Annwyl Gyfeillion

We call ourselves the Teulu Asaph, because the name of the diocese in English has anciently been associated with our See city, and the see city and cathedral with our second bishop. However, the link with Asaph is an important one, but it emphasizes our continuity with the faith of Christ as brought to this area of Wales in the sixth century. The legends of Asaph are all late and fragmentary, but his historicity is attested by the names Llanasa, Ffynnon Asa and the like, which bear witness to a saint who made a mark in his own times by his holy living.

58 generations, and at least 78 bishops, later, our witness to Jesus Christ calls on us to make a mark on our own society and the people who make up our communities, as the tide of generational Christianity ebbs away. Jesus called us to be like a city set on a hill, obvious by our witness, and salt and light in our communities. The Gospel needs the witness of lives transformed by Christ’s love if we are to make any impact. The call of our mission statement to “demonstrate love” is not therefore just a charming motto, but a mission imperative, central to how we live as Churches. The apostle wrote “Let love be genuine” (Romans 12.9), and I hope that as we live through the particular focus of this year, we continue to reflect on what each congregation can do to make an impact on their community as ambassadors of love.

Diary and Events                            

Please read the whole of the diary below carefully.  The diary is updated every month to include all those fixed dates for events that clergy are required to attend as part of their professional commitment, together with those opportunities to build up our common life by supporting significant moments for our colleagues.

It is very important that each of you makes a note of these dates.  Please ensure that the dates which are a professional requirement are in your diary, even where the exact format may be open to change.  Where a clash with your own plans comes to your attention, please raise it with Esgobty at the earliest opportunity.  I am still occasionally getting excuses late in the day from clergy who don’t seem to have planned ahead, or even to have read this monthly diary, and I am much more amenable when approached early to discuss any potential clashes.

Forthcoming events

May

16^th May           LLM Day, Cathedral.  Clergy are invited to support their LLM ministers by attending the Annual Service at 1530hr and robing for Evensong.

24^th May           Pentecost Confirmation, Cathedral, 1530hr.  Clergy intending to present candidates for confirmation are asked to register names with Siân at Esgobty.

Later in the year

7^th June             Visit of representatives from our link diocese, Helsinki, to the Cathedral and to Hope Street.

16^th-18^th June Electoral College for the new Bishop of Bangor.  Please do hold the electors in your prayers as they try to discern whom God may be calling to this important ministry.

27^th June           Ordination of Priests, 1000hr in the Cathedral

28^th June           Ordination of Deacons,1500hr in the Cathedral

17^th Sept           Autumn Clergy Synod 1000hr – 1600hr (St David’s Hotel, Ewloe)

8^th Octr              Diocesan Conference (online business meeting)

10^th Octr            Diocesan Conference in person in the Cathedral

Hwyl a Helo

I am pleased to announce that Marcus Pipe has been appointed Mission Area Leader in Maelor to succeed Paul Whittaker, who is moving to a new home, although retaining his ministry as Canon Treasurer.  John Gambles and Dilys Stone have also been confirmed in their roles as Mission Area Leaders for Valle Crucis and Aberconwy respectively.  We express our gratitude to all those who take on this important ministry.

In a change from the original plans, Cheryl Hesketh has now been invited to serve her curacy in Aberconwy Mission Area at the new Mission Hub in Llanrwst.

We are delighted to announce the birth of a daughter, Sophie, to James and Lucy Tout, who was born 30 April.  We wish them every blessing and joy.

I am sorry to announce that Vicki Burrows and Sam Quilty have tendered their resignations from ministry.  Both are only recent incomers to the diocese, and I am sorry that health challenges have required both clerics to leave their ministry with us sooner than we would have desired.  We wish them well on their onward journeys.

It was a delight to admit Jane Edwards and Norma Rowles to the Order of St Asaph at our patronal festival last Saturday.  Jane has served on many diocesan occasions in her role as Dean’s Virger, and Norma has been both a Reader and Vice-President of the Diocesan Conference for two terms.  We thank them both for their outstanding ministry.

It is a particular sadness to announce the death of Sylvia Harris, OSA and Reader PTO.  Our condolences go to John Harris, as he mourns Sylvia’s loss, and we give thanks for the amazing ministry that Sylvia exercised across the diocese. Sylvia’s funeral service will take place on May 23^rd at 13.30hr at St Michael’s Church, Caerwys, with interment to follow.

Notes and Queries

Christian Aid Week

Christian Aid Week takes place on 10 – 16 May and provides us with the opportunity for worship, prayer, and fundraising.  This year’s theme is ‘Faithful Action’ and the worship resources are shaped by the experiences of Fridah Moraa and Belinda Kasudi, urban farmers living in the sprawling informal settlement of Dagoretti in Nairobi, Kenya.  Life there is precarious, with inadequate housing, no reliable access to running water and few opportunities to earn an income.  Hunger is a constant threat, as families face heartbreaking decisions over how to feed their children.  This Christian Aid Week we have seven days to make a difference and show our own commitment to faithful actions.  Downloadable resources from Christian Aid can be found here: Resources – Christian Aid Week – Download | Christian Aid Week

I trust that you will be blessed in your ministry and know God’s prevenient grace as you seek to demonstrate his love.

In Christ,