Ad Clerum

Medi 03 September 2019

As Bishop Gregory will be on sabbatical until the end of October, Archdeacon Barry Wilson contributes a message for this month’s ad clerum:

Annwyl Gyfeillion,

You have probably heard the story of Boswell, the famous biographer of Samuel Johnson. In his later years he reflected on the most important day in his life  and said that it took place in his youth when his father invited him to go fishing. On that day, he reflected, he had learned what life was about.

Many years later, a historian tracked down the diary of Boswell’s father to see what he had to say about the most important day in the life of his famous son. The entry said: “Went fishing today with my son. A whole day wasted.”

In life, no action is ever wasted. Everything that we do (or do not do) has a positive or negative impact on us or others. A simple smile might make someone’s day. An unguarded scowl may alienate a neighbour or colleague who might otherwise have become a friend.

Sometimes we forget that our primary calling as Christians is to be a positive presence in the world. And to demonstrate, in words and actions, the love and compassion of God.

Boswell’s father managed to be a positive presence without even knowing it, and that’s quite possible for us too. As Christians we are called to develop life-practices that intentionally emphasize good, that purposely bring hope, and knowingly embrace others. Eventually, those practices become embedded in who we are and in how we engage with the world.

In the parable of the sower, Jesus once talked about scattering seeds of faith. He told his disciples that some seeds would inevitably die, but some would flourish.The same is true when we scatter seeds of love: when we give our time to others without thought of recompense; when we share our material possessions to enrich the lives of others; when we offer words of support, or do kind deeds that are meant to encourage.

Jesus once asked his followers to be lights in the world, and can do this in many ways. In most cases, however, actions will always speak louder than words.

Please remember Bishop Gregory in your prayers during his sabbatical that he may find refreshment and re-creation away from the day-to-day demands of episcopal ministry.

Hwyl a Helo

Chris Feak has indicated that he wishes to retire in December.  We thank Chris for his ministry in Towyn and wish him and Alison a happy and  fulfilling retirement.

Progress with setting up the Hope Street Project in Wrexham is moving apace and Bishop Gregory is pleased to announce the appointment of Andy Kitchen and Rachel Kitchen, as its Senior Leaders.  Andy and Rachel are currently based in London where they will receive training with the Church Revitalisation Trust before joining the diocese in June next year.

Lara Stroud has been appointed Chaplain of St Joseph’s High School, Wrexham, on a seconded basis for the next two years.  We wish her well in this new ministry as she lays down her Pioneer role in Estuary and Mountain Mission Area.

Over the summer months we have lost several faithful servants of the Gospel who have offered faithful ministry in this diocese and whose witness is celebrated with thanksgiving:  The Rev’d. Ray Smith, Canon Raymond Byles, The Rev’d John Waring and Father Graham Canham.

Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. 

May they rest in peace.

Notes & Queries

 Additional appointments and responsibilities

From time to time clergy are approached or volunteer to undertake chaplaincies or additional ministries or responsibilities.  Please remember that it is important to consult with Bishop Gregory before an appointment is accepted or agreed, as any additional duties that impact upon public ministry require his approval.

Centenary of the Disestablishment of the Church in Wales

As listed in the diary, a major diocesan service to mark the centenary of the disestablishment of the Church in Wales will be take place in the Cathedral on the afternoon of Trinity Sunday 2020, to which all are welcome.  Nearer the time the liturgy will also be made available for use in churches and mission areas as well.

 Climate Change conference

A bilingual conference on Climate Change is being organised by CYTUN on October 14th in Newport. As Governing Body encourages churches and dioceses to become Eco-Churches and Eco-Dioceses, this event should be a useful encouragement and networking opportunity.

Coaching launched for volunteer church organists

The Royal School of Church Music in Wales is offering church organists the opportunity of coaching to improve their skills as it launches its Complete Church Organist coaching scheme. The scheme is a short course of lessons spread through the year given by accredited tutors – themselves competent organists – with a friendly approach.  The coaching can be given in groups of up to six students with the fee split accordingly.  These sessions are intended for the average player (grade three or four) and focus primarily on playing hymns and songs with confidence, as well as how to deal with stops. Those taking part in groups also gain encouragement and mutual support from each other.

For more information or to register visit the website or email or phone 01722 424848.

Creation Time

Creation Time started in the Orthodox Church in 1989 and has been supported by a growing number of churches across Europe since then.  The European Christian Environmental Network has urged churches to adopt a Time for Creation, stretching from 1 September to the feast of St Francis on 4 October.  This was endorsed at the European Ecumenical Assembly in Sibiu, Romania in 2007, when it was agreed that Creation Time “be dedicated to prayer for the protection of Creation and the promotion of sustainable lifestyles that reverse our contribution to climate change”.  John Harvey, our Director of Spirituality, has helpfully compiled a selection of resources which you may find helpful. The PDF file contains the Season of Creation celebration guide from Churches Together in Britain and Ireland, which is also available with other material.   The zipped folder contains material for each Sunday in September, from Eco-Congregation Scotland .

In addition non-liturgical resources for discussion and action can be found on the Church in Wales website.

Ember Days

The new version of our Ember leaflet is now available for use in the Ember Week this month and on other occasions.  Not only are our prayers encouraged for new vocations, but the names of those in training are listed for support and prayer.  Please remember our postulants and ordinands, by name if possible, in your prayers, not only on the Ember Days themselves, but in the intercessions in Church the following Sunday at the very least.

Evangelism Exploration Day

On Saturday 28^th September the Church Army is hosting an ‘Evangelism Exploration Day’ which will be relevant to anyone interested in working in the field of mission, pioneering and evangelism. The day will be an opportunity for people to hear more about the inspiring work the Church Army is already doing and to find out about upcoming opportunities to work with them. Upcoming vacancies will be open to both lay and ordained applicants and will be opportunities to engage in innovative mission work, sharing God’s love with communities across Wales. For more information and to register interest for this event, please visit the Church Army website.

Marriage Registration

Clergy will be aware of recent publicity concerning proposed changes to Marriage Registration that could come into effect as early as December.  The General Register Office is arranging diocesan training later in the autumn and more information will be forwarded to you as soon as we have it.

Open Doors Celebration

On November 12^th, the Open Doors ministry will be holding an event in the Cathedral to inspire and challenge us about the persecuted church, focusing on how the God is building His kingdom in the most dangerous places to be a Christian, particularly North Korea.  Please do support this event if you can.  It starts at 19:30.

Retired Clergy Eucharist and Lunch

A reminder that the Annual Meeting and Lunch of the Association will take place in St Asaph on Thursday, 10^th October.  The Association will gather for the Eucharist in the cathedral at 11:30.  Lunch will be served afterwards in the Oriel House Hotel, with the Archdeacon of Montgomery as guest speaker. For more information please contact Pauline Walker, who oversees the Association.  It has been something of a tradition to suggest that mission areas might like to contribute to the cost of lunch for the retired clergy who do so much to support ministry in their locality.

Students

There will be children of clergy families who are off to university or college this autumn.  Please let Esgobty know if this is the case as Bishop Gregory may be able to offer a small gift from his discretionary funds to wish them well.

Training Bursaries

The Diocesan Training Bursary application form has been revised so please use the new form for all future bursary applications. The form is available to download from the diocesan website.

Also of interest may be The AB Jones Bursary administered by the Jerusalem and East Mission Trust.  This will pay all or any part of the fees or travelling expenses payable in respect of ordinands or priests of the Church in Wales who wish to undertake a course of study at St George’s College, Jerusalem or possibly at other locations.  For more information please email Clare Amos or Shirley Eason, the J&EMT administrator.

VE Day 75

VE Day 75, will cover the weekend of 8^th – 10^th May 2020, and will be an international celebration of peace – a time to remember, reflect and pay tribute to the millions who played such a vital part in achieving it.  A briefing paper has been produced for churches to assist with your planning.