Issue No 217
Magazine for the Builth & Irfon & Wye Ministry Areas Dec 2019/Jan 2020
O Come O Come Emmanuel Once again, we have come around to the season of Advent in our church calendar. It is a time for giving thanks to God for Christ’s first coming to Earth as a baby and for His continued presence among us today, through the Holy Spirit and in preparation and anticipation of his final coming, at the end of time. For the Early Christians it was a time of waiting, in anticipation of the promised Saviour of the world. While the early Christians awaited the coming of their Saviour who would free the world, Christians today await Christ’s second glorious coming. Christians have continued to reminisce over the days before Christ for centuries and continue to do so until He comes again in His glory. To some this may seem a monotonous journey. It makes some people wonder if there is any point in this monotony. And this plays a great part in the way Christmas is seen today. Unfortunately, today Advent has been usurped by the frenzy of Christmas shopping, so that by the time Christmas Day comes around, many people no longer enjoy the feast. However, to others, especially Christians as they revolve around each liturgical year, they reach a little closer to their goal than they were the year before. Their goal being life itself – the fullness of life in the presence of God in Heaven. Like the ancient Israelites we wait in anticipation for an event we can only try to imagine, an event where all that is right, good and truthful will come to fruition in His perfect timing.
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The prophets in the Book of the Old Testament stress the need for repentance and spiritual conversion. As the prophet Isaiah called the nation of Israel to repentance and conversion for their salvation, so too are we called, by extension, through Israel. We are waiting and anticipating the coming birth of Jesus, but we also anticipate His second coming. As Christians, we believe that God loves us and all of creation, so much that God became embodied in the form of Jesus. This is a mystery we should not attempt to understand but simply realise that by God undertaking to take on flesh sanctifies our flesh – it makes holy the skin we wear. Advent provides an opportunity for us to explore what the Incarnation means for our lives. As we reflect upon Jesus’ life and what it means for our lives in this run-up to Christmas, we should think about those things which Jesus exemplified. He took care of the sick, accompanied the lonely, cared for the elderly, looked after the homeless, fed the poor, etc. In short, Jesus gave us a glimpse of God’s Kingdom in Heaven. But the church continues to stress the preparatory nature of Advent. So as we approach Advent and preparations for this coming celebration, let us be vigorous in our mindfulness of Christ’s presence among us in the world. The essence of Advent is the promise for Israel and the promise for the church is Jesus Christ; he has come, and he will come again. Carol Jones.
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Llanwrtyd Wells Auto Services Beulah Rd, Llanwrtyd Wells, Powys, LD5 4RF
Tel: 01591 610 259 Open 7am – 9pm Mon to Sat 8am – 9pm Sun Come and visit our “One Stop Shop” for friendly service and some great deals including: ***Free ATM and banking services at Post Office Counter*** Vehicle accessories / Oils Unleaded and Diesel Fuel supplied by Oil 4 Wales Coal / Peat / Wood / Fire Blocks Newspapers / Magazines / Greetings Cards / Postcards / Welsh Souvenirs Groceries / Fresh Dairy Produce / Meat / Fish Fruit and Veg / Baked goods Hot Takeaway Drinks Household Items Alcohol Pet Food and Accessories ***Post Office Local Services*** We aim to be as competitive and flexible as possible and are always willing to cater for individual needs. Deals change periodically and are available whilst stocks last. Orders for delivery can be taken by phone, please ask for details.
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Local
Ministry Area Notices Builth Ministry Area
Llanelwedd Coffee Morning
Men’s Breakfast Every 4th Saturday 10.00am Drovers Tea Rooms, Builth
LLANGASTY RETREAT HOUSE
Drop in Quiet Day 2nd Dec
From 9.30am Fountain Inn 14th December
An opportunity to pause for prayer and personal reflection come for all or part of the day. Bring your own lunch. Coffee and tea provided. No charge, but donations welcome. No need to book. 10am - 4pm with Eucharist at 12 noon
Shopping? Enjoy a coffee and take the weight off your feet!
Phone: 01874 658250 E-mail: enquiries@llangasty.com Visit: www.llangasty.com
Come and Join us
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JOIN THE PARISH OF THE IRFON VALLEY
Benefice Christingle Service
200 CLUB The Parish of the Irfon Valley has a 200 Club. It holds 4 draws a year and there are excellent prizes to be won. First prize is usually £50, 2nd £25 and 3rd £15 with 4 other chances of winning £10. Membership is £10 per year. If you would like to join, please contact anyone of the Irfon Valley Parish Churchwardens: Chris Fairhurst, Mel Hardwick, Jacquie Brown, Richard Davies, Trudie Jordan, Richard Hussey or Matthew Wilson. More details on the 200 Club can be found on the Parish website www.irfonvalleyparish.co.uk
2.30pm on 16th December in St Matthew’s Church, Llanelwedd Come and enjoy putting together your own Christingle with the children from Llanelwedd school. A VERY WELCOME TO ALL CHILDREN, PARENTS, GRANDPARENTS AND PARISHIONERS
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.
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Magazine hopes its readers are looking forward to seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany. As we move swiftly towards another Church year, we are, as ever, grateful for the support of readers and contributors. If you would like to offer a letter or article our contact details are on the back page. signpostsmagazine@gmail.com
Builth Ministry Area - Colwyn Dear Friends ‘Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us’: this is the response of the shepherds to the good news of Jesus’ birth, and the beginning of a night which was to see them returning soon after ‘glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.’
Tuesday 24th December Christmas Eve 16.00 Glascwm Crib Service JO 23.00 Llanelwedd Midnight Mass LW *Note start time Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14 [15-20] Wednesday 25th December Christmas Day /The Nativity of our Lord 08.00 Rhulen Holy Communion JO 09.30 Llanfaredd Holy Communion JO 09.30 Bettws Holy Communion LW 11.15 Cregrina Holy Communion LW Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4 [512]; John 1:1-14
We cannot, of course, see quite what they saw, even if we were able to go now to the Holy Land and visit the place where these great events unfolded. However, Christmas is a time of listening anew to the words of scripture which, familiar though they may be, still have the power to speak to us in new and unexpected ways. So, let us think back to then and put ourselves in the shoes of those who were part of that extraordinary night of his birth, and let us hear afresh the good news of Jesus Christ, which God continues to make known to us today.
29th December 10.00 Hundred House Hall
Website: www.colwynbenefice.wordpress.com This is a useful source of information on church services and community events and offers resources and support in areas such as prayer and Bible study. Colwyn Benefice’s Facebook page can be accessed from this website
Christmas Blessings to you all.
Help Our Homeless Wales Cherry says: A BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE For all the generous, thoughtful and loving donations of items given to the shoebox appeal for ‘Helping our Homeless Wales’. This raised enough to achieve 22 ‘bags for life’ each containing a filled shoebox and toiletries bag which was given to the Llandrindod-based team. *Thank you, Cherry for co-ordinating this shoebox appeal
Linda Year A – December Services 1st December Advent 1/World AIDS Day 10.00 Llansantffraed Holy Communion LW 18.00 Glascwm Village Service DD Lectionary Readings: Isaiah 2:1-5; Psalm 122; Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44 8th December Advent 2 09.30 Cregrina Holy Communion LW 11.15 Llanelwedd Worship4All ET/LW 11.15 Rhulen Holy Communion JO Readings: Isaiah 11:1-10; Psalm 72:1-7 [18, 19]; Romans 15:4-13; Matthew 3:1-12
WANTED for the Tombola stall at the Bettws and Llansantffraed Christmas Coffee Evening on the 6th December Bottles and gifts please. Contact Evy: 570384
15th December Advent 3 09.30 Llanfaredd Holy Communion LW 11.15 Glascwm Holy Communion JO Readings: Isaiah 35:1-10; Psalm 146:5-10/Luke 1:4655; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11 22nd December Advent 4 19.00 Rhulen Carol Service *RM Richard Martin and friends
Christmas 1 Benefice Carol Service LW
RM
Llanelwedd with Llanfaredd, Llansantffraed-in-Elwell, Bettws, Cregrina, Glascwm and Rhulen Revd Mthr Linda Watson, The Rectory, Llanelwedd LD2 3TY 01982 553533, revlindawatson@gmail.com Licensed Lay Minister. Mr Eddie Thomas. 01982 552873, edwin.thomas935@btinternet.com 4
Builth Ministry Area - Colwyn Services for Year A – January Services
Monthly Events:
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5 January The Epiphany of our Lord 10.00 Llansantffraed Holy Communion JO 18.00 Glascwm Village Service ET Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72: [1-9] 10-15; Ephesians 3:1-12; Matthew 2:1-12
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12th January The Baptism of Christ /Anglican Communion Sunday 09.30 Cregrina Holy Communion LW 11.15 Llanelwedd Worship4All ET/?? 11.15 Rhulen Holy Communion LW Readings: Isaiah 42:1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10:34-43; Matthew 3:13-17
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19th January Epiphany 2 09.30 Llanfaredd Holy Communion JO 11.15 Glascwm Holy Communion LW Readings: Isaiah 19:1-7; Psalm 40:1-11; 1 Corinthians 1:19; John 1:29-42 26th January Epiphany 3/World Leprosy Day 09.30 Bettws Holy Communion LW 09.30 Cregrina Village Service DD 11.15 Llanelwedd Holy Communion LW
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St Davids Rhulen
Carol Service December 22nd 7PM
Bettws and Llansantffraed Christmas Wreath’s Available from 1st week in December. Can deliver locally To order, ring: Elizabeth Powell 01982 570404
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Every Tuesday during term time at 9.1511.15, Llanelwedd Tots Play time, Stay and Play group at the Jubilee Hall, £1.50 per family, 50p for tea and Coffee. Every Thursday from 10 am, Sewing Group at Hundred House Hall Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 13.30pm, Bible Study at Cregrina. All Welcome. Phone Cherry on 01982 570702 for details. Every 2nd and 4th Wednesday from 10 am, Coffee Connection with free tea, coffee and biscuits at Hundred House Hall. All Welcome. Contact Jo: 01982 570326 for free transport. Every 3rd Thursday during term time at 2.303.10pm, Story Time for pre-school children, babies and their carers, at St Matthew’s, Llanelwedd Every 3rd Friday at 18:30, Friday Fellowship at Cregrina. For ladies of all ages to meet new and old friends, chat, eat supper together and share and encourage each other in their faith. Contact Cherry on 01982 570702 for details or powyschurch@gmail.com. Every 4th Friday at 9.30, Morning Prayer with open reflection at St Matthew’s Church, Llanelwedd. All Welcome Every 4th Saturday at 10 am, Men’s Breakfast at The Drovers Tearoom.
Bettws and Llansantffraed Christmas Coffee Evening with Father Christmas and lots of stalls and craft tables(£5) (Help needed on stalls and craft tables) 7pm Friday 6th December at Hundred House Hall In aid of St Bridget’s Church Llansantffraed & St Mary’s Church Bettws Contact: Marilyn Jarvis 570313 or Sue Davies 570245
St Bridget’s Church Llansantffraed is looking for a Church Warden. Do you think you could help? Are you the right person for this role? Please phone Rev. Linda Watson on 01982 553533 or Marilyn Jarvis on 570313.
. Llanelwedd with Llanfaredd, Llansantffraed-in-Elwell, Bettws, Cregrina, Glascwm and Rhulen Revd Mthr Linda Watson, The Rectory, Llanelwedd LD2 3TY 01982 553533, revlindawatson@gmail.com 5 Licensed Lay Minister. Mr Eddie Thomas. 01982 552873, edwin.thomas935@btinternet.com
Irfon & Wye Ministry Area The Benefices of Irfon Valley, Blaenau Irfon and Upper Wye December Services, 2019 1st December 9:30 Holy Communion Beulah 11:00 Morning Worship
Eglwys Oen Duw,
11:15
Holy Communion
Llanlleonfel
11:15
Holy Communion
Llanganten
11:15
Holy Communion
Llanfihangel BP
24th December 19:00 Carols
St James
19:00 18:00 23:15
25th December 09:30 Holy Communion
7th December 17:30 Christmas Tree Festival Service St James
10:00 09:30
Christmas Tree Festival Service VE 8th December 9:30 Morning Worship Beulah 9:30 Holy Communion 9:30 11:00 11:00 15:00
Morning Worship Holy Communion Morning Worship Holy Communion
Carol Service Holy Communion Carol Service
Holy Communion Holy Communion
29th December 11:00 Holy Communion
Eglwys Oen Duw,
January Services 2020 5th January 9:30 Holy Communion
Llangammarch Cwmbach St James Newbridge Llanfechan
11:00 11:15 11:15
Morning Worship Crib Service Holy Communion Morning Worship
11:15
Holy Communion
12th December 14:30 Christingle with school Newbridge 15th December 9:30 Holy Communion Beulah 11:00 Morning Worship 11:15 Morning Worship 15:00 Holy Communion Brynpabuan 18th December 18:30 Lessons & Carol Candlelight 22nd 9:30
December Morning Worship
12th January 9:30 Morning Worship Eglwys Oen Duw, 9:30 9:30 11:00 11:00
St James Llanganten Llanfihangel
Holy Communion Morning Worship Holy Communion Morning Worship
13th January TBC School Christingle
St David’s OPC
19th January 9:30 Holy Communion Llangammarch
9:30 11:00
Holy Communion Lessons and Carols
Cwmbach St James
11:00 11:15 15:00
11:00 15:00
Holy Communion Carol Service
Newbridge Llanafan
26th January 9:30 Morning Worship 9:30 9:30 11:00 11:00
Morning Worship Holy Communion Holy Communion
Morning Worship Holy Communion Holy Communion Holy Communion
The Prince, Cilmeri Cwmbach Llangammarch St James
Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah Llanlleonfel Newbridge
Llangammarch
Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah St James Llanlleonfel Llanganten Llanfihangel Brynpabuan
Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah Llangammarch Cwmbach St James Newbridge
Garth Hall
Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah St James Llanganten Llanafan
Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah Llangammarch Cwmbach St James Newbridge
If you have any questions about services, please contact your Benefice Warden or a member of the Ministry Area Team. For others queries (baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc), please contact Rev’d Canon Mark Beaton (Area Dean) -Tel: 01544 350342, Email: revmark.beaton@gmail.com 6
Irfon & Wye Ministry Area The Benefices of Irfon Valley, Blaenau Irfon and Upper Wye decided to hold a Charity Sleepover at our local Church, St. James’ in Llanwrtyd Wells on the Friday evening of 22nd November (9.00 p.m.) to the morning of Saturday 23rd November, armed with Sponsorship Forms, and (on the night) sleeping bags, duvets, pillows, a few blow-up mattresses! Not quite the same as sleeping out of doors regardless of the weather, but the church got cold, especially by 5.00a.m. There were 13 of us. We sang hymns until we decided it was may be time to bed down for the night. We survived pretty well, despite one burst hot water bottle and a few snorers! We realised how lucky we were! Relative warmth, a toilet nearby, and the prospect of a cooked breakfast next day (thank you to the ladies who came in to provide it!). Staring at the ceiling of the church above my head, unable to sleep, I kept visualising what it is really like to be “out on the streets” all day and all night. So many people, so often through no fault of their own (domestic abuse, loss of employment, unable to pay the rent or mortgage, forcible eviction, etc. etc.), how to keep one’s sanity and self-respect? I thought constantly: There but for the Grace of God go I”. We are so fortunate! We are now into Advent with Christmas approaching! Materialism is everywhere around us! What about those people who rely on foodbanks, in our own communities, in no way planning a joyous Christmas? We hope in our small way that we can raise a sum to support at least some individuals or families at this Christmastime, and indeed, into the future.
“There
but for the Grace of God go I”.......
At the recent Diocesan Conference held at Brecon Cathedral, two of the four presentations were about “Faith in Families” and “Open Doors”. The former well illustrated the excellent work being undertaken in Swansea and Brecon, the latter rammed home the circumstances in which Christians overseas suffer from intimidation, discrimination and persecution. Stories from Syria, northern Nigeria and North Korea brought home how individuals and families suffer in such unacceptable circumstances. We often see the plight of others on our TV screens, how often does “good news” present itself? We see the suffering of others, but given our busy lives, we soon put such pictures to the back of our minds! Yet, the impact of the message from “Open Doors” made us determined to actually do something, to provide some financial support, however small, to help those who are so less fortunate than ourselves! We don’t have to walk 5 miles to the nearest muddy waterhole and then struggle back home with a small quantity of contaminated water to provide for the day. We don’t live in fear of being taken to a forced Labour Camp just because we keep a Bible at home! We don’t bed down for the night in a shop doorway, in a sodden sleeping bag or on a sheet of cardboard, in heavy rain or sub-zero temperatures, intimidated by passing-by revellers! So in order to raise money for Homelessness across the Diocese and Open Doors, we
Rob Thomas.
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Builth Ministry Area - Erwood & Painscastle Christ-child is born again to redeem the suffering of his created world until we share his burden, realise our own divinity and turn our world to paradise once more.
Dear All, November has prepared us for Advent and Christmas through showing us that much of our life on earth is bound up with thoughts of heaven. Once more we may rejoice! Christmas is not an escape away from worldly troubles and into a fantasy fairytale but it is the first step into the adventurous world of heaven’s mystery that offers permanent and everlasting joys! Allow the story to fill your hearts. Revel in the images of the angels appearing to the Shepherds and the Magi being led by the star for many months through the heat, cold and dust to pay homage to the babe who will change the world. Think of Mary’s wonderful and gracious acceptance as the Angel tells her that she is God’s chosen one and how she rushes with excitement to Elizabeth within whose womb John the Baptist responds by leaping with joy as his Saviour draws near. Remember Joseph’s loyalty and the visitation of angels in his dreams to ensure the safety of the baby Jesus. Heaven was showering the earth with signs and wonders and the very spirit of the world was responding by lifting people’s hearts in preparation for the birth of our Lord.
The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord will be celebrated at our Eucharists on Sunday the 5th of January to set the seal upon the Christmas story. The visit of the three Wise Men symbolises the acceptance of the secular world of the birth of Emmanuel. The three men feel the influence of heaven as they follow the star to the birth – place. Theirs is also a journey based on intellect and human initiative – their homage displays an acceptance that God is the only true sovereign over us all. The Magi have followed his will to announce to the world the reign of his Son; Jesus, the Prince of Peace. The scene is already set for the fulfilment of the Passion some thirty years later which will establish the sacrificial nature of the Kingship of Christ. It is worth remembering that the story of the incarnation is a complete and whole event in the history of our world - from our Saviour’s birth until his death and resurrection. The life of Jesus demonstrates that earthly suffering and heavenly bliss are close companions and he gives not as the world gives. We may not understand this. Sometimes we must simply let our hearts tell the story. Let nothing deflect us from the joy of Christmas! But let the joy make a bed of compassion in our hearts for all people for whom sorrow is never far away. Our constant prayer must be for the ongoing and eternal peace of Christ for all people.
This is also our story; the story of Emmanuel – ‘God with us’. He unites heaven and earth in a bond never to be broken for all eternity. The Divine Babe is born to die, to know human suffering and after his Ascension he sends us God’s Holy Spirit so he may live within us. We become the body of Christ and so, we are the Babe in the manger; always being born anew, often helpless but always divine and radiating the Christ light into the world. In this light, all our earthly troubles may then be seen as the shadow of a restless world that is searching for a new life of increased love, unity and fellowship. This Christmas, there will be many children of God born to homeless families in stables, caves, hovels and makeshift shelters; through them the
The Blessings of the Christ – Child be with you and those you love this Christmas. Father Paul. XX
Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach Revd Fthr Paul Keown, Trefechan, Edw Crescent, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, 01982 560653, frpaulkeown@mac.com 8
Builth Ministry Area - Erwood & Painscastle
Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach Revd Fthr Paul Keown, Trefechan, Edw Crescent, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, 01982 560653, frpaulkeown@mac.com 9
Builth Ministry Area - Buallt Dec 1st 10:00 Family Service 15.00 W.I. Carol Service 15:00 Holy Communion 16.30 Advent Carols
Builth St Mary’s Builth St Mary’s Llandewi’r Cwm Brecon Cathedral
Dec 7th 11.15 Morning Prayer
Llanynis St David’s
Dec 8th 9:30 Holy Communion 11:00 Morning Prayer
Builth St Mary’s Maesmynis
Dec 15th 9:30 Holy Communion
Builth St Mary’s
Dec 16th 19.00 Community Carol Service Dec 18th 18.00 Ysgol Calon Cymru Carol Service Dec 22nd 9:30 Holy Communion
Builth St Marys
Builth St Marys
Our Immanuel
Builth St Marys
Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, that you are the Word and living image of the eternal Father, our Immanuel. You took on yourself our human nature, and you support and protect your Christendom against your enemy, the devil. Give us the light of your holy Word. Forgive us our sins and give us eternal life. Be our mediator and intercessor and plead for us. Hear and help us as you have promised: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Have mercy on us. Pray for us before your everlasting Father, sanctify and rule in us with your Holy Spirit. Protect us against all treachery and terror, and the lies and murder of the devil so that with pure and joyful hearts we may serve you; with the Father and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign forever and ever. Amen.
Dec 24th 11.00 Holy Communion 17.00 Children’s Crib Service 19.00 Carols 20.30 Holy Communion 11.00 Midnight Mass
Brynhyfryd Builth St Marys Llandewi’r Cwm Llandewi’r Cwm Builth St Marys
Dec 25th 11.00 Holy Communion
Llanynis
Dec 29th 11.00 Holy Communion
Alltmawr
January 2020 Jan 5th 10.00 Family Service 15.00 Holy Communion
Builth Wells Llandewi’r Cwm `
Jan 12th 9.30 Holy Communion 11.00 Holy Communion
Builth St Marys Maesmynis
Jan 19th 10.30 United Ecumenical
Builth Alpha
Jan 26th 9.30 Holy Communion 11.00 Morning Prayer
Builth St Marys Maesmynis
Source: Die pommersche Kirchen-Ordnung und Agenda, p. 284. Translated for A Collection of Prayers.
If you have any questions about services, please contact your Benefice Wardens or a member of the Ministry Area Team. For others queries (baptisms, weddings, funerals, etc), please contact Rev’d Canon Mark Beaton (Area Dean) -Tel: 01544 350342, Email: revmark.beaton@gmail.com
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TEACHING SERIES Rev'd Canon Dr Mark Clavier has kindly donated his Monthly teaching series to Si gnposts Magazine. During this challenging interregnum period we are particularly grateful for his contribution. Mark has published four books: On Consumer Culture, Identity, the Church and the Rhetorics of Delight (Reading Augustine. Bloomsbury), Rescuing the Church from Christmas Cards Rhetoric, Consumeris m (SPCK), Eloquent Wisdom: Cardsinarethe on Theology sale to raise of funds for St. Cos mology Christmas and Delight Mary’s – they will be available after eachof service Augustine of Hippo (Brepols), and Stewards God’s Delight: Becoming Priests of the New in Builth. They feature a wide variety of religious Creation (Cascade). designs and are competitively priced. Please do
think of buying from us before you go elsewhere!
This monthly teaching series will take in turns the twelve statements about God that comprise the Apostle’s Creed. The creed was the earliest one composed (possibly as early as the 2nd century AD) and probably was originally used as part of the catechism and baptism of converts. While it was superseded by the Nicene Creed (which we say each Sunday), it continues to be recited at Matins and Evensong. The word ‘creed’ comes from the two words: credo is the Latin word for ‘I believe’. It establishes from the start that this is a statement of faith about what the Church professes to believe about God—that he is Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth The first article establishes what we believe about God the Father: that he is all-powerful and the creator of heaven and earth. Let’s take these in reverse order. One of the most important beliefs the early Christians professed is that God is the creator of both heaven and earth. Many people in the ancient world believed that anything material was either evil or a divine waste product. But Genesis 1 forced early Christians to hold firm to the idea that all of creation—heaven and earth, spiritual and physical—was created by God and is, therefore, good. Next, God is almighty (omnipotent is the technical term). This establishes two things about God. First, that he is alone and doesn’t share power with other gods. The Jewish way of putting this is found in the shema, their most important prayer: ‘Hear, O Israel, the Lord your God is one’. Second, it guards the Church against dualism, or the belief that there’s a balance between a good god and an evil god. Christianity states firmly that there is only one God and he is all-powerful. But this power is also an expression of God’s love and generosity; thus, it’s not a tyrannical or coercive power. Finally, the creed encourages us to think of God as Father. Some may find this jarring. Why not mother? In terms of the creed itself, the answer is simple: it refers first and foremost to the relationship between God the Father and God the Son. God is the Father of Jesus Christ and the Creator of us. We only call the Creator Father because we have been adopted by Christ. He has secondarily revealed himself to be also the Father of Israel. But it’s also important to say that this doesn’t mean God is a man. God is beyond gender but also the image in whom both men and women are made.
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Saints and their Symbols This puzzle comes from The Parish Window (theparishwindow.co.uk). It uses Saints and Their Symbols, by E. A. Greene, 1901 as a reference. Match the Saints (numbered 1 – 40) with their symbols (numbered A- An) placing the answer in the box below. No prizes but I will print the solution in next months edition. Saints 1 AGATHA; 2 AMBROSE; 3 ANDREW; 4 ANTHONY; 5 APOLLONIA; 6 AUGUSTINE; 7 BARTHOLOMEW; 8 BARBARA; 9 BENEDICT; 10 BONIFACE; 11 CATHERINE; 12 CECILIA; 13 CHRISTOPHER; 14 FRANCIS ASSISI; 15 GEORGE; 16 HUBERT; 17 JAMES THE GREATER; 18 JAMES THE LESS; 19 JEROME; 20 JOHN; 21 JOHN THE BAPTIST; 22 JOSEPH; 23 JUDE; 24 LAURENCE; 25 LUCY; 26 LUKE; 27 MARK; 28 MARY MAGDALENE; 29 MATTHEW; 30 MATTHIAS; 31 MICHAEL; 32 NICHOLAS; 33 PATRICK; 34 PAUL; 35 PETER; 36 SIMON; 37 STEPHEN; 38 SWITHIN; 39 THOMAS; 40 URSALA Symbols A-ANCHOR; B-ARROWS; C-AXE; D-BELL; E-BEEHIVE; F-BOOKS; G-BUILDERS SQUARE; H-CHILD ON SHOULDER; I-CHURCH IN HAND; J-CLUB; K-DRAGON; L-GRATE; M-HAIR; N-KEYS; O-KNIFE; P-LAMB; Q-LAMP; R-LANCE; S-LILY; T-MONEYBAGS; U-ORGAN; V-POISONED CHALICE; W-RAIN; X-RAVEN; Y-SAW; Z-SHAMROCK; Aa-SHEARS; Ab- SHELL; Ac-SKULL; Ad-STAG; Ae-STONES; Af-SWORD; Ag-SWORD AND SCALES; Ah-TOOTH; Ai-TOWER; Aj-TRANSVERSE CROSS; Ak-TREE; Al-WHEEL; Am-WINGED LION; An-WINGED OX 1
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To book this or other courses or retreat days, visit www.llangasty.com or call 01874 658250 Email: enquiries@llangasty.com 14
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TEL. 01982 552644 MOB. 07974 315328
FUNERAL DIRECTORS A family business established in 1858
We now provide personalised pre-paid funeral plans PASADENA, 31 BRECON ROAD, BUILTH WELLS, POWYS LD2 3EB
Dale Williams Open all year round by appointment Admission: Adults ÂŁ5.00, children free Dogs on leads welcome Some areas not accessible to wheelchairs.
www.llysdinamgardens.co.uk llysdinamgardens@gmail.com
Ben Lloyd & Son
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 THOROUGHLY DRY SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS ASH, OAK, BIRCH & ALDER
From Cefnllysgwynne Estate, Builth Wells ______________________________________________________
Memorial Craftsmen
Est. 1886 Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen Churchyard memorials commemorative plaques additional inscriptions and renovations
Bridge Street, Rhayader Tel. 01597 810320 & 811183 Mob. 07767 220163
DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR Cut and split into easily handled sizes. Packed in bags weighing an average of 8 kilos net Price. ÂŁ3.50 per bag (negotiable for Bulk/regular orders) ORDERS/ENQUIRIES. Tel. 01982 551624
ELECTRICIAN David Stone Electrics Free, no obligation quotes for all your household & domestic needs.
07771 767246 electrics@glanoer.co.uk NICEIC Registered Insured & all work fully guaranteed
Hay Meadow Burial Ground Meadow and Woodland Burials
A unique natural green burial ground located within the Radnorshire Hills. A place to rest in peace
14 High St, Builth, Powys LD2 3DN
Tel. 01982 553004
We welcome any faith, religion or belief so suitable for everyone. You can create something different or have a traditional funeral with a church service. Return back to nature and choose your final resting place. Plots are available to be reserved. Richard and Sarah Vale Busnant Farm, Glascwm, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5SE Tel 01982 570701 info@haymeadowburials.co.uk www.haymeadowburials.co.uk
email. info@builthcs.co.uk www.builthcs.co.uk Registered Charity 1150452 Company limited by Guarantee 827866
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for our Community Car scheme & Charity Shop, also Befrienders & Directors for our Board of Management. Please contact our office for more information and an application form
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COSY TOES MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER JILL LLOYD DipCFHP, MPSPract ✓NAIL TRIMMING ✓CORNS REMOVED ✓CALLUS REDUCTION ✓INGROWING TOENAILS ✓VERRUCA TREATMENT ✓DIABETICS TREATED FOR A FRIENDLY PERSONAL SERVICE CALL JILL ON MOB. 07718150571 EVENINGSS 01591 620355
R. W. Evans & Son Ltd Monumental Mason Memorials & Commemorative plaques, additional inscriptions and renovations
Caleb Roberts Insurance Services Limited
highest quality at low prices, family firm established 100 yrs
Motor, House and Business Insurance Free Quotations
Unit 8B, Brecon Enterprise Park, Brecon Tel. 01874 625308 (day) 01874 624913 (eve)
01982 553 050
Piano Tuning David Day B.A., L.R.A.M., M.P.T.A.
Qualified Piano Tuner covering Mid Wales
W Cook The Medical Hall Llanwrtyd Wells
Eye examinations Contact lenses Spectacle Frames and lenses Low Vision Assessments Eye Health Examination Wales and Low Vision Accredited
Tel. 01982 553623 Mob. 07966594663 tuning@piano-tuning-wales.co.uk www.piano-tuning-wales.co.uk
Drug Store, Stationery & Toys, Gifts, Cosmetics, Greetings Cards, Batteries & Torches,
Cavendish House, Middleton St, Llandrindod Wells 01597 823400
Tel. 01591 610 207
23 High St, Builth Wells 01982 552801 www.sgmarshall.co.uk
All contributions (news items and ideas for future issues) are very welcome and should be sent to. Adeline Jennings, 1 North Cottages, Llysdinam, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6NB Tel. 01597 860116 or 07850502219 E-mail. signpostsmagazine@gmail.com Web. www.builthgroup.org.uk/signposts/ For Advertising Queries please contact David Childs E-mail advertssignposts@gmail.com. is printed by Powerprint, Llandrindod th
Deadline for next issue (Feb 2020) Friday 24 January 2019 16