1st June 2020
Ad Clerum – June 2020
Ad Clerum - June 2020
1af o Fehefin 2020 June 1st
Annwyl Gyfeillion,
It is incredible to me that we have made the journey through Lent to Pentecost in isolation. There have been the online services of worship, of course, but I am missing real life contact with the Teulu Asaph, and the consolation of fellowship with all those in ministry. You are all such fine folk, and you’ve been busy in a thousand ways, and yet the chance to share partnership in the Gospel in real time has been so limited. I can understand that you may be growing weary. Any novelty has worn off, and the light at the end of the tunnel is still very elusive. I am told that numbers of infection are still rising in north Wales, so we are still only at our peak, even if we’re past it for the nation as a whole.
But today I want to say “Rejoice in the Lord always” (Philippians 4.4). It is Pentecost, and we are reminded of the presence and ministry of the Holy Spirit. I want to write more fully about this in my Pastoral Letter, which will be released on Wednesday, but for now, can I encourage you all to invest in seeking for the ministry of the Holy Spirit to you? I’m fascinated that the word recreation is really simply re-creation, and that is the ministry of the Holy Spirit in a nutshell – to re-create within us inspiration, courage, hope and faith. Amongst your schedules, busy or quiet, at home or in your church building, I hope that you are taking the time for re-creation, doing those things with God that feed you. Invite the Holy Spirit into your hearts afresh.
You’ll know that I often use a prayer I learned from Archbishop Rowan when I am asked to open meetings in prayer:
Come Holy Spirit,
Storehouse of Blessing and Treasury of Grace,
And fill the hearts of your faithful people,
Kindling within us the fire of your love.
It’s the phrases “Storehouse of Blessing and Treasury of Grace” that get me: God has so much stored up that he wishes to lavish upon us, if only we find the time and the stillness to open our hearts to him. In truth, we can only pour ourselves out in ministry, if we have given the time to allow God to pour his grace, through the Holy Spirit, into us.
Appointments
In anticipation of the easing of lockdown, the bench of bishops decided at their last virtual conference to permit internal appointments within dioceses. I am pleased to announce therefore that we can proceed with appointment processes for internal candidates only to the following posts:
- a full-time stipendiary post in Aled Mission Area rooted in Llandrillo yn Rhos (Rhos on Sea);
- a full-time stipendiary post in Estuary and Mountain Mission Area rooted in Holywell;
- and a half-time stipendiary post in Aber-Morfa Mission Area rooted in Towyn.
Please contact Archdeacon Andy for more information about these vacancies. The appointment process in hand for Aberconwy Mission Area will also go forward with the shortlisted candidates, having already been advertised.
Hwyl a Helo
I am pleased to announce the appointment of Mr Clive Myers as the Lay Mission Area Leader for Aled Mission Area. Clive, who will be very well known to many of us, has served in many roles in the diocese with distinction, and he will now take on the role, having been nominated to me by the Aled Mission Area Conference.
The Reverend Sue Storey has become a grandmother with twin granddaughters Anwen and Elliw who were born last month. We wish the family well and Sue looks forward to meeting the two girls just as soon as she can.
Congratulations to Paul and Margaret Flavell. Paul is a retired priest who lives in Aled Mission Area and he and Margaret celebrated their Golden Wedding at the end of last month.
Ordinations
Having consulted the Welsh Government, it has been agreed that ordinations, where absolutely necessary, can take place. This has been understood by the Bench to mean that we can proceed with the ordination of the deacon candidates, as they are finishing training, and, certainly in the case of stipendiaries, will need housing and an income which can only be forthcoming when they are ordained. However, the Ordinations will have to take place within the strict letter of the guidelines set down by Welsh legislation. This means that only those absolutely necessary to the service will be able to attend, and therefore there can be no congregation in terms of parishioners, friends, supporters or family. Furthermore, there shall have to be social distancing throughout the service, including reasonable hygiene and protection for the laying on of hands. This is not ideal, but I think, after consultation with my fellow bishops and the Bishop’s Staff Team, that it is the basis on which we ought to proceed. Of course, there may be further easing of restrictions before the day, but, for the present, God willing, I intend to ordain George Bearwood, Luke Bristowe, Helen Dawson, Toby Jones, Gregory Lachlann-Wadell, Benjamin Lines, Jo MacKriell, Jim Thompson and Gail Woodward to the diaconate on Saturday 4th July, at 1100hr in the Cathedral.
Unfortunately, the bench did not see that there could be a way to authorize the Ordination of Priests under current regulations, and I am currently working towards the provisional date of Saturday, 3rd October, for our seven priest candidates (Gareth Erlandson, Sally Harper, Simon Piercy, Chris Spencer, Sue Storey, Carol Thomas and James Tout).
Do please hold all these individuals in your thoughts and prayers. Ordinations are joyful occasions when we give thanks to God for the calling of men and women to ordained service, but on this occasion, even where we can ordain, the absence of supporters and a congregation will be keenly felt. For those not able to be ordained, there will be sadness and disappointment that they are not able to proceed at his time, and they also deserve our prayers. In line with government regulations, the ordination service will be online, and we hope live-streamed, so it is my hope that many of us can hold them in prayer at the time, and participate from a distance.
Diary
This diary gives dates for events in which all priests are encouraged to attend, or required to attend as part of their professional commitment. Since they now include first formal notice of dates for 2021, you are advised to put them in your diary now. Any potential clashes should be flagged up with the Esgobty team as soon as possible. Events struck out below have been cancelled due to coronavirus.
07 June 15:30 Diocesan Service to Mark the Centenary of Disestablishment (Cathedral)
04 July 11:00 Ordination of Deacons (Cathedral)
Later in 2020
3 October 10.00 Ordination of Priests (Cathedral)
09 December 18:30 Advent Confirmation (Cathedral)
Dates for 2021
1st April Chrism Eucharist & Renewal of Vows (Cathedral)
3rd April Easter Vigil and Confirmation (Cathedral)
23rd May Pentecost Confirmation (Cathedral)
26th June Petertide Ordination (Cathedral)
Notes & Queries
Sports Chaplaincy
The Bench of Bishops is seeking to establish data about current involvement in sports chaplaincy among diocesan clerics and laity. As well as providing a greater understanding of missional engagement in this sector of ministry, it will be helpful in exploring the possibility to gathering together the Anglican chaplains. It would be helpful therefore if you could let Michael know if you are involved in this way. Responses by June 15th would be appreciated.
Support for Clergy
Tracey White, Director of Resources, has drawn my attention to a website www.clergysupport.org.uk, which is, I think the successor body to such charities as “Sons of the Clergy”. This is well worth consulting, especially if you are looking for a range of support for you or your family.
Thank you once again for your continuing ministries, and partnership in the Gospel. I pray that the Holy Spirit maybe poured out richly upon you as you continue to serve God’s people, and that you will be refreshed by his grace.
In Christ
