ODDI WRTH YR ESGOB...
FROM THE BISHOP...
On this page you can read an edited version of Bishop Gregory's letter to the clergy of the diocese.
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Ad Clerum * Candlemas
2 February 2010
Dyrchefwch eich calonnau!
Lift up your hearts!
Dear friends,
Before I came to the diocese, I was told that very little snow fell in St Asaph, but since before Christmas, snow seems to have become a regular feature, and covers the ground even as I write. As we close the Christmas cycle of liturgy, and begin the Easter cycle, I hope that the first tentative signs of Spring, however, are encouraging us to look for the springtime in our own lives. God’s grace is renewed daily, and in the same way that the sun is gathering strength, let us pray that the Lord of Light and Life may dawn afresh in our hearts.
Lent and a Lent Prayer
Indeed, Lent is only just around the corner, that season when we are all invited to renew our discipleship and faith. I would like to invite you to join with me in saying a prayer based upon our diocesan motto and priorities every day through Lent this year at 6.00pm or during our Evening Prayer. I know that many of us derive strength from the knowledge that we share in saying the office together and on behalf of all even when we’re alone in our Churches or prayer space, or even busy elsewhere. I offer this prayer now in the hope that you will be willing to join with me in praying that God will lift our hearts, and that the very real and proper imperatives of seeking to involve the whole people of God, of enlivening our worship and of engaging with the world may continue to infuse and enthuse our life both at diocesan and local level. Indeed, you may like or be willing to share the prayer with your congregations, and encourage them to use it as well. People often like an extra challenge during Lent, and there is part of me, at least, that thinks that a common diocesan prayer, said together by clergy and laity across the diocese at the same time every evening in Lent might be an instrument to draw us more deeply into our common life and invoke the blessing of the Holy Spirit as he seeks to renew us. So please feel free to reproduce the prayer and circulate it with the request that it is used daily during Lent at eventide. A handy prayer card is also being printed – copies will be available in time for Lent through the Archdeacons, Esgobty or the Diocesan Office
Dyrchafa ein calonnau, Nefol Dad, |
Lift up our hearts, Heavenly Father, |
Ave atque Vale
I am delighted to announce that Stuart Evans has been appointed by me as the new Warden of Ruthin including Llanrhydd, and Rector of Llanfyrog. Stuart will be inducted to his new ministry on 6th May, and we wish him well as he prepares for his new role.
There are a number of other appointments to different supporting roles across the diocese. Steven Green takes over from Rex Matthias as Warden of Readers; Pam Powell is taking up responsibility as Director of Lay Training; Martin Snellgrove is taking over from Pam as Ecumenical Officer, and from Quentin Bellamy in editing the Diocesan Rota of Intercessions. Alan Ellacott succeeds John Barden Davies as Rural Affairs Adviser. I am very grateful for all those clergy who are willing to support the wider life of our diocesan family by taking on these extra roles. These ministries can be quite demanding, and yet their importance cannot be overestimated. A warm thank you to those who now pass the baton on, and to those who carry these ministries forward.
Mike Douglas has tendered his resignation from his ministry as Team Vicar in the Rectorial Benefice of Harwarden with effect from the end of April. Mike will be on leave of absence until then. I extend my warm thanks to Mike for his careful ministry at Broughton, and the great achievement of bringing the restoration project at St Mary’s through to completion. We will miss his ministry.
I am sure that we all share in the sense of shock at the news of the death of Quentin Bellamy’s younger brother, Stuart, after a short illness early in the new year. Quentin only lost his father a few months ago, and we pray that God may be a strong support to him and all his family at the time of this new bereavement. We also remember the family of Huw Butler. Huw’s brother-in-law, Geraint Morris, also died just before Christmas. We pray that Huw and his wider family will also know God’s help and peace at this time.
Dates for the Diary
6th February - “World Focus Service”at the Cathedral at 2.00pm. This service has been organised by the Diocesan Christian Aid Committee, among others, and the theme will be 'Water'. The service will also take a collection on behalf of the “Diocesan World Mission Appeal”, whose aim this year will be to raise money for two water-based projects, one in Kenya via Christian Aid, and one in the Diocese of SW Tanganyika, our link diocese. There will be stalls on the theme open from around midday, and the service itself will begin at 2.00 pm. The Revd Rev Nan Powell-Davies will speak on behalf of Christian Aid, and we are particularly pleased that Bishop John Simelenga (the bishop from our link Diocese of South West Tanganyika) will be joining us to speak about his diocese, and to strengthen our link. Bishop John will be visiting the diocese between 5th and 10th February, and will be preaching in the Cathedral at 11.00am on Sunday morning. I hope that those who encounter him will offer him a warm welcome.
10th February – The next Open House Eucharist will be held at the Church of the Holy Spirit, Prestatyn, beginning at 0930hr. As usual, this will be an opportunity for Eucharist, Bible Study and discussion together. I am finding these opportunities to pray, study and talk together very useful. As many clergy as wish are very welcome to join me.
17th March – Open House Eucharist. This will be held in Emmanuel Church, Bistre, beginning with the Eucharist at 0930hr, and continuing until about 1200 noon.
21st March – On Sunday, 21st March, the Revd Pam Wright will be ordained to the Priesthood at All Saints’ Church, Denganwy at 1500hr. I welcome Pam to this ministry, and hope that as many as possible will support Pam by prayer and presence as she prepares for this new phase of her ministry.
1st April – Maundy Thursday falls on All Fools’ Day this year. The Chrism Eucharist will be held in the Cathedral at 1100hr. You will remember the high value I place on this opportunity to renew our ordination vows together, and to celebrate our shared calling to be priests, deacons and ministers of the Gospel and Sacraments in the context of the celebration of Our Lord’s Passion, and I trust that you will all make every effort to be there. In order to make the occasion a family event, lunch will be provided afterwards. Tickets will need to be booked for lunch (so that we can sort out the catering) – they are free of charge to serving clergy; with a nominal cost for spouses and retired clergy of £3 each. Parishioners are also welcome, but the charge for a ticket for them will be £6. Requests for tickets for lunch should be submitted to Glenys before Friday, 19th March please.
3rd April – Easter Eve. The Easter Vigil and a diocesan Confirmation will be held in the Cathedral at 1900hr. Details of any candidates should be passed on to the Cathedral staff.
11th April – I am pleased to say that the Ordination of the Revd Bryn Parry Jones to the Priesthood will take place at St Mark’s Church, Connah’s Quay at 1500hr. Once again, I request your support for Bryn as he prepares for this step, and I am sure that he would value your support.
25th May- CME Day on Caring for Clergy. Further details to follow.
