December Church News
Nadolig Llawen. A Happy Christmas to all readers from the congregation at St. Mary’s.
If you cannot make it to church, join us online …www.ipcamlive.com/stmarywenvoe.
A message from our treasurer Ray Harris:
“The 27th of September was a disastrous day for St. Mary’s, when the figure of Christ on the Rood screen was dislodged when the cross was being dusted; likely that the glue holding the figure in place had dried out. The wood carving, which is some 150 years old, crashed to the floor and was damaged and feared to be beyond repair.
Our church architect suggested we consult Steve Shackell, a retired French polisher and furniture restorer to seek his advice regarding a possible repair. Steve, took the figure, not only damaged by the fall but severely weakened internally by a historic wood worm infestation, to his workshop, saying it would be a “labour of love ”to repair and restore the carving.
The figure was returned to the church on Tuesday the 28th October fully repaired and restored. Steve’s report read “Every worm hole was injected with a solution of polish and thinners to consolidate the internal powdery, woodworm eaten timber enabling the repair. The arms and lower legs were glued to the main body. Two coats of woodworm killer were applied. Damaged areas were filled, and missing pieces were modelled in wax and coloured. Finally, the completed carving was waxed and polished.
What was Steve’s fee? Nothing. Steve has asked that we make a donation to the Medical Missionaries of Mary, an order of nuns who provide worldwide medical care. To get an overview of their dedicated work see the magazine placed at the font.
Members of the congregation have been making donations in thanks to Steve and to support the work of the Missionaries of Mary. For friends and those who are not regular attendees at our Sunday worship, donations can be made in cash or cheques (payable to MADM St Mary) via our secure post boxes at the church hall or church porch or to make a card donation use the card machine by the Font when in church.
The repair and restoration of the figure is truly amazing. It is darker than before due to the waxes used, so we thank Steve and his colleague for a church treasure now restored to its rightful place at the entrance to the chancel.
We also thank Ray for the speed in which he ensured a repair was possible.
There were a number of special services during the month of November. All Saints and All Souls on Sunday November 1st were joyful and uplifting and the remembrance of those loved ones we see no longer but remember with love; their names were read out during the Sunday afternoon service. May they rest in peace and rise in glory.
REMEMBRANCE SUNDAY: For the first time the attendance in church was lower than in previous years, yet at the War Memorial the numbers, huddled under their umbrellas, was larger than last year. We were remembering those whose names are carved in stone at the War Memorial and 12 wreaths were laid in tribute. We thank the Vale of Glamorgan Brass Band for providing the music, and the bugler sounded the start and ending of the two minutes silence. A collection taken in church amounted to £300 and this has been forwarded to the Royal British Legion to aid them in their work with veterans of WWII. We also thank Mr Ray Harris for compiling the service booklets and for choosing the hymns sung during the service and the readers for reading with such clarity. The Head Girl and Boy from Gwenfo School offered the prayers with such confidence, despite their young age; it is to their generation to carry forward the message of Remembrance that Prince William spoke of when he delivered a video message to all schools on Armistice Day.
The Armistice was remembered when Vicar Lyndon and the Reader Emeritus met with pupils from Year 6 at Gwenfo School at the War Memorial, the Roll of Honour of names carved on the War Memorial was read out and two minutes silence was kept, as the Nation at large paused in tribute to remember the fallen.
Those who laid down their lives in all wars, are not forgotten and they will be remembered by few or by many in the years ahead – “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them”
Fifty Years and Counting: During the morning service on Sunday 16th November Parry Edwards was congratulated on completing fifty years since his licencing in 1975. Archdeacon Mark of Margam was present to celebrate the Eucharist. This was a happy occasion with Parry’s family present with the congregation to pay tribute to his years of service to St. Mary’s. Parry spoke of how the church membership had changed during his readership in Wenvoe; there were few present who could have been in church when he preached his first sermon. The service followed with hospitality and friendship in the refurbished Church Hall. As Vicar Lyndon has written “50 years and counting…” who knows! My thanks to all who made it a memorable time which I will treasure.
God bless,
Parry
