Number 363 June 2021 Free
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Number 363 June 2021 Free h�p://parishofmerthyrtydfil.com h�ps://christchurchmerthyrtydfil.com
Dear Friends
help but think that what he was
describing sounding the same as
Mindfulness which I am due to
start studying for an MA in at
The name Phil Mickelson will
Bangor in September.
mean something to some of you
At its heart Mindfulness is about
and absolutely nothing to a lot of
bringing all you are and all you’ve
you. He is a very successful
got to every situa�on. The most
professional golfer having won
‘mindful’ person we have a record
some 45 events on the PGA tour.
of is Jesus Christ himself. He was
He started his professional career
able to do this in every situa�on
in 1992 and he won his first major
he found himself in. Those around
by winning the Masters in 2004.
him witnessed that intensity of
So, he’s good. However, if you look
focus and those who were
at those dates, he’s also been
subjected to it were le� in awe.
around for quite a while, in golfing
There is an old saying that the
terms, so it was with considerable
more you put into something the
surprise that Jayne and I watched
more you get out of it. As humans
him win the PGA Championship
we will all fall short of being able
the weekend before last. In doing
to bring our en�re selves to
so he became the oldest major
situa�ons in the way that Jesus
championship winner in history as
was able, but we can prac�ce
he was 50 years old.
bringing more and more of us to
Some achievement! He was asked,
all we are trying to achieve. This
during the tournament how he
encompasses bringing more to our
was able to be so compe��ve at
prayers life and more to the
his age. The reporter gave him a
ac�ons that result from the
number of op�ons. Diet, training,
promp�ngs we then receive for
technique and so forth. Phil
God.
commented that all had their part
To return to Phil Mickelson. He
to play but he a�ributed a large
doesn’t just rely on diet, he
propor�on of his success to a type
doesn’t just rely on exercise, he
of medita�on that enabled him to
doesn’t just rely on prac�ce and
focus on all 72 holes which he said
he doesn’t just rely on whatever
he had found increasingly difficult
medita�ve prac�ce he now
as he got older. He even walked
employs. He brings it all together
between the holes in a medita�ve
in balance and harmony and in
manner. Listening to him I couldn’t
doing so has surprised so many in Friends of St David’s Church
the golfing world by achieving a Thank you for all your generous
result many had assumed was not dona�ons to “Friends of St David’s
possible. Church”, it is appreciated.
By employing those gi�s and This is the ninth year we have
talents that God has given us we, supported “Friends” and we hope
in partnership with Him, can we can con�nue the good work in
certainly bring about results that the future.
many in today’s world assume are Lynda Price
not possible.
What’s God asking you to focus on Prayer Tree at St David's
next? Church.
Mark The prayer chapel has not been in
use at St David's due to Covid
restric�ons. So the prayer tree is
now on the right hand side of the
Our YouTube Channel church as you come in. Cards for
Hello everyone, isn’t it lovely now prayers and pens are available so
we can get out and about (safely) please feel free to hang your
and our churches are open again. prayers on the tree.
Or maybe like me you’re missing
our YouTube channel where we St David’s Church Grounds
shared Zoom services, Bible study
and music.
The last few weeks have been
busy with Charlo�e leaving and
Marc-Ashton moving into his
house near Christ Church, but
we’re ready now to use the A start has been made �dying up
YouTube channel again. The the grounds at St David's. If
ques�on is – what would you anyone is interested in helping we
like? meet at 2pm every Wednesday
Let us have your sugges�ons, weather permi�ng . If anybody
however simple or different they has cu�ngs of ground cover
are! plants they will be gratefully
Keep safe. received.
Jayne Caudle
In the Midst of Life: Insights From a Hospital Chaplain Paperbackv by Rev Michael Marsden Many of you will remember Fr. Michael very well and here is his latest book. It can be bought from Amazon for £7.99. About the book. Sickness is no respecter of �me, person or place. Therefore it involves all of us at some point in our lives. Through the power of story-telling the author shares over 30 years’ experience as a hospital chaplain, ministering to a countless number of pa�ents, their families and health care staff. In addi�on to these moving stories, each short, self-contained chapter contains a passage of scripture and prayer to assist the reader to reflect and ponder. From the Foreword. I can’t think of another book that so beau�fully sums up the voca�on of a hospital chaplain, with a wealth of personal recollec�on and a wealth of invaluable quota�on and reflec�on…. Michael writes with wit and clarity and compassion not simply about sickness and health but about the amazing grace of being human, and the joy of witnessing to this. (Dr Rowan Williams. Formerly Archbishop of Canterbury. 2002-2012). About the author. Michael was ordained in Llandaff Cathedral in 1982 and has worked in a number of church and health care se�ngs throughout South Wales. He presently works within the Aneurin Bevan University Health Board. He is involved in nurse training and lectures regularly at the University of South Wales. He is married to Salli and has two adult daughters, Lydia and Lucy, and a Parson Jack Russell called Toby. Reviews When reviewing this book, I imagined it to be just another book on healthcare chaplaincy. However, I was pleasantry surprised as I was instantly struck by the personable tone that Michael writes in and the wisdom contained in the text is clearly borne of many years’ experience of frontline chaplaincy. The reflec�ons and stories Michael uses in the book resonated deeply with my own experiences as a chaplain and certainly reminded me of the highs and lows that travelling alongside pa�ents and reiterates the absolute privilege it is to share in their journey. I also appreciated the devo�onal and prayerful style that Michael employs in the book too. Using scripture, poems and prayers I can see this book being a useful resource for those involved in chaplaincy and pastoral ministry and as a valuable insight into the chaplain’s ministry for those exploring a voca�on in this field…
I am confident it will connect with all those involved in this work whatever their posi�on or experience. I would wholeheartedly recommend this book for anyone interested in healthcare ministry. Rev’d Lance Sharpe, Registrar, College of Health Care Chaplains. This is an extremely fine account from a long and personal experience of the role of a hospital chaplain, a voca�on with a need, as the author points out, ‘to look, to listen and to learn’, and a calling which he stresses is not second best to parochial ministry. Hospital chaplaincy is not an easy path to follow, but as the author has shown, it does from �me to �me bring a feeling of accomplishment and of spiritual sa�sfac�on. A variety of themes are covered in this fine and well-resourced volume, wri�en with feeling from the author’s long experience in the field. The book is a must for all who aspire to follow this noble voca�on. Sister Josephine Egan, Daughters of the Holy Spirit. Physical and spiritual health are indelibly intertwined. Nevill Hall Hospital is fortunate to have been blessed with such a dynamic and compassionate chaplain. I am truly grateful to Michael for all his pastoral support and prac�cal help. Dr. John Huish, FRCP. Consultant Cardiologist. Royal Glamorgan Hospital, Cwm Taf University Health Board. Every single one of us is vulnerable and our vulnerability is some�mes at its most acute when we are in hospital. This book by the Rev. Michael Marsden made me laugh and cry as it illustrates the role of a hospital chaplain. Hospital chaplains see people at their happiest, such as celebra�ng the birth of a child, but also there when people are struggling with illness and indeed when they meet their maker. This book in my view illustrates Chris�anity working on the “pavement” and in the hospital corridor, where Christ is needed most by those who are in hospital and of course by our wonderful health workers who need pastoral support. This demonstrates Chris�an Outreach at its best – Fantas�c! Pam Kelly, Chief Constable of Gwent Police.
A Strap Line / Logo for the through, the church lec�onary was
new Ministry Area. following the final discourses of our Lord
Jesus Christ. I was very struck by His
The Diocese of Llandaff came up with a conversa�on with his disciples where He
three-word strap line a couple of years ago says, ‘You are my friends if you do what I
and it is easy to remember: ‘Where Faith command you. I do not call you servants
Ma�ers’. We also have an easy Mission any longer, because the servant does not
Statement in the diocese. Again, using few know what the master is doing; but I have
words: ‘Telling a joyful story; Growing the called you friends, because I have made
Kingdom of God; Building our capacity for known to you everything that I have heard
Good’. These are our shared aims and from my Father.’ (John 15.14-15) This
inform the way finance is distributed and simple statement from Jesus changed
how personnel are deployed. The Diocese everything. The disciples weren’t servants,
has also chosen to adopt Ministry Areas for they weren’t students anymore, but they
all on 1st January 2022. It would seem to were friends. This is not the place to go
be a good idea to have both a strap line/ into a theologically understanding of
logo making a corporate image to launch friendship but it is powerful and Jesus
this Ministry Area with. reminds us that the most powerful
As most of you who read this will be from expression of love is to lay down one’s life
Merthyr Tydfil St. David’s and Abercanaid for one’s friends.
Parish I will now ask you what our current Fellowship
strap line is. Those of you who a�ended Although Jesus didn’t actually men�on the
the Quar service on Trinity Sunday will word I am sure that he hoped His friends
remember my total confusion when would be in fellowship with one another.
Ma�hew stated the exact strap line. He Jesus had made statements like ‘On that
then took me out of my misery by poin�ng day you will know that I am in my Father,
that it was on the screen behind me! It is and you in me, and I in you.’ (John 14.20)
also upside down at the end of this ar�cle. And; ‘“I ask not only on behalf of these, but
My point was, and is, the strap line is also on behalf of those who will believe in
wonderful, containing great ambi�on and me through their word, that they may all
purpose but if people can’t remember it be one. As you, Father, are in me and I am
and don’t work to it, a legi�mate ques�on in you, may they also be in us, so that the
of its purpose can be asked. world may believe that you have sent me.’
Friendship (John 17.20-21)
In light of the experience gained by this and The Acts of the Apostles and the Le�ers in
other a�empts at strap line and logo the New Testament o�en talk about
development I strongly suggest we follow ‘fellowship’. Here is one example: ‘we
the diocesan strategy and have three declare to you what we have seen and
words. Whilst thinking and praying this heard so that you also may have fellowship
with us; and truly our fellowship is with the Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem); Father and with his Son Jesus Christ.’ (! and the power of the Lord was with him to John 1.3-4) heal. Just then some men came, carrying a Fellowship is very important for the paralysed man on a bed. They were trying disciples of Christ, one with another and to bring him in and lay him before Jesus; with Father and Son. This type of but finding no way to bring him in because rela�onship is enabled by the Spirit and of the crowd, they went up on the roof and again more about that can be read in let him down with his bed through the �les John’s Gospel. into the middle of the crowd in front of Faith Jesus. When he saw their faith, he said, So finally, for a Chris�an, what is the point “Friend, your sins are forgiven you.” Then of Friendship and Fellowship beyond the the scribes and the Pharisees began to earthly enjoyment that these rela�onships ques�on, “Who is this who is speaking give. I believe that in Jesus’ eyes it is all blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but about building up Faith. If Faith is at the God alone?” When Jesus perceived their heart of friendship and fellowship then ques�onings, he answered them, “Why do those rela�onships will have real meaning you raise such ques�ons in your hearts? in growing the kingdom of God. Through Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are Friendship and Fellowship the Chris�an forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Stand up and Community is able to demonstrate a walk’? But so that you may know that the community that lives differently to the Son of Man has authority on earth to world in which it finds itself. Through faith, forgive sins”—he said to the one who was living in friendship and fellowship God is paralysed—“I say to you, stand up and take enabled to work more effec�vely. In other your bed and go to your home.” words, less hindered by sin. I am sure there Immediately he stood up before them, is far more prayer and explora�on needed took what he had been lying on, and went to take this forward but I leave you with a to his home, glorifying God. Amazement Biblical story that brings Friendship, seized all of them, and they glorified God Fellowship and Faith into sharp focus and and were filled with awe, saying, “We have although, like you, I knew the story well, seen strange things today.” (Luke 5.17-end) the par�cular verse highlighted had not really entered my consciousness. It has Friendship, Fellowship, Faith delivering a now. miracle of healing. Could there be a be�er ‘One day, while he was teaching, Pharisees strap line for the New Ministry Area? and teachers of the law were si�ng near Mark by (they had come from every village of “Showing God's heart and telling His story to all genera�ons.”
Merthyr Tydfil Ministry Area New Titles and New People for the Merthyr Tydfil Ministry Area launching on 1st January 2022. Below you will find a list of people and the posi�on / �tle they are holding in the Ministry Area Transi�on Team (MATT) that will, on 1st January 2022 become the Ministry Area Council (MAC). The MAC will be, in effect, the PCC for the Ministry Area. On that date exis�ng PCC’s for Pant & Dowlais, Christ Church, Merthyr Tydfil St. David and Abercanaid, and Troedyrhiw and Merthyr Vale will cease to exist. There will be an Annual Vestry mee�ng of the Merthyr Tydfil Ministry Area soon a�er 1st January 2022 to make elec�ons to the MAC. As they say, watch this space. • Ma�hew Jones - Lay Chair • Rev Mark Preve� - Ministry Area Leader • Rev Marc Walford - Ministry Area Vicar • Rev Caroline Owen - Ministry Area Vicar • Rev Stephen Barnes - Ministry Area Vicar • Jonathan Richards - Ministry Area Warden • Dorothy Evans - Ministry Area Warden • Steve Booth - Ministry Area Secretary • Marian Price - Ministry Area Treasurer • Susan Morris - Rep for St. Tydfil Well’s Church • Jan Lewis - Rep for St David's Church • Ken Lewis - Rep for Readers • Elaine Fisher - Rep for St Tydfil's Church • Claire Price - Rep for Ss. Peter & Paul Church • Darren Tyler - Rep for Merthyr Vale • Carol Jones - Rep for Troedyrhiw • Hugh Williams - Rep for Dowlais • Dorcas Cox - Rep for Pant • Lynda Price - Note Taker It has been agreed by the MATT that each church in the Ministry Area will have a representa�ve on the MAC. The appointed reps will have the job of communica�on between the MAC and the church and the church and the MAC. Whilst the parish PCC’s cease to exist it is not envisaged that the Church Councils will and it would be good in the next few months to get those up and func�oning again. Finally, on 1st January 2022 Church Wardens will cease to exist by appointment and by name as the Cons�tu�on of the Church in Wales requires the Church Wardens to be ex-officio officers of the PCC. The MATT is therefore struggling to come up with an appropriate �tle for those whose concern will be the individual church. If you have any good ideas please let me know. Mark
The Armour of God: ‘The Helmet of Salva�on’ “Take the helmet of salva�on,” (Ephesians 6:17). What It Means: Salva�on comes the moment we place our trust in Jesus’ death and resurrec�on as the payment for our sin. But salva�on is also worked out through a lengthy process of sanc�fica�on. The helmet of salva�on (like the breastplate of righteousness) rests on the work of Christ to save us, but also involves us as we journey with the Lord and allow Him to work that salva�on into every part of our thoughts. The ba�lefield of our mind is the primary place spiritual ba�le is fought. The Lord works His freeing truth into our perspec�ves while the enemy fights for strongholds to bind us (John 10:10). How to Apply It: Surrender thoughts that don’t line up with Scripture. As Colossians 3:2 says, “Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” Remember the Lord’s character and faithfulness in Scripture as well as in your life experience. Wash your mind with the renewing of God’s Word. As Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pa�ern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Next Month – July ‘The Sword of the Spirit’
St TYDFIL’S CHURCH, Lower High Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8HR SATURDAY 6.00pm Holy Eucharist St DAVID’S CHURCH, High Street, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 0BA SUNDAY 9.30am Holy Eucharist WEDNESDAY 10.30am Holy Eucharist Ss PETER & PAUL’S CHURCH, Church View, Abercanaid CF48 1TJ SUNDAY 9.30am Holy Eucharist St TYDFIL’S WELL CHURCH, The Quar, Merthyr Tydfil CF47 8TA SUNDAY 11.00am Holy Eucharist CHRIST CHURCH, Aberdare Road, Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1DR SUNDAY 11.00am Holy Eucharist All services may be changed or added to especially on Saints’ Days. Please see the online calendar page for details h�p://parishofmerthyrtydfil.com/service�mes h�ps://christchurchmerthyrtydfil.com/whats-on Tydfil... run up the valley A significant boost to the faith tourism industry in Wales begins this month with the 30 day Landscapes of Faith fes�val taking to the road across South Wales for the whole of June. The founding legend of Merthyr Tydfil is celebrated in the third journey which begins in the Brecon Beacons Na�onal Park. The Tydfil story stretches back 1500 years when Tydfil, the daughter of the King Brychan, encountered some marauding warriors in the Merthyr valley near Aberfan. She fled up the valley but was killed where the town of Merthyr Tydfil stands today and gives her name to the famous Welsh town. To celebrate the story RunWales is organising a women's fun run through the Merthyr valley called “Tydfil... run up the valley” in which par�cipants will receive a small ceramic replica of the Cel�c cross in St Tydfil's Church, Merthyr Tydfil. The Womens Fun Run men�oned comes past St Tydfil's. Volunteers are needed to look a�er a sta�on for runners to stop at St Tydfil's If you could give an hour between 11am and 5pm on either Saturday 19 June or Sunday 20 June please put your names against the �mes on the rota at the back of church. More details at h�ps://www.landscapesoffaith.org
Next issue
Please let me have anything for July 2021
on Sunday morning 27 June. Preferably earlier.
Next issue is due out 4 July.
Please e-mail your ar�cles to
kenlewis.merthyrtydfil.church@gmail.com
All named ar�cles are the work of that person. Publica�on does not imply
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