Month: December 2022

November2022 News Update

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