May Church News
May Church News
Greetings from the congregation of St. Mary’s, eager to welcome new faces to join them in worship at 9.30am on Sunday morning. Gone are the days when we could number the faithful for three services on Sundays, with extra chairs placed out in the aisle for the Sung Eucharist service. The earlier service at 8.00am also had a strong attendance and to cap it all Evensong at 6.00pm with the adult church choir was a meaningful end to the day. Many things have contributed to a decline in attendance numbers over the years. Despite all that has gone before, St. Mary’s door is still open, the bells ring out the call to worship, a welcome is given to all, and the church looks better now, than it has for many a year.
In recent weeks we had the church building and grounds inspected for the “Quinquennial” inspection. This takes place roughly every five years by a qualified architect to examine and report on any defects found within the structure which needs remedial action. This work maintains the building fit for purpose and takes into account any health and safety issues discovered. This responsibility is for the church council and officers under the direction of the Parish Priest, to ensure that our insurers are content that all is well and maintained to the highest standards for an ancient building to function safely. In addition the heating system, the lighting system, the lightning conductor and the church clock have to be checked to make sure that the building in our care is handed on for future generations to worship in. The raising of money to fund the maintenance is reliant on fund raising, (weekly or monthly giving, the 200 Club donations and legacies) and it is a constant battle to cover the everyday expenses, and our church treasurer does a superb job in keeping us in the “black” . so we appreciate any help to keep us solvent.
This Eastertide at St. Mary’s, we had ceremonies for Palm Sunday with a procession into the church from the church hall complete with donkey (two. in fact. called Vest and Knickers), kindly brought by Emily and Mathew from Vishwell Farm. This was the beginning of Holy Week and led up to the events of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, Holy Saturday and Easter Day. These days are the most important and meaningful days of the Christian Year, and there would be no church without the Resurrection of Jesus from the grave. Alleluia Christ is Risen, Yea He is Risen indeed.
Easter Sunday – the day of Resurrection. A full church awaited the arrival of the new light, kindled at an earlier service at St Lythans for the lighting of the PASCAL candle at St. Mary’s. Sitting in the darkened church with the Spring sunshine streaming through the stained-glass windows, glowing like so many jewels, heightened the expectation of Resurrection of light coming into a dark world. With the candle placed on its stand in the chancel, the church lights blazed on and the organ played the great Easter hymn “Jesus Christ is risen today. Alleluia”. The service included a renewal of our
Baptism vows with a sprinkling of water from the font, much to the amusement of the younger members of the congregation. So, we go forward into the 50 days of Easter in the company of the risen Jesus, renewed and empowered to carrying his teaching to all who will listen, bringing the truth of His presence in the world…..Alleluia, alleluia Christ is risen.
Support for the Vale Food Bank continues with weekly collections from the items left in the church porch. In addition, the donations of chocolate Easter Eggs was most welcome, plus the cash given in place of food items is always well received by the Food Bank staff to purchase groceries to cover any shortfall. Thank you for the contributions, and to Jude and Nigel who work so hard to get the offerings to Barry.
We will be supporting the Christian Aid Appeal events (see page 5) including Cake, Cake and More Cake. We hope to see you all on Saturday 17th May at the Church Hall from 10.00am-12.00 midday.
St. Mary’s Church is joining in the Commemoration of VE80 Day. During the morning service on Sunday 4th May there will be suitable prayers and a period of silent meditation in thanksgiving for the longest period of peace in the country while acknowledging the great sacrifice made by so many in the armed forces and the civilian population during the conflict.
Every blessing to all who read the church news.
Parry Edwards