Holy Week is not just something we remember, it’s something we step into.
It takes us on a journey with Jesus, from the joy of Palm Sunday to the sorrow of the cross, and finally to the hope of Easter morning. It invites us to slow down, reflect, and encounter God in a deeper way.
This year, we’ve created a simple Holy Week booklet to help you do just that.
Each day includes a short Bible reading, a prayer, and a reflection to guide you. It’s not about doing more, but about making space. Space to listen, to notice, and to walk with Jesus through his final days.
As you move through the week, you’ll be invited to ask honest questions: Will I follow when it’s costly? What am I holding back? Where do I need God to bring life?
And at the end of it all, we arrive at Easter. The tomb is empty. Jesus is alive. And hope is renewed.
Take a few moments each day. Step into the story. You may find it speaks more deeply into your life than you expected.
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are moments when grief, fear, anger, or despair seem to settle over us like darkness. In those moments it can feel as though we are alone.
But the Christian story tells us something different.
Throughout the Bible we encounter people who walked through deep darkness. Job wrestled with suffering and loss. Jonah struggled with anger and resentment. Elijah collapsed under the weight of exhaustion and despair. Jeremiah grieved for a broken people. Ezekiel stood in a valley of dry bones where hope seemed gone.
Each of them faced darkness. And yet each of them discovered something profound.
They were not alone.
This Lent, we are creating a space to reflect on these moments and to hear again the promise that even in the darkest places God is present. Our upcoming reflective service, Darkness, invites us to pause, listen, pray, and explore how hope can be found even when life feels heavy.
The service will move through powerful biblical reflections on despair, grief, hatred, hopelessness, and death, reminding us that even in the valley, God meets us there.
Ultimately the story leads us to Jesus. In the garden, on the cross, and even in the tomb, Christ enters fully into human darkness and transforms it through resurrection life.
As the service reminds us:
Even in the depths, He is there. Even in the silence, He speaks. Even in the grave, He brings forth life.
Join Us
Darkness – A Service of Reflection and Hope
📍 St George’s Church 📅 Sunday 22nd March 2026 ⏰ 6.30pm
This will be a quiet and reflective space for anyone who needs encouragement, prayer, or simply a moment to breathe and reflect.
Whether you are carrying grief, struggling with questions, or simply looking for peace, you are welcome.
Because even in the darkest moments, hope is not lost.
We are very pleased to announce that Ralph Aladese has been appointed as Team Vicar in the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area.
It has been some time since Ralph was first interviewed for this role, and it is a real joy to now see him stepping confidently into this new chapter as he completes his curacy. Over the past few years, many across our churches and communities have already experienced the energy, warmth and wholehearted enthusiasm that Ralph brings to ministry. He has a natural ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds, and we are thankful for the gifts he offers to God and to us.
Following his appointment, a small service took place in Bishopstowe to ensure that Ralph was formally licensed and able to take up his place properly within the Ministry Area. While that moment was simple and prayerful, we are looking forward to marking this new beginning more publicly and joyfully together.
We will be welcoming Ralph at our Ministry Area Service on:
Sunday 8 March 10.00am St George’s Church, Tredegar
This will be an opportunity to give thanks for all that Ralph has already done, to offer our congratulations, and to pray for him, JK and their three boys as they continue to serve here in South Wales.
Please do join us as we celebrate this important step in the life of our Ministry Area.
Lent is a season of reflection, honesty and hope. It is a time when we slow down, look inward, and look again at God.
We are really excited to begin our new Lent series of Matt & Ralph Talk with our first episode featuring Diana, a psychologist who joins us to explore the theme of forgiveness.
What does forgiveness actually do to us psychologically? How does it shape healing? Is forgiveness weakness, strength, or something far deeper?
Over the coming weeks we will be speaking with a range of guests, each bringing their own unique perspective and insight. Together we will explore themes at the heart of Lent, from forgiveness to death, from justice to hope. Some of our guests come from Christian faith, others do not, but each conversation invites us to think more deeply about what this season means for real life.
These are relaxed, honest conversations that make space for big questions and practical wisdom.
Next week we mark Ash Wednesday, the day that begins the season of Lent. Lent is a time of preparation, reflection, and renewal as we journey towards Easter and the celebration of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
On Ash Wednesday, Christians receive the sign of the cross in ashes. It is a simple but powerful act that reminds us of who we are, our need of God, and God’s deep love and mercy for us. Ash Wednesday invites us to pause, to turn back to God, and to begin again.
Lent is not about being hard on ourselves, but about creating space for God to work in us. It is a season that gently asks us some important questions. What needs to change in my life? What might I need to let go of? What could help me grow closer to God?
Many people choose to fast during Lent, giving something up that distracts or weighs them down. Others take something up, perhaps a habit of prayer, generosity, kindness, reading the Bible, or making time to rest. There is no single right way to keep Lent. The invitation is simply to be honest with God and open to His leading.
You are warmly invited to join us at one of our Ash Wednesday services across the Ministry Area as we begin this journey together.
Ash Wednesday Services
Wednesday 18th February
St Paul’s, Abertysswg 9am Morning Prayer and Ashing
St George’s, Tredegar 10am Ashing and Eucharist 6pm Ashing and Evening Prayer
St Dingat’s, New Tredegar 11am Ashing and Eucharist
Thursday 19th February
St David’s, Rhymney 10am Ashing and Eucharist
Whether you come regularly to church or are simply curious, you will be very welcome. Ash Wednesday is a chance to stop, reflect, and begin Lent together, trusting that God meets us exactly where we are.
“Bishop Cherry is delighted to share the wonderful news that Ralph Aladese has been appointed as Team Vicar in the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area.
It has been some time since Ralph was interviewed for this post, and it is a joy to now see him stepping confidently into this new chapter as he completes his curacy. Those who know Ralph will already be aware of the joy, energy, and wholehearted enthusiasm he brings to ministry. His natural ability to engage warmly with people of all ages will be a tremendous blessing to the communities he will serve.
Please join us in praying for Ralph, his wife JK, and their three boys as they settle into the security and familiarity of remaining in South Wales. May this new season be filled with encouragement, growth, and God’s abundant grace.”
From Rev Matt
As Ministry Area Leader, I am delighted to add my own thanks and encouragement. Ralph has been a real feature of our churches over the last couple of years, and this appointment is a clear testament to his hard work, faithfulness, and dedication to the people and life of our Ministry Area. In many ways, he has already been assuming this role and has grown naturally into it, learning, serving, and leading with care. His energy and enthusiasm are a real gift among us. Please continue to support Ralph, Jk, and the boys in your prayers, as we will do as a Ministry Area, as he continues to grow in this ministry. We will be announcing shortly how Ralph will be licensed and formally welcomed into the M
Christmas is almost here, and you are warmly invited to celebrate with us across the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area. Whether you are a regular worshipper, visiting family, or simply looking for a place to pause and reflect, our churches are open to you this Christmas.
Christmas Eve Services
St Paul’s, Abertysswg 🕘 9.15am Begin Christmas Eve with a gentle act of worship. This service offers space to pause, pray, and celebrate the good news of Christmas as the day begins.
St David’s, Rhymney 🕒 3.00pm – Christmas Eve Mass Celebrate the birth of Jesus in this traditional and joyful service.
🕓 4.00pm – Family Christmas An all age telling of the Christmas story with a bit of Christmas chaos, plenty of laughter, and lots of joy. Perfect for families and those who like Christmas a little lively.
St Dingat’s, New Tredegar 🕕 6.00pm – Midnight Mass A beautiful and reflective service celebrating the birth of Christ, offering space for prayer, music, and stillness as Christmas begins.
St George’s, Tredegar 🕕 6.00pm – All Age Christmas Eve Event Because it was not a very silent night. A fun, welcoming, and all age celebration of the Christmas story.
🕦 11.30pm – Midnight Mass Gather late into the night to welcome Christmas together in this special and meaningful service.
St Sannan’s, Bedwellty 🕚 11.00pm – Midnight Mass A quiet and holy moment as Christmas arrives. A service marked by stillness, candlelight, and wonder.
Christmas Day Services
Christmas continues on Christmas morning, and you are welcome to join us.
St Dingat’s, New Tredegar 🕙 10.00am – Christmas Day Service
St George’s, Tredegar 🕙 10.00am – Christmas Day Mass A simple and joyful service with carols, celebrating Christ’s birth together.
All Are Welcome
Whoever you are, and wherever you are coming from, you are welcome. Come and celebrate Christmas with us across the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area.
Christmas does not end on Christmas Day. The Church gives us twelve days to sit with the wonder, the joy, and the deep truth of God with us.
On Sunday 28th December, we will gather as one Ministry Area to celebrate the First Sunday of Christmas together.
This will be a shared service for all our churches, a chance to slow down after the busyness of Christmas and to worship together as one family.
Service Details
📅 Sunday 28th December ⏰ 10.00am 📍 St Sannan’s Church, Bedwellty
This will be the only service in the Ministry Area that day, and everyone is warmly welcome.
Whether you have been at every service this Christmas or this is your first time stepping through the doors, you are invited. Come as you are, bring a friend, and join us as we continue to celebrate the light of Christ among us.
In 2026, our Ministry Area will gather several times through the year for Together Services. These are special occasions when we come together from across all our churches to worship in one place as one community.
Each service is shaped by the Values of the Diocese of Monmouth and gives us an opportunity to reflect, pray, worship and connect around what it means to live out our faith in everyday life.
Whether you are a regular worshipper, new to church, or somewhere in between, you are warmly invited.
Our Together Service Dates for 2026
All services begin at 10am and are followed by refreshments.
Sunday 8 March Love Generously St George’s Church, Tredegar
A service centred on love as the heart of Christian life. We will reflect on what it means to love generously in our communities, families, churches and everyday interactions.
Sunday 31 May Courageous Joy St Sannan’s Church, Bedwellty
A celebration of joy that is deeper than circumstances and courage that grows from faith. This service will focus on holding joy and bravery together as part of Christian living.
Sunday 30 August Humble Integrity St David’s Church, Rhymney
A service exploring what it means to live with honesty, faithfulness and humility. We will reflect on the challenge and freedom of integrity shaped by Christ.
Sunday 22 November Gratitude Gathering St Dingat’s Church
A service to give thanks for all that has been and to pause in gratitude as we approach the end of the church year. A chance to reflect and give thanks together.
Sunday 27 December First Sunday after Christmas St Paul’s Church, Abertysswg
A quieter, reflective service in the Christmas season as we gather again to worship and look ahead with hope and thankfulness.
Built on Our Diocesan Values
These services are not random dates in the diary. They are intentionally shaped around the diocesan values that guide how we live and grow as Christians:
Each Together Service explores these values through scripture, worship, prayer and community life. Our hope is that these gatherings help us reflect not only on what we believe, but how we live.
One Church, One Family
These services are about more than logistics and schedules. They are about connection. They are about remembering that we belong to one another across our churches and communities.
Everyone is welcome. No experience or prior knowledge needed. Just come as you are.
Put the dates in your diary and plan to join us. Come and worship together. Come and reflect together. Come and share fellowship.
As we step towards Advent this year, we invite everyone across our Ministry Area to come together for one shared service of worship.
On Sunday 30th November, there will be one service only across the whole Ministry Area:
Ministry Area Service St Dingat’s Church 10.00am Theme: Awaiting Advent
This will be a special opportunity to gather as one church family, to pause, pray, and prepare our hearts as we enter the season of Advent together. Advent is a season of waiting and watching, of hope growing in the darkness, and of making space for God to speak afresh into our lives. This service will reflect that theme and mark the beginning of our Advent journey as a Ministry Area.
Please note
There will be no other services anywhere else in the Ministry Area on this Sunday. This is the only service, and everyone is warmly encouraged to attend at St Dingat’s.
Need a lift?
If getting there is difficult, you are not on your own. If you would appreciate a lift to the service, please let us know and we will do our best to arrange transport for you. Simply get in touch with us via the website or speak to someone in your local church as soon as you can.
We would love to see as many people as possible there as we begin Advent together. Whether you come every week or only occasionally, you will be very welcome.
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