Church News – March

ST. MARY’S PARISH CHURCH NEWS 

At the recent Parochial Church Council meeting it was reported that the plans for the church extension on the North side of the church, were progressing with further discussions with our architect Julie Boulby. There is much to sort out before we can think of applying for planning consents from the diocese and the local authority. We must ensure that before a spade is put into ground we are quite sure that what we want will stand the test of time, and will serve us and the community for many years ahead. There are a number of restraints on the site, such as the yew tree and the cremation burial plots, and we are anxious that these are not interfered with, so discussions will continue until we are ready to present our plans to the full PCC and then the congregation.

The quinquenial works in the churchyard are slowly coming to an end with only the cleaning of the East window and the new security guards to be fitted. The lime render applied to the boundary walls between the church and the Old Rectory has failed due to frost damage, and will be replaced when all danger of any frost has passed. The old concrete channelling on the south side of the nave and chancel will be removed and new French drain dug with a new soak away under the path. A faculty is being applied for the work scheduled later in the year, to avoid any interference with weddings, as access to the church will be affected during the time the work will be carried out. The saga of the replacement of the hawthorns on the path outside the porch continues with more promises from our contractor that they will be replaced, and the existing trees pruned to a more regular shape. A new notice board will shortly be erected in the churchyard facing the Old Port Road which will enable posters and other information to be more readily available.

Mention of Saga’s… the choice of a Bishop for our Diocese is proving to be difficult. The Electoral College met for three days at the cathedral in February, but failed to find a candidate with 66% of the vote. It passed to the Bench of Bishops who have met for another three days in the cathedral, who have come up with a short list on which they will take soundings around the diocese and hopefully will eventually present us with a new Bishop. Watch this space!!!

We are now in the Season of Lent with opportunities to explore the faith with Lenten Talks and discussion groups in Wenvoe and Sully. The Lenten Lunches in the church hall have been well attended, with very tasty soups prepared by members of the congregation. The Pebbles children will be giving us their presentation on Mothering Sunday at the All Age Eucharist, with flowers for Mums and Grannies. We will be delivering a Easter Card to all the homes in the parish, the cover being designed by the children, giving all the times of the services during Holy week and Easter day. Once again the appeal is made for Easter Lilies to be given in memory of loved ones who have died, to decorate the church for Easter.

On Sunday April 2nd we are launching an appeal for the Famine in East Africa. The loose moneys on the collection plate will be donated to Christian Aid and we know that there will be a generous response to this appeal. This Sunday marks the beginning of Passion Tide and there can be no better way than marking Our Lord’s passion and suffering by doing something to relieve the suffering of the people in that part of Africa who are in dire straits due to the failure of the rains to grow their crops.

Support for Traidcraft continues with the Spring Catalogue available in addition to Easter goodies and cards and gifts. The Food Bank collections have continued with the weekly collections taken into the Barry Food bank.

The next session of Messy Church will be on Saturday April 8th between 3.30pm – 5.30pm in the community Centre with an Easter theme for the crafts and worship and a tea party etc. It is FREE and all people of all ages are welcome.

Ministry Area Trip to Brecon on 30th April following the United Service in St John the Baptist Church in Sully. After lunch in the Pilgrims Tea Rooms there will be an opportunity to go on a tour of the Cathedral and attend the 3.30 pm Choral Evensong if you would like to. Names please on the lists in church to confirm the numbers as soon a possible. The cost of the coach is approximately £10.00 and the return home will after Evensong. Please note that your time in Brecon is your own if you wish to do other things. The lunch and the tour have been organised and are just our suggestions.

Happy Easter to all readers

Parry Edwards