SIGNPOSTS ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Magazine for the Irfon and Wye Valley Churches
Issue No 121 March 2010
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Fasting in the Bible by Revd. Humphrey Fisher

The February Signposts opened with a sensitive discussion of our modern-day Lent – bearing witness in an often hostile world, study groups to strengthen our confidence, overseas aid built upon ‘hunger’ or ‘charity’ but always tasty lunches. The word ‘fasting’ occurs only once, safely tucked away in the past – ‘traditionally Lent was…’ I volunteered to write more specifically about fasting in our March issue, my editorial deadline two days before Ash Wednesday. My original intention was to explore Biblical fasting, and Muslim. Too much for one short essay: so the Bible today, Islam (maybe or the Bible part two next year)
There are over sixty fasting references in the Bible (surprisingly?) some third of these in the New Testament. (Do you have a Biblical concordance at home? If not do get one, you can then look up fasting and a hundred other themes (or hundreds) for yourself)
Fasting in itself is, or can be, a religious exercise, often coupled with prayer. Nehemiah the prophet, receiving sad news of the destruction of Jerusalem sat down and wept, and mourned certain days and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven (1.4) Anna the prophetess who confirmed Jesus’ unique status when his parents brought him to Jerusalem as a baby, was a very old widow ‘who departed not from the Temple but served God with fastings and prayers night and day’ (Luke 2.37) Paul and Barnabus on one of their missionary journeys ordained elders in every church and prayed with fasting, and commended them to the Lord. (Acts 4.23) Paul wrote to the Corinthians ‘ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer’ (1 Corinthians 7.5 – a very interesting passage about equality in marriage)
Daniel, exposed to some danger during the Babylonian exile of the Israelites sought God’s help through prayer and fasting (Daniel 9.3) The King of Babylon, tricked by unscrupulous, jealous, civil servants into casting Daniel into the lion’s den, passed his night in remorseful fasting (Daniel 6.18 – not being a Jew the King could not properly be said to have prayed also) – and Daniel, as we all know was saved. Another example of a penitential fasting (but non-Jewish ruler) was the King of Nineveh: terrified by Jonah’s threats of imminent divine retribution, the king proclaimed a fast, not only for every person but for every animal also. And God granted a reprieve. ‘God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and repented of the evil that he said he would do unto them, and he did not’ (Jonah 3.10) - much to Jonah’s chagrin
This pair of rulers, not Jews, but clearly fasting in a way acceptable to Hebrew chroniclers, illustrate a kind of religious osmosis or mingling, despite barriers. (A little more of which, perhaps, we and President Obama might do well with today in Palestine?)
Biblical fasting is often a token of sorrow. Daniel coupled his fasting with sackcloth and ashes. Jesus himself, when asked why his disciples did not fast, replied that they would do so, would mourn and fast after the bridegroom, Jesus himself, had been taken away (Matthew 9.14-15, Mark 2.18-20, Luke 5.33-35)
But fasting may also sometimes divinely cure the cause of that sorrow. Very early on the Israelites had been doing badly in a war against their kinsmen the tribe of Benjamin (40,000 Israelite soldiers killed in two days, out of a total of 400,000, by only 26,700 Benjaminites, all highly improbable figures) On the third day the Israelites gathered before the house of God, and sat there weeping, fasting all day, and offering burnt and peace offerings. And God, presumably moved in part by the fasting, advised the Israelites to make yet another attempt on the fourth day, and promised to deliver the Benjaminites into Israelite hands. And so it happened leading to a remarkably (or typically?) gruesome conclusion (Judges 20.14 – end: an arresting passage, touching in a rather ghastly manner on homosexuality)
Prayer and fasting. Prayer against someone (or to put it more bluntly, cursing) occurs throughout the Bible. Indeed there are more than twice as many ‘prayers against’ as there are ‘fastings’. (Was I too ready to urge a concordance on you?) The idea survives in our worship: for example in the 1662 Communion service held on the first Sunday in the month at Newchurch, we pray that our Queen ‘may vanquish and overcome all her enemies’
But ‘fasting against’ is an idea new to me: and how often as one goes back even to so familiar book as the Bible one discovers something unnoticed before. So many of the fasting references do involve conflict and victory for those who fast. We have seen examples above. Think again of Daniel: the King of Babylon fasted whilst Daniel was in the lion’s den, and Daniel was saved: but Daniel’s accusers and their wives and children were then themselves cast to the lions with a different result.
Were such examples of ‘fasting against’ someone rare one-offs? What persuades me that such a practice was widespread is Isaiah’s blistering condemnation of it (Isaiah 58)
‘ Wherefore have we fasted, say they, and thou seest not? wherefore have we afflicted our soul, and thou takest no knowledge? Behold, in the day of your fast ye find pleasure, and exact all your labours. Behold, ye fast for strife and debate, and to smite with the fist of wickedness: ye shall not fast as ye do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen? a day for a man to afflict his soul? is it to bow down his head as a bulrush, and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? wilt thou call this a fast, and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is not this the fast that I have chosen? to loose the bands of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that ye break every yoke? Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? Then shall thy light break forth as the morning’
I think Isaiah would appreciate our last Signposts. But he would wish us to do far, far more of the same

DEANERY NEWS

APPOINTMENT
It is with great pleasure that the appointment is announced of the Revd.Marian Morgan as Priest-in-charge of the Erwood and Painscastle Group of Parishes. She will be licensed by the Bishop in a service of Holy Communion on Tuesday March 2nd at 7pm in St.Cewydd’s Church, Aberedw.
Marian and Leslie came to Aberedw following Marian’s retirement from the New Radnor Group of Parishes where she had been Priest-in-Charge for five years. Since coming to live in the Deanery she has played an active part in Church life.

CHILD PROTECTION AWARENESS EVENING
A meeting for Parish Child Protection Officers will be held on Friday March 12th at 7pm in Holy Trinity Church, Llandrindod Wells. The meeting will be addressed by Dr.Gill Todd the Diocesan Safeguarding Officer.
The purpose of the meeting is to raise awareness on child protection issues and to assist the parish child protection officer in his/her role. The meeting is therefore open to everyone and all who have an interest in this important area of concern are warmly invited to attend.
Tea/Coffee will be available before the start of the meeting

AREA DEANERY CONFERENCE
A meeting of the Area Deanery Conference will be held on Thursday March 18th at 7pm in St.Mary’s Church Hall, Builth Wells.
The subject on the agenda for consideration will be the theme of last year’s Diocesan Conference ‘A Child of God’ The Bishop has asked for a follow-up discussion and a report back on the issues raised.

WOMENS’ WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

Friday March 5th Services will be held as follows:
10.30am St James, Llanwrtyd Wells
2.0pm Christ the King, Builth Wells
2.0pm St. Llyr's, Llanyre
2.30pm St.Michael’s Clyro

CHURCH CALENDAR
PALM SUNDAY MARCH 28th

Palm Sunday is the first day of Holy Week when we celebrate the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. The disciples and the crowd that accompanied them sang ‘Hosanna to the Son of David, hosanna in the highest’ - words echoed in our Palm Sunday hymns.
Palm Sunday is a day of celebration – but also an anticipation of what is to follow. As a reminder of this the palm leaves distributed on Palm Sunday are in the shape of the Good Friday cross.

CHRISM EUCHARIST

at Brecon Cathedral
Tuesday in Holy Week, March 30th, 12 noon
celebrant and preacher: Bishop John Davies
a service for priests and people

BUILTH WELLS GROUP OF PARISHES

WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER
Friday March 5th 2pm
Christ the King Catholic Church

WEDNESDAYS IN LENT, 7pm
Builth Cytun presents an EVENING SERVICE WITH GUEST SPEAKER
Feb.24th Alpha Chapel, speaker Mr.Gordon A’Court
March 3rd at Wesley Chapel speaker: Mr.Derek Long
March 10th at St.Mary’s, speaker: Mrs.Janet Day
March 17th at Christ the King speaker:Mr.J.Carruthers
March 24th at Horeb Chapel, speaker: TBA

MAUNDY THURSDAY Thursday April 1st
Solemn Eucharist for Builth Covenanted Churches
7.30pm St.Mary’s Church, preacher: Revd.B.Reardon

GOOD FRIDAY Friday April 2nd
11am Devotional Service at St.Mary’s
12 noon Stations of the Cross at Christ the King
2pm Devotional Service at Alpha Chapel

EASTER DAY Sunday April 4th
9.30am Holy Communion at St.Mary’s
11.0am Holy Communion at Alltmawr
11.0am Holy Communion at Maesmynis
3.0pm Holy Communion at Llanddewi’r Cwm

Builth Wells with Llanddewi’r Cwm & Llangynog w. Maesmynis & Llanynis w.Alltmawr
Canon Nigel Hall, The Vicarage, 1 North Road,
Builth Wells, LD2 3BT Tel: 01982 552355

St.Mary’s, Builth Wells Bells Appeal
Teddy Bear Parachute Drop
Monday 5th April 2010 (Easter Monday)

Calling all brave teddies, cuddly toys action men etc
By popular request we will be holding another Teddy Bear Parachute drop. Teddies need to bring their own parachutes, safety equipment and a £1 donation for the bell fund.
The tower will be open again for people to visit the bells and we will be selling refreshments for a teddy bear's picnic in the churchyard (weather permitting).
There will also be a Easter Egg raffle (donation welcome) and Teddy bear quiz sheet.
The tower is open from 3pm and the brave teddies begin their descent at about 4pm.

Come along and help us raise the final £4,500 for the bell repairs.

The Colwyn Group of Parishes

Dear Friends,
“It can’t be that bad, surely...let’s just keep going”
By the time you read this we shall be well into the season of Lent. Are we struggling with what we are giving up for Lent? Lent sometimes instils a sense of panic into some folk. What can we give up? What can we really give up that is worthwhile? What will cause us the least angst? What about the issue of chocolate or something else we really like? What can we do or give up that no-one else will notice, then if we fail we won’t make a fool of ourselves? But can it be that bad, surely? ‘We’ll never do it’, I hear you say. On a lighter note, I’m waiting for someone to suggest that I give up eating liver for Lent! (I really can’t stand the stuff, without giving it up for Lent)!
On the other hand we could do something extra – something that may well be of service to someone else. This is my favoured method of Lent ‘hardship’. How about doing some gardening for someone who is housebound or making an effort to visit someone or do their shopping? You may be surprised and like it so much you may wish to carry on with it when Lent is over
Whatever we do we know that this is a time of preparation. It is a time to prepare inwardly for that glorious Easter morn when Our Lord destroys the power of death for all of us. A morning when Christ, as the light of the world shone out into the darkness.
I wish you well with your endeavours over the Lent period and as always you will be in my prayers – it can’t be that bad surely...let’s just keep going!
Richard
Lent Course
This year we shall be exploring St. Mark’s Gospel and Meriel Oliver has kindly agreed to lead us. The first meeting will be on Wednesday 24th February and every Wednesday thereafter. For details of the Course and where we are meeting please contact Meriel on 01982 570771 or the Rectory & keep an eye on the pew sheet.

Soup Lunches start Wednesday 24th February, 12.15pm – 1.30pm at the Rectory and again every Wednesday throughout Lent. The donations received will be split between the Bishop’s Lent Appeal – USPG ‘Healthcare for all’ in Bangladesh, the Haiti Disaster Committee and the Benefice. Please come and bring your friends.

Llanelwedd Sunday Club
To use the old cliché, ‘by popular demand’, we have decided to open a Sunday Club at Llanelwedd. We were approached by several families to do this. It will be aimed at a younger age range of children. The Club will run in conjunction with the fortnightly service at St. Matthew’s Church. The Club will start at 11.00am at The Rectory and will begin on Easter Sunday - a perfect day for new birth!! The Service of Holy Eucharist commences at 11.15am. The Club will have activities, stories, craft work and refreshment and be into Church for around 11.50am, where the young folk will tell the congregation what they have done in the Club and remain for the rest of the Service and be collected from Church or go with their parents who have been in the Service at around 12.15pm. For more details, or if your child wishes to join us, please contact the Rectory – 01982 551288.

Palm Sunday Procession
The year Palm Sunday is 28th March. We have been blessed with a real donkey to lead us in procession, courtesy of the Langford family at Brynglas, Hundred House. Would those who wish to walk a short walk, meet outside Jewson’s at 10.45am where we will walk down to St. Matthew’s Church in Llanelwedd for our Service. Please bring suitable branches or ‘palms’ to wave. All welcome, especially children!

‘Frocks & Flowers’
The Benefice is planning a Flower Festival on a wedding theme. This will be held on 26th and 27th June in Llanfaredd Church. Liz would like to hear from anyone who has a wedding gown or other significant memorabilia that they would like us to exhibit. We also need a photograph as large as possible. Our flower arrangers will endeavour to reproduce the flowers, perhaps not exactly but keeping the feel of the original. Perhaps you would like to sponsor a floral arrangement. Helpers are needed for the Festival, not only for flower arranging but also for stewarding and serving teas. It is hoped to finish the weekend with a short evening service to celebrate marriage followed by tea and ‘wedding cake’.
There will be a planning meeting at the Rectory on Monday 1st March at 2.00pm. Anyone who is interested would be very welcome.
Liz is also planning an Afternoon Tea at The Rectory shortly after Easter to raise funds which will go towards the cost of flowers. For more information, please contact Liz at The Rectory – 01982 551288.

Services for March 2010

7th March Lent 3
Llanfaredd 9.30 ET
Llansantffraed 9.30 RK
Glascwm 11.15 RK
Glascwm 7.00 (The Village Service) JO/MO
14th March Mothering Sunday
Bettws 9.30 (Holy Eucharist) JO
Rhulen 9.30 Worship for All EK/RK
21st March Lent 5 Passion Sunday
Llanfaredd 9.30 RK
Llansantffraed 9.30 JO
Glascwm 11.15 MO
28th March Palm Sunday
Rhulen 9.30 MO
Cregrina 9.30 RK
Bettws 9.30 ET
Llanelwedd 11.15 Palm Sunday Procession & Holy Eucharist RK
Glascwm Church Draw
The Village Service on 7th February took place in St David's Church Glascwm, with soup served afterwards.
1st Prize £50 Ken, The Old Post Office, Glascwm,
pulled out no. 12 Ann Tyler, Coedspoil
2nd Prize £30 Amy Hammonds, Ty Gwyn, Glascwm pulled out no. 41 David & Kate Court Cottage Glascwm
3rd Prize £20 Jack Hammonds, Ty Gwyn, Glascwm (the youngest there!) pulled out no. 26 Glascwm Church's own number which will be put towards a new Hoover which is needed.

Holiday Club
We are having a morning of children’s activities on an Easter theme at Hundred House hall on Monday 29th March beginning at 10.00am. Details from the Rectory or Marilyn Jarvis (01982 570313) or just come along on the day. All welcome.

Mothering Sunday
A Worship for All Service will be held on Mothering Sunday, 14th March at 9.30 at Rhulen. We believe it to be a few years since there was such a Service held at that Church. Traditional posies will be given out to mums and as usual there will be an opportunity to share in refreshments and fellowship after the Service. All are welcome, so please come and bring your mum!

In Memoriam
No doubt many in the Benefice will remember John Hackley of Llanelwedd who sadly passed away on 15th January. John was involved in so many groups within the Llanelwedd area, from School Governor to Community Council Member and member of the Jubilee Hall Committee to name but a few. He will also be remembered as being a very successful farmer. He will be sorely missed. Following a wonderful Service of Thanksgiving at St. Matthew’s Church, Llanelwedd, we laid John to rest in the churchyard on 23rd January. We remember him, Olwen, the family and their friends in our prayers.
We also remember Charles Evans of Cregrina who passed away recently at the age of 102. He was for many years the blacksmith in Builth Wells. He was also very much connected with the Free Mission in Cregrina where he exercised a wonderful ministry over many, many years. He was laid to rest in Cregrina Churchyard on 29th January. We remember in our prayers Olwen, his wife and their daughter Beryl.
May they both Rest in Peace and Rise in Glory!

Llanelwedd with Llanfaredd, Llansantffraed-in-Elwell, Bettws Disserth, Cregrina, Rhulen and Glascwm
Priest in Charge, Revd Richard Kirlew, The Rectory Llanelwedd, Builth Wells, LD2 3TY tel.01982 551288
THE PARISHES OF THE IRFON VALLEY & BLAENAU IRFON

Bible Study Group The Bible Study group at Afan Lodge meets on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm. This group is open to everyone and all are welcome to come along!

Mothers’ Union Lady Day: Thursday March 25th Holy Eucharist 6pm St James Church. There will be enrolment of new members to Llanwrtyd and Beulah MU For further details of Mothers’ Union meetings, contact Ann Stocker on 01591 610231.

St. James’ Coffee Morning
For a good cup of tea or coffee and some welcoming company, come along to St. James’ church on the 1st Saturday in each month from 10.30am onwards. As well as tea, coffee and refreshments, there will be fair trade goods on sale.
If there are any difficulties with transport please contact Ann Stocker 01591 610 231

Women's World Day of Prayer
The Women's World Day of Prayer Service written by the ladies of Cameroon will be held on March 5th at St James, Llanwrtyd Wells, at 10.30am. Further information from Ann Stocker 01591 610231

IN MEMORIAM Enid Woodroffe aged 95 years
Moyna Lydon aged 64 years
Jim Horton aged 80 years

Llangammarch Walking/Running Club re-starts on Tuesday 30th March at 7pm at the Alexandra Hall. All abilities welcome. Re-registration fee £2, weekly cost £1. Any queries contact Shelley tel.620628

Service Times
Lent 3: 7th March
9.30am – Holy Eucharist – Eglwys Oen Duw JB
11.00am – Holy Eucharist – St. James’ JS
11.15am – Morning Prayer – Llanlleonfel PL
11.15am – Holy Eucharist - Llanganten JB
4.00pm - Holy Eucharist – Tirabad JS
Lent 4: 14th March, Mothering Sunday
9.30am – Holy Eucharist – Llangammarch JS
9.30am – Morning Prayer – Eglwys Oen Duw YP
11.00am – Family Service – St James NC
11.15am – Holy Eucharist – Llanfechan JB
Lent 5: 21st March
9.30am - Holy Eucharist - Eglwys Oen Duw JB
9.30am – Family Service - St Cadmarch’s GM
11.00am - Llanwrtyd United Service-St.James JS
11.15am - Holy Eucharist – Llanlleonfel JB
11.15am - Morning Service – Llanganten WT
4.00pm - Evening Prayer – Tirabad NC

Lent 6: 28th March, Palm Sunday
9.30am – Family Service - Eglwys Oen Duw YP
9.30am – Holy Eucharist – St Cadmarch’s JB
11.00am – Holy Eucharist – St James’ JS
11.15am – Morning Prayer – Llanfechan PL
Wednesday 31st March
7.30pm A performance of Pergolesi’s Stabat Mater
at St.Cadmarch’s, ending with Sung Compline
soloists Sally Bramhall and Melodie Moisson
accompanied by a string quartet led by Trudie Jordan
Maundy Thursday 1st April
7.0pm - Holy Eucharist - Eglwys Oen Duw JB
7.0pm - Holy Eucharist - St.Cadmarch’s NH
Good Friday 2nd April
10.0am – Family Service St.Cadmarch’s GM
2.0pm – Liturgy of the Day St.James JB
Easter Day 4th April
9.30am – Holy Eucharist – Eglwys Oen Duw JB
9.30am – Holy Eucharist– St Cadmarch’s NH
11.15am – Holy Eucharist – St. James’ JB
3.0pm – Holy Eucharist - Llanganten CH

Holy Eucharist:Wednesdays 10am St James’, Llanwrtyd

JB Revd.J.Billam, JS Revd.J.Stocker,
CH Revd.C.Hall, NH Canon N Hall, PL Mrs.P.Lowe,
YP Mrs.Y.Parker, GM Mr.G.Marshall
NC Mr.N.Carter, WT Worship Team

Sunday Schools Our Sunday Schools meet as follows:
4th Sunday in month at 10am in St. Cadmarch’s Church, Llangammarch Wells. For further details, contact Mrs. Michelle Davies on 01591 620730.
1st Sunday in month at St James’ at 11am. For further details, contact Mrs. Virginia Evans on 01591 610578.
Most Sundays at Eglwys Oen Duw at 9.30am. For further details, either Patrick Bourdillon on 01591 620564 or George Johnson on 01591 610229.
Children aged 4-11 years especially welcome!

Lent Course continues on Wednesdays at 7.00pm in Garth Hall based on Gordon Giles’ book ‘The Harmony of Heaven’, a musical meditation for Lent and Easter
You are warmly invited to join this musical pilgrimage through Lent towards the cross and beyond into the realm of Easter joy and light. Further details from John Billam, 01591 620493

St. James’ Community Lunch
The March Community Lunch will be held on Thursday 25th March at 12 noon for 12.30pm.
Everyone is welcome. No age limits. Come along to St.James’ Church and enjoy a good two course meal, tea and/or coffee for the bargain price of £4.00. For further information contact Ann Stocker 01591 610231

St.Cadmarch’s, Llangammarch Wells; The Parish Church, Llanlleonfel, Garth; St.Afan’s, Llanfechan; St.Cannen’s,
Llanganten, Cilmery; St.James’, Llanwrtyd Wells; St.David’s, Llanwrtyd; St.David’s Tir Abad; Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah;
Vicar: Revd.C.M.Haynes, The Rectory, Maes Glas, Llangammarch Wells, Powys, LD4 4EE
For the time being in the case of pastoral need, including arrangements for funerals, baptisms and weddings,
contact: Revd.Canon Nigel Hall, The Vicarage, 1 North Road, Builth Wells, LD2 3BT Tel:01982 552355
The Erwood & Painscastle Group of Parishes

Dear Friends
It is with a huge sense of privilege, and not a little awe, that I take up my appointment as Priest-in-Charge of the Erwood & Painscastle Group of Parishes. I shall, of course, need to rely heavily on the strength of God, the support of the PCC officers, the members of the churches and the co-operation of the clergy also working in these parishes if, together, we are to continue to nurture the faith of the people, to bring the love and word of God to others and to grow God’s Kingdom in this complex group and beautiful place.
We are all, here, blessed with such a wonderful inheritance; in rural areas more so than in cities, the links between local people and ‘their’ church can be very strong and it is so good, also, to see ‘incomers’ to our villages and hamlets becoming involved in the life of the church and making such a positive contribution to our worship.
I pray that we shall all be blessed with the recognition of the traditions of the past, the energy, courage and wisdom to address the many challenges of the present and a clear vision for the future enriched by the, as yet, unexplored ministry of the people.
As we step forward together in faith, joy and confidence I wish you all a most blessed Lent.
Yours in Christ, Revd. Marian Morgan

Licensing of the Revd.Marian Morgan
as Priest-in-Charge of the Erwood
& Painscastle Group of Churches
by the Bishop of Swansea & Brecon
Tuesday March 2nd, 7pm
St.Cewydd’s Church, Aberedw

WOMEN'S WORLD DAY OF PRAYER

An invitation is extended to attend the Hay-on-Wye and District service on Friday March 5th at 2.30pm in St.Michael’s Clyro, speaker, Revd.Rana Davies-James.

SERVICES IN MARCH

Sunday 7th March – Lent 3
09.00 Holy Eucharist (1662 Short) Newchurch (HJF)
09.30 Holy Eucharist Llanbadarn-y-Garreg (PJM)
09.30 Holy Eucharist Gwenddwr (MM)
10.30 Morning Prayer (1662 Full) Newchurch (MO)
Followed by refreshments at Rose Cottage All Welcome
11.00 Holy Eucharist Llandeilo Graban (PJM)
Wednesday 10th March
11.30 Group Eucharist Aberedw Followed byLunch
Sunday 14th March – Lent 4 (Mothering Sunday)
10.30 Holy Eucharist Gwendwr (MM)
11.00 Holy Eucharist Aberedw (PJM)
14.30 Family Worship Bryngwyn (MM)
Wednesday 17th March
11.30 Group Eucharist Aberedw Followed by Lunch
Sunday 21st March – Lent 5
09.30 Holy Eucharist Llandeilo Graban (MM)
09.30 Holy Eucharist Llanbedr (PJM)
11.00 Holy Eucharist Gwenddwr (PJM)
14.30 All Age Eucharist Bryngwyn (MM)
Wednesday 24th March
11.30 Group Eucharist Aberedw Followed by Lunch
Sunday 28th March – Palm Sunday
09.30 Holy Eucharist Aberedw (MM)
11.00 Holy Eucharist Crickadarn (PJM)
15.00 Holy Eucharist Llandewi Fach (HJF)
Monday 29th March – Monday of Holy Week
19.00 Compline Newchurch
19.00 Compline Llandeilo Graban
Tuesday 30th March – Tuesday of Holy Week
19.00 Compline Crickadarn
19.00 Compline Llanbedr
Wednesday 31st March
11.30 Group Eucharist Aberedw Followed by Lunch
19.00 Joint Service Painscastle Chapel
Thursday 1st April – Maundy Thursday
19.00 Stripping of the Altar Aberedw (PJM)
19.30 Seder Meal – The Last Supper –
Trefechan Aberedw- please let Leslie or Revd Marian know you are coming – 01982 560702
Friday 2nd April – Good Friday
11.00 Meditation Crickadarn (MM)
14.00 Meditation Llanbadarn-y-Garreg (PJM)
18.30 Readings & Music of the Passion Aberedw (MM)
Sunday 4th April – Easter Day
09.00 Holy Eucharist Bryngwyn (MM)
09.00 Holy Eucharist Llanbadarn-y-Garreg (PJM)
09.30 Holy Eucharist Newchurch (HJF)
10.00 Holy Eucharist Crickadarn (PJM)
10.15 Holy Eucharist Llandeilo Graban (MM)
11.00 Holy Eucharist Llanbedr (Res.Sac) (MO)
11.15 Holy Eucharist Gwendwr (PJM)
11.15 Holy Eucharist Aberedw (MM)
15.00. Holy Eucharist Llandewi Fach (HJF)

Aberedw Sunday School
Aberedw Sunday School meets during School term time on Tuesdays at 3pm in Aberedw Church Hall.

Mothers’ Union
Painscastle Branch meet on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at 7.30pm in Painscastle Village Hall.
Erwood Branch meet on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 2pm in Erwood Market Hall.

In Memoriam Ivor Evan Lloyd aged 81 years
Philip Joseph Butcher aged 55 years
Aberedw w.Llandeilo Graban w.Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w.Crickadarn w.Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn w.Newchurch w.Llanbedr Painscastle w.Llanddewi Fach Priest-in-Charge: Revd.Marian Morgan,
Trefechan, Aberedw, Llandrindod Wells, LD2 3UW, tel.01982 560702, E-mail mkemorgan@btinternet.com
THE UPPER WYE GROUP OF PARISHES

A Letter from our Vicar
Dear Friends,
Looking Forwards
As I write, it is Candlemas Day, the day on which we’re reminded of the moment when the infant Christ was presented in the Temple, the conclusion of our Christmas celebration and also the day on which we hear again those words of Simeon we know as The Nunc Dimittis “Lord, now latest thou thy servant depart in peace”. And yet, as much as Simeon recognised that in the infant Christ, God’s promise to him was fulfilled, he also realised that the baby in his arms would be opposed and that the salvation for which he had waited for so long was to be achieved through suffering. So, it seems to me, that Candlemas marks a pivotal moment in the Christian year. Ever since Advent Sunday, we’ve been looking forward to and then celebrating the fulfillment of God’s gracious promise to send the world the Saviour. From Candlemas onwards, our minds and our worship prepare us for the long weeks of Lent leading up to Holy Week and Christ’s passion and death, yet with the promise of the resurrection. How appropriate it is, that the English word we use for this season recalls the lengthening of daytime which accompanies us on our journey. The signs of springtime with their promise of new and abundant life help to lift us from the darkness of Good Friday to the warmth and brightness of our Easter joy. Something to look forward to indeed.

Welcome and Thank-you
And yet, even in the darkness and cold of midwinter, it’s especially gratifying to witness those signs of new life in the Church as much as in the natural world around us. By the time you read this, we’ll have entered the period when we hold our Annual Vestry Meeting, a great opportunity to look backwards to where God has lead us in the past year and forward to where he will be leading us in the future. I am delighted and enormously grateful that Marian Thackwray has been willing to succeed Taff Walters-Morgan as Churchwarden at Newbridge and that Janet Ingrams has agreed to fulfil the vacant churchwardenship at Llanfihangel Helygen. I know that the enthusiasm, dedication and counsel of both of them will be a tremendous asset to our benefice in the future. Barbara Fraser-Duthie has also agreed to become the new Treasurer at Llanfihangel Helygen in succession to Margaret Jones and Robert Hillier who’ve been doing that so well for so long. Our heartfelt thanks to them. And please do pray for Marion, Janet and Barbara in their new roles.

Preparation and Celebration
One of the highlights of our Easter celebration this year will be a Benefice Eucharist at Llanyre on Sunday, April 11th at 10.30am, when Bp. John will confirm candidates from our Benefice. Please do pray for them as they prepare for this important moment in their Christian journey. Their confirmation preparation will take the form of our Lent Course being held on Wednesday evenings during Lent here at The Vicarage. Everyone is welcome, so if you haven’t joined us yet, please do come along.
Dydd Gwyl Ddewi: St. David’s Day, we’ll be celebrating the feast of our Patron Saint with a Bilingual Eucharist at All Saints’ Newbridge on March 1st at 7.00pm, this will be followed by refreshments.
Sunday, March 14th is Mothering Sunday and there will be family Eucharists at both Llanyre and Newbridge, during both services flowers will be presented. This does mean that the morning Eucharist at Llanfihangel Brynpabuan will be on the 21st March. Please see details of our other Lent and Easter services in the rest of this article.
I’d like to close by wishing you all a happy, holy and blessed Lent.
With my love and prayers at this holy season and always Ben

CALENDAR OF SERVICES FOR MARCH /APRIL

Monday March 1st Dydd Gwyl Ddewi: St David's Day 7.00pm: Bilingual Eucharist (1984) All Saints Newbridge
Wednesday March 3rd
10.00am: Eucharist : Newbridge
7.30pm: Lent Course at The Vicarage
Thursday March 4th
10.30am Eucharist: Llanyre:
followed by Lent Lunch at The Vicarage
Friday March 5th
2.00pm: Women's World Day of Prayer* Llanyre, Preacher: Rev'd Ben Griffith
7.30pm: Compline: Llanyre
Sunday March 7th, 3rd Sunday in Lent
9.30am: Eucharist : Llanyre
11.00am: Eucharist: Cwmbach
11.00am: Mattins: Newbridge
3.00pm: Eucharist for Lambing Time: Llanfihangel
Helygen
Wednesday March 10th
10.00am: Eucharist: Newbridge:
7.30pm: Lent Course at The Vicarage
Thursday March 11th
10.30am: Eucharist : Llanyre,
followed by Lent Lunch at The Vicarage
Friday March 12th
7.30pm: Compline: Newbridge

Sunday March 14th: Mothering Sunday
9.30am: Family Eucharist: Llanyre
11.00am : Family Eucharist: Newbridge
3.00pm: Holy Eucharist: Cwmbach
Wednesday March 17th
10.00am: Eucharist: Newbridge
7.30pm: Lent Course at The Vicarage
Thursday 18th March
10.30am: Eucharist: Llanyre,
followed by Lent Lunch at The Vicarage
Friday 19th March
7.30pm: Compline: Cwmbach
Sunday March 21st : Lent 5 :Passion Sunday
9.30am: Morning Praise: Llanyre
9.30am: Holy Eucharist: Llanfihangel Brynpabuan
11.00ame: Holy Eucharist: Newbridge
3.00pm: Holy Eucharist: Llanafan
Wednesday March 25th
10.00am: Eucharist: Newbridge
7.30pm : Lent Course at The Vicarage
Thursday March 25th
10.30am: Eucharist : Llanyre,
followed by Lent Lunch at The Vicarage
Friday March 26th
7.30pm: Compline: Llanafan

With signs of new life all around us in nature, we come at Easter to celebrate the new life which is at the heart of our faith. Please share with us the joy and hope of Easter as we celebrate :

Sunday March 28th Palm Sunday
10.30am: Newbridge: Benefice Eucharist & Procession Meet at Newbridge Village Green at 10.30am to process to Church - with donkey DW (Donkey Willing!)
Wednesday March 31st
10.00am : Eucharist : Newbridge
7.30pm : Lent Course at The Vicarage
Thursday April 1st Maundy Thursday
7.30pm: Benefice Eucharist: Llanafan
(Please note: no 10.30am Eucharist at Llanyre)
Friday April 2nd: Good Friday
9.00am : Morning Prayer and The Litany: Llanyre
10.30am: Joint Act of Witness with Pentref Chapel in Newbridge
2.00pm: The Last Hour: Cwmbach
Saturday April 3rd : Easter Eve
9.00pm: The Easter Vigil and First Eucharist of Easter: Llanyre (followed by drinks at The Vicarage)
Sunday April 4th: Easter Day
9.30am : Easter Eucharist: Llanfihangel Brynpabuan
9.30am : Easter Communion: Cwmbach
10.30am: Easter Eucharist: Llanyre
11.00am: Easter Eucharist: Newbridge
3.00pm : Easter Eucharist: Llanfihangel Helygen

Sunday April 11th: The 2nd Sunday of Easter
10.30am: Benefice Eucharist & Confirmations at Llanyre

Lent Course 2010: Why be a Christian?

Below is a brief outline of our Lent course for this year. This is a course designed by the Vicar some years ago as a Confirmation Preparation, and anyone, whether confirmed or not, is more than welcome to join us for it. It is hoped that those of us who are already confirmed will find it a helpful opportunity to reassess some of the fundamentals of what Christian belief and practice are; if you haven’t been confirmed than this is your preparation for it.
Each session will be at The Vicarage on Wednesday evenings during Lent at 7.30pm. beginning on Wednesday 24th February. If you have one, please bring a Bible with you.
Session 1: Wednesday 24th February “Introduction: Who Says there’s a God?” In the beginning…Genesis or Science? How/What do we know about God?
Session 2: Wednesday 3rd March “Finding out about God: The Bible, just a book of old stories?” What does The Bible tell us about God, ourselves?
Session 3: Wednesday 10th March “Jesus: God/Man or Fraud?” The evidence for Jesus, Mr. Nobody from Nowhere or….Can we accept that Jesus was only a great moral teacher?
Session 4: Wednesday March 17th “Holy Smoke or Holy Spirit?” Evidence from The Bible, evidence from the Church, evidence from our own experience.
Session 5: Wednesday March 24th “Sacraments: strange, quaint practices or something to say to Me?” What are they? What do they mean? Why do we use them?
Session 6: Wednesday March 31st “So what’s all this about Prayer? Confirmation and Beyond?” What is prayer? Why should I pray? How should I pray?
**
Definite Date.
For those being confirmed, our Confirmation this year will be at 10.30am on Sunday April 11th at St. Llyr’sChurch Llanyre. Please do make a note of this in your diaries now!

Congregational meeting - Annual Vestry meeting.
The annual meeting for St. Llyr's Church will be held on Sunday March 28th at 6pm in the Church Hall. There will be a Bring and Share Tea first and this will be followed by the Annual Meeting.

CYTUN - Churches Together in Llandrindod & District
Christians from all denominations will gather at The Bandstand in Llandrindod on Good Friday at 10.00am to join in a WALK OF WITNESS through the town stopping in appropriate places for Easter Readings. Please come and help us to witness to others on this special day.

NEWS FROM AROUND THE BENEFICE

Llanyre Llamas After a couple of weeks in January when, as the Vicar put it - 'there was no water for llamas' - owing to the freezing weather, the group have been able to meet since and enjoy an hour and a half together each Tuesday afternoon from 1.30pm - 3pm, with a brief act of worship, refreshments, including a welcome cup of tea for parents and carers, and plenty of toys for the children. Other pre-school children and their parents or carers are very welcome to join us.

The Benefice Choir Those people who braved the cold and snow on January 31st to attend the first of the United Evensong services at Llanyre were rewarded by the contribution of the Benefice Choir to the service. Thank you to all in the choir! They would love to have more members join them so if you fall able to help please do contact the Vicar.

Wedding Congratulations - to Teresa Evans and Andrew Bowen, who were married in Llanyre on January 29th. We send our love and prayers for many happy years ahead of them .

Mothers' Union Llanyre Branch will not meet at their usual time this month but instead will be joining in the Evensong for Lady Day on March 25th at 6.00pm in Llanyre. They invite everyone to join them.
The Newbridge & Cwmbach Branch will meet in the Iron Room in Cwmbach at 2pm on Tuesday March 9th for an afternoon of Easter Poems, Readings and Prayers. Anyone interested in joining them will be very welcome.

Women's World Day of Prayer 2010
The Service this year, on Friday March 5th at 2pm in Llanyre, involves many of the churches in Llandrindod and District. Several members of our Benefice will be taking part in the service and the address is being given by our vicar, Rev'd Ben Griffith.
Each year the service, which is always held on the first Friday in March, worldwide, is prepared by Christian Women from different countries. Christian women from Cameroon, a country on the west coast of Africa, have compiled the service this year, based on their chosen theme; 'Let everything that has breath praise God'. Men and women are invited - do come!

Rest in Peace Family and friends gathered in Llanafan on Tuesday January 19th, for the funeral of John Alfred Williams, of Penlan, a beloved husband, father and grandfather and a much respected member of the community. John was for many years a Churchwarden at St. Afan's Church. To all his family and friends we send our love and sympathy and prayers.

DATES FOR THE FUTURE

100 - not out!- On Wednesday June 9th the Llanyre Branch of the Mothers Union will celebrate the centenary of their founding! A Celebration Eucharist will take place in Llanyre Church at 11am on June 9th Rev'd Kay Warrington will be the preacher and Mothers Union Groups from the Builth and Maelienydd Deaneries will be joining them for the celebration. June seems a long way off - but we all know how quickly the months fly by so please make a note on calendars and in diaries now, so that you are able to be there!

'THE JOURNEY' Friday July 2nd
Churches in Llandrindod and District are working together to bring the 'Teen Challenge' musical presentation 'The Journey' to The Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells on July 2nd.
The Journey is the story of a young drug addict's desperate search for freedom from the living nightmare of addiction. It has a powerful story to tell and will entertain, inform, inspire and challenge and is suitable for an all age audience. Please book the date now, look out for posters around the town giving booking details etc and pass the details on to friends and families, especially those you know you may be experiencing some of these difficult problems.

Can you help please?
Members of Llanyre Church are holding a fund raising sale in Pritchard's garage for the week beginning Mon. April 12th. They are in need of goods to sell which are in good condition and they would appreciate any contributions you have to make.
Goods can be brought to the garage between 9.30am - 4pm each day of that week or if they are too bulky for you to deliver then a phone call to Jeanne Hughes on 01597 823917 requesting that they are collected would be very helpful.
Thank you!

Please send items for inclusion in the April issue of Signposts to Joan Leach (01597 825761) by Thurs.March11th

Llanyre, Newbridge-on-Wye, Cwmbach Lechryd, Llanfihangel Helygen, Llanafan Fawr & Llanfihangel Brynpabuan Revd.Ben Grifith, 2 Highbury Fields, Llanyre, LD1 6NF, tel.01957 823321 email:rev.ben.griffith@btinternet.com

• Vicar Canon Nigel Hall The Vicarage
1 North Road Builth Wells LD2 3BT
Tel: 01982 552355