Diocese of Monmouth Esgobaeth Mynwy |
Establishing Ministry Areas Ministry Area Resources: How Magor Ministry Area WorksThe Rectorial Benefice of Magor has been functioning as a Ministry Area for the past 10 years. This video features many people, with different roles and responsibilities from across the area, discussing their experiences and the benefits of working so closely together.Q2 Rebate At their meeting yesterday, the Diocesan Board of Finance agreed to offer a 40% rebate for Quarter 2 of 2021. This means that the Board will have offered a 40% rebate for three quarters of 2020 and two quarters of 2021. Although we are all hoping and praying that we will finally see the light in the Covid situation soon, the DBF understands the financial pressures that continue to face our parishes and Ministry Areas at present. It was therefore felt by the Board that this level of support would be required until the summer. It is sincerely hoped that, by then we will all be in a much better position to move forward, and start to adjust to the ‘new normal’.It has only been possible to offer this level of support for such an extended period of time, partly by drawing on the Board’s own reserves, but largely thanks to the generous support that we have received from the Representative Body of Church in Wales. We sincerely thank their trustees for this financial support that we have, in turn, been able to pass on to our parishes. This clearly demonstrates how the whole Church continues to work together and support each other through these most difficult times.NewsNew Appointment for Abergavenny and Govilon  A Yorkshire man who considers himself an ‘honorary Welshman’ has been appointed as the next Vicar of Abergavenny and Ministry Area Leader for Abergavenny and Govilon.Fr John Connell is already a familiar face around the diocese having lived for almost 20 years in Wales, serving as a curate in Caldicot, then as vicar of Llantilio Pertholey with Bettws Chapel and Llanddewi Skirrid and ministering in St Augustine’s, Rumney for the last 6 years.The Right Reverend Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth says: “After interviewing four people for this significant post, it was clear that Fr John is the right person to take forward the mission and ministry of the church communities in Abergavenny and Govilon.”Read the full announcement here.  Well done to Rev Jane Avery who has raised a total of £1110 for Alzheimer’s Research UK by dying her hair red.She says, “I am amazed and delighted at this result from such a simple idea and very, very grateful to all those who have supported me – family, friends, church members and some I don’t know. It all goes towards seeking a way to eradicate this distressing and unpredictable condition.” Training/Events  St Padarn’sEaster Webinar Series Resourcing Youth, Children & Families’ Ministry Tuesday March 2nd 14:00-15:15 The third and final webinar in this series will be held on March 2nd and will focus on sharing ideas and resources to help churches plan their Holy Week ministry to youth, children, and families. The webinar will feature the following contributors: Helen Franklin Scripture UnionJane Leadbetter BRF / Messy ChurchDai Woolridge Bible SocietyAli Jensen St Denys LisvaneJessica Ann Jenner Together at HomeLesley Rendle Bro Seiriol / Grŵp ElenRegister here: https://bit.ly/2YDLRgyDiocesan Service for Healing, Wholeness and Reconciliation: March 11th at 1.30pm Healing and Reconciliation lie at the heart of our Christian faith, not least in this season of Lent as we reflect on the salvation and healing wrought for us through the cross. As Christian people we journey together as we live out our daily lives. In the current Ministry Area of Cyncoed, there is a regular service of Healing, Wholeness and Reconciliation led by the Revd Beverley Smith which is being opened up to the whole of the diocese on March 11th. Bishop Cherry will be giving a homily and, whilst anointing and the laying on of hands will not be possible, there will be opportunities for each person present to be prayed for in small break-out rooms as part of the service. This is an invitation for us to draw nearer to Christ and open ourselves to the grace of the Holy Spirit.  Click here to register. Would you like to make more time to pray, but aren’t sure where to start? Or would you like to give your prayer a renewed focus for a week in Lent? Would you like a little help along the way?Then the Week of Guided Prayer online is for you. Leading into Holy Week this Week of Guided Prayer is individually tailored to your experience. It is suitable for everybody – beginners in prayer, those whose want to renew their prayer-life and those who are experienced in prayer. You will use Bible passages, and other material, as a basis for prayer and meditation, with a guide alongside you to suggest what you might pray with and to hear how it went. The Week of Guided Prayerstarts with an introductory meeting on Zoom for all the participants and guides. We will match you with a guide who will arrange to meet with you on Zoom each day, Monday to Friday,at a time that works for both of you. These sessions usually last 20-30 minutes and we suggest that you make 20-30 minutes available for the prayer itself. The retreat ends with a closing session online. Register your place https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/137910888179 Important: Please book as soon as possible so that we can match you with an appropriate guide. If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact Rev Jane Butler: jane.upperislwyn@yahoo.com (01495 231241).  Email safeguardingtraining@stpadarns.ac.uk to book.The Revd Professor John Barton – LectureThe Revd Professor John Barton was the Oriel and Laing Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture at the University of Oxford between 1991-2014 and is a Fellow of the British Academy. He published the book “A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths” last year and this was recently adapted for BBC Radio 4’s Book of the Week. He is will be presenting a lecture on 9th March at the Severn Theological Forum entitled: Using the Bible Constructively. Not one to be missed see the flyer for details.Help NeededDo you recognise this badge? We’ve been contacted asking for assistance in identifying the badge pictured below which features the diocesan shield. It’s about 14mm x 30mm, gilt metal and enamel. The fitting and manufacture suggest pre-1950s. If you know anything please let us know!  My Favourite HymnCalling all hymn lovers! We may not be allowed to sing in church as yet but we all have our favourite hymns – whether it’s belting out classics such as Calon Lân or something more modern like Shine Jesus Shine. BBC Radio Wales is looking for people to take part in its weekly Celebration worship programme to talk about their favourite hymn – why they like it and what it means to them. If you would like to take part, please contact Georgie.Sullivan@bbc.co.uk or call 07384456219ResourcesLive-streamed Services & Reflections: Join a Sunday Eucharist from the Cathedral at 10:30am here.  LENT 2021: DYING TO LIVEWhether you are a lay leader, a licensed minister or a member of clergy, we’d love to invite you to join in with our plans for this year’s Diocesan Lent Course ‘Dying to Live’.The course is now available on our Diocesan website or you can download a copy below.Download: LENT 2021: DYING TO LIVE If you are planning to lead a small group, please complete our group registration form: https://forms.gle/979J2dw5GSYi63Lk7 Printed copies can be requested from the Diocesan Office. Please email admin.monmouth@churchinwales.org.uk to request one.Our Schools  Lent 2021 Mini MissionsWe’re also excited to introduce our Lent Mini Missions Project. While this set of challenges was designed with our schools in mind, we’d like to encourage all our children and families to participate. On the project resource page, you will find a PowerPoint with a voice over to explain the project. This PowerPoint will be most useful to parents and group leaders and is not intended as a resource for the children. However, there will be an introduction video from Reverend Becca Stevens posted on the first Monday of half-term. We will also be uploading weekly worship videos throughout Lent. As a note to our churches, one of the daily challenges includes finding your local church on a map and searching for details of upcoming services; such as Easter. If you are planning a service, please do send details to your local church school(s) so that they can help pass them on to students and families. Find the resources here.Spiritual Faith Challenge Week 2For 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. |
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