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Meet the chaplains gearing up for this year's Royal Welsh Show
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Youth worker Jordan joins Gower's ministry area team
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Rev Rana's on a mission after his extraordinary journey to Wales
14&15 Cymuned is produced and distributed by the Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Board of Finance, a company registered in England and Wales. Company Number: 924565 Registered Charity Number: 249810 © Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Board of Finance. All information correct at time of going to press. If you have a story or event for inclusion, email eryljones@churchinwales.org.uk or telephone 01874 623716. You can send us your stories/photos and keep up to date with the latest news at Facebook.com/SwanseaandBreconDiocese Plus don’t forget you can also find us on Twitter. Follow us @Swanbrec
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The harvest is plentiful, and the need for more labourers to work at it never goes away...
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rom the perspective of the Bishop, presiding at the annual service of ordination is probably one of the most significant and important occasions in the diary. This is not because it’s a grand occasion, with a full Cathedral and high-quality music and liturgy, but because it always focuses one’s mind on the call to ordained ministry. This year’s ‘crop’ of ordinands, seven deacons to be ordained priest and one deacon to be ordained for the first time, is both rich and varied in terms of their life-experiences, church backgrounds and ages. There is a good mix of stipendiary, non-stipendiary, male and female, all demonstrating that ordained ministry is not a narrowly restricted category, but a broad and still broadening one. You can read something of this in the pen-portraits of six of the candidates on pages 8&9. However, alongside those who are ordained, we have an equally valuable and increasing cohort of lay-people, commissioned to carry out ministries rooted in their baptism into the Christian family. Historically, too often and too easily, one category of ministry alone – that is, stipendiary and ordained – has been thought of as the ‘gold standard’, with all others, ordained and lay, seen as somehow second-class. Well, forget that, please. It is baptism that roots us in the church, and gives us birth into the Christian family as both children of God and disciples of the Lord Jesus. We grow into and exercise our individual discipleship in many ways, and we follow various paths, but none of us is better or more valuable than the next person in the family. As we rejoice in this year’s crop of ordinands, we also pray for an increase in vocations to all the ministries of our church. If you feel that you may be being called to one of these, speak to someone about it so that you can be pointed in the direction of exploring the possibilities. You might ask about
the ‘Theology For Life’ courses, currently on offer, for learning at all sorts of different levels, and through which, across the Province, any number of vocations have taken root, been nourished, and begun to blossom. And, if you don’t know who to ask or how to ask about any of this, you are most welcome to contact my office for advice. The harvest is plentiful, and the need for more labourers to work at it never goes away!
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t’s now some time since the Bench of Bishops agreed that all who are baptised, regardless of age, should be welcome at the altar. Just as all our family members are welcome at the family table in our family home, all of those born into the Christian family by baptism should be welcome to participate in the great family meal of Christ’s people, the Eucharist. I cannot tell you how moving I have found it to see young hands extended to receive communion and not be brushed aside, and to recognise, on young faces and on the faces of those accompanying the young, expressions of joyful grace that all are now able to be a real part of what is going on. I hope that, in your parishes, this welcome is being extended and that schemes for Confirmation, through which mature commitment to discipleship can be expressed, are also prepared for and consciously offered regularly and faithfully.
Pupils from Christchurch Church in Wales Primary at this year's school leavers' service at Brecon Cathedral
Teacher John's Diamond Award for innovative Christian Aid work J
ohn Meredith, a teacher at St Mary’s CIW Primary School in Brynmawr, has been awarded a Diamond Award for his dedication and innovative schools work for international development charity Christian Aid. As Christian Aid marks 60 years of its annual fundraising drive, Christian Aid Week, the charity is celebrating the incredible dedication of its supporters by awarding Diamond Awards across the UK. The award was presented to John at the school assembly by headteacher Darren Jones and Christian Aid’s regional coordinator Mari McNeill. The award came as a surprise to John, who has been championing Christian Aid’s work and its educational resources at the school and in many other schools across
South Wales for several years. Each Christian Aid Week, John prepares a week of learning about global issues so that each class is involved. This May the students spent a week learning about the refugee situation worldwide and how as a school they can help. John said: “I want to thank Darren and all the students for nominating me. It is a great privilege to receive this recogni-
tion. I firmly believe in the work Christian Aid does and it is great that we can be a part of that work of insisting the world can and must be swiftly changed to one where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. “I am a firm believer that one of the key ways to see this realised is through education. The resources that Christian Aid produces for schools help us deepen our understanding of our values as church schools, such as love, solidarity, dignity, respect, justice and stewardship. Christian Aid Week also gives us a wonderful opportunity to link with local churches and groups in the community to help raise funds to help many lives out of situations of hardship and poverty.” Mari said: “Without the dedication of our supporters year on year, like John and the students
at St Mary’s CIW Primary School, we wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do. “It is vital that young people learn about current world issues and the role they can play in tackling big issues such as the refugee crisis and the impact of climate change on the world’s poor. Right now, Christian Aid is tackling poverty in around 40 countries around the world, including providing support to refugees and food and water to those on the brink of starvation across East Africa where the lives of 16 million people hang in the balance.” Christian Aid was born in the aftermath of World War II, when a generation of Christians decided they would not stand by while people suffered in refugee camps, and continues to support people seeking a safe place to call home.
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It's showtime for Royal I
Helen, Tim and Michelle
Among the hundreds of thousands of visitors and exhibitors at this year's Royal Welsh Show will be the showground's chaplaincy team. Here, members explain what their roles entail, and how you're welcome to drop in for coffee
t's the biggest event of its kind in Europe, and a four-day celebration of the best of Welsh agriculture, and among the hundreds of thousands of people at this year's Royal Welsh Show will be a small but dedicated group of chaplains. There are 14 members of the showground's chaplaincy team, from a broad spectrum of denominations, providing welcome, worship and support not only to visitors but also to the army of staff behind the scenes. For bishop's officer for rural life Rev Michelle Bailey it will be her first Royal Welsh, but it's also a milestone for Rev Tim Williams who will be marking his 20th anniversary. Tim, whose wife Helen is also a member of the team, said: "We are chaplains to everyone on the showground, whether they are of the Christian faith, another faith or none.
"A typical day on the showground starts at 8am. Helen and I are in by 7am to get the urns and kettles going. We have act of morning worship at 8am, which is an ecumenical act of worship with the chaplains, almost like a thought for the day, some prayers and then the chaplains disperse throughout the showground. “We generally have seven chaplains on duty each day. We put together a rota and each chaplain has his or her own area for a morning or afternoon, cattle lines, trade stands, or show halls. “Two of us are left in the tent, myself and Helen, we then have a ministry of welcome into the pavilion so when people come in they see a friendly face. It’s a place for resting, getting away from the hubbub, and is a place for hospitality and a tea or coffee. “At 11am we have an ecumenical act of worship and in the afternoons we have
hosted forum events or speakers including (chief veterinary officer for Wales) Christianne Glossop who gave a talk on badgers and bovine TB. We’ve also had music events. "We finish about five or six with another period of prayer when the chaplains come back in. Helen and I stay until 6pm when we close up the tent." The services are open to everyone and are held in both Welsh and English, but the chaplains' role extends beyond worship. Michelle said: "The RWAS (Royal Welsh Agricultural Society) is very supportive of the chaplaincy. Being a chaplain is about showing an interest, no matter what people are doing, or what show you are chaplain for and it's about 'Holy Loitering' a phrase I learnt as a curate, being there listening and not judging. "I've found people who
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Welsh chaplains might not enter a church will talk to you about all sorts of things going on in their lives. "Everyone is very positive about having a chaplain at the shows. I think they like seeing a friendly face. "My first show as chaplain was to the Bee Association and they were so lovely and welcoming. I chatted to them while they were setting up and members welcomed me over at lunch time. I’ve also experienced my first RWAS Spring Show - I must have walked miles - and talked to hundreds of people." Although it's the biggest event in Wales' agricultural calendar, it’s not just the Royal Welsh Show the chaplains cater for. "We’re chaplains to a whole wide variety of shows that happen here on the showground," Michelle said. "It can range from car rallies to dog shows,
from horse sales to antiques fairs. Over a year it adds up to 37 shows. "We are here for the shows, but I work here during the week as well in the Clwyd Glamorgan Building, the Christian Centre for Rural Wales, who provide the Chaplaincy room. Having a presence here has helped create a greater link and build relationships between the chaplaincy and the staff who work on the showground all year long. We are chaplains for the shows but we are also here for the staff who work here. ” Those relationships extend to the team itself, which is made up of Anglicans, URC, Methodists, Presbyterians and a Quaker, both ordained and lay. Janet Day, the only lay reader in the chaplaincy, said: "There is a wonderful trust that comes from being seen over the years by the exhibitors. Our God of surprises has certainly allowed several people to share very personal heartfelt information with me. My heart
skips with delight when I know that we are accepted and welcomed on the showground which we are." Rev Brian Reardon, the Presbyterian rural officer, has been a showground chaplain for eight years. He said: " The importance of Christian witness cannot be over emphasised and the opportunity to be among large crowds to share our belief with others is important for them and us. Often we find a helping word, a short prayer and a listening ear can support people in times of concern or worry. To be able to break into situations where Jesus is not in the minds of many makes it all worthwhile." This year's show takes place from July 24-27, and the chaplaincy tent is open to everyone, for eveything from a cup of tea to a chat and a service. "The best act of worship we ever held had a Seventh Day Adventist playing guitar, a Roman Catholic giving the reading, a Free Church minister giving the sermon and I led the singing," Tim said. "We tick almost every box you can think of."
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In brief
Gair y Dydd needs writers Gair y Dydd, the only daily devotional material available through the medium of Welsh, is looking for writers and contributors. Each booklet covers a three-month period and offers Scripture, commentary and prayer on a daily basis. It is produced by the Anglican, Roman Catholic, Presbyterian, Methodist, Independent and Baptist churches within Wales and printed by Wasg y Bwthyn in Caernarfon. The editorial board is currently chaired by the Venerable Hywel Jones, former Archdeacon of Cardigan and the Bench of Bishops are supporting the ongoing costs of publication. The Board are looking to increase contributors especially from the Church in Wales. If you are interested in contributing to Gair y Dydd, contact Pryderi Llwyd Jones at Celyn, Cricieth, Eifionydd, Gwynedd, LL52 0AU or on 01766 523794 or pryderi@ btinternet.com
Cooking club on the menu Faith in Families' St John's Centre is looking to start a cooking club for kids and parents to come along weekly or fortnightly for a relaxed and informal time of food, nutrition and kitchen basics. With an understanding of food from an early age, kids are better placed to make healthy choices when they get older and it's also an opportunity to make the most of produce fresh from the community garden at the centre. Call in or phone up to register your interest or ask for info: 01874 611723
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What's on
Cathedral's concert series Brecon Cathedral's lunchtime concerts programme is underway. Each concert takes place from 1.10pm1.50pm and entry is free. • June 30: Dr William Reynolds (organ) • July 21: Organ Solos and Duets: Stephen Power (Brecon) & Christopher Rathbone (Ilkley) • July 28: The Fosse Duo (recorder and organ) • August 4: Organ Solos and Duets with Loïc Georgeault & Florence Rousseau (France) • August 18 Carl Grainger (organ) • August 25 Paula and Anna Downes (music for voice and violin) • September 1: David Houlder (organ) • September 8: Gwent Chamber Orchestra
Lily festival St Elli’s Church in Gilwern's Patronal Festival Weekend 2017 will include a lily festival and memorial service. The festival will take place from July 1-2 from 10am-4pm and refreshments will be available. There will also be a memorial service at 3pm on July 1 to remember loved ones.
Summer fayre St David's Church in Gwernffrwd, North Gower, will be holding its summer fayre in aid of church funds on July 29 at 2pm in the churchyard. Admission is £3 to include afternoon tea.
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Strangers are coming, leaving as friends. That
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they’re eating together and is something to celebrate...
There's much more to Food with Friends than what's on the menu, say group's dedicated volunteers
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hen members of St Catherine's Church in Gorseinon wanted an event to bring the whole community together, there was one course of action everyone could agree on - they made a meal of it. And, despite aiming to start small, the now-named Food with Friends events - with monthly meals cooked by volunteers and entertainment including local choirs - have become so popular they are bringing in hundreds of people. "There was great enthusiasm to reach out into the community and bring people together," curate of St Catherine's Rev Dr Adrian Morgan said, "and a particular passion to do that around food. "We chatted to various groups and found there was a lot of enthusiasm, and that a lot of people were thinking along similar lines. "I approached local groups, councillors, supermarkets and shops, and representatives of other churches. We had a meeting at St Catherine’s which got everyone together and gave us an opportunity to share ideas and talk about the possibilities." Those meetings led to the formation of a planning group and the first community meal, which took place in March, was on the menu. "We had anticipated we
would start small," Adrian said. "But as it turned out we began on a high. More than 100 people came, the Community Lives choir performed and it was wonderful to see so many people in the church hall, singing and dancing and coming together. That gave us a lot of momentum and, as the weeks and months have gone by, that enthusiasm hasn’t waned but grown." It is an idea that has been embraced by local businesses, too. "We’ve had tremendous support from the community, local councillors, Asda and
Sainsbury’s, Shepherd’s Fruit and Veg in Gorseinon, the Premiere store in Pontlliw and Richards the butcher," Adrian said. "People just want to be involved, whether that's through donations or giving their time as volunteers. "One of our volunteers, county councillor Jan Curtice, was also a cook in a school canteen and she’s brought a rare combination of skills and expertise and, what typifies all of our volunteers, and that's a real desire to help the community." Another of those volunteers is local councillor Andrew Stevens,
You can watch a short film of St Catherine's May community meal at swanseaandbrecon.churchinwales.
who has been involved with the scheme from the start. "It's an excellent thing for the community," he said. "The first event went down a storm, we had fantastic music and everyone had a good time. "We're happy now that it's got off the ground and it's becoming self-sustainable" Following the success of Community Lives' performance, May's event was entertained by Gorseinon Primary School's choir, and June's meal formed part of the Great Get-together in celebration of the life of MP Jo Cox.
Running through all those events is the ethos which has made the venture so successful - that it is for everyone. "We were determined that it should be an event not just for certain groups but for the whole community. We wanted to get everyone together, including people who wouldn’t normally be able to get there, who are often isolated or forgotten about," Adrian said. "We enlisted the help of social services and the meal was held at a time when children would be finishing
school, so that parents would be able to come along. "It’s something for people of all ages, all backgrounds, all abilities. People are coming as strangers, they're eating together and they're leaving as friends. That is something to celebrate." Details of future Food with Friends meals can be found on St Catherine's website or at its Facebook page. • New priest-in-charge praised for community links: appointments on page 19
org.uk/news/2017/05/people-arrive-as-strangers-and-leave-as-friends
Second from top, Adrian chats with diners and, above, pupils from Gorseion school choir
Lance Sharpe is married to Alison and they have three children, Josh, Abi and Mikey. He works as the Senior Healthcare Chaplain for the ABM University Health Board which covers Swansea, Neath Port Talbot and Bridgend
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I was born and grew up in a small post-mining village called Heath Hayes close to Cannock in Staffordshire. Although my family was nominally Roman Catholic, my only experience of church was the local Anglican Church in Cannock at church parade with the Scouts. It was later, at the age of 21, that I had a deep conversion experience and became a practising Christian. After going to Bible College and meeting Alison I moved to Devizes in Wiltshire in 1994 where I was a lay Elder with the Assemblies of God church there and later became an accred-
At this year's ordinations service, seven deacons are being ordained as priest and one deacon is being ordained for the first time. Here's a brief introduction to six of them ited minister (ordained equivalent) with the denomination. I became a part-time hospital chaplain in Bath in 2010 and finally moved to Wales in 2013 after securing a whole-time position at Royal Glamorgan Hospital and then becoming Senior Chaplain based at Morriston Hospital in 2015. Alison and I became Anglicans in October 2016 and I was ordained Deacon in the November and attached to St David’s in Morriston as an Assistant Curate (NSM) while continuing my chaplaincy work. • Lance will be ordained as priest (ABM Managing Hospital Chaplain / Morriston NSM)
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I made my living around the world helping companies develop new products and new services in Australia, Switzerland, Norway, Germany, France and the United States. After living in Uganda, Nigeria and Canada we returned to UK in 1992 and settled in Gower. I have been closely involved with Pennard Church (Gower Ministry Area) for 20 years – as a Reader for much of that time. I am the Bishop’s Officer for Stewardship and a ‘Faith in Families’ trustee. I have been a Governing Body Member, an Episcopal Elector, and a member of various Provincial Committees. I was Chair of the “Time is Now” committee for instance. One day God seemed to be saying to me that I ought to be trying to do some things myself for a change, rather than always telling other people what to do and how to do it. So I asked about ordination as a locally ordained minister. Rather to my surprise, everyone seemed to think this a good idea. I was made a deacon last year and look forward to Petertide 2017. • Nigel will be ordained as priest (Three Cliffs / Gower Ministry Area)
Orders all in
Anthony Porter is married to Carly, a registered nurse within Abertawe Bro Morgannwg University Health Board. They have three children; Toby-Rhys, Isabel and Joseph
Until very recently I was a registered nurse within ABMU Health Board working within primary care and community services. My responsibility was to manage the health board's community hospitals. Prior to this I have undertaken a variety of nursing leadership posts within specialist practice, district nursing and professional development. I have gained a lot of experience through these positions which are transferable to the pastoral role of ministry. I have always had a commitment to my faith from as far back as being a young boy, where I took myself off to the local church and just loved being present in their worship and prayer. Within the past five years I have worshipped with the church family of St David’s Church, Morriston. This family has encouraged, nurtured and prayed for my calling to serve God through ordained ministry. I look forward to serving the people of Llangyfelach and Clase following my
ordination to the priesthood. My family and I are excited to be moving into the community and growing the community in faith through the sharing of the Good News of Christ Jesus. • Anthony will be ordained as priest (Llangyfelach and, from July 1, Morriston / Cwmtawe 3 Ministry Area)
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Nigel King is married to Sue. They have two grown-up daughters and three grandchildren all living in London
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Hywel Griffiths is married to Sian and they have two children, Rhian and Steffan, and three grandchildren, Mollie, Jake and Mabli. Rhian is expecting a baby, her second child in August.
I am very much looking forward to being ordained as a priest by Bishop John. Then, on July 1 I, I will be appointed
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assistant curate for the parish of Llwynderw, which for me is the best news ever. I was born in Clydach, where I still live, and at present I’m an NSM (L) assistant curate in the parish of Clydach on Tawe. I have just finished work after 34 years of being a graphic designer for a company called Menter based in Neath. I feel hugely blessed that I have been given this wonderful opportunity to join the parish of Llwynderw and the ministry area of Mumbles, and to once again work with Archdeacon Jonathan with whom I spent my first placement at Saint Michael’s in Manselton. I have many interests, including gardening, walking, sports, particularly following the Ospreys, DIY, and Sian also adds talking to the list! • Hywel will be ordained as priest (Clydach and Cwmtawe2gether Ministry Area, Llwynderw from July 1)
Rachael Storer is married to Chris and they have two children, Rupert and Beth, and three dogs, Sam, Tess & Charlie.
I was born in Bristol and when I was 11 we moved to Tunbridge Wells, Kent and through working in Lloyds Bank I met my husband Chris and we have been married 23 years this year. I have always had a strong sense of faith and have felt the calling to serve God from my early 20s. When we came to Wales I met Peter who was our vicar and through his encouragement over the years I came to realise that I wanted to serve God in a more fulfilling way in my life. This all lead to my selection panel in late 2014 and starting my training in 2015. I was ordained deacon at Brecon Cathedral in June 2016 and I have really enjoyed working closely with Vicar Geraint, my training incumbent in the last year especially the pastoral and community aspects of the role. I look forward to continuing my training under the guidance of vicar Andrew when I move to my new parish in July in the role of curate of the Ithon Valley & West Radnor Ministry Area. I look forward to
9 the new challenges this opportunity brings meeting new people as well as ministering to those who I already know. • Rachael will be ordained as priest (Gwastedyn / West Radnor Ministry Area, Ithon Valley from July 1)
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Bronwyn Curnow is mum to Gwen and Rhodri, has held a reader’s licence for around 16 years and is based at Holy Trinity Church, Llandrindod Wells.
During my life I have worked for an international airline based in London which allowed me to travel to many parts of the world (not as air crew!) only leaving when I was offered a post at the US Embassy in London. I worked in the Special Consular Services section, assisting Americans who found themselves in all sorts of problems while visiting the UK, ranging from lost passports to repatriation. Following a move to mid Wales I worked for the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust fund-raising to restore the Gilfach Farm farmhouse, a Grade II-listed building near Rhayader. From there I went on to work with Menter Powys, an organisation funded from the EU which encouraged community empowerment and development in rural areas such as Powys. I continued working for Powys County Council, ending my career as the Superintendent Registrar for Powys, a post I held from 2009 until I “retired” in 2016. Since then, I have been very busy studying and learning the practical skills for my new role as a Deacon. Hobbies include wide-ranging reading and Welsh Rugby Union, when time permits. • Bronwyn will be ordained as deacon (Gwastedyn / West Radnor Ministry Area) • Appointments - page 19 Photograph by Angela Hewitt
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In brief
An angel's eye view of church Worshippers can see St Mary's Church in Builth from a whole new perspective, thanks to the latest in drone technology. The footage was shot by local company Tremio Aerial Photography, and gives viewers a unique look at the town centre church. Father Neil Hook said: "We are all used to seeing our church from both the outside and inside. Some have even been up the church tower to gaze down from the pinnacle in all of its height. But now, thanks to Ben from ‘Tremio Aerial Photography’, worshippers in St Mary’s Builth can really get an ‘angel's eye’ view of what St Mary’s looks like from above. "This offers unique chance to not only see the church from above but the churchyard and how St Mary’s is situated in the centre of the town." When Ben approached St Mary’s to ask if he could take a video to expand the portfolio for his new business, members were happy to oblige. "Churches have been working for a little while on using drones as assets in surveying church buildings. This video is more tourism-based for visitors to Builth and locals to see what the church is like, although the churchwarden has already spotted some gutters which need cleaning," Fr Neil said. If you would like to fly along with the drone then visit: www. facebook.com/TremioAerialPhotography/videos/821734667973978/
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Youth worker role is where God is calling me to be, says latest addition to Gower team H e’s only in his early 20s, but Gower Ministry Area’s new Youth Worker has fitted more into that time than many people twice his age. And it’s that experience and enthusiasm which Jordan Hill is aiming to bring to his new role, having begun his church life at the age of five. “We were allowed to play in the street and one day I wandered off. I grew up in Landore but my grandparents lived in Portmead so St Teilo’s wasn’t far away and I wanted to know what was going on in this building. That’s how I started going to church and went every Sunday,” he said. “It’s where I found my faith and it played a massive part in my life. "I got involved in various different groups such as Faith and Light and became totally immersed in church life. I didn’t have anyone that made me go to church, I just turned up and wanted to be there.” He remained a member of St Teilo’s for seven years and, after school, went to Devon to become an entertainments manager at a holiday park. “I loved my job but I felt there was something that was missing from my life, something nudging me. I started praying and I literally gave everything to God and said ‘do what you will’. “Within three weeks I came
Alzheimer's Society needs to find more befrienders
How Jordan is bringring a wealth of experience - and enthusiam - to ministry area's outreach
home, met my partner (All Saints, Oystermouth’s director of music Luke), and it’s been a crazy couple of years. God put me in places and has taken me on a journey. I’ve been very blessed. “When I came back I went to a Baptist church for sometime, which I thoroughly enjoyed, but I felt God really laid on my heart I was being called to ordained ministry in the Anglican Church.” For the next two years Jordan worked as an educational assistant in Llanelli’s Coleg Sir Gar, helping students with various different abilities and backgrounds to make their educational experience the best they could get. “I adored that job but this was the right move. It certainly wasn’t an easy move but I felt this is where God was calling me,” he said. But it’s not just work experience Jordan brings to the role of youth worker. “I was involved with Funky Dragon in Swansea, the young people’s Welsh Assembly, and we had a lot of input into the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. "Other meetings consisted of people from all over Wales meeting at the Senedd and discussing various issues. Ministers would be a part of that
and we would advise them on how we feel young people would benefit. “I was on South Wales Police Youth Forum tackling crime among young people, a member of Sea Cadets for seven years, and was in St John Ambulance. I’ve had a lot of experience of being in various organisations and engaging with young people. “I’m also involved in NODA (National Operatic and Dramatic Association). "Luke and I were regional representatives covering a large part of South West Wales. I have recently been elected as regional councillor for Wales and Ireland, which will see me running and supporting the development of NODA in Wales and Ireland." Jordan has now been in post for a few weeks, visiting schools and youth clubs and working with different denominations. "It isn’t a role about getting bums on seats in the short term but about going out into the community and allowing children, young people and families to engage with Christians who strive to live their lives by the Gospel, allowing young people to have that opportunity of meeting Christ out on the streets," he says. "We have beautiful buildings in the Anglican church, and I
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for one love our historic buildings but, for some young people, they are not an attraction so it’s looking at other initiatives to allow them that opportunity to meet Jesus and to learn more about him. "If they then wish to become a follower of Christ, become baptised, we’re there to support that journey." He believes it is not only important to be there for young people, but to ensure they're listened to. "In society today commit-
ment is hard, not just for young people but full stop. With regard to clubs and groups numbers fluctuate, we lose people to seasons, rugby or football, if it’s summer, if it’s winter," he says. "What young people want is consistency. Christ is constant, and we as Christians are there if they want to come to us. If they don’t want to they don’t have to, but it’s about facilitating that opportunity. "I try to work with young people and allow those conversations to naturally happen.
"It’s about allowing young people to explore. It’s not for me to say what they believe is totally wrong and it’s okay to talk about the Gospel and how we action that in our lives. It’s okay to talk but they’ve also got to see you doing, how we’re actioning that in our lives, how we’re striving to do what the Gospel says. "As long as God is leading us, we’re leading our children, young people and families, and we're allowing them to lead us, then we’re moving in the right direction.”
Ann is a 67-year-old woman who enjoys walking, gardening and cooking. Having lost her confidence since developing dementia, Ann is becoming increasingly isolated and can no longer pursue these interests on her own. Could you help Ann, and people like her? Befriending is a service run by the Alzheimer’s Society which enables people with dementia to continue to do the things that they love. Volunteer Befrienders offer social contact to people with dementia or carers of people with dementia. You will provide companionship either in their home or in the local community and help the person to take part in appropriate social and/or recreational activities. Your involvement aims to help people feel less isolated and feel part of an enjoyable social relationship. If you are a caring person who is willing to learn about dementia and can offer a few hours a week to spend time with people like Ann, we would be delighted to hear from you. The service offers a perfect opportunity to support people living with dementia to continue to feel part of their local community. All volunteers receive: � One to one or group based support � Induction to the role � Training � E-learning � Out-of-pocket expenses To find out more about volunteering for the Alzheimer’s Society please contact: Rhiannon Donnelly on 01495 221 589 or at Rhiannon.donnelly@ alzheimers.org.uk
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Builders give back a day for Cwtch Builders and surveyors who worked on Faith in Families’ St Teilo’s Cwtch spent a day volunteering ‘Giving a Day back of their Time’ to make sure it opened on time. Church members also gave their time to help prepare lunch, ahead of the handover at the end of May. Jon Hellier, regional property service manager, site manager Luke Hughes, quantity surveyor Simon James and Jim Shill, associate director of Hurley Davies, were joined by Jeff and Lee from Interserve to put the finishing touches to the £1m centre. Faith in Families CEO Cherrie Bija said “It really summed up how the project has been from the start, people coming together and doing their utmost to see this vision come to life, from years ago when Faith in Families and the parish joined forces, to the support we have had from funders throughout. “To see our professional team spend their time getting muddy as we laid the finishing touches to the children’s garden was inspiring. We laughed as we ran out of turf but, as in all the challenges we have had since the start, we did not give up and Simon James, our quantity surveyor, nipped out with his credit card and filled his car with turf enough to complete the garden and more." AMs Bethan Jenkins and Mike Hedges, MP Carolyn Harris and mayor of Swansea David Hopkins have all visited the centre to see how it is progressing. “Now the real work begins, transforming lives and providing many opportunities to the people within this community,” Cherrie said.
Sherill with safeguarding officer Peter Doyle
Sherill becomes our first safeguarding champion
Above, Rowan Williams and Glyn Mathias, President of the Brecknock Society. Below, with Rev Kelvin Richards, Dr
Rowan gives address service for poet Henry R owan Williams gave the address at this year's memorial choral evensong for poet Henry Vaughan at St Bride's, Llansantffraed. The former Archbishop of Wales and Canterbury is a long-time admirer of the 17th century Breconshire poet's work and his address was based on Vaughan's Quickness. Vaughan is buried at the church, and wreaths were laid by the Brecknock Society and for the first time - the Siegfried Sassoon Fellowship. Sassoon's At the Grave of Henry Vaughan, inspired by his visit in 1924, was also read at the graveside.
Baron Williams also performed the official unveiling of a new Henry Vaughan visitor area in St Bride's which features information boards, books and
leaflets, refreshments and a children's area. Metaphysical poet Vaughan was born in Llansantffraed in 1621. He studied and travelled
Mervyn Bramley and churchwarden Sandra Briskham at the visitor area
at memorial Vaughan outside Wales but chose to live most of his life in the rural Usk valley where he practised medicine and developed his poetry. The service, which first took place in 1929, was was led by Rev Kelvin Richards, Priest in Charge of the Beacons Benefice, and organised by Llansantffraed Church, the Vaughan Association and the Brecknock Society and Museum Friends. The choir was from St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny. It was followed by the traditional commemoration at Vaughan's grave.
The visitor area has been installed by the Friends of Llansantffraed Church with grants from the Brecon Beacons Trust and the Brecknock Society. Speaking for the Friends of Llansantffraed Church, Dr Mervyn Bramley said: “The visitor area helps to promote the Henry Vaughan legacy at Llansantffraed and to broaden the use of this gem of a church. "There will be regular ‘church open’ days when the church and visitor area will be open. For more information, visit www.brecknocksociety.co.uk and click on Llansantffraed heritage.
St Catwg’s Ministry Area is breaking new ground in the Church in Wales, with the appointment of a voluntary ministry area safeguarding champion. Former teacher Sherill Worgan will be the first to take on such a role and, if it proves successful following a six-month pilot exercise, it has potential to be considered in other dioceses in Wales. The diocese’s safeguarding officer, Peter Doyle, said: “Due to size of the diocese I thought it would be helpful to have volunteer champions with an understanding of safeguarding, and for those to align with the new ministry area framework. “We are very fortunate to have many people doing valuable work in safeguarding across the diocese. I don’t know them all and it will increase efficiency significantly, to identify a number of people in the ministry areas who are prepared to act as champions, they will link in with me to deliver training and to get the message out there.” These champions will be
instrumental in identifying people in ministry areas for safeguarding training, which would be delivered by Peter. “With St Catwg’s, we can identify everyone in that ministry area’s 10 churches who needs to be trained, Sherril will assist with this process, and this will then enable me to ensure that the right people within the whole ministry area are trained,” Peter said. More champions will be needed as the project develops and there will be updates on how people can express their interest in the coming weeks. “This is an exciting opportunity,” Sherril said. “It’s an opportunity for St Catwg’s to be the first ministry area that has a champion, and we have a chance to ensure that everyone who needs this training can be targeted to receive it. “Hopefully if it’s successful it will be rolled out across the diocese, and the pilot also has the potential to assist others who may have similar plans in their own diocesan areas.”
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Man on a
Mission
Meet the new rector of Crickhowell as he starts the latest chapter of his extraordinary journey in studies because I had to live so far away. My father, seeing I was losing interest in my studies, unwillingly brought me back." An imam then invited Rana's father to send him to the local mosque school.
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Being part of God’s mission is not rocket science. It’s quite easy – just see what God is doing in the area and be part of it by helping others, spending time with others, praying for others and by sharing the truth of the Gospel with others, you’ll be part of God’s mission
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t's been a long road to Crickhowell for Rana Khan, who first read about the town as a child in Pakistan. The rector of Crickhowell with Cwmdu and Tretower - and St Catwg ministry area leader - has made the move to mid Wales via Lahore, Karachi and London. “I was quite little the first time I heard about Crickhowell. I was in year six and we were writing an article on the highest mountains in the world,” he said. “Our teacher asked us to write an article about Mount Everest, and we decided to know more about why it has that name. That article told us about Sir George Everest who was the surveyor of the continent, and he was from Crickhowell. “When I started learning more about Crickhowell that memory was resurrected and I discovered that, as a child, he used to come to St Edmund’s.” Rana trained for the priesthood in Karachi, before returning to Lahore, serving in its diocese for 10 years as parish priest, prison chaplain and interfaith advisor. It was then he was invited by then-Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams to join the team at Lambeth Palace. “I was born and brought up in a small town in Pakistan, in the south of Punjab. "I never talked about becoming a priest but my parents were very good churchgoers and they always thought their son could be a successful person, as most parents do everywhere in the world. They sent me to live with my distant relatives because there were no good schools in my town but I was not interested
"He sent me to the madrassa (a school attached to a mosque) as a punishment, so I would see the difference between a mosque school and a church school," Rana said. "But the imam and other people were so kind so I decided to just stay there. My father, when
he saw me happily getting ready to go to school, decided to let me finish my primary schooling there. When I look back I can see how God was working in my life and how He was preparing me to become a priest with a bit more confidence living and working with people who are different." After completing his schooling he moved to Lahore, which is where the course of his life changed. "I went to Lahore to do something different and to contribute in the wider community. "Eventually I met a man who was a convert from a Muslim background. He was the man who first explored in my personality that I should become a priest. He said to me if I became a priest I could contribute to this world in a different way. “I took his words seriously because he was very respectable and very kind – my mentor to some extent – and with the passage of time my calling became sharpened and I had a deeper feeling I should do that. "I went to see the Bishop of Lahore in 1996 and he sent me to Karachi for theological education where I lived for three years and did my master of divinity at St Thomas’ theological college. "I came back to Lahore where I was ordained in 1999 and, from 1999 to 2009, I worked in different capacities within the diocese. “I started my ministry in one of the bush parishes, St Andrew’s Church, which is quite a big church in Lahore. It’s a bilingual church, an English congregation and a local congregation. The English congregation goes back over 150 years.
Summer 2017
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cymuned “I was in that church for a year, where I met Moseena who was a Sunday school teacher and I was a curate. "We married in St Andrew's, but just a few weeks before my marriage I was transferred from Lahore to a small village 70 miles away. "In the beginning I was reluctant to move, but when we went there we found it was such a lovely community. I feel the strength in my ministry lies there. Away from Lahore, from the hustle and bustle and the pressure, was a very precious time for us as a young couple, growing in our relationship and in our ministry. "Most of my time was spent outside Lahore in rural areas, some of them quite remote where communities are scattered." But it was not long before the couple, who now have three sons, aged 15, 14 and 11, were on the move again. “I think that story has repeated in my life in our move to Crickhowell. It is not just an opportunity for me to contribute to the life of the community in this ministry area but I very strongly feel what an amazing experience this is going to be for me, for my wife and for us as a family, our children, to be in such a lovely community with a lot of opportunities for mission." In London, Rana was involved in interfaith matters and in different parishes. "I also chair the Church Mission Society’s Asia Forum. I want to challenge this mindset that Asian and African people can only serve their respective communities in Britain. Because this is the body of Christ, people from everywhere can go everywhere to serve the Lord. Sometimes God brings new people in to bring renewal in the life of the church and I can see that in my calling to Crickhowell how God is going to use me. "We are quite a sizeable team to look after the mission and ministry in 10 church churches
15 of this area. It is not a mission impossible. "Two thousand years ago Jesus' apostles were given a big task to go to the end of the earth, which means the whole world was this mission area. They did a wonderful job. "I aware of my calling and gifts and so I'm pleased to have very gifted and committed lay and ordained people in my team. I hope and pray that our gatherings in and beyond the church buildings in our area will help us to grow in our relationship with God and with one another, and to go into the communities to transform them and to make new disciples of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ." At the heart of that calling is a passion for mission, which will be Rana's focus in his new role. "What I want to do in the next few years is to focus on mission in, to and from this area, and how we can bring a greater spirit of togetherness. How all people, whatever their denominational, religious or cultural background, can get together to accomplish God’s mission in this area by creating caring and compassionate communities. "Mission in, to and from Crickhowell Ministry Area will help us to explore various avenues for how people who live here can be part of God’s mission locally and can be partners with those who are everywhere. “Communities everywhere are different. It's about what we can learn from the rest of the world, and what the rest of the world can learn from us. "I am hoping people can come from all over the world to see how we are involved in mission, and we can learn from others too. “Being part of God’s mission is not rocket science. It’s quite easy – just see what God is doing in the area and be part of it by helping others, spending time with others, praying for others and by sharing the truth of the Gospel with others, you’ll be part of God’s mission."
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In brief
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What the 'diocesan butler' saw
Join in St James' 150th celebrations Celebrations are underway at St James’ Church in Swansea, as it marks its 150th anniversary. There will be a special service on thanksgiving on July 23, led by Rev Mark Williams and Bishop John. It will take place at 10.30am followed by cakes and drinks in the parish centre. There will also be an exhibition, St James Past and Present, running from July 19-23, featuring photos, historical items, memorabilia, a quiz and flower displays. St James’ was consecrated on June 21, 1867, as a sister church of St Mary’s, to meet the needs of the city’s growing population. When St Mary’s was destroyed during the Blitz, St James’ became the parish church, although its parish hall was requisitioned by the ambulance service. It was recommended in the 1920s that it should become a parish in its own right, although it took until 1985 for that to happen. The first vicar of the parish was Howard Jones, who had been the headmaster of Ffynone school, across the road. The church was associated with the Missions to Seamen’s Guild in 1986. There are at least 22 local community organisations which use the parish centre every week, and concerts, services and events are regularly held in the church, and there are plans to increase the number of community events and activities. For more information about the celebrations, or to get involved at St James’, email swanseastjames@ gmail.com
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The end of an era's approaching as Paul Baker prepares for a well-earned retirement. Here, he looks back at his time in the DBF
Love of labradors inspires Jo's charity cycle challenge J o Davies is getting on her bike for two epic charity rides – thanks in part to her love of labradors. The minor injury nurse and keen cyclist will be tackling two coast-to-coast rides to raise money for Canine Partners, a charity which aims to transform the lives of people living with disabilities by providing them with assistance dogs. She was inspired to take on the challenge after getting to know Jo Hill, who herself enjoyed sport and trained for triathlons, but was left wheelchair bound and in severe pain after a traffic accident. “I met Gavin, Jo’s husband, through a ride we did from Land’s End to John O’Groats and he introduced me to Jo through social media because of our mutual love of labradors. I’ve got two, and Jo’s canine partner, a labrador called Derby, was with her for a few years and helped restore Jo's sense of independ-
ence and remove the reliance she felt she had on others,” she said. “Sadly, due to a short illness Derby had to be put to sleep in January this year. Jo, as well as grieving deeply for the loss of her canine partner, once again found herself thrown into having to rely on others for simple daily tasks. That’s when I learned how much it costs train these amazing dogs – up to £20,000. “Since Derby's death, Jo has been teamed up with a new dog, Unis, and she’s learning the ropes now. Jo and Unis are working well together and gradually Jo's independence is once again being restored." The charity also works in partnership with Help for Heroes, the Royal British Legion and other services organisations to provide assistance dogs for veterans and those wounded in service. First up for Jo, who is married to Bishop John, was tackling
the 155-mile Seascale to Whitby route on June 24. “The second ride is one I’ve done before and that’s Wales in a day, Caernarfon to Chepstow, on July 22, again it involves about 4,500 metres of climbing but it’s around 181 miles.” To prepare for the gruelling rides, Jo has been putting in extra training at home and abroad. Jo is being supported in her charity bid by Bikes and Hikes of Talybont-on-Usk, the owner of which Keith Lee is helping her prepare for the demands of her two coast-to-coast rides. “Keith has been really amazing and very, very supportive. If I ever ring up about a problem with the bike he knows I need it for training so he gets it turned around very quickly. He’s also hoping to source me a new bike, from manufacturers Specialized, for the rides." • You can sponsor Jo at http:/ virginmoneygiving.com/ 2rides4Caninepartners
O
ne of the great joys about working in the office has been the opportunity to meet and work with many people from across the diocese. They have been priests and church officers, others from across the diocese and people from far away. I first lived in the diocese when I was a student in the then-University College Swansea and, from time to time, I attended Clyne Chapel. I then went off to seek my fortune, getting married and having a son. We all then returned to the area when I took up the appointment as a headteacher in a small primary school. Things did not work out well there, although I did enjoy the experience before taking early retirement on medical grounds. Two years later I came for work experience at the diocesan office, and have been here ever since. While teaching, members of my parish used to make the sandwiches for the youth camp which was then being held in the grounds of Gwernyfed High School. By helping with the sandwiches, I met members of the clergy who came with the children from their parish. When I came to the office I already knew many people from both the youth camp and the diocesan conferences which I had already been to as a parish representative. Over the years I have sat in almost all the chairs in the different sections of the office. I have worked in the Parsonage Board helping the inspector, I have minuted most committees starting with ‘Celebrate 98’. I have written the letters which go out with grants to the several societies who receive
gifts from the diocese and so been on the receiving end of their thanks. I have even spent a short period in the cathedral office as dean’s secretary. Over time my work graduated into doing more and more of the work associated with the Churches and Pastoral Committee. Initially this was taking the minutes for the meetings and organising the cycle of quinquennial Inspections. Gradually my work moved on into helping churches find funding for the repairs and improvements in their buildings. This has been most rewarding and the ideas sent to parishes have enabled them to engage in the projects they want and we can only estimate the amount of money brought in. Over the years it will have amounted to several million pounds. This has been a partnership between the DBF office staff and the parishes but it does show the value for money of having a diocesan office. My colleagues have been most helpful especially with more and more complex computer activities. I still have a cartoon of a monk working at his computer tapping away on the keyboard with his quill. I may have become an old dog but my younger colleagues have taught me new tricks. The staff of the office are few and on one occasion the Diocesan Secretary said, “If someone rings up and asks for a department, if we do not have one, it is you.” This has resulted in many strange titles being given me among them Diocesan Butler. The latter job started with Bishop Anthony needing someone to serve the wine at a meal he was hosting.
Then Archdeacon Randolph asked that when I brought him his expenses he wanted them on a silver tray. I went to the Oxfam shop in Hay and bought a silver coloured tray and with one hand behind my back and the silver tray in the other I could make the deliveries. I enjoyed doing so as it tended to lighten the day. Once while waiting for the members of the Harris review team to arrive the assembled group considered my ability as a butler and concluded that I was not as good as the one in Downton Abbey! Once I admitted the archbishop into the centre and when asking who I was, was told I was the butler without explanation. I even once got a letter addressed to me as the ‘Former Butler to the Previous Bishop’. Over the years I have worked with three diocesan secretaries who have looked after me well and I hope I them. When people ask, what is your status I tell them I am the office boy. Office boys tend to know everything but do not need to make important decisions – they are there to serve. All the years I have been here I have been allowed out every Monday afternoon to work in the Oxfam Shop in Hay-on-Wye. In retirement, this will continue. I have asked to join the Cathedral Welcomers and I will have time to do more gardening with my wife Susan, which is something I have long looked forward to doing. I have one or two projects in mind so I will probably not notice that I have retired. I will enjoy it when winter comes and I will not need to stand in a queue for a bus in the dark, in the snow. What could be better than that?
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In brief
Invitation to open book The Open the Book teams which visit Knighton Church in Wales Primary School are encouraging others throughout the diocese to get involved in the scheme. Thursday afternoon in term times see one of two teams enacting Bible stories to the children after the local vicar was inspired by a presentation on Open the Book at a diocesan event and encouraged involvement from the different churches in the town. The teams of four or five wear costumes and use props – including a a bicycle wheel for a chariot – and have a lot of fun. Children participate in the telling, and the initial batch of costumes was donated by one of the area’s retired clerics, Canon George Bennett. Stories were originally from The Lion Storyteller’s Book, but the Bible Society has extended those considerably for “Open the Book” teams across the UK. They provide the script with notes on how to perform the tales. The team has also completed five stories from the Old Testament on ‘Women Who Dared To Do Right’ with stories of Esther, Ruth, Deborah, Hannah and Abigail.
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Chorus of approval as baton as cathedral's A new job always brings its own specific challenges, and that's especially true when you're picking up the baton as Brecon Cathedral's new director of music. But for Stephen Power, who will take up the post at the end of the summer term when current director Mark Duthie takes up his new post at Carlisle Cathedral, they are something to relish. "Conducting a choir is a bit like being a policeman in the middle of a junction with no traffic lights,” he says. “You have to field the sounds coming from all around you and try and identify how best to mould it all together into a beautiful piece of music." The directorship is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication for the cathedral's current assistant organist. “I was a chorister at Gloucester Cathedral from the age of eight," he said. "My father was in the choir for 23 years as a tenor so music was in my life from a very early age both at home and at school. "After school at Gloucester I moved to study at Huddersfield which had a very active music department in the university. I got involved in singing in church choirs and became a church organist while a student which gave me an insight into what it is to be a director of music at a parish church. "I got involved singing at Leeds Parish Church as well, which has a great choral tradition and then after university I was organ scholar at Wakefield for two-and-a-half years. Then the call came from Ripon asking if I could fill in because they were short on the list. “I’ve moved around a bit,
slowly but surely back towards Gloucester. "I spent four years in Gloucester, singing in the choir initially. I also had a job looking after the choristers in their day-to-day life in partnership with the King’s School there. "Ultimately I wanted to be a cathedral organist. Singing in the choir was great but what I needed was a step up so I
applied for the organ scholarship at Gloucester and got it. I spent a year honing my skills as organist and conductor and I spent half of that time as acting assistant organist which gave me extra opportunities to perform and conduct the choir." It was while at Gloucester that he paid his first visit to Brecon Cathedral, on a day trip with a friend.
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Stephen takes up the new director of music
"I was particularly struck by the architecture.," he said. "It was a Sunday in the summer holiday and there was a visiting choir singing evensong so I got a hint of what it was like, what the worship was like, and got a feel for the place. So when the job was advertised I thought that would be a nice place to be and I haven’t looked back.” His new role will see him
take on the day-to-day planning of the cathedral's music programme and choir training, and he is keen to expand both numbers and repertoire. "We have 16 choristers, boys and girls recruited from local primary schools in Brecon but I might be looking to increase our radius a little bit. They sing a service on a Friday and two on a Sunday. They are joined by the
lay clerks, teenaged and adult volunteers, who sing alto tenor and bass, some of whom are former choristers. "One travels from Bristol to be with us and another from Neath so they’re a very dedicated bunch. We’re always interested to hear from prospective lay clerks, choral scholars and choristers. There’s always room for more singers. We’re quite lucky here that we have generous-sized choir stalls so we’re always happy to hear from people interested in hearing more about the choir. "It's inevitable that we all have different musical tastes and I’d particularly like to add more music from contemporary composers as well as composers from the 16th and 17th century, particularly from the Italian school. It often has elements of dance in it which children love singing, it’s some of the most infectious music ever written." Stephen is keen, too, to pay tribute to his predecessor who has spent 10 years at the helm. "Mark has built up the treble line to have 16 children between the ages of eight and 13 and really moulded the sound and increased the repertoire that they sing. We sing plainsong – the most ancient music of the church – up to very modern music, some of which was written especially for the choir. "The choir performed a piece I wrote last year, I’d written it a few years ago and Mark kindly agreed to teach it to the choir. I wrote it in memory of my father so it was very poignant for me, and it was performed on a day Mark was away examining so I got to conduct it. I’m very grateful to Mark for those opportunities."
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Appointments St Catherine’s assistant curate Rev Dr Adrian Morgan is to become priestin-charge of the Benefice of Gorseinon. A statement announcing his appointment said: “While it is unusual for an assistant curate to be offered such a leadership role in his or her training parish, the bishop’s staff are delighted with Adrian’s achievements at St Catherine’s and of the positive links he continues to build with the wider community.” Adrian will also continue to serve as part of the Llwchwr Ministry Area. Rev Anthony Porter is to be appointed as assistant curate for the parishes of Llangyfelach and Morriston. Anthony is married to Carly, a registered nurse practitioner working across the local health board. They have three children. Rev Geraint Wathan is to be the next vicar of Llansamlet, with pastoral oversight for the parish of Glantawe. Geraint is currently priest-in-charge of the Gwastedyn Group of rural parishes centered around Rhayader. He is originally from St Thomas and is married to Cerian. They have three children, two boys and a girl. Having been in a rural parish for the past six years, the family are looking forward to their move to Swansea where they have other family members living in area. • You can stay up to date with the latest appointments at the diocesan website
CEO of the Mothers' Union Bev Jullien was the speaker at the charity's Diocesan Festival 2017, held at Brecon Cathedral. Speaking to a congregation of more than 300, Bev said the challenge for Mothers' Union is to walk in the spirit and footsteps of the organisation's founder Mary Sumner, "looking out and seeing what's really needed in our world and just getting out and doing something about it". "Mothers' Union members are so wonderful, we have so many ordinary folk getting on and doing extraordinary things, while thinking nothing about it," she said. "I don't know anyone who doesn't think the work that Mothers' Union does is stunning."
How the Transformation Fund can help bring your ideas to life D o you need funding to set-up a new initiative within your ministry
area? Do you have an idea which would welcome new groups to worship? Would you like to organise an event to support the development of your ministry area? The Transformation Fund is here to offer financial support to bring these new ideas and projects to life. From ministry area open days to youth forums, holiday lunch clubs to church facility development, applications are
welcomed from all who have a new idea which supports the Church in Wales’ strategy for growth. Initially set up by the Representative Body, the purpose of the Transformation Fund is to support and encourage Vision 2020 related projects; projects which seek new ways for the church to reach out and serve their communities. Grants are awarded through an application process, and each individual application is assessed by the Diocesan Funding Committee. Applications should be as proactive as
possible, with grants acting as seed-corn funding for projects that directly support and develop collaborative working. A range of financial support is available for appropriate projects: as little as £100 for small one-off projects and events, scaling up to over £10,000 for the set-up of long term initiatives and developments. These projects could include funding for youth work projects, new initiatives to engage with local schools, proposals to build connections with other faith groups, or to fund ministry area resources, activities and
training needs of both lay and clerical persons. The fund has already supported numerous projects across Wales which are not only welcoming new people to worship within our churches, but are taking ministry out into the community in a variety of innovative ways. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to support change and development in your own community and ministry area. For further details or to request an application form contact the Diocesan Centre: 01874 623 716 / diocese.swanbrec@ churchinwales.org.uk