Cymuned Autumn 2019

2 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

Laying the foundations for much-needed homes

8&9

Fail the earth and we fail the psalmist and our neighbour

T Historic church gets new lease of life after renovation

10&11

Organist's musical pilgrimage to raise money for good causes

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he day before I wrote these notes came the news of a major concern about the stability of part of one of the Mont Blanc glaciers, a concern that, because of the unusually hot summer weather, it will collapse and cause significant damage to the local area below.

The RRS Sir David Attenborough has entered service and, it seems, not a moment too soon.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) special report on Earth's oceans and frozen regions has recently been published, and it makes for grim reading, with news of accelerating losses from the ice sheets of both the far north and the far south and consequent risks of rising sealevels. Amazon forest fires, unusually violent storms and other weather events add to the concerns about the future.

Care for the environment is increasingly topical and, as Christians, we have a duty of care, not only for the planet on which we live but also for generations who will follow us here.

Those who raise environmental concerns were, once, lightly dismissed, but many of their concerns have proved to be well-founded.

Whatever contribution we can make to conserve energy and use energy wisely and sparingly, whilst also supporting the development of sustainable energy technology, demands our thought and activity.

There have been and will be in our churches at this time of the

year services of thanksgiving for the harvest. Sometimes these can be too cosy and comfortable, especially when we bear in mind the pain and suffering which some parts of the world inflict upon others through waste of resources and the plundering of natural resources for profit. ‘The earth is the Lord’s’ said the psalmist. Fail the earth and we fail him and we fail our neighbour.

It was good to be at St John’s, Birchgrove in the summer to witness the ongoing transformation of the church building and the creation, on unwanted land, of affordable housing, all achieved through the partnership about which you will read elsewhere in this edition.

Faith in Affordable Housing, an organisation which it is my privilege to chair in Wales, offers such opportunities where similar unwanted and unused land stands idle. If you have such land on your church’s doorstep, why not explore making better use of it for the benefit of the community and the church?

Founded by Pam Evans from Morriston, Peace Mala seeks to promote better understanding by young people that a wide variety of faiths and religions all subscribe to the Golden Rule that we should treat others as we would wish to be treated ourselves. Doctrines, traditions, beliefs and teachings often divide, but I would wish to commend any

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 3

Challenge the status quo and focus on growth - GB address

efforts made to encourage young people to recognise that religion can be a force both for good and for the upholding of human dignity.

Again, you will find more about the Peace Mala event in Brecon Cathedral

elsewhere in this edition (pages 12&13).

With the assurance of my love and prayers as always.

Archbishop John used his presidential address at Governing Body to call on church members to challenge the status quo and support new initiatives aimed at growth.

The Archbishop said the church must not be blind or deaf to either its challenges or its opportunities.

He reminded members that the prophets and Christ himself faced fierce opposition when they challenged existing structures.

Archbishop John said: “Those who challenge the status quo, calling on well-established institutions to take a fresh look at the way in which they operate, and who question whether they might have lost something of the focus on their original calling, risk being judged and caricatured in the same way.”

However, it was essential that those voices were listened to in order to “recover and rehabilitate authentic, Christ-like and Christ-centred ministry”, he said.

The Archbishop pointed to opportunities the Church had for reaching out to people when they come to churches for life events, such baptisms, weddings, funerals and local and national events. He also spoke of exciting new paths of ministry opening up, including for lay people and teams.

He encouraged those in charge of church finances not just to focus on investment but to manage and budget resources on new ways to proclaim the Gospel.

There was a growing need to “rehabilitate” the Church’s understanding of its purpose, Archbishop John said. “It requires eyes that are joyfully wide-open to constantly recognise and rejoice in the resources and gifts we have, and the many opportunities which still come our way, which are key openings to faithful and imaginative evangelism.”

4 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

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limate change, environmental destruction and the rising tide of plastics in our oceans are rarely out of the news, with governments under increasing pressure to act.

Many people are responding to the crisis using greener energy, recycling and reducing their use of plastics.

There are also many ways in which churches can play their part in tackling the crisis, with help from the Eco Church initiative.

Eco Church, which is run by Christian charity A Rocha, offers advice and resources and uses a gold, silver and bronze award system to recognise churches’ and dioceses’ efforts to become more environmentally friendly.

It uses five categories, from worship and teaching to buildings, land and lifestyle, which help congregations to track their progress and plan future initiatives.

In 2017, a meeting of the Church in Wales’ Governing Body committed to a motion calling on the six dioceses to secure the Eco Diocese award by September 2020 and pledging to promote the scheme across the province.

This year’s diocesan conference will vote on a motion to take further steps towards Swansea and Brcon becoming an Eco Diocese.

Chair of the diocese’s Eco Church working group Gillian Knight, who is one of the speakers at this year’s diocesan conference, said there are many simple steps churches can take.

“The reason Eco Church is particularly helpful is that it allows you to look at what you’re doing under five headings and it takes you through a series of questions, some of which make you think ‘we hadn’t thought of doing

Governments are coming under pressure to tackle what has been desribed as a climate

How Eco scheme embrace change

that’ or ‘that’s a good idea to do as a church’.

“There’s one particular heading, called Community and Global Engagement which helps you realise the effect our way of living has on other people around the world.

“There are things you can do quite quickly. Under the prayer and worship heading is ensuring

that maybe once a month churches include prayers for the environment and for the worldwide church.

“To do with the environment there is anything from litter-picking to checking that the electricity or gas you use comes from green sources, or making sure you turn off lights when they’re not needed.”

Registering with Eco Church is straightforward and free.

You complete an online survey about how your church operates in different areas of its life and work, and your answers will collect points

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 5

Eco Church - how to start To register your church, visit ecochurch.arocha.org.uk Churches complete the unique online Eco Survey about how they are caring for God’s earth in different areas of their life and work.

The answers a church provides will collect points towards an Eco Church Award – the more your church does, the more points you get!

If your score doesn’t gain you an Eco Church Award straight away don’t worry – the idea is to complete further actions in order to gain the points necessary for an Award.

For example, you can switch to a green energy company or start using Fairtrade tea and coffee supplies to gain Eco Church Award points.

The survey takes you through five key areas of church life:

emergency . Schoolchildren across Wales have also been leading climate strikes

helps churches for the better towards an Eco Church award. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete, but the amount of work your church does to qualify for an award and the time it takes is up to you.

You can go back and store your answers to the questions and alter them as you make progress.

And many activities - from litter picking to recycling - are obviously free, too.

You don't need to register to have a look at the survey.

Also on the website are a lot of

resources, everything from suggested worship songs and hymns to different organisations which might help. There are also stories of people who have gone down this road, and video clips you can use.

If you'd like to find out more about Eco Church, or would like to speak to the diocesan Eco Church working group, you can contact Gillian Knight at gillknight@phonecoop. coop Read more about how churches are playing their part to help the environment on pages 6&7

Worship and teaching Management of church buildings Management of church land Community and global engagement Lifestyle It takes into account whether or not your church has buildings or land, and you can save your survey responses at any point and return to update them as your church completes additional actions.

There are three levels of Eco Church Award – Bronze, Silver and Gold. In order to qualify for an award you must attain the required standard in each of the areas covered by the Eco Survey that apply to your church. You can see when you have gained sufficient points in each Eco Survey category by looking at the points gauges that appear on screen with the Eco Survey questions.

Source: Eco Church/ A Rocha

6 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

From wildflower gardens to are playing their part in effort

I

n Loughor in Swansea the benefits of Eco Church have not just helped the local environment but taken parishioners on a journey of discovery.

The parish signed up to the scheme in September 2018, with the goal of gaining the bronze award in one year.

PCC secretary Eileen Bartlett said: “We’ve got two churches, St David’s and St Michael’s, and they’re both entirely different buildings. St Michael’s is an old Victorian church with no facilities and St David’s is a 20-year-old building and it’s very modern, very warm.

“But we joined together as an eco team as a result of Gill getting in touch and telling us about Eco Church. I looked online and I was thrilled to see what it is about because I’ve always been passionate about the environment and litter and the problems we’ve got with plastics.

“Everybody is aware of the problems we’ve got and everybody needs to do a little bit to try and help to turn the situation around.

“We tried the survey to see what was involved. It’s very simple to use and takes you gently through the five headings. We were quite pleased that we had some points before we even signed up to Eco Church so then PCC agreed that we’d try and we gave ourselves from September 2018 to September 2019 to see if we could get the bronze award and, in July, we got that award.”

It’s taken hard work but, Eileen says, it’s also been something the parish has embraced.

“We’ve had a lot of fun doing it on the way. It’s opened our eyes and taken us on a bit of journey.

“In St David’s there’s a lovely car park area outside with lawns but were aware there was nothing there for birds, no flowers for the bees and

Left are Loughor Parish's Eco Award and members planting the wildflower garden nothing to encourage insects. It was just a simple step we took – we dug a patch out and scattered wildflower seeds and put bird feeders out – which we hope will make a difference.

“In St Michael’s Church it’s different because it’s an older building.

There are no toilet facilities – we have a portable toilet – but we’ve discovered through the Eco Church scheme that we can join a toilet-twinning scheme which means you join with a community in another part of the world and, for around £60, you can enable them to get their own toilet.

It’s serious but it’s a bit of fun as well.

“We’ve put up signs everywhere

saying switch off lights, something that perhaps we did do before but we’re concentrating on it.”

They are also hopeful their work with Eco Church will also lead to greater links with the community.

“We’ve got involved with a company called TerraCycle and some things which can’t be recycled with the council can now be recycled through that company.

“We’re now collecting crisp packets and bread and chocolate wrappers and recycling them. The church will get a small amount of money but it’s not the money aspect, it’s saving them from going into landfill.

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 7

solar panels - how churches to protect the environment

and litter-picking. Main above is St Peter's in Llanbedr, which has solar panels “Small steps can go a long way. The congregation are playing their part and we are hoping, in the eco group, that we can lead them gently to do a little bit more.

“We’re hoping to engage with the local school to ask them to collect crisp packets for us. It’s important as the children and the younger generation are far more aware of what we should be doing to save the planet than perhaps we are.

“All I can say to other churches is you’re welcome to get in touch with Gill or come and see the steps we’ve taken. They are all small steps but they’re all leading to the big goal

which we should all be doing – praying to save the planet and doing our own little things.”

But it’s not just through the Eco Church scheme that churches are helping to make a difference.

In Llanbedr, near Crickhowell, St Peter’s Church has been fitted with solar panels.

Annabelle Elletson, sub-warden and lay worship leader, said: “We had to replace the entire roof of the church and that work was done in 2014/15. The decision was made, at the same time, because we were being encouraged towards running our churches more efficiently and

ecologically, to put solar panels along the south-facing side of the valley on the roof.

“Because we’ve got two naves, two roofs, with a valley in between, the south-facing side of the north roof can’t be seen from anywhere really because it’s hidden by the second roof.

It’s a long roof and we’ve managed to fit 24 panels on there which make no intrusion on the look of the church at all. We had to negotiate this with the Brecon Beacons National Park who are the planning authority here because of the potential visual impact.

“The panels have been no trouble at all to maintain since they’ve been there. The income we get from them is more than the electricity bills we’re still paying. They are generating electricity which goes into the grid, we still buy power out of the grid but the income we get is greater than the bills.”

Members are also hoping to help local swift numbers by providing a nesting site alongside the church’s resident bat population.

David Katz, a member of Llanbedr’s Church Council and captain of the bells, said: “We would like to install a swift colony box in the belfry where we have open louvers. We have quite a valuable colony of lesser horseshoe bats which need to be protected. We’ve co-existed with these bats for many years, they’re good old friends of ours.

"Nationally, the swift population has declined, largely because of the loss of nesting sites, and this would give us a really good opportunity to add to the local species. The bats are here for most of the year and disappear during December/January time so we would need to install the box over the winter months and I’m waiting to hear from a local bat experts and get their help so that we can do this.”

8 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

Safeguarding appointment The Church in Wales has appointed a new safeguarding manager.

Dorian Davies had been responsible for safeguarding in schools and colleges in the Vale of Glamorgan.

Originally from Llanidloes, Mr Davies qualified as a teacher and a social worker before specialising in safeguarding.

As safeguarding officer for the Vale of Glamorgan Council Directorate of Learning and Skills, he has been responsible for implementing procedures to safeguard children and adults in learning settings.

Mr Davies leads the Church’s two provincial safeguarding officers – one covering North Wales and the other South Wales. He takes over from Elaine Cloke who has retired.

Mr Davies is responsible for the development and implementation of the Church’s safeguarding policy. He said: “This role provides a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to the safeguarding of children and adults at risk at a national level in an organisation that permeates and influences life in Wales."

How church helped for 'much-needed'

A

rchbishop John has visited a development site in Swansea where new homes are being built on land previously used by the Church.

The homes are being built as part of the Faith in Affordable Housing (FiAH) project, which in this instance is a partnership of Housing Justice Cymru, the Church in Wales and housing provider Pobl Group, that sees surplus land being used for affordable housing.

The four two-bedroom bungalows are being built on land adjacent to St John’s Church in Birchgrove. Three of the homes will be let by Pobl, with the fourth being developed and funded by the parish through proceeds from the land sale and

additional funding. FiAH is managed by Housing Justice Cymru and was set up to encourage churches of all denominations to release surplus land and buildings for affordable housing.

Sharon Lee, Director of Housing Justice Cymru said: “This exciting development is a great example of how partnerships can make a difference, and shows the impact of our Faith in Affordable Housing project.

It provides much needed affordable homes and helps support the important work the Church is doing with the community.”

Kingfisher Developments has recently started construction on the £500,000 development and the homes should ready to move into early next year.

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 9

Boys' Brigade's city conference

to lay foundations affordable homes Claire Tristham, director of development (West), explained why partnerships like this are important to Pobl.

“This development will provide high quality homes in a very popular residential area. The demolition of the old church hall will allow us to develop four bungalows which in turn facilitates the modernisation of the Church building, providing a modern flexible space for parish activities and wider community use.

“This development is a great example of the partnership approach Pobl often adopts in order to deliver more much-needed affordable homes.”

Archbishop John said: “When the

Church has land which is surplus to its own requirements, it’s always good news to see it being put to good use for another purpose. The St John’s Birchgrove Project is just such an example of this happening, and the partnership between Housing Justice Cymru, the Church in Wales and Pobl is a wonderful example of joint working to provide people with much needed homes.”

The new homes at St John’s build upon other successful schemes enabled by FiAH in recent years at Newport, Merthyr Tydfil and Bridgend with a number of future schemes across Wales, including at Pontllanfraith, Caerphilly with Pobl Group.

The Boys’ Brigade’s National Conference has taken place in Swansea, with a special message from Archbishop John.

The Archbishop joined Rev Steven Bunting, Chaplain to the Boys’ Brigade in Wales, in leading the opening worship at the event which took place at the city’s Marriott Hotel.

Archbishop John spoke about the need for organisations to move from surviving to thriving.

Quoting from John’s Gospel 10:10 “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full”, he spoke about the need for all people to claim the promise of an abundant life, not just clinging on.

The Archbishop offered two bible passages to support his challenge. The first was from 1 Samuel 3 with the challenge for us to listen to God, to focus on what he is saying and spend time listening.

The second passage was from Matthew 13 and the Parable of the Sower.

The Archbishop challenged the leaders of the Boys’ Brigade to concentrate resources where there is growth and where the investment is returned.

10 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

St David's ready for the next 1,000 years after £150k renovation It's a small church with a lot of history, with the site reputed to have been chosen by St David after Llanddewi Brefi synod in 519

Wells.

The church has a recorded history spanning more than 1,000 years and has just completed a £152,000 project to carry out major repairs, make the building wheelchair accessible and celebrate its history.

The work was funded by grants and local fundraising, and included new lime mortar for the outside walls, new wooden floors, resetting the medieval font, re-laying the entrance porch slab floor to provide disabled access and digging out and providing a French drain around the church.

Churchwarden of St David’s, Howell Evans, said: “Following three and a half years of fundraising, the renovation finally got underway in September 2018.

“It was completed in July this year to an exceptionally high standard – it’s so good to have our church

back looking in pristine condition and retaining its timeless, simplistic appearance and spirituality.

“Having the archbishop to rededicate the church was the icing on the cake for our community, being yet another of many significant events witnessed by our 1,000-year-old church over the centuries.”

'

A

rchbishop John has led a service of rededication for St David’s Church in Llanwrtyd

st david's ll

It’s so good to have our church back looking in pristine condition and retaining its timeless, simplistic appearance and spirituality

'

Speaking at the candlelit service – St David’s has no electricity or running water – Archbishop John said it was a “privilege to have such a beautiful building in such a beautiful setting”.

“Everything you’ve done will ensure that this lovely place remains for generations yet to come. You have pilgrims, or at least

visitors, and when visitors, walkers, passers-by encounter these serene, beautiful places, we have to hope that because of the way that they are cared for and presented, they will in some way be touched by the essence of what the building is here to represent.

"It has to be a means, a vehicle, of grace. A place of welcome, a place of calm, a place where the grace and truth of God made visible in Jesus can be touched and felt.

"You do the physical job properly to ensure that the spiritual task that exists can be undertaken properly, and with hope and pleasure.”

As well the rededication of the church, the service also saw the dedication of a new altar frontal which has been designed by pupils from Ysgol Dolafon.

The children entered a competition to draw and produce their idea of an altar cloth design and the best was sent to local artist Sarah Evans to interpret the design into the

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 11

s llanwrtyd cloth frontal. Lorraine Alterations of Llanwrtyd put the altar cloth together.

The site of the church is reputed to have been chosen much earlier by St David, after the synod at Llanddewi Brefi in 519.

As well as links to St David, the church has many historical claims to fame. In 1164, Lord Rhys gave the hills behind the Church to the new Cistercian monastery at Strata Florida and the property remained with the monks until 1535. Queen Elizabeth I presented a silver chalice to the church in 1559 which bears the incorrectly spelt name ‘Llanwortyd’.

It also houses a plaque to one of Llanwrtyd’s most famous sons, John Lloyd.

“He was a young man who was born in a house just up the road, went to sea at 17 and joined the East India Company. He was captured by various sultans and came back in those days as a multi-millionaire.

The legend around here is that he

brought back a slave, but I haven’t found anything to substantiate that,” Howell, pictured above with Area Dean Mark Beaton and Archbishop John, said.

There are also personal links for Howell, whose seven-times-removed grandfather Theophilus Evans, a famous clergyman, historian and author, became priest of St David’s in 1736. Evans’ mother was a direct descendant of Edward III and his father a direct descendant of Llewelyn the Great.

His son-in-law Hugh Jones, who took over the church in 1768, is the six-times-removed great uncle of Sophie Rhys Jones, the Countess of Wessex.

To celebrate that history, the project will also pay for a church website and for information boards.

“There’s a lot of history. It’s impressive that a small church has this much history,” Howell said.

Area Dean Mark Beaton, Howell Evans and Archbishop John at the rededication “What this place reminds me of, is splendidly simple church. And I imagine when the church was first established here, in the first century, they built churches that were really simple.

"All the splendour didn’t come until centuries later so every time I come in here I imagine this is more like what the church would have been back then.”

12 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

P

eace Mala lit up Brecon Cathedral with its World Peace Liturgy, bringing together pupils from across Wales and Manchester as well as members of many faith traditions.

The service celebrated the International Day of Peace and had been more than a year in the planning.

Peace Mala-accredited schools from across Wales, and three from Greater Manchester, joined with representatives of the 14 spiritual paths and religions displayed on the Peace Mala bracelet.

Some of the faith representatives travelled from Greater Manchester and London to be at the service and dignitaries from across South Wales and Powys also gave their support.

In her opening words, Pam Evans MBE, founder of Peace Mala, said “this is what links us with the divine purpose of our existence. Apparent differences based on colour of our skin, gender, sexuality, culture, race, religion, social class, ability or religion, are of no consequence when people wake up to the truth that we are all members of the ONE.” She said that for the divine plan to work, we all need to respond to this truth and to treat each other with respect and love. She also reminded us not to forget compassion for the "animal kingdom and environment, which is being so brutally abused for greed”.

The service also heard West End star Steve Balsamo and children from Penllergaer Primary, St Joseph's RC Primary in Clydach and Catwg Primary singing the Peace Mala anthem 'One Light '.

Peace Mala lights it brings together The Peace Mala candles, representing the different faith traditions, were lit, as were votive candles by those in attendance in a prayer for peace.

One of the dignitaries in attendance was High Sheriff of Powys David Peate. He said: “Thank you for inviting us to the service which we both thought very moving.

How good it was to see all religions sitting together in the Cathedral looking so happy and content - it's a great pity that the rest of the world is unable to live so harmoniously.

"The service was a complete triumph and thank you for letting us be part of it.”

There was also praise from the deputy mayor of Neath Port Talbot, Cllr John Warman.

“I was so proud to be present at the Peace Mala ceremony for world peace,” he said.

“It was so inspiring and refreshing that I enjoyed every second. Our schools and young people gave out a powerful lesson, for all of us to unite in friendship and to share in affection.

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Pupils from Priory Church in Wales Primary in Brecon took part in the service

candle of hope as 14 different faiths With Peace Mala we can become the envoys of peace and goodwill.

By understanding the diverse cultures of our world, we will all become happier. Peace Mala is inspirational, and lights the candle of hope to promote a more compassionate world.”

“We are indebted to the Dean of Brecon Cathedral and his staff for their wonderful support and open-hearted welcome," Pam said.

"We are also indebted to Archbishop John for his continued support

and prayers for the success of Peace Mala.

"The friendship and wonderful support given by the Right Reverend Bishop Emeritus of Menevia Thomas Matthew Burns, during the 11 years of his time as Bishop of Menevia, does not go unnoticed.”

14 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

Rev Steve braves swim for charity

Making a difference to our schools with a message of hope This year's diocesan education day focused on well-being in our schools and looked at how the Future Generations Act is making a difference in the classroom, with speakers including Welsh Education Minister Kirsty Williams. Diocesan director of education John Meredith explains more about the event

He has undertaken a lot of challenges for the Lullaby Trust, but Rev Steve Bunting’s latest fund-raiser also involved swimming lessons.

The Priest-in-Charge of Swansea St Thomas and Kilvey has tackled the London Marathon twice – once with wife with wife Rev Rachel Bunting – but this time braved the water for the two-mile swim in the Serpentine Lake in London, after some last-minute lessons on how to do the front crawl.

Since 2016 Steve and Rachel have raised more than £25,000 for the life-saving work of the the Lullaby Trust, in memory of an eight-month-old baby who had been part of the church’s mother and toddler group.

“My thanks go to James Jones and PJ's Surf Shop for the donation of a wetsuit for the swim, and to Stephen Gardener for the lessons,” Steve said.

There's still time to donate to the fundraiser, visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/ steve-bunting3

T

he theme of the Diocesan Education Day was ‘Life in its fullness’ focusing upon well-being.

The word hope summed up the vision for the day, that education and educators would be full of hope, especially with the introduction of the new curriculum which has a major focus on well-being, having a positive impact upon all who work with our schools in Wales.

But what is hope?

Hope is much more than a mood.

It involves a commitment to action.

What we hope for should be what we are prepared to work for, as far as that power lies in us.

There are numerous references to hope in the Bible and RC Spoil explained that: “Hope is called the anchor of the soul (Hebrews 6:19), because it gives stability to the Christian life. But hope is not simply a ‘wish’ (I wish that such-and-such would take place); rather, it is that which latches on to the certainty of the promises of the future that God has made.”

Brother Lawrence writes: “Many things are possible for the person who has hope. Even more is possible for the person who has faith. And still more is possible for the person who knows how to love. But everything is possible for the person who practices all three virtues.”

A quote from Barack Obama was used for the day: “Hope is not blind optimism. It's not ignoring the enormity of the task ahead or the

roadblocks that stand in our path. It's not sitting on the sidelines or shirking from a fight. Hope is that thing inside us that insists, despite all evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us if we have the courage to reach for it, and to work for it, and to fight for it. Hope is the belief that destiny will not be written for us, but by us, by the men and women who are not content to settle for the world as it is, who have the courage to remake the world as it should be.”

With the basis of the day being hope and to have a positive impact upon our schools and wellbeing, ‘Life in all its fullness’ the 2019 Education Day was a resounding success, with so many positive comments from attendees.

Over 90 people booked in for the day, with all diocesan schools represented either by a headteacher, well-being coordinator, teacher, governor or cleric and there was also representation from non-church schools in the diocese and beyond and organisations linked to well-being.

The diocese is a key ‘Professional Learning’ provider as identified by the Welsh Government, with the diocese in tier two with equal status with local authorities and regional consortium, and this education day was a key component of this work.

The attendees for the day had the opportunity to listen to high-quality and inspirational presentations and explore 10 exhibitors. Presentations included:

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 15

• Hope: Hope for the day and wellbeing in our schools by John Meredith DDE • Message from The Most Revd John Davies, Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Swansea and Brecon which focused upon Biblical references to wellbeing; • Well-being: A Welsh Government Perspective: Presentation from Kirsty Williams, AM Minister for Education and Area of Learning update by Welsh Government

representative: Lloyd Hopkins and Cressy Morgan from ERW. • Well-being in school setting: Successfully embedding well-being into whole school provisions for better outcomes in education for pupils, teachers and the local community: A presentation from award-winning Lessness Heath Primary School by Kelly Hannaghan • Re-imaging Education – a Wellbeing Approach. A look at how the Well-being of Future Generations

Act provides a foundation for holistic and rounded education.

• The Right Way to Education: A Children’s Rights approach for working with children, grounded in the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. A presentation on a children’s rights approach with links to free schemes and resources for schools from Beca Jones of Children’s Commissioner for Wales • Resources for Well-being: What resources are available to help with Well-being in schools? Exploration of resources: book, leaflets, websites, twitter and organisations that support well-being led by John Meredith DDE. • Mindfulness at the heart of wellbeing led by Jan Lever.

As well as these presentations there was a labyrinths workshop, focusing the spiritual dimension of wellbeing, prayerful, reflective, peaceful path a labyrinth can offer.

(The diocese has purchased a labyrinth which is available to borrow.)

During lunch, attendees had the opportunity to explore exhibitions and network as well as play a fun game with Tiny Sponges.

During the day attendees heard so much about the impact of well-being and about some of the resources available to help us in our schools.

We as a diocese, as a church community, can and will make a difference to all members of the school community.

The 2019 Education Day was just the first step in the wellbeing journey, a beginning, making professionals aware of some of the resources available to help and support the wellbeing of all in our schools. Further events and training are planned, we together can make a difference to the well-being of all.

A big thank you also goes to the members of St Edmund’s Church hospitality team who helped make the day very successful.

If you would like to find out more about the day and future projects and how you can be involved please contact John Meredith DDE, at dde.swanbrec@churchinwales.org.uk

16 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

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or those of you that do not know me, I am Sian Parkhouse, a wife, mother and a passionate follower of Christ. I love tea and biscuits and looking at things from outside of the box. For me what I do is not a job, it’s a vocation and a love.

During the first year of this role I have visited many of the parishes across Greater Gower and supported them in existing and new ventures.

We have looked at their outreach, community, assessed venues, changed service times and days to get the good news of Jesus to a much wider audience.

Some of the new ventures in the past year include a Saturday church, the Message bus, a rugby club Sunday school, cafĂŠ church and tots groups.

There have been lots of Messy churches, holiday clubs, school assemblies, school activities, youth clubs, Christingles, Harvest, Christmas and lay-led services that I have led or been a part of. I am trained as a lay worship leader and have been part of or leading services for eight years. These are all alternative outreach to the traditional Sunday services which I can support your church with.

We have taken the message out to various shows such as the Gower and Royal Welsh shows, offering the community a different approach to the bible stories.

I can support you with training and confidence building, over the past year we have had Godly Play training and Open the Book training.

Open The Book is a fantastic way to outreach to your local school, once you are trained you can lead assemblies in your local schools and share the gospel in a very fun and interactive way.

As an Open The Book Trainer I can train your group for free! I also have lots of props that you can borrow to get you started. I have seen over the past three years in Clyne Trinity that having the Open The Book team in all their local primary schools has led to increased numbers to the services and outreach projects that they have done, the children and families have

Celebration time for Sian and Clare after a busy year It's been 12 months since Sian Parkhouse and Clare Morgan took up their roles as children, youth and families officers for Greater Gower and Greater Brecon told me that they feel more comfortable coming into a place where they will recognise someone there.

The thought of trying something new and outreaching to the community in a new way can be daunting thought, but I am employed to help you. I am passionate about sharing the love of Christ to the fringe, those in the community who have never stepped in to a church or even who have no idea of who God is.

If you have a passion or an idea, talk to your vicar or get in touch with me and I will support you through it. The way I will support

you will start with a chat and then we will explore your ideas, look at your area and then, rather than just talking you through something, we will follow this three-step approach.

The first session I will do for you, the second session I will do with you and the third session you will do and I will support you and then, if you still need me, you can book me! As Christians the bible tells us to go and share the gospel with others and make new disciples of Christ, together we can do this.

Email me at sian.parkhouse@ hotmail.co.uk or call 07805 091994.

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 17

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hroughout the year I've enjoyed visiting churches in the diocese. Every church has something special to offer - wildlife, history, art, creativity, ancient trees, architecture and much more. I've received a warm welcome during visits and it's been great to meet everyone. There is a lot of activity within our churches for all ages and one of my targets is to help share this information. Good news stories are invaluable to our recruitment and retention.

From Messy Church to Sunday School and holiday clubs to after school clubs – Greater Brecon has it all! Our Children and Youth Leaders have so much to offer, they are a great asset to their local communities. The dedication of these volunteers provides opportunities for children and their families year on year. Providing a great opportunity to get involved an build lasting relationships.

With the support of the Dean the children’s area at Brecon Cathedral has been rejuvenated. Children and their families can now enjoy the ‘night sky’ tent, travel around

the world on the story rug, discover Noah’s Ark, the Nativity and other interactive toys as well as the updated book collection. This area has proved extremely popular with local families and tourists.

The children of Priory Church in Wales pre-school setting were invited to the grand opening of the children’s area. They took part in a treasure hunt, story time and balloon modelling. The Dean and his young helpers cut the ribbon and everyone received a chocolate coin for taking part in the treasure hunt.

Partnership working is an important part of my role. I have links with volunteer organisations, local businesses and organisations.

I regularly work with Brecknock Museum & Art Gallery to provide community events for families.

These events run at weekends and during the school holidays. Together we have been using the Cathedral and Heritage Centre to attract over 100 people to each themed event.

These have included the Brecon Jazz Festival, Convivium, St Eluned’s Fair, Easter and Christmas Tree Festival.

I joined Brecon Cathedral Choirs on their international singing tour to the Maltese Islands during May. I helped to ensure that the children aged 8-15 were ready for performances and enjoyed their action-packed tour. It was great to see the children grow in confidence and become fantastic ambassadors for the choir.

Back in January we started Junior Choir for children with an interest in singing. Up to 9 children met regularly in the choir room and were taught breathing, posture.

Throughout the school year children extended their knowledge of music and gained confidence in singing.

The children made up their own verses to well known songs, learnt to sing in a round and in small groups.

Two of the members of Junior Choir auditioned to become choristers.

These two children have joined the choristers as probationers.

Open the Book (OtB) storytelling has been an important part of my work schedule. I completed Train the Trainer for OtB and have run training sessions within the area.

I have also visited OtB teams in schools and participate regularly in stories. 2019 was a year of celebration for OtB with the 20th anniversary celebration taking place at Brecon Cathedral. OtB also celebrated its 10th year anniversary of translating the handbooks into Welsh. It was great to be part of the celebrations and organise the anniversary cake with one of our local suppliers.

Social media is an important tool to reach out to the local community and keep supporters up to date. I currently update the Children, Youth and Families (Greater Brecon) pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Thank you to everyone who has supported my work in Greater Brecon and beyond. Without the support of staff, volunteers, supporters, local businesses and organisations my job would be increasingly difficult. I’m looking forward to another exciting year ahead, sharing opportunities for Children, Youth and Families to grow within our church communities.

Clare Morgan

18 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

Mothers' Union branch launch The new Three Cliffs branch of the Mothers’ Union has been celebrating its formation with a Lady Day Eucharist.

When the Parish of St Teilo, Bishopston joined the Three Cliffs Benefice formally in March this year, the two branches of the Mothers’ Union – Pennard with Ilston and Bishopston – began working together to join together as one new branch known as Three Cliffs.

Canon Peter Brooks said: “This was not due to dwindling numbers or lack of direction but as a result of sound leadership, looking towards a shared future with two strong branches coming together to share their resources and work together for the Mothers’ Union here on Gower and beyond.

“We were delighted to welcome both the diocesan and deanery leaders to St Teilo’s for a Lady Day Eucharist that brought both branches together.

“We also had a lovely endorsement from Sheran Harper, the worldwide Mothers’ Union leader, after the event was published on Facebook.”

Chaotic scenes as draws hundreds to I t was a day of celebration at Brecon Cathedral for our diocese and local communities with more than 200 people in attendance.

The cathedral was transformed by a circus theme connected to ‘with God all things are possible, Matthew 19:16’.

Inside the cathedral families enjoyed a bouncy castle, soft play, parachute games, prayer spaces, craft activities, tower tours, face painting, balloon modelling, puppets, Guardians of Ancora, craft, music, stories and prayer.

Staff at Brecon Cathedral provided a chorister experience for children and adults interested in singing. Older children and their families were given the

Cathedral Chaos was back at Brecon Cathedral this summer, with a circus theme and music, fun and even balloon animals...

Clare Morgan tells us more opportunity to climb the cathedral tower to ring the bells and marvel at the wonderful views over Brecon and the Beacons.

Archbishop John attended the event where he joined in the parachute games and took a turn on the bouncy castle.

The sun shone throughout the day and families enjoyed spending time in the Close and meadow.

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 19

packed day of fun Brecon Cathedral Outside the cathedral the Dean tied hundreds of balloons and created many different shapes and animals for children to enjoy. We were pleased to have the Eden Bus Wales on site in the cathedral car park. This stateof-the-art, mobile youth centre run

by Christians welcomed people of all aged.

The bus is equipped with games consoles, large screen TV, nail bar and a DJ mixing area. This venue gave young people an on-trend, safe space to meet.

The event concluded with an Open the Book story of creation, action songs, music and prayer. There

was dancing in the aisles and a great atmosphere throughout. Over 30 volunteers assisted with the planning, preparation, organization and clear down of this showcase event.

The feedback has been extremely positive and we’re considering running the event again next year.

As always we’re very grateful to everyone who participated, including the volunteers, suppliers and partnership organisations who supported this large-scale event.

20 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

Holiday club puts on a great show St Paul’s Church, Sketty's holiday club this year entertained more than 56 children during its four days.

The club has been running for more than 15 years and young leaders play a big part in its success.

Children, Youth and Families Officer for Greater Gower, Sian Parkhouse, said: "What was wonderful this year was to see our team of 10 young leaders playing an active part in the leading of the week.

"For the past few years we have run a monthly youth club.

They have been through the Alpha course and confirmation course. We had eight children confirmed this year and have been delighted to see that they are now playing an active role in the churches of Clyne Trinity.

Ministry Area."

This year’s holiday club was based on the Greatest Showman.

"We ‘worked out’, danced, sang and took valuable lessons from the film clips," Sian said. "Each clip we showed linked up to a bible story. Our main aim this year was to how that we are all ‘amazingly and wonderfully made’.

"They have a fantastic team at the holiday club. Rev Robert Davies-Hannen dressed as the showman and danced and took part in challenge the vicar every day. We also had Sister Marian Thomas who led activities and the prayers.

"Snacks, outdoor-games, crafts, bible verse challenge and science/technology area all played a part each day, with the stories being led by the Open the Book team. The team go into every primary school in the area each week, so it was wonderful to see the children recognising the storytellers and greeting them as friends."

A warm centre of

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ravel with me west along the North Gower road in the footsteps of the Celtic saints to the picturesque village of Llanmadoc.

Then travel on another half a mile further and there, on the right hand side of the lane, you will find the St Madoc Centre, a Christian youth camp that has been serving the Church for more than 70 years. The centre comprises 76 acres of agricultural land, nestling on the headland between Whiteford Sands and Broughton Bay. Ten years ago the centre was rebuilt and now has bunkhouse-type accommodation for up to 80 guests, a large main conference/dining room for more than 100 people, a second meeting room for up to 50 people, a sports barn, an Airbnb bungalow and a chapel. Oh yes… and sheep, pigs, hens, ducks, greenhouses and much, much more!

The wild beauty of Gower is all around us. Llangennith

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 21

welcome for all at Gower fun, faith and adventure Mike Saddler, of the St Madoc Centre, gives us a tour of the Christian youth camp on Gower and Rhossili are close by and the Wales coastal path runs through the property.

The centre is operated as a charity by a board of trustees and run by highly qualified experienced and enthusiastic staff. Guests are able to organise their own stays or we can provide quality programmes for children and young adults. We offer catered and non- catered stays.

The centre is open 12 months of the year and our visitors include church youth groups, church adult groups, primary and secondary

schools, activity holidays, environmental conferences, weddings, concerts and an arts festival. In a typical year we host around 110 varied groups with more than 8,000 bed-night stays and around 650 day visitors. We have a small bursary fund which supports underprivileged children.

A large portion of our work is caring for God’s creation on this extensive site. We employ two full time staff and work in partnership with the Christian environmental charity, A Rocha.

For many years the centre has been blessed by the goodness and provision of our God. Many local people recall great times of fun and adventure

spent at Llanmadoc. Lives have been changed, people refreshed, and many became Christians during a visit to the centre.

There is a regular cycle of prayer for the centre which we invite you to join: in your church, your home group, your private devotions or by receiving our weekly e-mail. Maybe you would consider volunteering with us - there’s plenty of opportunity!

We believe that St Madoc Centre is what the Celtic Christians used to call a ‘thin place’ where God is imminent and the presence of the Lord Jesus is real.

Why not visit us and experience this for yourself? You are most welcome.

Visit www.stmadoc.co.uk or e-mail info@stmadoc.co.uk or call 01792 386291 for more details about the centre.

22 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

Christian Aid’s Harvest Appeal

Harvesting justice in India

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f you’re unfortunate to be born into the wrong caste in India, today, you’ll probably face a lifetime of injustice. This was the situation facing Kasthuri and her young son. Kasthuri is a Dalit – the lowest caste – and she has faced prejudice throughout her life.

When she chose to marry against her parents’ wishes, however, things got much worse for her – she faced danger and abuse too.

Sometimes salvation comes from an unexpected source. Selvi comes from a higher caste than Kasthuri and she is determined to break down the social barriers that create so much injustice in her country. With help from Christian Aid partner, the Sustainable Farming Alliance, she set up a small farm where women and their children could begin to rebuild their lives after suffering abuse.

This is where Kasthuri now lives. With the help of EcoVeg, a Christian Aid project, Kasthuri and the other women are being trained on how to grow organic vegetables and then on how market and sell them. Her life has been transformed. She has been able to rebuild her life and offer her son a stable environment in which to grow.

Kasthuri’s hopeful story is Christian Aid’s Harvest Appeal theme this year. Tackling the injustice that creates poverty is central to Christian Aid’s work.

Kasthuri’s story and the effect of India’s caste system is a great example of this. With your help, Christian

Aid can help even more women escape from the awful poverty which faces them.

To help the churches support the appeal, there are a number of excellent resources on the Christian Aid website for you to download. Among them are an order of service, sermon notes, a poster and an all age talk for a family service. In addition, there is a prayer card which includes ideas on how to make a difference in your own community.

Harvest season is an opportunity for us to give thanks to God for his abundant blessings towards us.

It is also an opportunity for us to act to change our world for the better. Will you join with Christian Aid this year as we thank God for the harvest and fight for justice for all?

Do pop over to Christian Aid’s website for more information and to see how your church can make a difference this Harvest: caid.org.uk/harvest.

Apêl Diolchgarwch Cymorth Cristnogol

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 23

Cynaeafu cyfiawnder yn India

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n India heddiw, os byddwch chi’n ddigon anffodus i gael eich geni yn y cast anghywir, gallwch wynebu oes o anghyfiawnder. Dyna ffawd Kasthuri a’i mab ifanc Mathi. Dalit yw Kasthuri – y cast isaf – ac mae wedi wynebu rhagfarn trwy gydol ei bywyd. Ond pan briododd yn groes i ewyllys ei rhieni, wynebodd berygl a chamdriniaeth hefyd.

Weithiau daw ymwared o le annisgwyl. Daw Selvi o gast uwch na Kasthuri ac mae’n benderfynol o chwalu’r rhwystrau cymdeithasol sy’n creu cymaint o anghyfiawnder yn ei gwlad. Gyda help partner Cymorth Cristnogol, Cynghrair Amaeth Cynaliadwy, sefydlodd fferm fechan lle gall gwragedd a’u plant ailadeiladu eu bywyd wedi camdriniaeth.

Yma y mae Kasthuri’n byw bellach. Trwy gymorth prosiect o’r enw ‘EcoVeg’ mae Kasthuri a gwragedd

eraill wedi derbyn hyfforddiant ar sut i dyfu llysiau organig a sut i fynd ati i’w marchnata a’u gwerthu.

Trawsffurfiwyd ei bywyd, gan roi cyfle iddi ailsefydlu ei hun a chynnig sylfaen gref i’w mab bach.

Hanes gobeithiol Kasthuri fydd thema Apêl Diolchgarwch Cymorth Cristnogol eleni. Yn ganolog i waith Cymorth Cristnogol mae mynd i’r afael ag anghyfiawnder sy’n creu tlodi. Mae hanes Kasthuri ac effaith y system cast yn India yn enghraifft dda o hyn. Gyda’ch help chi, gall Cymorth Cristnogol helpu mwy o ferched i ddianc rhag y tlodi difrifol sy’n eu hwynebu.

Ar gyfer yr Apêl eleni, mae yna adnoddau gwerthfawr ar gael ar ein gwefan i’w lawr lwytho ar gyfer eich eglwys.

Yn eu plith mae trefn gwasanaeth, nodiadau pregeth, poster a sgwrs pob oed ar gyfer oedfa deulu. Yn ogystal, mae cerdyn gweddi sy’n cynnwys syniadau ar sut i wneud gwahaniaeth yn eich cymuned eich hunain.

Mae’r Ŵyl Ddiolchgarwch yn gyfle inni ddiolch i Dduw am ei ddaioni mawr tuag atom ar adeg y cynhaeaf. Mae hefyd yn gyfle inni weithredu i newid ein byd er gwell. Wnewch chi ymuno gyda Cymorth Cristnogol eleni wrth inni ddiolch am gynhaeaf Duw a brwydro dros gyfiawnder i bawb?

Ewch draw i’r wefan am fwy o wybodaeth ac i weld sut gall eich eglwys chi wneud gwahaniaeth y Diolchgarwch hwn: caid.org.uk/harvest neu cysyllltwch â’ch swyddfa leol.

24 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

King Goodwill Zwelithini

Zulu king's royal welcome at special cathedral service

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recon Cathedral was the venue for a welcome service for Zulu King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu, who was making an official visit to Wales.

During the past few years a close personal relationship has grown between Wales and the Zulu nation in Kwazulu Natal, resulting in the visit.

The cathedral also staged a special concert which featured Brecon Male Voice Choir, harpist Emily Harris

and soloists Emily Pugh and Ben Anthony.

As well as the service, the king’s visit gave him a chance to tour the cathedral’s Havard Chapel, the Regimental Chapel of the South Wales Borderers (24th Regiment), one of Britain’s oldest infantry regiments.

Soldiers from the regiment fought in the Anglo-Zulu war of 1879, both at Isandhlwana and Rorke's Drift.

During the historic Brecon visit,

King Goodwill was presented with a specially-commissioned illustrated map created by artist Roger Reese, showing the highlights of King Cetshwayo’s time in London in 1882.

In addition, a children’s book written by Janet Holcroft, about the life of King Cetshwayo is released and includes artwork by pupils from Llanfaes School, Mount Street School, Cradoc School and Christ College.

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 25

Archbishop John 'humbled' by honorary doctorate award

Photographs: University of Wales Trinity Saint David

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rchbishop John has been awarded an Honorary Doctorate (Doctor of Divinity) by the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.

He received the honorary doctorate in recognition of his services to the Church in Wales and of his leadership across faith communities.

“I’m very honoured and humbled to receive this award today and also quite excited because it’s an opportunity to celebrate so much achievement on behalf of so many people here today,” Archbishop John said.

“What an impressive bunch and what massive talent we have here.

I hope they use every opportunity that comes their way, and to use the talent they clearly have, not just to further their own lives but to benefit the lives of others. Always, remain

strong and remain committed to serving the needs of others by bringing some colour and joy into the lives of others.”

Gwilym Dyfri Jones, UWTSD Associate Pro-Vice Chancellor, presented him to the congregation. He said: “It is my great privilege this afternoon to present the Most Reverend John Davies, Archbishop of Wales and Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, to

receive an honorary doctorate in recognition of his services to the Church in Wales and of his leadership across faith communities.

“Today, more than ever, this country is in desperate need of strong leadership.

"Good, resilient, trustworthy individuals who are willing to stand up for social justice, to challenge wrong, unfairness and inequality, and who have a strong commitment to try and make the world a better place for all of us, where people with deeply-held differences can live together in a spirit of love and respect.

“Throughout his ministry, Archbishop John has shown agile and strong leadership with a genuine sense of purpose. It has not been business as usual under his guidance and leadership.”

26 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

Organist tunes up for a fund-raising pilgrimage

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n organist will be setting out on a musical pilgrimage across the diocese later this year, and it’s all in a good cause.

Stephen Honeyman, the resident organist at the Parish Church of Llangyfelach with Clase in the north of Swansea, is hoping to give a recital in each ministry area. All money raised will go to Faith in Families, the organ fund at St Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon and Llangyfelach Church.

Stephen has just returned from Bayeux, where he played at its cathedral, and spent May in Oberammergau principally playing for the Maiendacht Services, of which there are several a week.

“I’ve played for services in Oberammergau, Unterammergau, Eschenlohe, Mittenwald and Weiss Kirche for a few years when visiting there,” Stephen said. “I’ve also been privileged to play the Organ at Ettal Abbey on several occasions and

in Landsberg-am-Lech, Zwiesel in Germany. Having spent a significant time in Oberammergau I have a healthy repertoire of German hymn tunes which are not heard in the UK. I’ve introduced some of these at Llangyfelach which the congregation really like.”

Stephen has also played in Sint Salvator’s Cathedral, St Jacob’s Church and the Military Chapel in Bruges, and regularly gives recitals for several organisations.

While living in Chepstow, Stephen was a prolific piano duettist with Rev’d Jeremy Winston – who became Dean of Monmouth – and together they gave numerous recitals to raise money for causes close to Jeremy’s heart.

“The idea of a musical ‘pilgrimage’ around the diocese to raise money came from something I saw on social media and, rather than just ask for sponsorship for the number of organs I can play, I thought about

giving recitals around the diocese to raise money for Faith in Families, for Llangyfelach Church to help expand the choir there, and also to help the organ fund at St Catherine’s Gorseinon where I practise extensively. The fund needs one final boost to get work done before the cost increases again,” Stephen said.

“Faith in Families was an obvious charity to support because it's diocesan-wide and carries out such vital work within the community supporting those who are disadvantaged, making a positive impact on their lives.”

Stephen will be beginning his tour with a performance at Brecon Cathedral - with St Catherine's, Gorseinon's resident organist Martin Bell and compere Carys Awen Jones - on Saturday, November 23 at 1pm.

Check the diocesan website, Facebook page and bulletin for updates on further performances.

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 27

Trefonnen pupils make it a day to remember for Syrian visitors

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upils from Llandrindod’s Ysgol Trefonnen Church in Wales school proved to be a class act when they helped to welcome Syrian families for a respite day.

This is the third year in a row the school has hosted a Hay, Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for Refugees (HBTSR) welcome event for families who are now settled in Wales and Herefordshire.

HBTSR’s Ailsa Dunn said: “Each of the previous days has included Syrian families from Newtown and some from Ystradgynlais and so the idea of having a day specifically for Syrian families was conceived.

“With the help of Meg Lewis, the Syrian vulnerable person relocation project officer for Powys County Council, and the family support workers Hamed, Fatima and Caroline, Syrian families living in Powys were alerted about the day out and transport was arranged to bring anyone who wanted to come.

“Hereford City of Sanctuary helped to discuss the day with families living in Hereford and sorted out transport.

Some people opted to drive them-

selves and three families now living in Llandrindod were able to walk.”

Barbra Gough, community manager at Ysgol Trefonnen, had approached HBTSR about the day after the success of the previous events.

“She had been told how much the school loved hosting such a day and how the local community were involved and welcoming,” Ailsa said.

And it was a real community affair, with food donated by Spar, Aldi and Van’s Good Food, and The Herb Garden did the cooking. Teachers, governors and others were busy at the school sorting out hot drinks, biscuits, donations, clothing, and preparing for tea and setting out tables and chairs and outdoor games.

“It was noteworthy that many children were involved in helping to set and run the day and certainly once the families arrived, children played together regardless of race, colour, creed or even where they lived,” Ailsa said.

The school’s pitch hosted a football match and there were games, crafts and face-painting.

The day also featured a visit to Llandrindod’s Rock Park lake, where visitors were able to try their hand at boating.

“The extremely obliging owner and assistants allowed almost everyone to have a go with frequent changes of buoyancy aids and passengers and ‘peddlers’,” Ailsa said.

When it was time to return to the school for tea, volunteers had sorted through the donations and anything that was left will help with Ysgol Trefonnen’s ‘bags to school’ clothing exchange.

There was a display of life-saving

by Simon from St John Ambulance and two PCSOs from the local police station were also present during the day.

“Many children wanted their photos taken with them and many were very keen to be involved in making fingerprint key rings or in wearing stickers,” Ailsa said.

“It was an opportunity to highlight that there is no tolerance for hate crime and how to report it if it arose.

“It was another wonderful day and there were lots of happy people.”

28 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

Choirs to opera at Hay's St Mary's October is another busy month for music at Hay’s St Mary’s Church.

On Friday, October 11 there will be Music from the Black Mountains featuring Tenby Male Voice Choir, Talgarth Male Voice Choir and the Children’s Choir of Hay Primary School.

A feature of the evening’s programme will be readings by children from Hay Primary School of extracts from Eddie Stapleton’s memoir ‘An Evacuee in the Hay’. Eddie is a member of the Tenby choir.

The evening begins at 7.30pm and there is no ‘formal’ ticketing, but donations will be taken on entry to the concert and also at the end of the evening.

Money raised will be divided equally between Hay Primary School and St Mary's Church.

On Thursday, October 17 at 7.30pm there will be an Evening of Opera with Singers of the National Opera Studio.

Tickets are £13, £6.50 for students and free for under-18s. They are available from Richard Booth's Bookshop, 44 Lion Street, Hay-on-Wye or online at www.boothsbooks.co.uk or on the door if available (cash only).

Saturday, October 26 will feature an evening celebrating the music and songs of 1932.

Tickets for the event, which starts at 7.30pm, are £12 and available on the door, online at www.hayjazz. org or from day.janice@ gmail.com or 07748 652194.

Coaching scheme organists as RSCM

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rganists who turn up week by week to ensure church and chapel congregations can sing hymns are being offered coaching to improve their skills.

The Royal School of Church Music in Wales is pulling all the stops out for volunteer organists as it launches its Complete Church Organist coaching scheme. The scheme is a short course of lessons spread through the year given by accredited tutors - themselves competent organists - with a friendly approach. The coaching can be given in groups of up to six students with the fee split accordingly.

These sessions are intended for the average player (grade three or four) and focus primarily on playing hymns and songs with confidence, as well as how to deal with stops. Those taking part in groups also gain encouragement and mutual support from each other.

The course is endorsed by Archbishop John, who was once a church organist himself. He said: “We are very grateful to the RSCM for helping to keep that tradition alive with this effective course designed to encourage and nurture our keen amateur musicians.

"I am delighted to endorse it and I heartily commend it.”

Stuart Robinson, the RSCM Coordinator in Wales, has recorded a short video explaining the scheme in more detail. https:// youtu.be/h7_I1MTHz9I The Complete Church Organist scheme is part of Menter Gerdd – the Royal School of Church Music’s initiative to give support and encouragement to the use of music in churches – whether they be large or small.

The broader initiative includes Lift up your voice, a day course for churches with little or even no music. Strengthen for service is designed to encourage those who lead worship – whether lay or ordained – to use music with confidence. Look at www.rscm. org.uk/menter-gerdd For more information or to register visit www.rscm.org.uk/menter-gerdd or email education@rscm.com or phone 01722 424848.

Yn galw pob

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nwaith eto, mae'r Ysgol Gerddoriaeth Eglwysig Frenhinol yng Nghymru (RSCM) yn lansio ei chynllun hyfforddi Yr Organydd Cyflawn.

Mae ar gyfer organyddion gwirfoddol.

Mae'r RSCM yn cynnig cyfres fer o wersi misol gan diwtoriaid achrededig, pob un yn organydd ac yn athro o brofiad. Mae’r hyfforddiant mewn grwpiau o hyd at chwe myfyriwr, gyda'r ffi wedi'i rhannu rhyngddynt.

Mae’r sesiynau hyn (sesiynau misol 6 x 60 munud, fel arfer) wedi’i hanelu at yr organydd cyffredin (tua Gradd 3 neu 4) ac maent yn canolbwyntio'n bennaf ar

-

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si un e’r

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Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 29

for volunteer church pulls out all the stops

organydd gwirfoddol eglwys chwarae emynau a chaneuon yn hyderus, yn ogystal â sut i ddefnyddio stopiau’r organ. Mae'r rhai sy'n cymryd rhan mewn grwpiau hefyd yn mwynhau cefnogaeth ac anogaeth eu cyd-fyfyrwyr.

Dywedodd Archesgob Cymru, John Davies, a arferai fod yn organydd eglwys ei hunan: “Rydym yn ddiolchgar iawn i’r RSCM am helpu i gadw’r traddodiad hwnnw’n fyw gyda’r cwrs effeithlon hwn a gynlluniwyd i annog a meithrin ein cerddorion amatur brwd. Rwy’n hynod falch i’w gymeradwyo ac yn ei ganmol yn fawr. Gobeithiaf y bydd yn arwain at i fwy o bobl ddod yn organwyr a cherddorion

eglwys, a gwn o fy mhrofiad fod hynny’n rôl wirioneddol werth chweil.”

Mae Stuart Robinson, cydlynydd yr RSCM yng Nghymru, wedi recordio fideo byr yn esbonio’r cynllun yn fanylach https://youtu. be/h7_I1MTHz9I Lansiodd yr RSCM y cynllun y llynedd, gyda chwe grŵp yn gweithredu ledled Cymru, ac mae'r adborth o gyrsiau 2018 wedi bod yn galonogol iawn. Nawr yw'r amser i fynegi’ch diddordeb yn y gyfres nesaf (bydd o fis Medi ymlaen) - anfonwch e-bost at education@ rscm.com neu ffoniwch 01722 424848. Bydd angen i ni wybod ble rydych yn byw, er mwyn i ni fedru awgrymu’r grŵp agosaf atoch.

Get on board Message Bus Clyne Trinity Ministry Area’s partnership with the Message Bus is proving to be a success.

The Message Bus also known as the Eden bus - is a double decker bus that travels around Wales, visiting schools, clubs, churches and outreach venues.

During sessions there is a ‘God slot’, an informal talk about faith.

Clyne Trinity has been in partnership with the Message team for six months and has been using the bus in St Hilary’s, Killay.

"Over this time, we have seen an increase in the children and young people that have attended, we have supported some through difficult times and have seen an increase in the local Sunday school," Sian Parkhouse, Children, Youth and Families Officer for Greater Gower said.

A grant means the bus will run in the Greater Gower area every Sunday for a year.

"The bus is booked for some regular sessions, but we have spare slots," Sian said. " Contact me at sian. parkhouse@hotmail. com to see how we can support you in your outreach missions. The bus will not cost you anything other than prayer and a couple of hours once a month."

30 Cymuned Hydref/Autumn 2019

Phone support from the RNIB RNIB Cymru is setting up telephone groups to support blind and partially-sighted people in Wales who would like to talk to others with similar experiences.

Telephone groups are a great way to meet people if you find it difficult to travel for a face-to-face meeting.

A telephone call can really brighten your day as well as being an opportunity to learn something new or share your experiences.

Some of these groups will be taking place using the medium of Welsh.

If you are a Welsh language speaker and are interested in chatting with others over the phone for an hour once a month the RNIB would love to hear from you. Also, if there is another group that you would find useful, please get in touch. Contact Eleanor Rothwell on 077 0282 1915 / 02920 828 565 or eleanor.rothwell@rnib. org.uk

Christmas magazine The deadline for the Christmas magazine is November 22.

If you have a story or event you would like to include, email eryljones@church inwales.org.uk

The diocese welcomed two new priests and seven deacons at this year's ordinations service.

Area), Gill Todd (the Benefice of Brecon St Mary and Llanddew and Brecon Ministry Area), David Benefice of Central Swansea and Ministry Area of Swansea), Janet Day (the Benefice of Buallt Area) and Sister Marian Thomas (the Benefice of Sketty and Clyne Trinity Ministry Area)Petrina Safaddan and in the Beacons and Llyn Safaddan Ministry Area. Sue will serve in the Benefice

£100,000 target for

H

omeless people and victims of conflict are the focus of a major appeal to mark next year’s centenary of the Church In Wales.

Two charities will benefit from the Centenary Appeal which aims to raise at least £100,000 over the next five years. The money will go to two specific projects – one at home, run by Housing Justice Cymru, to help homeless people and the other supporting peace-building in South Sudan through Christian Aid. The appeal was launched at the Church’s Governing Body meeting in Swansea ahead of the 2020 anniversary year.

Archbishop John is calling on people to be as generous as they were 100 years ago when another significant appeal was launched.

He said: “Back in 1920 we launched an

appeal to establish the Church In Wales and parishioners from every church in the country gave so generously that the Church has been sustained for 100 years.

"I can think of no better way to celebrate our birthday than by launching another major appeal to raise money – not for ourselves but for those in need, both at home and overseas.

"I am confident that people will respond with similar generosity and enthusiasm.

I also ask you to pray for these projects: for those who run them, for the people they will benefit, and for the energy and commitment to use them to build up God’s Kingdom of justice and peace, solidarity and compassion.”

It will be far easier for people to donate to the Centenary Appeal than it was 100-yearsago, however.

Hydref/Autumn 2019 Cymuned 31

Grŵp ffôn newydd iraeg!

Ordained as deacon were Peter Letson (the Benefice of Glanithon and West Radnor Ministry Owen (the Benefice of Ystradgynlais and Ministry Area of Tawe Uchaf), Sam Aldred (the and Buallt Ministry Area), Meinir Ronicle (the Benefice of Glanithon and West Radnor Ministry Lodge and Sue Rumbelow were ordained as priests. Petrina will serve in the Benefice of Llyn of Gowerton and in the Llwchwr Ministry Area. The sevice was held at Brecon Cathedral

centenary appeal For the first time, the Church is setting up an Instagiv site so that people can donate a fixed amount via text on the phone, as well as giving through traditional means.

Canon Carol Wardman, Bishops’ Adviser for Church and Society, said: “We are pledging to raise £100,000 but if everyone in our churches gave just a few pounds we would quickly surpass that amount.

However, the aim is not just about raising money – it is also about deepening our understanding and solidarity with people experiencing hardship and poverty, and to develop our relationship with organisations helping them.”

All the money collected will be distributed equally between Christian Aid and Housing Justice Cymru.

The charities will give regular reports

and feedback about the progress of the projects to show how the money is making a difference to people’s lives.

The Christian Aid project supports the work of the Justice, Peace and Reconciliation Committee of the Episcopal Church of South Sudan – a country riven by violence and one of the poorest in the world.

The Housing Justice Cymru project will fund church-led night shelters for homeless people across Wales. It will also deliver training to clergy and church members, creating ‘Housing Champions’ in each diocese who can offer practical support and an informed response to homelessness.

To donate £5 please text CENTENARY to 70660 Donations can also be made by cheque made payable to the RBCIW, marked for the Centenary Appeal.

Mae RNIB Cymru yn sefydlu rhai grwpiau ffôn i gynorthwyo pobl ddall a rhannol ddall yng Nghymru a fyddai 'n hoffi siarad ag eraill sydd â brofiadau tebyg.

Mae grwpiau ffôn yn ffordd wych o gwrdd â phobl os ydych chi’ n cael anhawster teithio i gael cyfarfod wyneb yn wyneb.

Gall galwad ffôn godi eich ysbryd a bywiogi ' ch diwrnod yn ogystal â bod yn gyfle i ddysgu rhywbeth newydd neu rannu eich gwybodaeth a 'ch profiadau.

Bydd rhai o 'r grwpiau hyn yn cael eu cynnal drwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg.

Os ydych yn siaradwr Cymraeg ac yn ymddiddori mewn sgwrsio gydag eraill dros y ffôn am awr unwaith y mis byddem wrth ein boddau yn clywed gennych.

Hefyd, os oes grŵp arall a fyddai 'n ddefnyddiol i chi, cysylltwch â ni!

Cysylltwch ag Eleanor Rothwell ar 077 0282 1915/ 02920 828 565 neu eleanor. rothwell@rnib.org.uk

Cymuned is produced and distributed by the Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Board of Finance, a company registered in England and Wales. Š Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Board of Finance