Annwyl Gyfeillion,

I remember saying at my Enthronement Service that it is a difficult thing to be asked to undertake a job that has been done for 1400 years.  The other day I celebrated fourteen years since my election, a mere one hundredth of the life of the diocese.  It puts our worries and challenges into perspective.  Where have the years gone?  We have been on a great journey together, with joys, sorrows and challenges.  However, the great news is the faithfulness of God, and we’ve seen his hand at work, in vocations, in life developments, in mission and in the changing and unfolding life of the diocese.

This year we will be saying hello to new members of the Teulu Asaph, and saying farewell to others.  I include details of the new Archdeacon of Wrexham below, and we offer our thanks to two hugely important members of the team.  God is good at gifting us with talent, but I’m also enormously grateful for and inspired by the dedication of such followers of Jesus Christ, and those who work so hard for the well-being of the diocese.  I hope that it will be possible in Asaph 1450 to recognize the good we receive from one another, and the sheer volume of creativity and dedication in service that is received among us.

I hope too that it will be a year when we can celebrate each other, and celebrate in ourselves the good gifts of God’s grace.  In their journey through the wilderness, the people of Israel often fell into the temptation of a grumbling people, seeing the downside, unwelcoming of change or the good efforts of others.  Like the Reverend Eli Jenkins, we need to pray the words that Dylan Thomas put into his mouth in Under Milk Wood, “I know, Lord, you’ll be the first to see our best side not our worst”, and apply this to life and ministry.

A new year, and new challenges – but thank you for being companions on the way, fellow disciples on the pilgrimage of faith, and co-workers in God’s vineyard.  May we give thanks for what has been, and look forward to where God will lead us next.

The Archdeacon of Wrexham

I am pleased to announce the appointment of the Revd. Canon Dr. Hayley Matthews as the new Archdeacon of Wrexham.  Hayley joins us from the Diocese of Leeds where she has been Director of Lay Training since 2017 and involved in developing new structures for ministry and mission across its five episcopal areas.  Hayley comes with strong credentials for her dynamic work ethic, her intellectual and creative ability, and resilient spirituality.  You can read more about Hayley’s appointment here.

The intention is to install Hayley as Archdeacon of Wrexham during Choral Evensong in St Asaph Cathedral on Sunday, March 5^th, at 1530hr when there will be an opportunity for the whole diocese to welcome her.  I do hope that as many clergy as possible will join us to welcome her, but particularly the clergy of the archdeaconry.  Hayley will also be with us for the Clergy Synod Day towards the end of January.  Please remember Hayley in your prayers as she prepares to join the Teulu Asaph.

Hwyl a Helo

 As you know, I wrote to you in December to indicate that Diane McCarthy is leaving her role as Diocesan Secretary at the end of February.  In characteristic style, Diane has informed me that she doesn’t want to leave with any great fanfare, but I wish to record here the outstanding debt that the diocese owes Diane for giving so much to us over the last fourteen years, and for the transformation that she has contributed to in our life.  Diane combines two rare talents, that of being able to offer dynamic leadership together with an affirmative and caring approach to her colleagues, and we have been much blessed.  This has made her for many of us the go-to person in the diocese when we need help, or want anything done.  We wish her all the best for the future.

At the end of December, we said goodbye to Tracey White as Director of Resources.  After nineteen years of service, Tracey has decided to opt for more space in her life, and to spend more time with family.  Tracey’s enthusiasm and skills have also brought enormous benefit to the diocese, and spurred us onto greater things.  We wish Tracey all the best, and deep gratitude for all she has contributed.  On the recommendation of the Nomination Committee, I awarded Tracey the Order of St Asaph at a private ceremony just before Christmas.

Tracey will be succeeded in her role by Jon Morris, who takes over in the new post of Director of Operations.  We welcome Jon warmly to the Diocesan Office team, where he starts work today, and look forward to getting to know him better as he settles in.

I am pleased to announce that David Lewis will resume the leadership of Bryn a Môr Mission Area this year.  David is a faithful priest and I am glad that he is willing to accept this responsibility.

Ordinations 2023

The Ordinations to the Diaconate will take place on the Feast of the Nativity of St John the Baptist on Saturday, 24^th June, in the Cathedral.  God willing, my intention is to ordain:

• Emma Dale, who will serve in the Alyn Mission Area,
• Ana Davies, who will also serve in the Alyn Mission Area,
• Gwen Dixon, who will serve in the Tanat Vyrnwy Mission Area,
• Kathryn Hall, who will serve in the Estuary and Mountain Mission Area,
• Cass Meurig Thomas, who will serve in the Valle Crucis Mission Area, and
• Pam Hallam Wedley, who will serve in the Offa Mission Area.

The Ordinations to the Priesthood will take place on Saturday, 1^st July, when, God willing, I will ordain

• Alyson Goldstein, who will continue to serve in the Denbigh Mission Area,
• Grace Lomas, who will continue to serve in the Aberconwy Mission Area,
• Dan Morgan, who will continue to serve in the Mold Mission Area, and
• Marcus Pipe, who will continue to serve in the Wrexham Mission Area.

Do hold all these ordinands in your prayers in the next six months, and put the dates of their expected ordinations into your diary so that you may support them on the day.  It would be good if all clergy could make at least one of the ordinations, and you would, of course, be welcome at both.

Clergy Synod – January 24^th in the Cathedral

I have decided that the diocesan clergy should meet for this Synod in person at the Cathedral, together with the diocesan office team and licensed lay ministers.  We shall be looking at Asaph 1450, and what it means for our life as a diocese.  The format of the day will be:

10.30               Celebration of the Holy Eucharist for the Conversion of St Paul

11.30               Refreshments

11.50               Synod Gathering

13.00               Lunch

14.00               Departures

Please contact the Cathedral Office if you wish to reserve disability parking. Lunch will be provided by the same caterers (Marc Macauley Catering) who provide lunch at our Chrism Eucharists, and we will need to know as exact numbers as we can manage.  I am presuming that all stipendiary clergy will be there as part of our professional development programme, and we are making arrangements to clarify numbers coming from other categories.

It is important that clergy contact me as soon as possible if they are seeking permission to be absent, or will not be able to stay for lunch.  As part of Asaph 1450, I’ve been asked by my colleagues to distribute copies of my “Easter Book of Days” to aid our reflections this Lent to everyone who holds my licence, and signed copies of the book will be available for collection free of charge in the course of the day.

Confirmations 2023

I have indicated that mission areas are invited to plan their confirmation requirements for 2023, either individually or in partnership with neighbouring mission areas.  Those wishing to book a confirmation are encouraged to contact my office within the next couple of weeks to secure a date.

There will also be the opportunity to come to the Cathedral for Confirmation on Pentecost Sunday in the afternoon of May 28^th, as well as a Nicholastide Confirmation on December 6^th this year.  The Dean and I have decided not to offer a Confirmation on Easter Eve.  For some years, numbers have been declining, and trying to blend a Confirmation, with a congregation largely of people unfamiliar with Christian worship, with the beauty of a full-scale Vigil has been a losing battle.  If there is demand, then an Eastertide Confirmation can be planned, but early notice would be helpful.  I hope that mission areas will, however, consider joining us in the Cathedral for a diocesan Vigil and Renewal of Baptismal Promises, further details of which will be issued in due course.

Lent Prayer Cards

There are still several Mission Areas that have not submitted their orders for the Lent Prayer Card. If this has not been done already, Michael at Esgobty (michaelbalkwill@cinw.org.uk) looks forward to receiving one order per mission area no later than January 13th.  It is hoped the cards will be available for collection at the Synod on January 24th.

The Order of St Asaph

 It is now the time of year to invite the submission of applications for Order of St Asaph awards in 2023.  The ceremony will take place during the Diocesan Festival Eucharist for St. Asaph at the Cathedral on Saturday, April 29^th.

The Order of St. Asaph seeks 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 which serves our diocesan life.

A nomination form is available here which should be returned completed with 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.  Nominations forms for consideration by the OSA advisory committee should be submitted to Esgobty by Wednesday, March 1^st.

Understandably there are those who have offered sterling service to the Church within the local church or mission area context, and there has been some representation for the remit of the Order to widened from just diocesan service.  This was considered by Standing Committee recently, but the decision was made to retain the status quo for the time being.  I continue to be happy to provide a suitable certificate for local presentation by a church or mission area.    Please contact Michael at Esgobty in the first instance with appropriate details for me to consider.

Diary and Events                                    

This diary below includes dates for events where all clergy are encouraged to attend, or required to attend as part of their professional commitment.  Please ensure that these dates are in your diary, even where the exact format may be open to change.

 January

22 January                 Commissioning of Mr Kevin Weston as MAL for Mold Mission Area

24 January                 Synod and lunch at the Cathedral  10.30 -14.00

Later in 2023

 8  February                IME Book Day for all licensed Clergy in the first three years of ministry. (Emmanuel, Bistre)

9 February                 Licensing of the Revd Jeremy Dussak in the Maelor Mission Area    1900hr

3 & 4 March              Lent Ember Days

21-22 March             MAL residential (Please note this date is currently provisional)

6 April                         Chrism Eucharist and Lunch, at the Cathedral, 1100hr

8 April                         Easter Vigil at the Cathedral, time to be arranged

23 April                      Afternoon Pentecost Confirmation at St Mark’s Church, Wrexham

29 April                      Festival Eucharist in the Cathedral for the Fest of St Asaph

24 June                       Ordination of Deacons, Cathedral, 1000hrs

28, 30 June & 1 July Petertide Ember Days

1 July                          Ordination of Priests, Cathedral, 1000hrs

15 July                        Licensing of Lay Ministers, Cathedral, 1000hrs

21 Septr                     Clergy Synod (please keep this whole day in your diary)

27 & 30 Septr            Michaelmas Ember Days

21 Novr                      MAL training day (Please note this date is currently provisional)

13, 15 & 16 Dec        Advent Ember Days

 Notes and Queries

Contemplative Camera

Susan Blagden, a former cleric of the diocese, is now venturing into the world of being self-employed – as photographer, retreat/quiet day leader, and coach (with a focus on eco-coaching/spirituality as well as leadership) and more details of her new venture can be found at www.contemplativecamera.org.  Susan is available if you feel her skills might be helpful.

Food and Fuel Campaign

Please find a letter from the Archbishop updating us about the campaign.

Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023

The theme for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2023 which will be between 18-25 January is Be-Longing: Praying for Unity amidst Injustice and resources are now available and can be accessed here:

https://ctbi.org.uk/resources-for-week-of-prayer-for-christian-unity-2023/.

It is hard to believe that we have arrived at a new year.   May God bless you as we invest in recapturing the passion of our faith and charism and celebrate Asaph 1450.  May God who began this good work in us bring it to completion by the power of his Spirit, in whom we rejoice as children of the Heavenly Father.

Grace and Peace to you from the Lord Jesus Christ,