On Saturday 4th July, St Sannan’s Church in Bedwellty will be turning back the clock for a day of medieval history, faith, and fun.

From 10am until 4pm, visitors of all ages are invited to explore the rich heritage of one of the oldest churches in the area through a variety of activities and experiences.

There will be armoured combat demonstrations, giving a glimpse into the life and skills of medieval warriors. Those interested in local history can enjoy a fascinating history talk and follow a history trail around the church and grounds, discovering stories from centuries gone by.

As a living church with a history stretching back over a thousand years, St Sannan’s will also host a special candlelit service using the 1662 Book of Common Prayer. This unique service offers an opportunity to experience worship in a style that has shaped Anglican spirituality for generations.

Throughout the day there will be food and drink available, opportunities to explore the church building, and plenty of activities for visitors to enjoy.

Whether you are interested in history, heritage, faith, architecture, or simply looking for a great family day out, there will be something for everyone.

St Sannan’s Medieval Day
📅 Saturday 4th July
🕙 10am – 4pm
📍 St Sannan’s Church, Bedwellty, Caerphilly, NP12 0BD
🎟 Free Entry

Come and discover the stories, faith, and community that have made St Sannan’s a place of worship and welcome for generations.

We look forward to welcoming you.

This week we gathered at St Sannan’s Church, Bedwellty, to explore the theme of Courageous Joy.

Joy is often spoken about as a feeling, something that comes when life is going well. Courage is often seen as something we need when life is difficult. Yet as Christians, we believe that these two things belong together. Courageous Joy is the spiritual strength to hold joy and courage side by side in everyday life.

It is not rooted in changing circumstances, ease, or success, but in trust in God’s unchanging faithfulness. It invites us to live with steady hope, even when life is uncertain, and to remain faithful when the path ahead seems difficult.

As we reflected together, we asked three simple but important questions.

What is the one thing you have or do that gives you joy?

The answers were varied. Some spoke about family and friends. Others found joy in nature, music, serving others, prayer, or simply spending time with God. It was a reminder that joy often appears in ordinary places if we are willing to notice it.

Has your faith ever been strengthened or stretched through change or challenging seasons, and what has that revealed about holding on to joy regardless?

Many of us know that faith is not formed in comfort alone. Times of change, uncertainty, grief, illness, disappointment, and challenge can deepen our trust in God. Looking back, we often discover that God was present even when we could not see it at the time.

These seasons teach us that Christian joy is not about pretending everything is fine. Rather, it is the confidence that God remains faithful, even when circumstances are not.

In what practical ways can we reflect a joy that encourages and strengthens others around us?

Joy is not something we keep to ourselves. A kind word, a welcoming smile, an offer of help, a listening ear, or a simple act of generosity can communicate hope to others.

In a world that often feels anxious and divided, people who live with genuine joy can become signs of God’s presence and love.

A Closing Reflection

Courageous Joy is the quiet strength to rejoice, trust, and continue faithfully. It is joy that does not retreat, and courage that does not despair.

Perhaps most importantly, Courageous Joy is not only personal. It can be contagious.

When we choose to trust God, when we continue to serve, when we encourage one another, and when we hold on to hope even in difficult times, others are strengthened too.

May we be people who live with Courageous Joy, rooted in Christ, strengthened by the Holy Spirit, and sharing God’s hope wherever we are.

It was a lovely time of discussion.

We also enjoyed delicious cake together!

These services celebrate all that Jesus is doing in our ministry area.

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.

And none of us walk alone.

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.

We would love you to join us for the journey.

🎧 Listen here:
https://linktr.ee/mattandralphtalk

Let’s walk through Lent together.

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.

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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.

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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.

We look forward to worshipping together.