20 March 2022

Third Sunday of Lent

The war in Ukraine

Bishop Mary says:

As the relentless shelling of Ukraine continues it has been so moving to see the resilience, courage and determination of brave people under siege. It is striking to see even poorly equipped and outnumbered Ukrainian people making a bold stand for their people, land and communities. The ability we have seen from those who are living with hope and energy in a situation of appalling violence and need offers us a great challenge.

Prayers continue for this desperate situation, for all who are involved and for those engaged in the efforts to broker ceasefires and an end to war.

All of this demands a response from us at every level of our communities of faith. The need for us to pray, to give and to share what we have with generosity is great. There have been lots of conversations about ways in which we might engage and how we can enable our congregations and communities to engage with welcoming refugees and offering help and support in ways that are sustainable and realistic.

The Provincial guidance in this mailing about use of church property gives us some very helpful pointers and there are on-going discussions with a number of organisations with whom we might helpfully partner at various levels to work well together. A number of Ministry Areas are already working with CYTUN partners on organising a strong local response and we hope to have an opportunity to share fruitful ideas at Grŵp Cadfan next week.

Thank you for the patient and careful work that is being done to help our churches play their part in this.

God, our refuge and strength,
our rock and defender,
you hear the weeping of your people
and look with compassion on the stricken.
In your miraculous power,
grant to oppressors true repentance
and to your peacemakers grace to reconcile, heal and restore.
Turn the hearts of all your people to ways of justice, goodness and mercy
and grant our world a vision of your glorious kingdom
where you reign in the power of perfect love,
Father, Son and Holy Spirit.
To you be glory for ever.
Amen.

Housing and hosting refugees

The Representative Body of the Church in Wales has issued guidance on housing and hosting refugees. To download the information please use the button below.

Gofal ein gwinllan

A series of sessions discussing the contribution of the Church in Wales to the language, history and culture of Wales hosted by St Padarn's Institute.

The next session is being held on 26 March, 10am

The Right Revd J. Wyn Evans will be discussing Thomas Burgess, Thomas Beynon and St David's College and then Dr Ffion Mair Jones will be discussing 'Gwallter Mechain (1761-1849) and Ifor Ceri (1770-1829): Comparison and appraisal’

To book your place please click here

Remembering COP26

In order to keep the climate emergency at the forefront of our minds we are including meditations and prayers regularly in Y Ddolen on the third week of each month.

This week we think about emissions.

• Consider how much driving you do. Are there journeys you don’t need to make or could walk or take public transport instead?
• Car sharing to go to meetings or events can help lesson emissions.
• On motorways driving at 60 miles per hour rather than at 70, reduces the amount of petrol used and is better for the environment.
• Rather than keep the engine running when waiting for someone, turn the engine off.
• Write to local councils to ask what they are doing to reduce emissions
• Write to Senedd members asking them how they are going to reduce emissions and reach the target pledged at COP26
• Learn some more about green energy.
• Think about any changes that you could make to help towards a cleaner and healthier world.

Other dates in 2022

Ordination Service
25 June - 11am in Saint Deiniol's Cathedral

Clergy Conference
12 to 15 September in Oxford

Diocesan Conference
1 October - 2pm in Saint Deiniol's Cathedral