St Asaph Round-up: Dydd Iau, 23ain Ebrill 2015
Newyddion o Esgobaeth Llanelwy:Thursday 23 April 2015
Proposal for the re-organisation of schools in the Berwyn catchment Area
Between 13 March and 28 April, Gwynedd council will be undertaking a period of statutory consultation on a proposal for the reorganisation of schools in the Berwyn catchment area. The consultation is based on a proposal to close the three current schools in the town of Bala and establish a Welsh medium, voluntary controlled school for pupils aged 3-19 in the Berwyn catchment area. The Diocese has been involved in this and strongly supports this proposal which will extend the provision of Christian education in the area. To find out more and have your say on the proposal, please access the Gwynedd council website:
Consultation on Same SexPartnerships – Each diocese in the Church in Wales is holding a consultation on same sex partnerships to report back to the Bench of Bishops. Three consultation meetings will be held across the diocese in June. Please follow the link for details of when the consultation meetings are taking place and to download a copy of the consultation papers.
Annual Returns. If you want some help in completing the Financial Return, Churchwardens Fabric Report, Membership Report or the Parish Officers Return, then these video clips may help you.
This week:
TCC Accountability Meetings are a chance to meet the Parliamentary candidates and find out what action they would take on the issues TCC is working on. Entrance is by ticket only, please contact 01978 262588 or email for more information.
·Wrexham – Thursday 23 April, 7.30 p.m., Regent Street Methodist.
·Vale of Clwyd – Monday 27 April, 7.30 p.m., St. Mary’s Rhyl
Family fun quiz in aid of Casillo - 24 April in Halkyn Cricket Club at 7.30 p.m. £5 for a team of 4 including refreshments. To book a table contact: Shirley Sailsbury: 07905144541 or Debbie Paul: 07990550612
"Papal Ecology" 24-26 April - An Ecumenical weekend to explore the writings of John Paul II, Benedict and Francis on the greening of the church and society. Pope Francis’ first encyclical is soon to be released on the subject of ecology. Christians of all denominations are preparing for a storm of new interest in a greener Christian lifestyle. This weekend, you will learn the essentialbackground to our relationship with creation and how you can live it. With a friendly, ecumenical team, sharing & relaxing times of prayer.Flyer and booking form circulated previously.
Mystery coach trip - 25 April - In aid of funds for parish of Denbigh Churches St Mary and St Marcella. Leave Lenten pool at 9.15 a.m. lidl at 9.30 a.m. Tickets £10 per person paid in advance. Afternoon tea £5 per person paid in advance. Journey with stops,chance for coffee break , toilet break and longer lunch time, afternoon tea in a town where you can browse for an hour or have your tea . Home at approximately 6 p.m. Contact Su Gillespie 01745 814897 Come and fill a coach for a pleasant day out.
Retreats Association Quiet Day at Ty Heddwch Retreat Centre, Denbigh on Saturday 25 April 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Cost £12 including a light lunch. Contact Chris Simons to make a booking at
You are warmly invited to join us in St Chad's Church, Hanmer at 6 p.m. on Sunday 26 April to hear 'Vox Vocavit Choir' sing a traditional Evensong.
Services of Induction, Licensing and Installation:
Licensing of Jason Bray at St Giles’ Church, Wrexham on 26 April at 4.30 p.m.
The Licensing of Bryn Parry Jones as Associate Priest in the South Hawarden Mission Area on Monday 27April at 7 p.m. in St John’s, Penymynydd.
Installation of Rex Matthias as Canon Precentor and Vicar in the Rectorial Benefice of St Asaph during Choral Evensong, 11 May, 6 p.m. in the Cathedral.
Induction of Quentin Bellamy as Rector of Colwyn and Llanelian - 18 May, 7 p.m. in Church of St Catherine and St John the Baptist, Old Colwyn.
Licensing by the Archdeacon of Wrexham of Sarah Errington as Priest in Charge of the Conventional Districts of Rhosddu and Rhosnesni in Wrexham Mission Area, at St James’ Church, Rhosddu at 7 p.m.
Training:
Please note that the following Training sessions have been cancelled:
- 27 April – Parish Administration and Marriage Law
- 5 May – Publicising your Parish
- 13 May – Managing Parish Finances
- 19 May – What is your church communicating?
Training Together “So… you’re on the PCC” – 28 April in All Saint’s Church, Newtown from 7-9 p.m. This session (which is useful for all church members) 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. The session will be a mixture of information and action planning. Booking essential. Contact: Sian on 01745 532582 or email
Need funding for urgent structural repairs? HLF may have the answer. Come and find out how to access funding and meet the people with all the answers.Tuesday 28 April, 10.30 a.m. - 1.30 p.m. in Christ Church, Bala LL23 7RU. For more details, see posters circulated previously. To book a place please email call 02920 343413.
Training Together “Managing Parish Finances” –This session (which is open to all church members, but is especially useful for Treasurers and Clergy) will cover the role and responsibilities of the Treasurer and how to work with the PCC to manage finances. You will look at the different classification of income and how to produce the Receipts & Payments Account using the standard form of accounts. This will include looking at bank reconciliations, assets and liabilities and producing the Annual Return and Annual Report.
- 5 May, 2-4 p.m. in St John’s, Pool Quay.
- 18 May, 7-9 p.m. in St Myllin’s Church, Llanfyllin
- 19 May, 7-9 p.m. in St Peter’s Church, Holywell.
Booking is essential. Contact Sian on 01745 532582 or email
Please see the following message from the Education Team: “Are you involved with a school in your parish? Want to find out more about serving schools in different ways – using your gifts (and those of your congregation). Please join us at our Ministry to Schools training day at St Margaret’s Church Hall, Wrexham on Tuesday 12 May 2015 from 10-4 p.m.This is about engaging with all schools not just Church Schools, in a variety of ways. We have presentations on:
o Open the book
o Godly Play
o Starting and running clubs in school
o Messy Church in schools
o The law and schools, to understand what is and isn’t appropriate in both curriculum and non-curriculum time
o Working with secondary schools
o Ideas for corporate worship in primary schools
o Using puppets in school
and lots more! This is open to all, both laity and clergy and we would encourage you to come along and find out more. If you would like to book on please contact Sian on 01745 532582 or email:
Ministry and Poetry- 2 June, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. Venue: Llangollen Pavilion led by Canon Mark Pryce. An opportunity to reflect on our experience of ministry through the poetry of Thomas Hardy, Anne Stevenson, RS Thomas, Seamus Heaney, Benjamin Zephaniah and others. There will be talks about poems and poets as well as conversation groups to think through our pastoral settings and concerns in light of certain poems. Participants can bring a poem of their own choosing to share with colleagues. This day is open to anyone who is in formal ministry – Particularly clergy, Readers and Evangelists. To book a place contact
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 focussing 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 7RUSaturday 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 .
Coming soon:
Christian groups issue call to pray for nation ahead of election - Christian organisations, including Christians in Government, 7:14 Prayer and National Day of Prayer have called for a UK-wide prayer vigil on the evening of Wednesday 6 May. The main event will be in Parliament Square. They are also encouraging Christians across the country to take up the challenge and organise similar gatherings in their own areas.
For further information, visit their Facebook eventhere
Trip to Iona 18-25 July.There is just one double rooms left. Letter and booking form attached.
Information and Marketplace
Hope and a Future Trainers -We are look for enthusiastic people to volunteer to deliver Hope and a Future training in our dioceses. The aim of this training is to encourage churches to be proud of the unique character of their church but also to have a vision for working alongside other churches to address needs in their communities.
Church members’ faith is deepened and strengthened through learning new ways of studying and experiencing the Bible. Church members will be equipped with a range of tools and skills to assess needs and address them. Churches in mission areas discover the potential they have in working together, sharing resources to address local needs
If you would like to be considered to be a trainer for this exciting course please take a look at the attached Creative Facilitative Course information as you would be required to attend this training.
For further information or to put your name forward please contact: Sarah Wheat the Engagement Officer On 01745 532596/582245 or 07909257899 or email
Please see the attached a poster from Wrexham and District Citizens Advice Bureaux offering outreach services. They offer Free, Independent, Impartial, Confidential advice on any topic.
Please note that from 27 April Revd Rex Matthias’ contact information will change to: Cefn Coed, Upper Denbigh Road, St Asaph, LL17 0RR. Telephone number: 01745 584994. His email address will remain the same.
Reminders:
The Order of St Asaph – The deadline is coming up at the end of the month to nominate Lay people to receive the Order of St Asaph as we seek to recognise and honour the outstanding contribution of lay persons at diocesan level. All members of the Teulu Asaff, whether clerical or lay, are encouraged to make nominations. A nomination form is available to download. You can find out more and details of how to nominate here:
The Editor of Teulu Asaph Revd Heather Fenton requests that material for the next issue be sent to her as soon as possible, and asks that any pictures should be sent without reduction in the number of pixels.
The Annual Eucharist for the Friends of St Asaph Cathedral will be celebrated in the Cathedral at 11 a.m. on Saturday 2 May . The preacher will be the Venerable Peggy Jackson, Archdeacon of Llandaff. All are welcome to the service. The Eucharist will be followed by the Friends’ lunch and the AGM of the Friends of the Cathedral to which members of the Friends and their guests are invited.
St Asaph Cathedral Organ Recital Series 2015 – The next recital will take place on Wednesday 6 May at 7.30 p.m. with John Hosking (Assistant Director of Music at St Asaph Cathedral). Admission £5. Poster circulated previously.
Icelandic Choir on tour Visits Llanasa - Friday 15 May at 7 p.m. Tickets £3.50 (£5 on the door) Children under 16: free. Refreshments available. Call or email to reserve tickets: 01745 888797
A Night of Comedy! Featuring Tony Vino and Steve Day at the Canolfan, Clawddnewydd. Friday 29 May, doors open 6.45 p.m. comedy begins at 7.30 p.m. Poster circulated previously.
The St Deiniol’s Group invites you to an open meeting of WATCH (Women and the Church) Cymru on Saturday 6 June, 2 p.m. for 2.30 p.m at Plas Dolerw in Newtown. See the invitation circulated previously for details.A warm welcome toall member of our churches.
Archbishop Rice Jones Trust: To Clergy, Readers, Teachers, in fact – anyone connected with a School. Please remind the Head or Staff that the Trust is offering Grants to support the development and quality of Religious Education and/or Collective Worship in all schools. The Closing Date is Friday 22 May. Application Forms (in Welsh and English) are available on the Diocesan Website at
The Upper Room - As the Church looks forward to celebrating Pentecost and the coming of the Holy Spirit, The Bible Reading Fellowship are giving away an electronic Bible reading notes sampler containing 40 Bible meditations from The Upper Room . The meditations have been written by Christians from around the world who have reflected on their understanding of the Holy Spirit and how he is at work in their lives.Their hope is that this resource will encourage individual Christians and churches to read the Bible and help Christians understand the Holy Spirit better and grow deeper in their relationship with him.
Tenors and basses areneeded to join the choir of St Peter's Church, Ruthin. St Peter's has an enviable reputation for its music and its choir is of a high standard. It is desirable, but not essential, thatapplicants can read music. The choir practises on a Friday at 7 p.m. and sings Matins and Eucharist alternately on Sunday mornings, practising at 9.45 a.m. for a 10.30 a.m. service. Choral Evensong is at 6 p.m. (practice at 5 p.m.) on the third Sunday of the month. In addition, there would be a commitment to extra services on special occasions such as at Easter, Christmas, weddings and so on. For an audition, please contact Margaret Parr on 01824 703901 or
What’s on?
North Wales Pilgrims Way - The annual pilgrimage will be taking place from Saturday 2 May to Friday15 May. Weather permitting; we hope to cross over to Bardsey Island on Friday 15 May. Anyone is most welcome to join us for as much of the walk as they would like, whether it is a single day or the whole pilgrimage. For further details, please see Sue Last or Janet Cameron. Please visit the website for more information
Sign Language in services: The following services will be translated into sign language. Sunday 3 May 11 a.m. Celebrating St. Asaph at Llanasa Parish Church. CH8 9NF. Sunday 7 June 11 a.m. on a Pilgrimage Theme at Llanasa Parish Church.CH8 9NF. A Bring and share lunch will follow the 7 June Service. Any further information please email Stuart:
The sixth annual Virgin Art exhibition, organised as part of Mold’sfestivals programme, will be held in St Mary’s Parish Church from 4- 9 May. Paintings and photographs by professionals and amateurs will be on display in the side aisles and Lady Chapel of the ancient church from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. All exhibits are for sale with part of the proceeds helping to boost church funds. For further details go to Alternatively e.mail or tel. 01352 752473.
Llandudno – Keswick Bible Week – Peter: The Making of a Disciple with speaker Peter Lewis. Tuesday 5 May – Friday 8 May at Llandudno Baptist Church. Please see the flyer (circulated previously) for more details.
The meeting of the Retired Clergy Association - Wednesday 6 May, 2 for 2.30 p.m. at the Church of St Martin of Tours, Llay. The speaker will be Bishop John Dudley Davies and his theme, “The Struggle for the Gospel in Apartheid South Africa.” The event which includes a beautiful afternoon tea prepared by the ladies of the Parish of Llay, is open to all retired clergy, their spouses and widows. The Chaplain to the Retired Clergy Association, Canon Quentin Bellamy will be sending out a mailing within the next few days, and he would be extremely grateful if all colleagues could ensure that any retired cleric/spouse/widow/er are made aware, especially those who may be recently retired and new to the diocese.
“Show Up” -encouraging positive Christian engagement in the run up to, and beyond, the 2015 General Election'. - an hour of prayer on the eve of the General Election to pray for our nation, Wednesday 6 May in St Ann's Church, Vale Rd, Rhyl at 7pm. All welcome. Flyer circulated previously.
May Melodies with Jigsaw Sound at St john’s Church, Pool Quay. Sunday 17 May at 6.30 p.m. A mixed voice choir based in Shrewsbury who regularly perform at concerts, weddings and fundraising events throughout Shropshire and over the border into Wales. Tickets £8 (including light refreshments) available from Church members or Kathleen on 01938 590 351.
The Mathrafal Deanery Mothers' Union Festival with afternoon tea on Thursday 21 May at 2 p.m. in St Silin's Church, Llansilin. The church is fully accessible, wheel chair friendly, with modern facilities and hearing loop.
Llansantffraid Church parish coach trip to National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas and Lichfield Cathedral on 6June. All Welcome. Coach price: Adults: £15, Children under 12: £12. Please see the poster (circulated previously) for more details.
Get involved in Cherishing Churchyards week. Caring for God's acre are arranging a Cherishing Churchyards week in June and are looking for parishes to take part. From Saturday 6 June to Sunday 14 June, the aim is to celebrate and raise awareness of the national treasures contained within churchyards and burial grounds. For more information and to register your event as part of National cherishing churchyards week please visit the website:
“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 ChairmanAlan McGuinness: telephone (01745) 584053 or email:
Please see the poster for more information and how to take part (circulated previously).
“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.