Farewell To Jon And Sheonagh
Farewell To Jon And Sheonagh
A large tea party to say farewell to Jon and Sheonagh was held at the Old School in Sully on the afternoon of October 30th, followed on the Sunday with Jon’s last services in the three parishes. It was an emotional occasion spiced with many humorous asides and a series of wonderful tributes from members of the congregations. There was also a truly wonderful video presentation from Gwenfo Church in Wales school entitled ‘Farewell to Vicar Jon’ set to music. Jon was presented with a leaving gift of a new black preaching scarf, replacing one he had lost in recent months. It is generally thought that his seven year ministry among us was a most successful one, and he will be a hard act to follow. Preparations for our new priest have begun with the preparation of a profile of the churches in the new Ministry Area of De Morgannwg, including the three churches the new priest will be responsible for. He or she will be known as a Team Vicar in the Ministry Area, and will be licenced across the nine churches being brought into being by the Bishop’s Decree on 1st January 2022.
At that point we will lose our status as a parish and will be known as St. Mary’s Church in the Ministry Area of De Morgannwg, with a devolved church council to look after the day to day running of the church and its financial responsibilities. This will be the last church news to bear the title of ‘Parish’ and the Bishop’s Decree will rob the Diocese of our parish status that even King Henry VIII failed to do in the 16th century. I have no doubt that we will continue to refer to the Parish of Wenvoe, despite the ruling from Llandaff.
The other major event during November was the marking of Remembrance Sunday with an outdoor service at the Wenvoe War Memorial. A procession from St. Mary’s to the War Memorial met the crowds of people who had gathered, while the Vale Brass Band played solemn music. The Wenvoe Scouts and Beavers were on parade with their 
banners flying in the breeze. The leaves falling from the large beech tree was very reminiscent of the poppies that fell from the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance in the Royal Albert Hall the previous evening. The keeping of a solemn act of worship at the War Memorial is a highlight of the year, as we remember not only the men who lost their lives in WWI but also those in WWII and the many wars and conflicts since then, together with the many civilians who died as a result of enemy action in our towns and cities. The Royal British Legion celebrated its centenary this year and the number of wreaths and tributes were the largest in recent years.
On Armistice Day, the senior class from Gwenfo School met at the War Memorial to observe the 2 minutes silence and a short prayer service took place. They were introduced to the outline figure of ‘Tommy’ purchased by the Wenvoe Community Council as a reminder of the caring nature of the Legion in looking after the survivors and the injured and their families in the past 100 years. There is also now a QR code where you can log in with your smartphone to reveal details of all the names of the fallen inscribed on the large upright stone. The War Memorial is now classed as a Listed Structure for its unique design reflecting the huge amount of quarrying in the Wenvoe area; stones from the Alps Quarry were used in its construction.
St. Mary’s Church is now the responsibility of the Rev. Andrew James Tel No. 029 20512555 where all inquiries should be directed. All services are being covered by a rota of retired priests up to the end of December when fresh arrangements will be made. The weekly newsletter is being produced giving details of the Sunday services in church. There are no midweek services planned at present, and the Christmas Carol service will be a scaled back version on Wednesday December 15th. The Christmas services are detailed on page 4.
The solemn season of Advent starts on November 28th and the Advent Windows will begin to be lit up from 1st December. The final display at the church will, weather permitting, be followed by carol singing.
Christian Aid Week. A very positive result UK wide with an income of over £5m! This of course includes our ‘walking’ and donations which came to £326.20p from our three churches. Plans are going ahead for 2022 and I have been invited to a Zoom call to find information about the next theme.
We continue to support the Barry Food Bank with collections and deliveries on Thursday mornings. The Big Wrap will be going ahead during December with the emphasis on gifts for teenagers, as they consider that the younger children are already well provided for. Cash donations can be given so that the organisers can buy the things that teenagers need. Please use the letter boxes at the Church Hall and the church porch clearly marked Big Wrap. Christmas goodies are also welcome for the food bank to bring a little festive cheer to those who are finding it difficult to manage this year.
As for the future, the setting up of the Ministry Area will not affect the pattern of services in church. The work on the tower is planned for Spring. A new and exciting lighting scheme has been selected for St.Mary’s using a recent bequest. We look forward to a new priest who will be given a great welcome, and will continue to reside at the Rectory. So much to look forward to.
A happy and blessed Christmas to all readers and a Happy New Year – Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda.
Parry Edwards