Weekly News from the Diocese

Esgobaeth Mynwy Diocese of Monmouth
NewsMaundy MoneyTwo members of our diocese had the special honour of receiving Maundy Money from HRH Prince Charles during a special service ay St George’s chapel in Windsor.Roger Bafico and Audrey Jenkins attended the Royal Maundy Service where they were presented with two purses: a red purse containing a nominal allowance for clothing and provisions consisting of a silver £5 coin and a silver 50p coin and a white purse containing the Maundy coins consisting of silver pennies, two pences, three pences and four pences – 38 coins to the value of 96 pence, one pence for each year of the Sovereign’s age.Maundy money is a royal custom where the reigning monarch gives out money to recipients nominated by their local church diocese for recognition for their charity and community work, One man and one woman for each year of the monarch’s age is chosen to receive the money.Audrey, who has PTO in East Cardiff Ministry Area was also NSM until the end of last year, said: “I received an extraordinary present on my birthday this year – an invitation for me to receive the Maundy money from the Queen.  Maundy Thursday this year was therefore a day to remember and treasure with the visit to Windsor Castle and St George’s Chapel. The sense of history, the magnificence of the buildings, the pageantry and dignity of the processions, the fearsome Yeomen of the Guard with their halberds, the superb music – all conspired to give a feeling of ‘goose bumps’.“It was an honour to have been chosen to receive the Maundy money and the day was very special and has left me with many precious memories.”

It was also a ‘day to remember’ for Roger, a preacher a local Methodist Church, who said:“I’m sure that like many of our Ministers, local preachers and the wonderful, committed Christians in our circuit we don’t expect any recognition for being who we are, and yet deep inside of us it is nice to feel that at times someone recognises what we try to do.”Roger attended with his wife Cynthia and they were lucky enough to be seated near the front which meant that he was the tenth to receive the gift by His Royal highness.Roger said: “He (Prince Charles) stood in front of me, put the gift into my hand, wrapped both his hands around mine and said in a personal whisper something like ‘Thank you for all that you have done and on behalf of Her Majesty please accept this gift.’ This made it feel very personal.”

The Queen, who would normally present the gifts has been suffering with health issues in recent months, did not attend the service this year.Governing Body meeting – April 27-28

A framework for the Church in Wales to reach its target of net zero carbon emissions is being discussed at a key meeting this week.From draught-proofing doors and windows to installing charging points for electric cars, the framework offers a set of measures all parts of the Church can take to be more energy efficient and tackle the threat of climate change.It’s being discussed by members of the Church’s Governing Body during their two-day meeting today and tomorrow (April 27-28) at the International Convention Centre in Newport. Members will be asked to endorse it, subject to key points from group work during the meeting, and to urge all levels of the Church to embrace and adopt it.The framework has been produced in response to the Governing Body’s declaration last April of a Climate Emergency and aim towards being net zero carbon by 2030.It acknowledges that decarbonising the Church will be a “considerable challenge” but says doing nothing is “not an option”.You can read the Net Zero Carbon Framework, which will be discussed on the meeting’s second day, April 28, hereThe meeting is being live-streamed via a link on the Church in Wales website and YouTube channel

Find out more here.Archbishop’s Address – Archbishop calls for Russian Church to condemn Ukraine warThe Archbishop of Wales called for the Russian Orthodox Church to condemn the war in Ukraine in a keynote speech today (April 27).Archbishop Andrew John said Russia’s unprovoked attack was “deplorable” and backed calls for the Russian church to condemn the killing of civilians, press for an immediate ceasefire and demand an end to the war.Addressing members of the Church’s Governing Body at the start of its two-day meeting today, Archbishop Andrew said, “When the church does not practice peace-making, when it does not defend the poor, when it fails to speak out against injustice, it has no right to say anything about the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. It forfeits that privilege and departs from its calling. We need to hear this message ourselves as well as say it to sisters and brothers elsewhere.”The Archbishop said we lived in “challenging times” and this included on-going recovery from the Covid pandemic. He warned that the impact of the pandemic was yet to be fully realised. He said, “It is true that we have seen the ending of many restrictions; we do not yet see an absence of infections. And for those who lost loved ones, talk of ‘post pandemic’ can be heard as an invitation to a commence a journey onwards for which they are not yet ready. They have yet to come to terms with their losses. Quite what the corporate and national effect of the pandemic will be is not yet clear.”The past few years had revealed how much faith mattered to people, said Archbishop Andrew, and he praised church communities for their rapid and swift response to the pandemic. The church, he said, had “rediscovered its voice”.He said, “Faith matters – matters a great deal. In the context of huge uncertainty, many found their faith in Christ to be a constant source of support and joy. And when buildings could be both opened and accessed, it has been interesting to see the numbers registering their presence and often writing prayers….“I think we also discovered that belonging was valuable and whilst we had sometimes thought of ourselves as a huge ship on the oceans (stable but not manoeuvrable), we discovered we were lighter on our feet than we had supposed. Online services become the norm very quickly. What was most significant was the number who shared. Why? Because belonging matters and our fellowship as Christians is deeply important. I also believe we saw examples of a church rediscovering our voice. The church was not the only body to respond with loving service. But we were there too – caring, conducting life-event services in sometimes very restricted circumstances, offering our buildings for use as vaccination centres, helping government in writing guidance for faith communities. When we demonstrate, in practical ways, our love for the world, we show the love of God for all creation.“I think we should take genuine pleasure and joy in the way we responded. We did not walk from the challenges, we moved towards them, embraced them and responded.”

Read the full address on the website here.2022 post-Easter Course

We are pleased to announce the upcoming launch of our newest Diocesan small groups course. In early May, our post-Easter course ‘Our Five Branches’ which looks at the 5 main themes from our Diocesan Vision will be released. 

This course has been written by Archdeacon Ian Rees, Revd Rebecca Stevens, Revd James Henley, Revd Canon Jeremy Harris, Revd Sally Ingle-Gillis, Revd Will Ingle-Gillis, and Revd Philip Averay. Our sincere thanks for all their hard work in putting it together! 

More details to follow soon! Vocations Sunday – 8th May 

In preparation for Vocations Sunday (8th May), Revd Becca Stevens, Diocesan Director of Vocations, is pleased to announce that new vocations resources, including prayers and reflections will soon be available on the diocesan website. 

We will also send the resources by email as soon as they are available.  Archbishop of Wales to be enthroned Andrew John, who is also the Bishop of Bangor, will be enthroned as the 14th Archbishop of Wales in a national service at St Deiniol’s Cathedral, Bangor, on Saturday, April 30.The service will begin at 2.30pm and, in a first for an Archbishop of Wales’ enthronement, will be live-streamed on social media and the Church in Wales’ website:  https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/ to enable everyone to join in. 
 
Highlights of the service will be broadcast on Sunday, May 1, on BBC Radio Wales’ Celebration programme at 7.30am (and repeated at 7.30pm) and BBC Radio Cymru’s Oedfa at 12.02pm.
 
Read more: https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/news-and-events/archbishop-of-wales-enthronement-service/Annual Returns & Accounts

Treasurers should now have received login details to submit the Annual Finance Return online or a copy of the paper form in the post.
If you have not, please contact Helen Clifford, helenclifford@churchinwales.org.uk

As well as the Finance Return a copy of your Independently Examined/Audited Accounts, including a Balance Sheet, should be sent to the diocesan office, this can be via post (64 Caerau Road, Newport, NP20 4HJ), or email (libbymorgan-owen@churchinwales.org.uk).

The Membership and Church Fabric Returns are not required this year. 

If you have any questions please contact Libby (libbymorgan-owen@churchinwales.org.uk).

Thank-you to the treasurers who have already submitted their returns and accounts.Responding to the world’s complex challenges
Christian Aid Week 2022

The challenges faced by our world are numerous and complex. From the Ukrainian conflict, the famine in Afghanistan and the climate emergency’s effects worldwide, it would be so easy to turn inwards and become downhearted. During Christian Aid Week (15-21 May), however, we have an opportunity to respond positively to these challenges. By giving, acting and praying, we can make a real difference.Zimbabwe is the focus country of Christian Aid this week. Christian Aid partners have been working there to help people adapt their farming methods. Janet Zirugo (pictured) is a 70 year old grandmother and she has seen her life transformed by these new techniques.As ever, there will be many different fundraising events right across Wales during the Christian Aid Week period, including many individuals and groups who will participating in the 300,000 step challenge. This challenge event has really grabbed the imagination of many since its inception two years ago.

One who is stepping up to meet the challenge is the vicar of Llandudno, Andrew Sully. He has set himself an ambitious target of walking to all of north Wales’s 22 castles. He will have completed more than 300,000 steps by the end of May, for sure!

If Andrew’s challenge inspires you, why not sign up to do your own? You can ask family and friends to help should you wish, or you could strike out on your own. There will be plenty of other, more traditional, fundraising activities on too. If you’d like more information about how you and your church could help, visit our website at www.caweek.org or please contact our office in Cardiff on 029 2084 4646 or email wales@christian-aid.orgTraining and EventsThe RSCM Director’s Road Trip – visit to the RSCM South East Wales Area, Saturday 30th April

You are warmly invited to meet with RSCM Director, Hugh Morris, at the Cloister at St John’s Church, St John’s Road, Maindee, Newport on Saturday 30th April, 10.00-11.30am, as part of his UK Road Trip. 
 
Hugh Morris will be visiting all 48 of the RSCM Area Teams over the next few months. Come along and meet him, along with the local RSCM Area team, volunteers and supporters. This is an opportunity to hear directly about current and future exciting plans for the RSCM’s work, including how we will be more actively supporting all our members. You can also ask any questions you may have. There will be the chance to join in with some straightforward collective singing (following the appropriate guidelines) which we will record and use as part of a specially assembled ‘one RSCM family’ recording, and to talk more informally with Hugh so that he is able to listen to what you might like to share and ensure your voice is heard. 
 
This event will also be an opportunity to meet with members of the newly commissioned Area Team for South East Wales, and the Area Team Leader, Dr Emma Gibbins (Director of Music, Newport Cathedral).
 
All are welcome.  For details of Hugh’s Newport visit, please go to:
 
https://www.rscm.org.uk/events/meet-the-director-21/Webinar – Fundraising for your church’s everyday costs

Wednesday 4th May, 2-3:30pm

This webinar is a collaboration between Ecclesiastical and the Directory of Social Change, with fundraising experts Gill Jolly and Andrew Evans
During the session, expert speakers will share insights on how you can better secure funding for your church’s essential day-to-day costs. It will give guidance into which funders may support your church, how to frame the need for core costs and how to break down costs.

To register click here.Friends of St Woolos Cathedral Annual Lecture – Behind the Scenes at Westminster
Have you ever wondered what really goes on in Parliament? Well, this is your opportunity to find out! Lt Gen David Leakey was Black Rod between 2011 and 2017 and he is this year’s Friends Lecturer. A distinguished soldier, David Leakey is in demand as a public speaker and his lecture will reveal what really goes behind the scenes in the Palace of Westminster.
 The lecture will be at 7.30pm May 5th in the Cathedral. It is free and open to all – don’t miss it!Training for Intercessors Following the success of the training evenings in leading intercessions in church, held earlier this year, Cathedral Dean the Very Revd Ian Black will be leading a Saturday morning session at St Mary’s Priory Church, Abergavenny, on May 14 at 10am.

It is open to both those who currently exercise this ministry and anyone who would like to start leading these.During the morning we will reflect on what it is we are doing and what we are not, look at some resources available to help and explore some pointers. There will be a small bookstall with some resources to buy. Dean Ian has published a number of books of intercessions and prayers, which are used widely.

St Mary’s holds two regular Saturday morning services – we pray the Rosary at 8.45am followed by Eucharist at 9.15am – why not join us for those before the training session. Tea and coffee will be provided.

Book via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/leading-intercessions-training-session-with-very-revd-ian-black-tickets-321238150957Desert Island HymnsJubilee Concert – 21st May Sponsored Pilgrimage Walk with Newport Cathedral – 28th MayNewport Cathedral is hosting a sponsored pilgrimage walk in order to raise funds for the Bishop of Monmouth’s new Social Responsibility Fund.The walk will begin at Llandaff Cathedral at 9.30am and will then follow along an old pilgrimage route to Newport Cathedral by 3.30pm for a well-earned afternoon tea with cake and refreshments. There will also be a break for prayers for Ukraine at one of the churches on route. The walk is approximately 14 miles in total and should take about 5 hours to complete. Participants are welcome to join in for as much distance as they would like to cover or are welcome to join at one of the meeting points for fellowship if they prefer. More details on how participants can raise funds will be coming soon. Everyone is welcome! If you have any questions or if you would like to sign up, please contact Revd Canon Andrew Lightbown at andrewlightbown@cinw.org.ukInstallation of The Revd Stella Bailey

The new Archdeacon of the Gwent Valleys and Diocesan Director of Mission, The Revd Stella Bailey will be installed at 4pm on Sunday 19th June 2022, at Newport Cathedral. Invitations to attend the service will be sent out shortly.The service will also be live streamed for those unable to attend.2022 Festival of Prayer – 9th July 2022Places are still available for the 2022 Festival of Prayer – held on 9th July 2022 from 10am-4.30pm at St Teilo’s Church in Wales High School. 

This will be a day of varied and stimulating lectures, discussions and different opportunities for prayer. Participants will have the opportunity to select 3 workshops to attend out of the 19 topics available. 

Bishop Cherry will be presiding at the opening Eucharist and giving this year’s Address. 

To find out more or book your place: https://festivalofprayer.live/National LLM Conference 

Our diocese has up to 6 places available on the Church in Wales Annual LLM conference. This year it will be held in the Metropole Hotel in Llandrindod from September 23rd to 25th and the theme is Healing, Well-being and Reconciliation. Food and accommodation is paid for but you will need to arrange your own transport to and from Llandrindod. 

Places need to be booked by May 9th – if you’d like to attend please contact The Ven Ian Rees (Archdeacon.monmouth@churchinwales.org.uk) Services and ResourcesJoin the Service from the Cathedral on Sunday at 10:30am here.
Esgobaeth Mynwy Gwasanaethau Cymraeg Mai 2022

Mai 14 / May 14
Dydd Sadwrn / Saturday
9:30 yb / 9:30 am
Eglwys Sant Thomas / St Thomas’ Church,
Sgwâr Sant Thomas / St Thomas’ Square,
Overmonnow,
Trefynwy / Monmouth,
NP25 4ES
Ewcharist / Eucharist
 You may notice we are starting to add some more Welsh words and phrases to our diocesan communications!Welsh language services that are held regularly across our diocese are a great way to embrace the Welsh identity of our diocese.Newport Cathedral – OPEN for visiting, prayer, and reflectionAfter 2 years of restrictions and limited opening – even being shut – the Cathedral is now open most days for visiting, prayer and reflection. Open from Morning Prayer (10am on Saturdays) until Evening Prayer at 5pm. Please check the website for occasions when access is restricted.National Churches Trust – Maintenance Booker 
Recommended by Jonathan Perons, Churches and Property Officer 

The National Churches Trust’s Maintenance Booker is a helpful tool for any church team looking to help preserve their historic building. The website is designed to simplify the process of finding specialist contractors to carry out jobs for all areas of your church building, such as gutter clearance, repointing, and tree surveys. The website also helps to signpost where grant funding can be found for the work involved, from smaller preventative maintenance jobs to larger restoration projects.

Visit their website: https://www.maintenancebooker.org.uk/Bereavement Training for Children & Young People

Would you like to know more about how young people manage loss? We have the opportunity to host an online training session on handling bereavement with children and young people. Pete English from Ataloss.org has over 25 years of experience working with young people through counselling in schools and leading church-based youth work.

The training will not be free but group bookings will receive a discount.
More details to come soon!
 
If you would like to register your interest for this group training opportunity, please contact Rachel Nelmes:

Email rachelnelmes@churchinwales.org.ukMobilising Community Climate Action – £500 Grants Available

Grants of up to £500 are available for climate-related community activities over the summer.

The grants are for local groups who are participating in or arranging activities. These might include activities around EcoChurch, Churches Count on Nature in June, or locally devised events.

The eligibility criteria has been updated to state that climate action events and community projects from faith groups are eligible.

WWF have said  “We cannot fund religious services or activity where the primary objective is to promote a particular set of beliefs. We welcome applications for climate action events and community projects from faith groups, but activity should benefit and be inclusive of the wider community. Community groups are welcome to discuss nature, climate and the urgency of the challenges we face through their own lenses and in the language they are most comfortable with.”

Download: WWF – Small Grants – Eligibility Criteria (WORD)
Download: WWF – Small Grants – Eligibility Criteria (PDF)

For more information and to apply go to: https://www.wwf.org.uk/what-can-i-do/mobilising-community-action/re-granting

The application deadline has been extended to 13th May.
 For a downloadable and printable version of this email please click here.

You can find the one-stop-shop for all you need to know and this week’s updates here.
New Vicar in Netherwent Ministry Area

The Bishop of Monmouth is delighted to announce that Revd Peter Letson has been appointed as a Vicar in the Netherwent Ministry Area.