News of events in and around the Dyffryn Clwyd Mission Area
All contributions are welcome - please send them to [email protected]
Scroll down to find these topics
PHILIP CHEW'S DEPARTURE
Leading your church into growth (LyCiG)
Shine a light - RIP Carol Lloyd
Pam and Geoff Andrews leave Llanbedr
Thank God for "busy B"
Cantorion Garmon Harvest Service
Mission Area Administrator's blog
Success for Efenychtryd
Open Doors Weekends - September 2017
Choral Evensong at St Garmon's
First Vestry Meeting of Dyffryn Clwyd Mission Area
Mission Area Administrator appointed
Ruthin Pancake races
Stuart's 60th birthday
Sabattical - Room for God in a different context ...
Visit of Bishop Matthew of South West Tanganyica and his wife Skola
Llanbedr Autumn Apple Fair
PHILIP CHEW'S DEPARTURE
Leading your church into growth (LyCiG)
Shine a light - RIP Carol Lloyd
Pam and Geoff Andrews leave Llanbedr
Thank God for "busy B"
Cantorion Garmon Harvest Service
Mission Area Administrator's blog
Success for Efenychtryd
Open Doors Weekends - September 2017
Choral Evensong at St Garmon's
First Vestry Meeting of Dyffryn Clwyd Mission Area
Mission Area Administrator appointed
Ruthin Pancake races
Stuart's 60th birthday
Sabattical - Room for God in a different context ...
Visit of Bishop Matthew of South West Tanganyica and his wife Skola
Llanbedr Autumn Apple Fair
Philip Chew's departure
Philip Chew has announced his departure from the Dyffryn Clwyd Mission Area after 9 years here. He made the announcement at the beginning of the Eucharist at Llanynys church during the Mission Area Pilgrimage on 30 June 2019. He will leave at the end of September.
He will be moving to a parish with just 3 churches – a far cry he says from a group of 5 within a Mission Area of 12 (plus one Pilgrim Church). The parish is known as Wrea (or more fully as Ribby cum Wrea) and more information about it can be found by following this link. We are of course very sorry to see you go, Philip, but all of us in Dyfryn Clwyd Mission Area wish you a very successful time in your new life. [You can read all about Philip’s life so far in his book “Altar Ego”. Click here for details.] An outing from the Mission Area to the Philip's induction on Sunday 3 November is being arranged, leaving at 1.00 pm. The Induction service is at 4.00 pm, Phone or email the office to discuss transport, |
Leading your church into growth (LyCiG)
Is your church in growth?
What is the great thrust of your church life?
Where do you want to be in three years time?
How much is your church praying for growth?
In what ways are you helping people respond to the gospel and grow in commitment and discipleship ?
If you are not leading your church into growth, where are you leading it?
What is the great thrust of your church life?
Where do you want to be in three years time?
How much is your church praying for growth?
In what ways are you helping people respond to the gospel and grow in commitment and discipleship ?
If you are not leading your church into growth, where are you leading it?
These are just a few of the thought-provoking questions we were asked one Saturday at the beginning of November2018 when a group of us from all three Ruthin Town Churches and the wider Mission Area spent the day together in the Llangollen Pavilion. Sitting round circular tables in Mission Area groups, with inspirational speakers from the LyCiG (Leading your Church into Growth) organisation, Archdeacon John and our own Tracey White, handouts to keep us thinking, screen presentations to inspire us, and a supply of coffee and a simple sandwich lunch to keep us going, we had plenty to stimulate good discussion and generate ideas of how we can help lead the church in our area into growth. |
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Because this was the focus of our day. With Bishop Gregory there to participate in the event, we were challenged to think about church growth and to plan for it. For we are meant to be growing - just think about the New Testament images for church - Vine, Flock, Body - living things that grow. But what kind of growth is the priority? Spiritual growth? Growth of community involvement? Or numerical growth? Different people in the hall had different priorities, but it was agreed that numerical growth was hugely important, not least because of Jesus’ great commission to ‘make disciples’.
So we shared ideas about where we were up to in our churches and mission area, and began to form a few tentative ideas. We looked at areas such as praying specifically for growth, developing a warm presence in the community, looking for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus, and helping enquirers to come to faith and grow. We could see that there were things that we do well already, but other aspects in need of development.
What happens next? We’ll meet together again as a group soon to remember our day together and crystallise our ideas. We’ll share the day and our ideas with our congregations, church councils, mission area conference and shared ministry team. Some of us may go next year on a weekend residential course run by LyCiG, an organisation which has already had a positive impact on Church life and growth in dioceses across the border. Those who went on the day are determined not to let it simply be a flash in the pan, but to continue to inspire us to establish a culture of growth in our churches and to pray and plan accordingly.
Please join us in our prayers and listen out for opportunities to get involved!
So we shared ideas about where we were up to in our churches and mission area, and began to form a few tentative ideas. We looked at areas such as praying specifically for growth, developing a warm presence in the community, looking for opportunities to share the good news of Jesus, and helping enquirers to come to faith and grow. We could see that there were things that we do well already, but other aspects in need of development.
What happens next? We’ll meet together again as a group soon to remember our day together and crystallise our ideas. We’ll share the day and our ideas with our congregations, church councils, mission area conference and shared ministry team. Some of us may go next year on a weekend residential course run by LyCiG, an organisation which has already had a positive impact on Church life and growth in dioceses across the border. Those who went on the day are determined not to let it simply be a flash in the pan, but to continue to inspire us to establish a culture of growth in our churches and to pray and plan accordingly.
Please join us in our prayers and listen out for opportunities to get involved!
Mission Area Pilgrimage – 29 July 2018
I was very pleased to be able to walk the whole of the Mission Area Pilgrimage at the end of July. Due to a combination of dodgy knees, holidays and other engagements, this hadn’t been possible since moving to the area. I was nearly put off by the dreadful weather forecast; after weeks of very dry weather we were faced with a downpour. But, fearful of being thought of as a fair-weather pilgrim, I found my cag and boots and turned up at Llanrhaedr for the start of the pilgrimage.
A good number of us - not all walkers - were made welcome as we shared in a short service of morning prayer next to the famous Jesse window in the church. Then, rather than visit the well behind the church as is usually the case, we began our walk. The path to the well can be quite treacherous in wet conditions.
We crossed the Denbigh road and made our way in pouring rain through fields, over stiles, and down country lanes to the village of Llanynys where we met with many others who joined us for the Mission Area Eucharist. It was a joy to play and sing with Llan Band, and it was a special time of worship as we sang, thought about the feeding of the five thousand, prayed and broke bread together.
Then it was off on the next stage of our journey, in better weather. We walked through a field of maize, which felt like a maze with the crop towering above us, and across more fields to the church in Llanychan, where we had our midday prayers and enjoyed our packed lunches, supplemented by cups of tea, biscuits and fruit provided by the church.
After lunch we travelled on in good weather through fields and paths, into Gellifor and then along a gradual uphill path and through fields with wonderful views back across the Vale. Our destination was the church in Llangynhafal, calling first at St Cynhafal’s well to worship with a song. I was delighted when I walked into St Cynhafal’s church as I realised it was a church I had visited and admired many years before and had been unable to relocate.
After worshipping and giving thanks we were offered a wonderful array of cakes, water and as much tea as we wanted. A good crowd of people joined us for tea, including friends from the Denbigh Mission Area, and our Pilgrimage concluded with Gosper, in which we heard Dylan preaching in Welsh; ‘I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people.’ (Hebrews 8)
Well, God’s people who completed the whole walk arrived home feeling pretty weary - my fitbit tells me I walked over 20 000 steps that day - but very glad to have participated in such a special day. Our thanks must go to all who contributed to the day - the walk leaders who had prepared the way by walking the route earlier in the week and cutting back brambles, those who opened up their beautiful churches and provided refreshments; the person who made sure there was a portable loo at every stopping point; those who were able to give us a taste of the history of the places we visited, those who organised the logistics of getting us all back to our cars to get home, and those who planned worship.
Above all , I was thankful to God for a lovely walk in beautiful surroundings, time spent with the church family from the whole Mission Area and beyond, and the opportunity to reflect on God’s love and care for us on our pilgrimage through life.
Contributed by Judi in the September 2018 MESSENGER
A good number of us - not all walkers - were made welcome as we shared in a short service of morning prayer next to the famous Jesse window in the church. Then, rather than visit the well behind the church as is usually the case, we began our walk. The path to the well can be quite treacherous in wet conditions.
We crossed the Denbigh road and made our way in pouring rain through fields, over stiles, and down country lanes to the village of Llanynys where we met with many others who joined us for the Mission Area Eucharist. It was a joy to play and sing with Llan Band, and it was a special time of worship as we sang, thought about the feeding of the five thousand, prayed and broke bread together.
Then it was off on the next stage of our journey, in better weather. We walked through a field of maize, which felt like a maze with the crop towering above us, and across more fields to the church in Llanychan, where we had our midday prayers and enjoyed our packed lunches, supplemented by cups of tea, biscuits and fruit provided by the church.
After lunch we travelled on in good weather through fields and paths, into Gellifor and then along a gradual uphill path and through fields with wonderful views back across the Vale. Our destination was the church in Llangynhafal, calling first at St Cynhafal’s well to worship with a song. I was delighted when I walked into St Cynhafal’s church as I realised it was a church I had visited and admired many years before and had been unable to relocate.
After worshipping and giving thanks we were offered a wonderful array of cakes, water and as much tea as we wanted. A good crowd of people joined us for tea, including friends from the Denbigh Mission Area, and our Pilgrimage concluded with Gosper, in which we heard Dylan preaching in Welsh; ‘I will put my laws in their minds, and write them on their hearts; I will be their God, and they will be my people.’ (Hebrews 8)
Well, God’s people who completed the whole walk arrived home feeling pretty weary - my fitbit tells me I walked over 20 000 steps that day - but very glad to have participated in such a special day. Our thanks must go to all who contributed to the day - the walk leaders who had prepared the way by walking the route earlier in the week and cutting back brambles, those who opened up their beautiful churches and provided refreshments; the person who made sure there was a portable loo at every stopping point; those who were able to give us a taste of the history of the places we visited, those who organised the logistics of getting us all back to our cars to get home, and those who planned worship.
Above all , I was thankful to God for a lovely walk in beautiful surroundings, time spent with the church family from the whole Mission Area and beyond, and the opportunity to reflect on God’s love and care for us on our pilgrimage through life.
Contributed by Judi in the September 2018 MESSENGER
Shine a light - RIP Carol LLOYD
Shine a light!
For me, Carol's bright smile (and ‘wicked’ grin) which lit up her whole face is one of many ways that I will always remember her. She always seemed to have the gift of knowing what to say or do to make you feel loved and cherished by God. (Like greeting me after a break with, “ Welcome home!”) In everything she said and did, Carol loved God and God's people. Whether it was as Warden in Trem y Fowl, as active member of St. John's Ambulance Brigade, Mother’s Union branch leader or in her many and varied roles at St. Mwrog's Church (everything from Church Warden to flower arranger), Carol radiated with a spirit of loving service. The vast number of people who attended her funeral would, I'm sure, testify to the many and varied ways she has touched our lives - a (literally) indispensable contribution to life in and outside church! As Revd John Barden Davies said during the service, “ Carol was devoted to St. Mwrog's Church but she recognised the essential truth that it is people who make up a Church.” Like all of us human beings, Carol faced challenges and upsets through Life's ups and downs but I will always cherish the way her faith and trust in God's grace and goodness shone through. She reflected the light of Christ's sacrificial love and devotion (as well as helping to keep my ministry on the straight and narrow!) and I find comfort in the belief that she now enjoys the light of eternity with Christ her Lord for ever. May our memories of Carol brighten our darkest days and draw us to the light of Christ...! Stuart |
Pam and Geoff Andrews leave Llanbedr
We would like to thank everyone who turned up for “Coster Llanbedr” on 7th May. Not only was it a very enjoyable and sociable event for St. Peter’s but also an opportunity for us all to meet with other people from the village and chat with them over a cup of coffee. In addition, we made £312 for a local charity, an overseas charity and the church.
We would also like to thank everyone in St. Peters for their support over the last 16 years during which time we were church warden, treasurer and organist at various times. We have made many friends during this time and would like to keep in contact with them now we have moved to Hawarden. We would also be pleased to come back from time to time if there is a special service or event.
We have many happy memories of our time at St. Peter’s, all memories of the people who have supported us with the various events and projects with which we have been involved. With our very best wishes to you all for the future,
Love from Pam and Geoff.
We would also like to thank everyone in St. Peters for their support over the last 16 years during which time we were church warden, treasurer and organist at various times. We have made many friends during this time and would like to keep in contact with them now we have moved to Hawarden. We would also be pleased to come back from time to time if there is a special service or event.
We have many happy memories of our time at St. Peter’s, all memories of the people who have supported us with the various events and projects with which we have been involved. With our very best wishes to you all for the future,
Love from Pam and Geoff.
Thank God for "busy B"
It was at my interview for Ruthin that I first met Beryl. I recall a benign smile – and a friendly repost, with Beryl reminding me that St.Meugan’s was the “Mother Church” and me suggesting that a “mother” has the welfare of all her “children” (ie all three churches) at heart! In many ways, Beryl ‘mothered’ me in my ministry to the good people of Llanrhydd, making sure I knew what was what and that things went along appropriately.
She had a phenomenal memory – not only people and places of the past (as might be expected in someone in their 90s) but she was also keen to remember people who were unwell or others with particular needs. In an email to her fellow Church Warden and friend, Susan, I spoke of how, for a person with a diminutive figure, Beryl had a big heart! (Indeed, I recall walking around Ruthin and being startled to see a car apparently driving itself. Closer inspection drew me to the |
the fact that a certain Beryl Jones was to be seen peeping over the dashboard!)
For a ‘small’ person Beryl really did have a great big heart – loving her family and delighting in all their achievements, but, equally so, firmly committed to her ‘family’ at St. Meugan’s and demonstrating the same love and compassion to each and every one of us who will sadly miss our “Boss” - as I rather teasingly liked to call her! (I can still picture her turning up for a Saturday baptism and, despite my best attempts, refusing to leave me to conduct the service on my own!
Like all my excellent Church Wardens, Beryl was supportive, informative and would soon tell me if something was amiss...) Like all of us, I will miss the busy “Boss” at St. Meugan’s but I believe she has gone to be met by her Boss, Jesus Christ our Lord, who has welcomed her into His peace with those words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” May Beryl rest in Christ’s peace and rise in His glory! STUART.
For a ‘small’ person Beryl really did have a great big heart – loving her family and delighting in all their achievements, but, equally so, firmly committed to her ‘family’ at St. Meugan’s and demonstrating the same love and compassion to each and every one of us who will sadly miss our “Boss” - as I rather teasingly liked to call her! (I can still picture her turning up for a Saturday baptism and, despite my best attempts, refusing to leave me to conduct the service on my own!
Like all my excellent Church Wardens, Beryl was supportive, informative and would soon tell me if something was amiss...) Like all of us, I will miss the busy “Boss” at St. Meugan’s but I believe she has gone to be met by her Boss, Jesus Christ our Lord, who has welcomed her into His peace with those words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!” May Beryl rest in Christ’s peace and rise in His glory! STUART.
Cantorion Garmon Harvest Service
The shining candelabra descended for the candles to be lit, the autumnal shades of the floral arrangements glowed. Then, with Mari Roberts playing the organ, ‘We Plough the Fields and Scatter’ began the harvest festival. Conducted by Ruth Evans, Cantorion Garmon led the singing to show forth our praise for the harvest. Rev Chew reminded us to listen, in our busy lives, to what is among us, waiting to be heard. The choir sang harmonised responses and the anthem, ‘Lord for thy tender mercy’s sake’, a renaissance piece by Ferrant, music maker to Elizabeth I. After all had raised the song of harvest-home, it was time to Come, ye thankful people, come for the harvest supper in the Old Schoolroom. Thankful indeed to those who had lifted, shifted, swept, sorted and catered for a traditional festival of the harvest.
By Jenny Parks (Alto, Cantorion Garmon) |
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Mission Area Administrator's blog
Monday 2nd October - ‘Open Day’ for the new Mission Area Office (or just another day in a busy week ….)
The idea was to give members of our congregations in the mission area the chance to come along to the new office, find out where it is and, if you haven’t already met me, find out about my role as Mission Area Administrator.
It was also a good chance to see the office which has been created to help support the work of the thirteen churches that make up our mission area in Dyffryn Clwyd. The office base - or, to put it more accurately, Eglwys Hwb - and the role of the administrator has the potential .......
The idea was to give members of our congregations in the mission area the chance to come along to the new office, find out where it is and, if you haven’t already met me, find out about my role as Mission Area Administrator.
It was also a good chance to see the office which has been created to help support the work of the thirteen churches that make up our mission area in Dyffryn Clwyd. The office base - or, to put it more accurately, Eglwys Hwb - and the role of the administrator has the potential .......
Success for Efenychtyd
Efenechtyd Church has come second in the Sacred Wales Competition – a competition to find Wales' favourite sacred place. It’s a great result for the smallest church in our Mission Area!
Thank you everyone who voted for us to become one of Wales' favourite sacred places.
Click here for more details.
Thank you everyone who voted for us to become one of Wales' favourite sacred places.
Click here for more details.
Huw Edwards, broadcaster and journalist and Vice President of the National Churches Trust launched the ‘Sacred Wales – Cymru Sanctaidd’ competition in July this year, calling on the public to vote for the Welsh church or chapel they liked the most.
Tabernacle Chapel. Morrison, South Wales has been revealed as the winner with 7,081 people voting for it as their favourite. Tabernacle Chapel beat off competition from 49 other churches and chapels. Runners up were St Michael and All Angels, Efenechtyd with 4,498 votes and the Church of the Holy Cross, Mwnt with 1,884 votes. |
Open Doors Weekends
Open Doors over the weekends of 2nd and 3rd (Ruthin Town) and 8th/9th (Denbighshire) of Sept feature several of our churches including Derwen at which Richard will hold the once a year service at 11am. (The church has been handed over to the Friends of Friendless churches.) Last year's Open Doors service was the first ever in Derwen for many years and was very popular.
Efenechtyd Church this year has for the first time been joined by the opening of the Old Rectory next door home to our church warden Marion Henshaw !
Click here to get more infornation from the Llanfair group of churches' Facebook page
Click here to access a bilingual booklet giving full information about the two weekends
Efenechtyd Church this year has for the first time been joined by the opening of the Old Rectory next door home to our church warden Marion Henshaw !
Click here to get more infornation from the Llanfair group of churches' Facebook page
Click here to access a bilingual booklet giving full information about the two weekends
Choral Evensong in Llanarmon
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Cantorion Garmon – we have restarted choral singing at St. Garmon’s! Canotrion Garmon singers are from the Llanarmon-yn-Iȃl area conducted by Ruth Evans with musical support from Mari Roberts (organ), Suzanne Deary and Sioned Foulkes. So far the chamber choir have sung two evensongs at St. Garmon’s (in March and April) and at the Declaration of the High Sheriff of Clwyd in Llanynys church (Revd Chew is the High Sheriff’s chaplain). The next evensong will be on Thursday 12th October 7pm (with Harvest Supper to follow), please come and join us. Thank you to Revd Chew and Church Committee for their support and for Elaine, Beryl and more for the wonderful cakes / refreshments post evensongs. |
First Vestry Meeting of Dyffryn Clwyd Mission Area
The first Dyffryn Clwyd Mission Area Annual Easter Vestry Meeting was held on 30th April 2017 at Llanelidan Church with Rev Philip Chew Mission Area Leader, Rev Stuart Evans. Rev Richard Carter and representatives from the thirteen churches across the Dyffryn Clwyd Mission Area being present. The meeting was preceded by a shared Mission Area Eucharist.
Click here to read the minutes of the meeting and click here for a less formal report of the meeting
Click here to read the minutes of the meeting and click here for a less formal report of the meeting
Mission Area Administrator appointed (April 2017)
Caroline writes ...
Hello … My name is Caroline Bennett and I have just been appointed to the new post of administrator to the Dyffryn Clwyd Mission Area, supporting the Mission Area Conference, the Executive and the Shared Ministry teams. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you, but meanwhile I thought it might help to give you a little bit of background about myself and .... click here for more |
Ruthin Pancake Races
(Taken from the April 2017 Messenger magazine)
Shrove Tuesday – another Pancake Day another Pancake Race! This year the fund raising was for Tŷ Gobaith/ Hope House. Would the weather be fine? There was snow early in the day but the decision was made – we go on. Faith was rewarded, the sun shone and people came – quite a lot too- plus lots of children from the schools and some stalwart adults – well done. Many thanks to all the helpers, especially to Ruthin Rotary and Inner Wheel for their invaluable support, as well as the police and community support persons. We don’t yet have a final result – almost £400 with more to come. Splendid media coverage: not just the papers but ITV News at 6 and USA Today. Ruthin went international.
Shrove Tuesday – another Pancake Day another Pancake Race! This year the fund raising was for Tŷ Gobaith/ Hope House. Would the weather be fine? There was snow early in the day but the decision was made – we go on. Faith was rewarded, the sun shone and people came – quite a lot too- plus lots of children from the schools and some stalwart adults – well done. Many thanks to all the helpers, especially to Ruthin Rotary and Inner Wheel for their invaluable support, as well as the police and community support persons. We don’t yet have a final result – almost £400 with more to come. Splendid media coverage: not just the papers but ITV News at 6 and USA Today. Ruthin went international.
Stuart's 60th Birthday
(Taken from the April 2017 Messenger magazine)
On Sunday March 12th, after the morning services, people came together in St Peter’s Church for a surprise party to celebrate Stuart’s 60th Birthday. Those present included people from all three of the Ruthin Town Churches, Stuart’s family and from his previous churches. There was a veritable feast provided on a bring and share basis and everyone was well satisfied. As well as the celebration this was an excellent opportunity for us all to meet together. Thanks to all those involved in organising this event and providing all the food. |
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And Stuart writes :-
“DIOLCH! – THANK YOU!” Please may I offer a massive word of gratitude to everyone who contributed in any way to the recent celebration of my sixtieth birthday! I thank God for the gift of these years and I was especially pleased [and truly surprised and delighted!] to celebrate with so many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from our three Ruthin Churches – as well as family and friends from further afield. I was touched by all that this expressed about the love we share in Christ. Thank you for taking the time to be there.
Footnote - The webmaster first became aware of this birthday when he spotted a reference to it on Facebook!
“DIOLCH! – THANK YOU!” Please may I offer a massive word of gratitude to everyone who contributed in any way to the recent celebration of my sixtieth birthday! I thank God for the gift of these years and I was especially pleased [and truly surprised and delighted!] to celebrate with so many of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ from our three Ruthin Churches – as well as family and friends from further afield. I was touched by all that this expressed about the love we share in Christ. Thank you for taking the time to be there.
Footnote - The webmaster first became aware of this birthday when he spotted a reference to it on Facebook!
Sabbatical - room for God in a different context...
(From the March 2017 "Messenger" magazine)
I hope that you will be pleased to be informed that Bishop Gregory has granted me permission to take a Sabbatical during the autumn months of September, October and November 2017. During this time I will need to arrange for Sunday services to be covered by retired clergy, and day to day leadership will be headed up by Reverend Philip, our Mission Area Leader, supported by our Church Wardens, Elaine, Lois, Judith, Carol, Beryl, Susan and yourselves.
My hope during this time away from formal ministry in Ruthin is to research how churches around the UK engage with their local community – and share the best ideas with our emerging Mission Area on my return!
As Bishop Gregory is keen for a Sabbatical to also include some time of refreshment and recreation, I also plan to compare how some churches engage with their communities in Brazil and Argentina whilst visiting these countries.
As this may be as new an experience for you as it is for me, please feel free to ask any questions of the wardens or myself at any time. As we start to prepare together for this short time of different ministry, please pray:
- That God will be at the heart of our endeavours.
- That the necessary preparations go smoothly.
- That the experience enriches all our ministries.
God bless,
STUART.
(From the March 2017 "Messenger" magazine)
I hope that you will be pleased to be informed that Bishop Gregory has granted me permission to take a Sabbatical during the autumn months of September, October and November 2017. During this time I will need to arrange for Sunday services to be covered by retired clergy, and day to day leadership will be headed up by Reverend Philip, our Mission Area Leader, supported by our Church Wardens, Elaine, Lois, Judith, Carol, Beryl, Susan and yourselves.
My hope during this time away from formal ministry in Ruthin is to research how churches around the UK engage with their local community – and share the best ideas with our emerging Mission Area on my return!
As Bishop Gregory is keen for a Sabbatical to also include some time of refreshment and recreation, I also plan to compare how some churches engage with their communities in Brazil and Argentina whilst visiting these countries.
As this may be as new an experience for you as it is for me, please feel free to ask any questions of the wardens or myself at any time. As we start to prepare together for this short time of different ministry, please pray:
- That God will be at the heart of our endeavours.
- That the necessary preparations go smoothly.
- That the experience enriches all our ministries.
God bless,
STUART.
Visit of Bishop Matthew of South West Tanganyka and his wife Skola
(From the March 2017 "Messenger" magazine.)
The day for Bishop Mathew and his wife began at Ysgol Borthyn CIW School where they were formally welcomed to Wales, to Ruthin Town and to the school by Year 6 and the school choir. The morning continued with visiting classes and joining in a whole range of informal question and answer sessions.
An ecumenical soup lunch took place at Number 10 Mwrog Street, where after a choice of delicious soups and bread, Matthew told us over a cup of tea that he had climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to try to raise £8,000 (a million Tanzanian Shillings) to build four shops and a Diocesan shop for building materials for the diocese and an orphanage for homeless children, so that they can meet and see the love of God.
The thinking behind the project is also to create new jobs in the diocese to save young people turning to drink and drugs and ending up in gaol. As well as chatting informally, ecumenical partners learnt about, prayed for and financially supported the diocese of South West Tanganyika and Bishop Matthew's future plans.
After lunch Revd Richard accompanied the African visitors to the Llysfasi agricultural campus of Coleg Cambria where, as well as touring the campus and meeting students, Bishop Matthew learnt of the role of the Chaplain, Catherine Williams.
A whistle stop tour of Llanfair Church and school completed their busy day!
They spent the evening in the company of Bishop Gregory and his wife Clare.
Thanks to Jean Campbel Leith for her contribution to this report.
(From the March 2017 "Messenger" magazine.)
The day for Bishop Mathew and his wife began at Ysgol Borthyn CIW School where they were formally welcomed to Wales, to Ruthin Town and to the school by Year 6 and the school choir. The morning continued with visiting classes and joining in a whole range of informal question and answer sessions.
An ecumenical soup lunch took place at Number 10 Mwrog Street, where after a choice of delicious soups and bread, Matthew told us over a cup of tea that he had climbed Mount Kilimanjaro to try to raise £8,000 (a million Tanzanian Shillings) to build four shops and a Diocesan shop for building materials for the diocese and an orphanage for homeless children, so that they can meet and see the love of God.
The thinking behind the project is also to create new jobs in the diocese to save young people turning to drink and drugs and ending up in gaol. As well as chatting informally, ecumenical partners learnt about, prayed for and financially supported the diocese of South West Tanganyika and Bishop Matthew's future plans.
After lunch Revd Richard accompanied the African visitors to the Llysfasi agricultural campus of Coleg Cambria where, as well as touring the campus and meeting students, Bishop Matthew learnt of the role of the Chaplain, Catherine Williams.
A whistle stop tour of Llanfair Church and school completed their busy day!
They spent the evening in the company of Bishop Gregory and his wife Clare.
Thanks to Jean Campbel Leith for her contribution to this report.
Llanbedr Autumn Apple Fayre
(Taken from the December 2016/February 2017 "Link" magazine)
On 8th October we held our first ever Autumn Apple Fayre ahead of our Harvest Service. The success in raising over £340 for church funds was down to Bert and Lorna Harrison who managed to get donations of apples {I should think a couple of hundredweight} from a number of local friends and contacts. They also secured other donations of things we needed from B&M, Co-op, Clyttir Farm, Jones Butchers, Morgans, Tesco, Well Street Pharmacy, Richard Williams and Fineline. .
(Taken from the December 2016/February 2017 "Link" magazine)
On 8th October we held our first ever Autumn Apple Fayre ahead of our Harvest Service. The success in raising over £340 for church funds was down to Bert and Lorna Harrison who managed to get donations of apples {I should think a couple of hundredweight} from a number of local friends and contacts. They also secured other donations of things we needed from B&M, Co-op, Clyttir Farm, Jones Butchers, Morgans, Tesco, Well Street Pharmacy, Richard Williams and Fineline. .