All Saints Day Was Celebrated
All Saints Day was celebrated on the first Sunday of the month, with Bert Bates giving the congregation an account of the pilgrimage that he and Gwynne undertook in walking the ‘Camino de Santiago de Compostela’. It was a most uplifting spiritual experience meeting up with the other pilgrims who were walking due to many different reasons. The common greeting was ‘Buen Camino’ and the walk was almost 180km long. Many of the congregation had sponsored their walk and the total amount raised was £610, which is to be given towards the work of charities dealing with young people and their problems. Well done Bert and Gwynne who would encourage anyone who is able to undertake this pilgrimage to give it serious thought. Having a kindred spirit to accompany you would help in the quiet rest times to discuss your feelings and to meditate on what you are about.
Remembrance Sunday: We were blessed with a fine, cold, sunny morning as we assembled in church for the service of Remembrance compiled by Ray Harris. It was a most memorable and moving act of remembering the fallen in WWI and WWII and the many wars that have been fought since 1945. Following the service in church the proceedings moved to the village War Memorial where the Vale Brass Band were playing as the procession from church made their way. Following the Silence, wreaths were laid on behalf of the Rector and Churchwardens, the Wenvoe Community Council, the Army Cadets, The Women’s Institute, the Scouts, Gwenfo School and others. The sounding of the Last Post and the Reveille all added to the solemnity of the occasion, as the community of Wenvoe once more remembered the sacrifice of its own sons in the two World Wars. The loose money on the collection plates, with a contribution from church funds came to £300 and has been given to The Royal British Legion for their continuing work in providing lifelong support with members of the Armed Forces who need help.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
The lantern has now been fitted to the wrought iron arch between the old and the new churchyard; it now awaits connection to the electricity supply. Work has continued in stabilising the gravestones found to be loose in the churchyard. Mike Tucker, our groundsman takes great pleasure in keeping the church surroundings clean and tidy and we receive many compliments from visitors on how well the church and grounds are presented.
We continue to provide ‘Welcome Packs’ to all new householders moving into the village. These are updated on a regular basis and give information on all the activities that can be found in Wenvoe. This is regarded as part of our mission to the wider community in which we live. We welcome them to join in as many of the organisations as they wish, and also to inform them that the church is there to help them through the good times and the sad times.
Jon is always available to discuss any topics in his “Open Door” sessions in church on Monday afternoons as advertised in the church newsletter and church magazine.
The Chattery meets on Thursday 12th December in the Church Hall and will have a Christmas theme with lots going on. The FREE raffle is included in the price of £2.00. All are welcome to join in for tea/coffee and mince pies etc and to chat to old friends and new.
Looking ahead to the Christmas Celebrations
A Christmas Card, giving details of all the Services at St Mary’s will be delivered to all homes in the community.
The Community Carol Service on Wednesday 18 December at 7.00 pm will be followed by mulled wine and mince pies in the Church Hall. The refreshments are provided by the Wenvoe Community Council and all are welcome.
Christmas Eve: Waiting for Jesus is at 5.00 pm and Midnight Mass is at 11.30 pm. The collections at these services are to be given to the work of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UHW and the Food Bank in Barry.
Christmas Day: The early morning celebration of the Eucharist is at 8.00 am.
We wish all our readers a very Blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Parry Edwards