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The Rectory
November 2005
Dear Friends,
For several issues now this magazine has contained various details of the
proposals for change and growth in the church in our area. In this issue you’ll be
able to read some of Bishop Dominic’s teaching on living Christian communities.
A lot of stuff we read about the Church has to do with large urban areas, where
people from a wide area travel to a church that suits them. The nearest church of
this sort is the King’s Church in Newport, where hundreds of people worship
every Sunday.
This isn’t what our village churches are about, however. The King’s Church
draws people from many miles away. We are here to be God’s presence in our
own communities. You eventually become a member of the King’s Church, while
everyone in the parish is considered a member of our village churches.
Churchgoers can get restless about this. After all, where does the money come
from to run the church? From their collections and fundraising work. Who keeps
the church going week by week? They do. Jesus suggests that all his disciples
need to have an open heart for everyone who comes to him in any way. This is
why it is right for our churches to be open for all and available in time of need.
If you aren’t a churchgoer, I hope you value the Church’s continued commitment
to be present in our village communities. We don’t do it as a leisure activity or to
be activists, or because we think we’re important. We do it because we’re
disciples of Jesus of Nazareth, who became part of the human race on the first
Christmas, and he wants us to carry on being God’s presence in Goetre and
Llanover for no other reason than that all of our village people need God’s
presence and life.
Every day the magic of Christmas is there through the work of our
church communities and the places we meet. Cherish and love them, for
they are there to show forth the God who cherishes and loves us all.
Patrick

FROM THE REGISTERS
FUNERALS
August Eunice May Birch
September George Ivor Harrison
Daniel John Evans
Phyllis Susan Owen
October Sarah Ann Dobbs
Alice Mabel Brown (Poulsom)
Our prayers have been asked for:
Dave Green; George & Gwen Daniel; Tess & Michele
Coleman; Kath Barnet; Mary Francis; Ryan Bradley;
Peter Willson; Alan Milton; Michael Hodson; Ralph
& Peter; John Jones; Joe Taylor; Doreen Draper; Tim
Entwistle; Christine Chang; Marge Goode; Doris
Barker; Merle Morris; Bishop Dominic.
HOSPITAL VISITING - Hospital Chaplains are no longer automatically entitled
to information about patients. Data Protection means that they are supposed to wait
until they are asked or informed that you would like to see them. There is an
excellent Chaplaincy service both in Nevill Hall and at the Royal Gwent. Do ask to
see the chaplain if you or someone close to you is admitted, or let Patrick know
and he will do it for you. If you are in hospital, Patrick would appreciate knowing,
so that we can support you with prayer and he can call in to see you as well.
HOME COMMUNIONS - take place each month, on the first Friday of the month,
as well as at other times when required. If you are unable to get to church, and
would like Communion at home - or if you know someone who would like this,
please contact Patrick.
_____________________________________________________________
SEWING THE SEEDS
The Sunday School hosted a Sausages for Seeds event at Goytre Community
Centre to collect seeds for South Africa. We all know how many people of all ages
have been affected by HIV/AIDS there, and good nutrition is one of the keys to
keeping in good health by those affected. The seeds collected will help many
people who could not afford to sustain themselves to grow vegetables and improve
their intake of vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Jan and Diane arranged seasonal games for the children, and a rare old time was
had by all! (see front cover picture).

LLANOVER NEWS
The regular congregation at St Bartholomew’s may be relatively small, but we have
many good friends in the local community who generously support our various
events and usually genuinely enjoy themselves!
Since the last magazine report we have held the following events:
A parcel and lucky dip stall at Llanover Village Fete. The latter was especially
popular with the children
A sausage and mash supper combined with a quiz night which led to some head
scratching over teasing questions and some noisy rivalry between the various
teams
A cheese and wine evening combined with an Any Questions session with an
excellent panel. It was enjoyed by all who attended. Order was kept by the
vicar, but we were all far too polite (scared?) to heckle.
Having sadly said goodbye to Rev Sue Davies in July, some of us from both St
Bartholomew’s and St Peter’s were able to travel to Rossendale to witness her
licensing as Team Vicar. It was a lovely occasion and we continue to hold Sue and
Rob in our prayers.
Some of us also attended the excellent hog roast hosted by St Peter’s which was
held on a beautiful Sunday afternoon which also happened to be the second day of
the Abergavenny Food Festival. Jilly could not be at the hog roast as she was
participating in the WI cookery competition, but managed to forget her
disappointment at missing the good food and company when she won the
competition. Congratulations, Jilly!
More recently, some of us have attended Songs of Praise at St Peter’s - good hymns
and good singing. Deanery Prayer Meeting at Llandenny to pray for the Diocese as
we search for renewal and growth. We also joined with St Peter’s in their
wonderful Harvest Festival celebrations and thoroughly enjoyed the plate supper
afterwards - thank you so much to all at St Peter’s.
Turning to news of people in the parish, it is with great sadness that we mark the
death of John Evans after a long illness. He had been a loyal churchwarden at St
Bartholomew’s and a stalwart of the Whist Drive evenings which do so much to
support the work of the church. We extend our condolences to the family and send
especial good wishes for a speedy recovery to his widow, Pat, who has broken an
arm and is now staying with her daughter to recuperate.
June and John Over have moved to Llantillio Pertholey. June assures us that she
will still be as much a part of Llanover life as ever and on this basis we wish them
much happiness in their new home.
June had a short stay in hospital soon after the move and Peter Gibb has also spent
some time in hospital. We wish them both a speedy recovery.
The Sewing Guild made such a wonderful job of making new stoles for St
Bartholomew’s that they made our present falls look rather ordinary by
comparison.

LLANOVER NEWS (cont)
Happily the members have agreed to make new silk ones to match the stoles, a
project which will involve local materials, local talent and hopefully children of
the village.
We would like to thank Cyril Hughes for his unfailing work keeping the church
path, steps and hall environs so immaculate, and Tony Reece for installing new
paper dispensers in the hall and church vestry.
Finally, we look forward at this time to our annual Christmas Coffee Morning
which will be held in the Church Hall on 19th November. Everyone will be most
welcome to attend - it is always a very happy occasion.
Sarah Symondson
__________________________________________________________________
BOOKS & NEWSPAPERS
With winter fast approaching many will look forward to spending their evenings in
a comfy chair reading a newspaper or with a good book, but spare a thought for
those who are unable to do this. It is surprising how many people are unable to
read through poor vision, strokes, or one of the many diseases that affect the eyes.
Some cannot read a book because they are so crippled with arthritis they cannot
even turn the pages of a book. I would like to mention two excellent charities that
help people in these situations.
One is the Talking Newspapers Association of the UK. This charity provides high
quality recordings of over 200 publications on cassette tape and in computer
format for the benefit of people with impaired sight or another disability which
makes it difficult to read print. All tapes are playable on household cassette
players. There is an annual fee to pay - the amount depends on the number of
newspapers or magazines you order but the fee is very reasonable. All are sent in
plastic packets and have to be returned the same way, they are post free under the
“Articles for the Blind Concession”
The other charity is Listening Books, they have a library of hundreds of books,
most of them are read by actors and actresses of stage or TV. They cover all
subjects from historical novels, thrillers, autobiographies, novels, etc. etc. Again
there is an annual subscription to pay but all postage is free. The staff at both of
these charities are very kind and helpful. If you feel you would benefit from
joining one or the other please give them a ring, and as with all charities donations
are always welcome. These charities are a lifeline for people with special needs.
Their addresses are:
T.N.A.U.K.
National Recording Centre
Heathfield,
East Sussex.
TN2l 8DB
Tel: 01435 866102
Listening Books
The National Listening Library
12 Lant St.
LONDON
SEI lQH
TEL: 020 7407 9417
Kathleen Barnett

VISION?
Where there is no vision the people perish (Proverbs 29.18)
Our vision as God’s people must be of a church that is a sign of God’s
Kingdom on earth. We need to be a church where growth is natural and
normal because we are the Body of Christ and each one of us is playing our
part to make up that living body.
Our vision should be of a church where:
· All are welcome, because God loves variety and call us to be the
catholic church, for all people and for all time.
· The gospel is proclaimed in ways that are accessible and inspiring,
and where the scriptures are prayed and put into action.
· People are discipled and nourished and where faith is related to daily
life.
· Liturgy is appropriate to the building and people, and where people
have an experience of God’s presence in both intimacy and mystery.
· Every church provides opportunities for people to meet in small
groups to learn and share about the faith and to exercise the ministry
of encouragement.
· Young people and children are welcomed and nurtured and have
opportunities of worshipping in their own culture.
· The gifts of the people are discerned and released for ministry and
mission.
· There is a real passion for making and nurturing new Christians.
· There is a respect for God’s creation, the environment and animals.
· People are not just friendly but can make friends.
· There is a concern for social justice.
· Church planting and commitment to the local community are
explored.
· The church does a few things but does them well.
· People can be helped to mourn the passing of a dying way of being
the church and face the birth pangs of new ways of being the church.
A church that strives to fulfil this vision will truly be a sign of God’s
Kingdom.
Bishop Dominic

SARON BAPTIST CHAPEL NEWS
As we approach another Advent season we look back over the past year, some
joys some sorrows, many world disasters but also countless blessings, the harvest
of the fields and gardens, the sunshine and the rain, “man ploughs and sows but
only God gives the increase”.
We thank God for the harvest of souls in many parts of the world, especially the
mission to Brazil which saw many souls brought to the Lord, please pray for
David and his team who will be returning to Brazil in he spring to build a house
for a very poor Christian family.
Our Sunday School continues with an increased number of children, their trip to
Tenby was enjoyed by all and as usual the weather was great.
Our Harvest Services were well attended and it was good to have other churches
worshipping with us.
We are blessed to have the Revd Richard Harrison conducting special services
each Friday night throughout October.
Our Carol Service is Dec 11, Sunday School presentation Dec 18 and Christmas
Morning Service at 10.00am.
Please remember Jenny, Melda, David, Dorothy, Hilda, Karl and many other
needy souls in your prayers.
Christian Christmas Greetings to all readers of the magazine.
Marion Williams
______________________________________________________
A vicar died and went to heaven where he was allocated a
very tiny house. Next door to him was a massive mansion
with a swimming pool and it was given to a taxi driver. The
vicar went to St. Peter and said “I think this is very unfair.
Here am I allocated this very tiny house when I have given
my life to the Lord. Next door a taxi driver is given a huge
mansion”. “I am afraid,” said St. Peter, “it is performance
related.” “You see, when you spoke, people slept, but when
he drove, people prayed.”

HANOVER URC, LLANOVER NEWS
On behalf of the Minister and members of Llanover a thank you to friends of
Hanover for their presence at our Harvest Festival. It was a joy to welcome Mrs
Margaret Grayland who lead us in worship, thank you Margaret for a lovely
service. Hospitality was enjoyed after the service, many thanks to the ladies who
provided the refreshments. The collection from the service was donated to the
Gwent Macmillan Cancer Relief. Sadly we changed the time of the service after
the Church Magazine went to print. Our apologies to Kay, Lorna, Betty and Sandi.
August and September we were blessed with the visit of the Revd James Lee, his
family and students from the Presbyterian Church at Newport, their music and
singing is very special, we look forward to their visit again in November.
Arrangements had been made for the visit of the Revd Shem Morgan and Mr John
Hughes, the nephew of Mr Glyndwr Harris during the month of October. Revd
Shem Morgan has been taken ill, we wish him a speedy recovery. John is driving a
lorry of supplies from the churches in Newport to Romania, we wish him a safe
journey on his mission, we hope to see them both in the New Year.
Sunday Worship at Hanover
First Sunday in the month at 9.30am communion with the Revd Alan Thomasson.
Remaining Sundays at 11.00am
Christmas Service of Lessons & Carols, December 18 th at 11.00am
A welcome to all
Every Blessing for a Joyous Christmas and a Happy New Year
THANKS FOR CHARITY SUPPORT
Nancy Wilson
Church Secretary
Eira Ansell would like to say a big thank you to everyone who supported
the Ceilidh held on September 23rd in aid of Leukaemia Care & Lupus UK
to those who came on the evening, gave raffle
prizes, printed tickets & posters etc we raised £304
split between each charity. We will be holding a
Carol Singing Evening around Goytre on Monday
Dec 19th please come along and have an enjoyable
evening and give further help to these charities.

CAPEL ED NEWS
Everyone at Capel Ed, the little chapel at the end of Capel Ed Lane, wishes you a
joyful Christmas. We hope and pray that you will know God’s peace and that the
realisation of the extent of God’s love for each of us, as evidenced by the selfless
gift of his son, will impact us in a new and powerful way.
We welcome you to all our Christmas Services, which range from a traditional
“Brass & Carols” evening led by the Cwmbran Salvation Army, to less traditional
services involving the children or youth. We extend a special welcome to those
who don’t normally attend a place of worship, and those who’ve never been inside
the chapel.
This year we’re organising a New Year’s Eve Celebration, including music and
worship, food and activities, which allows the whole family to join together to see
out the old year, and see in the new. We extend a special welcome to everyone to
join us for the evening which starts at 8.00pm. For more information call 01873
880359.
Our prayer is that this Christmas will not pass without each of us finding time to
meet with God personally, in our own way, and allowing his example of selfless
love to influence us throughout and after the Christmas season.
Details of our Christmas services are:
Dec 4 10.30am All age Family Service
6.00pm Brass and Carols led by the Salvation Army
Dec 11 6.00pm Christmas Service led by the Youth
Dec 18 3.00pm Christmas service including the children
Dec 24 6.00pm Christmas Eve service including communion
Dec 25 10.30am Christmas Day Family Service
Dec 31 8.00 - 12.00pm New Years Eve Celebration
(worship, food, activities)
Jan 01 10.30am All age Family Service
6.00 pm Worship Service
God bless you and all your family
Bob Thomas

MOBILE LIBRARY
The Mobile Library service is appreciated by many who cannot easily travel into
Abergavenny, Pontypool or Usk. The timetable has recently been improved. Books
can be returned to any Monmouthshire library, and orders can be taken for books
not carried.
The library calls every three weeks, and the timetable is as follows:
Monday 21st November, and then every three weeks:
Llanover 10.00 - 10.15
Pencroesoped 10.25 - 10.35
Bridge House 11.15 - 11.25
Croesypant 11.35 - 11.50
Horseshoe 12.00 - 12.15
Monday 14th November, and then every three weeks:
Parklands 14.00 - 14.20
Capel Ed Lane 14.30 - 15.05
Nantyderry (garage) 15.20 - 15.35
Saturday 12th November, and then every three weeks:
Capel Ed Lane 09.30 - 10.00
Newtown Road 10.10 - 10.40
Far end Capel Ed Lane 10.45 - 11.15
This information is also available on the church noticeboards, and the Goytre
Community Council noticeboards.
____________________________________________________
PARISH LINK WITH SOUTH AFRICA
We have finally succeeded in setting up a regular means of communication with
our linked parish in South Africa. Armstrong & Eunice Kwakwari visited us in
June and we signed a link memorandum that pledged us to pray for each other and
communicate with one another. The latest Katlehong News follows:
At Saint James Patronal Festival they succeeded in raising 86,000 Rand to
complete the extension work to the church. The work is currently out to tender.
The plan is for this to be only stage one of the extension, and for the church to be
further enlarged next year. Currently there are over 300 people worshipping in a
church that seats 200!
Please pray for Armstrong as he is currently carrying out 8 or more funerals a
week. Many of the dead are as a result of HIV/AIDS related diseases, and are often
young mothers or fathers. While we feel sorry for them, it is people like Armstrong
who have to contend with the difficult pastoral circumstances, and still face the
everyday matters that must be dealt with in a large parish.

THIS & THAT
MUSIC IN THE PARK - On August Bank Holiday Monday the churches in
Goytre hosted ‘Music in the Park’. It was lovely to see so many families and
friends having a good time, bringing their picnics or barbecues and listening to the
music. Many thanks to Bob for bringing the games especially the Tug of War,
much fun was had by all who took part and those who watched. We hope to repeat
this event with live music next year, so look forward to seeing you then.
HOG ROAST - Another very enjoyable event during the late summer was the
Hog Roast at Nantyderry House. Good food, good wine, good company! After the
meal, people were able to stroll around the beautiful gardens. Our thanks once
again to Sir Michael & Lady Catherine Hodson for allowing us to use their house
and gardens.
THE SCHOOL ROOM (NANTYDERRY) - Recently the Rector approached the
Pontypool Park Estate to ask if we could have the school room back for use by the
church. The Estate was happy for the church to have the building and land at a
peppercorn rent. This was gratefully accepted by the PCC and it will be invaluable
for storage.
THE REVD SUE DAVIES - Several of our parishioners both of St Peter’s and St
Bartholomew’s were able to travel to Rossendale to witness the licensing of Sue as
team vicar of her new church. A very pleasant occasion and whilst we miss Sue we
wish her and Rob every happiness in the future.
HARVEST - One of the loveliest festivals of the Christian year is Harvest. To see
the church decorated with the bounty of the harvest is a lovely sight. After a joint
Harvest service at Saint Peter’s, we all enjoyed a bring & share supper at Goytre
Village Hall. It is good when people of both parishes are able to worship and share
a meal together. Our collection during the Harvest Service was given to provide a
new church in Mozambique where Mark van Koevering is bishop. Our aim was to
raise £800 which is the cost of building a church but as a result of the generosity of
the congregation the eventual sum with gift aid was nearer to £1,500, nearly
enough to pay for two churches! Thanks to everyone. Stop Press: a generous
donor has offered to make this up to the £1,600 needed to build two churches!
JACK & JILL’S PRE-SCHOOL is a friendly, safe and fun pre-school where
children learn through play and prepare for primary school. We take children from
2½ - 5 years and children are funded for five sessions a week from the term after
their 3rd birthday. Along with Goytre School we are the pilot setting for
Monmouthshire for the Foundation Phase. Sessions are 9 - 11.30am Mon - Fri,
spaces are available, so come and see what we do. We’re opposite Goytre Primary
School in Old School Lane, Penperlleni, tel: 01873 880948.
ABSENT FRIENDS - We were sorry this autumn to bury two very good friends
of Saint Peter’s.
Phyllis Owen was one of those once-in-a-lifetime characters who lived according
to her strong faith and Christian hope. She was a constant reminder to us that being
a disciple of Christ is not a miserable business. Phyllis taught us to love, laugh and
care for each other - this will be her lasting legacy to all of us.

THIS & THAT (cont)
Sarah Dobbs, who died at the age of 103, was another person who made a
difference for the better to so many people in the village - the children in the
school; the ladies of the MU; the pensioners; and so many more. It all goes to
show that a life of hard work and kindness counts for more than sometimes we
might think!
We look forward to seeing them both again at the Resurrection of the Dead!
EASTER LILIES - As many of you are probably aware that both churches have
had in recent years a magnificent array of Easter lilies for Easter Sunday and they
last well for several weeks. Please let Mrs Edith South (Goetre) or Mrs Shirley
Palmer (Llanover) know by 8 th April if you would like to purchase flowers in
memory of a loved one, the cost is £1.75 per bloom.
BIBLE STUDY FOR ADVENT - Never been to a Bible Study before? Or got
bored? Or had enough of the experts? Perhaps you want to express your views, not
just listen to teacher? Want to learn some serious things without gritting your
teeth?
These Bible Studies are for people who want to ask searching questions of the
Bible, and want to come up with some answers on what to do in daily life. No
previous experience of Bible Study needed, and people of all faiths and none can
take part!
Goytre Community Centre (opposite the school) - 7.30p.m. - Tuesdays 29 th
November; 6 th December; 13 th December; 20 th December. The sessions will last
around an hour and a half, and there will be people present from all over the
county.
Do yourself a favour for Advent - find out more about what we’re really up to at
Christmas!
DATES FOR DIARIES
St Peter’s, Goetre
25 Nov
Christmas Bazaar (Father Christmas, Face Painting, Games
Stalls, Coffee & Mince Pies) also drawing our Annual Prize
Draw at Goytre Village Hall commencing at 7.00pm
24 Feb Silent Auction
17 Jun Strawberry Tea at Nantyderry House
? Sept Hog Roast at Nantyderry House (date to be set)
St Bartholomew’s, Llanover
19 Nov Christmas Coffee Morning in Church Hall 10.30am
Other Local Events
19 Dec Carols singing around Goytre in aid of Leukaemia Care and
Lupus UK charities further information from Eira Ansell
telephone 01873-880281 or see posters around the village