ODDI WRTH YR ESGOB...
FROM THE BISHOP...
On this page you can read an edited version of Bishop Gregory's letter to the clergy of the diocese.
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Ad Clerum * 31st August 2010
Saint Aiden
Dyrchefwch eich calonnau!
Lift up your hearts!
Dear Friends,
The Summer is drawing to a close, and I expect that, like my own, your thoughts are turning to all that has to be achieved over the coming months. We could not have a better saint than Aidan to send us on our way. Aidan pioneered the reconversion of the north of what is now England, reaching out to the Anglo-Saxon communities which had replaced the earlier British settlements by drawing on his Celtic heritage. He seems largely to have done this by being with the people – walking amongst them and taking an interest in their lives. It is a reminder to us that although we may – rightly – have ambitious plans for the renewal of our Church and the growth of our congregations, the process starts, as it did with the ministry of Jesus and the ministry of Aidan, by getting into the midst of our communities, becoming known and getting to know. In our modern society, where people often seem to matter only for what they can do for us, it speaks volumes for the values of the Christian faith, if we can be people who take others seriously, ready to visit them, to spend time with them, to cherish and affirm every member of our communities. At a time when the administration of Church life can sometimes appear to command all our energies, we do well to remember the example of Aidan, and to put people first. We are called to structure our busyness to allow the theory of Christian love for others to be expressed by real engagement with the real individuals we encounter and to whom we offer ministry. Nothing can beat this frontline ministry.
Schools
I am mindful of all the pupils and members of our own families who will be starting back to school in the next two weeks. I hope that we will keep all schools, teachers and pupils in our prayers during this time, and I will be writing to all our Church schools in the diocese to assure them of our support. May I remind you that the Octave before the Feast of St Cyprian (13th September) has been designated as an Education Season for the Church in Wales. I hope that you will all take this opportunity to establish or develop a link with local schools. It may be nothing more a card of greetings to the staff of your local school, Church or otherwise, but because we are Christians we care for the well-being and development of young people, and this season is an ideal opportunity to create or develop the channels of communication with our local schools.
Bishop’s Review
This is not quite what you may think it is. After sixteen months in post, I am planning to undertake a review of my ministry. I have asked Alison Shacklady, who has previously worked with the St Asaph Diocese and with the wider Province on ministerial review, to act as facilitator for this. Alison will be meeting with myself and other key figures to gather some feedback, and engaging with the clergy. I hope to be able to share the main outcomes of my review with you early in 2011.
Ave atque Vale
In August, His Honour Judge John Rogers QC completed his service as Diocesan Chancellor after 27 years of distinguished service. I would like here to pay public tribute to John’s ministry, and the faithfulness, grace and dispatch which he brought to his responsibilities. The diocese is deeply indebted to his service, and we wish him a long and happy retirement from both his ecclesiastical and civil judicial duties. I am delighted that we have a worthy successor to John in His Honour Judge Roger Dutton DL. Roger is a parishioner of Rossett, and a faithful member of the congregation there, and has expressed his desire to participate as fully as possible in the life of the diocese, We look forward to welcoming him to his work as Chancellor in the Cathedral on 26th September.
I am very pleased to announce that Quentin Bellamy has accepted my invitation to take over form Robert Rowlands as Area Dean of St Asaph. Robert is one of our most faithful priests and a dedicated pastor and minister of word and sacrament, whose careful and supportive ministry to his colleagues has been much appreciated and valued. Having discharged his duties as Area Dean for some considerable time, Robert has now decided to hand on the baton, and I am sure that Quentin will be a worthy successor who has the confidence of his fellow clergy. I would like to record my own thanks to Robert, and my appreciation of Quentin as he assumes duties. Quentin will be licensed on 19th September.
The Revd Emyr Owen is to join the Wrexham Team as Vicar of St Mark’s, Caia Park. Emyr is returning to stipendiary ministry after some years working in secular employment, having ministered in the Diocese of Bangor. We welcome him to this diocese, to which he will bring a wealth of talent.
There have been a number of deaths over the summer. Canon Herbie Lloyd passed away on 18th July. He had been declining for a little while, but his situation deteriorated quickly at the beginning of the month. He departed this life quietly on a Sunday, supported by family and friends and the ministry of Quentin Bellamy. We remember Margaret in our prayers, and all those who mourn Herbie’s passing. News has also reached us that Rex Whitta, another former cleric of this diocese has also passed away. We give thanks to God for the faithful ministry of these servants of God.
I was sorry to hear of the bereavements amongst clergy families and diocesan officers. We record the death of Peter Allsworth’s brother, Clem, at the end of June. Trish Owen’s father, Jimmy Knox, and Aidan Coleman’s father, William Coleman, passed away in August, as did Jane Ayee’s mother-in-law, Janet. I am sure that we will remember all these Christian souls and their families in our prayers. May God be gracious to those who mourn and may his light and life sustain the faithful departed.
Dates for the Diary
There are a number of important dates which are already upon us. Please consider supporting these events as you are able, especially those events in which we welcome new priests to the diocese.
2nd September – the Licensing of the Revd Sarah Errington and the Revd Emyr Owen as Team Vicars in the Rectorial Benefice of Wrexham in St Giles’ Church, Wrexham, at 1900hr. This occasion will be followed by their “induction” into different Churches within the Rectorial Benefice in due course.
3rd September – the Induction of the Revd Sally Rogers to the Parishes of Petryal and Betws yn Rhos, at 1900 hr in St Mary’s Church, Llanfair Talhaearn. We warmly welcome Sally from the Diocese of Guildford at this time.
5th September – the Visitation to Llanrwst Deanery. The Visitation will begin with a celebration of the Holy Eucharist at 11am in St. Paul’s Church, Craig-y-Don; participants are invited to join the bishop for lunch and the formal business of the Visitation will begin at 1345hr.
6th September – the Induction of the Venerable Shirley Griffiths as Rector of Llandegla, which will be held at 1900hr in St Tecla’s Church, Llandegla.
10th September – the Licensing of the Revd Ian Forster as Team Vicar in the Rectorial Benefice of Hawarden will be held in St Mary’s Church, Broughton, at 1900hr. We welcome Ian from the Diocese of St David’s.
12th September – the Visitation to Wrexham Deanery will begin with a Festival Service in St Giles’ Church, Wrexham, at 11am. It will be followed by lunch, and the formal business of the Visitation will take place in the afternoon.
19th September – the Ordination of the Revd Mike Powell to the Priesthood will take place in St John the Evangelist, Pool Quay at 1500hr. We are delighted that Mike has achieved this next step in his ministry, and wish him well, especially following recent illness.
21st September – the next CME Day will take place at the Ramada Hotel, Wrexham. The topic will be “Worship” and our thinking will be led by Joanna Love of the Iona Community. The day will start with coffee from 09.30hr with a prompt start at 10.00hr. Please note this earlier time and different location.
26th September – is Back to Church Sunday. I trust that you will be doubling your congregations!
26th September – The Installation of the Chancellor of St Asaph, His Honour Judge Roger Dutton DL, and the Archdeacon of Wrexham, the Venerable Shirley Griffiths, in the Cathedral Church of St Asaph will take place at 15.30hr. This will be the public inauguration of two important ministries in the life of the Diocese, and I believe it is important that we give as warm a welcome as possible to these two fine individuals.
6th October – Confirmation in St Collen’s Church, Llangollen, at 1930hr.
10th October – The Visitation of Hawarden Deanery. Details to follow.
3rd November – Training Day for the Area Deans at the Diocesan Office.
25th June 2011 – The General Ordination is likely to be held on this Saturday next year, when, God willing, there may be ten candidates for ordination.
Further Notes
Rural Affairs The Church in Wales has worked with the Royal Welsh Agricultural Society and Welsh Assembly Government to produce a series of seminars on topics vital to rurality in Wales to be held at the Royal Welsh Showground, and to run for a year from October this year. A booklet setting out the seminars and details of how to book is available from lisamartin@churchinwales.org.uk. I have also disseminated this information to the Area Deans, from whom you should also be able to glean further information.
I am sorry to list such an extensive set of dates, but it just goes to show how busy diocesan life is at the moment, and the extent to which we celebrate the beginning of so many new chapters in the life of the diocese. Thanks be to God who opens out so many opportunities, and promises that his grace will match the vocations to which he calls us. So, let us continue to lift our hearts and rejoice in the hope we find in our Lord and Saviour.
My warmest wishes in Christ,
