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Learning to ignore things is one of the great paths to inner peace.
1
Parish News June 2016 Our advertisers need to know that we are using their
services to make it worth their while to advertise. Please TELL them that you saw their advert. in the magazine.
Page 2. Calendar for June. Page 3. From the Editor. Page 4. From the Ministry. Page 5. From the Ministry. Page 6. Welcomers. Friends of St Illtud’s Page 7. Followership. Page 8. Invictus Choir. Page 9. Invictus Choir. Page 10. Invictus Choir. Page 11. Invictus Choir. Page 12. Molly Jenkins RIP. Page 13 Molly Jenkins RIP. Page 14. Advertisements. Page 15. Advertisements Page 16. Rogation Walk. Page 17. Dear Daphne. Page 18. Mothers’ Union. Page 19. Musical Exchange. Page 20. St Donat’s. Page 21. John Wesley. Page 22. Humour. Page 23. Puzzle Page Page 24. From the Registers. Page 25. St Columba Page 26. The Meaning of Prayer. Page 27. Benefice Directory. Page 28. Services in the Benefice.
Editor: Eric Sparks, Bronelwyn, Castle Street, Llantwit Major. CF61 1AP Tel: 01446 795443. [email protected]
Closing date for articles is the 15th of each month.
TAKE NOTE THAT MY E-MAIL ADDREESS HAS CHANGED
2
Calendar for June Wed 1st 7.15 pm Mothers’ Union Eucharist. St Illtud’s. Mon 13th 7.00 pm Joint Deanery Conference. All Saints, Barry. Sun 26th 5.00 pm Pimms and Hymns. St Giles, Gileston. Mon 27th 7.00 pm Healing Service. St Illtud’s.
Regular Events Morning Prayer Every weekday at 9.00 am Holy Eucharist 9.00 am on Fridays and Saints days 10.00 am on Wednesday in St Illtud’s and St Tathan Each Wednesday St Illtud’s Church Choir. In church 6.30 pm. Lynn Brown. 793804 Each Wednesday Toddler Church. St Illtud’s. 1.30 pm Term time only. 2nd Sunday 4.00 pm Sunday@4. St Illtud's. 3rd Sunday 11.15 am. Tradecraft Stall St Illtud's. First Wednesday Mothers’ Union. St Illtud's 7.00 pm. Jodie Taylor 794103 Thursdays Bell Ringers. St Illtud’s 7.30 pm Peter Mayle 792603 Alternate Thursdays - Llanilltud Ladies. Tabernacle Church Hall. 7.45 pm
Flower Festival 2016 St Illtud’s ‘Flower Ladies’ are organising the Biannual Flower
Festival this year. It will be held on:
Saturday 27th, Sunday 28th & Monday 29th August, 2016 (Bank Holiday Weekend)
The theme this year is ’A Royal Occasion’
to mark the Queen’s 90th Birthday.
WILL ORGANISATIONS WHO ARE CONTRIBUTING A FLORAL ARRANGEMENT PLEASE ATTEND A MEETING AT ST ILLTUD’S
CHURCH ON MONDAY 27TH JUNE AT 6.30 PM. IF YOU ARE UNABLE TO ATTEND PLEASE RING ANN ON 01446 796128
The hardest frost cannot touch a really sunny disposition.
Dear Friends When you overhear other people’s conversations (not
eavesdropping of course!) do you observe that it is often the case that the exchanges are dominated by a few of the group? They are so determined to have their say that they over-ride the rest and you frequently have two, or more, of them speaking at the same time. The noise level rises and it soon becomes obvious that no-one is really listening to what the others are saying.
A recent sermon by Rachel touched on this subject and she went on to say that prayer was often like this. We are so busy speaking to God, asking him for help or guidance or praising Him or thanking Him that we don’t pause to listen to what He might be saying to us. We should allow ourselves to be quiet and to be receptive.
My favourite parable is the parable of the talents. To remind you:Jesus related the story of a man who went away and left his servants with money to put to good use on his behalf. The first was given 5 talents of gold and used them to get another 5. The second was given 3 and made a further 3. The third was given 1 but just kept it safe and gave it back without any profit. As I understand it, this parable urges us to contribute as much as we can in relation to our abilities. It is not acceptable to feel that we cannot contribute, we can each do something however trivial it might seem.
On the Sunday in question, the first reading was about Paul’s call to Macedonia. During the night he had a vision which was God telling him to go to this region. Clearly, Paul listened to the message, took note, and immediately went to obey the calling.
Most of us who are church-goers try to ‘do our bit’ and this is what enables our church to function. But are there other activities which we could, and therefore should, undertake which would help to further God’s purpose here on earth? This is where we need to listen. I don’t quite know how to recognise that a ‘message’ is coming to me. In the Bible, an Angel appears or the person ‘has a vision’ and it is clearly God calling but is it always as evident to us? Maybe it is enough to have an idea about how to help and then to follow it through. This perhaps is how God calls us. All we need to do is free our thinking.
Could I do what Paul did and promptly obey? Could you?
Yours sincerely Eric Sparks
If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.
3
4
From the Ministry
Would you like a good conversation-stopper? Why not try this? When there’s a slight lull in the chatter, say
thoughtfully, “I wonder – do we think of ourselves as cameras or as mirrors?” When everyone looks baffled, you can explain that, while cameras simply record, mirrors reflect. Cameras can keep their findings locked up in themselves; mirrors share what they’ve seen. A well-known idea of how we can act as cameras is given in Christopher Isherwood‘s novel “Goodbye to Berlin”. On the first page, the main character comments, “I am a camera with its shutter open, quite passive, recording and not thinking.”
So much for cameras, but what about mirrors? Let me tell you
a little story that may help. Imagine, if you will, a room, a large, dusty, gloomy room. It’s in almost total darkness, because the windows are covered with heavy black curtains. Nevertheless, a sunbeam manages to force its way through a crack, and casts a thin beam of light into the darkness. A little of the room is lit up, but most of it remains in gloom. “This is no use,” thinks the sunbeam to itself. “What I need is something that will spread the light. Now what… Aha! Here’s a mirror.” The mirror is lying face down on the floor. “Turn over!” says the sunbeam. “Turn over, so that you can reflect my rays and make the room lighter.” “Turn over?” says the mirror. “Certainly not! I believe in keeping myself to myself. What has the rest of the room to do with me? In any case, if I turn over, I shall get dusty and dirty.” And, in spite of the sunbeam’s urging, the mirror remains, face down and useless. The sunbeam finds another mirror; this time face upwards. “Will you reflect my rays, and bring light to the room?” asks the sunbeam. “Oh, rather, oh, yes, yes, yes!” cries the mirror. “Oh, look at me. Aren’t I clever? Just see what I can do!” And it skitters from side to side, reflecting
Every quotation and proverb has its opposite.
5
the sunbeam, but never leaving the reflection in one place long enough It finds several other mirrors, but either they won’t help, or else they’re more concerned with showing their cleverness than in spreading the light. The sunbeam begins to think its task is hopeless.
Then at last, in the darkest of dark corners, it finds another mirror. “Will you reflect my light, and bring light to the room?” asks the sunbeam. “I’d love to,” replies the mirror, “but I’m not sure I’d be much use. I’m covered with dust and grime, and some time ago I was mistreated, so I have this great crack running right across my surface. But if you want me to, I’m prepared to try.”
So the sunbeam shines full onto the old, cracked mirror, and a wonderful thing happens. For not only does it reflect the light, but just at the point where the light hits the crack, it is diffracted into a whole rainbow of colours, and that gloomy, dusty room is filled with colour and light.
Which do we want to be – a camera, that records what it sees but keeps itself aloof, or a mirror, that may have suffered and been damaged, but still manages to spread the light? Your choice.
Sue Moll
Have any critics ever had a statue erected in their honour?
6
Welcomers One afternoon recently we visited two churches, both promising
to be very interesting and rewarding to visit. At the first church, we were met by two very friendly Welcomers,
and given an interesting historical tour of their church. We were shown the plans they have for new developments, and sold an informative guidebook. We came away thrilled with what we had seen, and were still talking about our visit several hours later.
At the second church, the doors were locked. There was no notice as to when the church would be open. We walked all-round the building, then went back to the car. Maybe we will go back there one day…..
I like to think that St Illtud’s is definitely like the first church. We have a very good group of Welcomers who cover much of the week on a regular basis. However, we are a little short at certain times, and would love to hear from you if you could spare even one ‘session’ a month. We try to cover Monday to Saturday inclusive 10-12 and 1.30-3.30. Welcoming is incredibly varied and very enjoyable. It is surprising how many people drop in, from all over the world. Could you help them to make the most of their visit to our church?
If so, please contact me or the church office if you want to know more, or come along to our next meeting at 10am on Saturday 2 July 2016 on the Mezzanine at St Illtud’s. We look forward to seeing you.
Margaret Connolly
**************
The Friends of St Illtud’s Five years ago, the Friends of St Illtud’s was founded through the
Church Council, with Patrick Hart in charge. Since that time, over £8,000 has been raised for St Illtud’s Church, thanks to Patrick’s hard work and to generous giving by members of our church and of the wider community. Now Patrick has decided that it is time to pass the mantle of The Friends to another. Thank you, Patrick, for establishing the Friends on such a firm footing.
At the next Welcomers’ Meeting on Saturday 2 July, we shall be talking about taking the Friends forward. We shall update you very soon. Watch this space!
Margaret Connolly
My life is much more interesting inside my heart.
7
Change is inevitable except from a vending machine.
Followership
Have you heard of 'followership'? Have a look at Allen's book! This past February, St Illtud's own Allen Hamlin released his very
first book, through a U.S. publisher. It's entitled Embracing Followership: How to Thrive in a Leader-Centric Culture. You may be a little uncertain about the subject as the word 'followership' is not a common one. However, we've certainly all heard of 'leadership'; followership is simply the complementary idea. There are leaders, and there are those they lead: followers.
Allen's book was a 4-year project birthed by his desire to fill a gap in our thinking. Much of our modern culture focuses on leadership, but little is said or done to encourage people to follow, well -- to be good contributors whether they work in an office, serve on a committee, play on a sports team, or fill a pew. All of us, in some areas of our lives, are followers--working under or alongside someone else that has a leadership role. And all of us have gifts, talents, and abilities that would be helpful to our various group and community endeavours. Clearly, Allen has aimed at a very broad audience indeed!
The book is available in print and also in Kindle eBook format.
You can find it for sale online at Amazon.co.uk, or Nickleby's bookstore should be able to help you to order it. Additional information can be found on the book's website at https://embracingfollowership.wordpress.com/the-book/ and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/EmbracingFollowership/). If you do pick up a copy, Allen will only be too happy to sign it for you!
AH
Just to remind you, Allen is our friend from the USA who worships regularly at St Illtud’s with his wife Lyndsey. I have not yet had the opportunity of reading his book but am sure that it will be written in the same committed and readable style as the contributions which he has made to this magazine in the past. Ed.
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Invictus Choir
I watched a couple of Television programmes recently which affected me profoundly. They related how a choir of injured ex-servicemen was chosen and prepared to perform at the opening ceremony of the Invictus Games which took place a few weeks ago in Orlando, Florida. Just in case you have missed reading or hearing about the Invictus Games, they are similar to the Paralympics but limited to men and women of the armed forces who have had debilitating injuries, physical or mental, as a result of their service. It is a concept which has been taken up by Prince Harry who has put a lot of effort into promoting the games as a tool to enable these people to regain a sense of purpose in their lives where previously they felt helpless. Gareth Malone OBE is a highly talented choirmaster and presenter who came to public notice when he brought together the Forces Wives Choir a few years ago. He was given the task of selecting the personnel for the Invictus Choir and the first of the programmes showed how he did this. He had a selection of videos to view each of which showed a potential choir member singing and also describing their injuries and explaining what they thought the undertaking could do for them. This was the first big surprise. Gareth chose people as much for how the experience would assist their rehabilitation as for their singing ability, which in some cases seemed to be minimal! Some could already sing, others needed teaching from scratch. But all 10 members of the Invictus Choir had one thing in common. They wanted to rebuild their lives after suffering while serving Queen and country. Here are pen-portraits of four of the ten. Rifleman Paul Jacobs was blown up as a fellow soldier stepped on a bomb in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in August 2009. He was left blind at the age of 21. Paul said: “I should be dead. Shrapnel cut through my right eye, through the right side of my nose and up into the brain.” The blast also blew away chunks of his right arm and leg. Despite his horrific injuries he managed to carry his fatally injured colleague out of the minefield. Paul was left with only 20% vision in one eye but an operation to improve it went wrong and he was left blind.
If you want others to be happy, practice compassion.
9
Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Hill suffered a traumatic brain injury. He, was blown into a hedge when one of his men stepped on an IED that had been missed by metal detectors in Afghanistan in July 2009. He was found with his radio antennae embedded in his skull. Several pieces of shrapnel had pierced the back of his brain and two of them were too close to his spinal column for surgeons to remove. When he eventually woke he thought it was 2002 and could not recognise his own brother. He was left with perforated eardrums – he now has hearing aids fitted to both ears and a traumatic brain injury destroyed his sense of taste and smell and leaves him exhausted, even after 14 hours sleep. He now struggles to concentrate and process new information. Ever more seriously, it transformed his personality and left him suffering from paranoia. Dad-of-two Stewart said: “I went from commanding 160 men to struggling to command myself.”
Lance Corporal Maurillia Simpson
didn't even know if she was dead or alive after a mortar attack. Born in Trinidad, Maurillia moved to the UK to join the British Army and served three tours in Iraq between 2003 and 2009. In the city of Basra on her second tour in 2007 she spotted two mortar shells flying towards her and just had time to shout “Incoming” before she was buried beneath a collapsing wall. She said: “I didn’t know if I was dead or alive. I started to sing an old gospel song, His Eye Is On The Sparrow. I was trying to say goodbye.” Maurillia made a full recovery but was then knocked down by a car while stationed in Germany and preparing for a tour in June 2010. She suffered a shattered leg and painful nerve spasms, ending her Army career in November 2013. Unlike many fellow choir members wounded in far-flung parts of the world, Andy Mudd, a Staff Sergeant, was blown up outside his own home by an IRA car bomb. The Royal Military Police veteran was going shopping in Colchester with wife Maggie when his car exploded in 1989. Andy, now aged 60, said: “I jumped in the car, having had a quick look as you did in those days. I was reversing out and then it happened. I knew straight away I was in trouble because my right leg was gone and I was
Life is a gift. Never take it for granted.
10
burning.” A neighbour rescued Andy and Maggie, who escaped with minor injuries. But Andy lost both legs and two fingers on his right hand. He swapped his prosthetics for a wheelchair when he left the Army in 1996 and raised his two children Jack and Katie alone after Maggie died in 2004. Andy said: “I’ve never put the legs back on. They’re far too cumbersome. I’d rather look forward than back. So many lads have come back from Afghanistan in coffins. I know I’m lucky to still be here.” The choir was set the task of learning to sing, in the first place, and to sing together in the second. Gareth chose a song written by ‘One Direction’ whose words seemed very appropriate. (part)
If I didn’t have you there would be nothing left The shell of a man who could never be his best If I didn’t have you, I’d never see the sun You taught me how to be someone, yeah Nobody, nobody Nobody can drag me down.
They successfully performed this in London and it had a profound effect on most of the choir, enabling them to put themselves in the public eye for the first time. Gareth has decided he wants them to write their own lyrics for a brand new song. Some struggled with learning the lyrics last time - will they be able to cope with this challenge? The song-writing process challenges the choir to dig deep into their experiences of injury or illness and the different stages of recovery they are each in. Gareth struggles with his own emotions after hearing one of the choir's own experience of war and Gareth wonders if he, Gareth, is mature enough to cope with this whole mission.
Next Gareth brings the choir back to London to St Martin In The Fields to sing them the finished song. It's a key moment as the choir hear the lyrics of their own stories. Once the choir is happy with the song Gareth decides to show the lyrics to a special industry friend. Throughout it all, Gareth is desperate to find out how to help them release their emotions when singing. For one member of the choir, Gemma, the experience is life-changing. Gareth worries that some choir members are struggling to cope with the process and if they will be able to perform in front of such a large audience.
Making a big life change is scary, but what is even scarier is regret.
11
Stepping out, to learn the line, Sweeping sands, the men behind. Frozen in the morning light, The mirror shows me broken bound. I will learn to run again. Don’t turn your eyes away, we come together now. Make it through. You take me by the hand again. We come together now. I will learn to laugh again, To hope again, To fly again.
The performance in Orlando in front of Prince Harry and Michelle
Obama and a 12,000 audience brought a highly enthusiastic response and can be regarded as even beyond the hopes. However, the most successful aspect of the whole venture was how Gareth, with his sympathetic treatment of them as individuals, brought them out of a darkness into a position where they each felt empowered to be positive about the future. A notable achievement and fully deserving his OBE.
ES If you want to view the programmes for yourself, just put “Invictus Choir” into Youtube and you will find them.
Sympathy is the gift of knowing without being told.
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Molly Jenkins R.I.P.
Canon David Brunning writes: The Memorial Service for Mollie Jenkins, followed by her burial of ashes in the churchyard on Friday, 13th May was one of those occasions when little notice could have been given, other than an announcement in church the previous Sunday, as well as a last minute addition to the Pew News. Even so, it was good to see so many there from the Benefice (only seven churches in Canon David Jenkins’ time, 1978-1997!), making it a really local Christian Family occasion.
Canon Michael Komor conducted the service, after thanking Anthony, our Team Vicar for the opportunity of doing so; the first lesson was read, by the Rev. Michael Williams, a retired cleric who had been a fellow curate with David in Pembroke Dock, and had kept in touch with the family ever since, while the second lesson was read by one of our Readers, Keith Brown, who had been a churchwarden in David’s time, The singing was led by our Choir and friends, and included a modern waltz tune to “God of mercy, God of grace” played by Lynn, our organist, and requested by the family, as apparently David and Molly used to dance to it!
Canon Michael had the difficult task of wanting to say a few things about Molly, and at the same time respecting her wishes that no eulogy be given; but he did it very well, touching on the welcome he was given at the Rectory when he came for his interview as a would-be curate, as well as on those later occasions when he wanted help or advice. He painted a warm picture of life at the Rectory, making us laugh at times, which brought back many memories to those who could remember those nineteen years in Llantwit Major when David was Rector and Molly his wife.
It is easier to believe than to doubt.
13
Following the prayers and the Commendation, we sang that glorious Easter hymn, “Thine be the glory” in which the Risen Lord greets us lovingly, scattering fear and gloom; and it was in this spirit that Michael carefully carried the casket of Molly’s ashes to be interred beside David’s outside the church porch, just as he had carried David’s nearly seventeen years ago.
After the service we all had the opportunity of meeting Bridget, Kate and Charlotte, their three daughters, with their husbands and the five grandchildren and talk over old times. The girls especially asked that their thanks be recorded in this magazine for the service, the lovely refreshments provided by our ladies and all the arrangements which made it such a memorable day. Molly’s wishes had also been respected in the taking of a generous collection for The Children’s Society; a charity very close to her heart.
Bill Henderson adds his personal memories, saying how anyone
who worked with David and Molly somehow became part of their family, the family of the Church. He says that he was lucky enough to be the Benefice Administrator for the last few years before David and Molly retired to Ashby de la Zouch in Leicestershire.
That was a very happy time for me, as the Parish Office was then in The Andrews House, next door to the Rectory and I always had lunch with David and Molly if the morning had been busy or fraught; going back to the office in the afternoon fortified with soup, cheese and biscuits and a fair measure of G & T to revive my spirits in more ways than one.
Like the rest of us, Bill says how lovely it was to see so many gather with the family for the service and afterwards - something long to be remembered.
David Brunning & Bill Henderson
**************
The reward of a good deed is to have done it.
Roger Gullett sent me this photograph of his son taken shortly after he completed the London Marathon this year. Roger and Diane are justifiably proud of what he did. We add our congratulations too. Ed
14
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16
The Rogation Walk
Traditionally members of the parish used to walk around the boundary of the parish on Rogation Sunday. So keeping up the tradition, on Sunday 8th May, as the sun shone brightly 4 walkers left St Giles Church, Gileston at 9.30 in the morning to work their way around the parish from the East end. They were Colleen Bright, Ollie Leonard, Jodie Taylor and Simon Aldridge (Jodie’s son); due to his ill health Roger Gullitt was unable to supply the support car this year so Jodie’s daughter-in-law Chloe stepped into the breach. The walk passed St Athan’s church and onwards towards St Cattwg’s in Llanmaes. Before the 11am service started prayers were said by both Rev’d Peter Leonard and Sue Moll before the walkers left on their way to Llanmihangel, then onwards towards a lunchtime break at St Illtud’s, Llantwit Major. Towards the 2pm mark walkers arrived ready for the second half of the walk, prayers were said at the back gate before leaving. By now the sun was shining and it was getting very warm – what a change from all the rain we had been having, maybe someone was looking down on us?! We headed along the road stopping at the gate of the college at St Donat’s, then onwards to Marcross and Monknash. The coolness inside the churches giving us a wonderful welcome after the heat of the sun. At Monknash two members of Wick church joined as we headed to the wonderful refreshments waiting for us in The Star Inn, Wick.
The atmosphere on the walk can never truly be put into words, there is a great warmth and friendship amongst everyone taking part. This year the age range of the walkers ranged between 10 and 84 – and no-one needed to take a break in the support car!!! Three people completed the whole walk but remember the sponsorship was not for how far you walk but the taking part. At the moment I cannot say how much has been raised but will let you all know when it has been received. After a well-earned rest, food and most importantly the toilet we headed on our last walk of the day towards St James’ Church where Jude Peters led us in the service. Tradition had been continued for another year, all nine churches in the parish had been visited, well done everyone who took part in any way –
THANK YOU FOR A WONDERFUL DAY. JT
A day without sunshine is like night.
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Every quotation and proverb has its opposite.
Dear Daphne
A lovely celebration took place in the West Church on the Saturday afternoon of 14th May. It was so well attended that when the main party arrived there was no room for them and a hunt went up to find them some chairs and a corner of a table to sit at! Now who in this Benefice could attract such a crown. Was it a return visit of the Royal family? Well nearly; it was our very own Daffers, known to the outside world as Daphne Townsend! The occasion was to celebrate her 80th Birthday.
For many years Daphne has been totally involved with this
Benefice as Reader and in St. Illtud’s as verger and sick communion visitor. It was really good to meet her daughter, son-in-law and grandson Ben, who we have heard so much about since the day he was born. Daphne had masses of photos that she would always have readily available to proudly show us all.
A really good spread was laid out for all to enjoy, well done everyone who brought food to share and our team of Jody, Gail and Marlene who administered the spread for us. BH
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Some so-called open minds should be closed for repairs
Mothers’ Union May proved a very interesting month for the Mothers’ Union
here in Llantwit Major – not only did we have Rachel, our Curate, officiating at our service but we also had her talking about her experience running the London Marathon. Rachel explained why she and Steve had decided to take on such a major undertaking; the long hours of training in all weathers, pushing their bodies until they ached – wondering whose silly idea it was in the first place, but of course, the reason pushed them on.
The majority of us have seen the coverage on the television but
it is a completely different experience to be one of the many thousands actually taking part. Firstly, you have the very long wait from the time you have to register to the time of the start, often that wait can be very cold as you have already put your ‘clothing’ and other belongings in the security lorries. You see people almost huddling together in black plastic bags that can be thrown off once the race begins. Nerves are kicking in so visits to the toilets can be needed, but of course, there are big queues with everyone having the same idea. Time ticks by and then the start – but there are thousands in front of you so the big creep begins until ....at last.... you pass the start line a long time after those big name runners at the front.
Around you are all sorts of runners, so many are first time
runners too – all sorts of dress codes – from fancy dress to very serious running gear – but all doing it for one charity or another. All the training and running a half marathon in preparation helped but on the day it is a very long way – 26.2 miles, the final time doesn’t really matter it is getting finished – and they did it!! Well done to them both and it was really wonderful to hear all about it.
We also held our Mothers’ Union Deanery Festival out in St
John’s Church, Penllyn on one of the worst possible nights – the weather was atrocious, some of the lanes were getting flooded (I think Noah may have started building another ark!!) – The Rev’d Edwin Counsell officiated, with our own Rev’d Hilary Collins on the organ. It was a lovely service in which we also celebrated the 140 year anniversary of the Mothers’ Union with a beautiful cake. 140 years in which the Mothers’ Union has helped so many people in so many different countries (including our own) and which we continue doing and which I hope we continue to do for at least another 140 years.
Jodie Taylor Photographs on next page.
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Musical Exchange
“How about a Male Voice Choir?” said Lesley, “they want to hear some Welsh singing.” “No chance!” said I, “not for five minutes of singing...but I know a choir who can.” Lesley was the member of C.A.F.E.~ Cardiff Flute Ensemble, an old friend from Young Wives and Pantomime days who was co-ordinating the proposed visit of Flautissimo, the Southampton Flute Group touring Wales. Lesley had arranged for them to play at St Fagan’s, Dyffryn Gardens, St Augustine’s Church, Penarth and thought that St Illtud’s would be a lovely visit for them. The idea was that they would have a tour of the Church, then tea and then a free concert at 7pm. We were very conscious that last year’s trip was to Dublin. “They had a great time there” said Lesley. I‘ll bet they did, knowing the craic in Dublin; follow that, Wales! Choir & Friends were ‘up for it’ and we chose three Welsh songs for the end of the concert, finishing with the rousing AMEN at the end of Tydi a Roddaist which always sends shivers down the spine. Everything went to plan. They absolutely loved the church and wished they could stay longer. There was great camaraderie between flautists and singers who just enjoyed making music for the sake of it. We were all delighted at the numbers in the audience, considering how much is on at the moment. Your support is much appreciated One of my favourite moments was the lull after tea when various groups drifted to different parts of the Church to practise, or just to rest quietly...... and coming from the Galilee Chapel was the beautiful, plaintive sound of a flute, serenading the stones.
Lynne Brown
Follow your heart but make sure you take your brain with you.
20
After you have heard two eye-witness accounts of the same car accident it makes you wonder about history.
St Donat’s
On Sunday, 15th May, St. Donat’s church held a special service to say farewell to students completing their studies at Atlantic College. The service was conducted by the Reverend Anthony Beer with an address by the acting principal Mr Gerry Holden. Students who have attended church over the last two years were presented with Welsh love spoons and received a blessing. There were musical contributions from members of the A-cappella choir, Sara and Hakob, which gave an atmospheric rendering of Calon Lan. There was also a wonderful flute solo during communion from first year student Sara Beleznay who also accompanied some of the hymns. This was followed by lunch – Lynda & John give a big thanks to all who contributed – the lovely weather meant that some 36 students and 16 adults could also go into the garden. Many thanks to Lynda & John for hosting this! SG Photograph Left to right: Olivia (Burkina Fasso), Harriet (Hong Kong), Aliekie Netherands) - served as student representative on the church council, Anthony, Hakob (Armenia) - who also sang a solo, Tibha (UK/Nepal), Charles (Philippines)
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When you have finished changing you have finished.
John Wesley
Apologies to our readers who have heard this before, but the article in last month's magazine on John and Charles Wesley had a big omission, John's visits to South Wales and to Llantwit Major in particular.
The Wesley’s' home was in Bristol, but they travelled throughout Britain proclaiming the Gospel. John kept a detailed journal in which he recorded his expeditions. He came to South Wales thirty-five times, usually staying at Fonmon Castle with Colonel and Mrs Jones, then later with the widowed Mrs Jones at what is now the Fontygary Inn.
Wesley first came to the Vale in October, 1741, when he preached in Porthkerry, Cardiff and Wenvoe. He travelled at first via the Aust ferry, near the old (real) Severn Bridge, but later came by sloop from Minehead.. The local clergy were usually very welcoming, though at Llantrisant the Bishop put his foot down. At Margam, Mr. Talbot, the biggest local employer, forbade entry, "but he did not glory in it long, a few months after, God called him home." At his first visit to Cowbridge, in May, 1843, "the sons of Belial gathered, shouting, cursing, blaspheming and throwing showers of stones," but on future occasions Cowbridge showed a different face, though he never preached in church there.
Wesley preached in this area several times, sometimes in church (there weren't any chapels), in private houses such as Tile House in Llanmaes, and in the open air. He liked Llanmaes - a loving earnest congregation. Some things never change.
On Friday, 25th July, 1777, he wrote, "About eleven, I read prayers and preached in Llantwit Major church to a very numerous congregation. I have not seen either so large or so handsome a church since I left England. It was sixty yards long, but one end of it is now in ruins. I suppose it has been abundantly the most beautiful as well as the most spacious church in Wales." Viv Kelly.
These exhibitions of quilts will be held in Cowbridge next month. Proceeds are in aid of Ty Hafan so they are well worth your support.
Humour A man was going through the admission procedure at the Pearly Gates. At the conclusion St Peter said to him, “I’m sorry but you’ve told too many lies for you to be allowed into Heaven.” “Have a heart,” said the man, “Please remember that you were a fisherman once as well.”
********** A rather overbearing golfer was playing in the weekend tournament. As he was preparing to play a short (par 3) hole he said, boastfully, to his opponent, “One good drive and a single putt for this I think.” He swung at the ball, topped it badly and it only went a few yards up the fairway. The second man, tired of the arrogance, remarked “I’m looking forward to seeing this putt; it’s going to have to be rather good.”
********** The lorry driver was out in the sticks and stopped at a ‘Greasy Spoon’ restaurant for his break. When the soup arrived, he looked, with great suspicion, at the little flecks of seasoning on the surface a couple of which gave him cause for concern. He called the waitress over and said, “I don’t like the look of some of these bits in the soup. I don’t want foreign objects in my food.” The waitress looked at the bowl carefully. “Those aren’t foreign objects,” she said, “Those things live round here.”
********** An elderly lady was making her first journey by air and was nervous about the whole event. She managed to seek out the pilot before take-off, told him about her misgivings and asked him for re-assurance. “You will bring me down safely, won’t you?” she said. The captain replied, “You’ll be perfectly safe and there is no need to worry, I haven’t left anyone up there yet.”
I don’t need Google. My wife knows it all.
Satnav gets you lost much more accurately.
Money isn’t everything but it keeps the children in touch.
Stupid conversations make sense when you are talking to someone special.
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Across
4 Arrctic?
5 ‘Wide Boy’.
7 Wordy.
10 Pry.
11 Soviet.
12 Fruit.
14 Cider.
15 Name.
16 Hirssute.
20 Furniture.
21 Pain.
22 Plant.
23 Brook.
Crossword No 40
Down
1 Bone.
2 Drops.
3 Copse.
4 Metal.
6 Sorcery.
8 Slaughter.
9 Title.
10 Needlework.
13 Parent.
14 Old tribe.
17 Pub game.
18 Passé.
19 Pal.
1 2 3
4 5 6
7 8 9 10
11
12
13 14
15
16 17 18 19
20 21
22 23
Solution to No 39
Dingbats ‘Say what you see’
Example: 22222DAY Answer: Tuesday
1. ACRIML
2. Me Repeat 3. O – e r – t – o –
4. Bren Jr 5. Plans
Plasn Plsna Plnsa
Answers
Miniquiz. 1 Name the Welsh co-writer of ‘Gavin & Stacey’. 2 Which 1930 book had John, Susan, Titty & Roger? 3 Lansing is the capital of which US State? 4.The square & compasses represent which order? 5 The ‘Aussie Pearls’ play which Olympic sport?
Answers
Puzzle Page
Spring spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.
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From the Registers Baptisms 24 Apr. Felicity June Matthews 8 May Ioan Littlejohn 15 May Josie Louise Gronow 15 May Oliver Francis Gronow-Walters 22 May Harley Alexandria Bowring Marriages 6 May Peter Mitchell Littlejohn & Anna Claire Meredith 7 May Kieron Luke Dennis Webb & Rosanna Samantha Hudd 11 May James Christopher Honeyborne & Jessica-Anabel Renee Godfrey 14 May Alan Edmund Hayward Cave & Christine Ann Wilson Burials 25 Apr. Brian Simister aged 80 years, Barry 26 Apr. Dilwyn Henry Drew aged 91 years, St. Athan 27 Apr. John Edward Beechey aged 79 years, St. Athan 3 May Marieta Pickford aged 62 years, Llantwit 5 May Ann Janet Cosslett aged 65 years, St. Athan 6 May James Howell Griffiths aged 86 years, Llantwit Major 10 May Paul Alcwyn Crook aged 56 years, Siginstone 12 May William Lewis Lyn Harry aged 83 years, Llantwit Major 19 May Shirley Rees Davies aged 82 years, Llantwit Major
********* Saints Days in the Church in Wales
1st Justin, Apologist and Martyr 2nd Blandina and her Companions, Martyrs 3rd James Hannington, Bishop, Missionary and Martyr; Martyrs of Uganda and Janani Luwum, Bishop and Martyr 5th Boniface, Bishop, Missionary and Martyr 9th Columba, Abbot 10th Ephrem the Syrian, Deacon, Hymn Writer and Teacher 11th Barnabas, Apostle. Observed on the 10th. 14th Basil the Great , Bishop and Doctor 16th Richard , Bishop 20th Alban, Julius and Aaron, Martyrs 24th The Nativity of John the Baptist 28th Irenaeus , Bishop and Doctor 29th Peter, Apostle or Peter and Paul, Apostles. Observed at 7 pm Eucharist 30th The Martyrdom of Paul, Apostle
The happiest miser on earth is the one who saves up all his friends.
25
St. Columba Saint Columba was born in
521 in Gartan (Donegal). He took an interest in the church from an early age and joined the monastery at Moville where he was ordained by St. Finnian as a deacon. After further study, Bishop Etchen of Clonfad ordained him as a priest and he went on to become an abbot and a missionary. He went north and is credited with founding several monasteries. Then he, with his twelve companions founded the important and well known abbey on the island of Iona. For centuries after this, Iona was a very influential institution in the region.
For the Gaelic warrior kings,
Columba was a useful asset. His monastery provided education for their sons, he was a close advisor to the king, and he served as a diplomat to the king’s neighbours in Pictland and Ireland. Columba’s blessing was treasured by kings - a powerful symbol of their authority, and, in return for Columba’s support, the Gaels gave the monastery land and protection.
Columba’s day is 9th June and he is revered as a highly significant
influence on the form of the early church and the spreading of
Christianity among the northern kingdoms which had previously been pagan. He spent most of the his life in Scotland and died in 597. After his death his monastery’s influence continued to grow, leading to the foundation of new monasteries in Ireland and as far away as Lindisfarne in Northumbria. In Pictland, Columban monks began to spread the word of Christianity in the seventh century. ES
Cut the pizza into 4 pieces because I’m not hungry enough to eat 6.
The Meaning of Prayer
Prayer is a wonderfully powerful tool in our lives if we allow it to be and use it properly. There are people who only turn to God in times of extreme distress or danger. Pity ! For a Christian it is the way of communicating with Him and we should pray on a daily basis at least. We share our lives and thoughts with Him and He reveals, in His own way, what He expects us to do provide we are prepared to listen. Do you talk to your father? Of course you do (or did).
We might feel a bit diffident in asking him for advice or help but most of do communicate at some level or other. Why not talk to God the Father? He may not give you precisely what you were expecting or asking for, but we must admit that He is able to see the bigger picture and gives us what is best for us. Prayer can be likened to a conversation and in a conversation you should listen as much as you speak!
Are you one of those people who says " How can God allow such and such a terrible thing to happen?" There are indeed some things which are hard to understand. BUT do you, on the other hand, give credit to God for all the good things in the world? Are you grateful to Him and thank Him for them? That is what prayer should be. ES
When was the last time you did something for the first time?
26
A person is either free or they are not. There is no half-way house for freedom.
27
Benefice Directory
Rector To be appointed. Team Vicar Reverend Anthony Beer 01656-895068 Baptisms The Vicarage Day off - Wednesday
Trepit Road except 3rd week of Wick CF71 7QL month - Thursday
[email protected] Curate Reverend Rachel Simpson 01446-751241 1, Rectory Drive, St Athan Day off - Friday CF62 4PD [email protected] Reader Daphne Townsend 01446-711204 [email protected] Day off - Friday Reader Sue Moll 01446-719445 [email protected] Reader Keith Brown 01446-793804 Pew News [email protected] Reader Jude Peters [email protected] Parish Office Alison Weston 01446 792439 Open 9 am Parish Administrator to 2.30 pm St. Illtud's Church, Mon - Fri Church Street, Llantwit Major. CF61 1SB [email protected] Website http://www.llanilltud.org.uk/ School Mrs. Ceri Thomas Wick & Marcross Church in Wales 01656-890253 Primary School
Church Street Wick CF71 7QE
JUNE 2016
(Final)
5th Pentecost III
{G}
12th Pentecost IV
{G}
19th Pentecost V // Fathers Day
{G}
26th Pentecost VI
{G}
St Illtud 8.15
Eucharist DGB
Eucharist RS
Eucharist JB
Eucharist AB
Gileston 9.30
Eucharist AB
Shared Service at St. Tathan 11am
Morning Prayer SM
Shared Service at St. Tathan 11am
Marcross 9.30
Eucharist RS
Shared Service at Monknash
Morning Prayer KB
Shared Service at Monknash
Monknash 9.30
Shared Service at Marcross
Eucharist JB
Shared Service at Marcross Morning Prayer JP
Llanmihangel 9.30
Shared Service at Llanmaes
11am
Eucharist PM
Shared Service at Llanmaes 11am
Morning Prayer SM
St Illtud 10.00
Eucharist PM
Eucharist RS
Eucharist HC
Eucharist AB
St Tathan 11.00
Morning Prayer KB
Eucharist HC
Family Eucharist RS
Eucharist RS
Wick 11.00
Morning Prayer SM
Eucharist JB
Early morning Eucharist (see below)
Eucharist PM
Llanmaes 11.00
Eucharist JP / AB
Eucharist PM
Eucharist SM / PL
Morning Prayer SM
St Donat 11.15
Eucharist RS
Prayer & Praise KB
Eucharist PM
Morning Prayer JP
St Illtud 18.00
NO SERVICE Sunday@4 only (see below)
Eucharist AB
Evening Prayer KB
OTHER 16:00 St. Illtud’s Sunday@4
8:30 Wick Eucharist RS
17:00 Gileston
Pimms ‘n’ Hymns RS
NOTES AB = N/A JP = N/A
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contact our funeral home
Pembroke House,
College Street
Llantwit Major.
(opposite St Illtud’s Church)
Office open Monday to Friday,
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Call us 24 hours a day 7 days a
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01446 792489
W A Brown &
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Monday: Murchfield Hall Dinas Powys 10.30-11.30*
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