Parish News – 2022 Review
2022 REVIEW
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