November2011

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Who,s WhoParish Clergy

Father Wayne David16 St Illtyd’s RoadChurch VillagePontypridd CF38 1DA

01443 203422wayneadavid@hotmail.com

Father Michael Gable28 Llantrisant RdGraigPontypridd CF37 1LW01443 65033607561 313199michaelgable@hotmail.com

Parish Wardens Child Protection OfficerDennis Compton David Morgan Babs Minton01443 432364 029 2088 8182 01443 206087PCC Secretary PCC Treasurer Magazine EditorBrenda Cawthorne Ray Minton Ioan James01443 486261 01443 206087 01443 492227 magazine@parishgrg.org.ukSub WardensSt Mary St John St LukeKeith Bann Christine Bowen Kathy Sharp01443 791118 01443 650215 01443 407008

Sheila Nurse Babs Minton Mandy Westlake01443 650412 01443 206087 01443 662135TreasurersVincent Jones Ray Minton Phil Hopkins01443 402576 01443 206087 01443 480350OrganistKeith Bann Ann Roberts David Morgan01443 791118 01443 404798 029 2088 8182Verger Mothers’ Union Mothers’ UnionRoy Rowlands Maisie Davidge Irene Butler01443 402070 01443 650557 01443 660360

www.parishofrhydyfelinwithgraig.org.uk

Please note that articles do not represent the opinions of the Church or the editor - only the writer!

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We were given aninteresting fact atthe Diocesan

Conference last month. It wasthe ratio of the number of Tesco shops (of allsizes) to the number of churches in theDiocese - the ratio 9 to 1. You might beforgiven for thinking 9 Tesco stores to everychurch when actually it is the other wayround - 9 churches for each Tesco store.

There is much to make people believe thatTesco is a dominant force in society. Vastamounts of money are spent within theirstores and online. New stores are beingopened all the time, both small stores andlarger ones and the larger ones are beingrebuilt and refurbished as we know from thestore at Upper Boat.

The perception, if not the reality, is thatTesco is in the ascendency and the Church isin decline. Part of the reason for Tesco doingso well is that they make strategic decisionsand invest. They face opposition to wherethey build new stores, but they do theirresearch and once open people shop in thestore, most people can't stop themselves fromusing what they provide.

The Church on the other hand snatches atsome decisions and makes decisions basedon feelings rather than careful research andrarely looks at the long term. On the otherhand the decisions made by Tesco are verylargely based on business and profit. Theywill have the knowledge to fight planningobjections and will withdraw to bide theirtime before returning to a plan in the future.

Profit is the driving force for businesses likeTesco, how many stores can we run, how can

we increase the number ofpeople coming through thedoor, how can we increasetheir spending once they arethrough the door, bottom line – how can weincrease our profit and our share of themarket. The Church should be asking itselfand each parish, each congregation, shouldbe asking similar questions. Not those aboutprofit or about market share since weshouldn’t be into the issues of dominance,but those about how we can be more presentin the community, how can we engage morepeople in the mission and ministry of theChurch, how can we deepen theircommitment to Christ.

The three churches we have are all over 100years old, two of the buildings are newer thanthat, but even so they’ve been around for along time. Perhaps familiarity has made theminvisible, perhaps they’re taken for granted,they’ll always be there (think of the outcryfrom the community, not so much the church,when a church building is closed). Perhapsthe Church has been guilty of taking thingsfor granted as well, people know we are here,if they want us they know where to find us.Perhaps we are guilty of assuming they knowwhat we do and why we do it and they don’thave the first clue what it is all about orsimply we provide something they don’twant or at the very least don’t think they need.

If the Church is to survive, or better still tothrive, we have the task of changing ourperception of the Church and the communityand of changing the community’s perceptionof the Church.

From the Vicarage

Fr MichaelYours in Christ

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Forthcoming Dates fromaround the Diocese FR M

HOST - Home for Christmas

Stay-at-home Christmas?

Are you staying athome forChristmas? Would

you open your home and share Christmaswith a student from China, India, or someother part of the world, who would otherwisebe stuck at an almost deserted UKuniversity? HOST invites you to giveChristmas, perhaps for the first time in theirlife, to someone who is a guest in thiscountry, who would love to experience yourway of life and make your stay-at-home

Christmas special. HOST will match youwith one or two guests to suit yourhousehold. More volunteer hosts are urgentlyneeded for 1-3 days at Christmas, andweekends all year round. Please seewww.hostuk.org or call your local voluntaryorganiser for a chat: Lynette Chappin 02920693903

Margaret StevensPublicity Officer HOST

Cardiff Christmas – the Story. This verysuccessful event will be held again this yearin Tabernacle, The Hayes. All who visited itlast year thoroughly enjoyed it. Volunteersplease contact Sally on 029 2049 3326 orvisit www.the-story.org.uk

LIGHTSHIP 2000 desperately seekingvolunteers to avoid reducing opening hours.Contact John Winton 0781 506204  john@ctnw.co.uk or Rev Andrew James029 2065 4406 frjames@totalise.co.uk

Sun 6 Nov. 1.30pm/6pm. Wales MillenniumCentre. Mega Messiah. Be part of themassed choir (1000 singers). Rehearsal at1.30pm, performance 6pm. Ticketsperformance £15, audience £10. Groups 8+£12.

Sun 13 Nov 2pm – 5pm, Chapter ArtsCentre, Canton, Cardiff. On behalf of theFreedom from Torture (the MedicalFoundation for the Victims of Torture),

there will be a presentation by Craig Murray,former ambassador, human rights activistand author of ‘Murder in Samarkand’.Discussion to follow. Introduction by KeithBest. All welcome to this free event.

Wednesday 16th November 7pm,   St Johnthe Baptist, Cardiff. “MEETING WITHMARK” - A COMPLETE READING OFMARK’S GOSPEL. Our usual experience ofscripture is to hear or to read it in smallsections, either in church services orpersonal study. Hearing scripture being readto a group evokes a very different and,sometimes, much more powerful responsethan reading through it individually. Aspreparation for the new liturgical year,which starts on Advent Sunday and iscentred on readings from Mark’s Gospel, wewill be reading the gospel of Mark aloud inone sitting. This is an opportunity to hear thebook as a whole and to experience theimpact of its message – perhaps to besurprised, enlightened or amused!Refreshments from 6.15pm

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Pilgrimage Part 2.

To recap the previous article we aretravelling around Llandaff Deaneryon an annual pilgrimage. Our next

call was to St Mary’s at Saint Fagan’sa12th century Church set in lovelysurroundings – a very neat churchyard, thechurch even prettier than usual withflowers left from a recent wedding. TheReverend Anthony Wintle (who has beenthe incumbent for 21 years) led us throughthe history after leading us in prayer. StMary’s has been supported by thePlymouth family for generations. Anotable feature is the triple stone Sedalia,with carved snakes and a dragon. Apeculiar feature is a head turned up to theceiling instead of towards the altar – no oneknows why. The Church was restoredin1859 with an extension to the left of theaisle. Stained glass windows all aroundwere beautiful, with an unusual screen atthe rear of the church made from glassdiscs. After a tour to examine these featureswe sang the next verse of “one more step”and boarded the coach for our nextdestination. Saint Peters Fairwater. Wewere welcomed by the Reverend ColinSutton (known to most of us as theprevious incumbent of St Luke’s.) Father

Sutton led us in prayer and a reflection onthe life of Saint Peter. He then gave us thehistory of the Church, which was originallya Church Hall under the care of theCathedral. Over a period of time it wasdecided to build another hall in the groundsand convert the original hall into a church.Father Colin explained the need for someupgrading and plans are in the pipeline forthis and the present hall is also in need ofrenewal. The Church grounds are enclosedand the parish and local community arecreating (with the help of Lottery funding)a community garden. Also included in thiswork are “Spectrum” an organisation ofmentally and physically handicappedpeople resident in the area. After the finalblessing and the last verse of “one morestep”, we were invited to inspect theCommunity garden; - what a revelation.There is a patio with seating leading to apond, vegetable patch and pathways. Therewill be a natural meadow, small orchardand flower garden. Father Colin says thereis no shortage of volunteers – also involvedare the Church Army, youth offenders andlocal people. The official opening will beby the Princess Royal in November. Thiswas an inspiring and fitting end to anuplifting day – 4 very different Churches,but all with one aim, to lead us to Christand inspire us to show others the way.

The Mothers’ Union IB

TODaniel Gableon passing hisblack belt in

Tae Kwon Do

DON’T MISS!

ST JOHN’SCHRISTMAS

BAZAARSATURDAY 26TH NOVEMBER 2011

2:00 pm atST JOHNS CHURCH, GRAIG STREET

VARIOUS GIFT STALLS includingTOMBOLA, BOTTLES, CRAFTS,

CAKES, BOOKS and TOYS.REFRESHMENTS including

AFTERNOON TEAS and HOT DOGS.ALSO CHILDREN’S GAMES AND AVISIT FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS

(free sweets for children)

GRAND RAFFLE PRIZE DRAW £50 FIRST PRIZE

ST LUKE'S RHYDYFELIN CHURCH

Autumn BazaarWith

THE GRAND PRIZE DRAWSaturday

5th November 2011Starting at 2.00pm

CAKES RAFFLES GOOD-AS-NEWCARDS CHRISTMAS STALL TOYS

TOMBOLA BOOKSREFRESHMENTS!

Pick up a bargainCome Along to St Luke's Church

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The Harvest Festival held on the 2nd October at St. Luke’s was theofficial launch of the Foodbank.Following the plea for donationsof suitable food items to be brought to the service the very

welcome large selection was assembled in front of the altar.

Pontypridd foodbank

ME

888

Thank you

Looking Ahead to Christmas

We always appreciate the donationsof gifts individuals and manyparishes provide for our clients

within the BSR projects every year.We always need good quality toys for babiesto 5 years old and toiletries for youngwomen.Please do not use gift wrap as we have toopen all the gifts to ensure

they are safe to give to children; as weendeavour to promote healthy eating, pleasedo not include anything perishable.

The Board would like to take thisopportunity to thank all the individuals,parishes and Mothers’ Union branchesfor their donation during the past year.

They make all the difference..

RM

Cymru

Pink Saturday Coffee Morning Saturday 22nd October

This year’s event in aid of Breast Cancer Care raised the fantasticsum of £380. .A sincere thanks to everyone who helped. RM

Jumble Sale

The Jumble Sale held at St Johns Church Hallon Friday 21st October raised the sum of£280.00 in aid of St John’s general funds.

Many thanks to those who helped in setting up andrunning the stalls, and to all people who were able to attend.

Thanks to all those who have contributed this Month.Remember if you have something to say or somethingyou think might interest others please let me know.Typed copy can be scanned, better still send it to meat: magazine@parishgrg.org.uk

Please note that articles do not represent the opinions of the Church orthe editor - only the writer!

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On 27th September MarsChocolate and FairtradeInternational announced an

agreement to introduce the Fairtrade labelto Mars products. As part of the initialphase of the agreement the first Marsproduct to carry the FAIRTRADE Markwill be MALTESERS®. The move,which will appear in stores in 2012 in theUK and Ireland, will contribute in excessof US $1 million in annual FairtradePremium funds for cocoa farmers toinvest in their farms, businessorganisations and communities.MALTESERS® is the third biggestconfectionery brand in the UK, and itsswitch will represent more than a 10%increase in total UK Fairtrade sales.“I am very excited that Mars in the UK isat the forefront of this global agreement aswe switch MALTESERS in 2012, whichalso marks the 75th anniversary of thismuch-loved product” said Fiona Dawson,President Mars Chocolate UK. The movehas been welcomed by others in thedevelopment sector, including ComicRelief. In 2011, MALTESERS®partnered with Comic Relief for a hugelysuccessful on-pack promotion that raisedover £1.1 million for the UK charity.

In addition, Fairtrade and Mars will workto take advantage of their commoninterests and expertise to explore how toimprove the productivity, quality, labourand community development benefitsthey can bring to farmers. Cocoa farmers

stand to benefit immensely from thepartners’ combined experience – Mars’expertise in technical support to improveyield and Fairtrade’s expertise in buildingfarmer organisations. Mars was the firstmajor confectionery company to committo purchasing only certified cocoa by2020.Both Mars and Fairtrade believe thatempowering farmers to drive change intheir own communities as the mosteffective way to achieve truesustainability.  Fairtrade is working withmore than 85 000 cocoa farmers in WestAfrica and, with the additional incomefrom the Fairtrade Premium, Fairtradefarmers’ groups have hired agronomists,invested in farm-level productivity andbuilt warehousing and processingfacilities. They are funding communitydevelopment by providing clean water,free health insurance and scholarships forchildren.Michael Nkonu, Director of FairtradeAfrica, which represents farmers andproducers across Africa, says: “We’vebeen working hard to support andstrengthen our networks of Fairtradecertified cocoa farmers in West Africa.Many farmers in the Ivory Coast regionare still struggling to re-establish theirlives and build up their farms followingthe recent troubles. This agreementcouldn’t be more timely, and will helpenable a better future for farmers.”

Fairtrade - Good news for chocoholics

CB

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This year’s retreat was once again heldat Llangasty, and while St Michael’s atLlandaff may now have bedrooms

which are all en-suite, it would I think take aplanetary event to make us forsake this lovely,tranquil place. While the weather may nothave been brilliant, the ten of us were all ableto get out and about at some point during ourdays there, and enjoy the amazing scenery andpeaceful setting. A peace which it isimpossible to describe, but which has to beexperienced. One morning it was so quiet onthe terrace that I could actually hear the wingbeats of a pair of swans as they arose from theLlangorse Lake.

Fr Michael’s theme this year was the Rule ofSt Benedict, but his first address at eveningprayer on Monday was appropriately aboutsilence, and following Compline at 9 p.m. thatis what reigned until Thursday lunch time.Each day was a calm round of services in thechapel (usually with an address), free time tothink and relax and of course the usualexcellent meals.

The first address was on the vow of Stability,about having a firm foundation in the rock ofChrist and remaining fixed there. We wereencouraged not to run away from problemsbut to try to solve them, remembering to lookat our own actions in an honest way. And ofcourse to turn to the word of God in a dailyroutine of prayer and Bible reading, our own“vow of stability being demonstrated” in ourevery day lives.

Obedience was the theme of the next address,not always a popular term perhaps, butBenedict called for those in authority to begenerous. Obedience said Fr Michael is allabout listening, you can’t do the thing you’vebeen asked to do if you weren’t reallylistening. Prayer and quiet listening wouldallow God to speak to us, and obeying his willleads to a much better, more effective and

happier life. Once again we were encouragedto read the Bible slowly, thinking about whatwe had read and putting the message into thecontext of when and why it was written andconsidering how it applied to our ownsituation today.

Wednesday morning’s address was about therule of Humility and we were told that StBenedict had a 12 step programme. Thesewere like the rungs of a ladder and eachneeded to be stood upon before the next couldbe approached and started with accepting thatGod was at the heart of everything and thesource of life.

Benedict wrote his rule about Work with theidea of a balanced life in mind. There were tobe times of prayer, times of study, times of restand times of work. Fr Michael spoke aboutpeople being defined by what they did as a job,but reflected on what followed when peopleretired or lost their employment. We needed tocommit our work either paid or unpaid to God,and when it felt like a chore to ask God to giveus the strength to persevere and to be able tosee any task as a holy task that we do for him.

The addresses ended with Conversion of Life,perhaps like Paul’s Damascus roadexperience, the moment when the pennydrops. As human beings we all take the path ofleast resistance, this is why grumbling is easierthan being transformed. But we know we arenot perfect and we need to be changed, and tobe changed by God.

As you can imagine it is impossible to dojustice to Fr Michael’s thought-provokingaddresses in a limited space but I am happy tolend my copies to anyone who would like toread them in full. Better still of course why notjoin us next year and experience all thebenefits of a retreat first hand.

Parish retreat - 19 to 22 September 2011

CB

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November gardening LJ

The weather hasbeen so mixed of latethat I struggled todecide what to writethis month. In theend I decided to try

and cover every possibility. So, heregoes -

Sun/Dry weatherNot likely, but if we do geta dry spell then pop outinto the garden and tidy upwhat you can. Chop backany branches being

affected by wind. Finish pruningshrubs and bushes. Deadhead wherenecessary but remember to leave seedheads for birds. Sweep up fallenleaves. Complete any last minute

planting.

Windy weatherAs above but wrap upwarmly.

FrostKeep out of the gardenuntil all frost has gone.

RainStay indoors looking atmagazines/ programmesto get ideas for nextyear's planting.

HailAs above.

SnowAs above but add hotdrinks/biscuits.Above all don't worryabout any jobs you have

left undone. Nature is very forgivingand there will always be some animal,bird or insect grateful for any messyou have left so sit back and enjoy therest.

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Some Local Groups

TUESDAY GROUPThe Tuesday Group would like toinvite any ladies from the Rhydyfelinand Hawthorn area to join them. Formore information on the group andits programme of events, pleasecontact Julia Cook on 07817 128586or julia910@btinternet.com.

FAMILY NIGHTSThe Poplar Road Methodist Churchhave started up their Family Nightsfor the winter on the third Saturday ofeach month from 6 to 8pm.November sees the return of the

highly competitive Beetle Drive! Theevenings are free and refreshmentsare provided, so come along and joinin, everyone is welcome althoughchildren must be accompanied by anadult.

FARMERS’ MARKETYour closest Market is held at theSports Centre in Llantwit Fardre onthe third Thursday of the month,between 10am and 2.00pm. A varietyof local produce from meat andcakes, to bread, jams and chutneys ison offer

FR M

St Johns Church Hall was transformedinto a WWII themed hall for a thrillingand humorous murder mystery held on

the evening of Friday 23rd September. Theguests were entertained with an engagingmystery and a three course meal was

provided. Many thanks to the St Johns Players for their performances butspecial thanks to Babs and Ioan for all their hard work in ensuring theevening was a great success.

The purpose of the evening was to raise funds for the Pontypridd DeaneryMothers Union – in particular their Sudan Appeal. A fantastic final totalof £500 was raised and Maisie would like to thank everyone whocontributed in any way.

It is pleasing to announce that another performance was arranged for 28th

October – this time to raise money for the Pontypridd Childrens ContactCentre. RM

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CB

For the last fewdays I have beenracking my

brains to think ofsomething for thisarticle, and then likebuses the incidents allcome together.

For weeks now some of the group membershave been biting their nails and one of themanxiously awaiting the post each morning.The closing date for our grant applicationto the Pontypridd Town Council was 31st

August and we really expected to hearsomething in September. Although if I hadused what passes for my brain I would havelooked at our bank “Paying In” book andseen that we have always banked thecheques about the 2nd week of October,never earlier. However it has finallyarrived. It’s not as much as we requested,but given the state of the world’s financesI think we have been really fortunate toreceive ¾’s of the sum we applied for andcan just about fund the deficit from thegroup’s finances. The manufacturers of the

fire resistant fabric that must be used forthe duvet covers have been contacted and aspecial price and free carriage negotiated.Now we just have to clear the decks andwait for the huge bolt of fabric to arrive.

Meanwhile I came home from my stay at StDavid’s to an e-mail from Katey at theEthical Clerical Shirt Company saying(I’m sure you know what’s coming) there’sanother box of shirt sleeves available if wewould like them. Well it would be rude tosay no wouldn’t it? I’m hoping this timethere will be some pink ones.

And finally the group had a reallysuccessful morning at the Efail Isaf TableTop Sale, selling more than ever before –well done girls.

So summer is definitely over and there arebusy times ahead. Duvet covers to make,shirt sleeves to use, St John’s ChristmasFair and a stall at the Pontypridd Children’sContact Centre’s Christmas Celebration,and, we hope, a celebratory lunch atLlancaiach Fawr. We will have earned it.

In Saint John'sItems for Women's Aid, empty printercartridges, batteries - orange bags to put inwith tins & bottles when fullIn Saint Luke'sItems for Adref (Homeless men's shelter),

copper coins, empty printer/toner cartridges, spectacles for Mbale,stamps, batteries - orange bags to put in with tins & bottles when full

T here aremanyitems to

collect/ recycleat church

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Sundays

9.30 am Solemn Sung Mass Saint Luke, Rhydyfelin 9.30 am Solemn Sung Mass Saint Mary, Glyntaff 11.00 am Solemn Sung Mass Saint John, Graig

’’

Mondays

7.00 pm Mass Saint John, Graig

Wednesdays

9.30 am Mass Saint Luke, Rhydyfelin

Thursdays

9.30 am Mass Saint Mary, Glyntaff

Feast Days

Please see the weekly notice sheet for these services, which is on display by each church door and on the parish website www.parishgrg.org.uk

Weekly Worship