News Update
The holiday month of August sees a little less activity in St. Mary’s, with the “Pebbles” on their Summer break and some of the faithful away on holiday, but the worship continues week by week and on the twice a month Wednesday Eucharist.
We ended July with a United Service at St. Bleddian’s church in St Lythans. The hot weather had broken on that day but the church was full and it was a delight to see representatives of the three churches coming together to worship and praise Almighty God. Helen Ormrod was there to thank the parishes for the wonderful response to her appeal to help fund her place on the Mercy Ship, which will be based off the coast of Guinea. The total raised was £3,100 and Helen has already booked her passage and we wish her well, knowing that she will be part of a team of health care professionals bringing their skills to a part of the world that so desperately needs it. As a Thank You to the parishes, Jon and Sheonagh held an “At Home” at the Rectory on the afternoon of Sunday 19th August to show how much they and Helen appreciate the kindness, the fellowship and support they have received.
At the United service at St. Lythan’s, we had a guest organist, Mary Williams from Barry. Mary normally attends All Saints Church in Barry and as our rota of organists were all on holiday, she was available to play for our service. Mary is the daughter of JF Williams a former Dean of Llandaff, and her aunt Mrs Idris Davies lived in Wenvoe. So she felt really at home and played very well on an instrument she was not used to. Thank you Mary.
Jon has felt for some time that more people are needed to be Licensed to Assist in the distribution at the Eucharist, and Jenny Ford, Allan Oliver, Judith Billingham and Sandra Davies have all been licensed by Bishop June, in addition to those already able to carry out this important ministry and took up their duties during August. The involvement of Lay people in the ministry of the church is a good sign that all is going in the right direction in the life of the church.
The Building Committee had an opportunity to see
the latest version of the plans for the proposed church extension, on the North side of the nave. Following on, the P.C.C. met on the 28th August to discuss and approve the plans, before they are submitted to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for their comment and decision. We are much in the hands of our architect, Richard, to spearhead this through the negotiations with the DAC and we await their response.
Things to look forward to in September at St. Mary’s, and to which a warm welcome awaits.
Saturday 22nd September 2pm – 5pm SCARECROW FESTIVAL
Sunday 23rd September HARVEST FESTIVAL
Sunday 30th September at St. John’s church in Sully, United Eucharist Service with Bishop June at 10.30am.
BBC “Celebration” programme rehearsal on Monday October 1st at St. Mary’s with the recording a week later on October 8th at 6.30 pm. Jon wishes to thank everyone who took part in selecting their favourite passage and book of the Bible. Many of the comments made for interesting reading and there is a broad sweep of favourites which will make the broadcast meaningful and thoughtful, and represents how the congregations of the three churches approaches the worship of Almighty God in 2018/9.
The Parish Magazine “Connections” which is available in church on the first Sunday of the month, proves popular with a near “sell out” in recent months. A reminder to the congregation in Wenvoe that we offer a year’s subscription for £5.00, payable now, which many find more convenient than paying month by month. The magazine, which shares news with St. Lythan’s and Sully, brings the activities of the parishes together in a well produced publication.
Blessings to all our readers
Parry Edwards