St Asaph Round-up: Dydd Iau, 18fed Mai 2017
Newyddion o Esgobaeth Llanelwy: Thursday 18 May 2017
Democracy needs participation - Bishop Gregory has joined with Christian and other faith leaders working with TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru / Together Creating Communities), to urge you to start conversations about democracy with your family, friends and neighbours ahead of the 8th June General Election. Please encourage them to register to vote (if they aren’t already at www.gov.uk/register-to-vote) and turn out to vote on 8th June. Please see the attached statement in English and Welsh. Details on the website too at
This week
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.
“D3” – Second event takes place on 19th May, 7.30-9pm (doors open at 7pm.) St Michael’s Church, Kerry. ‘Poets and Storytellers’. See poster for details.
Cake & Plant Sale - Saturday 20th May, 10am-12pm. Village Hall, Betws yn Rhos. Tea & coffee available. £1 entry - all cake donations welcome too! Hanging baskets, pots, shrubs plus yummy cakes for sale. All welcome and raffle prizes.
PLANT SALE at St Cystennin's church, Mochdre - Saturday 20th May 10am-4pm. Plants, seedlings and gardening items for sale. Refreshments available. Admission: £1 for adults (drink included) Children free entry.
John Hosking (organ) and Olivia Hunt (soprano) will present a concert in St. Michael's Church, Abergele on Saturday 20th May at 7.30pm. Tickets are £5 on the door.
Model Railway Exhibition and Plant Sale: St Bartholomew's Church, Sealand: 20 - 21 May: Bedding plants, hanging baskets and shrubs on sale outside the church: Inside will be 6 working layouts, stalls, children's corner and model railway surgery. Hot and cold refreshments on sale: Admission - Free to plant sale and the church: Model Railway Exhibition: £2 per adult (includes raffle ticket). Accompanied children - free: Open: 10 - 4pm daily.
‘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 from the 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 contact: 02920 322557/07792913383
For anyone looking for a Julian Meeting (half an hour of silent prayer preceded by a track of music and a short reading) we hold one weekly on Mondays at 8 p.m. at St. Michael's, Glyn y marl Rd., Llandudno Junction, except for Bank Holidays and the month of August.
Africa Day Celebration 25 May, 11.30am-3pm at the Senedd, Cardiff Bay. Join us in solidarity for Africa Day, a day that will be celebrated across the globe. African music and activities as part of the celebration of the Wales Africa Community. The event will also feature a speech from the First Minister, Carwyn Jones as well as contributions from other party representatives. Food and refreshments provided. Please follow the link to book a place:
Open Table at 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 circulated previously.
Thy Kingdom Come....global wave of prayer St. Mary's Church Mold (Mold Mission Area) will be holding guided prayer sessions daily 25th May - 4th June, 6-7pm. All are welcome to join us. If you are interested please contact Kathy Stewart:
Concert in St Mary's Minera, Thursday 25th May at 7pm with Minera School Choir, Salvation Army Songsters and Guest Soloists: Rachael Marsh and Elin Jones. Tickets £5. Proceeds in aid of Minera Church Funds.
Services and Installations
Cedewain Mission Area Commissioning Service – 23rd May at 7pm in St Gwynog’s Church, Aberhafesp.
Valle Crucis Mission Area Commissioning Service – 24th May at 7pm in St Collen’s Church, Llangollen. Please see the attached poster for details.
The Licensing of Revd Daniel Stroud in St Mary’s Church, Cilcain. 4th June at 3.30pm
The Licensing of Revd Lara Stroud in St Mary & St Peter’s Church, Bagillt. 19th June at 7pm.
St Johnstide Ordination – 24th June at 10am in St Asaph Cathedral.
Coming up
An evening of musical contrasts with Denbigh Male Voice Choir, Colwyn Bay Ukulele Group and solo entertainer Alun Rhys Jones. Friday 26th May 7.30 at St Mary’s Church Rhuddlan, LL18 2YA - Tickets £6 from choir members, church members, or Rejuva, Rosie’s and Victoria Carpets (all on High St Rhuddlan) or phone Sara (590050) or Allan (590311). Back by popular demand - Come and join us for this fun night!
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.
The North Wales Pilgrims Way annual pilgrimage from Basingwerk to Bardsey will take place from 27th May - 9th June. Everyone is welcome to join the group at any stage of the pilgrimage. Details can be found on Or on
Christ Church, Pontblyddyn, are holding their Annual Duck Race on Monday 29th May from 1p.m. at the Pontblyddyn Cricket Club. Lots of fun for all the Family. Poster circulated previously.
‘More than Honey’ – A feature length Bee film story, narrated by John Hurt. 1st June at 7pm in Bala Cinema. “one in three mouthfuls we eat is dependent upon pollination”. Please see the attached poster for more information.
Teddy Bears Picnic and Teddy Parachute Jump - 3rd June 10-30am. St Catherine & St John the Baptist, Station Road, Old Colwyn. Bring your own picnic or refreshments available to purchase, also included is a Magician, Punch and Judy, and a Raffle.
A talk by Rev. Carol Farrer about the Leprosy Mission in the Church Institute in Henllan on Tuesday 4 July. Come and join us for a soup and pud lunch at 12pm, or come later at 1p.m. for the illustrated talk. Donations for the work of the Leprosy Mission. Everyone welcome.
Also there is a Coffee Morning in Eirianfa, Denbigh on Saturday 24 June organised by Capel Mawr for the same charity.
Flower festival to celebrate the 140th Anniversary of Holy Trinity Church, Rhostyllen. 4th-11th June. The theme will be based on the Churches seasons. The week will open with a concert given by Chester Cathedral Choir at 6.30pm on the 4th. The event will also include a concert on Thursday 8th by Rhos Male Voice Choir, tickets are available from any of the church members. The week will conclude with a Eucharist Service at 9.30am when the celebrant will be the Bishop of St. Asaph, The Right Reverend Gregory Cameron.
Training
“RSCM Lift up your Voice” – RSCM Music Resource Day, 6th June, 10am-4pm in St Margaret’s Church, Wrexham. This training day encourages congregations in their music where there is no established choir or experienced organist/accompanist. It is suitable for people involved in choosing music, and also for willing members of the congregation. For: This day is specifically aimed at clergy, readers, other lay worship leaders and their musicians. Cost: Free. Booking is essential please contact
“You’re a Churchwarden” – This interactive session will give guidance on the role and duties of a Churchwarden in relation to the constitution and 2020 Vision. This session is open to all but especially useful for Churchwardens and Clergy. Cost: Free. Booking is essential. To book contact
- 12 June, 7-9pm at All Saints Church, Southsea.
- 19 June, 7-9pm in The Diocesan Office, St Asaph
Please note that the session previously advertised to take place on 13th June in Pool Quay has now been cancelled.
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.
Fully Booked - 30th May, 6-9pm in Christ Church, Ffrydan Road, Bala, LL23 7RU
11th July, 6-9pm in the St Asaph Diocesan Office, LL17 0RD
13th July, 6-9pm in St John’s Church, Pool Quay, SY21 9LA
6th September, 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 .
“Help I’m a Line Manager” - The practicalities of line-managing colleagues, particularly for those who are new to this role. This session will be tailored to the participants; however it will be particularly useful to those who want to build their confidence in dealing with the various challenges of managing others such as how to give feedback, what are the responsibilities of a manager and how to deal with the various processes such as appraisals. This will be particularly relevant for all who have formal or informal responsibility for the work of others e.g. training incumbents, Mission Area leaders, those who supervise others in ministry or work with paid employees such as administrators, youth workers or musicians.
13 June, 9.30am-12.30pm in the Diocesan Office, St Asaph. Cost: Free. Booking is essential, please contact Refreshments and a light lunch provided at the end of the sessions
“Being Fair in Making Appointments and Discerning Vocations” – Looking at our own assumptions and prejudices and to learn how to make good decisions about others. How can we be more confident in handling these sensitive issues? How can we feel assured that our judgements are sound, and that we are not marginalizing or disregarding people unfairly? This session will be important for any who are involved in making church appointments such as church or Mission Area Reps, or those who are involved in discernment such as local clergy, vocations advisers and diocesan discerners. 13th June, (beginning with lunch at 1pm)1.30-4.30pm in the Diocesan Office, St Asaph. Cost: Free. Booking is essential, please contact
“Supporting Discernment” –In this session you will be introduced to all the different options for ministries and the criteria and processes involved in each one. You will be given an opportunity to ask questions and to reflect on the expectations of local church and mission area support for those exploring vocation. Are there new ways of encouraging more people to offer themselves for ministries?
20th June, 9.30am-1pm in the Diocesan office, St Asaph.
For: This day is particularly relevant for Mission Area Leaders, clergy and any who have Mission Area responsibility for vocations. Although all are welcome it is no aimed at those who are exploring vocations. They are encouraged to attend the vocations day. (Advertised below). Cost: Free. Refreshments and a light lunch provided at the end of the session. Booking is essential, please contact
Mission Area Governance information sessions 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.
- 6th June, 2-5pm in All Saints Church, Southsea, Wrexham, LL11 5NS.
- 27th June, 6-9pm in St Mary’s Church Hall, High Street, Llanfair Caereinion, Welshpool, SY21 0QS.
- 12th September, 6-9pm in Christ Church, Ffrydan Road, Bala, LL23 7RU
If you would like to attend one of these sessions, please book your place by contacting .
“Welcome to the Diocese” – In this day you will be introduced to all the diocesan office staff and how they can help you in your role or ministry. There will be an opportunity to ask questions and gain information about all the areas of diocesan life such as training, finance, the Cathedral and help with buildings. Open to all but is particularly aimed at those who are new to the diocese or new in role or ministry. All fist year curates are expected to attend one of these sessions. 11th July, 10am-4pm in the Diocesan Office, St Asaph. Cost: Free. Booking is essential, please contact Jackie Feak: Refreshments and a light lunch provided.
“Vocations Day” – A session looking at all the different ways to serve in the Church in Wales. It will be an opportunity to speak to someone about your vocation and gain information about the variety of ministries offered, the discernment process and the support that is available. For: All who want to explore vocation to commissioned or licensed ministries or support those exploring vocation. 15th July, 9.30am-1pm in Glyndwr University, Wrexham. Cost: Free. Booking is essential, please contact Refreshments and a light lunch provided.
“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
Ensemble 1677 is now looking to take bookings from October 2017 onwards. For churches in the St. Asaph Diocese, the group offer to perform concerts of early music in exchange for 50% of the evening's takings. A splendid way to raise funds for your church! This group has recently featured on the Radio Wales Arts Show and BBC "Introducing". For further information contact Olivia Hunt or John Hosking
Reminders:
Aled Mission Area is holding a Whit Walk on Saturday 3rd June, from 10am - 3pm. We'll begin in Pensarn on the seafront opposite Abergele Railway Station and walk all the way to St Trillo's Chapel on the promenade at Rhos on Sea. Children are being invited from our schools to parade and play samba instruments as we walk, and everyone is welcome to join in at any point. There will be a picnic at Llanddulas at about 12, and we will end with a service of celebration and thanksgiving outside St Trillo's Chapel on the seafront at 3pm. For more info, please see the attached poster, or contact , or ring 01492 540002 or 07514 879854.
Bistre Parish offers a session of silent prayer for 'Thy Kingdom Come' on the Eve of Pentecost 3rd June at Emmanuel Church Bistre, 7.30-8pm.
St Mary the Virgin, Mold - A Grand Concert featuring Cor y Brythoniaid, Kate Griffiths and Parti'r Siswrn will be held on Friday 9th June at 7pm in aid of the RNLI. Tickets £12.50 (to include wine or juice) available at the door or contact 01352 740330.
St Paul's Church Gorsedd presents Cor y Llan Concert on Saturday 17th June at 7pm. Tickets £5 from Ian Austerberry 01352 714740.
Betws yn Rhos Fun day - Saturday 24th June. Fan Zone for British Lions tour, sports from 2pm and BBQ from 5pm - more details to follow nearer the time.
Prayer Spaces in Schools Day Conference 2017: 23rd September, St Mark’s Battersea, London or 30th September in St John University, York. Both events 10.30am-5pm. Tickets £20. For more information and to buy tickets please follow the link:
2018 Dates for Leading your Church into Growth Announced. The Diocese will once again be providing 55 places on a Diocesan Leading your Church into Growth course from 16 – 19 April 2018. It will take place at The Hayes Christian Conference Centre in Swanwick, Derbyshire and the costs of the course, and en-suite single rooms will be paid for – all you need to do is cover the cost of transport. Here’s what people said after the last course – “Inspirational”; “Full of information”; “It’s given me a lot of ideas and confidence”; “The booklet will be really useful”; “A positive experience and atmosphere”. To register your interest in attending the course, please email
Supporting Places of Worship in Wales Survey 2017
You are invited to take part in a short survey about your place of worship.
Organised by the National Churches Trust, the survey is aimed at people who look after churches, chapels and meeting houses across Wales. Your participation will help us to identify the current and upcoming challenges for places of worship in Wales and will help inform the new Welsh Places of Worship Forum. The Forum is campaigning to raise awareness and funds for churches and chapels across the country and through this survey they aim to get greater help and support to you.
We are also giving you the chance to nominate the Welsh public’s favourite place of worship. A shortlist will feature in a new campaign to find the Welsh public’s best-loved church or chapel in Wales to be fronted by BBC News presenter, Huw Edwards.
The survey should take no longer than 15 minutes to complete. All of the questions are optional and you do not have to leave your contact details if you do not wish to.
If you would like to participate, please complete the survey as soon as you can. The closing date for responses is Friday 2nd June.
To complete the survey in English, please click here. For the Welsh language version please click here.
If you would rather print off the attached forms, and fill them in by hand, please send completed forms to:
Verity Relph, Grants and Development Officer, National Churches Trust, 7 Tufton Street, LONDON SW1P 3QB