Do you want to reach over 1,000 local people? Take advantage of our new front page banner - To advertise here call 01591 620 648 Magazine for the Irfon and Wye Valley Churches Issue No 154 July and August 2013 When and where did our children go? This is a question which many churches are asking; the answers of course are not straightforward nor are they the same for each church. We have to look at the way we live today. The working week for many families looks very different to the way it was forty years ago. The majority of adults would have at least Saturday afternoon and Sunday off work, women were more likely to work part time if at all and Sunday working was in the main carried out by healthcare and emergency service staff and those involved in the hospitality industry. Sport and other social events tended to take place on Saturday rather than Sunday. Take into account that now we have families where both parents work, sometimes both doing full time hours, Sunday trading now being the norm and sporting events and other social gatherings being a regular feature of Sundays. It may be the only day the family has to spend time together or in fact visit and care for other older family members. Transport has always been patchy on Sundays but as many families now own cars our whole population has become more mobile. Things may be even further complicated by complex family situations where a child is not living with both parents and weekends are spent elsewhere. It has been shown that the children of the ‘Baby Boom’ years those born between 1946 and 1964 are less likely to have been introduced to religion as children, being born into a generation which felt it was better to leave the children to make up their own minds rather than indoctrinate them, and so is less likely that their children, the ones we are now missing will attend church or church related activity. For those children who did go to church I suspect, little had changed since their grandparents’ days and children were still expected to be ‘seen and not heard’. In the past the church’s ‘solution’ to children seems to have been to separate them out from the ‘proper’ congregation. The children had Sunday school or junior church, teenagers had their own group and the grownups had church. Occasionally they would come together and the children would be allowed to sing or read and would be rather patronised by the congregation. This arrangement also meant that children could be sent to Sunday school without their parents going to church. Families stopped worshiping together; the pattern of Sunday was changing. The problem, of course does not lie with the children, they can only go to places they are taken or allowed to go to. Children are very spiritual beings and are eager to learn but we need to remember that learning about religion is not the same as having faith, having a relationship with God. This needs to be nurtured in the home and school as well as church. A survey, reported in the Church Times last year recorded that children wanted to be part of a church which worshiped together. (continued on pg 5) Children’s Work Children’s Work Children’s Work Children’s Work - a Joint Responsibility a Joint Responsibility a Joint Responsibility a Joint Responsibility by Liz Kirlew, Bishop’s Officer for Children
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Do you want to reach over 1,000 local people?
Take advantage of our new front page banner -
To advertise here call
01591 620 648
Magazine for the Irfon and Wye Valley Churches
Issue No 154 July and August 2013
When and where did our children go? This is a
question which many churches are asking; the
answers of course are not straightforward nor are
they the same for each church. We have to look at the
way we live today.
The working week for many families looks very
different to the way it was forty years ago. The
majority of adults would have at least Saturday
afternoon and Sunday off work, women were more
likely to work part time if at all and Sunday working
was in the main carried out by healthcare and
emergency service staff and those involved in the
hospitality industry. Sport and other social events
tended to take place on Saturday rather than Sunday.
Take into account that now we have families where
both parents work, sometimes both doing full time
hours, Sunday trading now being the norm and
sporting events and other social gatherings being a
regular feature of Sundays. It may be the only day the
family has to spend time together or in fact visit and
care for other older family members. Transport has
always been patchy on Sundays but as many families
now own cars our whole population has become
more mobile. Things may be even further
complicated by complex family situations where a
child is not living with both parents and weekends
are spent elsewhere.
It has been shown that the children of the ‘Baby
Boom’ years those born between 1946 and 1964 are
less likely to have been introduced to religion as
children, being born into a generation which felt it
was better to leave the children to make up their own
minds rather than indoctrinate them, and so is less
likely that their children, the ones we are now
missing will attend church or church related activity.
For those children who did go to church I suspect,
little had changed since their grandparents’ days and
children were still expected to be ‘seen and not heard’.
In the past the church’s ‘solution’ to children seems to
have been to separate them out from the ‘proper’
congregation. The children had Sunday school or junior
church, teenagers had their own group and the
grownups had church. Occasionally they would come
together and the children would be allowed to sing or
read and would be rather patronised by the
congregation. This arrangement also meant that
children could be sent to Sunday school without their
parents going to church. Families stopped worshiping
together; the pattern of Sunday was changing. The
problem, of course does not lie with the children, they
can only go to places they are taken or allowed to go to.
Children are very spiritual beings and are eager to
learn but we need to remember that learning about
religion is not the same as having faith, having a
relationship with God. This needs to be nurtured in
the home and school as well as church. A survey,
reported in the Church Times last
year recorded that children wanted
to be part of a church which
worshiped together.
(continued on pg 5)
Children’s Work Children’s Work Children’s Work Children’s Work ---- a Joint Responsibility a Joint Responsibility a Joint Responsibility a Joint Responsibility by Liz Kirlew, Bishop’s Officer for Children
2
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WEDDINGS WEDDINGS WEDDINGS WEDDINGS CONFERENCES CONFERENCES CONFERENCES CONFERENCES COUNTRY PURSUITS COUNTRY PURSUITS COUNTRY PURSUITS COUNTRY PURSUITS
Sunday 28th July and 18th August 3-4.30pm at St. Mary’s, Builth
Services every Third Sunday of each month
Simple Open Service fellowship afterwards with refreshments and social time
allallallall
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Deanery Notices .
4
The Colwyn Group of ParishesDear FriendsDear FriendsDear FriendsDear Friends We’ve just bought a rather swish new caravan! New
to us that is, not brand new! It’s much newer than we
intended to buy, being just under two years old, but it
was one of those
situations where it
was ridiculously
cheap and we
were made an
offer we could not
refuse. So we
shall have the
opportunity to go
away and use it
for holidays. Hopefully to be able to use it for that
rather rare phenomenon; a ‘day off’! As one who has
three jobs and therefore not a lot of spare time, this is
an absolute Godsend!
But on the topic of days off and holidays, a question
springs to mind; ‘What do the Welsh poet William
Henry Davies and St Paul have in common?’ Well,
read on, all will be revealed.
Summer (if I dare use that word yet!) is generally a
time for us all to refresh, re-coup and regenerate
ourselves. I also like to think that recreation has a dual
meaning – a time for re-creation; a time to re-build
our minds and souls. What, I hear you say, has
lounging or kicking a football around on a beach in
the sun got to do with our soul? Well, it’s everything
to do with it. We need spiritual refreshment as well,
and one leads to the other.
The Welsh poet William Henry Davies who wrote that
wonderful poem, ‘Leisure’ in 1911, really sums up the
need to stand and stare. “What is this life if, full of
care, we have no time to stand and stare…”
And it concludes: “A poor life this if, full of care, we
have no time to stand and stare”.
True words indeed and I suggest that you read the
whole poem sometime.
As Paul writes in a letter to his friend Philemon,
“… refresh my heart in Christ” (20). So shouldn’t we
do just that – refresh our hearts in Christ; our one true
source of refreshment – a source that give us all the
refreshment we need!
So, as Liz, Raife and myself ‘stand and stare’, we
know that we can do it in style and have no excuse to
work too much. I hope and pray that you may have a
wonderful and re-creating summer and have the
opportunity to ‘stand and stare’!!
Vicar RichardVicar RichardVicar RichardVicar Richard
Open Churches There has been further recent guidance from the
Ecclesiastical Insurance on keeping churches open
during the day. Some of you may have noticed my
slogan on the Pew Sheets a while ago, “A closed church
building during the week is not a good shop front for
the Gospel on Sunday”.
It is true, of course, that most of our churches are open
anyway, acting as a welcome to those who may wish to
sit quietly and be with God. This is so important in our
Christian lives – to be able to be in God’s house and be
still in the rush and bustle of this world. Open churches
can also act as a welcome on the tourist trail and quite a
number, with some of ours being among them, have
water bottles for visitors to take or tea and coffee making
facilities in them. It is surprising how much the offertory
box can generate income for churches. Food for thought.
From the Registers Baptism: Max Robert Powell was baptised in St. Matthew’s
Church, Llanelwedd on 28th April 2013. We pray for
him as he starts his new life in Christ.
Funerals: Harry Grainger passed away recently at the age of
92. Harry was living with his son, Malcolm and
partner Debbie at Neuadd Henllan on the
Showground. However, many will remember him
from his time at the Llanelwedd Arms.
Sheila Foster was very much a regular member of the
congregation at St. Matthew’s Church, Llanelwedd.
She moved from Leamington Spa with Trevor, her
husband. They raised a family, with Mandy still living
in Builth Wells. Sheila had a huge faith and she will
be missed very much in St. Matthew’s.
May Harry & Sheila both Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory
Llansantffraed & Bettws Churches
with Hundred House Hall Committee
will be holding a
FLOWER FESTIVAL St Bridget’s Church 21
st & 22
nd September
on the theme of “The Creation”
Help is needed in all areas from flower arranging at all
levels to preparation & staging, providing & serving
refreshments or sponsoring a display. If you feel you can
help in any way, large or small, please contact Jeanne
Bowers, 01982 570222, or your church wardens.
Llanelwedd with Llanfaredd, Llansantffraed-in-Elwell, Bettws, Cregrina, Glascwm and Rhulen
Revd Richard Kirlew, The Rectory, Llanelwedd LD2 3TY, Tel: 01982 551288, Email: [email protected]
5
The Colwyn Group of ParishesServices for July 2013 7
th July Trinity 6
Llansantffraed 10.00 JO Eucharist
Glascwm 6.00 JO/MO Village Service
14th
July Trinity 7 Cregrina 10.30 RK Eucharist & Baptism
Llanelwedd 11.15 JO Eucharist
21st July Trinity 8
Llanfaredd 9.30 RK Eucharist
Llansantffraed 10.00 ET Morning Prayer
Glascwm 11.15 JO Eucharist
Rhulen 11.15 RK Eucharist
28th
July Trinity 9 Cregrina 9.30 MO Village Service
Bettws 9.30 RK Eucharist
Llanelwedd 10.45 RK/LK/ET Worship4All
Deanery Messy Church This will be held on Thursday 15
th August (time to be
confirmed) in the Jubilee Hall, Llanelwedd. It is open
to anyone of all ages, children need to bring a grown
up and grown ups can bring children!
Crafts, Worship and a BBQ for folk to sit down and
eat together. What’s not to like about it!
Need more information? – Contact Liz on 01982 551288
Student Placement This will be the fourth year that we have welcomed an
ordinand in training to our Benefice. For those who
may not know, an ordinand is someone undergoing
training prior to ordination.
This year we are to receive James Griffiths, who is at
Oak Hill Theological College, North London. James
is in his third year of training. He will arrive in the
Benefice on 21st July and will stay with us for the first
two days of the Royal Welsh Show. He will then
return for two weeks on 26th August.
I shall be taking the opportunity to introduce him to as
many folk as possible throughout the Benefice in that
period. He is here particularly to shadow me in my
rural work, as that is the topic of his placement. He
will take part in the Services in the Benefice during
that period and we hope that you will welcome him
into our midst.
Services for August 2013 4
th August Trinity 10
Llansantffraed 10.00 RK Eucharist
Glascwm 6.00 JO/MO Village Service
11th
August Trinity 11
Cregrina 9.30 RK Eucharist
Llanelwedd 11.15 RK Eucharist
18th
August Trinity 12 Llanfaredd 9.30 RK Eucharist
Llansantffraed 10.00 MJ Morning Prayer
Glascwm 11.15 MO
Rhulen 11.15 RK Eucharist
25th
August Trinity 13 Cregrina 9.30 DD Village Service
Bettws 9.30 RK Eucharist
Llanelwedd 10.45 RK/LK/ET Worship4All
And finally… A story from my homelands of Yorkshire When few people had personal transport, it was the
usual practice of remote chapels to offer the visiting
preachers both morning and evening services, with
meals provided in between.
In this particularly isolated chapel, in Yorkshire, the
visiting preacher had duly taken the morning service
and then enjoyed a sumptuous lunch provided by the
local steward, Fred, and his wife, Gladys. At teatime,
after a rest, he was offered the usual substantial tea,
but declined this, declaring that he never took a big
meal immediately before a service as his preaching
seemed to suffer.
Thus, after just a cup of tea, he preached again at the
evening service. And afterwards, saying his farewells, he
asked Fred and Gladys what they thought of his sermon.
“Well”, said Gladys, “tha might as well ‘ave ad thee
tea, Lad!!”
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Llanelwedd with Llanfaredd, Llansantffraed-in-Elwell, Bettws, Cregrina, Glascwm and Rhulen
Revd Richard Kirlew, The Rectory, Llanelwedd LD2 3TY, Tel: 01982 551288, Email: [email protected]
6
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Children’s Work Children’s Work Children’s Work Children’s Work ---- a Joint Responsibility a Joint Responsibility a Joint Responsibility a Joint Responsibility (continued from front page)
A number of children said they enjoyed going to
church with their grandparents. Older relatives or
friends may well be better placed to help children in
this way if their parents are busy. Children learn to
love things through being engaged with people to
whom these things matter, people to whom they can
look for affirmation and example.
Back in 2005 The Child friendly Church award
scheme was launched by the diocese of Liverpool, its
aim was to encourage churches to become safe,
nurturing communities. The participating churches
were asked to evaluate their church with criteria that
included, amongst other things, child protection,
worship, vision and safety training for leaders. Again
in 2009 the Will You Make a Difference? Campaign
and work and resources around The Year of the Child
all encouraged our churches to become ‘child
friendly’. Very nice, what a good idea I hear you say.
I think it is a shame that we as churches have had to
campaign to get even this far. Things are moving on
for all of us and we cannot expect that our children
will readily accept the conditions and attitudes which
were prevalent in their grandparent’s day. As adults
we do not tolerate it in our work or home life and
cannot expect them to either.
As the Bishop’s officer for children I feel we all need to
take a part in trying to reverse the trend. Children need
teaching appropriate for their age delivered by lively
adults who are not religious zealots or super-Christians
but who are ordinary people with a grounded faith.
They need to be shown that they are a valued part of
the Christian family and treated with understanding as
we would an adult member of our congregation.
We must make our churches places of welcome, this
can sometimes be difficult without adequate heating
and plumbing but it has more to do with attitudes as
much as facilities. Yes, children may be slightly
disruptive in a service but we must show them that
church is a special place for everyone and being loud
and running about is not helpful. Our churches should
try to make some provision for children, easy to
follow bible stories and quiet activities are useful.
Children will often say they are bored in church but
they say that about school and other things as well. It
is only by being familiar and comfortable with a
situation that this can be overcome. We do not have to
become children’s entertainers. The liturgy which
some of us hold very dear may be complete
gobbledygook to someone who is new to it and we
must remember that the parents of these children may
not be familiar with it either so at least some of the
service needs to be accessible to all.
We need to re-think the way we ‘do church’. Would
another day or time be better than Sunday? Could we
try having ‘church ‘somewhere else, a hall perhaps or
even outdoors? What about worship with a simple
meal? Some churches seem to worry more about the
building rather than encouraging newcomers. Some
children who are not used to church find them a bit
intimidating. One girl I spoke to on a recent visit to
Brecon Cathedral said she found it scary because the
building was old and she knew dead people were
buried there.
Sunday club during worship at Hundred House Hall
There are lots of new initiatives out there to attract
newcomers, some churches have found inviting back
baptism families for a service successful and
rewarding, it could be once a term or just annually if
you don’t have many baptisms in your church. Family
services can be a triumph or a disaster but they do
take time planning and resourcing but work well with
plenty of enthusiasm and it helps if you have a team to
do it. Pram and toddler services for parents and little
children can be popular. What about a holiday or after
school club?
The great thing at the moment of course is Messy
Church. It encourages families, gives them time to
play and worship together and then to share a meal
which means parents, often Mum, gets a break too.
These ideas will not work for everyone but I urge you,
unless you are one of the few fortunate, hard working
churches who do have a healthy mixed age
congregation, to try and look at this challenge in a
new way.
In my role I try to encourage and arrange training for
those wishing to work with children but it will be our
collective attitude as churches, accepting children as
part of our church family that will decide whether we
move forward.
Good luck with your new and existing ventures
working with the young people of our churches.
Liz Kirlew – Bishop’s Officer for Children
8
The Builth Wells Group of Parishes
Prayers are said most weekdays at 9am (BCP Eucharist on Thursdays at 10am) in the Chapel of the Holy Name of Jesus in St Mary’s, Builth
Sunday Sunday Sunday Sunday WorshipWorshipWorshipWorship 07 July (Pentecost VII) 09.30 Holy Eucharist St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
15.00 Holy Eucharist St. David’s, Llanddewi’r-Cwm
14 July (Pentecost VIII / Sea Sunday)
09.30 Holy Eucharist St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
11.00 Morning Prayer St. David’s, Maesmynis
18.00 CELEBR8 Service at St. Mary’s, Builth
21 July (Pentecost IX) 09.30 Holy Eucharist St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
11.00 Holy Eucharist St. Mauritius, Alltmawr
18.00 RWAS Show Service at St. Mary’s, Builth
28 July (Pentecost X)
09.30 Holy Eucharist St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
11.00 Holy Eucharist St. David’s, Llanynis
15.00 Deaf Church, St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
18.00 Sung Evensong St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
04 August (Solemnity of the Transfiguration)
09.30 Holy Eucharist St. St. Mary’s, Builth
15.00 Holy Eucharist St. David’s, Llanddewi’r-Cwm
11 August (Pentecost XII) 09.30 Holy Eucharist St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
11.00 Morning Prayer St. David’s, Maesmynis
18.00 CELEBR8 Service at St. Mary’s, Builth
18 August (Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
09.30 Holy Eucharist St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
11.00 Holy Eucharist St. Mauritius, Alltmawr
15.00 Deaf Church St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
25 August (Pentecost XIV) 09.30 Holy Eucharist St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
15.00 Summer Festival Service at St. David’s, Llanynis
18.00 Sung Evensong St. Mary the Virgin, Builth
RWAS Show ServiceRWAS Show ServiceRWAS Show ServiceRWAS Show Service This takes place at St. Mary the Virgin
on Sunday 21 July at 18.00. With
contributions from Revd Emlyn Williams
(2013 President’s Chaplain), Revd Richard Kirlew
(Provincial Lead on Rural Life) and Bishop +John -
this year’s preacher is Fr Neil.
VouchersVouchersVouchersVouchers If you shop at Tesco how would you like to help us out
FOR FREE! St. Mary’s Church Hall are collecting the new
‘Fissler’ vouchers towards three new saucepans for the Hall
Kitchen… we need to collect thirty vouchers and £90
between now and the end of August to purchase £300
worth of Stainless Steel Saucepans. You can collect a
voucher with every £20 you spend and then either pass
them onto Fr. Neil or stick them into the voucher book in
St. Mary’s vestry.
From the VicarageFrom the VicarageFrom the VicarageFrom the Vicarage Tourism is an important part of the Welsh economy. It
is also an important part of the Church's ministry:
Christians (and those of other faiths) have always
made pilgrimage - indeed until modern times,
pilgrimage was the only travel for purposes other than
work or war.
This summer we will undoubtedly have more visitors
to our churches, and we are very aware of the need for
us to make them welcome. Please go out of your way
and take any opportunity offered to tell them both our
story and the Christian story.
If you are going on holiday yourself and choose to
visit any place of worship then please also take our
prayers and best wishes with you to encourage others
in their own ministry of welcome.
Blessings
Father Neil
Find us in Cyberspace atFind us in Cyberspace atFind us in Cyberspace atFind us in Cyberspace at:::: www.builthgroup.org.uk
facebook.com/BuilthGroup
twitter.com/BuilthGroup
Events this SummerEvents this SummerEvents this SummerEvents this Summer 01 July St. Mary’s PCC in the Minor Hall at 19.30
04 July Solemnity of Thomas, Apostle
10.00 Eucharist in the Chapel in St Mary’s, Builth
04 July Deanery Mothers Union Festival in St. Mary
the Virgin, Builth 14.00
08 July Joint PCC Meeting 19.30, Minor Hall, Builth
16 July Builth Area Deanery Conference in Garth
Hall 19.00
17 July St. Mary’s Fundraising BBQ
22 July Feast of Mary Magdalene
09.00 Eucharist in St Mary’s, Builth
22-25 July RWAS Show
Daily Worship in the Churches Tent at 08.00 & 17.00
25 July Solemnity of James, Apostle
10.00 Eucharist in the, in St Mary’s, Builth
29 July - 03 August Diocesan Youth Camp in Gwernyfed
15 August Deanery Messy Church in the Jubilee Hall,
Llanelwedd
23 August Vigil of Bartholomew, Apostle 09.00
Eucharist in the Chapel of the Holy Name of Jesus in
St Mary’s, Builth
23 August Mothers Union Wave of Prayer in St.
David’s, Maesmynis 14.00
Builth Wells with Llanddewi’r-Cwm & Llangynog with Maesmynis & Llanynis with Alltmawr
Revd Father Neil Hook, The Vicarage, 1 North Road, Builth Wells LD2 3BT, Tel: 01982 552355, Email: [email protected]
9
The Builth Wells Group of Parishes
Prayers are said most weekdays at 9am (BCP Eucharist on Thursdays at 10am) in the Chapel of the Holy Name of Jesus in St Mary’s, Builth
Regular EventsRegular EventsRegular EventsRegular Events • Handbell Group every Tuesday at 19.00 in St.
Mary’s Minor Hall
• Bellringing every Thursday at St Mary’s Tower at
19.45 – all welcome
• SAINTS ALIVESAINTS ALIVESAINTS ALIVESAINTS ALIVE kids club (3-11yrs) at St Mary’s
Minor Hall 16.00 on 15th July
• Our Ωmega Youth Group (11-17) meets in St.
Mary’s Minor Hall 16.00 12th and 19
th July
Sea Sunday 08th JulySea Sunday 08th JulySea Sunday 08th JulySea Sunday 08th July There will be a retiring
collection in aid of Mission to
Seafarers on Sea Sunday as
we pray for the work they do
supporting those in the Port of Swansea in our own
diocese, in particular we pray for the work of the
Chaplain for the Port Reverend Andrew Meredith.
PilgrimagePilgrimagePilgrimagePilgrimage to Walsingham to Walsingham to Walsingham to Walsingham St. Mary the Virgin, Builth 2013 (Joint Pilgrimage with
St. Mary the Virgin, Brecon) to The Shrine of Our Lady
of Walsingham 23-26 September 2013. The particular
emphasis of pilgrimage to Walsingham is concerned
with the Incarnation of Jesus – the Holy House is a
reminder of Nazareth in which Jesus lived as a child and
young man. Staying at the shrine itself this is a
wonderful opportunity in which to rejuvenate your
prayer and spiritual life with other Christians. Cost is
£164.20pp + transport. For more information and to
reserve a place, contact Fr. Neil as soon as possible.
Future in Good HandsFuture in Good HandsFuture in Good HandsFuture in Good Hands Thank you to Builth Wells Town Council who have
generously given St. Mary's Church in Builth a
grant towards the care and stewardship of the trees
in the Churchyard. With nine ‘heritage yews’ and
numerous other examples the Churchyard remains a
little ‘oasis’ of arboricultural delight in the midst of
Builth’s one way system.
Children & YouthworkChildren & YouthworkChildren & YouthworkChildren & Youthwork Both our Saints Alive!Saints Alive!Saints Alive!Saints Alive! Kids Club and our Ωmega
Youth Group will be taking a break during the
summer holidays, however there are events on for
young people during this period. Our CELEBR8
services continue on 14th July and 11
th August, the
Deanery Messy Church takes place on 15th
August and our Diocesan YouthCamp is a fantastic
week away between 29th July - 03
rd August.
For more details of any of these events contact
Father Neil, Ella James (Childrensworker) or
Simon ‘Jungle’ John (Youthworker) - details on
the contact page of our website.
Healing MinistryHealing MinistryHealing MinistryHealing Ministry At the back of St. Mary’s is a large statue carved
by Ted Folkard of Christ the Healer with his
hands outstretched in benediction over the
congregation as they
sit.
This stands as a
reminder of our
responsibilities
towards our shared
Christian Healing
Ministry. Therefore
as part of our
parish’s commitment
to renewal we are
introducing a
monthly Healing &
Wholeness Service
at 18.00 on the first
Sunday of the month
in the Chapel of the
Holy Name of Jesus.
A simple time of
prayer, reflection
with the laying on of
hands and anointing,
this will be an
opportunity for any
wishing for healing
for themselves or
others to come together.
The first service begins on Sunday 01st
September at 18.00.
Builth Wells with Llanddewi’r-Cwm & Llangynog with Maesmynis & Llanynis with Alltmawr
Revd Father Neil Hook, The Vicarage, 1 North Road, Builth Wells LD2 3BT, Tel: 01982 552355, Email: [email protected]
10
The Erwood & Painscastle Group of Parishes
My dear friends in Christ,
Being the July and August issue, this month’s theme
could be holidays… well, that’s not exactly true for
Ann and me - we are very excited about the
impending birth of our first grandchild at the end of
August. So no holiday for me at this time (Ann says
that being married to her is one long holiday though!).
However, we must not forget that for many the next
few months will see massive changes in some
people’s lives, not just their holidays. There are
children moving on to new schools or awaiting
GCSE/GCE results that will inevitably lead to new
environments to tackle and new friends to be made.
For many of our young adults the next few months
will determine their career paths and employment
prospects. There will also be some changes afoot in
our Group of Parishes. With God’s grace we will see
the appointment of a new Priest and Area Dean to lead
us in our newly formed Benefice.
An Interregnum and new Priest always promote a time
of debate, reflection and the fear of change. There are
those who liked things as they were and others who
will welcome a new perspective. Regardless of the
decisions taken, I acknowledge that change of any kind
is unsettling and is difficult to initially embrace. So
whilst we enjoy the sunshine, be it on foreign shores or,
weather permitting, in our own back gardens, perhaps
now is the time to reflect on what lies ahead.
With regard to our relationship with God, I remember
reading in the dim and distant past that God’s love is
like the sun. Just as when the sun is hidden behind
clouds and we cannot feel its warmth, we all have
days when we struggle and can despair with our faith.
Yet just as the sun will always appear in the sky we
know God’s love is a constant and there will be days
when His presence will be like a tonic refreshing our
soul and energising us for the winter months ahead.
I pray that we may reflect on how we are going to meet
the changes that face us personally and spiritually over
the coming months, and I pray we can radiate the same
warmth to those around us that we so readily absorb
during the, hopefully, long summer time ahead.
I also pray that the days when we struggle to feel
God’s love may diminish and that we may all feel a
greater sense of peace and belonging.
I wish you all happy holidays and happy reflections
and look forward to new challenges that face us,
trusting in God’s grace and mercy.
With every blessing, Phil
Services for July and August
Sunday 7th
July Trinity VI/Pentecost VII 9.00am Newchurch 1662 Holy Eucharist
9.30am Llanbadarn y Garreg Holy Eucharist
10.30am Newchurch Morning Prayer
Followed by refreshments at Rose Cottage
11.00am Gwenddwr Holy Eucharist
11.00am Llandeilo Graban Morning Prayer
Sunday 14th
July Trinity VII/Pentecost VIII
9.30am Crickadarn Holy Eucharist
11.00am Llanbedr Holy Eucharist
11.00am Aberedw Morning Prayer
Sunday 21st July Trinity VIII/Pentecost IX
9.30am Llandeilo Graban Holy Eucharist
11.00am Gwenddwr Holy Eucharist
Sunday 28th
July Trinity IX/Pentecost X
9.30am Aberedw Holy Eucharist
Painscastle Group Kilvert Pilgrimage (details on page 11)
Sunday 4th
August Trinity X/Pentecost XI 9.00am Newchurch Holy Eucharist (1662)
9.30am Llanbadarn y Garreg Holy Eucharist
10.30am Newchurch Matins
Followed by refreshments at Rose Cottage
11.00am Gwenddwr Holy Eucharist
11.00am Llandeilo Graban Morning Prayer
Sunday 11th
August Trinity XI/Pentecost XII
9.30am Crickadarn Holy Eucharist
11.00am Llanbedr Holy Eucharist
11.00am Aberedw Morning Prayer
Sunday 18th
August Trinity XI I/Pentecost XIII 9.30am Llandeilo Graban Holy Eucharist
11.00am Gwenddwr Morning Prayer
Sunday 25th
August Trinity XIII/Pentecost XIV
9.30am Aberedw Holy Eucharist
11.00am Bryngwyn Holy Eucharist
3.00pm Llanddewi Fach Holy Eucharist
Sunday 1st September Trinity XIV/Pentecost XV
9.00am Newchurch Holy Eucharist (1662)
9.30am Llanbadarn y Garreg Holy Eucharist
10.30am Newchurch Matins
Followed by refreshments at Rose Cottage
11.00am Gwenddwr Holy Eucharist
11.00am Llandeilo Graban Morning Prayer
Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn
w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach
For information during the interregnum please contact the Acting Area Dean: Revd Ben Griffith, 2 Highbury Fields, Llanyre, LD1 6NF, Tel: 01597 823321, Email: [email protected]
11
.
The Erwood & Painscastle Group of ParishesMothers' Union News Both branches will be represented at
the Deanery Festival at St. Mary's,
Builth on Thursday 4th July at 2pm
Crickadarn Branch will be hosting a Tea/Coffee
afternoon on 3rd
July between 2pm and 4pm. The
attractions include cake stall, produce stall and raffle.
Come and join us, all are welcome.
The dates, timings and locations of the Wave of
Prayer in August will be announced nearer the time.
St. Michael’s Church, Bryngwyn
Fund Raising Event August 10
th 10-4
Butter Market Hay-on-Wye
Cakes, Books, Bric-a-Brac, Refreshments
Bridging the Gap! The weekend of the Kilvert Pilgrimage also marks the
beginning of what I understand will be a year's closure
of the Erwood Bridge, this will almost inevitably have
an impact upon church service times looking forward
especially, if someone is conducting a service at
Crickadarn or Gwenddwr before taking one on the
other side of the river. We are taking all reasonable
steps to ensure that everything will carry on as normal,
but I do make a plea now for forbearance while we
assess what impact this will have. If necessary, then
regrettably service times may need to be amended
slightly over the next year, but it's almost impossible to
judge exactly what the impact will be until it actually
happens, so please do bear with us as we find out and
let me know how things are working out.
David Mould RIP I first got to know David around 2004 when I moved
to the Erwood & Painscastle Group; David had
already been living at Llwyn Iorwerth for nearly four
years. My first impression of David became my
everlasting one, that of a kind, friendly, willing gentle
man, he was also a proud Welshman, especially
during the “Six Nations” Season.
Beneath that caring, kindly exterior existed a man
communion wine hasn’t gone off, using his skills as a
treasurer, helping to raise monies, playing a leading
role in instigating needed changes in our grouping and
helping to address the pressing anxieties about the
future: how we can attract sufficient numbers of new
churchgoers to ensure that ours is not the last
generation to have the care of our wonderful
collection of religious buildings.
Yes, David Mould dealt with all these things and
many more, ably assisted of course with his dearest
wife Jan. To Jan, his mother Olive, his daughters
Ceryn and Beth, their partners and to his precious
granddaughter Ellie, we send our love and prayers.
He was one of those highly valued individuals who
never complain, getting on with the job, not
worrying about being in the limelight but ensuring
the job was done, and in David’s case for the glory
of God, not himself.
In twelve all-too-short years we were privileged to
share our earthly journey with David. He became one
of us, we loved him. Not one, but eight Priests,
including Bishop John, participated in David’s
funeral, a mark of respect that the Church held him in.
I, and you, have lost a fellow Christian, a committed
churchgoer, a Church Warden, a very fine Church
Administrator, but most of all we have lost a great
friend. So goodbye my friend and until we meet again
may God keep you in the palm of his hand. Phil
Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn
w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach
For information during the interregnum please contact the Acting Area Dean: Revd Ben Griffith, 2 Highbury Fields, Llanyre, LD1 6NF, Tel: 01597 823321, Email: [email protected]
ANNUAL KILVERT PILGRIMAGE SUNDAY 28th JULY 2013
A walk of about 8 miles over the hills between the churches of the Painscastle Group
Start 10am Newchurch - Morning Prayer and laying of flowers Emmeline's grave,
12 noon Bryngwyn - service of readings, silences and music followed by picnic lunch,
4pm Llanbedr Church -afternoon tea (kindly laid on by the Church), 6pm Llandewi Fach – Evensong
Come from the start, or join us at any stage. For more information call Aylmer Alexander 01497 851295 or Adrian Chambers 01497 821414
12
The Upper Wye Group of Parishes
Dear Friends,
Taking things for granted As I write this, I'm in the middle of
what will probably be at least a
week with no access to the
internet; my internet connection
having crashed apparently rather
spectacularly and at the moment
seemingly beyond the wit of my Internet Service
Provider to restore (considering the impact upon
contributions for Signposts, I strongly suspect that the
editor of this periodical will have something interesting
to observe about that!!) [No, no comment…! - Ed]
Those of you who know me well will realise that
modern technology and I are not exactly the very best
of friends. I work on a very simple principal, absolutely
fantastic when it works, but actually give me a pen and
a piece of paper and I'm really far more at my ease! The
occasions when technology decides either not to work
at all or even worse not do that which you expected in
the way that you expected it begin to test my scepticism
about the doctrine of purgatory, in much the same way
that the school teacher who after his first term observed
that he now believed in purgatory and after his first
year was heard to comment that he understood what
was meant by original sin.
Given the foregoing, you would therefore assume that
the prospect of at least a week with no internet access
would seem rather akin to paradise! You may have
thought that, I definitely would have thought that and
we would all have been entirely wrong. The number
of occasions over these past days when I've had to say
to someone, don't send it straightaway I won't be able
to receive it, or send it now but don't expect me to
answer immediately are becoming a litany that I'm not
even slightly enjoying. Technological luddite such as I
am, I'm still itching for that little light to turn back to
green and my digital universe to return to order.
All of which has lead me once again to consider some of
those constants in life which most of the time most of us
take for granted, the things which like my internet
connection you only really become aware of when
they're no longer available. For many people it seems to
me that God fits somewhere quite high up that list;
they're perfectly content to accept that God exists, but
why should the fact that he does make any significant
difference to their lives? It's only when such people find
their backs against the wall or some or all of the other
supports in life had proved to be less durable and secure
than we'd thought them to be that God becomes not just
an answer but the only logical answer that remains.
Recently BBC 2 have been re-
running a series about the reign
of Henry VIII. You can't really
describe it as historical drama,
but it's well-produced and
extremely well-acted. This week
it reached the execution of
Catherine Howard, Henry's fifth
wife. The night before a scene was shown with
Catherine and the Constable of the Tower of London.
She was asked if she wanted a priest to come and help
her prepare for death, the reply was that she'd not spoken
to God for so long, that he'd probably forgotten who she
was. Is that an accurate quotation? I'll have to look it up
online; or at least, I will when my internet connection is
back up and running.
But let's be grateful that if that is true it cannot be said
of us, we already seek to know God and to serve him
but let's not allow ourselves to take him for granted,
because he's always there.
I do hope and pray that God as well as the sun smiles
on us during the summer months.
With my love and prayers, as always, Ben
Regular Events
Tuesdays 1.30-3pm Llanyre Church Hall -
“Llanyre Llamas” Our group for pre-school children,
parents, carers and friends. During the School
Holidays, school children are all welcome!
Wednesday 10am Holy Eucharist Newbridge-on-Wye
Thursday 10.30am Holy Eucharist Llanyre
Both services are followed by refreshments and a time
for fellowship and a chat!
Fridays once or twice a term:
Messy Church
Newbridge-on-Wye Community Hall
3.30-5pm dates will be announced
Fridays 6-8pm Llanyre Youth Club Church Hall -
Aimed at children and young people 10 years old and
above, we offer games, activities and a chill out time.
All welcome!
From the Registers: We send our heartfelt congratulations and many
prayers to Laura Hughes and Matthew Weale who
were married at Llanyre on May 18th.
We extend sincere sympathies to Sheila and the family
and friends of Gordon Clarke whose ashes were laid to
rest at Offa's Orchard, Gladestry on 23rd
May.
May he and all the departed rest in peace and rise in glory
The Parishes of the Irfon Valley & Blaenau Irfon Services & EventsServices & EventsServices & EventsServices & Events Continued Continued Continued Continued July 28th Pentecost 10 9.30 Eglwys Oen Duw (Family Service)
9.30 St. Cadmarch (HC)
11.00 St. James (HC)
6.00 St. David, Evening Prayer
with baptism of Madoc Davies
August 4th Pentecost 11 9.30 Eglwys Oen Duw. Beulah (HC)
11.00 St. James, Llanwrtyd (MP)
11.15 Llanganten, Cilmery (MP)
11.15 Llanlleonfel (HC)
Tues 6th August
The Feast of the Transfiguration 12 Noon at St. James, Llanwrtyd. A Communion service
followed by bring and share lunch.
Saturday 10th August Baptism of Emily Stocker at St. David’s Llanwrtyd
August 11th Pentecost 12 9.30 Eglwys Oen Duw (HC)
9.30 St. Cadmarch (HC)
11.00 St. James (HC)
6.30 Llanfechan - A service to celebrate
Anne Griffith, poet and hymnwriter
Llanganten Church FLlanganten Church FLlanganten Church FLlanganten Church Feteeteeteete
August 11th 2-4.30pm
Cilmery Village Hall
Deanery Messy ChurchDeanery Messy ChurchDeanery Messy ChurchDeanery Messy Church Fun, food and worship
Thursday 15th at 3.30-5.30pm, Llanelwedd
Wear clothes for arts and crafts
August 18th Pentecost 13 9.30 Eglwys Oen Duw (HC)
11.00 St. James
11.15 Llanganten (HC)
August 25th Pentecost 14 9.30 St. Cadmarch (HC)
11.00 St. James (HC)
3.00 Baptism of Finley, Reuben, Alena and
Olivia Lloyd at Llangammarch
Sept 1st Pentecost 15 9.30 Eglwys Oen Duw. Beulah (HC)
11.00 St. James, Llanwrtyd (MP)
11.15 Llanganten, Cilmery (MP)
11.15 Llanlleonfel (HC)
Annual ChurchAnnual ChurchAnnual ChurchAnnual Church Bazaar Bazaar Bazaar Bazaar Sat 7
th September 10am
Victoria Hall, Llanwrtyd Wells
Reasons to be cheerfulReasons to be cheerfulReasons to be cheerfulReasons to be cheerful Marriages of Liz Jones to Craig Bufton, Rachel Jones
to Paul Sutton, Lucy Evans to Dewi Evans and Mike
Thomas to Eve Crackle
Baptisms of Noah Cotterill, Madoc Davies, Emily
Stocker, Finley, Reuben, Alena and Olivia Lloyd
Llanwrtyd Wells Community Transport
A Day Trip to
DERWEN GARDEN CENTRE WELSHPOOL
20th July 2013
First pick up at 9.30am with comfort stop
half way to Derwen
Derwen has 15 themed gardens each with seating areas to
view, rest and enjoy. There is also a Restaurant & Farm shop
Fare for the day trip is £20
To Book your seat please contact Annette Brown or
Anne on 01591 620786 after 6pm or during the day
01982 552727 to leave a message
•
St Cadmarch’s, Llangammarch Wells; The Parish Church, Llanlleonfel, Garth; St Afan’s, Llanfechan; St Cannen’s,
Llanganten, Cilmery; St. James’, Llanwrtyd Wells; St. David’s, Llanwrtyd; St David’s Tirabad; Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah;
All contributions (news items and ideas for future issues) are very welcome and should be sent to: Abigail Hook, The Vicarage, 1 North Road, Builth Wells LD2 3BT