From our Assistant Bishop

At Remembrance tide, we have time to pause, to stop and to reflect. It feels that the need for reflection and for space to consider our choices and relationships is even more important than ever.

The ongoing war in Ukraine reminds us how far we are from living in peace with our sisters and brothers.

The COP27 climate talks, and all the uncertainty about what they could achieve, prompt us to consider the journey we must make to live in peace with the rest of creation.

The silence of remembrance gives us space to listen, to turn down the volume on everything that draws our attention, and to make room to hear other voices: In the silence we could recall the cry of those who are still calling to prayer and action now. Perhaps we will remember the talent and grace of those who show us what costly love looks like through their example in the past. We may even encounter the voice of God in the silence. The God we believe is closer to us than we are ourselves and always yearns to connect with us.

There are so many ways in which we can develop our connection with the God of life. One major way to do this is through our connection with our neighbours. The Church in Wales' Food and Fuel campaign led by our Archbishop is a great way to do this. If you have not already looked at the resources on the Church in Wales website please do.

The short silence at Remembrance might also prompt us to make more time to listen to God in our daily lives, however this is possible for us. There are resources for this in so many of our Ministry Areas where there are prayer groups, reflective services and opportunities to explore different ways to pray. The Year of Prayer resources on the Church in Wales website also offer ideas. Here is a prayer from the website for this season:

God of all times and places,
embracing past, present and all that is yet to be;
in the memories and stories of my life,
hold me close in sorrow and when tears flow,
rejoice with me in happiness and when laughter fills the air.
Be with me in all of my remembering.

Amen.

Diary

18 November
An Evening of Gilbert & Sullivan
7.30pm Saint Mary's Church, Menai Bridge

1-2 December
Grŵp Cadfan
Grŵp Cadfan is an opportunity for all licensed clergy of the diocese to gather together to worship, to reflect, to pray, to learn and spend time together. Provincial colleagues will be joining the meeting to share information about Safeguarding and 'My Church People'.

1 December
World AIDS Day
10am - 10pm
Saint Deiniol's Cathedral in Bangor
A varied day of events combining remembrance of the lost, prayer for the suffering and celebration of advances in medicine and society.
7.30pm Candlelit Vigil of Remembrance followed by:
Presentation | Prevention and Treatment: Celebrating Medical Advances
An illustrated talk given by Dr Olwen Williams, OBE, Consultant in Sexual Health at Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, followed by an opportunity to ask questions 

Eco Church Officer

It was announced a while ago that Delyth Higgins had been appointed as the Eco Church Officer for Wales by A Rocha. Delyth has written us a short piece introducing herself and the Eco Church Award scheme.

Cadfan ar y Cledrau

Last Saturday saw group of pilgrims travel from Porthmadog to Beddgelert on the Welsh Highland Railway listening to Welsh poetry and music. The event was organised as part of Llan's Llwybr Cadfan Literary trail.

Food and Fuel Campaign