6th January 2020
Ad Clerum – January 2020
Ad Clerum - Yr Ystwyll : The Epiphany
6ed Ionawr 2020 January 6th
Annwyl Gyfeillion,
2020 has been a year which has been a goal for our common life now for some years – from about the time of the commissioning of what became the Harries Report. Even before then, we knew that 2020 would be the centenary of Disestablishment, an event which was fought against by the dioceses of Wales at the time, but which has not wreaked havoc with our expectations in the ways in which were feared – or hoped! Secularism has been far more a potent and corrosive force, and Wales has become a secular nation far beyond anything even the bishops at the time of the Second World War could have imagined.
I say this not by way of complaint: the way in which society evolves does not necessarily match the progress of the Kingdom of God, despite what many Constantinian bishops may have expected. However, it does mean challenge – Christianity is far from obvious to the contemporary citizens of Wales, and if we are to commend our faith, then our evangelism and the practice of the Christian faith that our lives commends has to be all the more exciting and convincing.
All this throws us back into the arms of Christ, for it is His risen life, and the acceptance of His grace at work in our lives that is the only reason to live as a Christian, and its only justification.
For fifteen hundred years the Christians of St Asaph Diocese have lived as disciples of Christ, serving the people of this nation; at times successfully, and at other times, failing miserably, but where it has worked, it has worked because of grace, and the faithful open hearted embrace of the living Christ. Let this be the reality we press on to embrace in 2020, as 2020 Vision gives way to a longer perspective, and a wider renewal.
Hwyl a Helo
Standing Committee has agreed to the formation of a new mission area embracing the former Tanat Valley and Vyrnwy Mission Areas. The new entity will be known as Tanat – Vyrnwy Mission Area and I am pleased to announce two new clerical appointments to the mission area who will be licensed at the same time as I commission formally the new mission area on Sunday, February 2nd. Joining Hermione Morris, Peter Heaney and Sarah Burton, will be Sarah’s husband, Richard Burton, who will take up the Mission Area Leader role on an NSM basis. Also joining the clergy team will be Norman Morris. After three and a half fruitful years as House for Duty priest in Cedewain MA, Norman now moves to north Montgomeryshire and will be based in the Vicarage at Llanraeadr Ym Mochnant.
I am pleased to communicate the appointment of Huw Bryant, from the Diocese of Bangor, as Mission Area Leader of Dyffryn Clwyd rooted in the Llanbedr DC group of parishes. Huw joins us with a wide experience of pilgrimage and parish ministry, and will be an excellent addition to the team in Dyffryn Clwyd.
Noel Carter has expressed his intention to retire at the end of February and we wish him and Wendy a fulfilling retirement as Noel lays down his ministry as Mission Area Leader in Aberconwy. We thank Noel for all he has contributed to the diocese since he joined us in 2005.
We were sorry to hear of the death of Llewellyn Cumings on 11th December. Llewellyn made Llanfyllin his retirement home and he offered a faithful PTO ministry in many churches across north Montgomeryshire for over twenty-five years. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Llewellyn’s wife, Mavis, and the family.
The Order of St Asaph
It is now time to start inviting nominations for the Order of St Asaph in 2020 as we seek to recognise and honour the outstanding contribution of lay persons at diocesan level, particularly at an appropriate point on the completion of service in a particular way or in a particular role. Admission to the order is marked by the presentation of appropriate insignia, and those admitted to the order are listed on the diocesan website.
It has been decided that in future the Order will be conferred on the first Saturday in May at the special service in the Cathedral to mark our patron, St. Asaph. As the 2020 service will be on Saturday, May 2nd, nominations are now invited and these will need to be received at Esgobty by the end of February using the form attached, detailing as much information as possible about a candidate’s contribution to the diocese. All members of the Teulu Asaph, whether clerical or lay, are encouraged to make nominations, which can also be submitted through any diocesan council or committee.
Understandably there are those who have offered sterling service to the church within a church / mission area context. Whilst the Order of St Asaph is intended to recognize diocesan service, I am happy to be approached about someone’s outstanding contribution to local church life and issue a certificate that can be used for a local presentation by the particular church/mission area. Please contact Michael at Esgobty in the first instance with appropriate details for me to consider.
Diary
January
19 January 15:30 Licensing of David Lewis as MAL of Bryn a Môr (Llanasa)
31 January 19:15 Gwasanaeth Plygain Blynyddol (Cathedral)
Later in 2020
02 February 11:00 The Commissioning of Tanat-Vyrnwy Mission Area, including the licensing of Richard Burton as Mission Area Leader and Norman Morris as HfD priest (St. Myllin’s, Llanfyllin)
14:30 Licensing of Jeanette Wilkes as a Priest-in-Charge in Cedewain Mission Area (St Beuno’s, Betws Cedewain)
09 February 15:30 Licensing of Kathryn Evans as a Priest-in-Charge in Estuary and Mountain Mission Area (Ss. Mary & Peter, Bagillt)
01 March 15:30 Licensing of Huw Bryant as Mission Area Leader of Dyffryn Clwyd (St. Garmon’s, Llanarmon yn Iâl)
09 April 11:00 Chrism Eucharist & lunch (Cathedral)
11 April Easter Vigil and Confirmation (Cathedral)
02 May 11:00 Patronal Festival of St Asaph (Cathedral) including admissions to Order of St Asaph.
31 May 15.30 Pentecost Confirmation (Cathedral)
07 June 15:30 Diocesan Service to Mark the Centenary of Disestablishment (Cathedral)
27 June 10:00 Ordination of Priests (Cathedral)
04 July 10:00 Ordination of Deacons (Cathedral)
10 October Diocesan Conference (Glyndŵr University)
09 December 18:30 Advent Confirmation (Cathedral)
Notes & Queries
Y Gwasanaeth Plygain Blynyddol / The Annual Plygain service
Mi fydd y Gwasanaeth Plygain Blynyddol yn cael ei gynnal yn yr Eglwys Gadeiriol, Llanelwy nos Gwener, 31 Ionawr am 7.15 yr hwyr.
The Annual Plygain service will be held at St Asaph Cathedral on Friday, 31 January at 7.15 pm. The Plygain begins with a short service of Evensong, and then the evening is open to anyone or any group who wish to offer their musical gifts. The whole evening will be led by Ven. Bernard Thomas, retired Archdeacon of St. Asaph. There will be refreshments to enjoy afterwards.
Church in Wales Centenary Appeal
As we mark one hundred years of a disestablished Church in Wales in 2020, please don’t forget to give the Church in Wales Centenary Appeal serious consideration in your mission areas. Details were circulated with the December ad clerum and can also be accessed here.
Confirmations 2020
In the calendar above you will see details of the three annual diocesan confirmations (Advent, the Easter Vigil and Pentecost) to be held in the cathedral in 2020. I invite mission areas to start planning their confirmation requirements for next year, either individually or in partnership with neighbouring mission areas. Those wishing to book a confirmation are encouraged to contact my office this month to secure a date.
Lent Prayer Cards
There are still quite a few Mission Areas that need to be in touch with Michael at Esgobty with details of the number of Prayer Cards they would like to order this year. Those yet to order prayer cards are asked to be in touch with Michael by the end of this week at the latest.
I trust that you had an uplifting Christmas and refreshing new year break. I hope as well that you can approach 2020 filled with confidence – for the Lord is on our side – hope – for the Lord is on our side – and enthusiasm – for His Spirit is with us.
In Christ,
