St Asaph Round-up: Dydd Iau, 4ydd Mai 2017

Newyddion o Esgobaeth Llanelwy:Thursday 4 May 2017

Last chance to book onto - Do we unintentionally alienate people from our churches? How can we ensure that when people attend our services and events, we use language and behaviour that makes them feel comfortable and welcome? Learn some top tips from a man who has spent 20 years helping organisations make sure that people don’t feel excluded or disrespected. 9th May, 7-9pm in St Margaret’s Church, Wrexham.Trainer: Martin Joy. Cost: free.Booking is essential, please contact by Friday 5th May

Last Chance to book onto - “Mental Wellbeing and Spirituality Symposium 2017– The importance of Trust” – 10 May, 9.15am-4pm in Llangollen Pavilion. Keynote talk

Canon Dr. Robin Greenwood. Our relationships with each other and with God are based on trust. Whereas we can always trust God, do we trust each other, how do we demonstrate that trust within the church and between each other, and are there occasions when we should be wary of trusting others? Please see the attached flyer and information on those speakers/workshop leaders.

Booking is essential, please contact by Friday 5th May

FESTIVAL OF PRAYER: 13TH MAY 2017 IN ST ASAPH CATHEDRAL

This has been organised by John Harvey, our Director of Spirituality, and the Developing Steering Group and seeks to respond to:

  • the work of Mark Yaconelli in the diocese in 2016, particularly his spiritual formation work with groups;
  • the challenge of Bishop Gregory at the Diocesan Conference in 2016 to ‘Build my Church’
  • the need in the recently formed and emerging Mission Areas to foster and develop a new culture, of participatory processes deeply rooted in prayer – listening to God, to one another and to oneself.

For full details please refer to the May Ad Clerum at or email John Harvey at book a place, please email

This week

Monday Organ Recitals at St Giles’ Parish Church, Wrexham. Every Monday from 1st May-19th June. Retiring collections, lunch available from 12pm. Please see the attached for details.

Friends of St Asaph Cathedral AGM Saturday 6th May, following Eucharist at 11am and Lunch.

Ysgol y Llan, Whitford - The Big Gig, Music; Food; Fun on Saturday May 6th at 7pm, admission £5 to raise funds for Whitford Church.

“Babes in the Pews” St Giles’ Parish church, Wrexham.Chat and play for adults, babies and toddlers. All Welcome. Every Wednesday 10-11.30am. £1 per session – Includes drink and snack.

A concert by Cor MeibionMaelgwnwill take place in All Saints Church, Deganwy on Thursday, 11 May at 7.30p.m. Tickets are £8 from Pat Chapman 01492 583420.

Mold & District Choral Society with Cor Cymysg Dyffryn Conwy will present a concert performance of Verdi's Aida at Capel Bethesda, Mold, on Saturday 13th May at 7:30 p.m. Tickets £12available from 01352 757195 or at the door.

Coming up

St Silin's Church, Llansilin - set in the picturesque village of Llansilin in the beautiful Cynllaith Valley, not far from Oswestry, is welcoming visitors for a guided summer tour. The church is steeped in history and is surrounded by an interesting churchyard with magnificent yew trees. Included is a traditional afternoon tea in the adjoining Parish Room. Wheelchair friendly and modern conveniences. Groups are welcome - details Mary Morris 662569 or

ART EXHIBITION - ST. DUNAWD’S CHURCH 13th MAY – 21st MAY 2017

This year, for the first time, Wrexham Art Group’s Spring exhibition is to be held in conjunction with Bangor-on-Dee Art Group at St. Dunawd’s Church, Bangor-on-Dee opening times of the Church are 10am-4pm and everyone is welcome to visit.

Open Table is meeting again this month at St Grwst's, Llanrwst (May 15th) and St Peter's, Holywell (May 25th). These gatherings are open to the LGBT+ community and all those who support us and encourage us in our life and faith. Please feel free to come along and join us and if you know someone who you think might be interested please pass on the information. For any further information regarding Open Table or the LGBT+ Chaplaincy please contact Revd Sarah Hildreth-Osborn. Posters attached.

Flintshire Pride is taking place on Saturday 27th May at Mold Rugby Club. This event is open to the LGBT+ community and supporters. The Church in Wales, along with our friends from other Christian denominations and world Faiths will be represented at the Faith Space. If you would like to come along and be a positive and affirming presence at Flintshire Pride please contact Rev'd Sarah Hildreth-Osborn.

St. Paul's Craig y Don present Summer Fashion Show 2017 on Tuesday 16th May, reception 2.30pm. Tickets £4 including glass of wine/soft drink and 20% Bon Marche voucher. Block bookings welcome. Call 07944851425 or church members. Local ladies are modelling and this happy event will be in the historical Victorian church.Poster circulated previously.

Forget me not tea party during Dementia Awareness week on Wednesday 17th May, 2.30-4.30pm in the parish church, St Asaph. Everyone is invited, especially individuals living with dementia and their carers.

Book and Plant Fair in St Dyfnog’s Church, Llanrhaeadr. 18 & 19 May 10.30am-5pm, 21 May 10.30am-2pm. Entrance Free, refreshments available.

“Stories in the Crypt: New Life” at St George’s Church, St George, Abergele, LL22 9BP. 19th May at 7 pm. An evening of storytelling, music and wine. Tickets free of charge, at the door or from David Miller and Katy Williams. For catering purposes, please confirm on: or message 07919 154924. Collection for McMillan Cancer support Wales.

‘Songs of Praise’ in St Cedwyn’s Church, Llangedwyn - 21st May, 6.30pm. Conducted by Mrs Iona Jones and accompanied by Ms Beverly Parry-Jones at the organ. Light refreshments will be served afterwards. Please contact Kath Morris on 01691 780459 for further information.

Concert by CÔR RYGBI GOGLEDD CYMRU at St. Bridget's Church, Waterfall Road, Dyserth. On Sunday 21st May at 7p.m.Tickets cost £10 each available from Margaret Williams 01745 570883 or collect fromthe NSPCC Shop, High Street, Dyserth.

BBC Wales Ask the Leader debate takes place at the Stiwt, Rhosllannerchrugog, on Monday, 22 May. The live debate will be broadcast on BBC One Wales at 7pm. The format is a bit like Question Time and we will have a politician from one of the five main parties answering questions from a specially-invited audience.

Audience members can either watch the debate unfold live and/or put a question, if they wish. Everyone who comes needs a ticket (which are free and we will issue them). Attached is an audience form, please return to: Eben Leonard - News and Current Affairs, BBC Cymru Wales, Broadcasting House, Llandaf, Cardiff CF5 2YQ

Direct Line 02920 322557/07792913383

St. Mary's Church Mold (Mold Mission Area) will be holding guided prayer sessions daily 25th May - 4thJune, 6-7pm. All are welcome to join us. If you are interested please contact Kathy Stewart:

AMNESTY EVENT: ST. ASAPH CATHEDRAL: 7th JULY 2017: The Colwyn Bay Group of Amnesty International UK is holding an evening of poetry, music and personal stories entitled: REFUGEES: REFLECTIONS IN WORDS AND MUSIC.

Speakers include Bishop Gregory, the Amnesty UK Director, Kate Allen and the testimonies of two refugees. We shall hear music from, amongst others, local schools, our celebrity guest, Charlotte Church, and a professional Harpist and Violinist. There will also be poetry readings from Mererid Hopwood. Entrance is free. Donations will be welcome. Details on the posters attached.

Craft Fairat St GilesChurch, Wrexham LL13 8LS - Saturday 14th October 2017, 10am - 3pm. Cost £10 per table.Would you like to take part? Please email: r phone/text 07714650792 leaving name/number/email.

Wine Tasting Evening at St Peter's Church, Ruthin on Thursday 1 June 7-9pm in aid of the church roof appeal. Tickets £15 each to include three tastings of red wine, three of white and nibbles. Majestic Wines of Wrexham will be giving talks on the wines. Tickets available from Chris Simons on 01745 550555, or from the Ruthin Bookshop, 3 Upper Clwyd Street. See poster attached.

Training

2017 dates for “Safe Church” – Safeguarding Children, Young People and Adults at Risk.

This training aims to enable members of the laity to develop awareness and understanding of abuse, safeguarding processes and how these relate to your role and responsibilities within the Church in Wales’ Safeguarding policy and procedures. Booking is essential, please contact

Future dates

30th May, 6-9pm in Christ Church, Ffrydan Road, Bala, LL23 7RU

11thJuly, 6-9pm in the St Asaph Diocesan Office, LL17 0RD

13thJuly, 6-9pm in St John’s Church, Pool Quay, SY21 9LA

6thSeptember, 6-9pm in Canolfan Dewi Sant Centre, Pensarn LL22 7RG

If you would like to attend one of these sessions, please book your place by contacting.

Safeguarding - Train the Trainers course in North Wales (Management Centre, Bangor – 6/7th July). This is a residential course (funded by the Provincial Safeguarding Team) and there are two places available. To express an interest in attending this course, please contact Tracey White in the first instance: .

Mission Area Governance informationsessions will be held to help the members of Mission Area Conferences (MACs) understand the legal framework of the MAC and the roles and responsibilities within the MAC. Anyone is welcome to attend one of these sessions if you would find it useful.

  • 7th May, 2.30-5.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Rose Hill Street, Holywell, CH8 7TL
  • 15th May, 2-5pm in Church Hall, Church Street, Connah’s Quay, CH5 4AD
  • 16th May, 6-9pm in Dewi Sant Church, Abergele Road, Colwyn Bay, LL28 7TE.
  • 6thJune, 2-5pm in All Saints Church, Southsea, Wrexham, LL11 5NS.
  • 27thJune, 6-9pm in St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21 0QS.
  • 12thSeptember, 6-9pm in Christ Church, Ffrydan Road, Bala, LL23 7RU
  • 26thSeptember, 6-9pm Venue to be confirmed

“2017 Welcome to Wales Course” - A residential training course for Ministers of Religion who are transferring into Wales from other parts of the UK or further afield. Wednesday 4th - Friday 6th October 2017 at St Michael’s Centre, Llandaff in Cardiff.

The registration form and more details can be located at:

Please contact if you would like to book onto the course, as the diocese may be able to assist with payment.

For more training events coming up this year please follow this link to the 2017 Training Prospectus or email to request a hard copy.

Information and Marketplace

Would you like a Spiritual Companion on your journey of faith?

We all need encouragement from time to time as we seek to draw closer to Jesus. A Spiritual Companion (a trained cleric or lay person) is someone you can talk to about your journey of faith. They will encourage you to notice God’s movement in the events and circumstances of your life and together you can explore ways in which you can deepen your relationship with God. They can also point out useful resources for you.

Spiritual Companionship is usually offered on a one-to-one basis as you may want to discuss your personal and relational struggles in your life of faith. (However, please note that Spiritual Companionship is not counselling or therapy). How often you meet can be discussed with your Companion according to your individual needs.

If you are interested in finding out more, please contact John Foxlee at

Heritage Lottery Funding: Places of Worship in Wales.

Many of you will have heard the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) as of September 2017 will no longer be providing funding for places of worship through its Grants for Places of Worship programme. Instead, funding will be provided through the existing HLF ‘Our Heritage’ and ‘Heritage Grants’ programme.Funding will be available for places of worship after September 2017 through these programmes.

Heritage Lottery’s new approach will continue to:

• support the repair of building fabric

• the introduction of new facilities to encourage greater community use

• activities to bring more people into the building

• opportunities for revenue generation

• capacity building within the congregation.

Places of Worship have two more opportunities to submit applications under the grants for Places of Worship scheme before it closes on 1 September 2017.

The remaining deadlines for applications are 5 June 2017 and 21 August 2017

Further information can be found at:

or contact Martyn Schlangen, Funding administrator, Diocese Office, St

A group of staff at St Joseph's are entering the half-marathon in Chester on May 21st to raise money for two great cancer charities - The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity and MacMillan Cancer support. We've been particularly inspired to do this because of our prayers for the husband of one of the staff and our awareness of others with cancer.

If you'd like to sponsor us the easiest way is to go to justgiving.com and find us under: StJosephsStaffTeam (scroll down to find both of our charities listed).

Can We Help You to Support Schools in Your Parish?

In recent years, the Archbishop Rice Jones Trust has provided over 70 of our local schools with the tools for inspiring real growth of Collective Worship and Religious Education. We work in a very collaborative, hands-on way with schools to find new and innovative ways of supporting Collective Worship and Religious Education of ALL faiths in ALL local schools, not just Church in Wales schools. We also welcome Applications seeking to develop and strengthen ways for linking with local Churches. The Next Application Closing Date is Friday 9 June. The Trustees will advise you before the end of June if you have been successful, so that you can plan for the new School Year. Details and Grant Application forms (in English and Welsh) can be found at:

Reminders:

St Mary’s Churchyard Chirk - Cherishing Churchyard week, 3rd - 11th June.

Join us for a special week to celebrate churchyards and raise awareness of the treasures they contain. We have lots of interesting activities during the week.

Refreshments at all events. Chirk School is coming to explore churchyard with Wild Life Trust Team.

Full details on posters (available to download) or

Flower Festival to Celebrate Emmanuel Parish Church, Bistre 175th Anniversary. 7-15th July. 10am-4pm weekdays, 10am-6pm during weekend. Various refreshments available in the Church Hall alongside Emmanuel Church. Admission free, however donations will be very gratefully received and will go towards furthering the mission of the church.

St Silin's Church, Llansilin Church Open Weekend26th, 27th. 28th August Visitors welcome each day - Exhibitions "Llansilin Past and Present" Refreshments. Fully accessible The historic Grade 1 church lies behind the trees on the main village street. SY10 7QB

Green Pastures Project - Beit Tikva - this is a Shared House in Penmaenmawr, North Wales run by ARC communities. It’s for men between the ages of 22 – 65 years old, who are ready to make a positive move into the recovery community and towards independent living, and looking for a family environment within which to do that. Beit Tikva provide pastoral support, role-modelling Christian family values, a range of faith- based training opportunities and evening activities on a voluntary basis. The Shared House currently has three vacancies and would welcome referrals from the faith community. Please see the attached referral form for details.

ARC Communities is also looking for some new directors to sit on its board. We would welcome someone from the Church in Wales to represent the faith community in general, but are also looking for additional directors who bring the following skills to the table:

  • Marketing and Social Media – an individual with experience in the field of Marketing and Social Media to assist in the promotion of ARC Communities using up-to-date technology to work alongside the CEO.
  • Fund Raising – an individual with the experience and energy needed to identify opportunities and organise fund raising events.

For further information please contact Ruth Cole at

What’s on

The North Wales Pilgrims Way annual pilgrimage from Basingwerk to Bardsey will take place from 27th May to 9th June. Everyone is welcome to join the group at any stage of the pilgrimage. Details can be found on Or on

Flower Festival at St Asaph Cathedral 1-4June, as part of the celebration of the Fifth Anniversary of St Asaph gaining City Status. The theme of the flower festival is “The Stories of Christ” depicting both the parables and miracles of Christ. Flower clubs from across the Diocese will be making the displays. Admission £5. Proceeds to St Asaph Cathedral and St Kentigern Hospice.

For further information contact Janet Cameron 01745 583770.

The Big Church Day Out - 2-3 June, Capesthorne Hall, Cheshire. This event gathers Christians from all over the country, of all ages and denominations for a weekend of worship, family fun, music and celebration. This vibrant expression of church unity is enjoyed by thousands of guests every year, and stands as the biggest annual evangelistic event in the UK. Groups and families come from across the country, bringing many friends and family along as an introduction to church and faith. It is the UK’s largest and fastest growing gathering of the church, expanding to two sites in 2017 at a time when church unity is more of a focus than ever before.

RSCM North Wales Area Choral Festival – Sunday 11 June in St Asaph Cathedral. Rehearsal 2.30-4.15pm service at 5pm. More information and booking form available to download

St Grwst’s Church is holding a “Festival of Flowers” on 30 June, 1 and 2 July 2017. The theme for this event will be “The Year of Legend”.

We would welcome you to join this event exhibiting a display either as an organisation or as an individual in memory of a loved one.

There is no charge for exhibiting but donations to St Grwst’s Church will be gratefully received. For further information and to book a place please contact

Janet Pierce on 01492 640443 or e-mail

StAR - If you want something including in the St Asaph Round up, please send it to next StAR will be on Thursday 11th May.

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 Mission Area Communications Officer to send an e-mail to with ‘Subscribe to StAR’ in the subject line and we’ll do the rest.

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