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.

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.

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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.

We look forward to seeing you.

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.

As we step into Advent and approach Christmas, our churches across the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area are preparing to welcome our communities with joy, warmth, and celebration. Each of our churches has crafted its own programme of services and events, offering something special for every age and every household. Whether you are looking for traditional carols, creative family activities, quiet moments of reflection, or festive gatherings with friends, there is a place for you.

Below is a guide to what is happening at each church this December.

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St George’s Tredegar

St George’s offers a full and lively programme that brings together worship, creativity, and community celebration.

Darkness to Light
Sunday 30th November, 6pm
A beautiful service marking the beginning of Advent as we welcome the light of Christ.

Nativity LIVE
Saturday 13th December, 11am to 2pm
An interactive telling of the Nativity story with animals. A fantastic event for families.

Beer and Carols
Thursday 18th December, 7pm
Join the vicar for carols and a pint in a relaxed and friendly setting.

Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 21st December, 6pm
Nine Lessons and Carols in the glow of candlelight.

Follow the Star
Wednesday 24th December, 6pm
A Christmas Eve event for all ages.

Midnight Mass
Wednesday 24th December, 11.30pm
Celebrate the birth of Jesus at this special service.

Christmas Day Mass
Thursday 25th December, 10am
A simple and joyful Christmas morning service.

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St Dingat’s, New Tredegar

St Dingat’s blends tradition with festive fun, offering events for children, families, and the whole community.

Carols, Tree Lighting and Christmas Show
Tuesday 2nd December, 5pm
Featuring carols, festive refreshments, and a visit from Santa.

Community Christingle
Friday 12th December, 5pm
A joyful all age service celebrating Christ’s light.

9 Lessons and Carols
Sunday 14th December, 6pm
A traditional carol service.

Midnight Mass
Wednesday 24th December, 6pm
Come celebrate the birth of Jesus.

Christmas Day Service
Thursday 25th December, 10am
Celebrate together on Christmas morning.

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St Sannan’s, Bedwellty

A peaceful setting for those who love traditional Christmas worship.

Carols by Candlelight
Sunday 21st December, 6pm
A reflective service of Nine Lessons and Carols.

Midnight Mass
Wednesday 24th December, 11pm
Celebrate the birth of Christ in this beautiful late-night service.

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St Paul’s, Abertysswg

St Paul’s brings creativity and community together in a series of family friendly events.

Community Lantern Making
Tuesday 16th December, 6.30pm
Free lantern making workshop in Abertysswg Community Centre.

Carols in Church
Wednesday 17th December, 4pm
Nine Lessons and Carols for all.

Carols on the Green
Monday 22nd December, 6pm
Bring your lantern and torch. If it rains, we gather in the Community Centre.

Christmas Eve Service
Wednesday 24th December, 9.15am
Come celebrate the birth of Jesus.

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St David’s, Rhymney (Top Church)

St David’s offers a warm selection of services that blend remembrance, joy, and family celebration.

Memorial Carols
Monday 1st December, 6.30pm
A gentle space to remember loved ones at Christmas.

Beer and Carols at Farmers Arms
Wednesday 17th December, 6pm
Sing carols and raise a glass together.

Outdoor Carols
Tuesday 23rd December, 6pm
All ages welcome for carols, the Christmas story, and hot drinks.

Christmas Eve Mass
Wednesday 24th December, 3pm

Family Christmas
Wednesday 24th December, 4pm
A joyful and lively telling of the Christmas story.

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Join Us This Christmas

Across every church and every community, the message is the same: you are welcome. Christmas is a season of hope and light, and we look forward to sharing it with you through worship, song, creativity, and fellowship.

May this Advent and Christmas season bring peace to your home and joy to your heart.

This past weekend, churches and communities across the Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area came together to mark Remembrance Sunday — a time to honour those who fought and died in war, past and present, and to pray for peace in our world today.

From village greens to church memorials, from quiet prayers to public parades, it was deeply moving to see so many people come together to remember. Thank you to everyone who attended services, laid wreaths, led prayers, played music, or simply stood in silence. Your presence helped keep alive the memory of sacrifice and the hope for peace.

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✝️ Reflections from Rev Matt’s Sermon

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.
I do not give to you as the world gives.
Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.” — John 14:27

During our services, Rev Matt shared the remarkable story of Father Bernard Egan, a chaplain with the Parachute Regiment during the Second World War.

At Arnhem in 1944, Father Egan found himself pinned down by mortar fire. Across the street lay wounded men he longed to reach. Through the smoke, he saw Major Tatham-Warter walking calmly up the centre of the street holding nothing but an umbrella. Seeing the Padre, the Major crossed over, raised the umbrella above them both and said, “Come on, Father — you’ll be safe with me.”

It was an absurd sight in the middle of a war zone, yet it spoke of a peace born not of safety, but of hope — the calm that comes from courage and faith.

Father Egan lived that peace. He prayed with the dying, comforted the wounded, and carried Christ’s presence into the heart of chaos. Even after being wounded and captured, he continued to live out that same peace as a teacher, shaping young lives with gentleness and grace.

As Rev Matt reminded us, peace is not simply the absence of conflict, but the presence of God. It is found when courage meets compassion, when love overcomes fear, and when faith carries us through hardship.

“As we remember the fallen and those who served, we remember that peace does not come from victory alone but from the quiet strength of those who choose love over fear, service over self.
May the peace of Christ — the peace Father Egan carried through fire and fear — rest upon us too.
May it guide us to be people of courage, compassion, and faith in our own generation.”

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🕯️ Thank You

To all who took part in our Remembrance events — from the smallest acts of service to the public tributes — thank you. Together we remembered, we honoured, and we prayed for peace.

Let us continue to live as people shaped by remembrance — carrying forward not only gratitude for those who gave their lives, but the call to live with courage, compassion, and faith in our time.

Join Matt and Ralph, two vicars from the South Wales Valleys, as they explore faith, life, and everything in betweenthis Advent. Each week they’ll dive into one of the great themes of the season—Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love—through honest conversation and thoughtful reflection.

Together they’ll ask: What do these words really mean today? How do they shape how we live and see the world? And what might God be saying to us through them?

You’re invited to listen, reflect, and join the conversation along the way.

Listen and Subscribe:

Youtube: https://youtube.com/@mattandralphtalk?si=2N53oTZIqmAzHlQ8

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/…/matt-and…/id1847121688

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3XI5CxFp7pO7QfXkg3Lwri

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattandralphtalk

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AQdpbwJU8/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Facebook Conversation group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/17GhpGt52h/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Want to go deeper? Join our Advent Discussion Group here: https://mynyddbedwellte.churchsuite.com/events/kmbcpbex

As we approach a historic moment for the Church in Wales, we are invited to come together in prayer for the enthronement of Archbishop Cherry Vann, who will be installed as the 15th Archbishop of Wales at Newport Cathedral on Saturday 8 November 2025.

The days leading up to this occasion form a Novena — nine days of prayer — beginning on Friday 31 October and continuing until the enthronement itself. A novena is an ancient Christian tradition: nine days of focused prayer and reflection before a moment of celebration or renewal. This novena, titled Building Hope, has been prepared by the Dean of Newport, The Revd Ian Black, and draws on themes from Archbishop Cherry’s recent address to the Governing Body of the Church in Wales.

These reflections invite us to pray for:

• A church rooted in prayer
• A people who show love
• A commitment to reconciliation and service
• Integrity, hope, and courage for the journey ahead

Each day combines a Bible reading, a short reflection, and a prayer — connecting with themes like perseverance, power and accountability, and becoming more Christlike. The prayers remind us that faith is not just a private act but a shared journey: “Together we seek to be bearers of light and hope in our nation.”

Why Pray Now?

Moments like an enthronement are more than ceremonies. They are opportunities for renewal — for our leaders, our church, and for each of us. As Archbishop Cherry begins this new chapter of ministry, we are reminded that the Church’s calling is shared by all who follow Christ. Through prayer, we participate in shaping that future, asking that God’s Spirit would inspire unity, compassion, and courage across Wales.

How to Take Part

You can download and follow the Novena for the Enthronement booklet, using it day by day at home, in church, or as part of a group. Each prayer connects with the rhythm of the Church in Wales calendar and invites us to lift up both our Archbishop and the mission of the whole Church.

Whether you join for one day or all nine, your prayers matter.
Together we can help build hope — in our parishes, our communities, and our nation.

A Prayer to Begin

God of hope and joy,
Bless your Church as we seek to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ.
Strengthen Archbishop Cherry at the beginning of her ministry,
and through your Spirit, renew us to work for your Kingdom in word and deed,
to the glory of your name.
Amen.

Everyone is warmly invited to our Annual Vestry Meeting on Sunday, 27th July 2024, at 4pm!
We’ll gather at St Sannans Church, Bedwelly, for an afternoon of reflection, celebration, and fellowship.

📅 What to Expect:

• Share Your Stories: Let’s reflect on our journey through 2024! Bring your experiences, ideas, and hopes for our ministry.
• Celebrate Together: We’ll acknowledge our collective achievements and milestones over the past year.
• Time for Fellowship: Enjoy refreshments and meaningful connections with our community.

📊 Important Reading:

Before the meeting, please review our Annual Report and the Financial Accounts prepared by our accountant. These documents are attached below and provide a detailed overview of our ministry’s activities and stewardship. Your familiarity with them will help enrich our discussions!

Full accounts found below!

❓ Questions?

If anything in the reports needs clarification, or if you have topics you’d like addressed at the meeting, please reach out!
Contact Rev’d Matt Davis:
📞 07800 750259
✉️ Mattdavisciw@gmail.com

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Let’s make this a vibrant celebration of our shared mission!
Your voice matters—whether you’re a regular volunteer, a community supporter, or simply curious about our work. Come share, listen, and help shape our future.

We look forward to seeing you at St Sannans Church on 27th July!

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area
Together in faith, service, and community.

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Full accounts Full download: