St Asaph Round-up: Dydd Iau, 11fed Mehefin 2015

Newyddion o Esgobaeth Llanelwy:Thursday 11 June 2015

Petertide Ordinations

You are warmly invited to join us as we celebrate Ordinations at our Cathedral on Saturday 27 June at 10a.m. This year, Bishop Gregory will ordain Jonathan Skipper, Assistant Curate of the Llanfyllin Group, to the Sacred Order of Priest, and Phil Carey, who is to service in the Parish of Rhosllanerchrugog, to the Sacred Order of Deacon. The retreat conductor and preacher will be Canon Dr Rosemary Dymond, Rector of Bedwellty and New Tredegar in the Diocese of Monmouth.

Please pray for Jonathan and Phil in these final weeks of preparation and for a rich outpouring of God’s grace for them and for the whole Church.

Overflow car parking has been arranged for the event at Ysgol Glan Clwyd.

Services of Induction, Licensing and Installation:

You are all most warmly welcome to attend the following licensing service:

22June 7p.m., Towyn - Chris Feak will be licensed by Bishop Gregory as Priest in Charge of Towyn at St Mary’s Church.

Confirmation services

Confirmation Services led by Bishop Gregory will be held on:

28 JuneConfirmation for Wrexham Mission Area, St Giles’ Church, 1500hr

5 JulyConfirmation for Dee Valley Deanery, 1500hr, venue to be confirmed

12 JulyConfirmation for Cedewain Mission Area, All Saints’ Church, Newtown 1500hr

Anniversaries in Ministry

We are looking forward to celebrating significant ordination anniversaries on Sunday, 21 June in the cathedral at 11a.m. A warm welcome to all.

Growing more deeply into prayer

The Power of Prayer events encouraged many of us as individuals to think more carefully about our prayer life and how we might deepen and enrich it. As a diocese, we have been considering how we could offer more opportunities for this to happen, especially at this time of change in our churches and communities. The letter from Bishop Gregory (attached) gives details of a short course of four taster sessions we are planning to hold. If you would like to express your interest in attending please complete and return the reply slip at the bottom of the letter by 12 June.

This week:

Please Help Nepal – Fundraising Evening. Friday 12 June at 7.30 p.m. in Neuadd Owen Village Hall, Cefn, St Asaph, LL17 0EY. Slideshow and talk about Nepal and the work of The Brick Children School, Nepal. Authentic Nepalese Curry (cooked by award winning Nepalese Chef), Nepalese Beer and Music. Tickets £10 to include supper. Tel: 01745 540345.

Christian Aid Wales Internship – Christian Aid Wales are looking for an intern ages 18-25 to volunteer with them full time for ten months. More information has been circulated previously. Closing date for applications is 13 June.

Plant & Home Produce Sale from 1.30 p.m. on Saturday 13 June at St. Francis Church Sandycroft. Refreshments available. Free entrance.

Do you feel stressed, always chasing the clock, and need some 'me-time' to be still, silent and have chance to think? From the first Saturday of May to the last Saturday of August, you can recharge your batteries at Night Prayer (Said Version), and still have time for a full evening afterwards!St Digain's, Llangernyw at 6 p.m. Enjoy peaceful music, reflection on the Gospel, and an ancient form of worship.

Concert by the Rhos Male Voice Choirat St Ethelwolds, Shotton. Saturday 13 June at 7 p.m. Tickets: £8. To reserve tickets phone: 01244 836991.

“Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done”- A Choral Festival - Sunday 14 June at St. Asaph Cathedral, directed by Rosemary Field - RSCM Deputy Director of Education. Rehearsal 2 - 4 p.m.Service at 5 p.m.“Thy kingdom come, thy will be done” is a festival service to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta. Based on the theme of social justice, the service will include a wide selection of music. The service book features works by Margaret Rizza, Bernadette Farrell, James MacMillan and Philip Wilby among others, as well as an anthem composed by Malcolm Archer for the Magna Carta anniversary. Music copies are available from North Wales Chairman Alan McGuinness: telephone (01745) 584053 or email:

Please see the poster for more information and how to take part (circulated previously).

Concert to raise money for Llandudno Lifeboat at St Paul’s Church, Craig-y-Don, Llandudno - Sunday 14 June, 5 p.m. - Caitlin Grey, a talented singer-songwriter from Anglesey brings her band and her hauntingly beautiful voice to St Paul's Church for a special gig mixing folk music from her Irish and Welsh roots with a spiritual theme to fit the surroundings. Admission free with collection for Llandudno Lifeboat. Light refreshments served afterwards.

Memorial Service for Anthapurusha – Nandita is planning a Memorial service on Wednesday 17 June is St Mary’s, Ruabon at 10 a.m. followed by refreshments in the church hall. Please let Nandita (01978 448108) or Jean Audrey (01978 842756) know if you would like to come so that Nandita can cater for the correct number. Please leave a message if either are not available.

Ydi newid hinsawdd yn eich poeni chi fel ag y mae’n poeni Cymorth Cristnogol? Yna pam nad ymunwch chi efo miloedd o bobl tebyg ichi ar ddiwrnod cyffrous yn Llundain i lobio eich Aelod Seneddol newydd? Dydd Mercher 17 Mehefin, 2015. Gweithredwch!

Mwy o fanylion:

Does climate change worry you like it worries Christian Aid? Then why not join thousands of other like-minded people for an exciting day in London lobbying your new Member of Parliament? Wednesday 17 June, 2015. Act!

More details:

“Women’s Voices” – A day conference Exploring Women’s preaching. 20 June, 9.30 a.m. – 4.30 p.m. at TRS Hollybank, University of Chester, CH2 1AB. Please see the flyer (circulated previously) for more information.

Concert at St Silin’s church , Llansilin, given by Cantiones, Shropshire's premier chamber choir on 20 June at 7.30pm. Tickets: £7. Croeso i bawb.

Training:

An exciting opportunity to deliver training in our diocese - Only 2 places still available. We are look for enthusiastic people to volunteer to deliver ‘Hope and a Future’ training in our dioceses. Please see the attached flyer about training to be a facilitator (Creative Facilitation Course St A). Information about the ‘Hope and a Future’ course is also attached (Hope and a Future trainers info). The Creative Facilitator course will take place in Church House Gresford on the 1st and 2nd of July 2015.

For further information or to book your place please contact Sarah Wheat the Engagement Officer on 01745 532596/582245 or email

Keeping People Safe – Health & Safety Training.The Church in Wales and Ecclesiastical Insurance are running a series of practical workshops for those with a responsibility for ensuring that health and safety procedures are in place in their Church. The sessions will address the practical issues of ‘What do I need to do?’ and ‘How do I do it?’ rather than focusing on the legislation. Please refer to the letter from the Provincial Training Team for further information circulated previously.The following workshops have been arranged in venues across the Diocese of St Asaph.-

Saturday 20 June / 9.30 am to 12.30 pm / Christ Church, Ffrydan Road, Bala LL23 7RU
Saturday 19 September / 9.30 am to 12.30 pm / St Margaret's Church & Hall, Wrexham LL11 2SH
Saturday 17 October / 9.30 am to 12.30 pm / St John's Pool Quay SY21 9LA
Saturday 14 November / 9.30 am to 12.30 pm / Dewi Sant Colwyn Bay, LL28 7TE

To book a place, please complete the booking form circulated previously or contact: Ffion Williams at St Michael’s College, Cardiff on 029 2083 8007 or e-mail .

Training Together “So…. You’re a Churchwarden” – This interactive session (which is open to all but especially useful for Churchwardens and Clergy) will give guidance on the role and duties of a Churchwarden in relation to the Constitution and 2020 Vision.24 June, 7-9 p.m. in St Mary’s Church, Llanfair Caereinion. Booking is essential, please contact Sian on 01745 582245 or email

Training Together “So… you’re the PCC Secretary” – This session (which is open to all but especially useful for PCC Secretaries and Clergy) will give guidance on the role and duties of the PCC Secretary in relation to the Annual Vestry Meeting (AVM) and PCC meetings, also as parish record keeper and communication conduit.

  • 1 July, 7-9 p.m. in St Margaret’s Church, Wrexham.
  • 7 July, 7-9 p.m. in the Diocesan Office, St Asaph. (limited availability)

Booking is essential, please contact Sian on 01745 582245 or email

Training Together “So… You’re on the PCC” – 14 July, 7-9 p.m. in Christ Church, Bala. This session will explain the role of the PCC in relation to the Constitution and the Law; the role and responsibilities of the PCC member and those of the Officers appointed by the PCC. Booking is essential, please contact Sian on 01745 582245 or email

Mind Cymru Mental Health First Aid- 12- 13 October, Ramada Plaza Wrexham, 9a.m.-5p.m. on both days. For more information and for other courses please see the updated version of the Provincial Training Calendar from the Church in Wales (circulated previously)

Coming soon:

'The Life and Times of St Asaph'a talk by Mrs Avril Robarts; 7.30 p.m. St Asaph Cathedral, Friday 19 June. Tickets £5 to include a glass of wine/soft drink. Pay at the door. Proceeds to support The Friends of St Asaph Cathedral.All welcome.

Betws Yn Rhos Village Fun Sports Afternoon & BBQ - Saturday 20June. Sports to start at 2p.m., BBQ to start at 6.30p.m. Everyone welcome, medals & trophies to be won! Welly throwing, obstacle race, rowing challenge, coconut shy, darts, three legged race. Raffle – 1st Prize £50 JD Sports voucher, 2nd Prize meal for two. Refreshments available. Proceeds St Michael’s Church.

Parachuting Teddies at St. Cynfarch and St. Mary's church Llanfair DC (2 miles from Ruthin on the 525 to Wrexham) on Saturday 20 June 2 – 4p.m. refreshments and stalls. Come along and watch your teddy parachute down the church tower and don't worry the first aid team is on call to mend any broken teddy limbs.

St Ffraid’s Church and Carrog Village Summer Fair Saturday 20 June, 2-5 p.m. Stalls,children’s entertainment and refreshments.Entrance free.

A festival of well loved Hymns at St Cystennin’s Church, Llangystennin. Wednesday 24 June at 7 p.m. All Welcome. Poster attached.

Strawberry Afternoon Tea on Saturday 4 July at 3p.m. Served in the beautiful gardens of Rosslyn, Gwespyr, (near Llanasa), Holywell CH8 9LU. Tickets £3 in aid of Llanasa Parish Church. All most welcome.

Concert in St Mary's Church Minera on Saturday 4 July at 7 p.m. An Evening with Cantorion Rhos. There will be three solo items. Tickets £8 including an interval drink. Accompanied children free. Tickets available from Church Members and Chair Members. Tel. 01978 757397 & 01978 355043.

St Cystennin’s, Mochdre will be holding a Welsh Holy Eucharist Service (for the first time in 40 years) on 5 July at 3 p.m. More information attached.

Information and Marketplace

Please note that any potential submissions for the August/September edition of Teulu Asaph are required by 19 June.

AVOW in Wrexham have a quantity of office desks, chairs, filing cabinets and desk pedestals available for collection from 21 Egerton Street, Wrexham, LL11 1ND- If interested contact Ken Rowlands 01978 312556 or email

Reminders:

Utility Brokers. We have been notified that Church Treasurers have been receiving nuisance phone calls from Brokers promising to find you a better deal for your electricity. It is not a problem if you wish to pursue this, but the Diocesan Office does not recommend individual Brokers. The Church in Wales has its own Parish Buying service which can access lower cost utilities. Contact them at or call 0800 368 0887.

Launch of the 2016 St Asaph Cathedral Charity Event - The St Asaph Cathedral Annual Charity Event is an opportunity for charities tohold a fundraising concert or event in this prestigious venue without having to pay a hire fee. Applications are now being received from charities for the 2016 Charity event. The closing date for receipt of applications is 30 September 2015. Visit the Cathedral website to download an application form:

Please see the job advert for Rural schools and Communities Children’s Workers from the Boys’ Brigade and Girls’ Association. Closing date 3 July. (Circulated previously)

Strawberry tea and afternoon bingo at All Saints Poyser Street, Wrexham - Saturday 18 July doors open 3.30 p.m.

90th Anniversary Gala Concert in St Martin’s Church, Llay - Friday 19 June, 7 p.m. start. Tickets £5 each. Contact Reg Britton on 01978 856522. Leave a message if not there.

North East Wales Sinfonia – Folk Songs and Tango. 20 June, 7.30 p.m. in St Mary’s Church, Mold. Admission: £12 Adult/ £8 Concession / £3 Student or Under 18s. For more details please see the poster.

Shining Stars Concert in Llanelidan Church near Ruthin on Saturday, 20 June at 7.30p.m. Young soloists - some from the Junior Royal Northern College of Music - will sing or play a variety of music, from Vivaldi arias to Chaconne by Jeremiah Clarke on the harp or Nigun by Bloch on the violin. Come and be amazed at their talent! Tickets cost £5 and can be booked by phoning Pat on 01824 750288.

Calling anyone involved in or interested in being involved in a ‘fresh expression’/pioneer ministry/emerging church/new form of church. What is a fresh expression or any of the above terms you might be asking! It could be anything from a messy church, cafe church, to a group that is helping to support people who are struggling financially, from a lunchtime club for older people to a forest church, from a workforce church to a group that works with young people or…. anything that is trying to engage people with the good news of the love of Jesus.

The following definition has been taken from the fresh expressions website:

•missional - serving (and drawing together) people outside the church;

•incarnational - listening to people it is called to serve and entering their culture;

•educational - making discipleship a priority;

•ecclesial - forming a new worshipping community (church) rather than encouraging non-churchgoers to join an existing church.

Would you like to be part of a forum that meets up to 4 times a year for encouragement, worship, possible training, new experiences?

Our first meeting will take place on Monday 29 June 2015 at Gladstone’s Library in Hawarden from 11a.m. – 1p.m. If you would like to join us or for more information please email

St. Michael's church Nannerch is staginga Flower Festival the theme of which is "Village and Country Life". There is no entry charge to the festival (but donations welcome!) which will be open from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on 11 and 12 July. On the Saturday from 2-4 p.m., afternoon tea will be available in the village hall at a cost of £5 per head for adults and £3 per head for children. Please do visit St. Michaels and see it in its flowery glory.

Join The Arthur Rank Centre on 19 July 2015 for Rural Mission Sunday, an annual event celebrating the life and work of small rural churches. Get involved by holding a special service on the theme of bread. We have dozens of resources to help; including Bible readings, sermon ideas, prayers and recipes. Download your free pack at

What’s on?

Summer Fayre at St Francis Church, Sandycroft from 1.30 p.m. on 4 July. Cakes, crafts, games, raffle etc. 30p entrance fee.

Trip to Iona 18-25 July.One double room but would accept one single person. Letter and booking form circulated previously.

Bala Parish Holiday to Northumberland and Lindisfarne. 26 October – 30 October 2015. Details are on the poster (circulated previously). For more information contact Ursula - 07766147066 - 01678 540698 - or Elaine - 07930443605 - 01678 521047 -

StAR - If you want something including in the St Asaph Round up, please send it to next StAR will be on Thursday 18June.

Check back on previous editions of StAR at linked from the home page)

Nominate people in your church to receive this information. It’s free and we want to share it! Ask your PCC Secretary, Wardens or Parish Communications Officer to send an e-mail to with ‘Subscribe to StAR’ in the subject line and we’ll do the rest.

Keep in touch!

Keep up to date with what is going on across the Diocese.

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter and visit our website:

@StAsaphDiocese

Sian Connelly

Administrative Assistant / Cymhorthydd Gweinyddol
Diocesan Office /Swyddfa'r Esgobaeth
High Street / Stryd Fawr
St. Asaph / Llanelwy
LL17 0RD
Tel.01745 582245 ~ Fax 01745 530078