July Thoughts 2010
It has been a very busy time in the benefice regarding ministry. Judith has been licenced as a Reader, the service took place in ST. Mark's Newport with Bishop Dominic in attendance.
We then attended the ordination service in ST. Woolos cathedral to witness Rev Annie being ordained a priest and Rev Jim being ordained a deacon.
For Annie, Jim and Judith these are new steps along their journey with God, for all three a new and exciting beginning, also for Annie a big well done on being awarded her degree, which she will be presented in ST. David's Hall Cardiff. The ministry team is indeed expanding. All the above show evidence of growth in our benefice, and that God is truly working his purpose out.
After all this excitement I am looking forward to my summer holiday. Though I must mention my recent pilgimage to Turin and Assisi. [Photos can be found on the Benefice Pilgrimages page]. I travelled with my friend and former college tutor, Fr. Jeffrey my wife Cynthia and daughter Sarah. We were too late to see the Shroud on display in Turin though we saw an exact copy in the Shroud museum but this was still very moving. We travelled to Assisi and found the town of ST. Francis an extremely spiritual place. We hope to have another pilgrimage to Lourdes in 2011, and if anyone would like to join us contact Pauline. Thinking of Pauline, she and Joyce will be travelling with friends to the Passion play at Oberammergau, and she will also be visiting Assisi. Also visiting Assisi soon will be Pauline's daughter Katie, who will be attending a friend's wedding. Francis and Nick are at present in Oberammergau. It seems the whole benefice is on the move. I hope they will all have plenty of photos for our web site.
Prayers for all of you who will be away this summer have a good and restful time.
God Bless
Fr. Lyndon
July Thoughts from Father Den
With the year a little more than half over and holidays just around the corner for many of us, it’s an opportune time to reflect on the year so far. I think it’s fair to say that thus far it has been quite a year for the Benefice of Caldicot. We have seen our ministry team grow – not only in number but in spiritual maturity too.
Annie, the Benefice Curate continues to grow into her role and has become a very popular member of the clergy. Annie is wonderful pastorally and offers a listening ear along with words of wisdom when needed. In spite of health concerns earlier in the year, as I sit to write these words, Annie is attending her graduation ceremony at St. David’s Hall in Cardiff, after gaining her degree in theology. As if all this wasn’t enough, she was ordained into the priesthood at Petertide in Newport Cathedral. We are very lucky to have her here in our Benefice. Thanks to Paul for sharing her with us.
At the same Petertide service PJ; AKA Jim Davies was ordained into the diaconate and is now a fully-fledged Anglican minister. Jim brings with him countless years of experience of the ordained ministry in the Pentecostal Church and his insights and knowledge of the scriptures are a real boon to the benefice. It has taken a long time for him to get this good and we thank God as we celebrate his presence with us. Jim will be ordained into the priesthood at a benefice service to be held in Caldicot Church on September 26th at 10:00 am. Watch this space for more exciting news in the life of Jim!!
Our ministry numbers have also increased with the licensing of Judith Anderson as a Reader. Judith has already undertaken her first preaching duty and ‘passed with flying colours.’ Judith brings many years teaching experience with her and her ability to see through the fripperies and ‘cut to the chase’ have made reading the Office together as a team a great way to start the working day.
We have been blessed also with the increased presence of David Flint who is also licensed as a Reader. David has already arranged and led a quiet day at Ty Mawr and is now busy planning and arranging a retreat to Caldey Island for next year, as well as a further quiet day for this autumn. David’s organisational skills are only matched by those of Ross, who continues to ensure that we are each of us where we should be at the correct time. We are further blessed with the very much appreciated ministry of Fr. David, Fr. Don, Pam, Cynthia and Paul.
You could be forgiven for wondering what on earth there is left for Fr. Lyndon and me to do with all this man/woman power. I can assure you that there is always something to do and more often than not it is urgent – even critical. It’s a privilege to serve God in Caldicot Benefice and we thank Him for his love and support of each and everyone who lives, works and worships here.
As a PS – at Portskewett Church we have a small but dedicated team who keep the grass cut during the growing season – which is NOW! We desperately need more volunteers to be able to maintain the high standards expected (we have won ‘Best Kept Churchyard in Monmouthshire several times over the past few years). If you feel that you might be able to help even in a small way please get in touch. Thanks in anticipation. Fr. Den. 01291 423378.
[Photographs of the Church yard will soon be appearing on the website].
Thoughts from Reverend Annie
The last few weeks have certainly been exciting here in the Benefice. Firstly there was the wonderful service in which Judith was licensed as a Reader, which was swiftly followed by the ordination service at which Jim was made a deacon and I was ordained as priest. I must, at this point, sincerely thank ‘the greatest training incumbent in the galaxy’, Father Lyndon, for all his love, support and guidance as we all approached our services. Also a big thank you must go to all who have supported, encouraged and loved each of us on our journey – and continue to do so. The Rectorial Benefice of Caldicot is a wonderful place in which to begin ministry, we have such supportive congregations and a ministry team that works so well together, who are friends as well as colleagues, and it is a privilege to be able to serve here.
As I now prepare for my graduation ceremony on Thursday (15th) – yet more excitement!! – I would like to reflect on the pre ordination retreat which all the candidates undertook together. We spent the best part of three days together at Llantarnam Abbey, being thoroughly spoilt by the Sisters there. The Abbey and its grounds are so tranquil and, as most of the retreat was held in silence, it gave us all time to unwind, to withdraw from the hustle and bustle of daily life and to concentrate on God’s Word and the direction in which He was leading us. There were three services each day and a talk (given by Father Patrick Coleman – our retreat leader) and time in between to be still and quiet, either just thinking, in prayer or reading a book, relaxing our minds and bodies in preparation for the seriousness and excitement of what was to come.
As we approach the summer and the season of holidays, my prayer is for everyone to find a time of quiet and stillness in order to refresh themselves for the rest of the year and whatever it may bring. Even if you don’t manage a holiday away this year, take some ‘me’ time – we all need it, just as Jesus did in His life. He would often take Himself off to a quiet place to find some peace and to talk with His Father – our God. Whatever you do this summer – enjoy yourself!! Remember that you are important and loved very much by God. God Bless.
Thoughts from Pastor Jim
What an amazing month June was: culminating in the licensing of Judith, the Priesting of Annie, and my second ordination, this time as a Deacon in the Church in Wales. Of course for all of us that was no flash in the pan, no sudden wake-up, and there we were - it was, of course, another major point in our amazingly different journeys through life, which have happened in the sovereign purposes of God to meet at this particular juncture
Praise God for the rich fellowship and joy that comes through the shared experience of being part of the family of God, which is the supreme joy this side of heaven
We are, however, journeying separately in our togetherness: the decisions made, the choices made, the turnings taken have had such a great impact in the course of life.
Let me share one of my key life verses with you as we enter this new season together. It is from Psalm 32 and verse 8:
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way in which you are to go I will guide you with my eye”.
In short never stop looking; never stop learning; let Him be your guide and teacher
Module 2 of Living Faith starts September 9th. The Module is: “The New Testament”. 
Register now. There will also be a re-run of module 1: “Prayer and Spirituality”. Living Faith is a great course so make sure you catch up with what is happening in the Churches across our land
For all your good wishes and congratulations blessings
Thank you
PJ and Joanna
MAY THOUGHTS 2010
This is an exciting time for our benefice in more ways than one. There are very special times ahead for some of our ministry team. Reverend Annie is preparing for her ordination as a priest, and Judith, a retired RE teacher is about to be licensed as a Reader, and has already measured for her cassock. Pastor Jim who not that long ago retired as a Pentecostal minister, has become heavily involved in the Anglican Church, as an Ecumenical minister, and along with Revd Annie will be ordained as a deacon this Petertide. There is something very wonderful about answering the call of God, and to be recognised by the church and to be blessed by the Bishop. Pastor Jim has also recently been confirmed and on top of that become engaged to Jo. I feel that our church is becoming more and more spiritually alive. The Living Faith course is bringing a new dimension to the benefice, and Fr. Den's spiritual direction is taking route. God is on the move and we can scarcely keep up. The ministry to our schools is bearing fruit and all of our ministry team are active in special ways. Ross, our Eucharist assistant is not only active in Caldicot but also in a neighbouring parish. Cynthia our Reader is becoming excited as the FOG Club for children grows, and of course she is member of our worship band Led Balloon, who just had a gig in the Elim Pentecostal Church. Pam another Reader and Diocesan Youth Advisor has been very active with her youth services, David, yet another Reader is preparing a quiet day for us in Tymawr Convent, Father David our NSM priest is active with services and with the CAB, and Judith has begun Friday Compline services. Revd Annie is gaining spiritual ground with her greatly admired pastoral ministry, Paul, another of our Reader is busy with his preaching ministry. As for me I'm trying to keep up with them all. God is working His purpose out in our churches, we feel His blessings, and we rejoice. We feel we are on a path that God has given us and we are not sure the direction that He is taking us. But all we can do is enjoy the journey.
God Bless Fr. Lyndon
Dear Friends,
Just wanted to say a big thank you to you all from myself and Joanna for the wonderful way you have received our news in recent weeks, you have shared our joy sensed the wonder and anticipation of the strength of love, in many ways we have been taken by surprise and yet when we sit together and walk and talk so many incidents have drawn us together during these past years. We both have separate and yet collectively special reasons to be grateful to our Heavenly Father who has brought us through much stuff to arrive at this special place together.
Our journey into the Church in Wales has taken us both very much by surprise, since our release with Pastor Kelvin’s understanding and blessing from Elim Caldicot, we have been on an accelerated kingdom Programme. Again for all your interest and prayers we thank you.
Thursday was very special for us. Ascension Day, the Bishop of Monmouth came to Caldicot and confirmed me into the communion of the Church in Wales that day. The day ended with the ringing of the Peel of Bells for us so special. The next major step is my Ordination to the Diaconate; this will be at Newport Cathedral on Saturday 26th June 2010 at 2-30pm. This is an all ticket event (several candidates are being presented during 2 ceremonies including our own Mother church- Annie)
This ordination will annul my Elim Credentials and will authorise my authority in the Church in Wales. (There are 3 levels of ministry in the Anglican Communion, Bishop, Priest and Deacon). I will be serving in the Rectoral Benefice of Caldicot here as a NSM. Just a note on tickets: there are only a few. If we can accommodate you with one, we will try of course.
The next stage is to be at St Mary’s, Caldicot 10am Sunday September 26th 2010. When there will be no tickets required because I will be the only one presented for ‘Priesting’. If I were to chose one service that I would like you to attend this would be it.
Living Faith our first module is coming to an end a very good course looking at Spirituality and Prayer, we have been so blessed that Judith and I are offering the module again later in the year for those that missed out this time. Our next Module, the New Testament, commences 2nd September this year, for those that have completed our first module
PJ
EASTER THOUGHTS 2010
Please follow this link for an Easter Message from the Bishop.
Father Lyndon writes:
Easter Message
As I write my 2010 Easter message I realised how fast time seems to fly these days, surely it was only the other day when I was thinking about Christingle services for Christmas, surely it was only the other day when I was preaching for harvest. It cannot be Holy Week already. Have we really journeyed through most of Lent, where does time go? I wonder how our Lord felt as He approached Holy Week. Did He feel cheated by time? Was His earthly ministry really coming to an end, so soon after it had started? Was this really the time for Him to die? Many people think about God and fool themselves into believing that there is plenty of time to turn to Him. "When I get older, yes then I will commit myself to God; yes when I am older I will read the Bible, I got plenty of time to think about Jesus, I got all the time in the world to decide" But the future creeps upon us so fast, time does indeed fly and sometimes we leave things until its too late. The time to decide if we want to follow Jesus is now. The time to ask God into our lives is now. We must ask ourselves this question. Do we believe in God our Creator, that His Son died on the cross for our sins, and that on that first Easter Sunday morning Jesus was resurrected? If we believe in all this then all we must do is invite Jesus into our lives. All we need to do is to say these words” Jesus, Son of God please come into my life." Christians are indeed the Easter people the ones who are the children of the resurrection. Christianity is not a private club it is for everyone, it’s for you. Have a good and blessed Easter.
Fr. Lyndon
Message from Father Den
THE SON
This is great, take a moment to read it, it will make your day!
The ending will surprise you.
A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art.. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael . They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.
When the Vietnam conflict broke out, the son went to war. He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.
About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door. A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands.
He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life. He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.' The young man held out this package. 'I know this isn't much. I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'
The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture.. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.'
The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.
The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.
On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel. 'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will bid for this picture?
There was silence...
Then a voice in the back of the room shouted, 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'
But the auctioneer persisted.. 'Will somebody bid fo r this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'
Another voice angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh 's, the Rembrandts. Get on with the Real bids!'
But still the auctioneer continued: 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'
Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting...' Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.
'We have $10, who will bid $20?'
'Give it to him for $10.. Let's see the masters.'
The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.
They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.
The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'
A man sitting on the second row shouted, 'Now let's get on with the collection!'
The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'
'What about the paintings?'
'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time.. Only the painting of the son would be auctioned.. Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.
The man who took the son gets everything!'
God gave His son 2,000 years ago to die on the cross. Much like the auctioneer, His message today is: 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?'
Because, you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.
God Bless.
If I don't get this back, I will know you really didn't read it. I got this from someone and thought the last part was really a good thought.
Too bad that the person who sent it to me did
not know 10 people who would admit to knowing the Lord.
Message from Reverend Annie
As we continue our journey through Lent, I wonder if we all remember what we started out to achieve way back on Ash Wednesday. Many of us decided to give up something, maybe chocolate or smoking for instance. Perhaps some of us decided to take something up like walking instead of taking the car or reading our bible on a daily basis. Whatever it was that you set out to do, have you managed to keep it up? Some of these things will benefit our physical health but what is most important during Lent is our spiritual health – we need to consider how far we have walked with Christ on our journey to a deeper understanding of God, to deepen our spiritual awareness.
This is not meant to be a comfortable journey, it is one which sees us searching into the depths of our soul, clearing out the cobwebs of the past and reflecting on our relationship with God. Can we keep this up for six weeks – and then what? It’s a big ask, but one we need to answer if we are to grow spiritually, both closer to God and within ourselves. We need to die to ourselves (clear out the cobwebs) in order to be reborn into Christ. Remember that God gave His only Son for us and for our salvation, for the forgiveness of our sins. Three days later He raised Jesus from the dead – He was reborn. It is this which gives us hope, hope that the joy and peace of Easter will be a living experience for us.
It is fitting that Easter falls in springtime, a season of new growth and new life. If only we will trust in God and allow our lives to be changed by Him today, we can enjoy our own spiritual rebirth, our new life.
May the blessings of a refreshing God be with you the Easter and always.
Reverend Annie
Message from Pastor Jim Davies, Ecumenical Minister
Hi everybody,
With Holy week (Anglican term!!!) starting next week we shall soon be caught up in the busyness of Easter, hence the timing of my Easter Message.
Yesterday we handed in for transmission a copy of the Bishop of Monmouth's Easter message for mon-tv.com He emphasized the resurrection of Jesus. In school yesterday asking the children about Easter I had comments ranging from Rabbits and chocolates to the Cross, great but the big
cheer went up when we declared that He is alive. Hallelujah.
The great message we have of course is that THE SAME SPIRIT that raised Jesus from the dead dwells in us. The Spirit of faith that hears, believes and performs His purposes.
My prayer for the family is that we will move in all of His power through all of our days that we should be to the praise of His glory.
My life continues to be filled tonight I address the Methodist Church Council by invitation to explain my ecumenical role in the Church of Caldicot. Opportunities continue in the Church in Wales I am leading the first
Diocesan Living Faith Course in the Country, being challenged as we explore Spirituality and prayer. Schools work continues to expand I have just been invited onto the
Governing Body of Castle Park Primary School as an LEA governor, my interest currently is exploring the opportunities' given in Collective Worship, currently a legal requirement in all community schools.
At this special time it's my joy to bring you the Gospel message: He is risen
LENT THOUGHTS
We begin our season of Lent on Ash Wednesday when the priest places the mark of the cross from ashes on our head, for me it is a sign that Jesus gave His life for me some two thousand years ago, and through Lent I feel that I want to give something of me in return. Lent reminds us of when the Holy Spirit led Jesus into the wilderness for forty days, a time when He fasted, and a time where He was tempted by Satan. In life we all go through temptation, doing, saying things which might bring displeasure to our Lord, but of course we know that we have been saved by the blood of Christ crucified when our sins were forgiven by His saving death. Through Lent we make our personal pilgrimage towards Palm Sunday, the day of triumph, the day when Jesus entered Jerusalem as a king; then through Holy Week, as Jesus prepared Himself for His passion; through the fellowship of the Last Supper, to the sadness of Good Friday. Of course, our journey has the great and victorious conclusion: the joy of Easter with the joy of resurrection. This year please think of what Jesus has done for you in your own life, and ask Him what you can give to Jesus in return.
Fr. Lyndon
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS 2009
(These articles were originally on the website for Christmas 2009 but due to technical difficulties they disappeared so they are now being resubmitted).
Rector Lyndon Harrison
In a recent survey in Leicester 840 people out of 1000, believed that Christmas should remain Christmas and not given some politcally correct name like Winter Holiday or Wintertime etc. Christmas is not about having a mid winter break from work, it is about the birth of a child some 2000 years ago in Bethlehem. A child who is the Son of God, the Saviour of the world. Christmas without the Christ is no celebration at all. Throughout the world Christians will meet to praise God for His Holy Child. Christmas is a time of great joy, but we must remember people who are waway from their families, the lonely, the homeless, the soldier on the front line in Afghanistan. Please remember them all in your prayers. Have a joyful and happy Christmas and may God Bless you all.
Fr. Lyndon
Father Den
As I write this on the 1st December, I’ve just got back from my
first school Nativity Play and Concert of the season, at West End Infant school.
As always, the children were wonderful; very excited and enthusiastic. The nativity part of the afternoon was outstanding, simply because there was no script to follow. The teachers had told them the Christmas story and the children then shared their interpretation of the events of the first Christmas with us. It was faultless. There was Mary and Joseph, and the baby Jesus, the innkeeper, the shepherds, the angels, several stars and the wise men. Those who didn’t make it onto the stage became the massed choir. They all did brilliantly.
I came away thinking; ‘that is it now. There’s no going back. Christmas is coming.’ And there’s the problem. Christmas is coming. It isn’t here yet!
The season of Advent has only just begun and already our children are thinking ‘Christmas’. It’s not their fault. Neither is it the fault of our schools, who do a fantastic job. For weeks now the shops have been full of Christmas trappings and music. Every other advert on our TVs is to do with Christmas – ‘Order now to guarantee delivery before Christmas.’ We are left believing that we simply can’t manage this Christmas without this, or that, or the other. And all the time, this season of Advent is going unnoticed.
The hype of Christmas is retail based and I think it’s robbing our children, and us, of the full potential, not just of Advent, but of Christmas too. Advent is ignored and as a consequence there’s no opportunity to think about what is going to happen at the end of it. Nor is there the chance to consider what will happen when Jesus comes again at the Second Coming, at the Parousia, in his glorious majesty to judge the living and the dead.
And if we were allowed to wait properly for Christmas, I believe it would have more impact on everyone. As it is though, it gets diluted by going on for much too long, before and throughout Advent. By the time it does come around, most people are totally fed up with it. It’s exactly like celebrating the birth of a baby throughout the pregnancy, and as soon as the baby is born, totally ignoring it.
I really enjoyed the concert at West End today. The excitement of the children was contagious. I just wish that they could be exposed to the magic of anticipating the best Christmas present that any of them can ever receive.
I pray that you all have a lovely Christmas (when it comes) and a happy and healthy New Year.
Fr. Den
Reverend Annie
This has been my first Christmas as an ordained, full-time minister and it has been a wonderful and very busy experience! I have thoroughly enjoyed the many school carol concerts and nativity plays which I have had the privilege to attend and I defy anyone not to have a tear in their eye as they watch the littlest of children tell the stroy of the birth of Jesus. Their enthusiasm and joy are quite something to behold and I found it to be infectious too!!! It seems to me such a shame that this wonder and joy seems to disappear almost as soon as Christmas is over. The children do believe in Jesus Christ but how do we keep their enthusiasm for Him throughout the whole year? Now there's a challenge!!!!
I have also had the great privilege of conducting 'Carol Services' in Cherry Tree Care Home and in the Day Hospital in Caldicot. These too were joyous occasions which are immensely appreciated by all the residents, patients and staff.
But, it is the Christian message of hope that is most tangible in the presence of all those who came to the wide variety of services in our churches over Christmas that inspires me most. My prayer is that they continue that hope and the feeling and knowledge that God is walking beside them every day of their lives, remembering that 'Jesus is for life - not just for Christmas'.
With love - God Bless
Annie
Articles that our Clergy have written for our Parish Magazine 'The Beacon'.
Your Rector Writes
Our web co-ordinator Beryl has gone for a much needed leave of absence, so I apologise that our site has not been updated recently, hurry back Beryl.
It has been a busy time in the benefice for all of us who have returned from our summer holidays. The clergy of the diocese have been on a week's conference in Lille France. This was a time for spiritual renewal, and reflection. We prayed for our diocese and for the world wide church. We also visited the war graves of Flanders. Ypres the battle ground where tens of thousands lost their lives in the horror of trench warfare in the first world war was an especially moving place. Photos soon.
The Children's committee, led by Fr. Den and our youth officer Pam, recently lay seige to our historical castle in Caldicot. Over 250 children filled the castle with laughter and songs of praise. Again photos will follow soon.
Our benefice harvest services were succesful and tins of food stuffs were collected for the homeless of Newport.
Our curate Annie is settling into her new ministry.
My daughter Sarah has been filmed for a faith programme on MONTV (see links)
she explains her feelings regarding her recent trip to Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland. Sarah went on a day journey and for Sarah this was a real test of faith. Sarah's interview will be on MONTV in the next week or so.
School children have been using our site recently for their RE classes, and this brings us great pleasure.
Pray for us as we pray for you.
God Bless
FR. Lyndon
Recently ST. Mary's Church Caldicot was host to a special Churches Together event where the guest preacher was Terry Law. Terry is founder and president of World Compassion an international organisation which takes the Christian Gospel into some of the world's most difficult and dangerous places. World Compassion has taken the Gospel to the former Soviet Union and recently to countries such as Afghanistan and Iraq. World Compassion has touched millions of people with the love of Christ offering both compassionate programs and ministries around the world. Terry with the aid of DVD illustrated his work and told us how he received God's call for this special work. Terry spoke of the increase in number of Christians in countries such as China and Africa and the dangers his ministry team face in area such as Baghdad. Terry's message for us in Caldicot was to build up our faith and the best way to do that is to reflect on all the things that God has already done for us and to give God thanks. It is always better to go before God in prayer giving thanks and praise than go straight in with a "shopping list" of things that we desire of God. The service ended with a time of prayer for healing. A TV programme was made of this service and will soon be on our link to MONTV.
Thinking of healing some of our congregation along with myself and Bishop Dominic recently travelled to Lourdes (see pilgrimage page). It is amazing to join thousands Christians from around the world coming to the holy shrine for healing and personal renewal. While there we prayed for the church back home and we give thanks to God for things He has already done. Bishop Dominic celebrated the Eucharist every day and we joined the crowd of thousands in the daily candle light procession. You can read Bishop Dominic's thoughts on Lourdes in the diocesan newsletter or on the Church in Wales web site. We travelled from Wales to France to be at the place where great healing miracles have taken place, Terry travelled from the USA to bring his healing ministry to us. The Christian Church is indeed a moving church a church that should always be refreshed by streams of living waters, a church that should never be stagnant. A church that must be alive with fhe prayers and praise of those who follow Christ.
For all those who are preparing for their summer holidays, enjoy yourselves and have a well earned rest.
God Bless
Fr. Lyndon.
Being a parish priest and doing ones best to ‘be there’ when needed, I dread the phone ringing anytime after about 10:00pm. Human nature is such that we assume the worst, and image that someone has been taken ill and rushed into hospital. This is also the case, being a father and grandfather, or for anyone with aged, and increasingly infirm parents. So when the phone rang at 10:20pm one Monday evening in mid April, I left ‘News at Ten’ and approached the phone with trepidation. On the other end was our World Mission Officer, Irene Doull. Irene and Iain were hosting a visitor from our link Diocese in South Africa. Daphne was in Wales for a family wedding, and specifically requested to come out to visit us because of our strong relationship with the Diocese of the Highveld and more specifically, with our link parish of St. Peter’s Chain’s in Katlehong. We arranged for them both to come out to Portskewett on the following morning for the 10:15am parish Eucharist, to which also come years five and six from Archbishop Rowan William’s School. This was my inside of a week off after Easter, and Pam had agreed to lead the service on Tuesday, which suited everyone very well. Pam loves to take the service, and the staff and pupils love to see her. Irene and Daphne were made welcome by everyone in church that morning, whilst I stayed home and tidied around a bit, waiting for them to come back after the service for coffee. When they came back, accompanied by Moira and Frances the churchwardens, we spent a very pleasant hour chatting about our link, and of how important it is to us. Daphne was able to reassure us that our love and prayers for St. Peter’s Chain’s and the Highveld are very much appreciated down there in South Africa. Irene and Daphne then left to go to Archbishop Rowan William’s School to give a gift that Daphne had brought from home. It was humbling to learn that Daphne had specifically asked to visit us during her short (and private) visit to Wales. Her commitment to the link should inspire all of us to do whatever we can to strengthen our link with our friends in South Africa. We are currently seeking to determine how we can show our concern for them in a more tangible way, which is not to say that our prayers are not important and very much valued. It would be fantastic if we could one day invite someone from St. Peter’s Chain’s to come and spend more than just a couple of hours in the Benefice of Caldicot. So if you ring the vicarage after 10:00pm, be prepared for me to pick the phone up expecting only bad news, and then listen for the relief in my voice, especially if you are the bearer of good tidings as happened that evening back in the middle of April.
Fr. Den
We are all excited by the prospect of welcoming our new curate Annie Church who will be ordained as a deacon by Bishop Dominic in ST. Woolos' Cathedral at Petertide. Annie is of course no stranger to the Benefice, during her first year of study in ST. Michael's College Llandaff Cardiff, Annie was sent to us on a year placement. Everyone enjoyed Annie's warmth and her enthusiasm was contagious. A coach will be arranged for clergy and parishioners to travel to Newport for the ordination. Also being ordained as a priest is another student from ST. Mike's who had a placement with us. Since leaving us Revd. Victoria Ashley is enjoying her deacon year in the parish of ST. George Tredegar. Victoria, like Annie gave us great blessings during her time with us. Victoria is a huge fan of Cliff Richard, and she has already booked her tickets to see Cliff in concert in Cardiff later this year. So thinking of Cliff's big hit, we say Congratulations to both Annie and Victoria, and may God Bless them, and all those others being ordained into God's service.
Fr Lyndon
LED BALLOON
Fr Lyndon - March
"What shall we call the band?" Lots of muttering between band members. "We should have a name... so what's it going to be" Band members look at one another with blank faces. "All bands have a name, so what shall we call ourselves?" "Well one thing we can say the way this practice is going we'll never be as good as Led Zeppelin" The band members nod their frustrated heads at one another. The vicar forwards some useless information "Keith Moon of the Who, once told Jimmy Page the guitarist, who was starting a new band, that his new band would go down like lead balloon, his new band liked the sound of it and called themselves Led Zeppelin" The band look at their priest with signs of frustration. "We will never be as good as Led Zeppelin we are more like a lead balloon" The band stare at one another. "Yes that's it we are Led Balloon"
Led Balloon are not a heavy metal band, but more a Praise & Worship band, and as Sgt. Pepper once said: may I introduce to you its members. On guitar, lead vocals and compare is Steve (he still thinks that one day they will find a better name), on key board is Dorothy, Joanne plays guitar, Nick's on violin, Emily our youngest member is on clarinet and sax, vocals come from Bob, Heini and Cynthia being a Lay Reader gives the homilies, and interacts with the congregation with talks and prayers. Ernie (Dorothy's husband) and Mark (Joanne’s husband) are the soundmen and chief cooks etc. We also have guest appearances of young musicians, Jack on sax and Lucy and Emily on recorders. The band came about when Cynth felt a family service was needed in the afternoon, a service with a difference, a band lead service. She looked around our church and realised the musical talent was already there, a church member donated a keyboard, and rehearsals began. The family services which are held once a month are well attended and are greatly enjoyed by all, Led Balloon included. Recently they also gave an alternative worship service for Lent, a most enjoyable gig.
There is need in our church for a variety of services, the traditional organ music which we find in our Communion services, and also services which are more free expression. Led Balloon may not be as famous as Zeppelin but their hope is that you will be inspired and find a new and refreshing way to worship God.
The Bells of St Mary's
by Fr Lyndon - February
Recently, we opened Caldicot's St Mary's Church and bell tower to visitors. The open day was organised by our team of bell ringers, who enthusiastically allowed visitors to try their hand at both the large tower bells and also the hand bells. This event will soon be aired on Faith in Monmouthshire on MONTV. Campanology (bell ringing) is a traditional part of the music heritage of our country, and it is the sound of God's church to communities up and down our land. The oldest bell in our tower is the tenor bell, she is called Mary, and Mary is quite an old girl. She was cast in 1450, and she is famous for her decorative inscription. Mary has got seven younger sisters, and they all came into being in the 1850's. Our bells are said to be the best peel in the county. All the visitors had a good time, and all future visitors will be made most welcome. If there's anyone who like to try their hand at ringing why not get in touch with us. You need not be musical, you don't need to be able to read music, you just need to enjoy the company of new friends, and have a sense of fun. Next time you pass a church and hear a peel remember that you are hearing music that has been part of our heritage for hundreds of years. At weddings the bells are ringing for ‘me and my girl’, on Sundays they tell us that God's Church is ready for worship Their sound tells us that the Church is alive, it is active and the Church of God is proclaiming a message of Good News.
Written by Fr Dennis - January
2008 was to have been the year when the 5-year diocesan link with the Highveld came to an end. It was to prove to be a very significant year for many involved with our friends in South Africa. On a personal level, we in the Benefice of Caldicot will be eternally grateful for our link person, Lillian Chimpini at St. Peter’s Chains in Katlehong, our link parish. Lillian keeps us up to date with events in Katlehong and in the Highveld generally. We regularly receive from Lillian news on events, and wonderfully crafted PowerPoint presentations, which we then post on our web page, and sometimes, run on a laptop during our services in the benefice. With Lillian, Irene Doull, our Diocesan World Mission Officer, and the other Link Committee members, we continue to feel truly involved in the life and ministry of the wider Christian Church. 2008 started quietly enough – the usual good wishes – and assurance of prayers from our brothers and sisters in St. Peter’s Chain’s, then in February the news that Fr. Sindile Sithole, the Rector of St. Peter’s Chain’s had suddenly and tragically died, leaving a young widow Princess, and two young children, a daughter Thando which translates as ‘love’ and a son Luvuyo – ‘rejoice’. Fr. Sindile died on the 2nd February, but had already written a Lenten message for the people of St. Peter’s Chain’s and I was able to share his words with the congregation at the Requiem Mass that was held for him at Portskewett Church on 22nd February. Archdeacon Glyndwr celebrated and all our benefice team took part in the service. We are assured by Lillian that our prayers prior to and during the service were a great comfort to our friends in St. Peter’s Chain’s, and though it was a truly awful time, it proved that our prayers, support and love for one another is very worthwhile. As Christ’s love sustains us, so our love for one another can hold us up when life gets tough. The year held another sting when Bp. David also died soon after attending the Lambeth Conference, and we as a diocese will continue to be grateful for all that Bp. David achieved in his life and ministry.was fitting that, at the Diocesan Conference in October, conference voted unanimously to renew our link with the Highveld for a further 5 years. So much has been achieved in the past 5 years, and there is much more that can, and will be done. Here’s to the next five years. Thank God for our friends. Fr Dennis, Vicar, Rectorial Benefice of Caldicot
December 2008
This is a very busy time of year for most people a time to think about buying gifts, thinking of family and friends, all that is preparing for Christmas. This too is a busy time for the Church, because we are entering the season of Advent, a time of penitence, a time of preparation, as we begin a spiritual journey that takes us to Bethlehem and the nativity of Our Lord. Two years ago I journeyed on a pilgrimage to Bethlehem and felt the power of God in a very special way in the Church of the Nativity, an experience I shall never forget. This year my Bethlehem experience will be the services in Church, the Midnight Mass, celebrating Communion on Christmas Day. It will also be the journey through Advent, the Carols in the Castle and the Candlelight procession that proceeds it. We have produced a special Calender for 2009 with illustrations of our Church, we hope you will receive one, so that throughout the year you will remember us, as we pray for you. This year, I invite you all to our Advent and Christmas services and I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Fr Lyndon Harrison, Rector of the Rectorial Benefice of Caldicot
