Issue No 171
Magazine for the Irfon and Wye Valley Churches April 2015
The Deaf Church in Wales: Present, Past and Future By Reverend Michael Sabell
Twenty percent of the population of the United Kingdom admit to having some form of disability. This means that there is a large number of people in the Church who are seeking to live out their Christian lives with the challenges presented by disability. In our own Ministry Area the Rev. Michael Sabell, for many years a chaplain to the deaf, who himself has substantial hearing loss has been asked by the Church in Wales to undertake a research project on the provision for Deaf Christians in Wales. Michael writes: The advent of pre-lingual hearing loss and severe hearing impairment in adult life limits both sets of people’s communication facilities in different ways, and without some measure of support, they would find it difficult to participate in church services and so are deprived of the Word of God enriching their lives. This investigation seeks out situations and areas where this deprivation is being overcome, both within the Deaf Community and within the world of the Hard of Hearing. It also attempts to discover where there
“The Church in Wales has a moral and legal duty towards people with disabilities. It is the policy of the Church in Wales, in accordance with its Equal Opportunities Policy, not to discriminate against people with disabilities in any aspect of its life and activities. The Church in Wales is committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure as far as practicable: Equality of access for people with disabilities to participate in the full life of the Church in Wales [and the] promotion of an understanding of disability as an equality issue both within the Church in Wales and in the wider community” Church in Wales Handbook on Parochial Administration, Chapter 2
are considerable gaps in service provision and how these can be remedied. The study’s main aims and objectives are: to delve into the history of Deaf "A Deaf person can't Church communities in just walk in to any Wales, and the former church and gain role of chaplains with access to what is Deaf people; to take going on. I see time stock of the current situation affecting and time again that worshipful groups of it is a real struggle Deaf people, and to learn from them using and that breaks my heart. The gospel is one-to-one interviewing for all, deaf and techniques if their hearing," spiritual needs are Laurence Banks. being met, if any; to ascertain if parish and other churches are ‘Deaf Aware’, in their provision of loop systems and sign language interpreters; and finally to check if clergy and ministers are aware of the communicative needs of Deaf and Hard of Hearing people and if any organised training courses have been held to aid their communication skills, e.g. for ordinands and other trainee priests and lay ministers. As part of this investigation I am looking to make contact with Christians who are Deaf or hard of hearing to communicate with them about their experiences within Wales, as well as finding out from churches and parishes how ‘deaf aware’ they are. If you feel that you could contribute towards this important study in any way, or you know someone who might, then please contact me by text on 07935 776655
View online (wherever you are) using this QR code. Current and previous issues are available.
KING, MORTER, PROUD & CO CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS
Headcases
Worried about Self Assessment? We can advise. We also offer Specialist Advice in: TAXATION Personal and Business SELF ASSESSMENT V.A.T. AUDIT FARM FINANCE
Walk in Barbers Service Thurs 5.30pm - 7.00pm Sat 9.00am - 2.00pm
Ladies & Gents Hairstylists
Saturday Special Child's Cut (10yrs & under) only £5
BANK HOUSE, BUILTH WELLS Tel : 01982 553687 Fax : 01982 552957
10 Broad Street, Builth 01982 552497
SYDNEY G. THOMAS & CO. Solicitors West End House Builth Wells Tel. 01982 553289
Llanwrtyd Wells 21 En-suite Bedrooms Restaurant and Bar Meals Two Traditional Bars with Log Fires Walking and Mountain Biking Holidays Our own Microbrewery producing a range of fine ales – the “Heart of Wales Brewery” Launderette open for public use Telephone 01591 610 236 www.NeuaddArmsHotel.co.uk
J.A. Powell & Sons Great House Garage, Newbridge-on-Wye Tel: 01597 860 235
Fronheulog Retirement Home A Private Family-Run Home for the Elderly
Caring for those you care about Day Care / Full time Care Holiday stays / Respite care Excellent 24hr Care & Attention by fully trained staff Choice of Menus, Special Diets catered for Regular activities and events Visiting GP’s, Hairdresser and Chiropody
Caleb Roberts Insurance Services Limited
01982 553 050 Motor, House and Business Insurance Free Quotations
Ithon Road, Llandrindod Wells, Powys 01597 824826
Our historic Manor House, once the home of Lord Swansea, is now a three star country house hotel. Set in 27acres of parkland surrounded by the River Irfon we offer affordable luxury, an excellent restaurant and high quality bedroom accommodation.
WELLWELL-BEING TREATMENTS THEMED THEMED PACKAGES WINE AND DINE WEDDINGS CONFERENCES COUNTRY PURSUITS Tel: 01982 552601
email: caerberis@btconnect.com
2
www.caerberis.com
Deanery Notices .
‘I Witness’: Images Images of Hope from Haiti 12th April ‘Resurrection’
Photographic Exhibition and quiet reflection
*Music* *Praise* *Witness* *Fellowship*
Featuring images and artwork showing the life-changing work taking place in Haiti today, as witnessed by three Christian Aid supporters.
ALL AGE WORSHIP 18.00 ST. MARY’S CHURCH BUILTH WELLS
St. Mary’s Church, Brecon 09th – 11th April 09.00 – 16.30
Diocesan Open Meeting
Wednesday 22nd April Thursday 30th April
Same Gender Relationships Times and Venues TBC
GATEWAY DIOCESAN YOUTH WEEKEND Christian Aid Youth Group Builth High School Wednesday Lunchtimes in C3 Contact: Ms Jones (History/Hanes)
Bank Holiday Weekend 02-04th May Christian fellowship and activities for youth groups to get together and have fun. Activities include Archery, Shooting, Tomahawk Throwing, Circus Skills and a Muddy Assault course. Silver Cross Scout Centre, Penllergaer, Swansea Only £40 for the entire weekend! A group from the Deanery are going. Please contact Rev. Petra Beresford-Webb on 01597 860842 or Father Neil Hook on 01982 552355
Diocesan Vision Prayer Father, we hold before you our family in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon and we open our hearts and minds to your Spirit: Bless us as we gather in your name; Guide us as we grow into the likeness of your Son; Lead us by your Spirit to go out and make disciples of others. God of our journeying, be our way and our truth and our life; our beginning and our end. We pray through Jesus our Lord. Amen. 3
Flames Re-Kindled …Celebrate and Radiate Royal Showground, Builth
Christian Day of Celebration 11th April 2015 Speakers: Canon Stuart Bell, Bishop Andrew John, Pastor Ron Allen of Heartland Church, Indiana Praise, Worship, Bible Teaching and Prayerful Ministry
Nata Village Paphos Cyprus
Rest for the Body Restoration of the Mind Refreshing of the Spirit For more information please visit
www.carobpaphos.com email: carobpaphos@hotmail.co.uk
or phone: 07590 409701
A Letter to our Readers… Liz and I would like to thank all those folk who made our final Sunday such a wonderful and memorable occasion. A huge thank-you must go to you all for the wonderful gifts, the beautifully engraved bowl and vase, gardening vouchers and not forgetting the cheque. We have decided to buy a large rose bower for the garden and also a large carriage clock for our new mantelpiece here in Holwell. Thank-you also for coming to the Service and staying for lunch afterwards. As you know, one of my sayings is, “do it with food”, and we certainly did! You will be pleased to know that whilst we are at present worshipping at the Shrine of St. Pickford the Box, we are emptying them at a rate of knots. We are settling in very well and being made very welcome. We shall never forget the good times we shared with you all in the Colwyn Benefice. Remember, if you are ever passing… With our prayers and good wishes for the future,
Richard & Liz Kirlew
Fancy a New Hobby? ֠ Gentle Physical Exercise ֠ Good Mental Exercise ֠ Opportunity to Visit Many Places ֠ Be Part of a Team ֠ Open to Ages 10 Upwards ֠ Lifelong Learning ֠ Sociable Group ֠ Help Keep an Ancient Tradition Alive ֠
Interested in bell ringing? Then contact David Childs on 01982 882477 for more information 4
The Colwyn Group of Parishes Dear Friends,
Services for April 2015
One Easter Sunday, a man was leaving church after the service, and the vicar was standing at the door, as he always was, to shake hands. He grabbed the man by the hand and pulled him aside. The vicar said to him, “You need to join the Army of the Lord!” The man replied, “But I’m already in the Army of the Lord, vicar.” The vicar looked a bit confused, and said, “How come then I don’t see you in church except at Christmas and Easter?” The man replied with a whisper and a wink, “Because I’m in the secret service”.
Sunday 29th March PALM SUNDAY 10.00am Holy Eucharist 100 House Hall PJM Thursday 2nd April MAUNDY THURSDAY 7.00pm Ministry Area Agape & Eucharist Aberedw BG & PJM 7.00pm Ministry Area Eucharist St. Mary’s Builth N Hook
Although quite clearly a joke, as with many good jokes, it touches on an element of the truth. There are indeed some who only attend church at Christmas or Easter. In some circles such twiceyearly people are known by the acronym ‘CEOs’ – Christmas and Easter Onlys. But rather than being critical and ask “why do they only come twice a year?” Perhaps we should ask “What brings people to church on those two occasions a year?” The great festivals of Christmas and Easter are times when many come along to church and perhaps consider the mystery of the God-man, Jesus Christ, born as a child, who died on the cross and rose again – as Christians believe. Christmas and Easter are both occasions which speak of newness – of birth, resurrection, possibility and hope, addressing something of the essentials of our humanity as they do. As human we are spiritual beings, as well as physical and emotional ones, and whilst it might appear easy to bury this in the busyness and everyday requirements of our lives, there are times when the spiritual naturally comes to the fore, such as when life begins or ends. Maybe such occasions are when many feel, the need for God. Whatever the reason Signposts has details of all of our services in the Builth Deanery over the Easter period. If you feel free to come, for whatever reason, we would be delighted to see you and share in the joy and hope of the season with you.
Friday 3rd April GOOD FRIDAY 2.00pm Last Hour at the Cross Llansantffraed
PJM
Sunday 5th April EASTER DAY 8.00am Holy Eucharist Rhulen 9.15am Holy Eucharist Bettws 9.30am Holy Eucharist Cregrina 9.30am Holy Eucharist Llanfaredd 11.00am Holy Eucharist Llansantffraed 11.15am Holy Eucharist Glascwm 11.15am Holy Eucharist Llanelwedd
JO PJM JO ET PJM JO MG
Sunday 12th April EASTER II 9.30am Holy Eucharist Cregrina PJM 11.15am Holy Eucharist Llanelwedd N Hook Sunday 19th April EASTER III 9.30am Holy Eucharist Llanfaredd 10.00am Morning Prayer Llansantffraed 11.15am Holy Eucharist Rhulen 6.00pm Village Service Glascwm
JO DD PJM JO
Sunday 26th April EASTER IV (St. Mark) 9.15am Holy Eucharist Bettws PJM 9.30am Village Service Cregrina MG 10.45am Worship 4 All Llanelwedd ET Sunday, 3rd May EASTER V 10.00am Holy Eucharist Hundred House HallJO 6.00pm Village Service Glascwm ET
With every blessing Pip/Phil Llanelwedd with Llanfaredd, Llansantffraed-in-Elwell, Bettws, Cregrina, Glascwm and Rhulen
For information during the interregnum please contact the Acting Area Dean: Revd Ben Griffith, The Rectory, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, Tel: 01982 560615, Email: benedictgriffith@sky.com 5
ROOF & CHIMNEY CARE
Builth Secretarial Services
~PITCHED & FLAT ROOFS~ ~LEAD & DECORATIVE LEAD WORK~ ~GUTTERING AND FASCIAS~ ~NEW ROOFS AND REPAIRS~ ~EVERYTHING FROM SLATES TO TILES~
Word processing; virtual assistant (via the internet); audiotyping; CVs; black and white photocopying; colour and black & white printing from disk, digital camera or memory card/stick; scanning photographs, slides and negatives; fax facilities; binding; laminating. We also copy VCR/camcorder tapes to DVD, vinyl/cassette to CD, produce personalised/corporate items such as calendars and frame pictures enlarged from original photographs. Please phone to discuss your requirements. We may also collect and deliver.
CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE: REPAIRS TO REBUILDS SWEEPING – PAINTING For Friendly Advice & Free Quotations Please Contact Matthew Drew… 07525 437083 ~ 01874 712264
01982 560422 (Aberedw) or 07552 995881
www.roofandchimneycare.co.uk
(Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)
GETTING ON with the net
a service for
Are you set up with computer & broadband but still not confident about going online?
RAINBOW TOTS PREPRE-SCHOOL
Call Marianne on 01591 620547 or email gettingonwiththenet@gmail.com FREE initial session to resolve small problems and discuss potential requirements
Irfon Valley CP School Garth, Powys
www.gettingonwiththenet.co.uk
office@irfon.powys.sch.uk Monday, Wednesday and Friday Mornings 8:50am-12:10pm
Need help Spring cleaning? We can work together: clearing cupboards, turning mattresses, dusting, cleaning drapes & furniture, tidying the garage, preparing the greenhouse for planting
A lovely in school setting for children aged 2½ to school age. £10 per session until the term after the child's third birthday, then the sessions are free. Singing, dancing, running, jumping, laughing and playing with friends. Come along and have some fun! Call the school today for a chat on 01591 620281
For these and other requests please call me, Carole Inman
HELPING HANDS Flexible Hours
References on Request
01982 552052 email: helpinghands@phonecoop.coop 6
The Builth Wells Group of Parishes Worship
Regular Events
05 April (Easter Day) 09.30 Choral Eucharist at Builth 11.00 Family Eucharist & Easter Egg Hunt in Maesmynis 15.00 Easter Eucharist in Llanddewi’r -Cwm 17.00 Easter Eucharist in Alltmawr
There is a Daily Prayer Service every weekday at 09.00 (Eucharist 10.00 Thursdays) in the Chapel of the Holy Name in St. Mary the Virgin, Builth Wells. Tuesday: Handbells 19.00 - Linda’s House Wednesday: The Collective Youth Group, Lunchtime at Builth Wells High School in C3 Wednesday: SAINTS ALIVE! Kids Club NEW VENUE! 16.00 fortnightly term time - at the Cwtch Café, Builth High Street Thursday: Bell-Ringers 19.45 - St. Mary’s Tower Friday: Choir Practice term time 18.00 - St. Mary’s
12 April (Easter II) 09.30 Sung Eucharist at Builth 18.00 at Builth 19 April (Easter III) 09.30 Choral Eucharist at Builth 11.00 Said Eucharist & AGM in Alltmawr
Events in April 01 Tenebrae Service in St. Mary ‘s, Builth 19.00 02 Mothers Union planning meeting at 14.00 followed by trip to Rhosferig Fach to see Sue’s robin collection 02 Ministry Area Agape & Eucharist in St. Mary’s at 19.00 03 Cytun Ecumenical Walk of Witness meet at St. Mary’s Builth at 10.00 03 Cytun Ecumenical Stations of the Cross at Christ the King, Builth at 12.00 03 Cytun Ecumenical Devotions at Alpha Chapel at 14.00 04 Reserved Communion 11.00 in Brynhyfryd/Glan Irfon 11 Flames Re-kindled at the RWAS Showground 16 Eucharist for the Cell of the Holy Rood in St. Mary the Virgin, Builth 10.00 23 Eucharist for St. Mark in St. Mary’s, Builth 10.00 27 RSCM Rehearsal in St. Mary’s, Builth 19.15 30 Eucharist for the Vigil of Phillip & James in St. Mary’s, Builth 10.00
26 April (Easter IV) 09.30 Choral Eucharist at Builth 11.00 Said Eucharist & AGM at Maesmynis 18.00 Solemn BCP 1662 Evensong at Builth
From the Vicarage Dear friends, Easter is a time for peace, for faith and for particularly for hope – this Easter we think wider than ourselves, and the chocolate covered symbols of the resurrection that adorn our shelves. The Risen Christ is hope and comfort to Christian communities suffering for their faith on account of discrimination and persecution. And he is present as a force of hope through his Church, which is close to all human situations of suffering and injustice. We pray that the Risen Christ may grant hope to the Middle East and enable all ethnic, cultural and religious groups in that region to work together to advance the common good and respect for human rights. We pray that the ongoing conflict in the Ukraine may similarly come to a peaceful and negotiated conclusion and that inter-ethnic violence in Africa and Asia may stop. May Christ’s blessings rest on you this Easter … and on all his people everywhere. Pob bendith
You Can Win & Help Your Church St Mary’s Church is launching a bonus ball lottery based on the 49 numbers of the National Lotto every Saturday night beginning on 04th April. With a weekly prize of £25 this is your chance to raise up to £1300 a year for the church just by filling in a simple quarterly standing order form for £13. Winners will be posted on St. Mary’s noticeboard - for more details or to receive a copy of the full rules and standing order forms please see Laura Childs or pick a copy from the back of church.
Father Neil
Saturday 9th May 2015
10.00 – 12.00
St. Mary’s Church Spring Fair
2015 Confirmation CLASSES BEGIN SOON! In preparation for the upcoming Ministry Area Confirmation on Sunday 12th July at 10.00 in Aberedw our Confirmation classes begin after Easter and any adults or young people (year 6 and above) who are interested in exploring Confirmation are encouraged to speak to Father Neil by Friday 24th April.
Fairtrade Refreshments * Produce & Plants Homemade Cakes & Preserves * Raffle Books & Periodicals * … and Much More Entrance £1 (Including Refreshments) Tickets from Church Members
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: frhooky@gmail.com 7
The Erwood with Painscastle Group of Parishes hymn writer Graham Kendrick also expresses it in his famous hymn “The Servant King,” Come see his hands and his feet, The scars that speak of sacrifice, Hands that flung stars into space, To cruel nails surrendered.” As Kendrick reminds us it is the same God who breathed creation into existence, who felt such love and compassion for it, that he was prepared to become part of it in the person of Jesus Christ in order to redeem it into previously undreamt of and unattainable possibilities. This is the both simple but equally mind numbingly complex reality which is the centre and heart of the Christian faith. As Christians we worship the same transcendent God as our Jewish and Muslim brothers and sisters. But and it’s a massive ‘but,’ we go one major step beyond in our acceptance that Jesus Christ was who he claimed to be, God in human form and that through his passion, death and resurrection that the fractured relationship between God and the whole of creation was redeemed and restored. Through the resurrection of Christ, the same hands “which flung stars into space,” reach out in love and compassion to not just the world but also the cosmos. With my love and prayers, for a happy and blessed Easter
Dear Friends, One of the things that I personally love most about living in this beautiful corner of Wales are the astounding, dark skies which we experience on a clear cloudless night. Having lived in places where to see a sky full of stars was a rare occurrence only makes my delight in the beautiful skies which we so often get here, all the greater. Standing outside in the garden, or even walking the dog on the hills above Aberedw on a clear night, I never cease to be amazed and enthralled by how magnificent the spectacle above me is, with the sky peppered with what seems to be a million points of light twinkling and glistening above me. As an extremely amateur astronomer, I have to admit that I can only identify a mere handful, but the spectacle of all of those myriad points of light never ceases to fill me with awe and wonder. For me that sense of awe both reminds me of how seemingly insignificant I and indeed we are against the vast panoply of the cosmos. Of course, such reflections and observations lead me straight back to ponder upon the mystery and the majesty of God. I’m reminded of words from the US astronaut James Irwin after a journey into the vastness of space. “The earth reminded us of a Christmas tree ornament hanging in the blackness of space. As we got farther and farther away it diminished in size. Finally it shrank to the size of a marble, the most beautiful marble that you can imagine. That beautiful, warm, living object looked so fragile, so delicate, that if you touched it with a finger it would crumble and fall apart. Seeing this has to change a man, has to make a man appreciate the creation of God and the love of God.” What Irwin articulates here is that same sense of elation at the intricate beauty and web of creation that I can find gazing into a starry sky or even just watching the rest of creation around me. For Irwin, for me, and I’m confident for you as well, this finely balanced interconnected and mutually dependant points us directly to God who is the fount and source of it all. It also takes us directly to Christ who’s resurrection and redemption of the whole of creation, we celebrate at Easter. The
Ben From the Registers: We send our love and prayers to Elizabeth and the rest of the family and friends of Victor Windibank whose funeral was held at Crickadarn on Saturday 14th February. And to the friends of Robert Byard-Smith former churchwarden of Crickadarn whose funeral was held there on Tuesday, 24th February. May they and all the departed rest in peace and rise in glory.
PAINSCASTLE MU Please join us on 14th April at 7.30pm in Painscastle for an entertaining talk entitled “My Involvement with the Mothers’ Union” by Revd. Mark Beeton, Chaplain to the Mothers Union. For more information, please contact Fran Shaw on 01982 560480
Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach Revd Ben Griffith, The Rectory, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, Tel: 01982 560615, Email: benedictgriffith@sky.com 8
The Erwood & Painscastle Group of Parishes Services April 2015
April Highlights
Sunday 29th March Palm Sunday 10.30 Holy Eucharist and Procession Llanbedr (meet at Church gate) 2.30 United Service with Moriah Chapel Llandeilo Graban
On 29th March we commemorate Palm Sunday with a Group Eucharist at Llanbedr beginning with a procession around the churchyard. Maundy Thursday sees us at Aberedw for a bring-andshare Agape and Eucharist followed by the stripping of the altars.
Tuesday 31st March Tuesday in Holy Week 12.00 Chrism Eucharist and Lunch Brecon Cathedral
Good Friday 3rd April
Wednesday 1st April Wednesday in Holy Week 11.00 Holy Eucharist & Lent lunch Aberedw 4.00 United Holy Week Service Adullam Chapel, Painscastle Thursday 2nd April Maundy Thursday 7.00 Agape and Eucharist
Aberedw
Friday 3rd April Good Friday 9.00 Morning Prayer and the Litany Bryngwyn 10.30-12.00 MESSY EASTER Aberedw 2.00 Devotions at the Cross Llanbadarn y Garreg
at Aberedw The Annual Sunday School Celebration All welcome
Saturday 4th April Holy Saturday/Easter Eve 4.30 Children’s Easter Party Rhosgoch Golf Club 8.00 Vigil & First Eucharist of Easter Gwenddwr Sunday 4th April EASTER DAY 7.30 Dawn Eucharist 9.00 Holy Eucharist 10.30 Holy Eucharist 11.00 Holy Eucharist Sunday 12th April Easter II 9.30 Group Eucharist 11.00 Group Eucharist
Aberedw Bryngwyn Newchurch Llandeilo Graban
On Easter Eve, Bryngwyn Church will be holding its annual Children’s Easter Party at Rhosgoch Golf Club, if you’ve been before, you’ll know how good it is, if you haven’t come along this year to see what you’ve been missing! Later on that evening at 8.00pm, Gwenddwr Church will be hosting the Easter Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter. This beautiful service begins in a darkened church with the lighting of the fire and the Easter Candle, followed by the joyful proclamation sung by a solo voice in a candlelit church. Intrigued? Want to hear me sing a solo? Then come and join us to find out.
Llanbedr Crickadarn
Sunday 19th April Easter III 9.30 Holy Eucharist for Lambing Time Llandeilo Graban 11.00 Morning Prayer Gwenddwr 3.00 Holy Eucharist Llandewi Fach Sunday 26th April Easter IV 9.00 Holy Eucharist 9.30 Morning Prayer 11.00 Holy Eucharist
Bryngwyn Aberedw Crickadarn
CONCERT
rd
Sunday 3 May Easter V 9.00 Holy Eucharist Newchurch 9.30 Holy Eucharist Llanbadarn y Garreg No Mattins at Newchurch today 11.00 Holy Eucharist Gwenddwr 11.00 Morning Prayer Llandeilo Graban
St Teilo Church Llandeilo Graban
Sunday 10th May Rogation Rogation Sunday Services at Newchurch 10.00am and Gwenddwr 2.00pm. See next issue for details.
Tickets £5.00 available from church members
9th May 2015 @ 7PM At the church
With Talgarth Village Choir
Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach Revd Ben Griffith, The Rectory, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, Tel: 01982 560615, Email: benedictgriffith@sky.com 9
Church Music A series about the music written specifically to enhance worship and Christian life. Written by David White.
Music for Good Friday The Crucifixion by Sir John Stainer words of Jesus near the end, but by and large it is a work where we, the devoted, look on. The solo numbers are operatic in Stainer - take the words away and you might even be in the world of light opera. Stainer uses specifically the church organ for accompaniment – Bach the full range of the Baroque orchestra. The closest the two composers came to each other’s conceptions was the use and in Stainer’s case, the composition of hymns. Bach drew consciously on the known repertoire of his congregation. At first Stainer presented the congregation with new hymns and new tunes. And became known and appreciated the world over the piece has become. Loved in equal measure by some and increasingly disliked as the years passed and Victorian values and taste changed radically in the Twentieth Century. Only now is it possible for a reappraisal to happen and for a generation some distance now from its inception to hear it and be moved by it afresh. DBW
Stainer was appointed Organist at St Paul’s Cathedral in 1872 and remained there until his failing eyesight led to his resignation in 1888. During that period, he was at the height of his reputation as a member of the English musical establishment, working both as a Cathedral musician of the greatest eminence and also in the secular world outside. In writing the little work “The Crucifixion” he demonstrated an uncanny understanding of the tastes and the comprehension of the musical man in the pew. The work was not designed for performance in the lofty spaces of the Cathedral but in the ordinary parish church, receiving its first performance in St Marylebone Parish Church on Good Friday 1887. Significantly, he called the work quite humbly “A meditation” not even a cantata and certainly not an oratorio. The comparison with Bach is arresting. Bach’s Passions were liturgical – they told the whole story of the Passion from beginning to end. Stainer makes a few direct biblical and narrative references, particularly in the atmospheric setting of the last
2015 Diocesan Pilgrimage led by Bishop +John Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham 28th September – 01st October Approx. £250 for a fully catered three nights stay in the shrine including transport From the beginning of time some places have been regarded as especially holy; places of mystery and atmosphere. Walsingham in rural Norfolk has been such a place for almost a thousand years since Richeldis de Faverches was inspired by Mary to build a Shrine in perpetual memorial of the Annunciation. One of the greatest Shrines in Medieval Christendom – when travel to the Holy Land was virtually impossible – the original Shrine was destroyed at the Reformation. Many barren years passed until the shrines were restored in the late Nineteenth century and pilgrimage to Walsingham began once more. Whilst visiting the shrine, Archbishop Justin Welby recently commented that “Walsingham is one of the most important spiritual centres in northern Europe”. For the last two years pilgrims from this Deanery have joined with others from across the Diocese to make an annual pilgrimage to this holy place. We are pleased to announce that this year’s visit is being led by Bishop +John himself. Anybody interested in joining this Diocesan Pilgrimage should contact one of the organisers: Father Stephen Griffith PAHH 01874 622044 Father Neil Hook PAHH 01982 552355 10
The Upper Wye Group of Parishes Easter Pilgrimage Dear Friends‌
Services for the Group Wednesday 1 April 7.00pm St David’s, Llanwrtyd Wells
It seems like only yesterday that I was preparing for Lent and suddenly Easter is upon us. I am sure it felt longer when I was a child. This year the service pattern is somewhat different. It gives the opportunity for us to come together as a Benefice to share the Easter experience together. I really hope that many of you will take up the opportunity to go on this Pilgrimage together spending time in worship, reflection and praise throughout the four days. This also enables us to deal with some practicalities, we are not promised wonderful warm weather so is it not better to heat one church at a time and share in worship and fellowship than splitting our selves into small groups incurring higher bills. This is a sad but true reality. I feel that this pilgrimage is a chance to be practical and spiritual at the same time. I hope that you all have time to reflect on what Easter really means and what Jesus gave up for us. My prayers are with you all and I wish you a blessed and fulfilling Easter.
Thursday 2 April 7.00pm Cwmbach Maundy
Tenebrae
Thursday Eucharist
Friday 3 April
Good Friday Walk of Witness Start at Chapel at 10.30am Soup and roll lunch at All Saints Newbridge followed by Last Hour 2.00pm Saturday 4 April 7pm Llanfihangel Brynpabuan Sunday 5 April 11.00am Llanafan Fawr followed by Easter Egg hunt
Love and prayers
Petra
Holy Saturday
Easter Day Eucharist
Sunday 12 April 9:30am Cwmbach 11:00am Newbridge on Wye
Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist
Wednesday 15 April 2:30pm Caerwnon Social Club
Songs of Praise
Sunday 19 April 11:00am Newbridge on Wye 3:00pm Llanafan Fawr
Holy Eucharist Holy Eucharist
Sunday 26 April 11:00am Newbridge on Wye
Holy Eucharist
Please join us for our regular said
Holy Eucharist Service every Wednesday at 10.00am All Saints Church, Newbridge on Wye Coffee Afterwards All are Welcome
Newbridge-on-Wye, Cwmbach Llechrhyd, Llanafan Fawr & Llanfihangel Brynpabuan Revd Petra Beresford-Webb, 9 Cae Nant, Newbridge-on-Wye, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6LQ, Tel: 01597 860842 or 07966 799546, Email: petra.beresfordwebb@yahoo.com 11
‘Nearer to God in a Garden’ - April PULMONARIA - Lungwort Pulmonaria is an easy to grow hardy perennial. It will grow in any reasonable soil but thrives best in partial shade. There is a clump of it growing at the south-east corner of St Mary's Church tower. The common variety has leaves splashed with silver and the flowers open as pink and change to blue when mature. The name comes from the resemblance of the leaf to a dissected lung, ‘wort’ being an old word used for herbs. When plant names were Latinised Pulmonaria was chosen as ‘pulmo’ is Latin for lung. The plant was regarded as a remedy for diseases of the lungs, although there is no evidence for this in modern medicine. In the ancient and mediaeval worlds a system called the 'Doctrine of Signatures' was the accepted way for doctors to treat ailments and illnesses. It was believed that God set signs in the plant world to resemble parts of the human body. The assumption was that if they looked alike then the plant would cure the ills of the offending body part. As a walnut resembled a skull with the brain within, walnut oil was smeared on head wounds. Lungwort was thought to be helpful in respiratory problems and any plant with a heart-shaped leaf was considered helpful in the ailments of the heart, and so on. Some remedies were downright dangerous! When the Renaissance took an interest in the natural world the 'Doctrine of Signatures' was overtaken by a more sensible scientific and naturalist approach to the use of plants and herbs in medicine.
.Linda Lewis
Glascwm Community Council Notices Recycling Reminder Please remember to use the recycling facilities on Hundred House Common as the revenues raised from this goes to the Community Council Recycling Fund that is available for all members of the community to apply to. We must use it or we will lose it! New Website for Glascwm Community CouncilA new website is under construction for Glascwm Community Council. If you have photos of the local area that you are willing to let us use on the site please contact the clerk Jo Hammonds (jo.hammonds@outlook.com) 01982 570289. If you have any suggestions as to what you would like to appear on the site all ideas would be gratefully received. It is expected that there will be a community diary with details of local events. If you are a local group or organisations that would wish to have their details linked to the site please also let us know.
The Christian Centre for Rural Wales (CCRW) CCRW has had a presence on the Royal Welsh Show at Llanelwedd for 12 years or so now. It is very much an Ecumenical Centre and last December the new premises, right in the heart of the Showground, were opened with a ceremony in the foyer of the Clwyd/Glamorgan building, next door to the Old Food Hall, where Flames of Fire held their conferences. This is a Centre and not a church, it is for Christian fellowship and learning. The Directors of the Royal Welsh Show have allowed us to rent the offices above and a room attached to the foyer as well as permission to use the foyer for larger gatherings. On December 18th, with the backdrop of a wonderful display left over from the Winter Fair, enhanced florally and with a borrowed Nativity Scene complete with silver star, 50 people attended a short opening prayer and welcome and were then showed around the meeting rooms upstairs. Pam John, widow of the late Canon Elwyn John, who had the original vision for this Centre and served as a Trustee, cut the ribbon at the foot of the stairs to complete the simple but profound ceremony. In keeping with our normal practice, this was followed by Christmas Carols and Nativity readings in Welsh and English, supported by staff from all the organisations on the Showground and led by the Rev Richard Kirlew with refreshments and a sip of mulled wine! Now the Centre is being used by the Rural Life officers and Chaplains of all denominations. They attend events when the showground is being used by the public to offer comfort and fellowship. Currently, the TEN Commandments course by J J John is being run one night a week for local followers and a regular audience of over 20 have been attending. Mrs Janet Day (lay reader in training from Builth Wells) has been running this course with support from her husband Mr David Day and Mrs Marcia Gibson-Watts. Further meetings are anticipated later in the year. We continue to welcome approaches from all Christian groups from all over Wales and the Border Counties who wish to hold their meetings on the conveniently-placed Showground…. our rates are very low and generous and the rooms are warm and comfortable with a small kitchen which is so helpful for hospitality as well as toilets nearby. 12
The Parishes of the Irfon Valley & Blaenau Irfon Tenebrae
Worship and Events
If it ever crossed your mind that our services lack a little bit of drama then you might like to come to the service of Tenebrae during Holy Week at 7pm on Wednesday 1stApril at Old St David’s Church, Llanwrtyd.
Thursday 2nd April Maundy Thursday 7.30pm Seder Meal Eglwys Oen Duw MS Friday 3rd April Good Friday 10.30am Stations of the Cross EOD (YP) 2.00pm The Last Hour at the Cross Llangammarch (Worship Team)
Tenebrae means ‘darkness’. If you come you will enter the church lit only by candles. As the service of readings, special music and hymns proceeds the candles are extinguished one by one. With no power in the church, that means the intense darkness that comes at the end of Holy Week, with Jesus dying on the cross, will be movingly symbolised. It is a service that is in total contrast to the Advent Service we have at the start of December when the candles are lit in a darkened church and the Light of the World come to us at Christmas symbolised by bright light. After Tenebrae we look forward to the blazing triumph of Easter morn. The darkness that creeps into our very souls at the end of the Tenebrae service will be banished.
Saturday 4th April Easter Eve/Holy Saturday 11.00am Messy Easter 7.30pm Easter Eve Service Tirabad MS Sunday 4th April Easter Day 5.45am Sunrise Service on The Eppynt GA 9.30am Eucharist EOD NH/CH MS? 11.00am Eucharist St. James NH/CH 11.15am Eucharist Llanlleonfel MS Sunday 19th April Easter III 9.30am Holy Eucharist Eglwys Oen Duw 11.00am Holy Eucharist St James 11.15am Holy Eucharist Llanganten 3.00pm Lambing Time Service Llanfechan
In the Seventeenth Century, when the service was carried out in the Sistine Chapel, the cardinals all loudly shuffled their feet at the end. We will have a resounding bang instead and thus suggest the earthquake that occurred during the Crucifixion. As a congregation you will play your part by leaving the church in silence, moved by the reading of Jeremiah’s Lamentations, and propelled into the very heart of the Easter story. – what a drama!
Sunday 26th April Easter IV 9.30am Family Service Eglwys Oen Duw 9.30am Holy Eucharist Llangammarch 11.00am Holy Eucharist St James
This is a service that has been part of the Upper Wye Parish routine for Holy Week. Bringing it to Llanwrtyd would be a splendid opportunity for the three Benefices of our emerging Area to begin to worship and act together.
Sunday 3rd May Easter V 9.30am Holy Eucharist Eglwys Oen Duw 11.00am Morning Prayer St James 11.15am Holy Eucharist Llanlleonfel 11.15am Morning Prayer Llanganten
David White
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;
For information during the interregnum please contact the Acting Area Dean: Revd Ben Griffith, The Rectory, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, Tel: 01982 560615, Email: benedictgriffith@sky.com 13
D. K. Dixon Plumbing & Heating
Parry & Pugh Jane Pugh (Daughter of the late Walter Parry)
TEL: 01982 552644 MOB: 07974 315328 oil & gas servicing new installations bathrooms, lead work
FUNERAL DIRECTORS A family business established in 1858
Pencae, Hay Road, Builth Wells Tel: 01982 551023 Mob: 07813 405039
PASADENA, 31 BRECON ROAD, BUILTH WELLS, POWYS LD2 3EB
Eat within the Old World Charm of the
Dale Williams
H. VAUGHAN VAUGHAN & Co
Painting & decorating, Highest quality Of papers hung, Tiling, coving, artexing, General building maintenance Tel: 01874 712206 Mob: 07800 541955 Over 15 years experience, Fully insured
SOLICITORS
COSY CORNER TEA ROOMS Specialising in Home-cooked food
55 High Street, Builth Wells Tel: 01982 553585
Ben Lloyd & Son
THOROUGHLY DRY SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS ASH, OAK, BIRCH & ALDER
From Cefnllysgwynne Estate, Builth Wells ______________________________________________________
Memorial Craftsmen
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR
Est. 1886
Cut and split into easily handled sizes. Packed in bags weighing an average of 8 kilos net Price: £3.50 per bag (negotiable for Bulk/regular orders) ORDERS/ENQUIRIES: Tel: 01982 551624
Churchyard memorials commemorative plaques additional inscriptions and renovations Bridge Street, Rhayader Tel: 01597 810320 & 811183 Mob: 07767 220163
BUILTH WELLS GARAGES main dealer in Mid Wales for
MOT Test Centre Car Jet Wash
Llanelwedd 01982 553861 or 552236
COMMISSIONERS FOR OATHS Established since the 19th century We offer a full & friendly legal service _________________________________
SOLE PRINCIPAL: DAVID T. LLOYD CONSULTANT: CONAL M DUNN MANCHESTER HOUSE HIGH STREET, BUILTH WELLS
TEL: 01982 552331 & 553571 FAX: 01982 552860
ELECTRICIAN David Stone Electrics Free, no obligation quotes for all your household & domestic needs. 07771 767246 davidpstone@btinternet.com 01982 570403 NICEIC Registered Insured & all work fully guaranteed
R. W. Evans & Son Ltd www.mccartneys.co.uk AUCTIONEERS – VALUERS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS CHARTERED SURVEYORS FINE ART AUCTIONEERS 46 High Street, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3AB Tel: 01982 552259 e-mail: builth@mccartneys.co.uk
14
Monumental Mason Memorials & Commemorative plaques, additional inscriptions and renovations highest quality at low prices, family firm established 100 yrs Unit 8B, Brecon Enterprise Park, Brecon Tel: 01874 625308 (day) 01874 624913 (eve)
The FUTURE of
is in your hands!
At the moment Signposts is funded by a mixture of advertising and church funding with the overall £4000 annual cost being funded about ⅓ by advertising and ⅔ from parish funds. Unfortunately this is no longer sustainable and we are consulting YOU on the future of this magazine. There are a variety of options available … In order to keep the magazine free: 1. Doubling the costs of advertising in Signposts (which could drive advertisers away). 2. Reducing the size of the magazine from sixteen pages to twelve (which will impact the amount of content). 3. Reducing the quality of the printing we use (which could drive advertisers and readers away). 4. Asking parishes to increase their monthly donations (which will place an increased burden on parishes). If we were to introduce a charge for Signposts - which could substantially reduce the number of readers and in turn the advertisers, we could: 5. Ask the readers to pay by annual subscription of £5 per year in addition to maintaining the current advertising 6. Ask the readers to pay a price per copy of £0.50 in addition to maintaining the current advertising. 7. Ask the readers to pay by annual subscription of £10 per year and eliminating all advertising. 8. Ask the readers to pay a price per copy of £1 and eliminating all advertising. At the moment we print approximately one thousand copies a month for ten issues a year and we serve thirty-two churches covering an area of approximately five hundred square miles. Adopting any one of the above options would be enough to safeguard the future of the magazine – but which one? You see our dilemma! Please have your say by speaking to a member of the clergy or Churchwardens.
A-Z Of Churchyard Conservation
THE FOUNTAIN INN Builth Wells
“U” is for Urtica dioica
(01982 553888)
Warm & Friendly Pub with open Fire Separate Café area
Or stinging nettles as we know them. This hardy perennial is extremely good for us being full of vitamins, minerals and fibre. It also has anti inflammatory properties, often used as a tea to help hay fever. Ladybirds use nettles for raising their larvae. Many species of moth and butterfly lay their eggs on nettles sited in sunny areas. A wide range of other beneficial insects feed on the stinging nettle. So midJune would appear to be the best time for cutting nettles to allow predators to build up and then be moved on. To control nettles in grass, cut regularly when shoots appear in spring and repeat cuts each time the shoots reach 6-12 inches. Hand pulling nettles is also a good way of controlling these beneficial (but sometimes invasive) plants. A great book by Piers Warren - ‘101 Uses for Stinging Nettles’For more information contact The Amphibian and Reptile Conservation Trust, 01733 558960, www.arc-trust.org Caring for God’s Acre, the conservation charity for churchyards and burial grounds, 01588 673041, www.caringforgodsacre.org.uk
Separate Function / Restaurant Room Home-cooked food served daily from 9am Choice of Real Ales, Ciders, Draught Beers and Lagers We specialise in Outside Bars for all occasions
15
NEW INN
COSY TOES MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER JILL LLOYD DipCFHP, MPSPract
Newbridge-On-Wye 01597860211
NAIL TRIMMING CORNS REMOVED CALLUS REDUCTION INGROWING TOENAILS VERRUCA TREATMENT DIABETICS TREATED
NOT JUST A PUB BED & BREAKFAST/BUNK HOUSE LARGE SEPARATE FUNCTION ROOM Wedding Receptions Christenings Funeral Teas Private Parties RESTURANT Sizzling Steak Menu Gluten Free Menu Available Real Ales
FOR A FRIENDLY PERSONAL SERVICE CALL JILL ON MOB: 07718150571 EVENINGSS 01591 620355
BUTCHER SHOP Selling Our Own Free Range Pork Local Beef Local Lamb Hand Made Sausages, Pies & Dry Cured Bacon
The Flower Shop Siop Flodau
Weddings, Anniversaries, Funeral Flowers 31 High Street Builth Wells Tel 01982 552 686
Grave Attendant I will look after the graves of your loved ones. Stone cleaning, grass and leaves clearing, flowers laid for Birthdays and Anniversaries. Planting out, pots emptied and cleaned. Prices from £9
Contact Alison on: 07931 778 839 or email: IDOODOO2@aol.com
Doug Prosser Incorporated with Crickhowell Funeral Services
Maelgwyn Funeral Home, Kensington, Brecon
Tel 01874 622755 www.dougprosser-brecon.com
The Medical Hall Llanwrtyd Wells
Qualified Piano Tuner covering Mid Wales
Tel: 01982 553623 Mob: 07966594663 tuning@piano-tuning-wales.co.uk www.piano-tuning-wales.co.uk
GILES MARSHALL OPTOMETRIST
For all your farm needs
Garth Road, Builth Wells Tel: 01982 552210
David Day B.A., L.R.A.M., M.P.T.A.
Memorial Masons
W Cook
‘He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herbs for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth.” Psalms CIV
Piano Tuning
Drug Store, Stationery & Toys, Gifts, Cosmetics, Greetings Cards, Batteries & Torches,
Tel: 01591 610 207
High Street, Builth Wells Tel 01982 552801 Middleton Street, Llandrindod Wells Tel 01597 823400
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 Tel: 01982 552 355 E-mail: abihook@gmail.com Web: http://www.builthgroup.org.uk/signposts.htm For Advertising Queries please contact Richard Hussey Tel: 01591 620 648 E-mail: hhussey@btinternet.com is printed by Powerprint, Llandrindod th
Deadline for next issue (May): Monday 13 April 2015 16