Category: St Mary’s Parish Church News

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FEBRUARY REPORT

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Dear Readers, Welcome to this month’s report on the GOOD NEWS to be given to the faithful worshippers in St. Mary’s every Sunday at 9.30am.

By the time you are reading this page, we will have been in the solemn season of Lent since Ash Wednesday on the 22nd February when the traditional ceremony of “ashing” was carried out during the Holy Eucharist service at 10.00am. Perhaps an explanation will help those who are not regular churchgoers. ASH WEDNESDAY is called because on that day Christians in church will be marked with a cross on their foreheads with ash, derived from the burning of last year’s palm crosses, with the words “Dust thou art and unto dust will you return”. It is a reminder of our origin and our mortality, and is a sign of penance for the starting of our Lenten observance. Church teaching during Lent was for us to give something up, that has changed now to doing something extra, to help your neighbour with a task if they are unable to do it themselves. To greet a perfect stranger with a smile. To go out of your way when you come across a need that needs to be addressed. The first Wednesday in Lent is also St David’s Day, Dydd Gwyl Dewi Sant and David is remembered for his teaching to his followers “TO DO THE LITTLE THINGS AS YOU HAVE SEEN ME DO” that still holds good today, and echoes the message of Lent to do something extra. Following the service, there will be an opportunity for some hospitality in the Church Hall with coffee/tea and Welsh cakes. During Lent there will be a service in church each Wednesday morning at 10.00 am and all are welcome to join the faithful who will appreciate the additional service in mid week, which is normally a more quieter service than that on a Sunday morning.

The other piece of GOOD NEWS is the publication of the latest edition of “CONNECTIONS” our quarterly Ministry Area Magazine, which is full of the activities in the nine churches since Advent of last year, together with all the arrangements for observing the period of Lent, to Holy Week and the major church festival of Easter itself. Copies are available in all our churches, and are FREE but donations towards the cost of printing are always welcome, and a copy is always placed in the library at the Hub in Wenvoe, where you can read it, but why not have a copy at home to keep all the events at your fingertips. We also provide a digital copy if that is more convenient or you can forward it to a friend who has a former connection with Wenvoe.

Last month we reported how the church was facing up to the increased cost of maintaining the church as a warm comforting place during these Winter months. We are not alone with this, as many other churches are facing the same additional costs, just as we are in our own homes. That message is worth repeating again this month..

We all know only too well how our household bills have risen as a result of the war in Ukraine and the cutting off of the supplies of gas from Russia has

increased the cost of heating our homes. The church is not immune from this and the rising cost of other bills to keep the church functioning is a real worry for church officers trying to balance the books at the year end. The church survives solely on the income that comes from the offerings on the collection plate, the scheme of Giving Direct via our bank accounts, donations, fund raising and our precious reserves. Our largest outlay is the monthly payment to the PARISH SHARE to the Diocese, to cover the salary of the incumbent and other expenses in the financing of the diocesan policies, so the question we need to ask ourselves is this….When did you last review your weekly giving to the work of the church? Since COVID and the lockdowns we are seeing fewer people at our worship, yet the bills keep rising for a church that is in every sense a church for the community at large. The church door is open to all, at most times and Vicar Lyndon welcomes enquiries about donations, large or small, to help today’s generation to hand the building on to the future generations yet to be born. As a Church we have good reason to be thankful to the many generations who have gone before us. Through their good Christian stewardship and generous legacies they have provided for the mission and ministry of the Church over many centuries, the fruits of which we continue to enjoy today. So another question we can ask ourselves is Have I made provision in my will to help foster the work of the church after my days. Congregations in every church are commended to remember their spiritual home to help the work of mission and ministry by leaving a legacy which can make a vital difference in maintaining a church that can be used by the whole community when the needs arise. Thank you for reading this and if you are able to donate a gift, however small, it will be gratefully received.

Mothering Sunday on March 19th. There will be an opportunity to join with our Ministry Area of De Morgannwg to attend the service of Choral Evensong at the Cathedral. This is very appropriate to be at the mother church of the diocese on this day, and expressions of interest will be sought with a view to providing transport to and from our churches nearer the time. The morning services will be at the usual time and maybe there will be flowers to give Mums and others to mark the specialness of the day.

Thank you for reading the church news. We launched the CHRISTIAN AID appeal for the devastating earthquake in Turkey and Syria, donations can still be made via our secure letter boxes at the Church Hall and Church Porch. There is always a welcome to join our services. The church door is not a barrier but a threshold to joining a warm loving community ready to greet you.

Every Blessing and Peace

Parry Edward

 

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JANUARY REPORT

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Welcome to this month’s report on the activities and events that have taken place in our churches during January. The first Sunday of the year just happened to be New Year’s Day, and the congregation in St. Mary’s were offered a musical treat following the service when Rob Lloyd our organist played J.S. Bach’s “New Year Chorale”. What an uplifting piece of music, composed to celebrate the arrival of a new year. To watch Rob’s hands, co-ordinating with his feet on the pedal board, was simply amazing and the resulting sounds were wonderful to hear and appreciate, resulting in a round of applause from all present.

The Feast of the Epiphany was kept to commemorate the visit of the three Magi, or Wise Men, to present their gifts of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh to the infant Jesus. The crib will remain until the feast of Candlemas, which brings the Christmas season to an end for this year.

The Season of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday February 22nd, with a Eucharist and Imposition of Ashes at 10.00am at St. Mary’s and also at St. John the Baptist in Sully at 7.00pm. It is during this service that the congregation are marked with a cross on their forehead with the words “from dust you came and to dust you will return”. It is a reminder that we are mortal and that our lives will end at a time chosen by Almighty God. During Lent we shall be discussing the words written in the Catechism, as a reminder to us all of our preparation for Confirmation, and the promises made so many years ago. Lyndon’s sermons will echo this theme and there will be an opportunity to discuss points raised after the service, should any of the congregation wish to stay behind. Lent can be used in many ways as not only an opportunity to give something up, but also take on aspects of our faith which we may not have given much thought to since the heady days of our own confirmation by the Bishop.

An evening informal Eucharist and discussion group will be meeting in Sully on Wednesdays at 7.00pm. Look out for details in the church newsletter.

On Mothering Sunday on March 19th there will be an opportunity to join with our Ministry Area of De Morgannwg to attend the service of Choral Evensong at the Cathedral. This is very appropriate to be at the mother church of the diocese on this day. Expressions of interest will be sought with a view to providing transport to and from our churches nearer the time. The morning services will be at the usual time and maybe there will be flowers, to give Mums and others, to mark the specialness of the day.

We all know only too well how our household bills have risen as a result of the war in Ukraine and the cutting off of the supplies of gas from Russia has increased the cost of heating our homes. The church is not immune from this and the rising cost of other bills to keep the church functioning is a real worry for church officers, trying to balance the books at the year end. The church survives solely on the income that comes from the offerings on the collection plate, the scheme of Giving Direct via our bank accounts, donations, fund raising and our precious reserves. Our largest outlay is the monthly payment to the PARISH SHARE to the Diocese, to cover the salary of the incumbent and other expenses in the financing of the diocesan policies. So the question we need to ask ourselves is this….When did you last review your weekly giving to the work of the church? Since COVID and the lockdowns we are seeing fewer people at our worship, yet the bills keep rising for a church that is in every sense a church for the community at large. The church door is open to all, at most times and Vicar Lyndon welcomes enquiries about donations, large or small, to help today’s generation to hand the building on to the future generations yet to be born. As a Church we have good reason to be thankful to the many generations who have gone before us. Through their good Christian stewardship and generous legacies they have provided for the mission and ministry of the Church over many centuries, the fruits of which we continue to enjoy today. So another question we can ask ourselves is Have I made provision in my will to help foster the work of the church after my days? Congregations in every church are commended to remember their spiritual home to help the work of mission and ministry by leaving a Legacy which can make a vital difference in maintaining a church that can be used by the whole community when the needs arise.

Looking ahead, the arrangements for Holy Week and Easter will be announced in next month’s What’s On. Following that we will have the celebrations for King Charles III’s coronation. In June we hope to run the OPEN GARDENS in WENVOE scheme which was so successful a few years ago prior to COVID. This will be a good fund raiser for church funds organised by Glenys and Mike Tucker.

Thank you as usual for reading the church news. There is always a welcome to join our services. The church door is not a barrier, it is the means of joining a warm loving community ready to greet you.

With every Blessing

Parry Edwards

 

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2022 REVIEW

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On behalf of Vicar Lyndon and the Wardens Carol and Sandra and the congregation we wish all readers of “What’s On” a very Happy New Year.

Looking back into 2022 we knew that the year was going to be a difficult one. The advertisement for a new priest was in the press and on-line and we were trying to build up the congregation after the lockdowns in the COVID pandemic. The good news is that we survived. We welcomed Vicar Lyndon and his wife Chris into our community and we continue to spread the Good News, bringing the love of Jesus to all in the Ministry Area of De Morgannwg.

There have been a number of changes within the church. We were formed into a Ministry Area, called De Morgannwg, which brought nine churches together; how this will work is still being worked out. Bishop June has retired and the Electoral College will shortly be meeting to elect her successor. They have a new Dean at Llandaff Cathedral, our old Area Deanery of Penarth and Barry has been combined with that of the East Vale Group of churches, and we will now be in the Archdeaconry of Margam with a new Archdeacon to work alongside. So 2023 is full of possibilities for growth in fellowship and growth in each congregation getting to know each for the better. Where there is a fifth Sunday in the month, St.Mary’s, St Bleddians and St. John’s will hold a combined Eucharist service at 10.00 am and the first of these will be hosted by St. John’s in Sully on January 29th.

The Season of Advent has been well attended, with the lighting of the Advent Candles, Sunday by Sunday to mark the progression towards Christmas. The Toy Sunday brought a huge range of toys for donation to the Barry Food Bank, together with lots of Christmas Goodies alongside the gifts of more basic items requested by the Food Bank as they try to relieve the many difficulties families are facing during this winter.

The Advent Light up Your windows has been another great success for the variety of themes chosen to bring light into our streets during these dark cold nights. Congratulations to the organisers and thanks go to those who have created some amazing displays, especially the Wenvoe Primary School for their illuminated gazebo and star plus the School Choir singing in the cold frosty air. The last “window” on Christmas Eve in the churchyard was followed by a short service in a warm church with yet more carols and readings enjoyed by children, their mums and dads and grandparents alike.

Our Christmas programme of Carol Services began on Sunday afternoon the 11th December at St. Bleddian’s church which despite the cold freezing weather, was a warm friendly event, so appreciated by those who came and the mulled wine and mince pies were very welcome following the service. The Community Carol Service at St. Mary’s on

Wednesday evening 14th December in candlelight and lower levels of our LED lighting system, brought the representatives of organisations in the village together for the Nine Lessons and Carols followed by mulled wine and mince pies courtesy of the Wenvoe Community Council. A collection was taken during the service for Ty Hafan, the children’s hospice at Sully which came to £425.25, a wonderful response for a very worthy cause. The First Eucharist of Christmas was celebrated at St. Mary’s at 7.00 pm with Vicar Lyndon presiding, and was well attended in candlelight and using one of the settings on our LED lighting system.

During December there has been a renewed interest in the Ancient Yew tree in the churchyard. It really is ancient in the number of years it has been growing and leaning towards the side of the road. Whilst it is difficult to assess the age by the normal methods used to age trees, the tree is thought to be in the range of 700-800 years old and, among the many treasures we have, this is our only living treasure, and could well pre-date the building of the first stone church. The first mention we have of the tree, is of a survey carried out in 1833 when it is recorded that it was leaning towards the road but surrounded by a low stone wall. It is a healthy tree bearing its red berries year by year and well deserves the respect which countless generations over the years have given it.

Looking ahead into 2023, the main event will be the coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on the 6th May and St. Mary’s will play its part in the village celebrations on that Bank Holiday weekend. No plans being made at the moment, but watch this space.

The Chattery will be meeting on January 12th at 10.30 am in the Church Hall with coffee/tea, posh biscuits and a FREE raffle. A warm place to enjoy each other’s company and catch up on news for a modest £2.00. All welcome.

Looking back at our Remembrance Sunday service, the collection taken in church came to £353.57 which was donated to the work of the Royal British Legion for the relief of suffering for our armed services as a result of war injuries.

With every good wish for the year ahead from everyone at St. Mary’s

Parry Edwards

 

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November2022 News Update

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November is often said to be a solemn month. It is certainly a month we remember those who have died in the two world wars, as well as our loved ones who we see no more. So, yes, in so many ways, it is a solemn month, and this has been reflected in our services in church during the month.

Our service of Calm and Reflection on the evening of all Souls Day was a very emotional one for those who had lost a family member during the COVID pandemic, as well as other reasons. The church was in semi-darkness, using the varied settings of our new lighting system. Candles were lit in memory of those whose names had been submitted. These were duly called out. Readings, prayers and singing, accompanied by the skilful playing of our organist, provided a balm for any troubled soul.

Then came Bonfire Night, a noisy celebration of an event long remembered in our nation’s history with the old mantra “Remember, Remember the Fifth of November, Gunpowder Treason and Plot” as told on the front cover of last month’s edition of “What’s On”. This is not an event the church remembers, but during the 17th century the day was marked as a “Deliverance of The King’s Majesty from his enemies” in churches throughout the land.

Armistice Day on the 11th of the month, was marked at 11 o’clock with a short service at the War Memorial, with the top classes from Wenvoe School in attendance. The men from Wenvoe who served in WWI and did not return, were remembered by the names read from the carved inscription on the towering stone taken from the Alps Quarry over 100 years ago.

Remembrance Sunday, in line with similar ceremonies throughout the country, was marked with a service in church, after a break of three years due to COVID. The church was very full, and together with a large contingent of Scouts and Beavers, tributes were offered to all the members of the armed services who fell in battle during WWI and WWII. Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth was also in our thoughts for her sense of duty as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for over 70 years, together with the thousands of civilian casualties who are so often overlooked in this national commemoration. A collection was taken to further the work of the Royal British Legion as they continue to look after the survivors of all the wars that have taken place over the years since.

Following the church service, the congregation led by the Choir and Scouts assembled at the Village War Memorial for the formal Act of Remembrance, the Silence and the Laying of Wreaths. Many more people were there and together the solemn nature echoed the ceremony which was taking place at Whitehall at the Cenotaph in the presence of King Charles and other members of the Royal Family. Refreshments served in the Church Hall after the dismissal were very welcome thanks to the ladies of the Social Committee.

At the end of the month a session of Messy Church was held in the Church Hall. It was good to see families getting together with craft work and activities based on the season of Advent; and yes, if they did get their hands dirty, it was all good fun. Vicar Lyndon held a short service in church and then they all had a tea party in the church hall. A good turn out and very happy faces as they returned home.

The November Chattery was noisy being full of chat, mince pies and mini stollen on offer plus of course the FREE raffle with excellent prizes. This monthly gathering is open to all for the low cost of £2.00 with plenty of coffee/tea refills if needed. The next date will be on the 8th December at 10.30am.

The Community Carol Service will be on December 14th at 7.00pm, when members of our local organisation have been invited to take part. The service will be following the Nine Lessons and Carols made popular by the TV broadcasts from Kings College in Cambridge. A collection will be taken to support the work of Ty Hafan hospice for children at Sully. Refreshments will be available afterwards in the Church Hall. The St. Lythan’s Carol Service will be on December 11th at 3.00pm.

The Advent Windows is set to go live on December 1st and windows will be lit up to bring light into the darkness at this time of the year. We are surrounded by much doom and gloom in the country as well as here in Wenvoe. There is much talk in the press and on TV that this year due to the high cost of energy, many will not be able to afford the running costs, and this includes the civic displays in many towns and cities. So, here we are showing to all that we will be seeing all manner of displays and ideas, that bring joy and happiness through the medium of light. So well done everyone for joining in and thanks to Jude Billingham for organising. The last “Window” will be at St. Mary’s Church at 5.00pm on Christmas Eve followed by an All Age Service in the church, which will be warm and full of light. See you there in great numbers. A collection will be taken for Ty Hafan, the children’s hospice in Sully.

As you will read elsewhere in What’s On, our Christmas Services are taking a different pattern to that of previous years. The midnight celebration of the Eucharist has been brought forward to 7.00pm so that the more elderly among us, can attend together with those who have felt in past years that the later timing is not for them. Please support us at this earlier time to hear and sing the True Story of the Saviour’s Birth at Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. Unlike the baby Jesus whose parents Mary and Joseph could find no room at the Inn, there will be room for you in St. Mary’s. On Christmas Day the only service will be at St. Lythan’s Church at 9.30am with a celebration of the Eucharist with carols.

All that remains is to wish you all a Happy and Blessed Christmas.

Parry Edwards

 

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October 2022 News Update

October continued to be a busy month, following on from September that saw things pick up after the summer holidays .The Harvest Festival at St. Bleddians was very well supported with the largest numbers in the congregation for some time. The sun shone and the refreshments were able to be taken outside, thanks to the hard work by Pam and Ann not forgetting Terry in the background. Vicar Lyndon was able to meet and chat with new faces as he settles in with the congregations for which he is responsible.

St Mary’s in October, we had in addition to the Sunday Eucharist services, the church was able to host, Baptisms, a Wedding and a Funeral, a good indication that after the trauma of Covid we are gradually getting back to some kind of normal. Not all things are back in place yet, such as a collection taken with the plate being handed around, sides persons are not able to bring up the Offertory as was once the practice. Vicar Lyndon has enhanced the reading of the Gospel for the day with a Gospel procession and the dismissal at the end of the service takes place at the Font in the body of the people before the choir retire to the Tower vestry for final prayers. Little touches like these help to make worship at St. Mary’s more meaningful and thoughtful of what we are about when we gather to hear the Word of God and to celebrate the Eucharist.

All Saints and All Souls are very important festivals in the church’s calendar, and on November the 3rd at 6.00pm a Service of Calm and Reflection will take place to remember all who have died during the COVID crisis and were not able to have the funerals they wanted, together with a remembrance of loved ones who have passed into greater glory in recent years. Names of those who wish to be read out and prayed for are requested, please use the letter boxes in the church porch or the Church Hall, with names clearly printed or hand to one of the two Wardens, Carol or Sandra. All are welcome to attend, and an invitation to non-church members who have lost a loved one are invited to be part of the service..

REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY November 13th

This year after a break of three years a Community Remembrance Service will begin at 10.00am in church with representatives from organisations from the village taking part in the readings and prayers, to be followed with the Act of Remembrance at the Village War Memorial. The Vale of Glamorgan brass band will be in attendance and a procession led by the Cross bearer and choir and the congregation will be in place in good time for 11.00am. Refreshments of tea/coffee/soft drinks and biscuits will be available in the Church Hall following the proceeding, all are welcome.

A date for your diaries THE CHATTERY will be meeting on November 10th at 10.30am in the Church Hall for coffee/tea/posh biscuits and a chat of course, to catch up on what has been happening around us at home or in the world at large. It’s very friendly and informal and it’s good to come out and meet up with people you may not have seen for some time. For

some it is a warm place in these days when the weather is getting colder, a great welcome to all for the little cost of £2.00, and plenty of coffee refills plus free raffle.

A session of MESSY CHURCH is planned for November 26th with an ADVENT theme in the Church Hall. This is open all families to share some quality play time with each other and to meet up make new friends, so let’s get busy and let’s enjoy each others company.

ADVENT WINDOWS has had a good response and will take place as advertised during the dark nights of December. This is a St. Mary’s initiative for the village, Free to enter, just light up your windows when your evening is allocated, the theme can be Christmas or any alternative that will give pleasure to the onlookers, the final “window” will be at St. Mary’s on Christmas Eve..

COMMUNITY CAROL SERVICE will take place at St. Mary’s on Wednesday December 14th at 7.00pm. Representatives from village organisations are being invited to take part and will follow the traditional Festival of Nine Lessons and carols made popular over the years, broadcast from King’s College, Cambridge.

The JOINT CHURCH COUNCIL met on the 26th October in the Church Hall under the chairmanship of Vicar Lyndon for the first time. Apart from a “catch up” on what has taken place since the previous meeting in June, the budget for the church was discussed and approved. In accordance with Church In Wales practice each of our nine churches in the Ministry Area of De Morgannwg has to produce a budget for next year. Estimating the amount of income is a difficult one to assess, Expenditure is subject to the cost of inflation raising prices of goods and services and similarly to our own budgeting at home, the end result can be very uncomfortable in making ends meet. However, any budget is but a guide to the future and good housekeeping practises will keep St, Mary’s in good shape in the year ahead.

Thank you for reading what has been happening and what is being planned at St. Mary’s.

God bless and peace

Parry Edwards

 

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