most affected. Huw Evans, Huw’s brother Wyn remembers being installed in 1955. The following selection of “The Ebola virus is having a very Movements are restricted in certain comments gives an insight into the bad effect on the lives of citizens areas, and gatherings of more than situation:. in Liberia. Our church has joined fi ve people are prohibited.” Janette O’Neill, Us Chief Execu- the health authorities in calling The Most Revd Daniel Sarfo, tive, said: “This is the worst Ebola on our people to wash their hands Archbishop of the Internal Prov- Art & Spirituality Retreat Day ince of Ghana, said: “People in my country are anxious. They are alert ^ and watching the situation closely. at Ty’r Pererin The Anglican Church must act IGEL Robert Pugh will be cathedrals and churches throughout and prepare congregations to face leading a Retreat Day focusing the UK. For more about Nigel, see any eventuality. People are scared N on Art & Spirituality at Tŷ’r Pererin the interview with him in the March and anxious. The church needs to on Wednesday, 14th January. The 2014 edition of Pobl Dewi (http:// respond. We cannot remain idle.” day is designed for both artists and stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/ Please pray for West Africa. non-artists to enjoy exploring their pobldewi/archiveindex/) Prayers c an be found on our own abilities and the many ways You are very welcome to turn website www.weareus.org.uk, in which their faith and feelings up on the day. However, for further where donations can also be made. can be expressed through produc- information, details of recom- For example, £40 will buy a work- ing artwork. The cost will be £5 per mended equipment to bring with er’s protection pack; funds will person. you or to book a place in advance, also support an awareness-raising Nigel is an acclaimed profes- please contact Janet Ingram or Clare programme. sional artist who has recently Williams at Tŷ’r Pererin, Quick- For updates on the Church’s completed a major series of works well Hill, St Davids, SA62 6RJ; tel: response to Ebola, visit based on The Stations of the Cross 01437 729151; education@stdavid- www.weareUs.org.uk/ebola

© www.wikipedia.org which is currently on a tour of scathedral.org.uk 14 Pobl Dewi, December 2014 Y Cyfoeth Gorau: The Christ Church carol: canmlwyddiant Brother Madog’s song W Rhys Nicholas (adapted from the Medieval Welsh of Brother Madog ap Gwallter by Patrick Thomas) Tune: Gwahoddiad W. Rhys Nicholas, the hymn writer, was born 100 years ago. His A Son was given to us: nephew, Richard E. Huws, takes a brief look back at the man A noble glorious Son; who gave us, amongst other compositions, ‘Pantyfedwen’ A saviour Son, the best of all, Pure Mary’s precious one. AE’R fl wyddyn hon wedi fel un o emynwyr mwyaf y Mbod yn un nodedig wrth i genedl. Yng nghyfrol Caneuon Miracle begun, ni nodi canmlwyddiant dechrau’r Ffydd, mae ganddo 25 o emynau, Greatest ever done: Rhyfel Mawr yn 1914. Hwn y cyfanswm uchaf ar wahân i Tiny giant born to be oedd y rhyfel y proffwydwyd y William Williams (Pantycelyn) The poorest richest one. byddai’n rhoi diwedd ar ryfeloedd a’r Dr Elvet Lewis (Elfed). Emyn This Jesus as our king, am byth. Yn anffodus roedd mwyaf adnabyddus Rhys Nicholas High lowly Lord we own: proffwydoliaeth H. G. Wells yn yw Pantyfedwen, ac mae’r geiriau ei gyfrol The War that will end yn gyfarwydd iawn i ni gyd: Earth’s ruler in the ox’s stall, With hay his only throne. War yn bell iawn ohoni. Mae Tydi a wnaeth y wyrth, 2014 hefyd yn ganmlwyddiant O Grist, Fab Duw, Miracle begun . . . geni nifer o bobl amlwg. Yn eu tydi a roddaist imi fl as ar fyw: The angels speak of him fe gydiaist ynof drwy dy Ysbryd Glân, ni allaf tra bwyf byw ond canu’r gân; To shepherds in the night: ’rwyf heddiw’n gweld yr Tell of a child in Bethlehem harddwch sy’n parhau, Who turns the dark to light. ’rwy’n teimlo’r ddwyfol Miracle begun . . . iâs sy’n bywiocáu; mae’r Halelwia yn fy enaid i, Their song brings shouts of joy, a rhoddaf, Iesu, fy mawrhad i ti. An end to earthly strife: Rwy’n falch fy mod yn medru Glory and peace throughout the world cyfrif Rhys Nicholas fel ewythr, And after death new life. ac i ddathlu canmlwyddiant Miracle begun . . . ei eni fe gyhoeddir cyfrol yn Something which has fascinated me dwyn y teitl Y Cyfoeth Gorau. for the past 30 years is the particular Mae’r teitl yn seiliedig ar un way in which Welsh hymn-writers arall o emynau poblogaidd Rhys and poets have responded to the Nicholas, sef, Gwn pa le mae’r glorious paradox of the Incarna- cyfoeth gorau. Bydd y gyfrol plith gellir cynnwys yr actorion tion: ‘Duw yn y byd fel dyn bach’ in Wales. Last Christmas I wrote a Carol, simplifi ed so that it could yn cynnwys detholiad o waith Syr Alec Guinness a Kenneth (‘God in the world as a tiny child’) play about Brother Madog and the be sung to one of our best-known Rhys Nicholas ynghyd â nifer More, y bocsiwr Joe Louis, a’r as the 20th century Carmarthen- Nativity, which was enthusiasti- Welsh hymn-tunes. I am happy to o ysgrifau amrywiol gan ei pêl-droediwr Joe Mercer. shire poet Eirian Davies put it. It’s cally performed in Christ Church share it with the readers of Pobl gydnabod; roeddwn yn falch i Ymhlith y Cymry a anwyd yn a tradition that begins with the 13th by a cast of all ages. It included Dewi. dderbyn gwahoddiad i gyfrannu 1914 gellir cyfrif y bardd Dylan century Franciscan poet Brother an adaptation of Brother Madog’s Thomas a’r emynydd W. Rhys pennod o atgofi on teuluol amdano. Madog ap Gwallter. A few hundred Nicholas. Gweinidog gyda’r Golygwyd y gyfrol gan y Dr yards from Christ Church, on the A downloadable version of this carol, for use by parishes, Annibynwyr oedd Rhys Nicholas Rhidian Griffi ths, ac fe’i cyhoeddir site of what is now the Carmarthen can be found in the resources section of the diocesan website yn ardal Llanelli, Llandysul a gan Gymdeithas Emynau Cymru. branch of Wilkinson’s, there once www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk Phorth-cawl, ac fe’i cydnabyddir stood the largest Franciscan Friary

bered in the memorials lining the walls of the church. It must have An organ with a long history accompanied tens of thousands of Members of St Mary’s Church, Haverfordwest, are seeking to hymns and psalms. raise £25,000 to repair the church’s historic organ. Pat Barker Throughout the life of the organ, maintenance, repair and looks at the instrument’s history and its present-day problems restoration have been neces- UILT in 1737, this is probably The instrument was moved sary and now we face the need to Bthe oldest church organ still in to the chancel towards the end of replace the electrical system. Over use in Wales. The original case and the 19th century, when a surpliced the last few years the number of pipes can be seen from the north choir was introduced and fi nely problems with this has increased, aisle, though it was originally built carved oak choir stalls were making several stops unusable. on a gallery at the west end of the installed. The new console and Despite its problems, over the church. The builder was Abraham highly decorated pipes in the chan- last year our organist, Peter Allen, Jordan, Junior, one of the fore- cel were the work of William Hill. with his passionate enthusiasm for most London organ builders in the Further major work was carried the instrument, has given many fi rst half of the 18th century. Three out in 1982 and this three manual memorable performances includ- sons of Sir John Philipps, of Picton organ now has about 2,000 pipes ing playing for the culmination of Castle, headed the public appeal for and compares favourably with this year’s Haverfordwest Ghost funds and an inscription can still be other organs in the Principality. Walks. The instrument is regularly seen in the church: “This gallery It is amazing that this organ used for services, concerts and and organ were erected by subscrip- has been played for services in recitals. It is our responsibility to tion in the year 1737. John Philipps, St Mary’s Church for 277 years: ensure that the organ survives and Esq., Mayor. Rowland Philipps civic services, weddings, memorial continues to give pleasure to play- Esq., Church Warden.” The cost services for royalty and national ers and listeners. Contact Pat Barker on 01437-766107 was £600. Records indicate that the heroes, the funerals of Lord We are happy to welcome indi- [email protected] organist’s salary was paid by renting Milford and other local aristocracy viduals or groups who would like or visit www.stmaryshaverfordwest.org.uk for more information. seats in the organ gallery. as well as most of those remem- an illustrated talk about the organ. Pobl Dewi, December 2014 15

now trying to establish a team in Stroud, but where does this leave Rachel’s Vineyard those living in mid Wales? Please may we ask for your The impact upon those affected by abortion cannot be underestimated. prayers so that Rachel’s Vine- Caroline Adams prays that a charity which helps those affected will be set up in Wales yard can develop, grow strong and S a postgraduate student, established Rachel’s Vineyard their gifts to help others too. Since come into being in Wales. This is ATheresa Burke discovered retreats. These are healing week- their inception, these weekends vital for its success. If you know many people were suffering from ends that are open to anybody have now spread to 27 countries of any person who is hurting and post traumatic stress disorder affected by abortion – not only with over 700 being held annually. needs support, please guide them following the decision to have an women and men who have been Yet, the number of abortions to us; or if you, yourself, feel that abortion. She found that conven- directly involved in the decisions, still remains very high. In 2013, God is calling you to this ministry, tional talking therapies, such as but also to grandparents, siblings 202,577 abortions were carried then please contact us. counselling or psychotherapy, had or health care workers involved in out in Scotland, England and Lastly, although the organisa- not fixed the post-abortion trauma abortion work. Wales – on average 555 abortions tion of Priests for Life can provide for these people. What was needed These weekend retreats have per day, and of these, 37% were some funding and support for was an integrated psychologi- enabled people to learn the love repeat abortions. The UK now has Rachel’s Vineyard, we are always cal and spiritual process, so that and forgiveness of God, and to a small number of Rachel’s Vine- grateful for contributions or people are able to reconcile what recognise that God can free them yard volunteer teams to help those Irish Rachel’s Vineyard team support in any way. has happened and to be able to from their pain. The Rachel’s Vine- in need, but sadly there is no team was asked to help out in North www.rachelsvineyard.org.uk/ grieve. yard weekends have changed so located in Wales. Wales, but this was a number of In 1995, Dr Theresa Burke many lives, and freed people to use To help those in Wales, an years ago. Rachel’s Vineyard is Cursillo GB 2014 @ Canterbury On 30th August, Hazel Burn joined about 400 people from all over the UK to celebrate the national reunion of Cursillo VER 30 dioceses were repre- National Director, Sally Henniker- uals. Following this we broke for Osented in Canterbury, all Major. In this she gave details of lunch and enjoyed the local cuisine of whom recognise the value of the way forward for Cursillo and its in the city. Cursillo (a short course on Chris- key role in furthering the Church’s At 2pm we met for a time of tian living) as an integral part of vision of lay and ordained ministry. reflection in small groups after Anglican training in laity leader- Later that morning we which we listened to a witness talk ship, growth and support. processed to the cathedral follow- and gospel response, both synony- A combined group from St ing those carrying the individual mous with Cursillo. The afternoon Davids and Swansea and Brecon diocesan banners. It made for a bold finished with the opportunity to Dioceses travelled by car, bus and and colourful statement of faith to take a guided tour around the train to be a part of the celebrations, the many tourists who stopped to cathedral and later an evening barn determined to share in the time of ask what was happening. Then we dance and fish supper. worship, fellowship and spiritual were treated to an inspiring sermon A memorable day and a renewal that Cursillo provides. and Communion Service led by reminder of our place in the The day began in the Kings Right Reverend Trevor Willmott, wider community that is Anglican School, adjacent to the cathedral, Bishop of Dover and Canterbury. Cursillo. where we met for a time of singing The sermon centred around read- If you would like to know more led by a talented, young Christian ings relating to Moses and Peter. about Cursillo and how you can group called “Change Music”. Just as God said “I am who I am”, get involved please contact Hazel Following this we were formally so God knows “we are who we are” Burn, Lay Director of Cursillo welcomed to the city by the Lord and in that He will use us. We were Cymru St Davids, Mayor, Councillor Ann Taylor, challenged to step out in faith, fully [email protected] and later listened to an informa- trusting in God being who He is, telephone: 01239 811115. tive address given by the Cursillo and his knowledge of us as individ- Haverfordwest’s oldest church gets new window Over 130 people attended the dedication of a new stained glass window in memory of Miss Enid Williams at St Martin of Tours Church, Haverfordwest. They were all there because Miss Williams had been a part of their lives as a parishioner, teacher, Guider or friend, writes Brian Body

NID MARY WILLIAMS was also loved people, especially chil- is the children who are dominant. It Eborn on Castle Square, Haver- dren, and saw good in everyone. portrays a semi-abstract Madonna fordwest, and spent her whole life The memorial window was figure blessing the many children in the town of which she was so designed and made by Philippa in her care, some in Guide and proud. She was the first Headmis- Martin, working from her studio Brownie uniforms. They are set tress of Mount Airey School in in Redhill, Surrey, and was leaded among wild flowers and greenery, 1956, and was loved and respected by Steve Pannell of Pembroke. reflecting Enid’s love of botany. by generations of pupils. Enid had Philippa is a highly regarded It has over 50 examples of native a lifelong interest in Guiding, both stained glass artist and lecturer, flora and fauna, trees, wild flowers, as a Guider and Commissioner. and has worked in many cathedrals birds, fish and insects. These are all She was involved with the Pembro- and churches. Her stained glass identifiable so that Enid’s role as a keshire Blind Society, becoming may be seen in various settings, teacher will continue, as children Vice President in the latter years of from Guildford Cathedral to Lord’s investigate and gain a new insight her life. Cricket Ground. into the world around them. Other Enid loved St Martin’s where The window, set in the south symbols relate to St Martin and St she was Sunday School Teacher wall of the Lady Chapel, is intended David. and a member of the Parochial to convey a feeling of innocence The window was dedicated on of St Davids. The Very Revd Jona- sermon. Both are former Vicars of Church Council. Her strong faith and simplicity. Enid always put the 7th September by the Venerable than Lean, Dean of St Davids, gave St Martin’s. showed in everything she did. She children first, so, in the window, it John Harvey, former Archdeacon a moving tribute to Enid in his 16 Pobl Dewi, December 2014

people in everyday situations. So everything was kept as Pub Praise! normal as possible, including the Jonathan Copus reports on an unusual setting for a celebration restaurant layout (with one table of the Holy Eucharist serving as an altar) and the use of an ordinary loaf baked by one of RENCH philosopher Descartes house which probably served food the church secretaries. Common F(‘I think, therefore I am’) walks and wine, rather than somewhere or garden things can be made holy, into his local. like the Faggot and Firkin. But in runs the argument: it all depends on ‘Evening, René,’ says the land- any case, he went on to spend a the use you make of them. lord. What’ll it be? A pint?’ lot of his time talking not to holy In the absence of an ol’ Joanna, ‘I think not,’ says Descartes – people in holy places about holy the hearty singing was accompa- and peow! He vanishes. things but to crowds of ordinary nied by digital music. Pubs are places where you folk, on hillsides and beaches, Afterwards, it was time for a meet friends for a drink, tell jokes, about ordinary things like weed fellowship meal, which some of play darts – but celebrate the Holy control and losing money and the first Christians associated with Eucharist? Yet that’s exactly what keeping sheep. So perhaps it was the Eucharist. Only in this case it the Crymych Group of Churches about time that God’s Holy People was barbecued burgers, bangers did on the last day of August, got out and about a bit more in the and buns in the pub garden, with in the restaurant of The Bont, community. And where better to do drinks from the bar. Llanglydwen. that than the village pub? Will it happen again? Well, the There was much discussion The point was also made that restaurant this time was packed beforehand. Was a pub really an the God we worship is not some full, and not just with regular appropriate venue? Well, Jesus far-off, unapproachable deity, but churchgoers. And there are plenty himself would have been born in one who rolled his sleeves up and more pubs in the Group’s area. a pub if there had been room. Or got involved in human history – Now, these two men walk into perhaps that was more of a guest and is still involved, using normal a bar. The third one ducks. St Cyndeyrn at Llangyndeyrn

Llangyndeyrn is a small Carmarthenshire village near Kidwelly. Mary Baker happened upon it when she was with a family from Utah, USA, searching for their ancestors. Sadly the church was locked and they had no time to chase the key holders but the dedication to St Cyndeyrn intrigued Mary and encouraged her to do further research Exploring Faith 2014-15 T CYNDEYRN was either a much in common with the people Wales, Cumbria and Strathclyde Svery obscure kinsman of more of Clydeside in the 5th 6th and 7th in Scotland; our early saints were famous Welsh leaders or he may centuries. We shared a language, usually of aristocratic or royal have been St Kentigern or Mungo the language we now know to backgrounds and therefore had the (beloved one) the patron saint of be Welsh was the tongue of the means to travel great distances. Glasgow. ancient Briton, one stronghold St Cyndeyrn in this instance It might seem odd that a tiny, of that language was based in the may have been Kentigern of very rural West Wales settlement Glasgow area. There seems to have Strathclyde, he may have travelled might share a saint with a huge city been much travelling and moving to the ancient kingdom of Dyfed north of the border but we did have between the ancient kingdoms of and helped to found a monas- tery there. He is reported to have been brought up in Scotland in the late 6th century then had to flee to Wales due to an anti-Christian uprising. He came to St Davids and later founded St Asaph’s cathedral. There was another, more local Cyndeyrn though, an aristocrat who was the son of Arthog ap Cere- dig, grandson of Cunedda, King of Ceredigion. This Cyndeyrn had a brother who was also a local saint, Cyngar. Of course, it is not unusual for people to share common, popu- lar or meaningful names. The confusion is compounded by the lack of written source material and the accounts that we have are based on exaggeration of prowess and genealogy in an attempt to justify family power . I cannot find any reference to his saintly traits or miracles other Cyfraniadau ar gyfer Pobl Dewi than an inference of “voluntary Y mae croeso i erthyglau oddi wrth ddarllenwyr, ac yn arbennig death” which usually means that cyfraniadau Cymraeg. the saint in question offered to be Pictured is Dr Caroline Jones teaching study skills to Exploring buried alive under the foundation Dylid anfon erthyglau at y Golygydd: Tessa Briggs Faith students at the introductory seminar in September. Exploring [email protected] of a church or monastery! On that gruesome note I will Faith continues to be popular and is modular in design, so you neu fe ellir postio ffotograffau ynghyd â 50 o eiriau at: leave St Cyndeyrn but would be can join at the beginning of any term. Next term the subjects will Pobl Dewi, interested if any readers have infor- be ‘Introduction to the Old Testament’, ‘Prayer & Spirituality’ and Swyddfa’r Esgobaeth, Abergwili, Caerfyrddin, SA31 2JG mation on this most elusive of local ‘Using the Bible through the Christian year’. saints. wedi’u nodi at sylw ‘Y Golygydd’ For more details, please contact Revd Dr Rhiannon Johnson, [email protected] Pobl Dewi, December 2014 17

same title applies to 13 in returned. To honour this highly UK with only one in Wales – unusual blessing an open air A ‘Doubly Thankful’ village Herbrandston – now called service of thanksgiving was “doubly thankful”. Take both held on Herbrandston Village Such was the horror and wars together and 66 from the Green on 30th August carnage of the First World village went to war, and they all War that few villages were not touched by loss. These were called “Thankful Villages”. In the whole of the UK there were only 53: none in Scotland and three in Wales, including Herbrandston, near Milford Haven. Add in WW2 and the

Harvest festival at St Peter’s, Little Newcastle

WW1 Christmas Truce resource packs mong the most poignant other liturgical worship services, Amoments in WW1 were the Sunday School activities, lesson unofficial truces that spontaneously and assembly plans, plus Power- took place at Christmas 1914, 100 points and handouts, to enable Christmases ago. Soldiers from churches, schools, and civic insti- both sides found themselves sing- tutions to mark and teach about the ing the same carols which led to December 1914 Christmas Truces. them meeting up, exchanging gifts, Church resource packs & teachers’ burying their dead, and playing resource packs are available for free football. Some stopped for worship download via the link at stdavids. together. churchinwales.org.uk/resources/ The Northumbria and Newcas- or directly from www.mlkpc.org tle Universities’ Martin Luther The resources are designed to be King Peace Committee, working used at any Christmas during the with schoolteachers and church World War 1 centennial commem- leaders across a range of denom- orations, and could be modified for At the Harvest Festival held at St Peter’s Church, Little Newcastle, on Friday 10th October a inations, has produced sets of use at Remembrance or other simi- cheque for £1,500 was presented to The Royal British Legion by the Little Newcastle Community high quality orders of carol and lar services. Association following their highly successful summer exhibition “Interpreting World War 1 through Commemorative China”. The exhibition was made possible by a Heritage Lottery Fund grant. Pictured (clockwise from Left): Sarah Shaw (RBL Fishguard & Goodwick Branch Secretary), Yvonne Price (County Poppy Appeal Coordinator), Richard Davies (Chair, Little Newcastle Community Association), Revd Michael Brotherton MBE, Revd Pat Rogers (Curate in Charge, Letterston), Lawrie McCarthy (Benefice Lay Reader), County Councillor Gwilym Price (RBL Branch Chairman) & Bill Holloway (RBL Branch President)

For more articles which, unfortunately, could not be accommodated in this issue, plus translations of some, please visit the PD Extra page of our website: www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ 18 Pobl Dewi, December 2014 Reflection Is the Bible still relevant at Christmas? Let’s take a look at a scenario that may or may not take place this Christmas, says Alan Kent

N the beginning’ there was a like this that truly ‘children are a weeping, but there was a sound of taken place in your house, it may Icold and frosty Christmas morn- gift from the Lord.’ ‘gnashing of teeth’ and ‘they all ate or may not take place in the future, ‘ing. Outside the snow was like The Christmas lunch was laid and were satisfied.’ but for me some things do strike a a Chicago-style pizza, deep and out on the table; there was so much The rest of the day found the chord. crisp and even. Mum and Dad were food it looked as if it could ‘feed the family relaxing in front of the telly, Seriously, the question remains, relaxing in bed when suddenly it five thousand!’ ‘As they sat down or trying to find out how the latest ‘is the Bible still relevant at seemed as if there was ‘a violent to eat their meal’, peace descended gadget worked, with everybody ‘at Christmas?’ If you look closely, battering from a storm’, as the upon the family, short lived though peace with each other’. For one you might just be able to find the children slammed open the door it was. It was not long before little day at least, ‘all of their burdens Bible’s language, principles or and jumped onto the bed, scream- Jimmy was playing table football were cast side’; who knows what influence all around you. I know ing about it being Christmas and with his Brussels sprouts. A discus- tomorrow may bring. what I think – what about you? could they go and open their gifts. sion ensued between Dad and This day may or may not have Now, what was that Bible verse Jimmy about the value, or not in about ‘suffer the little children and Jimmy’s case, of eating sprouts. forbid them not?’ It was whilst Dad Gran was the one who remem- was pondering this that he found gifts to the children.’ Everybody bered something about, ‘the one himself at the back of the bathroom was happy, except dad of course, who eats everything must not treat queue, one day promising to put who inspected the latest pair of with contempt the one who does ‘so the last will be first, and the first socks given by his mother-in-law, not, and the one who does not eat will be last’ to the test. totally forgetting the principle of everything must not judge the one After a rushed and mostly ‘the gift is acceptable to what one who does’. This did not seem to uneaten breakfast, the family met in has, not according to what one help the discussion at all. Little the sitting room to open their gifts. does not have.’ Jimmy was still heard mutter- Soon there was a flurry of activ- Soon afterwards Mum and Dad ing something about if ‘God so ity as multi-coloured paper, sticky were busy with ‘all the prepara- loved the world’ why did he make tape and ribbons flew through the tions that had to be made’ in the sprouts in the first place? air. Everybody was happy and kitchen, whilst the grandparents Once again, a form of peace excited by their Christmas gifts. snoozed accompanied by the sound carried them from the main meal ‘It is more blessed to give than to of ‘boys and girls playing in the to the Christmas pudding, cream, receive’ could clearly be seen on streets.’ It seemed like everybody cake, chocolate, and sweets, that the adult’s faces. Mums always wanted to show off their latest toys, would normally follow the tradi- seem to ‘know how to give good gadgets, and gizmos. It is times tional meal. There was no sign of Postcard from Kyrenia Ven Dr John Holdsworth considers the divided island of Cyprus

HE Anglican Church is one of of the line. Perhaps that in itself is Tthe few institutions that oper- prophetic. I hope so. ates in both the north and south of Kyrenia, in northern Cyprus, the island of Cyprus. Since 1974 is an increasingly popular tour- the island has been divided and ist destination. Our Church of St it took over thirty years before it Andrew occupies a prime posi- was possible for ordinary vehicles tion above the beautiful Venetian to pass from one side to the other. harbour. It is a thriving church Even today there are only five which has recently seen the places at which a crossing by car appointment of the first woman as is possible. We have a green zone a parish priest in the diocese. I was and a UN force to police it. Nicosia there a couple of weeks ago. As is the last remaining divided city in ever, the congregation was too big Europe. for the building and the service was Many people who come here relayed to a small group outside. I on holiday, or indeed to live, are was dedicating a Celtic cross in completely unaware of the recent memory of a young man who died history and are content to live with some years ago. He was a Welsh the story they hear from the side speaker and it meant a lot to the they happen to be on. These vary family that the dedication could be very substantially. In this situation done in Welsh. Using Welsh in a the Anglican Church refuses to take service always brings other Welsh a political stance. It recognises that speakers to light and Kyrenia has the whole international community, more than most. Among them are with the exception of Turkey, does a couple I married in the Swan- not recognise the self-styled Turk- sea Valley 37 years ago. They said ish Republic of Northern Cyprus, it’s a small world, and indeed it is, and respects and works with that, but still not quite small enough to but maintains appropriate contact prevent a small island in the Medi- Jacqueline Crabtree-Jones presents her needlepoint Celtic Cross to St Andrew’s Church, Kyrenia, with the authorities on both sides terranean being bitterly divided. in memory of her son Toby Pobl Dewi, December 2014 19 continued from page 1 cially young women – to attend so we can meet them, advise them and Anglicans and the Congolese see how we can help them.” government are good, the Bishop And it’s the same in church. says. “We are trying to persuade “Here you have many churches them to make primary school with few people,” the Bishop education free and to pay teachers observed. “In Bukavu, there are more so that we can recruit staff.” few churches but they are full – up The plight of women is of to a thousand people at a service.” particular concern. Many have But ultimately, the Bishop says, been raped by the warring militias peace is the only solution to Buka- and, as a consequence, disowned vu’s problems – peace and good by their families. They have no government. And the Christian means of support. But donations denominations are united in their of sewing machines, for example, efforts to bring it about. have enabled some, at least, to start “Without peace,” he says, “you small businesses and earn a living. can’t evangelise – you can do noth- Similarly, in education, girls ing. So our challenge is to meet the come second. If there’s a son then rebels and the government to give his elder sister will have to leave peace a chance. With good govern- school if the parents can only afford ment everything can be changed.” to pay for one of them. But there is Meanwhile, until then, the no lack of thirst for knowledge. parcels and prayers of the people “Children often have to walk in St Davids diocese are helping up to five kilometres to get to greatly to make life in Bukavu that school,” Bishop Bahati told us. little bit better for thousands of “And we encourage adults – espe- fellow Christians.

You can listen to our interview with Bishop Bahati in full on the World Mission & Ecumenism page of the diocesan website: http://stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk/life/children-and-youth/worldmission Tri Dydd Sul yn Hydref In October Eluned Rees, with her husband, sister and brother-in-law, went on holiday to South America. They spent three weeks visiting Argentina, Patagonia and Brazil – it was an amazing experience

SUL cyntaf – Hedfan i mewn gwasanaeth syml yn y bore. Y i Buenos Aires, ac wedyn Yr ail Sul – Treulion ni dridiau gweld, ymysg pethau eraill, cartref yn ardal y gwinoedd, Mendoza, Eva Peron, a mynwent enwog gan flasu gwinoedd a chael gwers La Recoleta gyda dros 14 erw o goginio. Ond wedyn ymlaen i gerrig beddau a beddrodau enfawr. Batagonia. Yn 1865 aeth dros 100 Cawsom wers ‘Tango’ hefyd ond o Gymry yno i sefydlu’r Wladfa, ni fydd neb ohonon ni’n cystadlu er mwyn sefydlu cymdeithas ar ‘Strictly’! Ond ar fore Sul, wrth Gristnogol Cymraeg ei hiaith. Mae gerdded drwy’r strydoedd, clywais llawer iawn o hen gapeli yn sefyll emyn yn cael ei chanu, a chamais yn falch yno. Wedi treulio rhai i mewn i eglwys fach efengylaidd oriau yn yr Eisteddfod brynhawn yn llawn o sŵn gitâr a phobl ifainc dydd Sadwrn fe fuon yn canu yn hapus a brwdfrydig. Sbaeneg y Gymanfa Ganu yn Nhrelew Capel Bethel, Gaiman oedd yr iaith wrth gwrs. Fe fuom fore Sul. Cymraeg a Sbaeneg yn yr eglwys gadeiriol hefyd ond oedd ieithoedd y gwasanaeth, ni i gyd. Daw pobl o’r ardal, heb Y trydydd Sul – Wedi cyfnod hon. Codwyd y cerflun rhwng cefais mwy o fendith o fynychu›r ond yr emynau yn gyfarwydd i unrhyw gysylltiad â Chymru, i ar Benrhyn Valdes yn gweld 1922 a 1931 ac mae’n dros 98 glywed y canu. Roedd ymweliad â morfilod, morloi a llawer iawn troedfedd o uchder. Gallwch mynwent Capel Moreia, a darllen o bengwins, ac ymweliad â ddringo ato mewn bws a cherd- cerrig beddau rhai o’r ymfudwyr rhaeadrau enfawr Iguazu, fe ded o gwmpas ei draed. Mae’r cyntaf, yn emosiynol iawn. Roedd gyrhaeddon ni Rio de Janeiro. golygfeydd yn fythgofiadwy, a gan rhaid i ni flasu’r ‘Te Cymreig’ Heblaw am olygfeydd diddorol nad wyf yn hoff o uchder roedd ym mwyty ‘Tŷ Gwyn’ a chlywed traeth Copacabana, y mae cerflun un pip dros y dibyn yn ddigon! CD Dafydd Iwan yn y cefndir. Crist y Gwaredwr yn sefyll uwch- Y Sul canlynol, pleser mawr Fe gwrddon ni â llawer iawn o ben y ddinas, gyda’i freichiau ar oedd cael dychwelyd at fy eglwys siaradwyr Cymraeg o bob oed. led yn gwarchod y ddinas enfawr a’m ffrindiau yn Rhydaman.

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www.facebook.com/pobldewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro Crist y Gwaredwr 20 Pobl Dewi, December 2014 Book Reviews

the horrors of the Boxer Rebellion. A splendid book This was a violent uprising against Lavish and meticulously foreigners and foreign influence. Lives from a Black Tin Box Missionaries and local Christians, By Prudence Bell & Ronald as followers of a “foreign” reli- researched Clements gion, were ruthlessly persecuted. Pub: Authentic Media; 2014 Some escaped, but many, includ- Stained glass at the Church ISBN: 978-1-86024-931-0 ing children, were killed. Herbert of St Mary The Virgin, Tenby Price: £8.99 and Elizabeth (whose four chil- By Martin Crampin Lives from a Black Tin Box is a dren were at home in UK), with Pub: The Friends of St Mary’s; “must read”! their colleagues, hid in the hills 2014 Pru Bell (wife of Stuart, for several weeks, then they were Price: £2.50 available from retired Rector of Aberystwyth), captured and murdered in 1900. inside the church or e-mail: with her co-author Ronald Clem- In 2006 Pru and Stuart went [email protected] ents, tells the story of the life of to China, to the place where the That big things can come in small her great-grand parents, Herbert massacre took place. They saw the packages is certainly true of this and Elizabeth Dixon, and of their memorial stone and the mission guide. The covers, depicting details martyr death in China. The narra- buildings and met local Chris- of the windows within St Mary’s tive moves effortlessly from place tians who proved to have very long Church, immediately convey the to place. Elizabeth (1855-1900) memories. quality of the text within. The was brought up as a farmer’s daugh- This is indeed a splendid book. church has a fine selection of ter, Welsh speaking, in St Davids, It is written with imagination, clar- stained glass windows, spanning then went to London to train as a ety (BMS) as a pioneer missionary, ity and careful research. It gives a the period 1856-1985. One can nurse. Herbert (1856-1900) was returned home in poor health, and vivid description of life in Victo- imagine that such a fine church brought up in London, schooled in married Elizabeth in Gwastad rian Wales and London, Congo and once had good medieval glass, allowing light into the church. the London Orphan Asylum after Chapel, Llysyfran, Pembrokeshire. China. It speaks of faith, prayer, but what exists clearly shows the By the late Victorian period, the early death of his father, then Both of them then went, with BMS, courage and sacrifice. changing tastes in stained glass many stained glass windows had trained to be a doctor at University as medical missionaries, helping to Buy it, read it, give it away. over a relatively short period. Some become rather formulaic, but the College Hospital, London, where bring the Gospel for the first time You will be informed, inspired, of the windows are of outstanding Arts and Crafts movement intro- he met and fell in love with Eliz- to parts of China. moved, challenged and humbled. It quality. duced fresh ideas in composition abeth. He then went to the Congo After 15 years of hard, but fruit- certainly had that effect on me. Crampin includes lavish and manufacture, as evidenced by with the Baptist Missionary Soci- ful work, they were caught up in Revd Bill Lewis illustrations of all the windows the memorial window to Lt-Col within the church accompanied H. M. Henderson, killed in action by meticulously researched notes in 1917. The scene of the soldier and descriptions. Stained glass receiving the crown of life at the windows were very much part of feet of the risen Christ is highly A fascinating and accessible read the Gothic Revival, and with the original, as are the use of textured growth in church restorations, it antique glass and the arresting and became increasingly common- intense colours. By contrast, the The Great and Holy War: his concluding statement being place for local families to donate parish First World War memorial How World War One that “only now, after a century, are memorial stained glass. The earli- window of 1920 is static in compo- Changed Religion for Ever we beginning to understand how est window at Tenby was donated sition and colour, despite being by By Philip Jenkins utterly that war destroyed one reli- in 1856, during the extensive the respected firm of Kempe & Co. Pub: Lion Hudson; 2014 gious world and created another.” restorations carried out under the Crampin examines not only ISBN: 978-0-7459-5672-5 As Christians, we live in a architect, David Brandon. This the subject matter of each window Price (hardback): £18.99; troubled and troubling world, and is the splendid altar window, a in detail, but also those respon- available in paperback March cannot turn our back on that world memorial to the Tuder family, sible for commissioning them, 2015 any more than God does: “God so designed by one of the best firms with some amusing and touching Every year, Remembrance Sun- loved the world…” Rather we are of the day, Wailes of Newcastle. anecdotes. day marks a significant date in called to confront the reality of the The dazzling colours and sharply- Every church with a good the calendar, both for the wider world, and to see the ways in which defined figures are typical of the collection of stained glass should community and local congrega- our faith is shaped by it, and can High Victorian glass of the 1850s have a guide like this, and for tions. This year has had a special shape our life in it. I found this book and 60s. The large west window of lovers of stained glass, the book significance, marking the cente- to provide excellent support to that 1882 (by Clayton & Bell, another should also be viewed in conjunc- nary of the outbreak of the First calling, as well as being fascinating renowned firm) shows the trend tion with Crampin’s superb Stained World War. We have been called reading. Highly recommended! towards darker and richer colours, Glass from Welsh Churches (2014). upon to remember the lives of Revd Dr John Gillibrand countered by the elaborate white those who made such a great sacri- global Christianity. Yet this is also Rob Scourfield glass canopies framing each scene, fice, as well as those who returned history written in such a way as to home to face years of mental and be highly accessible to the general physical ill health. Our Easter faith, reader. It is a book of tremendous our proclamation of Easter hope, is range and interest. His central always central to Remembrance contention is given in the intro- Contributions to Pobl Dewi Sunday. duction: “Without appreciating its We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, we religious and spiritual aspects we would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. Global Christianity cannot understand the First World As a graduate historian, with a War. More important, though, the Articles should be sent to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, lifelong interest in the subject, I world’s modern religious history [email protected] very much looked forward to read- makes no sense except in the or photographs accompanied by a maximum of 50 words can be posted to: ing the book under review, Philip context of that terrible conflict. The Jenkins’ The Great and Holy War: war created our reality.” In support Pobl Dewi, How World War One Changed of that contention, he takes us The Diocesan Office, Abergwili, Carmarthen SA31 2JG, Religion for Ever. The author is the across continents – from Europe, marked for the attention of ‘The Editor’ Distinguished Professor of History, to the Middle East, to Armenia, to and a member of the Institute for Africa – and into the lives of differ- Studies of Religion, at Baylor ent faith communities, Christian, Disclaimer University. He has produced, as Jewish and Muslim. Pobl Dewi and the diocese of St Davids take no responsibility, liability or share the views or might be expected, a work of the He argues that on the centenary opinions of any articles contained herein. All information is the responsibility of the person or highest academic standard, taking of the war, we are just beginning organisation submitting the article. Pobl Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions its place within his wider study of to grasp its consequences, with