Ash Wednesday Services

As the season of Lent approaches, we prepare ourselves for 40 days of reflection and spiritual growth. One of the most important events during this time is the celebration of Ash Wednesday, which marks the beginning of Lent.

If you’re looking for a meaningful way to start your Lenten journey this year, we invite you to join us for the Ash Wednesday in the ministry area.

We welcome everyone, whether it’s your first time stepping through our doors or you’ve been attending church since childhood, to join us for a meaningful service on February 14th. This service is an opportunity for reflection on our lives and mortality. We hope to see you there.

Through The Valley: Lent Readings

This book is written by Anglican clergy from the South Wales valleys and is meant for everyone who wishes to walk this season with God, which sometimes can seem like the valley of death. 

If you would like a hard copy please email matt@mynyddbedwellte.church or alternatively you can read online or download the pdf with the link bellow:

Through-the-ValleyDownload

Pop songs and Cathedrals 

What do pop song royalties and cathedral building tell us about how we could pray and think for our churches? 

Recently, the name Cat Janice has gained attention on social media for a heartbreaking reason. She is currently in hospice care, battling cancer. However, what’s amazing about Cat is that she is a talented songwriter, and she’s ensured that her son will be taken care of after she’s gone through the royalties earned from her music.

People worldwide have come together to support Cat by sharing, streaming, and playing her music, even though many of them have never met her. It’s a beautiful reminder that, as a community, we can come together to look after someone we’ve never met or seen.

This act of kindness reminds me of the concept of “cathedral thinking”. Cathedral thinking involves thinking beyond the present moment and considering the future generations who will inherit it. In the Middle Ages, people would construct cathedrals that took years and years to build, possibly well past the lifetimes of those who initially dreamed up the idea. Cathedral thinking asks us not just what we will get out of something now but what people will see in the future.

As Christians, to quote the Oscar Romero Prayer, “We are called to be workers, not master builders, ministers, messiahs, and prophets of a future, not our own.” We must take the long view and care for those we may never see with our words and actions. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This is a reminder that we must prioritise building God’s Kingdom where all are cared for, welcomed, and transformed by the grace of Jesus. Do we think about our churches and our faith as something on offer to people we may not know or never get to know because they are not even born yet? To care for those outside of our walls? To care for the strangers? 

Let’s pray that we build a cathedral of faith that survives long after we are gone, caring for those in need even when we may never meet them. May we, like so many supporters of Cat, inspire us to think beyond our desires and prioritise the well-being of others.

The Romero Prayer 

It helps, now and then, to step back and take the long view.

The Kingdom is not only beyond our efforts; it is even beyond our vision.

In our lifetime, we accomplish only a fraction of the magnificent enterprise that is God’s work.

Nothing we do is complete, which is another way of saying that the Kingdom always lies beyond us.

No statement says all that could be said. No prayer fully expresses our faith. No confession brings perfection. No pastoral visit brings wholeness. No program accomplishes the church’s mission. No set of goals and objectives includes everything.

This is what we are about.

We plant the seeds that one day will grow. We water the seeds already planted, knowing that they hold future promise. We lay foundations that will need further development. We provide yeast that produces effects far beyond our capabilities.

We cannot do everything, and realising that creates a sense of liberation. This enables us to do something and to do it well. It may be incomplete, but it is a beginning, a step along the way, an opportunity for the Lord’s grace to enter and do the rest. We may never see the end results, but that is the difference between the master builder and the worker.

We are workers, not master builders; ministers, not messiahs.

We are prophets of a future, not our own.

Link to article about Cat Janice: 

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/tiktok-musician-mother-cancer-song-b2484945.html

Link to Radio 4 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m000gl8n

Answering God’s Call: A Journey of Faith and Purpose

Introduction:

It’s not uncommon to question whether we’re on the right path. Especially if you’re my wife and we’re following my sense of direction. When doubt creeps in and the point of our journey becomes unclear, where do we turn for guidance? 

For many, the answer lies in prayer and a willingness to be open to God’s call. But that can be hard; sometimes, it even seems hopeless. So, whose story and what in the bible can help with this? 

The Story of Simon and Anna:

Luke 2:22-40 narrates the encounter of two faithful servants of God, Simon and Anna. Despite their advanced age, they remained dedicated to their divine calling. When Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple, Simon, filled with the Holy Spirit, recognized the Messiah and proclaimed, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation” (Luke 2:29-30).

A lesson from Simon and Anna’s story is God’s call can come at any stage, and we should always be prepared to respond. Even in old age, their commitment invites us to embrace our calling, regardless of age or circumstances.

Relating to the Characters:

As we reflect on the characters in the story of Jesus up to this point, we find aspects of ourselves in each of them. Like the shepherds, we may be ordinary individuals going about our daily lives, yet God can choose us to witness His miracles. Like Mary and Joseph, our journey might be complex and uncertain, requiring humility and obedience to God’s plan.

In their later years, Simon and Anna’s faithfulness reminds us that age doesn’t matter in serving God. 

Embracing God’s Unexpected Plan:

One intriguing aspect of Simon and Anna’s story is their acknowledgement of bringing salvation to the Gentiles despite being Jews, which is something which almost was not on their radar to consider. It is a good reminder that God’s plan often exceeds our expectations. Sometimes, He calls us to places or people we never imagined, challenging us to trust His perfect plan.

It’s natural to question the reasons behind our calling. In those moments, seeking clarity through prayer and reflection is essential. Acknowledging that God’s plan might not align with our immediate desires, we can trust that following His calling brings fulfilment and an authentic life with God—one of the purposes God gives us. 

Conclusion:

As we navigate life’s journey, let’s remain open to God’s call, wherever it may lead. Like Simon and Anna, let us be ready to serve God until the end, regardless of age or circumstance. Our calling may not always meet our expectations, but clarity will prevail when we encounter Jesus.

May we hear God’s voice and be prepared to respond to His plan for our lives, even if it takes us to unexpected places. Let us encourage one another in our faith, recognizing that God uniquely calls us to serve Him. May God bless and guide each step of our journey.

For those interested in exploring their vocation further, consider speaking to a clergy member or exploring your diocesan website for resources and guidance: https://monmouth.churchinwales.org.uk/en/prayer_and_spirituality/vocations/

The Power of Joy: Embracing God’s Gift in the Church

My daughter declared, “Dad, you’re too silly to be a vicar! It’s not in the church book.” Her very accurate description of me took me aback; it got me thinking – do we inadvertently send the message in church that joy is not allowed or that being lighthearted contradicts our faith? 

This exchange prompted a deeper reflection on the importance of joy within our spiritual lives and its role in being a vibrant and welcoming community.

Joy is a Gift of the Spirit

At the heart of the Christian faith is joy as a divine gift. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit, as mentioned in Galatians 5:22-23. Joy is not just an emotion we conjure up on our own; it is a gift from God, given to us through the grace of God. As believers, embracing joy is a reflection of our gratitude for this gift and a way of glorifying God in our daily lives.

In the same way, my daughter’s appreciation for my “silliness” serves as a reminder that joy, in all its forms, can be a beautiful expression of our unique personalities. It is not about conforming to a rigid set of expectations but about celebrating the diversity of God’s creation.

Joy and the Kingdom of Heaven

C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Joy is the serious business of Heaven.” showing us that joy is not a fleeting emotion but an integral part of God’s Kingdom. 

The Gospel often illustrates the importance of joy, mirroring the heavenly joy that awaits us. In Jesus’ first miracle, he turns water into wine at the wedding in Cana (John 2:1-11); Jesus provides abundance and continues the joyous celebration.

By understanding joy as a reflection of the Kingdom of Heaven, we begin to see its significance in our worship and communal life. A joyful church community radiates the love and grace of God, attracting others to experience the transformative power of faith.

Joy Illuminates the Good in Life

Joy becomes especially poignant in challenging times. It is a light that shines even in the darkest moments, enabling us to see the good in adversity. Reflecting on the positive aspects of life, even when facing difficulties, allows us to maintain a hopeful perspective.

To close 

As a parent, I’ve learned that my daughter values my joyfulness because it contributes to a positive and uplifting atmosphere at home. Similarly, within the church, a joyful community becomes a refuge for individuals seeking solace and encouragement in times of trouble.

Joy is not only permitted but encouraged within the realm of faith. It is a divine gift, a reflection of the Kingdom of Heaven, and a guiding light that helps us find goodness in all circumstances. As we embrace joy within our church communities, we enrich our spiritual lives and create a welcoming space for others to encounter the transformative love of God. So, let us joyfully celebrate the gift of joy, recognizing that it profoundly impacts our faith journey.

What Good Can Come From Nazareth?

Have you ever found yourself criticizing a place you live in or someone you know without giving them a chance? Or you’ve heard others talk about how terrible a place is, and it’s become your opinion too. It’s easy to fall into this trap. What if we gave those places and people a chance and looked at them differently?

Recently, I had a conversation with someone cleaning up the street on their own time and expressing how terrible the area was. I found it ironic that they were making the place better by cleaning it, but I still thought it was a bad place. After some chatting, we agreed to disagree. I started thinking about how easy it is to be down on the areas we live in and even ourselves in them.

This week’s Gospel reading tells the story of Nathanael, who had a similar negative view of Nazareth. When Philip tells Nathanael that he has found the one Moses wrote about in the Law and the Prophets – Jesus of Nazareth – Nathanael is sceptical and says, “Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?” Philip insists that Nathanael come and see for himself. When Jesus sees Nathanael approaching him, he declares he is a true Israelite with no deceit. Nathanael is amazed and asks how Jesus knows him. Jesus answers, “I saw you while you were still under the fig tree before Philip called you.” This convinces Nathanael that Jesus is indeed the Son of God.

Nathanael’s initial reaction to Nazareth was adverse, but he quickly changed his mind once he met Jesus. This passage is an excellent reminder that we should not judge people or places based on preconceived notions. We should always be open to new experiences and people and not let our biases blind us.

We all have our “Nazareth” – the places we look down on or people we judge without knowing them. But what if we examined our responses to them and gave them a chance? We can better understand our faith through personal encounters with God and his people. God is working in our world in unexpected places. If we look out for it, we join in with his actions.

Focusing on what is good and true is an essential reminder of where God wants our minds. Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” When we focus on those things, we encourage them, notice them, and, importantly, promote them in our lives and world, building a better world with God.

So let us not be like Nathanael and judge before we know, but rather be open to new people and experiences. Let us seek personal encounters with God and where he is working that will deepen our faith and understanding. Have you seen something extraordinary, holy, or exciting in an unexpected place? What place or person do you look at and wonder what good can come from that? Can you ask God to open your eyes to something unexpected?

The area we live in is wonderful it needs celebrating.

Buzzards and God- Lets spend time in nature – Ecochurch

Last year, I was driving along the mountain road towards New Tredegar from Tredegar; as I snaked up the pass, I went into a dense fog, the type that reminded you that you technically live up a mountain. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw the shape of something that shouldn’t have been because, at that point, on my right was quite a steep drop. I found a beautiful bird of prey, probably just a buzzard there. That glimpse woke me out of my hurried mind and into something bigger: how beautiful and unexpected the world is. It also made me want to thank God for the beauty of nature. As I drove, my eyes were opened to what I needed to do and the beauty around me, making me thankful for where I live and where I am. 

Do you take time to look up? From where you are driving to or even out of your window while washing up? We live in a beautiful part of the world, but we can get complacent and too busy to enjoy it. I encourage you to admire where you live, probably not while driving. (I want you to be safe). 

The Bible speaks of the nature of a place that speaks of God’s presence, like in Romans 1:20: “Since the world’s creation, God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” This passage shows that God’s beauty can be revealed in creation. After all, it’s all God’s handy work. 

I encourage you this month and year to look up to what is going on around you in nature. It is good for your health. A study found spending 120 minutes a week in nature had good health benefits.[1] so take time in nature, go on an adventure, take a short walk, or just find time to admire the beauty around where we live. 

For more ideas about what you can do, check out Arocha’s website: 

Ideas to help you enjoy nature this New Year

N.B.

Over the next year, we will explore this with our churches and look at ways to care for creation and help our churches be more ecologically aware. 

[1] White, M.P., Alcock, I., Grellier, J. et al. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and well-being. Sci Rep 9, 7730 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-44097-3

Reflecting on the Feast of Holy Innocents: A Call to Bless and Pray for Children

Today marked the Feast of Holy Innocents, a day dedicated to remembering the massacre of young children ordered by King Herod in an attempt to eliminate the newborn threat to his reign. While some may question the historical accuracy of this event, the significance lies in its symbolic reminder of the vulnerability of the innocent.

Bethlehem’s small size suggests that the number of children killed may have been small, perhaps in the 20s. Making it an event which is small compared to other heinous acts committed by Herod, this event is a reminder of God’s concern for the suffering of children.

We are reminded that to God, any little one who suffers it is like it is done to himself. Although earthly justice may evade perpetrators due to free will, Jesus tells us the consequences of harming children. He explicitly states that it would be better for someone to tie A millstone around their neck and throw themselves into a lake than to cause a child to stumble. Children hold a special place in God’s heart.

As we mark the Feast of Holy Innocents, one meaningful way to observe this day is by blessing our children, taking a moment to thank God for them and seeking God’s protection over their lives. It is also an invitation to extend that blessing and prayer to children worldwide.

Let us mark this day by reflecting on the importance of children in God’s eyes. This act, I believe, is an invitation to us to bless and pray for children everywhere. Remember children today who suffer in the Holy Land in fear of life and numb to destruction, in forgotten places and in our own country where they are victims of abuse and poverty.

May the Feast of Holy Innocents serve as a reminder that, in the eyes of God, every child is precious, and our responsibility to protect and care for them extends beyond our immediate circles. Today, let us unite in prayer, seeking God’s mercy and grace for all children and working towards a world where innocence is cherished and protected.

Image above is modern day Bethlehem.

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