Union Flag At Half Mast
News for May
The flying of the Union Flag at half mast, on the church tower, was a signal that we were joining in with the country, on hearing the sad news of the death of HRH the Duke of Edinburgh. In church, prayers were offered for HM the Queen at the loss of a husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, and we also included in our prayers the loss of loved ones all over the country to the ravages of COVID-19, at whose passing, funerals were held under strict covid rules. May they all rest in peace and rise in glory.
The church has been open for Eucharistic worship on Sundays and Wednesdays, under the strict covid rules, where places have to be booked in advance, and bookings often exceed the numbers allowed. It is hoped that the next Government announcement on May 17th will allow a greater relaxation of the rules and some kind of a NEW normality can be introduced, so we wait to hear.
THE TOWER.- Mention was made in last month’s “What’s On” of the security tape placed around the base of the tower to prevent public access, as the mortar infill was falling due to the severe frosts we have had in the month. Steeplejacks were engaged to scale the tower and report on the condition of the fabric; their report is very worrying. There is extensive degradation of the mortar infilling of the stones and the church architect was made aware of the report. The repair work must be put in hand as quickly as possible, using lime mortar which can only be applied in frost free conditions. This will mean scaffolding around the tower, and once tenders have been received, the work carried out before the winter is upon us. At the present moment our Building Fund, is limited as we have already accepted estimates for the redecoration of the interior of the nave and chancel ceiling. This work will take place during the early part of May and the church will have to be closed for all worship, due to the scaffolding erected etc. within the building. We will not know the costs involved for the tower repairs, until the tendering process has been completed, faculties have been applied for, and grants may well have to be sought to carry out the work. A public appeal is also being considered as this unexpected work is beyond the finances of the church. We acknowledge with thanks how church members have responded to maintain St Mary’s during the past year, the contributions made to the building fund by the 200 club over the years has funded the normal maintenance work needed on a Grade II* building. We appeal to all who value the presence of the village church, to respond in some way to keep the church building in good and fair condition. Any contribution you are able to make will be most welcome and gratefully received.
As a sign that church worship is returning, a wedding is planned to take place in May,
This will be the first wedding for over a year. The number of guests is limited, and of course receptions cannot take place in doors. Jon has a number of other weddings planned during the year, which have all been postponed due to the covid rules. Baptisms cannot be held at present, but as the covid situation improves, relaxation of the present rules could well be relaxed, as we strive to make the NEW normal the way ahead.
The annual Church Vestry Meeting has taken place on ZOOM with all officers and members of the PCC voted into office for the remainder of the year. This will be the last PCC meeting in the parish of St. Mary in Wenvoe. As from January 1st 2022 the PCC will be reformed as the Devolved Church Council (DCC) when we become a part of the NEW MINISTRY AREA of “de Morgannwg” bringing together nine churches merging as one grouping, whose mission is to bring the love of Christ to our communities. This will mean a change of status as a self governing parish. It is over 900 years since parishes were formed following the Norman Conquest, and when we merge we will be parishioners in the wider Ministry Area. This will entail a new Electoral Roll of church membership, a bringing together of all the individual church finances. For this year it is a work in progress, with Zoom meetings taking place with representatives of the nine churches trying to find a common ground within the ministry area.
The Christian Aid Appeal
“Making Steps Matter”
This year’s Cristian aid appeal was launched in church on the 4th Sunday of Easter, in readiness for our LOCAL CHALLENGE of counting and sponsoring the many steps we take during the day in our normal lives. Sponsorship forms can be collected from the church porch or Springfield Stores , Donations and results can be given to Rev. Jon Ormrod or posted through the church letter box. So let’s get walking and giving.
We continue to support the Barry Food Bank with collections from the church porches of Wenvoe and Sully churches on Thursday mornings. The need for food banks is greater than ever and contributions can be left in the church porches during the week. All food items gratefully received, especially requests for tinned potatoes, 100gram jars of coffee, treats for children, men’s toiletries, and tinned meats. Many thanks to all who donate on a regular basis.
Keep well, God Bless
Parry Edwards
It is wonderful to be able to write to you all with some Good News. As Easter approaches, I am happy to report that now that the Welsh Government has moved from its instruction of Stay at Home to Stay Local that it has been decided that we can now re-open our churches in Wenvoe and St Lythans for public worship. This will be from the end of March onwards.
