July Church News
July Church News
Greetings from the congregation of St. Mary’s to the wider community of Wenvoe and St. Lythan’s. We invite you to join us online at ipcamlive.com/stmarywenvoe
The world in which we live, has during the month of June been taken up with all the trials and tribulations of the FIFA World Cup taking place across the pond, in the USA, Mexico and Canada. Who will win the Cup remains to be seen and President Donald J. Trump will exploit the occasion to the full.
The main event in the church was the occasion of the Ordination of the Revd. David Harrison to the priesthood, at Llandaff Cathedral on 20th June. David and other Deacons were blessed by Bishop Mary in a service that was both solemn and joyful. We wish David and all the other candidates every blessing on their ministries ahead of them. A coach conveyed congregations from Wenvoe and Sully to the Cathedral to support David and his family at this important stage in his life. We look forward to his first celebration of the Eucharist on June 21st.
Christian Aid: Jude Billingham has issued a preliminary report on the fund raising activities (page 5). Jude and her dedicated team are to be congratulated on the result. Fund raising is never easy these days when the cost of living is high. So thank you to all who have helped in any way to and of course thank you to all who donated so willingly to help those who are not as well of as we are. The final amount raised came to £2,840.29 including Gift Aid. Well done and thank you.
The month of June, we are told, has been one of the wettest of times with gales and strong winds causing many problems. There was some damage to the laurel trees in the churchyard. Thankfully Mike Tucker was able to clear up the damaged branches and create a semblance of order in this hallowed ground. During the month, as part of the Valeways programme, we had a number of parties of walkers asking to visit the church and grounds. They are always very impressed with how well kept the church and her surroundings are. We are fortunate that we have a small band of volunteers, including Mike, who work so hard to give that good impression of St. Mary’s that visitors leave with.
Food Bank: A steady flow of donations to the Food Bank continues to be received in the collecting boxes within the church porch. The food warehouse in Barry readily acknowledges that the St. Mary’s collection point is one of the most regular contributors to their stock and always greatly appreciated. It is a sad reflection of the times we are living through that things like the Food Bank have become a necessity for so many families so that they can put food on the table. We thank all donors for the items they bring each week; please consider donation of money or cheque which can be safely deposited in the secure post boxes in the porch and church hall to save you the time and effort in bringing your gifts to the church
Chattery: On the second Thursday of every month at 10.30 am, the Chattery meets in the church hall for coffee and a chat. This is arranged by church volunteers to offer a safe space to meet and catch up. All are welcome whether you come to church or not. The free raffle is a riot of humour and hilarity.
This is not the only opportunity in Wenvoe for older folk to join in with others for a time of fellowship and company. In the Hub during opening hours, a Welsh group meets in two sessions on a Monday morning. A men’s group meets on Tuesday morning, On Wednesday afternoon the Golden Girls get together, often with cakes and tea or coffee and attempt to put the world to right. On Friday morning, out of hours, the Silver Foxes come out of their dens for a time of natter about any subject under the sun. We meet as friends and leave as friends even though we do not always agree with the topic under discussion. We know that this is a privilege given to this group and so we always make a donation to the running costs of the Library.
Liturgical Colours: What are these you may well ask? The answer lies with the history of our earlier Jenner rectors who were greatly influenced by the Oxford Movement in the 19th century. Wenvoe to this day has always been a church with colour in the vestments worn by the priest, the frontal at the altar and the Pulpit and Lectern falls. The rotation of which colour is in use is governed by the Lectionary the church produces year by year to set out the readings and any commemoration of the saints.
At present we are in green; the season is Trinity. The colour green is in line with growth in the natural world, and in the church is associated with the growth of the early Christian church following the Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus and how Saint Peter was the rock on which the church was founded. So which colour the priest wears is not at the whim of him or her but set down universally in all Anglican churches. The other colours are white/gold, red and violet. We also possess a throw over Laudian Frontal called “All Seasons” which has all the four colours incorporated into the design of the brocade fabric. So there you have it. When you see a change of colour that should alert you to the fact that something has changed since the previous week.
The holiday season is upon us. Let us hope for fair weather. Wherever you travel, keep safe and God Bless.
Parry