August Church News
August 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 Church Clock
You may have noticed that time is standing still in the centre of Wenvoe with the church clock being silent. The clock installed in the tower of the church was gifted in memory of Capt. Robert Francis Lascelles Jenner who died on 8th May 1882. As an expression of the great esteem in which he was held by the parishioners it was decided that a clock was to be provided in his memory. A public subscription raised the money necessary, and the well-known public clock maker Smith of Derby was duly instructed with the order to proceed. The clock winding gear was installed within the tower on the first level, then the movement was arranged with cogs, gears and couplings to the second level, through the wall to connect with the hands on the face of the clock. It sounds simple but you can be assured that it is complicated and needs attention in addition to the annual service by an engineer from the original company who installed it in the mid-1880s. The problem in recent years is due in part to climate change, and the heat waves we have been experiencing. To put it mildly the mechanism is old and does not like the heat when the metal expands and so is ‘out of gear’. This is the present situation we find ourselves in.
The annual service was undertaken earlier this year, and all was well, but now the clock is far from being well. Church finances do not allow for expensive callouts, and the clock will remain silent for the time being. Unless a donor would come forward to cover the costs in memory of a loved one, or even a few donors to spread the costs. The church management team with Vicar Lyndon are willing to discuss any interest shown in this appeal to get the clock ticking away and the bell striking the hours. There is a well-known saying ‘If you don’t ask you don’t get’. We need help to get the clock going. Are YOU the person who will help us to get things all tickety-boo?
Christian Aid Venezuela Appeal
We have all seen the harrowing destruction as the result of the earthquakes in Venezuela, where many lives, homes and communities have been destroyed. A collection was arranged with Christian Aid in both our churches during the month. The amount raised will be known at the end of the month. Once again, we must thank Jude Billingham for organising this at short notice in supporting the provision of aid to those stricken by the disaster.
Hospitality in the Christian church.
Every week ‘LLANDAFF MATTERS’ is published online and reports on events and happenings within the diocese. Bishop Mary takes great care in relating her experience as a Christian pilgrim as she visits events within the diocese and elsewhere within the church in Wales. This week her theme was that of
the hospitality she experienced in North Wales whilst on a pilgrimage exploring the writings of Ann Griffiths nee Thomas 1776 – 1805. Ann was a Welsh poet and writer of Methodist Christian hymns in the Welsh language. Her poetry reflects her fervent Christian faith and thorough scriptural knowledge. Following the death of both her parents, she married Thomas Griffiths a farmer from the parish of Meifod and an elder of the Calvanistic Methodist church. However, she died in childbirth in August 1805 at the age of 29 and was buried at St. Michael’s church in Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfga.
The Ann Griffiths Memorial Chapel in Dolanog, Powys, is named after her and has a carved corbel head based on contemporary descriptions of her. Bishop Mary visited the chapel, and a photograph of the carved corbel was included in the account. It was here that Ann Griffiths lived and composed her poetry that we now sing as hymns.
It was a result of a day spent visiting the chapel that Bishop Mary commented on the hospitality of tea and abundance of cakes in the community hall. She was astonished to receive messages of thanks from those who had welcomed them, their hosts expressed their gratitude that they had been to visit them. Mary the Christian pilgrim returned home with a stronger understanding of Christian hospitality, faithful prayer and generous service.
Welcoming God, thank you for everyone who shows us your way of love. When we have an opportunity to welcome others fill our hearts with gratitude for the gift of friendships. Help us to be attentive to opportunities to serve you in small acts of generous kindness and care. Help us to find our place in your Kingdom of love, In the name of Christ our friend. Amen.
Here at St. Mary’s our small, dedicated catering team provide such hospitality at the bimonthly Eucharist service on a Wednesday morning, the monthly Chattery on the second Thursday of the month and following the morning service on the fourth Sunday of the month. Also following the Joint Eucharist on the fifth Sunday of a month.
Looking ahead in August we will be honouring the Blessed Virgin Mary at our Matronal festival service on the 16th August at 9.30 am. All are welcome.
Thank you for reading the news.
Parry