cymunedeasteredition

2 cymuned Easter 2017
Easter 2017 cymuned
3
Interfaith officer Tim Ardouin on
the need for greater dialogue
8&9
Let Alleluia be your
daily song as you
rejoice in the life the
Risen Christ reveals
How the diocese is making a
difference for Christian Aid
10&11
Lottery grant helping to give
historic church new lease of life
15
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The Christian Easter is
all about life and love
triumphing over death
and division. In this first edition
of our proposed new Diocesan
News ‘Cymuned – Community’ we
are enabled to see how
this is working itself out in
different ways and in different
places:
Faith in Families, our Diocesan
Board of Social Responsibility
engaging in some of the
poorest communities of our
area, sees new life and hope
being breathed into the daily
existence of families whose
sense of hope and, in some
cases, self-worth was all but
gone.
Opportunities have been
provided, and lives have been
turned around.
Work undertaken in the
field of inter-faith relationships
demonstrates that different
faiths, properly understood,
are not predicated upon ruthless
doctrines which seek
to alienate and crush
those who experience
God in ways
that are different
from ours.
Rather many
have much
in common,
and much to
say about
human dignity,
justice
‘Many faiths
have much in
common, and
much to say
about human
dignity,
justice and
the pursuit
of peace and
freedom
‘
and the pursuit of peace and
freedom.
In the work of refugee sanctuaries
and Christian Aid, we see
the lives of people, young and
old, who live often under the
dark shadow of injustice, persecution
and profound need,
being shown that, instead of
death and division there can be
life, better life and more lovefilled
life.
Christians were said by St Augustine
to be ‘An Easter People’
whose song is ‘Alleluia!’.
I hope that Alleluia will be
your daily song as you rejoice
in the life and love which the
Risen Christ reveals and, more
importantly, as you commit
to bringing that life and love
to others around in whatever
ways and by whatever means
you can.
LENT APPEAL - BE LIGHT
AND LOVE TO OTHERS
Bishop John has launched his 2017 Lent Appeal, calling on members
of the diocesan family to demonstrate the generosity and compassion
which Jesus asks of us. Here are this year's four chosen charities
RNLI
Suggested by
Canon Keith Evans
Lifeboat crews at Mumbles
have been saving lives at
sea for more than 180 years
and have been presented with 33
awards for gallantry. The station
has also witnessed tragedy with
18 lifeboat volunteers losing their
lives while endeavouring to save
others.
Adam Evans, son of Canon Keith
and Mary, is one of the volunteers
who knows, at first hand, just how
demanding the task can be. In
supporting this year’s Lent Appeal,
we have a direct link with the work
being done.
The frontline service of lifeboat
crews, lifeguards and flood rescue
teams remains at the heart of
this well-known charity. However,
it’s not widely understood that
the RNLI receives no government
funding. It cost around £460,000 a
day in 2015 to run the RNLI.
Open Door UK
Suggested by
Rev Jeremy Bevan
Open Doors is an international
ministry serving
persecuted Christians
and churches worldwide. It supplies
Bibles, leadership training,
literacy programmes, livelihood
support and advocacy services. It
also seeks to mobilise the church in
the UK and Ireland to serve fellow
Christians living under religious
persecution and to make them
more aware of the dangers others
face.
Open Doors was founded in
1955 by Andrew van der Bijl, a
Dutchman more widely known as
Brother Andrew, when he decided
to smuggle Bibles to Christians in
the then-Communist Poland. He
continued this work in many of the
Soviet-controlled countries and in
1957 was given a VW Beetle which
he used to make deliveries within the
Communist bloc.
Faith in Families
Committed to
by the Bishop
Faith in Families, part of the
Diocesan Board for Social
Responsibility, needs no
introduction. It is one of the most
impressive ways in which the Diocese
has developed its outreach
into our most disadvantaged
communities, making a real difference
to people’s lives through its
child and family support services,
outreach services and, more recently
at St John’s in Brecon, older
people and health and wellbeing
services.
Because of a major shift in policy
by the Welsh Government, the
very existence of some of its work,
as well as the livelihoods of staff
members, are under real threat.
Your support will be a real boost
to the morale of staff and trustees
who are fighting to preserve its
community and family work.
• We won't give up - pages 4&5
The Little Princess Trust
Suggested by
Rev Ian Drew-Jones
The Little Princess Trust was
launched in 2006 by the
parents of Hannah Tarplee,
along with help from friends and
from Hannah’s school, Hereford
Cathedral Junior School.
Hannah was diagnosed with
having a Wilms’ tumour and, after
a brave battle, died in 2005. Finding
high-quality wigs for children was
difficult and, only after a long
search, was a company found
which made a wig for Hannah.
After Hannah died, so many kind
people offered help, financial and
practical. Hannah’s parents, Wendy
and Simon decided to launch a
charity dedicated to providing specialist
real hair children’s wigs. The
charity has now helped thousands
of boys and girls and has recently
provided financial assistance for research
into the causes of childhood
cancers.
Visit swanseaandbrecon.churchinwales.org.uk to find out more about this year's charities

4 cymuned Easter 2017
Easter 2017 cymuned
5
Transforming lives from
Swansea to Brecon
Penplas Family Centre was established in 2003
and has worked with thousands of community
members, making a difference in their lives.
Penplas prides itself on working with the whole
community, from birth through to old age, and
with partner agencies to inspire, encourage
and support. PFC is currently in the exciting
stage of watching St Teilo's Church being
redeveloped into Teilo's Community Cwtch,
its new home where staff can reach out
and support many more people, work with
different partners and be the community
hub that is needed for the area.
St John's in Brecon's work has been
developing over the past year and
is flourishing. The luncheon club
continues to grow in popularity,
the gardening club is taking root
and a range of cookery classes
and healthy eating initiatives
are being served up. The strong
partnership links with Brecon
Foodbank and Dementia Matters
Powys are going from strength to
strength and a new playgroup is
being set up this spring. Its Food Coop
offers the opportunity for community
members to access quality fresh produce
at affordable prices.
The centre is always bustling with
activity and there are plans to develop
a new, more spacious training/meeting
room facility, helping to build stronger
links with other partner agencies.
With a more joined up and intergenerational
approach to community
work, it is widening its reach to support
families and individuals in need
and suffering from isolation.
Meet the
small team
delivering
big things
With its new £1m state-of-the-art centre
at St Teilo’s about to open, it should
be a time of celebration for Faith in
Families.
The charity, described by Bishop John in his
Lent Appeal as one of the most impressive ways
in which the diocese has developed its outreach
into our disadvantaged communities, has won
widespread praise for its work and has a dedicated
and highly-skilled staff.
But its future, and that of its three Swansea
centres, was thrown into doubt late last year
when the Welsh Government announced it was
scrapping its anti-poverty programme.
Faith in Families relies on the Communities
First initiative for 79% of the funding for its
Bonymaen, Penplas and Clase centres, and the
decision also leaves the St Teilo’s centre - which
includes a youth club and community café - in
jeopardy.
It also means more uncertainty for staff, who
had to endure an uncertain Christmas, until a
last-minute reprieve extended the programme
until June.
Now the charity is calling for help from parishes
to help secure its future.
The charity’s CEO, Cherrie
Bija, said: “Our passionate,
dedicated staff
teams in each of our
projects are our greatest
asset, however we
would be delighted
if parish members
could join these
teams.
"We need your help in bringing hope to families
in need. We would welcome more people
from parishes to come along to provide friendship
to staff, to supporting our groups, teaching
young parents old skills. Simple tasks such as
making the teas and coffees, reading time,
song time and messy play. Or if you have skills
in financing, fundraising, embroidery or counselling,
baking, healthy living or budgeting.
"Our gardens need maintaining and treasuring,
our centres need a lick of paint, our work
needs to be supported and the transformational
changes that happen in our communities
need to be celebrated. We are a small team delivering
big things in our parishes and we could
achieve so much more with your support.
“We appreciate everyone’s lives are busy,
if you haven’t the time, then please do fill up
a collection box or donate directly to Faith in
Families, we spend every penny wisely and
make every pound count in the poorer communities
within our diocese, providing care,
love, compassion and support to children and
families in our parishes.”
In brief
Fancy trying a
travelling crib?
The Parish of Sketty held a travelling
crib project at Christmas,
and those who brought the
project to life are now offering
to help you make your own.
Mary, Joseph and their donkey
were ‘accommodated’ in
the homes of young families for
a night during Advent.
Each family then delivered
the holy family to the next
hosts, and together they
shared in a short prayer time
by candlelight.
A knitted sheep was left at
each home as a reminder of
their special guests and the
families were invited to return
the sheep to the holy family at
the crib service on Christmas
eve.
If you are interested in doing
this in your church, contact
Sian Parkhouse at sian.parkhouse@hotmail.co.uk
or Viv
Lewis at ken.l@live.co.uk for
details and advice.
Light churches
purple for charity
A charity has launched an
appeal to light churches purple
for Fibromyalgia Awareness
Day.
The Fibro Flare Awareness
Group creates awareness
of fibromyalgia, a long-term
chronic condition that causes
pain all over the body, in the
UK. Most medical conditions
have their own awareness
days, ribbons and colours.
Fibromyalgia’s is purple.
The charity is reaching out
to public buildings and churches
to help for one evening –
May 12 – to light up the external
walls to create more awareness
of the condition. If you
can help, email Sian Phillips at
sian@sianfiddle.co.uk, or Beth
Urmston at fibroflaremag1@
outlook.com

6 cymuned Easter 2017
Easter 2017 cymuned
7
Could you offer
prayer support
to Brecon’s
Street Pastors?
Brecon Street Pastors have been
making an impact in the town
since they began their mission
last year, and are now asking for
prayer support for their work.
During the past few
months,and especially during
the festive period, the street pastors
have been able to provide
practical and spiritual help and
encouragement to a number of
vulnerable people and others on
the streets of Brecon.
Rev David Jenkins, Brecon
Street Pastors prayer co-ordinator,
said: “We really need
support and are asking for
people to uphold us in prayer.
Every Saturday night please
pray that those who go out into
the streets of Brecon might be
protected from harm and be
able to reach out to others in the
name of Jesus.
“Some people are willing to
support us by praying at home,
others by gathering together
to pray at Watergate Baptist
Church between 10pm
and midnight on Saturday
nights.
“We also ask if you could
remember to pray for us your
private prayers at other times
and in your church prayer
groups and services.”
If you would like to be part of
the official prayer team, contact
David on 01874 622827, or email
dhjenk@btinternet.com
There is also a need for more
street pastors, and further
information about joining is
available from co-ordinators
Nikki Wheeler and Hugh Pryce
on 0800 678 5142/07754 364386,
or email brecon@streetpastors.
org.uk
“If you want to know more
about the work of street
pastors we can arrange for
someone to give a presentation
at your church or group,” David
said.
Links with church get
stronger and stronger
Head of Christchurch CinW Primary, Helen-Marie Davies, gives
her report on the highlights of a busy school year
We started the new school
year in September with
the wonderful Rev Helen
Rees and Rev Ian Folkes, pictured
right, and were very much looking
forward to the exciting times ahead.
As the suntans started to fade we
were busy preparing for our Harvest
service in Christchurch Church on
October 10. The children presented
beautiful baskets of fruit and vegetables
along with tinned food. The
children sang songs and thanked
God for the wonderful gifts.
Later that day the children delivered
the baskets to local residents
and members of the church. The
children enjoyed delivering their gifts
and they made many elderly people
very happy indeed. Tinned food was
donated to the Cyrenians and the
local food bank.
Christmas was soon upon us
and the children excitedly practised
their singing and dancing for the traditional
Christchurch School Nativity.
As always the children thoroughly
enjoyed performing and it was
lovely to see the church packed with
parents, relatives and members of
the church as we celebrated the true
meaning of Christmas.
Rev Ian had a star role in our
Christingle service on February 7
as he explained each part of the
Christingle orange, finishing with the
candle to remind us that Jesus is the
light of the world. The church was
once again filled with parents and
it was great to have tea and coffee
served by members of the church
as people arrived; providing a very
warm welcome to Christchurch
Church for everyone.
March 1 brought a sea of red to
Christchurch Church as the children
and staff poured in wearing their
traditional Welsh costumes and
rugby shirts. Pupils entertained a
full church with their Welsh singing,
dancing, instrumentals and of
course the Chairing of the Bard. A
great time was had by all as we
sang the national anthem with pride
and remembered our patron saint
David.
Back at school, the children have
thoroughly enjoyed the weekly
Collective Worships from Rev Helen
and Rev Ian. The Tuesday morning
celebrations support our whole
school values and the children look
forward to hearing the wonderful
stories as they sit hoping it is their
turn to be asked to help out.
Another addition to our church/
school family is the introduction of
the monthly ‘Messy Church’ sessions.
Parents and pupils alike thoroughly
enjoy coming along and joining in
with the art and craft, games, singing
and many other fun activities.
I think Rev Helen and Rev Ian have
just as much fun in these sessions.
The links between Christchurch
School and the Benefice of Central
Swansea have grown from strength
to strength this year. We are very
grateful to Rev Helen, Rev Ian, members
of the church and governors for
the continued support. The children
of Christchurch School are extremely
lucky to have so many people working
hard to ensure their Christian
education is a memorable and
meaningful one. Diolch yn fawr!
Rev Steve back on marathon trail for charity
Rev Steve Bunting is back in training
for his second London Marathon,
again in aid of the Lullaby Trust.
The priest in charge of Swansea
St Thomas and Kilvey first tackled
the gruelling course last year,
together with wife Rachel, after the
death of an eight-month-old baby
who had been part of the church's
mother and toddler group.
"I was preparing the parents
for marriage and suddenly we
were in the middle of this absolute
tragedy," Rev Steve said. "I realised
that I could help with spiritual
aspects but there were so many
practical aspects, particularly
around the death of a child, that I
didn’t know about, so I contacted
the Lullaby Trust."
Inspired by the charity's work
the couple took on the marathon
challenge, raising £12,500.
Rev Steve had planned on
hanging up his trainers but was
prompted to take on the challenge
this year after being contacted by
the charity, he is now hoping to
take that total up to £20,000.
There are two fundraising nights
coming up - a charity night in the
Church Hall starring Shelly Marie
from The Voice and special guests,
and a bingo night at the Dockers
Club in St Thomas - and tickets are
available from Rev Steve or the St
Thomas parish office. You can also
make a donation at www.virginmoneygiving.com/StevenBunting.
‘Colourful, important
ceremony in the life
of Brecon’s cathedral’
Bishop John led
the collation and installation
of canons
at Brecon Cathedral, describing
it as a “colourful,
important ceremony”.
Those installed were:
s Rev Canon Rowlands
Edwards as Chancellor
s Rev Canon Keith Evans
as Treasurer
s Rev Canon Dewi Roberts
as Precentor
s Rev Canon Ian Rees to the Stall of
Builth
s Rev Melia Cope to the Stall of
Melineth
s Rev Phil Gwynn as Honorary
Canon
Bishop John said: “This place, this
cathedral, a place which has stood
for over 900 years, is a place where
there has been found teaching, a
place where there has been found
sacrament, scripture, prayer, and,
I guess from time to time there has
been too a fair share of condemnation
and judgement of those who
don’t come.
“Let’s focus on what the place
is here for. To be a place, yes, of
liturgy, prayer and sacrament, but
ultimately a place where God can
be touched, a place where Christ
can be found. A place from where
Photographs by Angela Hewitt
people of God, disciples
of Christ go out to find
the lost and bring them
in, bring them in and
hopefully help them to
find something, to turn
them into pilgrims.
“All those surrounding
me who will now be
moving on to different
offices in this place are
not being given rosettes.
They are here because
they promise to participate in the
outreach and witness of this place.
“They have roles to play elsewhere
in their parishes but they are
saying what they are trying to do
there they will also try to do here,
supporting the Dean as he seeks to
develop the life, witness, welcome
and learning of this place.”
• Defence secretary's Havard
Chapel visit - page 14
Appointments
Davies-Hannen: Rev Robert
Davies-Hannen, Incumbent of the
Benefice of Llangyfelach with St Teilo
on the Clase, now Incumbent of the
Parish of Sketty and Ministry Area
Leader of Clyne Trinity.
Beresford-Webb: Rev Petra Beresford-Webb,
Assistant Curate in the
Benefices of Irfon Valley, Blaenau
Irfon and Upper Wye and Bishop’s
Officer for Ministry to Children,
Young People and Families, now
Priest in Charge of the Benefices
of Irfon Valley, Blaenau Irfon and
Upper Wye remaining Bishop’s Officer
for Ministry to Children, Young
People and Families.
Bevan: Rev Christopher Jeremy Bevan,
Assistant Curate in the Benefice
of Llanelli, now Priest in Charge of
the Benefice of Llanelli.
Bowler: Rev Christopher Peter Bowler,
Assistant Curate in the
Benefice of the Vale of Gwyrnne
and Bishop’s Officer for Ministry
to Children, Young People and
Families, now Priest in Charge of
the Benefice of the Vale of Gwyrnne
remaining Bishop’s Officer for
Ministry to Children, Young People
and Families.
Bunting: Rev Steven Leo Bunting,
Curate with Pastoral Oversight of the
Benefice of Swansea St Thomas and
Kilvey and Bishop’s Officer for Ministry
to Children, Young People and Families,
now Priest in Charge of Swansea
St Thomas and Kilvey.
Perrin: Rev Andrew Perrin,
Assistant Curate in the Benefices of
the Lower Ithon Valley and Upper
Ithon Valley, now Priest in Charge
of the Benefices of the Lower Ithon
Valley and Upper Ithon Valley.
Drew-Jones: Rev Ian Drew-Jones,
Curate with Pastoral Oversight of
the Benefice of Loughor and Bishop’s
Officer for Ministry to Children, Young
People and Families, now Priest in
Charge of the Benefice of Loughor
remaining Bishop’s Officer for Ministry
to Children, Young People and
Families.

8 cymuned Easter 2017
Easter 2017 cymuned
9
conversation
a little more
Father Tim Ardouin is the Bishop's Officer for Interfaith. Here, he
explains more about his role, his faith and the importance of dialogue
He is famed for his love of the
didgeridoo and is a well-known sight
in his native Gower, but now Father
Tim Ardouin is tackling a different challenge.
The priest in chrge of St Rhydian & St Illtyd’s,
St Gwynour’s and Wernffrwd's St David’s
churches was recently appointed as Bishop's
Officer for Interfaith, a role he is relishing.
But what is an officer for interfaith?
"I would say it’s an officer who has a heart
for the faith journeys of people whatever
their backgrounds are," Tim said.
"If we look at the world, a lot of the conflict
in the world is carried out in the name
of religion and very rarely does it have a
genuine spiritual base, and if it ever did, I
don’t think fighting would be the result.
"So many people put religion into boxes,
put people’s faith into boxes, and I’ve found
in my experience of life and being with people
who genuinely engage with the spiritual
impulse within themselves and who pray,
who contemplate, who notice God in nature,
very rarely are these people looking to
impose their religious philosophy on others.
"The role of the interfaith officer is a role
of listening with empathy, compassion to
people who have a different way of looking
at god, the universe and life but who, underneath
the thinking, experience God in the
same way I do because there is one reality
and we all share it."
Interfaith dialogue, he says, is an opportunity
for people who genuinely engage
with their faith to be able to look at the
faiths of others, and learn from them.
"I feel that if this is done, and I’m not
talking about any kind of surface show or
for any political reason, I’m talking about
sharing faith journeys with people who have
different preconceptions, and people do
that and learn to listen deeply to each other,
then great light comes into the world, the
kingdom of heaven is evident and peace
can be promoted."
The need for interfaith dialogue is one he
has personal experience of, and has been
shaped by his background.
"I can’t
remember a time when I
haven’t met people of other faiths,
probably in childhood is the only time,"
he said. "My mother’s family have been
Church in Wales priests for generations and
there are people in my family who are Irish
Roman Catholics, and I remember conflict
between representatives of the Catholic
Church and the Church in Wales which
amazed me as a child. I could never understand
why they would be so passionate and
negative about each other.
"I went travelling at a young age and I
travelled for three years living on the road
and I met people of different faiths and
never had a problem sharing my faith with
them. I don’t think I had any preconceptions
before taking this role, other than it’s possible
to talk to each other."
And his own faith?
"For as long as I remember I’ve felt the
presence of God. I remember my grandfather
teaching me to pray at a very young
age and I took it for granted this feeling
I had was God. There have been times –
my late teenage years, early 20s - when
the church meant nothing to me as an
institution but I found by my mid-20s, by
submitting myself to the worship in church,
it really didn’t matter what style of worship
that was, I felt the presence of God. I guess I
always had faith but I haven’t always been
able to intellectualise that, put it into words
that say those precepts actually describe
the faith that I sense."
Father Tim has recorded a series of interviews
for the diocesan website, including
conversations with a druid, a Buddhist, and
Norma Glass, the Welsh representative on
the UK Board of Deputies of British Jews.
"The recordings on the website give some
insight into the conversations I’ve been having.
At the moment those conversations are
not at the deepest levels they are outlining
what I’m trying to do. What I’m trying to do
is present a forum a space for people to engage
in
and those
recordings are
a way for people to be
able to listen to certain elements
of people’s faith on a simple level so they
can then begin to be informed about other
faiths and be able to think about contributing
to conversation.
"I haven’t found anything I didn’t expect.
I’ve been speaking, particularly, so far to the
more contemplative elements of different
religions and what I’m finding is a great
openness among contemplatives.
"This seems to be a time when the more
mystical elements of religious and contemplative
practitioners of their faiths are
mixing more, coming out of monasteries
and more specialist areas to speak of
contemplation to the people and to teach
people contemplative prayer, engagement
with God is for everyone, not something
that is just for special people.
"This isn’t surprising but it’s very encouraging
and it’s very positive."
This happening, he says, both because
of the opportunities offered by social media
and society's search for meaning.
"A Native American can now speak to
people through the internet, a Tibetan
monk can speak directly to people through
the internet, it’s more accessible. Many
platforms for spiritual masters to be able
to speak instead of hunting around for a
book that might be out of print people can
actually see people who practise faith.
"Another reason is the negative side of
globalisation and the powerful political
aspects of life in 21st century is a rise in conservatism,
nationalism perhaps. The bland
blanket of consumerism,
capitalistic
salesmanship, has
damaged people and, when
people are damaged, they
begin to wake up and look for
more meaning in life."
For the future in his new
role, Tim is planning on
greater engagement. "I’m
beginning to engage with
people who are more mainstream.
The Anglican church is
seen as the mainstream church
in the UK and other parts of the
world, and I'll be meeting people who
could be seen as mainstream Muslims,
Buddhists etc."
The next interview for his interfaith
series on the website will be with a local
imam. "If we can pray together and be
seen in public together it's got to have a
positive effect. The caricature promoted of
Islam since 9/11 has been incredibly negative
and misplaced," Tim said. "The false perception
fostered by various political figures and
media, the language of Islamist fundamentalism
or so-called Islamic State, has nothing
to do with Islam as a faith."
Visit swanseaandbrecon.churchinwales.org.uk/interfaith
to listen to Father Tim's series of interviews

10 cymuned Easter 2017
Easter 2017 cymuned
11
Refugees,
we won’t
turn our
backs now
Every single action counts for appeal
week, says Christian Aid's Mari McNeill
Sixty years ago, something
special happened. In May
1957 churches throughout
Britain and Ireland decided to
put aside one week in the year to
outreach into their communities,
inviting their neighbours to be part
of the churches’ ongoing work of
helping refugees in the aftermath
of the Second World War: Christian
Aid Week.
Twenty places in Wales organised
collections for that first Christian
Aid Week in 1957 – Aberdare,
Aberystwyth, Ammanford, Bangor,
Bedwas, Blaendulais, Cardiff,
Carmarthen, Colwyn Bay, Dowlais
and Merthyr Tydfil, Ffestiniog,
Llwyngwril, Llandudno, Newtown,
Llangollen, Pontardawe, Swansea,
Tonyrefail, Welshpool and
Ystalyfera.
Church members used whatever
they had to make collecting
tins (think, Oxo and Ovaltine!)
and boldly took to the streets.
They shared about the needs of
refugees in Europe, the work the
Nejebar, from Afghanistan, fled her homeland after the Taliban said they would kill anyone
churches were doing, and invited
their friends and neighbours to
help.
Many of us have stories to
share about why we get involved
in Christian Aid Week, how we’re
inspired by Jesus’ love for us, and
how the Week is an act of witness
in our communities. Orphaned at
eight, Theodor Davidovic was a
teenager during the Second World
War and fought in the resistance
movement in Serbia against
Germany.
In the political chaos after the
war’s end, he fled his country. He
lived in refugee camps in Europe
for two and a half years: “It was
the Christians who sent the
parcels.
"It was the big organisations
that were feeding us, and I never
forgot it. That is why I volunteer
for Christian Aid. The people then
who were contributing through
Christian Aid Week helped me to
survive. I feel I owe my life to the
cause”. Theodor is 91, and a dedicated
Christian Aid Week volunteer
in Scotland.
Fittingly Christian Aid Week 2017
focuses on our work with refugees
in Europe today.
While the majority of today’s
refugees seek sanctuary in poor
countries, in 2015 some one million
people crossed into Europe.
Since the borders closed during
2015, thousands of people are
stranded in refugee camps in
Greece, Serbia and Macedonia,
countries that have been entry
points to the rest of Europe. European
countries are deadlocked
over who should take responsibility
and Greek authorities have yet to
receive the bulk of resources promised
to enable them to respond
adequately. There are currently an
estimated 57,000 refugees stranded
in Greece.
They are waiting for the political
situation to change and living
in fear of being sent back home.
‘The contribution of our diocese
bucket collections, held collections
who worked for the government, like her husband Noor
They are in urgent need of our
help.
One such refugee is Nejebar
and her family. Nejebar, from
Afghanistan, fled her homeland
after the Taliban announced they
would kill anyone who worked for
the government, like her husband
Noor.
They travelled on foot for two
months, before a treacherous
journey across the Mediterranean
in a small rubber dinghy eventually
brought them to Greece with their
children.
The young family have left their
home, family and friends behind,
and have been living in a refugee
camp for over six months.
With your help, Christian Aid
and its global partners continue to
provide support for refugees, like
Nejebar and Noor, with essentials
including, food, shelter and job
skills training, as well as advocating
for policies to protect and help
them on the ground. Christian
Aid’s work in Greece includes
setting up community kitchens –
providing stoves and cash to allow
refugees to buy and cook their
own food is an important shred of
autonomy.
We are also providing legal
protection services to unaccompanied
children and families and
housing support to some of the
most vulnerable refugees awaiting
relocation.
•
counts. Last year, hundreds went door to door, held
in churches and put on an array of events...
£5 could provide two nutritious
meals for a refugee in Europe
• £50 could buy a stove for refugees
to cook their own food and
enjoy tastes of home
• £132 is enough to set up a shower
unit to give a refugee a safe and
clean place to wash
• £285 could buy fridges for a community
kitchen in a refugee camp
The contribution of our diocese
counts. Last year hundreds went
door to door, held bucket collections,
held collections in church and
put on an array of events.
Many churches tried new initiatives
to strengthen their outreach,
including Big Brekkie’s in Waunarlwydd
and Ystalyfera. Brecon
held their annual sponsored walk
along the canal. And St Mary’s
Primary School in Brynmawr had
an action-packed week of learning
and marked the end of the Week at
their local church along with parents
and the local community to
celebrate all the work that Christian
Aid is doing.
Every single action counts to
raise vital funds to bless many
lives. From 1957, when a generation
of Christians decided they would
not stand by while people suffered
in refugee camps, to today – we
won’t turn our backs now. What
will you be doing this Christian Aid
Week?
To get involved in Christian Aid
Week (14-20 May), please visit
www.caweek.org or contact the
Cardiff office: cardiff@christian-aid.
org 029 2084 4646.
• Church members making
refugees welcome in Wales -
pages 12&13

12 cymuned Easter 2017
Easter 2017 cymuned
13
Helpers 'humbled by
wonderful people'
Helping to bring
and give a voice
hope to many
to the voiceless
'We hope it was a day
they will remember'
When the Swansea Bay Asylum
Seekers Support Group
(SBASSG) was looking for a
new home, it found a warm
welcome at St James’ Church
in Swansea.
The charity, which runs
two drop-in sessions a week,
chose the Uplands church’s
hall for its Friday evening
events, and many members of
the congregation have been
helping out.
Volunteer Margaret Lamb,
a member of the PCC, said: “I
think it’s totally amazing what
they’re doing and the asylum
seekers are amazing people.
They’ve been through a lot
but there’s still hope in their
hearts.
“As a church we should be
supporting them however we
can. They’ve got nothing and
hopefully we’re doing something
to make their lives better.
It makes me feel so humble
that they have so little and yet
there is still that hope in their
hearts.”
And church member Ann
Cooke, who helped to organise
the move to St James', said:
“On Friday evenings we have
table tennis, snooker, table
football, children’s games,
English classes and socialising
and we help to prepare a
meal for up to 80 people.
“Anyone who wants to
come along and help can
come to the centre on Friday
evenings it’s open to everybody
to come along and help
“It’s been busy but it’s been
a wonderful experience for us,
and something completely
different for the church.”
SBASSG was formed by local
people, including refugees,
in 1999 when the government
announced asylum seekers
would be "dispersed" to
Swansea. Its drop-ins began
in 2001.
You can find out more at
sbassg.wordpress.com
A
child’s lifeless body washed
up on a beach. Columns of
desperate people trudging
across Europe. These were the
images that startled a nation.
Hearts were stirred. “How can this
be? What can we do?” were the
questions on many minds and lips.
Locally, a few like-minded people
came together, approached the
Dean of Brecon Cathedral for
support and the embryonic Hay,
Brecon, Talgarth Sanctuary for
Refugees was born.
Since that first meeting, 18
months ago, group membership
has grown to over 350, with many
more supporters following our activities
on the website and Facebook.
We are part of a nationwide Sanctuary
Movement with many towns
and cities – including Swansea –
gaining Sanctuary status. In effect,
offering a hand of friendship and
support to those who have had to
flee their homes, their livelihoods
and their country because their lives
are at risk.
Over the past 18 months, among
other things, the group has collected
and sorted numerous bags
of bedding, clothes, and sleeping
bags and purchased tents and
other essential equipment. These
have been sent to refugees living in
Swansea, Cardiff and Newport as
well as to refugee camps in Europe,
Syria and Jordan.
We work closely with local
support groups such as ‘Unity in
Diversity’, which runs a drop-in
centre for refugees and asylum
seekers in Swansea, the Swansea
Bay Asylum Seekers Support Group
and the Swansea Humanitarian Aid
Response Project.
The group has tried to be a ‘voice
for the voiceless’, combatting many
of the myths and misunderstandings
surrounding this subject. Our
Christmas tree in the Cathedral
festival, and the subsequent vigil,
enabled us to highlight the needs of
refugees. It was particularly moving,
at the end of the three-day period,
to see how many people had
accepted our invitation ‘to be an
angel’ and send a message of hope
and good will to our refugees living
in Swansea.
Our tree was covered in paper
angels carrying these messages,
Hay, Brecon and Talgarth
Sanctuary for Refugees' chair
Rev Margaret Blake on how
the group is changing lives
which we later took down to be distributed
alongside many Christmas
presents. We have also raised our
concerns with representatives of
government, both local and national,
on a number of issues relating to
refugees; most recently with regard
to the plight of unaccompanied
child refugees.
But most enjoyable of all are our
‘Respite Days’ which are held almost
monthly. We host groups of 60 – 70
refugees, offering them a chance
for relaxation and friendships in
our beautiful countryside, away
from the pressures of their stressful
everyday lives. We share meals,
simple activities, laughter and much
chatter.
I am always amazed by the
generosity and goodwill shown by
so many people from outside the
group who bake countless cakes,
donate dried foods, help with serving
and washing up and generally
offer a local welcome. Their support
is very much appreciated.
When our guests leave, they are
each given ‘take home’ bags of food
and toiletries which helps them to
eke out their meagre resources. The
comments that come back to us
after each ‘Day’ show just what a
difference those few hours make to
them; sometimes preventing people
from tipping over into full scale
depression.
The concept of ‘Sanctuary’ has
a long and noble history. ‘Hay,
Brecon and Talgarth Sanctuary for
Refugees’ continues that tradition:
bringing hope to many.
• You can find out more about
HBTSR at hbtsr.org.uk
Church members have been
helping to make HBTSR’s welcome
day visits to mid Wales
ones to remember.
Fifteen refugee families – 15
adults and 20 children who
are living in Swansea - were
welcomed to Brecon’s Cradoc
school by Aberyscir church
members. More than 30 pupils
also came to the school on a
Sunday morning to help.
Church members baked
cakes and donated groceries
for the day of welcome and
Richard Field, Aberyscir churchwarden,
said: “It was great to
see Cradoc school really buzzing
with all the refugee visitors.
As soon as they arrived they
were welcomed to a breakfast
of an amazing variety of foods,
which they clearly loved.
“We hope that this was a
day that they will remember.”
And Rev Margaret organised
a day at Penpont House for
more than 70 refugees from
Syria, Nigeria, Sudan, Oman,
Pakistan, Bangladesh, Iraq,
Iran, Ghana and Sri Lanka.
Donations of groceries,
toiletries and clothing were
provided by Sennybridge
school, Rainbows, Brownies
and Guides, Brecon Foodbank,
residents of Llanfihangel
Nant Bran, local supporters,
Morrisons and Aldi.
More than 100 bags were
given to supplement the
rations normally available on
an asylum seeker’s grant and,
after people had chosen from
the clothing, more than 30
bags were given to Swansea
Humanitarian Aid Response
Project [SHARP] to send to refugee
camps around Europe
and the Middle East as well
being made available to local
people in need.
Margaret said: “None of
this would have been possible
without the support, generosity
and welcome of so many
local people.”

14 cymuned Easter 2017
Easter 2017 cymuned
15
In brief
Book a visit to
Eastmoor library
If you’re looking for craft ideas for
Sunday school, music and songs
to sing or a picture book to take
to school for an ‘Open the Book’
event, Eastmoor Resource Centre
has an extensive children’s library
available.
The centre, in Swansea’s St
Barnabas Church, Uplands, has
books on prayer, special services
including Christmas and Easter,
reference books, all-age worship
and books for younger children,
as well as drama, music and craft.
The library is open Monday-Friday
from 9am-12pm, subject to
pre-arranged meetings. Contact
Zoe on 01792 281566 or email
zoegilbert@churchinwales.org.uk
for more information.
St John's Centre
opens its doors
There’s a great chance to learn
more about the range of
projects going on at St John’s
Family Centre in Brecon at its open
day.
The centre is continuing and
developing its Well-Being Project
and wants as many people as possible
to come along. You can enjoy
cooking, gardening, socialising,
learning and more.
For more information about the
centre, and the open day which
takes place on April 26, call 01874
611723 or email stjohnsbrecon.
bsr@swanseabrecon.org.uk
Alex rings in his
50th year in style
Alex Edwards, who has been ringing
bells for the past 50 years, has
received his certificate of membership
of the Hereford Diocesan
Guild of Ringers.
His certificate was presented
to him at St Peter’s Church in
Glasbury, where he rings the bells,
by Rev David Thomas.
Gorseinon gets a taste for community meals
There are more community meals
on the menu in Gorseinon after the
first event attracted more than 100
people.
AM Rebecca Evans was among
the diners at St Catherine’s Church,
and described the event as an
“overwhelming success”.
Organisers of the meal included
Gorseinon residents, representatives
from local supermarkets,
as well as town and county
Curtain up on St James' 150th anniversary celebrations
This year marks the 150th anniversary
of St James’ Church in
Swansea, and one city theatre has
helped to give the event top billing
with a charity event.
The Dylan Thomas Theatre
staged a charity night performance
of the play Goodnight Mister Tom,
with proceeds going to the Uplands
church’s celebrations.
Around 130 adults and children
from St James’, St Mary’s and other
local parishes were there, as well
as friends and family.
councillors and members of local
churches.
Curate of St Catherine’s, Rev Dr
Adrian Morgan, said: “The event
was truly inspiring. It brought a
whole community together. People
of every age, background and
ability shared a meal together.
People who might otherwise never
have met left the meal as friends.
That is something to celebrate.
“None of this would have been
Janet Thomas, churchwarden
and events committee chairman
of St James’ events committee,
said: “What a wonderful evening
it was.
"The whole event was exactly
as one would have wished: a
touching story cleverly interpreted;
a near capacity audience of our
church family and friends, clearly
enjoying themselves, generous
refreshments which were obviously
much appreciated; and a novel
raffle idea.
possible without the help and
support of some amazing people
from across our community who
have given of their time and
talents in order to turn a dream
into a reality. So I want to say a big
thank you to everybody.”
Gower AM Rebecca Evans
said: “Huge congratulations to
everyone involved in making the
community meal at St Catherine’s
such an overwhelming success.”
Sir Michael Fallon, the Secretary of State for Defence, has visited Brecon Cathedral for a tour of the Havard Chapel. The
chapel became a war memorial to the South Wales Borderers (the 24th Regiment of Foot) and the Monmouthshire
Regiment in 1923. The chapel also houses the colours of 1st Battalion the 24th Regiment of Foot which served with
distinction during the Zulu War of 1879. Mr Fallon, who was in Brecon for a visit to the 160th Infantry Brigade HQ, was
given a tour of the chapel by retired colonel Rodney Ashwood, secretary of the chapel trust.
“For me it was a joy to see so
many PCC members, people from
all the Sunday services and old
friends and clergy.
"Let’s pray that this happy and
well-supported event will be repeated
many times in the months
ahead.”
There will be a number of events
this year to mark the milestone,
including a service of thanksgiving
which will be led by Bishop John
and a celebration dinner at the
Dylan Thomas Centre in July.
Building for the future at Llanwrtyd's historic St David's
The historic St David’s Old
Parish Church in Llanwrtyd
Wells is looking forward to a
new leasse of life after being
awarded a grant of £80,000
Welcome to the green,
green Pontlliw home
Ahead of the planned
demolition of St Anne’s
Church in Pontlliw, the
diocese is investing in the design
of a new, eco-friendly vicarage
for the Ministry Area of Llwchr,
which will be built on the site of
the former church at the edge of
Pontlliw Park in Swansea.
The new vicarage, designed
to meet the latest standards for
sustainable housing, boasts several
‘green’ features that make the
property cheaper to run and help
the diocese fulfil its commitment to
becoming more environmentally
friendly.
The house has been designed
by local architect and planner
Eco-friendly vicarage lays foundation for
more sustainable future, writes Liz Wheat
Adrian Phillips, who has incorporated
underground storm water tanks
made from recycled materials to
reduce the risk of flooding in Swansea’s
famously rainy climate.
The vicarage will also be
packed with mineral wool
insulation made from volcanic
rock, known to be one of the
most effective and
sustainable insulating materials
on the market.
The diocese is also exploring the
possibility of installing a greywater
recycling system at the property,
which can significantly reduce water
consumption by using the waste
water from sinks, showers and
washing machines to flush toilets.
from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
The present church has a recorded
history spanning more
than 1,000 years and the site
was reputed to have been chosen
much earlier by St David
himself for the promulgation
of the Christian faith, founded
after the synod at Llanddewibrefi
in the year 519 AD.
The total cost of the project
is £152,000 and will be used
for urgent work needed
to protect the church
including eliminating
the damp, replacing
of the wooden floor under the
pews and improving access
for parishioners. An area for
the many tourists, walkers and
cyclists will be provided for rest
and refreshment at the west
end of the church.
To strengthen the link between
St David’s and the wider
community, display boards, a
brochure and website are also
being created.
These features add up to a
property with a very high energy
efficiency rating and low environmental
impact rating.
The new Pontlliw Vicarage will
therefore not only stand at the
centre of the new Ministry
Area of Llwchwr, but will also
form an essential part of a much
‘greener’ Diocese of Swansea and
Brecon, as it looks to a brighter,
more sustainable future.

Have a project in mind?
Then we're here to help
The diocese is committed to investing
in mission through its Mission
Fund, created by the Diocesan
Board of Finance.
It exists to help parishes and
deaneries engage in mission
projects that reflect the diocesan
vision of becoming: A family,
rooted in Christ committed to
transforming lives by:
s Gathering as God’s people
s Growing more like Jesus
s Going out in the power of the
Spirit.
At the heart of this vision is
the commitment to seeing lives
transformed.
This can be done by encouraging
the transformation of existing
congregations through discipleship;
by developing worship
and welcome; by increasing
confidence in sharing faith; and
by making better use of church
buildings.
The diocese is also committed to
The Diocesan Board of Finance has
£100,000 available for grants to help
parishes make their vision a reality
helping churches to transform the
wider community by service that
meets local needs, is sustainable
and that reflects the diocesan vision.
It is hoped that projects will
extend the local church’s engagement
with people, groups or areas
and introduce Christ in such a way
that people may have the opportunity
to consider following him.
There are three levels of grant
that can be applied for:
s Small grants: £100 - £999.
Initiatives with projected costs of
between £100 and £999 may be
funded up to 100% of the total
cost.
s Medium grants: £1,000 - £9,999
which may be funded up to twothirds
of the total cost; however,
the committee expects applications
to be at least one third
match-funded from other sources.
s Large grants: over £10,000
which, In line with medium grants,
require more information and a
project plan.
Projects which fall in this category
may be funded up to half of the
total cost with applications expected
to be at least half match-funded
from other sources.
In addition to the Mission Fund,
there are also many other ways we
can help.
Grants adviser Paul Baker said:
"With a bit of time and effort grants
can be found for many of the things
we want to do with our church,
maybe we want to repair it, maybe
we want to extend the community
use of the building. If what we want
to do is not run-of-the-mill regular
activity, we can often find money by
applying for a grant.
"There are thousands of possible
grant givers out there all able
and willing to provide money for
causes near to their hearts.
"The diocesan office can help
you select the ones that are most
likely to turn up trumps.
"What you need to do is to decide
what you want to do and why
you want to do it. Begin an application
for a grant by explaining all
this but say what difference it will
make if you can do it and say why
your church or activity is special.
"Some grants will come with
strings attached, others will just
be to enable you to do what you
want to do."
• To find out more about grants
that are available, contact the
diocesan office on 01874 623
716 or email diocese.swanbrec@
churchinwales.org