Meithrin Gobaith Growing Hope www.stdavids.churchinwales.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi September / Medi 2018

“Now, secondary education has been secured for a generation. My daughter, who left here last year, will be able to send her children to Faith-based learning the school she attended.” But one thing underpins all the others: faith. David Haynes was surprised to learn, when he arrived in St Davids, that Ysgol Dewi Sant wasn’t a church school already, given the central role the cathe- dral plays in the city and the links from cradle to college between church and education that date back to the 12th century. There are church schools all over Wales and the world. “We work very closely with the Church anyway – the cathedral, the But none quite like the new one in St Davids music department. And being offi- cially a VA Church in Wales school SGOL Penrhyn Dewi into an integrated unit working groups can work with each other. year. Instead, you’re building on will enhance that and re-affirm the Voluntary Aided (VA) across the three sites: Dewi, Non So, for example, Year 6 pupils the strengths of children coming Christian values we already have, YSchool is the first church and Aidan. will be on Dewi campus for three through from Year 7, maintaining which will benefit the children and school in Wales that teaches chil- David Haynes (pictured below) days a fortnight and, while they’re momentum.” the community. dren right through from age three believes this will bring signifi- there, Year 7 children will be work- And there’s more. Five “I think it was a natural progres- to sixteen. It’s also the first church cant benefits. “We can track the ing in the predominantly primary years ago, Ysgol Dewi Sant was sion for this school to become a secondary school in St Davids pupils from cradle to college,” he Non campus where they’ll have earmarked for closure. David church school again. I think the Diocese since the 1920s. explains, “making the best use of the opportunity to work with Year Haynes believes that would have led school’s coming home really, back “We’re unique!” head teacher resources, facilities and staff. 5, on reading perhaps. They’ll ultimately to the loss of the primary to where it should be within the David Haynes proudly proclaims. “The children can work across have these opportunities on a schools, too, turning the peninsula Church.” The new establishment is an the campuses providing them with weekly basis which they wouldn’t into ‘an educational wasteland’. amalgamation of the Ysgol Dewi facilities they would not otherwise normally have. Sant secondary and Ysgol Bro have, such as the sports hall, labo- “You’re also getting rid of Dewi primary schools, in St Davids ratories and technology rooms. the transition [from primary to itself, and Solva Primary School, “And children in different year secondary] that can lead to a lost New Standard at Prendergast

Members of the Royal British Legion (RBL) Haverfordwest Branch, guests, and congregation attended the dedication of a new branch standard in St Davids Church, Prendergast, on Sunday 12th July. The standard was blessed by Chaplain Revd Marianne Osborne and was paraded in Belgium at the Menin Gate, with standards from all the other RBL UK branches, in August FOCUS ON FAITH IN SCHOOLS – Pages 10 & 11 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, September 2018 The Evangelism and Evangelisation Group Preaching the gospel is a Christian imperative but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. Bishop Joanna looks forward to planting new seeds of faith across our diocese URELY the diocese has enough and truth. Evangelism is proclaim- life, death and resurrection, who S groups, why have I founded ing God has reconciled the world to will? If we do not proclaim that another one? Why an Evangelism himself in the life, death and resur- ‘he will come again in glory’, who and Evangelisation Group? How rection of our Lord Jesus Christ. It will? is that different from the Parish is proclaiming that God has nailed I have called together the Evan- Growth Group? our sins to the cross and pulled the gelism and Evangelisation group so Parish Growth helps local ground from under the feet of the that proclaiming the Christian faith churches grow. That includes evan- ‘powers and principalities’. becomes something we are commit- gelism but growing your church Yes, we hope that the end result ted to as a diocese and not just includes helping people find their of evangelisation will be growing something we expect local churches way back to church, making the our local churches but it is bigger to do. The Parish Growth Group and most of pastoral opportunities, help- than that. It is something worth the Evangelism and Evangelisation ing people who became Christians as doing even though its fruits might Group will work together to support children, but don’t go to church now, take time to mature and ripen. churches in making disciples but cross the threshold and join you. Lots of our parish growth strate- the Evangelism and Evangelisa- Evangelism and evangelisation gies assume that people understand tion Group, with Mones, our new is sharing the gospel, making disci- Christianity but there are many, Archdeacon for New Christian ples and proclaiming the Lordship many people for whom the Chris- Communities, will work to embed Sowing seeds of faith: Bishop Joanna answers questions at a of Christ over the world and over tian faith is a complete unknown. proclaiming the Christian faith into 2018 Holy Week Mission our society’s norms and struc- Some people don’t know who every level of our diocesan life and tures. It’s proclaiming that God Jesus is, or what we believe about to grow new churches, not just new college, St John’s College, Notting- The Evangelism and Evangelisa- will judge us by God’s standards Him. If we do not proclaim who disciples. ham, whose motto was: ‘Woe to tion Group exists to make sure we of goodness, kindness, compassion Jesus is and the significance of his I was trained at a theological me, if I do not preach the gospel’. do just that. Clergy Archidiaconal Days

Following the cancellation of this year’s clergy conference, due to a double booking on the part of the venue, Bishop Joanna used three of the days for a series of Archidiaconal meetings asking clergy to look at their new Local Ministry Areas (LMAs). And so the Archdeaconries of Carmarthen, Cardigan and St Davids met on the 10th,11th and 12th July. The Bishop attended each of the sessions. Paul Mackness, Archdeacon of St Davids, is encouraged FTER the Continuing Minis stated intent was to get the clergy to of the proposed LMA Ministry A terial Development day begin to look beyond just the provi- Teams, from video presentations, earlier in the year, when the sion of regular Sunday ministry, to a film with narration, Powerpoint three archdeacons gave presenta- be more missional in their outlook, and what was almost a comedy tions on the potential for mission to identify potential areas for new duologue. It is hoped that some of and evangelism in their respec- mission and outreach, and ways in these presentations can be shown at tive archdeaconries, the Bishop which more could be achieved by Diocesan Conference in October. Discussions at the Carmarthen Archdeaconry clergy meeting had now asked the clergy of each working across a wider area with Following the presentations, of the proposed LMAs to do the more people with a greater variety Lindy Wainwright facilitated The days were, from the point LMAs. The road to getting all of same, giving a presentation to of talents. the rest of the days by making of view of the Bishop’s staff, very our new LMAs up and running and colleagues. As had happened previ- Many of the clergy had em- comment on some of the content productive and positive and we working well is going to be a long ously, the method of delivery was braced this challenge and, in my of the presentations, giving some were all impressed by the effort and one, but this was a very good start left up to the individual LMAs and own archdeaconry, the presenta- truths and challenges to what lies energy that had been put into the and, hopefully, the shape of things were supposed to last 10 minutes tions were delivered in a range ahead and some potential ways to presentations as well as the level of to come. (though this was a little fluid). The of ways and by varying numbers embrace and engage with them. collaboration from across the new

on the 9th August, identified “a tence and devotion to Christ.” Lessons to be learnt culture of acceptance of abusive The inquiry again identified At the recent Carmarthen behaviour” with monks in both a failure to follow safeguarding Archdeanconry clergy Robust safeguarding procedures are essential to create a ‘Safe schools described as “secretive and procedures such that “Ball found the meeting, Patrick Thomas evasive.” Safeguarding procedures ‘perfect cover’ for his sex offending Church’. Diocesan Safeguarding Support Officer, Lynn Rees, made a presentation on were not followed and child protec- in the Church of England, and the considers early findings of the IICSA Independent Inquiry behalf of the proposed tion concerns were not reported. As perfect accomplices in fellow bish- Bro Caerfyrddin LMA. a result, the inquiry identifies that ops who turned a blind eye to his OLLOWING a number of high Wales, have been launched by the The presentation “safeguarding children was less actions.” Fprofile cases, the independent inquiry “to understand how such was a work of light- inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse institutions have failed to protect important than the reputation of the Both examples demonstrate hearted fiction up to was set up “to consider the extent children from sexual abuse.” Church and the wellbeing of the a failure to follow safeguarding a point but contained to which State and non-State insti- The inquiry will also exam- abusive monks.” procedures, including a failure a serious message. tutions have failed in their duty of ine the reviews of historic cases, The inquiry has also completed to record and report concerns. care to protect children from sexual completed by both institutions, to public hearings into the Diocese Two seminar days will be held in The Archdeacon of abuse and exploitation.” Chaired by ensure that safeguarding proce- of Chichester and abuse commit- London, this month and next April, Carmarthen highly Professor Alexis Jaye, the inquiry dures were followed and concerns ted by Bishop Peter Ball. While to consider Mandatory Reporting. recommends ‘Cosmo will consider what action has been were reported to police and social the inquiry has yet to publish this Preliminary IICSA hearings which and the LMA (Larger taken and what further steps are services. report, evidence was heard that will focus on the Anglican Church, Mousing Area)’ necessary to protect children. The inquiry has already exam- “Ball had admitted to being naked including the Church in Wales, are which can be read Thirteen investigations into ined case studies of abuse that with, caressing, anointing and phys- planned for January 2019 and there at https://stdavids. a broad range of institutions, occurred at Ampleforth and Down- ically assaulting young men who are likely to be further organisational churchinwales.org.uk/ including the Roman Catholic and side Roman Catholic Independent were told that these practices were and associated recommendations life/pobldewi/pdextra/ Anglican Churches in England and Schools. The report, published an expression of humiliation, peni- for us to consider. Pobl Dewi, September 2018 3 Appointments Architect and enthusiast Andrew Faulkner is delighted to be the new Chair of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). He looks forward to helping the committee develop its role assisting in the care of our church buildings and supporting communities AVING grown up in Pem- focussing on historic building H brokeshire and schooled in projects, which is going well and Penally and Tenby (I was involved growing steadily. in music and worship at St Mary’s Outside the offi ce, I enjoy Church at a young age), I moved to spending time with my family, Cardiff to study at the Welsh School getting out in the landscape, and of Architecture, going on to work at drawing and painting (architecture established practices in Wales and and landscape). Somerset. I was fortunate to work It is an interesting time for the with some very talented colleagues DAC, a time of change; not least Revd Alun Evans Revd Belinda Roberts on some magnifi cent buildings, having two new Archdeacons, a appointed Stipendiary Assistant appointed NSM(L) Curate in including parish churches and a new Secretary and Chair, but also Curate in the Benefi ce of the Benefi ce of Jeff reyston number of medieval cathedrals with the transition to the Online Llanbadarn Fawr & Elerch & w Reynoldston & Loveston (including St Davids: The Cloisters Faculty System and the introduc- Penrhyncoch & Capel Bangor, & Martletwy w Lawrenny & Project and Tŷ’r Pererin), castles, tion of the Faculty Simplifi cation 5 July 2018 Yerbeston, 26 June 2018 historic houses, monuments and Measure. structures, mainly in Wales and the Although these changes require South West of England. This gave Andrew Faulkner some adjustments (for the commit- me the opportunity to become an tee, the diocese and parishes), I Accredited Conservation Architect live in the diocese, closer together am confi dent that they will bring (AABC) from 2011. and to re-immerse myself in the signifi cant benefi ts in simplifying I took a nine-month sabbati- incredible heritage and landscape the faculty system and the transpar- cal in 2010 when awarded a of Wales. The move presented the ency and timeliness of advice and Scholarship by the Society for the ideal opportunity to establish my decision-making. Protection of Ancient Buildings own architectural practice, Andrew (SPAB), during which I travelled Faulkner Associates Ltd throughout the UK and beyond, www.andrewfaulkner.net learning about historic buildings and their care, and even doing some hands-on work from time to Revd John Cecil time. A terrifi c opportunity and a appointed Stipendiary Priest- very enjoyable time. in-Charge of the Parish of I am keen to encourage train- Steynton and Deputy Diocesan ing in building conservation, and Director of Education, Revd Delyth Richards led key modules of the MSc in 1 September 2018 appointed Stipendiary Sustainable Building Conservation Associate Priest of (Cardiff University) for a number Christchurch, Carmarthen, of years. I continue to lecture about 1 September 2018, and building conservation, quinquen- Diocesan Schools Offi cer, nial surveys and drawing skills in 14 September 2018 Cardiff and elsewhere. Following the birth of our daughter, Jessica, my wife and I were keen to relocate to West Wales. This was a great chance to We will remember them bring my family, several of whom

Ambitious plans have been made at A Remembrance Festival will be St Peter’s Church, Little Newcas- held at St Mary’s Church, Begelly, tle, to mark the centenary of the on 10th and 11th November, Ordinations at St Davids Cathedral, 30 June 2018 Armistice in November. Among the 10am-3.30pm, when poppies and commemorative events planned is war memorabilia will be on display, a ‘Fence of Remembrance’ which telling the stories of the men from will be erected along the churchyard the parish who gave their lives for hedge in imitation of a World War I their country. On Saturday 10th, trench wall. This will be dedicated at 1.30pm, local historian David on 8th November with the help of Llewellyn will be giving a talk enti- pupils from Ysgol Casmael and the tled ‘Voices from Gallipoli – The Royal British Legion. Pembrokeshire Territorial Army in For the Remembrance Sunday the Middle East’. Entry to the festi- service it is hoped to decorate the val is free, but donations will be church on the theme of ‘from war to welcome for church funds. peace’ with artefacts and commem- * * * oratives relating to the twin aspects The St Davids Guild of Bellring- of the theme. It is also hoped to ers will be one of hundreds taking produce a ‘fall of poppies’. part in Battle's Over, an interna- On the Sunday evening it is tional event using church bells to proposed to ring the church bell commemorate the centenary, from and then surround the Castle Green 6.55pm, on Armistice Day, 11th with a circle of light symbolising November. The guild has 15 towers the light of peace emerging from across the diocese and it is hoped as We keep all those ordained in our prayers the darkness of war. many as possible will participate. 4 Pobl Dewi, September 2018 LMAs: a strategy for mission As Local Ministry Areas (LMAs) form, the temptation is to focus on managing a rota of services that rely less on the clergy. While that is important, it will not, in itself, advance the mission of the church, writes Jeremy Martineau HE 93% of the population that alien. I recommend a more easily pects for the young, poverty or Thave little or no contact with understood and accepted word: ageing. Report findings to the church/chapel are generally igno- “engagement”. LMA Council. rant of the Christian faith story and How can the faithful remnant • LMA Council to ask each uninterested in what happens in engage more effectively with the congregation to list all other the formal worship that is on offer. rest of society? Ideally this process social groups active in the The traditional approach in trying is carried out ecumenically, as ministry area. to invite people from that huge all are feeling the same strain of • LMA Council to find ways of majority is not effective in rural reducing numbers, old buildings checking out locally if these areas as the patterns of belonging, and fewer trained ministers. issues are those which are or not, are set early. New congrega- Here are some ideas for how uppermost for everyone else. tion members tend to be incomers to build on the engagement that is • Identify in the congregations who “bring their faith practice with underused in most congregations. those whose work, professional the engagement group to plan ministers on how to bring faith them”. • Discuss in each congregation or voluntary, involves address- how the congregations can be resources to bear on the issue The word “mission” has over- what the main issues are that ing any of the issues. better informed on the intri- – prayer, support and encour- tones of Victorian insistence of concern those among whom • Choose one issue to focus on cacies of the issue and how agement for those involved as Africans needing to dress like Euro- they live. These issues may across the LMA and establish local groups can become more workers or clients, designing peans. Even the word “outreach” be, for example, mental health, an engagement group for that involved in addressing it. a special service (which may implies grabbing someone and loneliness, access to facilities, issue. • The engagement group may best be held in a non-church pulling them into something climate change, poor job pros- • Invite an expert to work with need to be advised by one of the setting).

who will be charged with support- Transition update ing its active churches and looking Risk-taking in a modern at the bigger picture of mission and For the first cohort of new Local Ministry Areas (LMAs), licensing evangelism, so that we may grow is fast approaching, following a period of reflection and self- and make new disciples as Christ context examination by each of the parishes who will come together to asked us to. form brand new areas of mission. It’s been a very busy year says My team and I, the archdea- Marianne Osborne, Diocesan Transition Missioner cons and the Abergwili staff team are just beginning to work with OR most of the churches, the brass you’ll continue to do so; if the next group of potential LMAs. Fprospect of joining and work- you’ve looked after the graveyard As we move forward, our knowl- ing in a much larger area has been then please keep doing it; if you edge and experience in forming daunting, and, of course, it will are part of the fundraising group LMAs increases – please pray for take a period of time to get up then keep at it! The day-to-day our diocese at this crucial time and running. Some of the most running will continue to be in the and, above all, remain positive. As frequently asked questions during hands of those who love the church worshipping communities, there © https://commons.wikimedia.org/Barbudo my preparatory sessions are ‘What – those who are the worshipping are so many opportunities ahead of Barbudo © Motorrad-67 will happen to our finances?’; ‘Will community. us within these new ministry areas Although the Church Mission Society might seem to be a relic our churches lose their identities The major change will be the if we open our hearts and minds to of the colonial era, their new UK-based initiative is more likely and individuality?’; ‘Will we have formation of an LMA council. This change and work together to make to involve motorcycle helmets than pith helmets, as parishioners a say in the everyday life of our will comprise representatives from it fruitful. are encouraged to take risks and fully involve themselves in their church?’ each church within the new LMA, The answers are that each communities, even with groups generally not known for their church will continue to be respon- piety, like members of the local bikers club. Those seeking a sible for their own finances, paying quick fix need not apply, says Huw Anderson, Diocesan Mission of ministry share and fundraising, Resources Officer so no major change there. We are NEW initiative from the beliefs. One is that in mission we encouraging the blossoming of the A Church Mission Society must always follow God’s lead and individuality of churches, which (CMS) called the ‘Partnership discern where he is already at work. is important, as each and every for Missional Church’ has been That seems almost simplistic, church has its own identity which hailed as a great success after a and yet it is surprising how much should be celebrated. At the end of trial period in several English mission activity boils down to our the day, the churches on the ground dioceses. However, the CMS best ideas about what we might will be run by the people who are insists this is not another quick do, rather than listening patiently the church: if you’ve cleaned the fix. Preparing the church for such to God. The second is that mission risky involvement in their local must always take our local context communities takes at least three seriously, not simply rejecting what than always offering hospitality in years and involves deep and often we find there, but discerning what a church-led context. Despite the painful cultural change. Yet, as is good and working with it for the risks, the evidence seems to be Revd Philip Mounstephen, Execu- sake of the Kingdom of God.” that such an outward and humble See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil! Transition Ministry stall at tive Leader of the CMS, states: The aim is not firstly to fill the focus normally energises church the Pembrokeshire County Show “When we in Church Mission pews but to build bridges of trust members and the fruit is eventu- Society first came across Part- and goodwill with the surround- ally seen in giving, relevance and nership for Missional Church ing community that will allow attendance. But remember, those we felt a deep resonance with its a mutual giving and receiving. seeking a quick fix need not apply. Am ragor o erthyglau, nad oedd hi’n bosib eu cynnwys yn y rhifyn core values. They reflect deep Indeed, one of the habits parish- More information about this hwn, ynghyd â chyfieithiad o rai ohonynt, ewch i dudalen convictions about mission that we ioners must learn is to deliberately inspiring initiative can be found at: PD Extra ar ein gwefan: have held ever since our founda- leave their own comfort zones https://churchmissionsociety.org/ www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ tion. Chief amongst them are two and receive from outsiders, rather partnership-missional-church Pobl Dewi, September 2018 5

Growing Hope

obaith eithrin G M Hope Growing Greater than Gold The Junior Singers at St Mary’s Church, Haverfordwest, came into being just a year ago and several of the children are now regulars in the church choir. Parents often come along with them, so it is a positive outreach initiative which is bearing fruit for the Kingdom, writes John Saxbee HE children, all aged under tells the story of Mary Jones and a deep faith and heard the Bible T12, practise every week her Bible, a story which Wales has read at chapel every week. In the under the direction of Gill White, given to the world and one which evenings, they would enjoy re-tell- even younger than Mary herself, which we hope they will treasure whose leadership qualities have has been re-told many times. ing their favourite stories. Mary was impressed everyone with their all- as much as Mary treasured hers. encouraged the Junior Singers Nevertheless, Greater than Gold just in her early teens, but she was round ability and sincerity. At the A retiring collection of £200 and enabled them to reach musi- was an ideal way for the children to determined to learn to read, and to end of the performance they were was donated to support Syrian cal heights which have delighted demonstrate what they have learnt earn money to buy a Bible of her rewarded with prolonged applause. refugees in Pembrokeshire, and a everyone. Thus it was that they and what they can achieve. own. At last she had earned enough, Gill (pictured second from local creative art group who made enthralled a large audience on a Mary Jones lived with her and walked 28 miles to buy a Bible left), who is a Churchwarden at St the scenery. lovely July evening (4th) with their family in a small north-Wales from the Minister in Bala. Mary’s, directed the production, The production was made rendition of Roger Jones’ musical, village. They were not well off , In a sequence of wonder- ably accompanied by Pat Barker. possible by a grant from a fund Greater than Gold. could not read and did not possess fully tuneful songs, the story Appropriately, each performer administered by the Diocesan Chil- The award-winning musical a Bible at home. However, they had unfolds and the Junior Singers, all was presented with a new Bible dren and Youth Team.

ences of people who have found some practical ideas on how to A season of invitation this seasonal approach helpful in make small changes in the culture Do you want your friends to know Jesus, to know his saving their churches, together with some of our churches so that they are and restoring power in their lives and to know his guidance attractive resources to help you welcoming to those who are new to the faith, to those who want to fi nd and company though the rest of their lives? Why not invite invite your friends. out more about a personal faith in them to something a bit special at your church this autumn, Peter is a member of the newly- established Parish Growth Group, Christ and making churches places where they might hear more about the message of Jesus, which Bishop Joanna has set up to where Christians are able to grow suggests Judith Aveson look into ways of breathing vitality and fl ourish in their faith. VER the past few years, who used to go to church but don’t into our churches and encourag- O the Anglican Church has now, so Back to Church Sunday nvitation.co.uk © seasonofi ing younger people into our church promoted a Back to Church now forms part of an extended Peter Jones, the Priest-in-Charge of families. The group will be look- Sunday. Many churches that have season of invitation. This makes Monkton, has used the Season of ing at what is happening in our used this idea, with congregations the most of Harvest, Remembrance Invitation in the past and found that diocese with regard to growth and inviting their friends, colleagues Sunday, Advent Sunday and Christ- the congregation was glad to have what others have discovered about and family members, have seen a mas, when people who would something to hand to their friends vigorous church life. The season growth in people coming to church not normally be in church could listing the forthcoming special of invitation has come up in our as well as those coming to know come along. Another opportunity events. He used the website http:// discussions. We have also been Jesus for themselves. might be a service on All Souls’ seasonofi nvitation.co.uk to put reading The Healthy Church Hand- However, this initiative, on the Day, when the church remembers together a menu for the autumn. book by Robert Warren (Church face of it, suggests that it is for those those in the parish who have died. This website includes the experi- House Publishing). The author has nvitation.co.uk © seasonofi

Welsh and the course leaders aim to have as many participants as possi- An international ministry ble using the medium of Welsh. From its beginning some years in a rural setting ago, Christianity Explored has become an international minis- People who live in rural areas get used to travelling long distances try, reaching people all around for almost everything. But why should they travel to a town to the world. The experience of hear about Jesus? No reason at all, says Will Strange those running the course is that it HAT is the thinking behind a Jesus? Why did Jesus come? What has helped many people into the TChristianity Explored course, does it mean for us? In each of Christian faith. As one partici- which will be running in Ystrad the seven sessions of the course, pant said: “No question was too Meurig this autumn. Ystrad Meurig participants also look at sections of simple; it allowed me to explore has a long association with teach- Mark’s gospel, so they can be sure my issues with Christianity.” But ing, and learning about, the Christian for themselves that what the course equally valuable is the way it can faith and today the Canolfan Edward is telling them does in fact check help those already in the church to Richard off ers an ideal location for a out with what the gospels say about discover more and become more As a Christian you have good news September to 25th October in course intended to introduce people the person and work of Jesus. confi dent in their faith. To quote to tell them about, and what better Canolfan Edward Richard (SY25 to the person of Jesus and what he The DVD and participants’ another participant: “It was great to way could there be to do that? 6AA). means for us. handbook are available in a number be able to build an understanding Evenings will begin at 7.30pm More details from Revd Christianity Explored uses of languages, but Welsh is not one of what I believed.” with coff ee and cake and each Stephen Edwards (01974 241531) video and discussion to answer of them (yet). However, copies of If you are in north Ceredigion, session will fi nish between 8.30 or Revd Aled Lewis (01974 three basic questions: Who is Mark’s gospel will be available in then this is for you – and a friend. and 9.00. Thursdays from 13th 831518). 6 Pobl Dewi, September 2018

Shlag o’r Almaen wedi ysgrifennu Flanders’ Fields’gan gofio bod yn Almaeneg, a diddorol oedd ei thadcu yn adrodd hwn yn Cofio’r Cadoediad clywed y cerddi gwreiddiol a’r feunyddiol iddi, ac ymatebodd cerddi newydd yn cael eu darl- â cherdd o’i gwaith ei hun. len yn Saesneg gan gyfieithydd Bydd y cerddi yn cael mewn cerddi talentog a allodd gadw naws eu cyhoeddi mewn cyfrol barddonol y cerddi gwreiddiol. maes o law gan yr Ŵyl, ac fe One of the events during the Hay Festival this year was a session to remember the Yr olaf i ddarllen oedd yr noddwyd y digwyddiad gan Yr Armistice of 1918. Owen Sheers and Mererid Hopwood, representing Wales, read enwog Margaret Atwood, y Amgueddfa Ryfel Imperialaidd. their own poems reflecting on Wilfred Owen and Hedd Wyn, respectively. In another nofelydd a’r bardd o Ganada. Yr oedd Mererid Hopwood discussion session with Welsh poets, considering the effect of the Great War on the Adroddodd hi ar ei chof ‘In hefyd yn rhan o drafodaeth people of Wales, Mererid showed ‘The King’s Penny’ or ‘Great Penny’, given to her gyda dau fardd Cymraeg yn great-great-grandmother as ‘payment’ for the loss of her son in the last days of the war trafod effaith y Rhyfel Mawr ar Gymru ac ymateb y Cymry. NG Ngŵyl y Gelli eleni bu o gerddi Wilfred Owen, ac a ladd cyn derbyn y clod a’r wobr. Daeth â ‘Cheiniog y Brenin’ digwyddiad i gofio am y ysgrifennodd gerdd yn Saesneg, Mae’r Gadair honno, wrth gwrs, Y neu’r ‘Geiniog Fawr’ gyda hi, Cadoediad yn 1918. Gofynnwyd a Mererid Hopwood a adrod- i’w gweld yn ei gartref yn fferm sef darn arian a roddwyd i’w hen i feirdd o wahanol wledydd a dodd hanes Hedd Wyn wrth y Yr Ysgwrn, ger Trawsfynydd. hen famgu yn ‘dâl’ am fywyd effeithiwyd gan y Rhyfel Mawr i gynnulleidfa cyn darllen cerdd Yr oedd Tishani Doshi o’r ei mab a laddwyd yn nyddiau ddewis cerdd neu ysgogiad arall o’i gwaith yn y Gymraeg. Yr India wedi ei symbylu gan lythyr olaf y Rhyfel Byd Cyntaf. o’r cyfnod hwnnw ac ymateb oedd ei cherdd hi yn adleisio’r milwr oedd wedi gadael India mewn cerdd wreiddiol eu hunain. geiriau ‘Gwae fi’ sy’n ymddangos i ymladd yng ngwlad Belg, ac Cynrychiolwyd Cymru gan yn yr awdl a enillodd Y Gadair na ddaeth yn ôl. Yr oedd Ylrich Owen Sheers a ddewisodd un Ddu i Hedd Wyn, er iddo gael ei Almut Sandig o Awstria, ac Evelyn Science, faith and the The sinking of the Saint Patrick Sarah Geach tells the moving story of a little-known WW2 maritime disaster, Pilgrim Church and the Remembrance Service held every year at sea N the early hours of 13 June and taken to Milford Haven. Rosslare. That action resulted in The rural Pilgrim Church at Bletherston has become a pilot I1941, the Rosslare to Fishguard Many of those survivors owed the death of a crew member, whose project within the diocese, which seeks to explore the possibility ferry was nearing Strumble Head their lives to Jack Faraday, son of son was among the crew killed in of maintaining a sacred space for occasional traditional Christian with most of her 50 passengers the ship’s captain, Jim Faraday. 1941. Some suggest that the Brit- community worship in parallel with an attempt to respond asleep. Suddenly, above the Irish Jack was a strong swimmer and ish-Irish owned ferry was flying a imaginatively to “seekers and pilgrims” who remain very much in Sea, a German bomber appeared had rescued people from the water, British flag, and so, for the bomber, evidence within our society, as Derek Davies explains and machine-gun fire strafed the helping them into a ship’s life- was a legitimate target. deck. The plane then released boat. When he realised his father This maritime disaster involv- ITH these dual objectives in of companionship between science several bombs, the first striking was still onboard, he rushed back ing a civilian ship has been little Wmind, on 15th June, the local and religion, which hitherto has the fuel tanks, setting them on fire. to save him, but, tragically, they recognised. Yet, annually on community reflected the national been so prominent in the Anglican The ship broke in half and, within both drowned. Others were saved Remembrance weekend, the ferry recognition being extended at a tradition. five minutes, she sank. Of those on that day by the stewardess, Eliza- from Rosslare stops at the point rather different venue, Westmin- Explanatory notes took the visi- board, 30 (18 crew, 12 passengers) beth May Owen, who repeatedly where the Saint Patrick sank. An ster Abbey, where the cremated tor through some landmark events were killed or drowned. When the went below deck to guide people act of remembrance, led by the port remains of Stephen Hawking were of the time, in which science made Fishguard lifeboat arrived on the to a lifeboat. Her bravery was later chaplain, takes place, involving being interred, in close proximity such an impact on religious belief: scene all that was evident was a recognised when she was awarded representatives of the Royal British to the memorials to Darwin and the simplistic view, often errone- trail of oil bubbles and two boxes the George Medal. Legion, Stena Line, the local town Newton. But another story was ously portrayed, of the hostility of fish (later identified as cargo Why the Luftwaffe targeted council of Fishguard and Good- also being recalled at an exhibition of the Church of Rome towards from the ferry). The Fishguard and a clearly marked civilian ship wick and a detachment of sea and at Bletherston. Galileo; the dawning of a heliocen- St Davids lifeboats and a naval remains a mystery, although the army cadets. Then wreathes are Reference to clerics of another tric perspective and a revision of vessel searched for survivors but previous year a German plane had cast into the sea to remember those age, such as Ray, Gilbert White, humanity’s perceived place in crea- found nothing. It later transpired strafed the Saint Patrick as she who lost their lives in this tragedy. Paley and Keble Martin are clues tion; the tendency to a mechanistic that some people had been saved was travelling from Fishguard to but the artefacts on display perhaps view of the natural world which revealed more. The works of taxi- followed Newton; the adjustments dermy, a microscope for the minute in chronology necessary between of Charles Darwin published in and a telescope for the stars, Archbishop Usher’s accurate work, 1859, which, sadly, continues to be together with an orrery, reveal that with its mistaken methodology and viewed as a challenge to faith by we were in the study of the Victo- the indications of the new science some. rian Parson Naturalist and the age of geology, and, finally, the work Thus, the twin themes of the event were a distant echo to West- minster Abbey and a protest against the apparent passing of an earlier integration of thought. Science today is, of course, a highly special- ised business although we do hear of ‘citizen science’ but the exhi- bition sought to dispel, for young people in particular, the notion that there is a dichotomy between science and faith – both seek truth as the Dean of Westminster was noted as observing. In retro- spect, perhaps, when recalling the enthusiastic reaction of one young Service of Remembrance marking the sinking of the Saint visitor the event was an exercise in Patrick. Detachment of sea and army cadets aboard the Stena ‘Mission’ in this respect. Europe, November 2016 Pobl Dewi, September 2018 7 24/7, not just for A well-deserved Sundays accolade Roger Haggar, from St Michael’s Church, Llandre, near Aberystwyth, is one of seven Robb Wainwright, Diocesan Lay Development Officer, calls us to volunteers to be awarded the first Marsh Church and Community Volunteer Awards be open about our faith and consider whether we are called to help others do the same HE awards celebrate people times hidden places for both local information about the church and who have had great ideas and visitors. surrounding area. It also has a S I reflect on, and celebrate, T about using their church building, St Michael’s Church, Llan- heritage trail through the extensive 40 years of marriage, it occurs A have contributed significantly to dre, is open every day and, thanks hillside graveyard and a poetry trail to me that there are many simi- the sustainability of their church to Roger, displays a wealth of written by local people. larities between life as a married building, or who have helped their person and being a member of the local community through, or in, Church. The daily interactions of their church building with excep- living together and facing, jointly, tional dedication and kindness. what life and the world throw at a The awards are run jointly by the husband and wife are what we are National Churches Trust, the UK’s called to do as a broader worship- church building support charity, ping community of Christians. and the Marsh Christian Trust. The However, because we do not live winners, each of whom received in community, nor in any sense £250, were announced at an awards together, nor perhaps even nearby, ceremony at St Paul’s Cathedral in we have to make a conscious London on 26th June. effort to build the kind of close- Roger co-ordinated the setting ness that most husbands and wives Christian education or discus- up of Llefydd Llonydd/Peace- enjoy because of their living sion. The Lay Development Team ful Places, a heritage tourism trail arrangements. is not only about training a select which tells the stories of a collec- Just as couples remain husband few to do specific things in, and tion of churches across North and wife as they go about their for, our Church or congregations, it Ceredigion. It takes in spectacular separate daily lives, so we remain also has the widest possible remit wildlife and natural beauty, family Christians as we go about our indi- from Bishop Joanna to encourage history and human achievements. It vidual work and other activities, and empower all the people in our celebrates these special and some- Roger Haggar (left) receiving his award from Brian Marsh, OBE, but how would anyone know you diocese to be 24/7 Christians, not Chairman of the Marsh Christian Trust belonged to that Christian commu- just Sunday Christians. Only when nity? Married people often wear a we are as comfortable to talk about ring to indicate their married state our faith and beliefs as we are about and, in conversation, I’m sure that our relationships and families, will it would quickly become obvious we be able to truly serve God in BBQ at the palace someone was married, even with- his world and reveal his Kingdom On Thursday 21st June all the Fellowship of Vocation (FoV) groups from around the out a ring. Would a stranger in wherever we are. diocese gathered at the invitation of Bishop Joanna for the annual barbecue at the conversation with you know you If God has gifted you, or is call- Bishop’s Palace. Hannah Karpati, a founder member of the FoV who will shortly begin were a Christian? Indeed, what ing you to help bring this about as of that old question “if you were a member of our Lay Develop- ordination training, has a great time and looks forward to the next event put on trial for being Christian, ment Team, then please contact OR many, the occasion meant and some of whom are new who Bishop for making one of the best would there be enough evidence to me directly [email protected]; Fwe could catch up with people have taken on already established trifles we have ever tasted, Dawn convict you?” 01834 849459; by then our Ruby from across the diocese, explor- groups. (Bishop’s PA), Ven Paul Mackness The fact is that, once most of us Wedding celebrations will have ing and chatting about what God is Bishop Joanna also thanked (Archdeacon of St Davids) and, of left Sunday School and/or confir- ended! calling us to do. Some have been everyone who attended and course, Fergus the dog. mation classes, we have had little following their call for some time reminded us that FoV isn’t just a We all look forward to meeting and have embarked on training group of people exploring their again for the weekend in Novem- for ordination; others are follow- calling to ordained ministry, it is ber when we will have a guest ing their calling as lay members for all the baptised to explore what speaker from Yorkshire. Cefnogaeth: a support group for of the church. We were delighted God is calling each of us to do, For more information on the to see a couple of those in training whether in a lay capacity or in a Fellowship of Vocation please clergy spouses who were able to come back for the licensed or ordained minister role. contact Robb Wainwright on 07768 BBQ. We all thanked Adrian for 390060 or at Are you married to the vicar? Is this new group for you? Along with those who have being in charge of the BBQ, the [email protected] Ydych chi’n briod â’r ficer? Ydy’r grŵp newydd hwn ar eich cyfer chi? been members of FoV since the N the spring of 2017 Cerian and across the province, by linking beginning, there were also lots of I Wathan (wife to the vicar of up individuals who may otherwise new faces. During the BBQ they Llansamlet, Swansea) went to a feel isolated in their various roles met some of the chaplains of the conference in England run by a and circumstances. different groups and are now look- group called the Wives of Evan- Cefnogaeth will launch with a ing forward to their first local gelical Anglican Clergy. She found day conference on Saturday, 17th meetings. the few days uplifting and spiritu- November at St Edmund’s, Crick- Robb Wainwright, co-ordina- ally nourishing. From this she had howell. This will be an amazing tor of the FoV, thanked everyone the idea to create a similar support opportunity for clergy spouses to for attending and reminded us group for clergy spouses in Wales, come together for spiritual refresh- how important it was to meet as encouraged by the Archbishop of ment, teaching and encouragement. a large group as well as in our Wales. If you are a clergy spouse in Wales smaller groups. Robb also told us Over the last year, Cerian has (or if you know of one) please get that the next FoV conference will been working with a number of involved in this new ministry. be held in Tenby, between 23rd other clergy spouses from across For further information about and 25th November, and invita- Wales to create ‘Cefnogaeth’ – a the day conference please contact tions to attend will be going out network which will work to support Lesley Cox, tel: 02920 708952 in September. He also thanked all and encourage clergy spouses, [email protected] the chaplains, some of whom have from all theological backgrounds been running groups for a while 8 Pobl Dewi, September 2018 Holding back Christmas A Christmas Fair, proposed for the last week of November because ‘December is so busy’, didn’t sit well with the then Vicar of St Mary’s Church, Begelly, Caroline Mansell, on so many levels. But what to suggest instead to the eager team wanting to put on a festive fundraising event at the start of Advent? The answer was a huge success, says Caroline FESTIVAL of Angels, and would be told Biblical planned. A which had been a success stories of angels. The one unexpected event in my previous parish, seemed to • The prayer chapel would have was the generosity and enthusi- capture imaginations. With little memorial roses with angel asm of the local woodcarver, who stretching of seasonal storylines, tags for thoughts and prayers, made a six-foot angel especially the team mustered up narratives where loved ones could be for the festival. Hanging high in rich with angel visitations, dreams remembered. the chancel arch, this special angel and themes, from which ideas • There would be a display cast a warm and mystic glow over started to flow. depicting Angels in Art, which proceedings. Angela, as she became • There would be angel displays would appeal to the more crea- known, now remains in Begelly made of anything and every- tively inclined. church as a permanent feature, a thing – knitted, sewn, weaved, • The primary school children reminder of a fun yet thoughtful carved, drawn, floral – on would help advertise the event festival that drew the community windowsills and in every by joining an angel poster together and prepared the parish for spare corner of church, created competition and would kick that all-important visit of an angel by local community groups, off the festival with a service called Gabriel to a girl in a small churches and schools. in church, with themed dress- town called Nazareth. • There would be local trades- ing up and stories of heavenly It seems that the news has persons displaying and selling visitors. The grown-ups would spread, as another Angel Festi- angel themed crafts. close the festival with a Heav- val will take place from 5th to • Angel themed refreshments enly Songs of Praise, choosing 9th December in Christchurch, would be available – there their favourite angelic hymns – Carmarthen. Why not fly over would definitely be angel cake. who would have thought here there? • Visiting children could deco- were so many! rate angel biscuits and make And so it came to pass that the hanging angels and mobiles Angel Festival took place, just as Angela

Strawberry Tea has become an having been a significant part of established part of South Pembro- those efforts. Fifteen years’ worth If it ain’t broke don’t fix it keshire’s summer, and its success of cream teas has seen the produc- has been such that it has long since tion of over 3,000 scones and the Rosemary and Delme Killa have found a tried and tested way of raising funds moved from the garden to one of collection and consumption of for their local, rural church, as Sally Evans reports the farm’s large storage sheds, several tons of strawberries! Criti- OR a decade and a half, any ing and organising. There would The event was a success and it where the vagaries of the weather cally, the collective effort and hard Fvisitor who turned into the be a buzz of activity and purpose. prompted thoughts about what else could be nullified. work that has gone into the event, driveway of Catershill Farm, near And the reason for all of this would could be attempted. So it was that, Over those years Rosemary has resulted in many thousands of Reynalton in South Pembroke- be explained by the hand-painted two years later, they decided to and Delme, aided by a number of pounds being raised, money which shire, would, in mid-August, be notice-boards dotted around the organise another one-off event, but helpers from the church congrega- has helped to make sure that Reyn- struck by the number of people and lanes and villages of the area: this time it was a traditional cream tion, local community and regular alton Church remains as more amount of activity they happened Catershill Strawberry Tea – In Aid tea, held in their garden. holidaymakers, have helped to than just an attractive historical upon. Typically, storage sheds of Reynalton Church Funds. That event was also a success maintain the church’s place within building. being cleared, tables and chairs Keeping a small country church and, given the willing assistance the community with the cream tea arriving in cattle trailers and an afloat is a daunting task. Fifteen from both the local community amount of other agricultural equip- years ago, Rosemary and Delme and visitors staying on the farm’s ment being employed for decidedly Killa decided they would use the caravan site, it seemed it could be non-agricultural uses. There would space available on their farm to repeated for at least one more year. be gangs of people lifting, carry- hold a fund-raising barbeque. Fifteen years on and the Catershill

Mair Davies a Rhian Jones yn derbyn ‘Diolch yn Fawr’ am eu gwaith yn Eglwys Tregroes gyda’r Ŵyl Flodau ac am eu gwaith ar hyd y blynyddoedd, gan Radio Cymru. Yn y llun mae Mair a Rhian gyda Ifan Jones Evans, cyflwynydd ar Radio Cymru Pobl Dewi, September 2018 9

radio at such an unearthly time Spread the word of day. I was therefore amazed to Prayer for the Day receive responses to the broadcasts Bronglais Hospital Radio has welcomed guests from across St from as far apart as the Scot- Davids Diocese for over two years and what an adventure it has Patrick Thomas looks forward to returning to the airwaves tish Highlands and the coast of been, says Al Frean, Charity Manager at the hospital’s radio at the end of this month Kent. I even had an appreciative and befriending service, who looks forward to extending the RAYER for the Day (not to be involves making sure that the remark from an amiable insom- partnership in 2019 Pconfused with Thought for the topics are never likely to become niac who was cleaning the floor of Day) is the first item to be broadcast inappropriate because of an unex- a Carmarthen supermarket. Reli- ADIO Bronglais has been Radio, the bilingual station intends on BBC Radio 4 each morning, six pected news event. gious broadcasting may have been thankful to have an array of to be fully on the air by July 2019. R days a week. It consists of a brief The first task of any contributor exiled to the remotest corners of church and chapel members join Community radio is an extraor- meditation ending with a prayer. I is to record “Good morning”, as the the BBC, but it still has a consid- us from Aberystwyth, and further dinary thing. Unbound by the was asked to do a series of these opening words of that day’s Radio erable impact. Recent anthologies afield, on a weekly basis to talk profit-making needs of commercial talks in 2006, and have been one of 4 broadcasts. I initially assumed of selections of Prayer for the Day about their favourite subject – stations, it produces quality local the regular contributors ever since. that no-one (apart from my aged scripts have sold surprisingly well. themselves! The guests who have radio at its original and best. Local After a break because of heart mother) would be listening to the An additional bonus has been visited showed the strong commu- voices speak to local people about surgery last year, I shall be back on the friendship of Lisa Hawkins, nity spirit which connects us, what matters to them; from traffic the air on 29th September and from the wonderful BBC producer from making it a joy to team up with jams and school closures to help- 1st to 5th October. Cardiff. She takes a kindly interest them. ing someone find a lost pet. Not Before writing my initial Prayer in her contributors, and has help- The real triumph has been the all community radio stations have for the Day I already had several ful conversations with my wife response from the listeners who the polished perfection of BBC years’ experience of produc- about our two daughters who have have responded with positivity and production (though many do), but ing Dweud ei Ddweud/Munud i severe mental health problems. She enthusiasm. Rather than focus- every single one is local to the Feddwl scripts for Radio Cymru also regularly checks up on me to sing on discussions of faith, the core, and all the better for it. and Weekend Words for Radio make sure that I’m no longer kill- diocese’s guests have been quizzed A community radio station Wales. They were an up-to-the- ing myself through overwork. The on all sorts, from life growing up offers bountiful new opportunities minute response to current events pastoral care which Lisa gives in the prairies of Canada to the for the diocese; there are as many (with a religious slant), and the talk puts that provided by the Church history of the unique tiles at Strata great ideas for programming and might often have to be re-written at in Wales for its clergy to shame, Florida. With over 100 life stories partnerships as there are people the last moment if some disaster or which is a rather sobering thought. shared on the air, the listeners have in the community. Radio Aber is crisis occurred. A series of Prayer gained insights into some amazing a community-led enterprise and for the Day, however, is recorded community characters and have everyone in that community can several days in advance, which enjoyed listening and engaging in participate in its creation. Whether new conversations. Feedback from it is responding to our public both listeners and guests has been consultations, offering time and overwhelmingly positive. expertise, training or appearing Now, new opportunities lurk on-air, there is some way everyone on the horizon with the impending can help. The first public consulta- 2 to St Davids 1 to Rome launch of a brand-new commu- tion on programming is live now, nity radio station. Radio Aber was so get involved! From the 9th to 19th July, Matthew Hill walked on pilgrimage from Henfynyw, associated granted an OFCOM community Radio Aber invite all enquiries with the education of Dewi Sant, to St Davids Cathedral. It seemed neat and appropriate radio licence in February 2018, through their website: to go from one place associated with St David to ‘the’ place associated with him with a remit to cover a 20km radius www.RadioAber.cymru. of Aberystwyth. Started by three See you on the airwaves soon. E are blessed with a stun- A pilgrimage is not a walking yourself, because when you stop, members of Bronglais Hospital Wning coastal path and with holiday. It’s more like a retreat, what floats to the surface, particu- St Davids Cathedral, one of the taking time out from our normal larly in the context of prayer, tells most visited tourist sites in Wales routine to show the importance of you a lot about yourself. and a long-established place of God in our lives and to reflect on More on Facebook: ‘2 to St pilgrimage, worship and devo- that. The day begins, continues and Davids 1 to Rome’. It’s named tion. Along the Ceredigion and ends with prayer. after a decree by Pope Calixtus North Pembrokeshire coast we However, the way you ‘find in 1123 that two pilgrimages to have a chain of church buildings, yourself’ on pilgrimage is specifi- St Davids equal one to Rome and the distances between which are cally Christian. It takes so much three equal one to Jerusalem. We easily walkable. I am convinced effort to keep going that you can’t wouldn’t express it quite that way that there is potential to use these think of anything else. So you sort- today but there’s no doubt that a buildings as hostels, engaging with of lose yourself, you can’t worry pilgrimage to St Davids is worth people who already walk the route or get stressed about anything else. every moment. and drawing even more to engage But in losing yourself, you find with our Christian faith. Thus, I made a point of staying overnight in churches and church halls along the way. It seems that this idea had also occurred to many who offered me help and hospitality, to whom I am extremely grateful; elsewhere in Britain others are thinking along the same lines. I will share just two of the many things I learnt. I walk a lot but nothing prepared me for what walking day after day would do to my feet, which become the focus of your Left to right: Liz Nicol, Trustee, Radio Bronglais; Gemma attention. The Gospels are full of Freedman, Trustee, Radio Bronglais and Director, Radio Aber; references to feet and there must be a book about the theology of feet – Al Frean, Charity Manager, Radio Bronglais and Director, Radio I’m going to try and find it. Aber 10 Pobl Dewi, September 2018 Stories, participation and a warm welcome Focus on faith One of the privileges of being a curate in Newcastle Emlyn has been working work with schools. Ysgol y Ddwylan, our local bilingual primary, seemed the obvious place to start, writes Viv Sayer OR many reasons, we knew in schools Fthat it would be impossible to run a Messy Church programme, but Open the Book, as structured by the Bible Society, seemed Education with an extra eminently manageable. After a number of preparatory meetings, and with practical help from Meleri dimension Cray, whose work is funded by Eglwys Bresbyteraidd Cymru, we For over 200 years, church schools have been in the forefront made a rather nervous start. of providing a high quality environment for children to learn and We were fortunate to have fl ourish. Bryan Witt, Diocesan Director of Education, provides an generous fi nancial support from encouraging update Revd Percy Griffi ths, a previous N St Davids Diocese, we have The most exciting opportu- vicar in this area, who sadly died I 26 church schools. This may nity facing us at present is the earlier this year. Children’s work not seem a large number, and, opening of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi was always close to Percy’s heart sadly, some of our schools have at St Davids. This will be the fi rst and he was eager for our success. closed over recent years. However, 3-16 Voluntary Aided Church in With his help we were able to the number of pupils has greatly Wales School in our province. We purchase the necessary Storyteller increased and now we have approx- look forward to the offi cial open- Bibles and resource packs. Our imately 3,500 children in our ing and Bishop Joanna coming intention was to present bilingually, church schools. This is about 1,000 to bless the school. We have not one week in English, the next in more than 18 months ago, which been involved in secondary school Welsh. For the Welsh sessions we has been achieved with the open- education since 1923 and therefore benefi ted from the leadership of ing of four new church schools in we are very pleased this is about to Mari Wyn from Capel Bresbyte- that period. change. raidd Bethel. As a retired educator, It is against this background The Diocesan Education Team Mari not only took the role of that we were pleased to take Bishop is chaired by Archdeacon Paul storyteller but also gave invaluable Joanna to visit all of our schools Mackness; Revd John Cecil, advice on staging. We profi ted from and for her to see the excellent work Deputy Director of Education, Revd her acting ability in the English being done. The visits also gave Delyth Richards, Schools Offi cer, sessions too, when we swapped children and staff the opportunity and I are also members of the team. leadership roles. Recently, a short- to meet her and learn something Jean Voyle Williams recently retired age of Welsh-speaking volunteers about her work and responsibili- after 13 years as Schools Offi cer, has meant a move to working in routine and grew to recognise us Each volunteer session begins ties. I could tell you some of the and we thank her for her commit- English only, but with school staff as people, often greeting us outside with prayer. Although rehearsal questions Bishop Joanna was asked ment, diolch yn fawr. The team is adding Welsh comments and ques- school. We are lucky to have a time with the children is minimal, – but on second thoughts perhaps always ready to help with all aspects tions. It is good that they are keen dedicated band of volunteers we always manage to involve them not! On the journey, Bishop Joanna of church school work. As a team to continue on this basis because it ready to make themselves availa- somehow. Memorable stories have was able to see the various settings and on behalf of the schools we are means that the teachers recognise ble each week, sometimes at very included David and Goliath and in which the schools are situated, grateful to Bishop Joanna for her the value of the regular Monday short notice. Some have discovered The Last Supper, but, interestingly, from Welsh-speaking and rural to support. morning stories and meditations to acting talents they never imagined, the session which achieved the urban. This, of course, refl ects the We believe that we continue to the children. whilst others have proved expert in greatest impact involved no acting geography of our diocese. We have educate children in our diocese to We received a warm welcome resourcing and constructing props, at all. It was the story of Good church schools from Llanrhystud high standards within a Christian right from the start: the children including a versatile and realistic Friday, narrated under the shadow to Pembroke, from Llanelli to St ethos and with a strong sense of quickly came to understand our boat (pictured)! of the C ross. Davids. care and compassion. Scarecrow at Ferryside

WaterAid at Ammanford VERY June for the past 30 E years, Ferryside Inshore Life- boat has organised a Garden Crawl, when members of the community open their gardens to the public. The event is well-known and always popular. Three years ago a scarecrow competition was introduced to the day’s programme, which St Thomas’ Church, Ferryside, has entered since its inception. The theme for this year’s competition, held on 24th June, was ‘Year of the Sea’ and pictured is the team responsible for the making of Noah and the decora- tion of the ark, the latter having been Members of Betws with Ammanford churches were set a Lenten made by Dave Smith ably supported challenge, to raise money for WaterAid celebrating the installation by his wife Doreen. A great time was of new toilets in two of the churches recently. Over £600 was had by all and, to date, more than raised. Pictured are some of the members completing a 6-mile £3,780 has been raised for the Ferry- walk in the June heat to complete the challenge side Inshore Lifeboat. Pobl Dewi, September 2018 11 The journey we make together Amanda Bowen-Price, Headteacher of Model Church in Wales School, Carmarthen, finds her faith, and the support she receives, indispensable when encouraging a shared interest in her pupils’ futures

EING a head teacher of a Some parents who make a We are also fortunate through B church school brings an added commitment to send their children our links, that every year a special sense of pride to the role. Pride in to the school do not always neces- confirmation service is held, led by my philosophy of how I want to sarily understand, initially, what our lovely Bishop Joanna. This, create an environment, where chil- being a member of a church school again, helps to endorse our church dren are at the heart of everything entails. However, they quickly school teaching, linking this into we do. My vision is to ensure that reflect on the nurturing nature they the community and future of our the school has a caring ethos, from feel, from the moment their child children. For me, this is what being the minute you step into the build- walks through the door. They also a headteacher with a strong faith, Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi ing. I want to see staff, pupils and cherish the way that everything we is about: a constant journey of governors alike, having a shared do is reinforced through the teach- teaching children, through Jesus’ interest in making the school inclu- ings of Jesus and his key messages; teachings, the right from wrong, so from the governance sive, with Christian values at the this, in turn, helps them to under- that as they develop and grow into forefront of everything it does. stand and respect Christianity and young adults, they have a better I am fortunate that I am a further encourages their own chil- understanding of the path they perspective member of the local Carmarthen dren to follow in the path of Jesus. wish to follow. Christ Church and also help out Leigh Richardson been a foundation governor and a local there with various activities. This community representative in church and county primary schools, has helped me develop close links on and off, for over 20 years but nothing prepared him for the within the community and I feel TGB or Transitional/Temporary (depending on who you talked to) that as a school we work effectively Governing Body of Ysgol Penrhyn Dewi in St Davids in partnership between the church and school. We also work with T my first meeting in Solva other local churches, in particular A Primary School (now Aidan St Peter’s Church in Carmarthen, Campus) it all felt a little over- and invite various members of whelming, a bit like arriving late at the ministry team to support us, the party and not knowing anyone particularly in collective worship there, because the process for the time. new school had been under way Having foundation governors for some time before I moved to St linked to the school is also another Davids. However, it was the pace key to the development of a church of transition that was breathtaking school, as they share their support and this was only going to get more and guidance, which helps the intense the closer we came to the school move forward in a positive end of the summer term. way. Being a governor of a primary school, be it county or church, these days is quite a responsibility trating on how this change was to and time consuming. The days of be managed and to have a look at a quarterly meeting, and the kudos some of the well-established CiW that came with the role, are long secondary schools in the Diocese of gone. Now, it’s more likely that Llandaff. Over two weeks we took Eden Bus Project visits Bro Lleidi LMA you will find yourself at evening or trips to St John the Baptist, Aberd- weekend training sessions, on one are and to Bishop of Llandaff, of the many school panels perhaps Llandaff; both schools have been shortlisting late into the night or around for decades and are func- taking two days to interview new tioning at a very high level in their staff, but it is a very rewarding academic results, so we were keen busy-ness if you have the time and to learn the recipe for their success. want to contribute to your local Of course, the lower school community in some way. of YPD primarily comprises the One of the challenges Ysgol former St Davids CiW primary Penrhyn Dewi (YPD) has had to school, Ysgol Bro Dewi, which face is the transition from a secu- has a rich history of working with lar county secondary to a Church in the cathedral, so we are very much Wales (CiW) 3-16 through school, hoping that, with this foundation of the only one of its kind in Wales, faith, the upper school challenges with no other diocesan church will be met and taken in the stride secondary school from which to of this exciting new chapter of draw experience. I was tasked with education on the peninsular. chairing a sub-committee concen-

Cyfraniadau ar gyfer Pobl Dewi Y mae croeso i erthyglau oddi wrth ddarllenwyr, ac yn arbennig cyfraniadau Cymraeg. Dylid anfon erthyglau at y Golygydd: Tessa Briggs The Eden Bus Project came to the LMA of Bro Lliedi in July, visiting primary and secondary schools [email protected] in the area, as well as St Michael & All Angels Youth Club in Dafen. The Eden Bus partners with local churches in areas of deprivation to bring the love of God to young people and the wider community 12 Pobl Dewi, September 2018 Children & Youth: How are we doing? Types of children and youth groups

During the early part of 2018 data was collected from churches across the diocese, looking at our contact with children and young people, in order to compare data from the audit completed in early 2016. This is not just Sunday attendance but includes all the ways in which we engage with children and young people. Clare Williams reports on mixed results, which she has already presented to the Bishop and her senior staff UMBERS of children and dren and young people in regular and young people who are in regu- Nyoung people in contact with contact with churches. The arch- lar contact with a church but for churches in the archdeaconries of deaconry of Carmarthen is only whom there is no group provi- St Davids and Carmarthen have in contact with 0.6% of the 0-18 sion and therefore no opportunity increased, whilst there has been population. for age-appropriate discipleship. a decline in the archdeaconry of In total, as a diocese, we have This number totals 603 which has Cardigan. However, despite the contact with 1,739 children and risen from 233 in 2016. There has lower numbers, this archdeaconry young people which equals 2% of also been significant decline in still has contact with the highest the population aged 0-18 in the our work with young people from percentage of its 0-18 population geographical area. contact with 409 in 2016 to 356 in and the archdeaconry of St Davids The most concerning statis- 2018. has the highest number of chil- tics are the number of children Youth Groups: these 15 are not the same as those reported in 2016 Year Groups Numbers of young people 2016 15 215 Celebrating a centenary 2018 15 149 Parent and Toddler Groups: one of the most effective ways of in style reaching families, which averages 15 children per group Year Groups Numbers of children As part of a Women’s Suffragette project, Plant Dewi young parents took part in 2016 7 150 a Cardiff procession on 10th June to celebrate 100 years of votes for women as 2018 14 222 part of a wider, Wales government-funded awareness project. This is our story, say Carys Davies and Vicky Thomas Messy Church: this continues to be an area of growth. However, E took the coach to Cardiff this growth may mask the fact that several groups have closed in Wand got off the bus with the last 2 years. buggies, babies and our big banner. Year Groups Numbers of children It was a very hot day and it was 2016 15 207 good to sit down in the shade and eat lunch together before 2018 19 255 registering. A sash was given to every young Sunday Schools: average attendance is low, at 7 children per group parent – white, green or purple and Year Groups Numbers of children they wore them with great pride. 2016 35 314 We met up with David Hammond-Williams, Diocesan 2018 35 248 Communications Officer, who had the job of tracking our progress Other Children’s Groups (including after school clubs): there has through the streets. been a significant increase in the provision of children’s groups The atmosphere was electric; between 2016 and 2018, with an increase of around 100 attending a big group of women were sing- these groups. This is the only type of group where there is an ing which added to the atmosphere. increase in each archdeaconry. Lots of other women were chatting chatted along the way and one of thing so important. They had been Year Groups Numbers of children happily, comparing banners and our parents started up a chant. so dedicated to the project, work- 2016 12 166 admiring outfits of the era. A group in front of us had made ing hard to get the banner ready, The procession started at some material chain links and and they had been looking forward 2018 17 262 Cardiff Stadium and was to end at proceeded to tie themselves to the to this big event. Bute Park. It was slow to start – the railings! This made for a very good Towards the end of the proces- sheer volume of women and chil- photo. sion, David and I were feeling tired dren walking meant that there were All of the parents said how but the young parents kept us going traffic jams. The young parents proud they felt to be part of some- with their inspirational words: ‘We must make it to the end; it is a matter of pride’ and ‘What if the women had stopped fighting for their rights all those years ago?’ At the end, the young parents had a well-deserved ice cream and took part in an interview with David, who by now was wearing a sash on his head! On the journey home every- one was tired but elated at having been part of such a special day. This would be something that these young parents could one day tell 40 delegates from St Davids Diocese attended a Sharing and their children about. Learning Together training day on children and youth ministry at Canolfan Hermon on 14th July. Feedback from the session has been positive as we seek to engage with more young people across the diocese Pobl Dewi, September 2018 13 A humbling experience General Synod The July meeting of the Church of England’s General Synod was a little hot! The meeting took Bukavu Summer Book Bonanza held in Holy Trinity Church place in the University of York’s Central Hall, which vaguely resembles a UFO on a lake. Business Community Hall, Newcastle Emlyn, raised well over £500. Dewi ranged from safeguarding, cathedrals, legislation to question time. There were times when, says Roberts, Chair of the World Mission Team, reflects on the 2-day Paul Mackness, if he closed his eyes he could have been at Governing Body event and the impact the fund-raising will have in our Companion Diocese UCH business was legisla- AVID Annis opened the education. The young men or ‘boy M tive involving amend- D event with a talk about life soldiers’ are taught woodworking ments to the Canons of the Church in Bukavu, in the Democratic skills by David in his workshop. of England (CofE) and some of Republic of Congo. He gave a slide Jenny works with the rape victims. its structures. The Reform and presentation, which showed the There was an exhibition, and Renewal agenda seeks to simplify work that he and his wife, Revd Dr sale, of ethnically crafted Afri- structures and procedures and Jenny Annis, have been doing over can dolls and animals, which make them fit for purpose. Gener- several years. Nicholas Griffin was proved immensely popular. David ally, this has, firstly, been done also on hand to answer any ques- displayed colourful shirts which with fairly low-key and common tions about the Congo Project in he had been given to wear when sense matters with more contro- Bukavu Diocese, and the building leading services in Bukavu, where versial issues being considered by of the cathedral library there. people are joyful, love worship- working groups then brought back. Bukavu is an extremely poor ping and always thankful for all Safeguarding and the response area and has suffered due to their blessings. of the CofE to the IICSA enquiry, persistent conflicts and the sheer After the presentation we felt matters relating to Bishop Ball, disregard of human dignity, espe- discomfited that, in our country, survivors and the importance cially towards women, with rape we have so much, and we are still of independent safeguarding being used as a weapon of war. The not content, whereas the people of advisers and investigations was rape victims can earn a living by Bukavu are grateful for everything central to business. A moving and sewing colourful shirts and dresses that they receive. It is humbling that thought-provoking presentation on old manual sewing machines, all the equipment and items which by a representative of an abuse which have been donated by St have been donated, second-hand, survivors’ group received a stand- Davids Diocese. By selling their are being put to such effective use. ing ovation. It was interesting to merchandise, the women can raise When sufficient funds have been compare our safeguarding proce- money to support themselves and raised, a container, of books and dures and practices: while the CofE their families. The Congolese other items, will be sent on its long is moving towards complete inde- History of Sexuality and Marriage. concern. There was some disquiet women also use recycled plastic journey to Bukavu. pendence for their safeguarding The task is huge and who knows about further plans to reform packaging binding to make beau- A big thank you to everyone team, the Church in Wales (CiW) whether this will actually bear any Cathedral Chapters that give Bish- tiful shopping baskets, which are who supported the Book Bonanza is going in the other direction. fruit. ops greater powers and that the then sold at market. We also heard to raise funds for the Congo Project Sexuality and same-sex rela- There was a presentation by the Cathedral Council model was not about the challenges faced by chil- and who gave so generously of tionships/marriage was another Church Commissioners, similar successful everywhere: food for dren having to walk for miles to their time. All donations have been major issue. The CofE is going to those we have from the Repre- thought for our own review of go to school and having to pay for gratefully received. through a mammoth exercise to sentative Body; the sheer scale of cathedrals. bring together a Teaching Docu- money involved emphasised how I am grateful to the Governing ment and resources on this matter. much was lost with disendowment Body for nominating me to attend On Saturday, there was a series of of the CiW. the meeting. I learnt much and it workshops and I attended three: the In the debate about cathedrals was a thoroughly enjoyable expe- work of the Pastoral Advice Group, and further reforms to the Cathe- rience, but it does make me glad which has been giving advice to dral Measures Canon there was to be a member of the Church in parishes and dioceses until the a consensus that cathedrals need Wales! Teaching Document is agreed; a degree of independence, and Science and Sexuality; and the reform of governance is an ongoing

bours and the broader international community had all feared a destabi- The need for meaningful change lising conflict likely to accompany a blatant, and unconstitutional, effort Following his previous article about the ongoing conflict in the on the part of the President to retain Democratic Republic of Congo (Pobl Dewi, June 2018), Roger power indefinitely. But celebrations Dirokpa, from our Companion Diocese of Bukavu, provides an of a victory for democratic govern- update about the political situation in his country ance and stability in the DRC are decidedly premature, the big chal- ITH the presidential election lenge is ahead, and the persecution Win the Democratic Republic of opponents has already started. of Congo (DRC) now a reality, the The Diocese of Bukavu, to- main question among the popula- gether with all the churches in the tion is ‘will the DRC really change DRC, have asked Christians to pray with this new development?’ every day for peaceful, democratic After keeping his own popu- and inclusive elections. Likewise, lation, and the international we ask you to continue praying for community, in suspense for over us, for real change in the DRC, so two years beyond the end of his that our country will begin to func- mandate in 2016, President Joseph tion in a way that provides security Kabila has announced that he and political accountability to its Newyddion da I Gymry Cymraeg yr Esgobaeth. Y mae will not stand for another term citizens and channels the country’s gwefan Esgobaeth Tyddewi nawr ar gael yn y Gymraeg. in this December’s long-delayed rich resources into meaningful Gobeithio y gwnewch ei ddarllen a’i fwynhau. elections. Reactions to Kabila’s development gains for the wellbe- announcement have ranged from ing of the population, and that the https://tyddewi.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk the relieved to the encouraged, as Gospel can be proclaimed, unhin- Congolese citizens, regional neigh- Voting in the DRC dered, everywhere. 14 Pobl Dewi, September 2018

three decades of ecumenical advo- cacy for peace and reunification. Making the impossible The WCC now tastes the harvest of its unwavering commitment to peace in the dawn of reconciliation possible on the Korean Peninsula. Church unity has come a long way since 1948, writes Emma In 1948, the WCC was founded in the great hope that unity among Whittick who was representing the Church in Wales on the World churches might be a sign and serv- Council of Churches Central Committee, which met in Geneva ant of the unity of humankind, in July and of that peace which the world HE Church in Wales has been my place as a Central Committee cannot give, but which God prom- Ta member, and integral part of member. ises. In 2018, the WCC continues the fellowship, of the World Coun- One of the highlights for me to long and work for the gift of cil of Churches (WCC) since the was seeing members from both unity, for the church and for the foundation of the latter in 1948. North and South Korea worship- world. The WCC, in its 70th anni- From the sharing of many stories ping together and standing united versary year, took the opportunity of reconciliation, renewal, and in commitment to the peace to recommit itself and its member overcoming differences over the process. As a member of the Public churches to continue the journey the prayer of Jesus “that they may WCC for its great contribution to lifetime of the WCC, it is hearten- Issues Committee, I presented the together. As the Ecumenical Patri- be one”. ecumenism and challenged the ing to note that what seemed to be statement on progress for peace arch Bartholomew reminded us, This year, the WCC is celebrat- worldwide Christian community an ‘impossible possibility’ in 1948 on the Korean Peninsula, in which “The fruit of unity cannot ripen ing a long, common pilgrimage on to “let the Spirit strengthen our has proved to be a lasting and visi- we acknowledged, with joy, how without divine grace.” Human the path to unity, choosing to walk steps as we walk, pray and work ble sign of the unity God brings. closely the commitments expressed endeavours often fail, but the grace together, serving justice and peace. together: this is the great path that This was something that I was in the recent Panmunjom Declara- of the God, who is always faithful, Pope Francis, visiting on this year we are called to follow”. able to witness first-hand as I took tion matched the objectives of over is with us, bringing to fulfilment of celebration, commended the

During the week, many locals attended the daily 10pm-3am From South Korea to prayer meetings, the team visited outlying chapels and churches to Pembrokeshire pray in them and led intercessions in Sunday services. Ten members of the South Korean Presbyterian Church left This group of South Koreans London on 2nd July and arrived in time for the service at 7.30pm have quite a unique style of prayer in Monkton Priory Church. It was the start of a weeklong prayer and it’s not quiet! But how wonder- mission to Pembroke and the surrounding area. Peter Jones ful to witness their passion when they see the Lord not only working finds it a challenging but enjoyable experience in their lives, but also in the lives of HIS was the fourth year of the The visits are arranged by a us who live here. More than a few Tprayer mission and is part of local, ecumenical team and the of them wanted to stay on at the the South Koreans’ desire to pray 60-70 people who attended the end of the week, having felt that for Christian communities through- opening service, which was very they had been blessed themselves. out the UK. Each year hundreds different from our usual style, Prayer from the previ- arrive for up to two weeks to join represented Christians from almost ous missions is already being I have been challenged on two To continue the momentum, we this prayer mission for our spirit- all denominations. The visiting answered. There is a new sense of fronts: Not so much on how I pray are holding a night prayer every ual welfare. They have a particular team introduced themselves and it unity in our Christian communities but on how much and consistently other month in St Mary’s Church, connection with Wales as they was wonderful to see these young and the Lord is bringing vibrant I pray. Secondly, the example of Pembroke: 8pm-12am on Fridays, are very grateful to the Welsh adults, from a wide variety of back- new Christians to the area. Watch praying with a sincere expectation from 21st September. missionary Robert Thomas, who grounds, so very willing to give up out! For when the Lord really starts that God really does answer prayer So, next year I will definitely died taking Bibles to the people of a week of their time to pray for, and moving, there is no telling what when requests are brought to him say “Yes, please!” to a return visit. Korea in 1866. with, us. wonders may be seen. in the name of Jesus.

A broad consensus God’s plurality; Western modes poetry keeps the rumour of tran- ogy is spiritual practice; the best of thought mistakenly applied; the scendence alive; transcendence, exhibition of spirituality is love; rising threat of populism; the need the bearer of hope. humanity – trustee of the planet; to challenge culture. To identify So to the final theme, social nature is a common language; the on three themes these contributions as such is not, action: all acts done for good equate leaves of the tree for the healing of Derek Davies, Diocesan Interfaith Officer, reports from the third of course, necessarily to endorse to worship; linguistic practice, yes, the nations; and, finally, one voice, Interfaith Symposium held at the University of Wales Trinity Saint their universal applicability but but social practice also; culture and in this instance, ‘trees as priests’. David, Lampeter, in July they serve, nevertheless, as a pene- oppressive economic systems must As always, much to reflect upon. trating critique for an increasingly be held to account; liberation theol- HE subject to be explored this social action and so, without attrib- plural society. Tyear was Spirituality: Multi- uting specific observations to any To turn to the second theme: of faith and Interfaith Perspectives individual or faith, a few notes are the 24 human dispositions arising and an abundance of material was offered on each in turn reflecting the from within the principal faiths, forthcoming. Such indeed was the views of the speakers themselves. an appreciation of beauty ranks range of the contributions that this To expand on the first theme, second, following, apparently, the report cannot pretend to be compre- the following may be taken as desirability of an imaginative and hensive; it is, rather, a personal contributions finding broad and explorative nature; the prayer – let recollection on three main themes repeated support: individuals are us see beauty; beauty has a correlate which emerged as being especially more complex than simple binary – harmony; if harmony is culturally noteworthy for this writer – themes classifications would suggest; defined then what kind of harmony drawn from across the spectrum of knowing is always personal and are we seeking?; not oppressive – faiths. They may be understood as conditioned; the raft of doctrine the non-religious have a role within examining and re-drawing episte- has served its purpose; the violence this harmony; decline in faith but mological boundaries, beauty as of dualism; the idol of sameness; rising awareness of transcendence; a pathway to the transcendent and categories of religion-outdated; beauty signals transcendence and Pobl Dewi, September 2018 15 Fixing the floor St Padarn’s Church, Llanbadarn Fawr, Aberystwyth, has received an £11,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund to repair and renovate a 40 metre mosaic floor within the building. The work will also provide scope for community involvement, as Brian Wiley explains HANKS to money raised categorised by CADW as a ‘Grade this floor for future generations. Tby National Lottery players, 1 listed’ building because of the As the specialist work pro- badly needed and essential repairs important part it played in the gresses it will be digitally recorded to damaged and worn parts of the development of religion in this part on camera then downloaded to The mosaic floor in the church, as well of west Wales. People’s Collection Wales where as a general renovation, will be In the mid-19th century, a it will be available for anyone to carried out during spring 2019. major renovation and vital repair access online. Schoolchildren will St Padarn’s Church is one of of the church building took place be invited to observe the work as it the oldest places of worship in under the guidance of the Victo- takes place, to generate their interest Ceredigion and is well-known rian church architect John Pollard in the ancient craft of mosaics, and throughout the county and beyond. Seddon. Part of the renovation was offer the provision of an art, and even The church site has been a place the design and setting of the fine a mathematics, project. It will also of worship since the 6th century, mosaic floor that forms a colour- provide them with an introduction to when a Celtic ecclesiastical centre, ful centrepiece under the tower the long historical significance that known as a ‘Clas’ was set up. From crossing, extending into the north this church has to offer. that settlement and over the centu- and south transepts. The floor was Aberystwyth University post- ries that followed, it became a the design of a mosaic artist called graduate students taking the Benedictine Priory, Royal Rectory Jesse Rust of Battersea and consists module ‘Working with History’ and finally a Parish Church. The of a border of tiny glass pieces that have been invited to make use of stone church building was erected frame larger tiles depicting angels, the church to provide them with after the Norman Conquest, some- saints and other biblical patterns. direct involvement in their herit- Gellir darllen fersiwn helaethach o’r erthygl hon ar time before 1246. The church is Next year’s project will preserve age-related studies. https://tyddewi.eglwysyngnghymru.org.uk/bywyd-yr-eglwys-2/pobl-dewi/

Mothers’ Union: Listening, Observing, Acting The Mothers’ Union Observing, Listening, Acting (MULOA) process is being taken up by the Mothers’ Union (MU) in our diocese. We ask God to help us look forward with faith and follow in the footsteps of Mary Sumner, our founder, enabling us to embrace the MULOA process, says Glenys Payne, President of St Davids MU

HERE are three principles encouraging members to iden- a difference? Whose lives are we Tthat underpin and guide the tify and celebrate what we have, touching or could we be touching? MULOA process. enabling us to look to the future. Who, and what else, influences The ‘L’ stands for listening: This will help members to embrace them? enabling all the 600 dioceses in their weaknesses and celebrate MULOA is about taking which the MU works, globally, strengths in their own communities. responsibility and feeding back to listen to God, each other at a The ‘A’ stands for acting: Enabling honestly, reverting to the grass More than 60 members attended the recent St Davids MU personal level, and the vulnerable. members to explore basic ques- roots of prayer and Bible study, Council meeting, held in Crundale Sometimes we need to create a safe tions about how the MU makes a seeking the strength and guidance with future plans in our diocese. and continue our work to the best space to talk. difference, locally and globally. We of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This With falling numbers and ageing of our abilities. The ‘O’ stands for observing: can ask ourselves how do we make process has helped tremendously members we have to be realistic

in 1856. This volume served as an inspiration for Gilbert Scott, who Bishop Basil Jones did much work on the restoration Bill Hines considers the life and works of a man who did much of the St Davids Cathedral in the to fashion the administrative and physical structure of St Davids later 19th century, and some of the Diocese in the later part of the Victorian era plates from the book will feature in a display in the cathedral library N the south transept of Holy was headmaster at the time. From treasury during October. I Trinity Church, Aberystwyth, there he gained a classical schol- Basil Jones was ordained priest a portrait of Bishop Basil Jones arship to Trinity College Oxford in 1853 and held a number of (pictured) sits alongside an archi- in 1840, and from this period senior appointments in Yorkshire tect’s drawing of the new church we have a copy of Richard Bent- in the 1860s and 1870s. Disraeli which he consecrated in 1886. In ley’s edition of Aristophanes from nominated him to St Davids as recent months, a selection of books 1710, which may have come to replacement for Connop Thirl- from his collection have come to Jones through a connection with wall in 1874 and he remained as light in Aberystwyth University Archbishop Howley. The Aberyst- Bishop here until his death in Janu- Library, helping to develop a fuller wyth library collection includes a ary 1897. Today Basil Jones is picture of his life and works. number of other classical texts with remembered for his administrative William Basil Jones was born his distinctive heraldic bookplate. and physical reorganisation of the in 1822, son of William Tilsley Jones received various academic diocese. Non-residence of clergy Jones of Llangynfelyn, a local awards during his time at Oxford was discouraged and a significant dignitary. He attended Shrewsbury over the next twenty years and programme of church building School and we have a splendid set produced a number of important took place in the region. He was completed post mortem, serves as charter for St David’s College of Herodotus awarded as a prize scholarly antiquarian texts, includ- also active in support of the resto- a memorial. Education remained Lampeter and the development of by the noted classical scholar ing the History and Antiquities of ration programme at the cathedral, a major concern and he was much several schools in the area. Benjamin Hall Kennedy, who St. David’s with Edward Freeman and the reroofed Lady Chapel, involved with the statutes and 16 Pobl Dewi, September 2018

cyntaf oedd gosod y gwaith gweithiau eraill. Craffu ar y allweddol y Llyfr Gweddi, y Parch. yn ei gyd-destun hanesyddol testun ei hun oedd ffocws yr ail Ddr. Adrian Morgan yn traethu Gair i’r Cymry a diwinyddol, gyda’r Athro gylch, gyda Geraint Lloyd, un ar Feibl William Morgan (1588) a Salmau Cân Edmwnd Prys A little over 450 years ago Welsh speakers were Emeritws Ceri Davies yn sôn o gyfieithwyr y Brifysgol, yn (1621) ac Arfon Jones, cyfieithydd given the opportunity to hear and read the New am y Testament Newydd yng trafod egwyddorion Salesbury ngoleuni’r dadeni dysg, Dr. wrth gyfieithu a’r Dr. Christine Beibl.net yn disgrifio’r dylanwad Testament in their mother tongue for the first time. Robert Pope yn ei ystyried yn Jones yn tynnu sylw at ddylanwad ar ein fersiwn fwyaf cyfoes. Ainsley Griffiths reports from a conference held in ôl egwyddorion y Diwygiad tafodiaith Dyfed ar gyfieithiad Gobeithir cyhoeddi’r papurau May, which celebrated the work of the translators Protestanaidd a’r Athro Emeritws Huet o Lyfr y Datguddiad. I gloi, mewn rhifyn arbennig with a cycle of lectures Densil Morgan yn esbonio sut yr dyma gloriannu pwysigrwydd o Y Traethodydd. CHYDIG dros 450 o wleidyddol i’r rhai a fu’n adlewyrchwyd argyhoeddiadau campweithiau 1567 gyda’r Yflynyddoedd yn ôl cafodd y brwydro er mwyn ennill caniatâd gwrth-Gatholig Salesbury mewn Athro Wyn James yn ystyried rôl Cymry gyfle i glywed a darllen brenhinol ar gyfer y cyfieithu. y Testament Newydd yn eu Dylai Esgobaeth Tyddewi mamiaith am y tro cyntaf. I ni ymfalchïo mai ym Mhalas yr sy’n gyfarwydd â chael sawl Esgob yn Abergwili y cyflawnwyd fersiwn ar gael yn hawdd – mewn y gwaith gan yr ysgolhaig William llyfr ac mewn ffurf ddigidol – Salesbury, yr Esgob Richard The tale of the mae’n anodd dychmygu pa mor Davies a’r clerigwr Thomas Huet. chwildroadol fu’r datblygiad Priodol felly oedd ymgynnull ar hwn. Dyma gynnig gair Duw i’r gampws Caerfyrddin Prifysgol Cymry nid mewn iaith estron fel Cymru: y Drindod Dewi Sant Hodgeston silver Lladin neu Saesneg ond yn iaith yr ddiwedd mis Mai er mwyn aelwyd a’r gymuned. Daeth ochr dathlu’r cyfraniad aruthrol hwn yn ochr â’r cyfieithiad Cymraeg yng nghwmni wyth arbenigwr. cyntaf o’r Llyfr Gweddi Gyffredin, Defnyddiwyd Llyfr Gweddi 1567 gan ei gwneud hi’n bosibl i’r bobl ar gyfer y Foreol a’r Hwyrol addoli yn eu mamiaith yn ogystal Weddi gan roi cyfle i ni glywed â chlywed yr efengylau, yr actau ieithwedd Testament Newydd a’r epistolau. Roedd yn gamp Salesbury a’i gydgyfieithwyr anhygoel o ran diwinyddiaeth yn ei gyd-destun amlycaf. ond hefyd o ran sicrhau lle i’r Trefnwyd y darlithoedd Gymraeg fel iaith ysgrifenedig mewn tri chylch, gyda phob ‘ddifrifol’ ac yn fuddugoliaeth un yn canolbwyntio ar ryw agwedd benodol. Amcan y cylch Commons © Wikimedia Fun with an informative twist

The final part of Plant Dewi’s celebrations to mark 100 years of the women’s vote took Or, heads up, the banks are closing and what’s happened place on 26th June, when young parents from Pencader, Llandybie and Ammanford to the silver? Peter Jones relates the story prepared a big tea party. The event was a fitting centenary tribute to all the women who had persisted in the face of heavy opposition, says Sue Fletcher

HE event marked the end of ing everyone and being prepared to from the Caper Ceilidh Band. ODGESTON Church, near the owners of these long-standing Ta ten-week project generously put your head above the parapet so Once the twmpath began in H Lamphey, closed over 20 deposits. funded by the Welsh Government that children in the future can reach earnest, many of the children years ago, and yet its silver hadn’t I returned a few days later with to take a journey down memory their potential. immediately dragged parents on been located. It was thought that it some proof of ID and my licence lane, learn about the women suffra- Two young parents talked to the floor to learn the dances may have been deposited in a local from the Bishop. Copies were gettes, to make memorabilia, to about their journey – one spoke assisted by the caller. The room bank, but very few people were left sent to the bank’s head office and enjoy lively debate and learn about about how much she had learned was full of fun, laughter and energy who could help track down this I returned a couple of weeks later, the political situation then and now. visiting the Senedd and the other and it wasn’t long before the after- treasure. signed a small slip of paper and The tea party took place at the spoke of how proud she had been noon had come to an end. A long-retired warden of was handed two very dusty boxes. Ammanford Bible Church (ABC) to join the Cardiff procession. A wonderful photo was taken Hodgeston was very anxious to Once home, and with great from 4 -6.30 pm. Some parents Food for the tea was generously of the young parents, some stayed make sure that the silver was curiosity and excitement, I broke arrived early to help with prep- donated by Llandybie Mothers’ behind to help with the clearing up, located and deposited in a secure the wax seals on the string holding arations – sashes around seats, Union, who provided a wonderful pushing tables back into place and location. He contacted me through the brown paper around one of the balloons blown up and crockery spread of dainty sandwiches and dismantling displays, and we all the warden at Lamphey Church and, boxes. The box was for ‘Golden laid out. cakes which were enjoyed by every- had smiles on our faces after a very when we visited him, he passed over Wonder Crisps’ (ready salted) at The event started with people one. While we ate, we had music successful event. a few old receipts from the 1960s 5d a bag. Inside, newspaper from milling through the door, looking that referred to a locked box stored 1975 had been used to wrap the at all of the memorabilia displayed in the National Provincial Bank, in contents: a large, solid silver flagon – ceramic plates and decorated Pembroke. At least now we had a and standing paten, along with a wooden spoons as well as a large lead and it proved to be very timely, very large pewter plate dated 1786. memory book filled with photos, as the local branch of NatWest was An older silver chalice and a paten craft and historical facts. closing in the next few months. dated 1569 were in the locked A mannequin also stood in the The following day, I went wooden box, which took some time corner, proudly wearing a histori- along to NatWest and introduced to open as we were missing the key. cal outfit of the time in purple, myself. As soon as I mentioned The contents now all reside safely green and white. Plant Dewi staff Hodgeston Church, the teller was in the Bishop’s chapel. and parents also dressed up. startled: “Well, funny you should This saga lasted well over 20 Revd Delyth Wilson, as host, mention that,” she said, “we were years, and no one had seen the spoke passionately about the only talking about it this morning! silver for perhaps 43 years. But the women’s suffragette movement We didn’t know who to contact.” simple act of going into the bank and the young parent work carried It transpired that they had had at the right time allowed it all to out by Plant Dewi. The Bishop two boxes for many years and, unfold. I wonder what else local then spoke about justice, fairness what with closing in the next few bank branches may be holding for and compassion in society, valu- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1wcZb7IiB_k&feature=youtu.be months, they needed to track down other churches? Pobl Dewi, September 2018 17

accompanied by a printout of the relevant Bible verses. The standard Knitted Bible of work, the attention to detail and For centuries, scenes from the Bible have been depicted in the presentation were all excellent. paintings and sculpture, but, just under two years ago, a project The exhibition, in St Clement’s began which shunned those traditional materials, to portray more Church, was timed to coincide with than 20 biblical scenes entirely in wool! Dorothy Cox explains the Holy Week Mission, when the Bishop and five ordinands came to YLVIA Leggett, who had people, and sheep. In all 13 knitters the parish to lead services, events Salready knitted a ‘Nativity’, a took part, while many others made and activities in local schools and ‘Noah’s Ark’ and a ‘Last Supper’, donations of wool and needles to the wider community. persuaded Linda Thomas to help, create the 13 Old Testament panels, The exhibition has now, sadly, and together they launched the including Jonah and the Whale, been packed away, but is available ‘Knit the Bible’ project at the Jacob’s Ladder, and Balaam and to any parish who would like to monthly coffee morning in Novem- the Donkey. The nine scenes put it on display. For more infor- ber 2016 held in St Clement’s from the New Testament include mation about this, or any aspect of Church, Neyland. Jairus’s Daughter and the Feeding the project please contact Sylvia on Word soon spread through the of the 5,000. The first panel depicts 01646 602234. local community and contributions the Creation while the final one Sylvia and Linda are plan- were coming in from far and near. represents the Crucifixion and the ning to start another project in the Some knitters took responsibility Resurrection of Christ. Eighteen autumn, which they hope will reach Quilting Show-and-Tell’ session Again, for more information please for a complete scene, while others months and a lot of hard work later, out into the wider community in will be held at the coffee morning contact Sylvia. knitted large numbers of trees, the 22 scenes were finished, each the same way. A ‘Patchwork and on Wednesday 19th September. Chaplain to Meet, Eat and Sing ORE than 30 choristers, Mfrom around the diocese, Ceredigion Council came along to the Royal School of Church Music’s ‘Meet, Eat and Sing’ event at Holy Trinity 2018-19 Church, Aberystwyth, on 7th July. The choir, under the direction of Simon Pearce, Assistant Organist at St Davids Cathedral, and accom- panied by Rupert Jackson, Organ Scholar at the cathedral, practised pieces throughout the day in prep- aration for Choral Evensong. The service, which was dedicated to the life and work of the late Gordon Appleton, took place in the church at 4.30pm. Future RSCM events include: 22 September 2018, ‘Lift Up Your Voice’, St Brynach’s Church, Nevern; 7 November 2018, ‘Young Voices’ Festival, St Davids Cathedral; 24 November 2018, chorister awards training day, St Davids Cathedral; 9 March 2019, chorister awards examinations, St Peter’s Church, Carmarthen; 11 May 2019, Area Choirs’ Festi- val, St Davids Cathedral; 15 June 2019, ‘Meet, Eat and Sing’, St Mary’s Church, Tenby; 6 July 2019, organ training day, St Davids Cathedral. Jesus – superhero The theme of July’s Messy Church at Dafen Church Hall saw children dressed up as their superheroes. Michelle Lloyd – Youth Worker for Bro Lliedi LMA – led the afternoon with stories, songs, and prayers Pictured is Revd Jenny Kimber (Lampeter) shaking hands with followed by crafts linked to Councillor Hag Harris, Chairman of Ceredigion County Council. the theme. Howard Llewelyn, At the invitation of Councillor Harris, Jenny is Chaplain to the Diocesan Secretary, paid a visit council for 2018-19 and enjoyed his time with us 18 Pobl Dewi, September 2018 Refl ection We are here to help In the second of his series of articles on the work of the Diocesan Offi ce, Howard Llewellyn profi les the Finance Department IA EVANS is the Head of All is safely gathered in NFinance for the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF). She and her staff , Karen Davies-Stevens and Christine Thomas, are respon- sible for the fi nancial management of the diocese. They manage and operate formal and accountable processes intended to serve the daily requirements of the parishes and the diocese. Karen Davies-Stevens ments while still supporting their mission and ministry. If your parish anticipates fi nan- cial problems, please contact Nia. She, her staff and the Mission Resources Offi cer, will be pleased to respond by meeting your offi c- ers to explore the problem and off er Coron hardd roist ar y fl wyddyn, coron o ddaioni mawr. suggestions and help. By doing this Richard Davies considers the harvest season and sharing the problem it should be possible to avoid or minimise HAT a feast for the senses a mentioned in the Old Testament, at this service, in particular, tells us Nia Evans Wharvest festival is! One only it could be argued that the harvest much about modern people. We has to open the door of a coun- festival, as we know it, is a rela- live in an age in which the material There are several elements try church to be assaulted by the tive latecomer. True, the Church is important and, in many respects, to the accounting processes, for rich aroma of freshly picked fruit has always marked the agricultural a harvest festival does celebrate example Ministry Share, Endowed and vegetables and what a joy to year with events such as Blessing the material. Perhaps it is a festi- Schools, Parsonage Board, Chil- behold that panorama of the fi nest the Plough and Rogation Walks, val to which the non-religious can dren & Youth, Bishop’s strategy, blooms from local gardens, rang- but it was the Cornish cleric, Revd somehow relate more easily, even audit and the strategic work of the ing in colour from mature bronzes Robert Hawker, who, in 1843, intro- if they are somewhat hazy or hesi- DBF. to bright blues. And don’t the duced the festival as we know it. tant about a Creator God. Of particular relevance to fi rst strains of ‘Come ye thankful On the other hand, the presence However, as the harvest festival parishes and LMAs is the work of the newly created Ministry Share people come’ or ‘We plough the of a crowd at a harvest festival season beckons, it can be the means Christine Thomas fi elds and scatter’ bring comfort- should be no surprise. From earli- to acquaint people with spiritual Sub-Committee, which guides and ing reminiscences, perhaps tinged est times, humankind has given truths and that there is more to this monitors the overall process and arrears and the negative conse- with hiraeth, of harvest festivals thanks for the safe gathering of the festival than tomatoes and turnips. procedures for setting and gather- quences which can follow. long ago, when a diff erent congre- crops, because a failed harvest led It is the duty of us all to remind ing Ministry Share. An important Should you require any infor- gation, now garnered into a greater to disease and death. The major people of the scarcity of others and part of this is working with parishes mation, please do not hesitate to harvest, sang the familiar hymns, corn riots in West Wales, even as care for the environment. It also to anticipate problems and poten- contact Nia, Karen or Christine. which a new generation is taking late as the 19thC, remind us that needs to be said that ‘Man does tial shortfalls before they develop, https://stdavids.churchinwales.org. up? famine stalked this diocese not that not live on bread alone’ and that so that steps can be taken to assist uk/information/offi ce/; In many a rural church, harvest long ago, as, to our shame, is still nourishing the spiritual is just as them in meeting their commit- tel: 01267 236145. festival is still the biggest turnout the case for far too many people important. It is Christ, and Christ of the year. The hardy regulars today. The fact that ‘all is safely alone, who is ‘the true bread’ and are joined by members of other gathered in’ should be a cause of feeding on Him, ‘the bread of life’, congregations, whether Anglican thanksgiving for all of us, even if, is the only way to fi ll that yearning or not, the lapsed and those of no in modern Britain, we are insulated in their soul, that emptiness which faith, who turn up because it is part from the excesses and vagaries materialism, despite the promises of the annual cycle of village life. of weather and natural disaster. If of advertisers, cannot reach. We Fun The size of a congregation is, only this was true for everybody. have Christ’s eternal promise that in one respect, a surprise. Unlike Mor wir yw geiriau yr emynydd we will not hunger or thirst again the other major Christian festivals, pan ganodd ‘Mawr ddyled arnom and that truth will nourish and in the when we celebrate an event in Our sydd . . .y fl wyddyn hon ein cofi o gladden us long after the parsnips Lord’s life or a major event from gwnaeth’. Bydded i ni gael calon- have putrifi ed and the dahlias have church history, a harvest festival nau diolchgar ac yn barod i fod yn decayed. sun is neither of these. Whilst bearing ff ordd i helpu eraill. in mind the harvest celebrations The welcome presence of many

The members of St Peter’s Church, Little Newcastle, took Follow Pobl Dewi on advantage of the fi ne weather to hold several diff erent services www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk this summer. The fi rst was a Pet Service in June. Then, on Sunday 5th August, the church de-camped to the beach! In glorious sunshine, over two dozen members went to Newport Sands (Traeth Mawr), where, after a short service, the company built an impressive sand cathedral. These summer activities are designed to associate the church with fun; feedback appears to be very positive in this respect. www.facebook.com/pobldewi http://twitter.com/PoblDewi Read the full article on PDExtra: https://stdavids.churchinwale s.org.uk/life/pobldewi/pdextra/ Pobl Dewi, September 2018 19

Forthcoming Events at Tŷ’r Pererin RETREAT SERIES Thursday 11th October, 10am - 4pm Love God and Love Learning: Caru Duw a Caru Dysg A day linked to events in the cathedral library for UK Libraries Week. During the day, the meaning of the Cathedral Library Prayer will be examined as will the role of a place of learning within a place of worship. Led by Ven Paul Mackness, WHAT’S ON AT Archdeacon of St Davids

Saturday 17th November, 10am - 4pm ST DAVIDS CATHEDRAL . . . Transforming the Heart: An Introduction to the Practice of Centering Prayer Concerts Learn about this core Christian practice, dating back to the Wednesday 12th September 7.30pm Summer Concert Series, St Davids Cathedral Choir Desert Fathers and illuminated in the contemporary teachings Wednesday 3rd October 12noon Perth Male Voice Choir of Fr Thomas Keating and Cynthia Bourgeault. Led by Saturday 24th November 7.30pm Goodwick Brass Band Concert Jayne MacGregor & Val Harding members of Contemplative Outreach Saturday 15th December 7.30pm Côr Dyfed Concert, Handel’s Messiah Friday 7th December 2018, 10am - 4pm Special Services Preparing for Christmas Friday 21st September 12noon Eucharist, Matthew, Apostle and Evangelist Join us for a quiet day to prepare for Christmas. There will be 6pm Evensong, part of the International One Day three sessions interspersed with meditative prayer and free One Choir initiative when, across the world, time for refl ection. Led by Revd Don MacGregor we sing for peace Saturday 29th September 12noon Eucharist, Michael and All Angels Thursday 1st November, 11am - 2.30pm All Saints’ Day Activities Sunday 7th October 6pm Choral Evensong followed by Harvest Supper An interactive cathedral trail suitable for children aged 5-11 Thursday 18th October 12noon Eucharist, Luke, Evangelist and families Monday 29th October 12noon Eucharist, Simon and Jude, Apostles Friday 2nd November, 10.30am -12.30pm Sunday 4th November 10.30am Choral Eucharist with Confi rmations All Souls’ Day Pilgrimage Sunday 4th November 4pm All Souls Requiem A cathedral pilgrimage for remembrance season to pray for Sunday 11th November 6am Lone piper playing ‘Battle’s O’er’ those we have loved and lost. We will be incorporating the Sunday 11th November 11.15am Service of Remembrance There But Not There Exhibition as a memorial to those of St Davids Parish lost in the First World War. The pilgrimage will Sunday 11th November 7.15pm Bellringing, Battle’s Over – Ringing out for peace take place inside the cathedral and will fi nish with prayers at Friday 30th November 12noon Eucharist, Andrew, Apostle, Patron Saint of Scotland the Shrine of St David at 12 noon Sunday 2nd December 6pm Advent Procession LMA Quiet Days Cloisters Gallery Book space for your Local Ministry Area to come together for 11th September to 24th September Arts and Crafts fellowship and refl ection. The day will be led for you at Tŷ’r 25th September to 8th October Arts and Crafts Pererin and the cathedral. Please get in touch to discuss an option to suit your LMA 9th October to 22nd October Ros Evans 23rd October to 5th November Riitta Sinkkonen Davies Contact Janet Ingram for more information For further information about the above services and events Tel: 01437 729151 please contact the Deanery Offi ce on 01437 720202 [email protected] or email [email protected] www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk www.stdavidscathedral.org.uk Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter Find us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter

Moreover, in my hour of these services while LGBTQ+ folk to have your beliefs challenged and In my view . . . desperation, when I needed to are not being welcomed and vali- to be open to change. Everyone’s confi de in somebody, did I turn to dated by their congregations. As story deserves to be heard, espe- the Church, the Christian commu- Matthew Hill said, it is a promis- cially in the light of God’s most Being at home in your body nity, for help? Emphatically no. ing start. Of course, I look forward gracious love for humankind. “Why not?” you may ask. Well, to a time when such services are no Ben Thwaite argues for more understanding for those who are quite simply, I did not believe that longer required – a more enlight- LGBTQ+ there was a single person – clergy ened time when all can worship OMEBODY asked me recently When I discovered I was or lay – who was at all knowledge- under the church roof as one FINAL S how I could be a transman transgender (in this instance male- able of, or sympathetic to, the crisis unifi ed body, to the glory of God. and a Christian (as if being one identifi ed in a natal female body) I that I was going through. This may In the meantime, to those who feel precluded me from the other). I was terrifi ed. I feared the voices that not have been the case, of course, uncomfortable or threatened by the COPY DATE smiled and replied, “Because I said gender variance is shameful, but that was my perception. lives of lesbian, gay, and transgen- for the December am!” These days I am quite at home unnatural, ungodly; worse still, the So when I heard that a recently der people I would humbly suggest edition of with the idea of being transgender. church clerics who claimed people established branch of CATAC two things: stop using scripture as With God’s help I have found a like me were ‘the seed of Satan’ and (Changing Attitude Transnewid hand grenades to wound fellow Pobl Dewi safe place between genders and the in need of deliverance. I also feared Agwedd Cymru) was planning a Christians, as this leads to a belief 7th November courage to stand fi rm in self-belief rejection from loved ones, and most series of services for LGBTQ+ that we have no right to exist. and acceptance of my identity. This importantly, I feared hurting them folk and their allies to attend, I was Secondly, educate yourselves in the 2018 has not always been the case. by telling them the truth. delighted. There is a great need for fi eld of gender studies. Be prepared 20 Pobl Dewi, September 2018 Book Reviews

names to give a sense of the wider tortured until close to death to history of the time. make her recant. She was finally A page-turner In the middle of the book burnt at the stake. At this point comes a chapter of interest to all I felt the book should contain a Whither God brings us: time at Cambridge University and readers of Pobl Dewi. The life warning for readers as the descrip- Cambridge and the their total commitment to the truths and martyrdom of Robert Ferrar, tions of the deaths of the martyrs, Reformation martyrs of the Bible. Most people will be Bishop of St Davids 1548-1554. in particular Anne Askew, are very By David Llewellyn Jenkins familiar with the names of Henry The manoeuvrings of the cathe- disturbing. Yet the reader is drawn Pub: Charenton Reformed VIII, Mary Tudor, Cardinal Wolsey, dral chapter to remove Ferrar read on to hear more about those who Publishing; 2018 Thomas More and Thomas Crom- like an Anthony Trollope novel, gave their lives so that the truth of ISBN: 978-0-9929465-8-6 well, who form the background to only worse. He wanted to move the the Gospel would not be hidden Price: £20 this dramatic period in the religious diocese in a more biblical direction, under the unbiblical practices of I am neither a historian nor an history of Britain. I had a sketchy and his attempts were ferociously the medieval Catholic Church. academic, so when this book was knowledge of Ridley, Latimer and opposed. It is a shame that such a It would be hard to read this given to me I approached it with Cranmer but knew nothing of many man of faith isn’t given a higher book and not ask ‘how far would I some trepidation. However, I of the martyrs described in ‘Whither profile in our cathedral. be prepared to go when faced with became completely engrossed and God brings us’. Woven into the chapter on the opposition for wanting to uphold found I couldn’t put it down. It is a Whilst knowing from the martyr Thomas Dusgate is the Biblical truth?’ This is an informa- real page turner! beginning that each martyr will Jenkins has managed to keep the appalling, yet exceptional, tale of tive and challenging read. This is a widely researched come to a horrible end, it’s fasci- text flowing at the same time as Anne Askew, a woman who was Prudence Bell book about 22 of the lesser known nating to learn what kept them true giving enough dates, places and put into solitary confinement then martyrs of the English Reforma- to their convictions about the truths tion, whose common bond was their of the Bible. David Llewellyn rendering in the Latin Vulgate . . . constitutes one of the most Translation, mistranslation consequential mistranslations in Preview Christian history’. He continues with an analysis of the derivation and the search for accuracy of the mistaken traditional trans- One to watch The New Testament: lation from the Greek with the A Translation observation ‘Hence what became A new documentary film series, A By David Bentley Hart the standard reading of the verse in Hobbit, A Wardrobe and A Great Pub: Yale University Press; much of Western theology after the War, based on the book of the 2018 late third century: “in whom [i.e., same title by Joseph Loconte, is ISBN: 978-03001-86093 Adam] all sinned” ’. to be released in the late autumn. Price: £30 (hardback) This Hart identifies as ‘the It explores the friendship of the The Eastern Orthodox scholar of locus classsicus of the Western authors JRR Tolkien and CS Lewis religion David Bentley Hart has Christian notion of original guilt and the impact of the Great War provided us with a new translation . . . that everyone is born already on their lives, their faith, and their of the New Testament etsi doct- damnably guilty in the eyes of God imagination. rina non daretur ‘as if doctrine is – a logical and moral paradox that For a generation of men and not given’. It is described by John the Eastern tradition was spared by women the Great War brought the Milbank as ‘A theological and its knowledge of Greek’. His foot- end of innocence, and the end of ecclesial event of the first magni- note concludes with Paul’s position faith. Not so for these two insight- tude . . . Hart has shown, after 500 in Romans and elsewhere repre- ful authors and friends. The Great years, that the core of Reforma- sented as ‘[it] is the very dynamism War deepened their spiritual quest. tion theology is unbiblical and that of death and sin that is reversed in Both men served as soldiers, certain currents of Latin theology Romans 5:12 will serve to demon- Christ: by his triumphant right- survived the trenches and used are dubious or inadequate’. Rowan strate to every reader the seismic eousness he introduced eternal life the experience of the war to shape Williams writes ‘[it] makes us see potential of his work. His transla- into the cosmos, and so as that life their Christian imagination. Tolk- of the Rings there is great sobriety with new clarity just what was and tion reads ‘Therefore, just as sin spreads into the whole of humanity ien created The Lord of the Rings about the prospects of final victory is uncomfortably new about the entered into the cosmos through it makes all righteous’. and Lewis the imaginative Chroni- in the present life, as in the words New Testament’. one man and death through sin, so Whether or not Hart’s transla- cles of Narnia. These epic stories of Galadriel: “Through the ages of To be very clear, this reviewer also death pervaded all humanity, tion of this verse will find general depicting the heroism and hardship the world we have fought the long is not remotely qualified to contrib- whereupon all sinned’. acceptance is a question for the of war might not have been created defeat.” The fantasies of ‘Middle ute a personal evaluation of the To quote directly from the future to determine – what does had the authors not experienced the Earth’ and ‘Narnia’ do not repre- translation either to support or supporting footnote: ‘A fairly appear to be beyond dispute is that heat of trench warfare. sent a flight from reality, but rather contradict the assessments of such easy verse to follow until one his reading of this foundational The film documentary recalls a return to the real world, which, distinguished individuals but a reaches the final four words whose text makes a profound contribution their time at Oxford University, for Tolkien and Lewis, had a myth- brief consideration of Hart’s exten- precise meaning is already obscure which cannot be ignored. and their mutual love of romantic ical and heroic quality. sive footnote to his rendering of and whose notoriously defective Revd Derek Davies and medieval literature. With the Even in the dark bitterness and dire prospect of another world war, cynicism which followed the war, Tolkien and Lewis delve into their these two great authors produced earlier experience of conflict as stories imbued with grace inspired Contributions to Pobl Dewi they inspire each other to compose by heroism and genuine consolation. their great works. I encourage you to watch this We welcome articles of interest from readers and, in particular, we With the pervasive mood of documentary and re-introduce would like to encourage submission of articles in Welsh. bitter disillusionment, cynicism yourselves to Tolkien and Lewis, Articles should be e-mailed to the Managing Editor: Tessa Briggs, and disenchantment that followed whose works can help us re-imag- [email protected] World War 1, which Lewis himself ine reality and re-engage with the felt for a long while, the achieve- deeper, enchanted meaning of life. Photographs of children must have parental permission for publication in print and on ment of Tolkien and Lewis was If you would like to read the book, the internet. Please confirm this in writing to the editor when submitting photos. to reintroduce into the popular it is published by Thomas Nelson Disclaimer Pobl Dewi and the diocese of St Davids take no responsibility, liability or share the views or imagination a Christian vision of and available from booksellers and opinions of any articles contained herein. All information is the responsibility of the person or organisation hope. But this hope did not deny in electronic format. submitting the article. Pobl Dewi take no responsibility for any errors or omissions the realities of life. In The Lord Revd Canon Dewi Roberts