www.stdavidsdiocese.org.uk www.facebook.com/pobl.dewi http://twitter.com./PoblDewi Mehefin/June 2012 Where we are . and where we’re going In his Charge at this year’s Visitations, Rt Revd Wyn Evans set out his plans for a reformed, revived and invigorated Church in St Davids Diocese ORMALLY my Charge of the laity are not being harnessed faith, in stature and maturity, in not just in emergencies or as cover would be based on the properly; communication is weak spirituality and Christian virtues. during interregna. Ninformation and concerns and outdated; our capital assets In the sphere of work with young So we have the God-given highlighted in the parish returns, are too often a millstone and there people and children, Revd Mari- moment to do something about it. but this year is different because needs to be a better process as to anne Osborne and Mrs Naomi Deaneries will form the basis of of your input into the life of the how to use them to best advan- Wood have been appointed and are what we intend to do, though it diocese at a series of gatherings. tage for worship, outreach and already hard at work. However, will mean dividing them; creating You have told me that congre- service. Your constant struggle these initiatives need to be part of quite a few more of them; making gations are dwindling and ageing, with fi nances has also been made a wider strategy to renew our life them more sensitive to popula- with fewer children; church very clear. So what are we going to together as a diocese. tion clusters. Leadership of these culture is both tradition-bound and do about it? With declining numbers of partnerships will fall to stipendi- inward-looking; worship is often The Archdeacons have been stipendiary clergy we need to take ary clergy, who would, as now, formal, book-bound, out of touch gathering information and snap- a radical look at our structures have pastoral care of churches and, perhaps worse, “unimagina- shots of the life of the diocese; so that they let the local church with at least a second stipendiary tive”; there is little or no interest Area Deans have also contri- community grow and fl ourish, cleric in each deanery. Gathered in outreach and evangelism; the buted signifi cantly and are already with a wide range of volunteers clergy are overworked, and, partic- involved in piloting some schemes ing Faith Groups. As followers of given real responsibility, while at ularly in the case of the stipendiary in the deaneries. the Risen Christ, we must ensure the same time experiencing a full clergy, dwindling in numbers; stress It is out of the current situation that our own discipleship is solidly sacramental and liturgical life. on the clergy is increased because that the future life of the diocese grounded and that we grow spir- Indeed, Readers have made clear to both worship and ministry are far will emerge. We have already set itually; from that will follow the me that they must be treated more too clergy-dependent; the energies up a fl ourishing network of Explor- growth of our church in trust and as colleagues in normal times and – continued on page 3 Torch and Trumpet N Pentecost Sunday Wynd- The sounds of his practising can Oham Morgan carried the often be heard around the village Olympic Torch through Burry Port of Ferryside and the pleasant result on behalf of his community. Later is that we all know what the hymns on he carried it, with his former will be before coming to church! rugby trainees, through Llansaint And when he has fi nished accom- and Ferryside ending at the Rugby panying in St Ishmael’s he dashes Sports and Social Club for a party off to St Thomas’s to join other and charity rugby match. Christian friends for the service Wyndham is not only famous there. in these parts for his training So the trumpet has sounded skills; he has helped many a player and an Olympic Torch has arrived towards earning a cap or two for in Ferryside where it will have a Wales. He also accompanies the permanent home. hymns on Sundays in St Ishmael’s. ‘The Gathering’ 13th October, Aberystwyth – Page 6 Am ddim Free 2 Pobl Dewi, June 2012 Unorthodox fundraising mission visited six Wales cathedrals If you’re planning a fundraising tour of the six Wales cathedrals, there’s only one place to start. Which is why the Rural Affairs Adviser to Swansea and Brecon diocese chose St Davids as his first port of call. Revd Richard Kirlew was given a blessed send- off by Bishop Wyn and the Dean, Very Revd Jonathan Lean. Richard’s unorthodox mission was designed to highlight the plight of rural farming communities and raise funds for farming support charities like the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and Farm Crisis Network. And his prayers were answered, with £3,000 pledged by the many people across Wales who came out to support him. A day for Pastoral Eucharistic Assistants The Lay Ministry Development Group hosted its first event of 2012 at St Mary’s Old School House, Cardigan, on Saturday, 3rd March, and a very well supported day it turned out to be, with over 36 delegates attending. Nick Barroccu reports HE topics for the day were rience of those in attendance. are to be used in administering TCommunion by Extension, Notwithstanding this rich vein of ‘home communion’? All topics Worship in Residential Care experience, it was reassuring to see made for a deep and meaningful Homes and Public Speaking, all of how those involved had thought session, with almost everyone dili- which were designed for the benefit seriously about all details and gently taking their own notes. of Pastoral Eucharistic Assistants aspects of their role in Lay Minis- The second session of the day [PEA]. try – from diverse matters such as was a presentation given by Henry In looking at the role of PEA’s, once consecrated, do the elements Johnson on leading worship in care and specifically the subject of have a ‘best before’ date, how homes, specifically at Belmont to lead this type of worship, the voice projection, pacing, pitch and Communion by Extension, Revd should they be stored and trans- Court. Henry shared with us his code of conduct to be observed tone and most importantly, when Canon Dennis Wight identified ported, what type of licence is own experiences of this minis- in care homes, what resources to take a breath. He also stressed and acknowledged the vast expe- required and what form of words try, from having the inner calling you need, what’s available and the importance of understanding particularly the importance of the the reading you are delivering and soothing properties, and use, of having respect for God’s word. music. Henry’s detailed handouts All in all a very enjoyable day, at the end of his session form an judging from the evaluation forms exhaustive checklist of what‘s completed. The Lay Ministry A call to serve as disciples needed to undertake and deliver Development Team will be holding this important role. a further training day later this year The final session of the day was in September, looking at Theology, Following the success of the training day held in March this year, the Lay Ministry Development delivered by Gwyn Price-Evans, a nurturing prayer life, Bible study, Team will be holding its next event on 22nd September, at 9.30am (for a 10am start), at St John’s very lively speaker, who ensured the quality of Worship and practi- Church Centre, Carmarthen no-one was drowsy when he spoke! cal spiritual guidance. Gwyn outlined the general princi- Watch this space for more EADERS, Worship Leaders, ples of public speaking, covering details. RPastoral Eucharistic Assistants and all those involved in lay minis- try are invited. Those interested in exploring a role in lay ministry are also welcome. The topic for the day will be ‘A Call To Serve As Disciples’ and will focus on renewal and nourish- FINAL DATE ment, for both minds and spirits, for articles for the inspiring deeper discipleship. Keep a look out for posters September 2012 edition of and leaflets in your parish, giving further details, nearer the time. Pobl Dewi In the meantime, for enquiries, is 24th August 2012 or to book a place, e-mail Caroline Mansell: [email protected] Pobl Dewi, June 2012 3 HE acceptance of the Angli- tion of the Welsh language within Tcan Covenant was the main the life of the province. While it item of business. The Covenant is Governing Body Report was generally recognised that the a statement of common principles language does have a special place and belief designed to try and keep The April meeting of the Church in Wales Governing Body was held at Venue Cymru, Llandudno, in within the Church, there was some the Anglican Communion together. April. As usual, there was a packed agenda. Paul Mackness reports concern that it appeared to focus Earlier in the year the Church of on first language speakers, but not England rejected the Covenant. fully appreciating the effort and However, it was clear that it was members were asked to discuss Again, small groups were used to achievements of Welsh learners. not a given that the Church in some proposals being considered discuss a series of questions put The proposals were passed but it Wales would follow suit. After by the Bench in small groups. From forward by the Review Group.