Annwyl Gyfeillion,

Did you get any callers last night?  What is the attitude that you take towards the increasingly Americanised celebration of Halloween?

One of the things that seems to command the attention of Christian commentors on the Eve Festival is the idea that the origin of the festival is pagan or even Satanic.  Any such suggestion should be firmly resisted.  Although there is some evidence that a pagan festival did take place in the months leading up to 1^st November, it was a festival of the ending of Summer – the name Samhain seems to derive from the Celtic for “Summer’s End”, and there is no reliable evidence for it being a festival of the dead or things wicked at all.  If you’re interested, there’s a very good article at https://historyforatheists.com/2021/10/is-halloween-pagan/?fbclid=IwAR26fckb-P91ou9zugO476Kl1UxULpx4g_OzQBywPBChW3bd30b6uy9V8us

The idea of dressing up, and of “Trick or Treat” has its origins in the firmly Christian practice of encouraging communities to be generous to the poor and needy.  Churches and parishes encouraged groups of the socially deprived to prepare and develop a “trick”, a performance or entertainment, which could be offered around the community, and for which a reward “a treat”, some food or other provision could be added.  It was “trick and treat”, and more like a food bank initiative than a celebration of dark powers.

Fundamentally, I believe that Christians can and should celebrate Halloween as the victory of Christ over the forces of darkness, and the opening of the Kingdom of Heaven to all believers.  The forces of darkness can be figures of fun precisely because they are defeated.

Despite all this, I am sorry that we share the sense of horror and sadness in South Korea over the events of the weekend, and those who suffer or are bereaved as a result of the terrible accident there.  We commend all these persons to God in our prayers, as we continue to pray for all those in need.

Confirmations 2023

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 within the next couple of months to secure a date.  There will also be the opportunity to come to the Cathedral for Confirmation as part of the Easter Vigil on April 8^th, Pentecost Sunday on May 28^th as well as a Nicholastide confirmation on December 6th.

Lent Prayer Cards

Orders are now invited from each mission area for the Lent 2023 Prayer Card. Michael at Esgobty looks forward to receiving one order per mission area no later than Monday, January 9th.

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.

November

14-17 Novr                Residential Clergy School (Swanwick Conference Centre)

December

07 Decr                      Confirmation, Cathedral, 1900hrs

14,16 & 17 Decr       Advent Ember Days.  A prayer leaflet, which I commend for wide use, will be issued with the December Ad Clerum.

2023

 24 January                 Clergy Synod (please keep this whole day in your diary)

8 February IME Book Day

3 & 4 March              Ember Days

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

24 June                       Ordination of Deacons, Cathedral, 1000hrs

28, 30 June & 1 July 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            Ember Days

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

13, 15 & 16 Dec        Ember Days

Notes and Queries

Archdeacon of Wrexham vacancy

The recruitment process continues to appoint a new Archdeacon of Wrexham with formal applications to be received by November 9^th.  Please remember this process in your prayers and the discernment centre that will take place on 21-22 November for shortlisted candidates.

COP 27

Following the response of many churches to the initiative to ring their bells as a call to be engaged with our environmental crisis on the eve of COP 26 last year, the suggestion has been made that churches may like to repeat this ahead of COP27 which starts on Monday 7^th November.   Churches are therefore being invited to ring their bells for 15-30 minutes from 1700hr on Saturday, November 5^th as advised in this Ring out for Climate poster COP27.

Food and Fuel Campaign

The Archbishop of Wales has launched a campaign called Food and Fuel relating to the cost-of-living .  Full details of the campaign can be found on the Church in Wales website along with an opportunity to subscribe to an open letter to supermarkets:  Food & Fuel – The Church in Wales. You can read more about how your congregations can get involved in this message from the Archbishop on Food and Fuel.

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/.

I am grateful for the ministry and fellowship that we all share, and I hope that you will know every blessing in your work, and discipleship.

Grace and Peace to you from the Lord Jesus Christ,