Author: stmelangell_l5nfea

Posted on

Sunday reflection

Reflection for John – Apostle and Evangelist

Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.  From John 21: 19b-25, NIV.
Millions to receive Oxford jab from Jan 4 – Sunday Telegraph.
It may seem strange that, just two days after Christmas, today’s reading features the last verses of St John’s Gospel to do with the end of Jesus’s earthly ministry at a time when his birth is still being celebrated. That’s because the Church honours today the person whose Gospel has inspired so many, whether or not John the Apostle and John the Evangelist are one and the same. John was one of the sons of Zebedee who followed Jesus and was present at the Transfiguration, the last supper, the agony in Gethsemane and stood at the foot of the cross with Mary. Called the beloved disciple, he was a witness to the resurrection and was later exiled to Patmos, probably because of his writing – particularly in Revelation where mention of the beast was thought by many to be referring to the Roman Emperor. From the earliest days, the Roman Empire tried to suppress Christianity and, at a time when so many are still facing persecution and exile, John’s exile may hearten those experiencing it today. 
John’s Gospel refers to the many other things Jesus did that are not actually written down and which are now unknown. As the mammoth task begins to carry out Covid vaccinations for so many millions of people and implement the Brexit trade agreement with Europe, amidst the publicity and known documentation there are many other things which have also been done to facilitate this, of which we may also not be aware. It’s not only the scientists and politicians but also the suppliers providing not just the vaccine but the personnel, needles, phials, cotton wool, plasters, cartons, PPE, fridges, transport, storage……… so many requisites and lives that are entwined and involved, knowingly or unknowingly. Many unseen personnel have been involved in the Brexit negotiations too and the costly complexity was quickly shown in the queues that recently speedily built up near Dover, with so many drivers being stranded and kept away from their own families whilst bringing or taking to others the goods and items that it can be so easy to take for granted. 
There must have been unseen people and shadowy figures helping or hindering Mary and Joseph too at the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Did the unknown innkeeper supply food as well as accommodation? Was there a midwife who assisted at the birth? Did the kinsfolk who must also have been in their home town help or stay away through social embarrassment – why could no room be found even for a relative about to give birth? Who helped the family as they fled to exile in Egypt when Herod had so many innocent children massacred and how did the parents and soldiers cope afterwards when forced to live with such terrible memories? 
If every one of these things was written down, writes John, there would not be enough room in all the world and yet, would it make any difference to our response today as massacres still continue, innocents are killed, vaccines are developed and help is both needed and supplied by the unknown people whose actions affect our lives with or without us being aware of it? Each of us will also affect countless lives by what we say, do or buy and, as the Brexit trade agreement with 1,200 pages is published so late in the process, spare a thought for those who, unseen by so many, had to redraft it and then put it online or suddenly supply the paper and folders, print and circulate it. Perhaps one of the things to be thankful for as we continue to seek meaning in this complex world of ours is that we don’t all have to read it!
With my prayers,
Christine
Posted on

Christmas Reflection

Reflection for Christmas Day
“Do not be afraid; I bring you good news” – from St Luke 2:1-14.
 
Cymru, sicrhewch eich bod yn cael eich cyfrif

Wales, make sure you are counted – envelope of the 2021 census documentation.

It was one of those lovely coincidences that the envelope bearing the above words should arrive here on Christmas Eve, a reminder of the census two thousand years ago that was the reason for Joseph and Mary’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted. Coinciding also with the Great Conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter, the planetary event which some have likened to the Star of Bethlehem, there are resonances of the Gospel accounts in the events of today as Christmas is celebrated in the challenging circumstances facing us all. 
Then, there was no room to be found in Bethlehem, but many stranded lorry drivers recently found there was no room for them in Dover either and that they wouldn’t get home for Christmas. Threats of food and other shortages seem to have faded now that a trade agreement has been reached with Europe but, with many families’ plans suddenly disrupted, the daily drip of doom and complaint seems to have rocketed recently. Yet, into this uncertain situation, still the angelic voice which spoke to the terrified shepherds speaks to us today as the birth of Jesus is celebrated once more. Then, as now, the good news is proclaimed that a Saviour has been born in Bethlehem – and it was announced to those who were able to hear the message through being out on the hillsides looking after the sheep rather than mingling with others. 
This year, the pandemic means that many are alone or forced to have a quieter Christmas than usual and that some families are mourning the loss of loved ones or anxious about the future. However, it may be that the sudden curtailing of the usual festivities might make us all reconsider what is important in our lives and what we so often take for granted. Into our confusion, fear and isolation comes the voice of hope once more telling us that God is with us, Emmanuel, and that there is good news amidst all the woes. Where might that good news be for each one of us – what makes you rejoice this Christmas? 
We have a choice, like those shepherds, who could have refused the invitation to see for themselves – amongst the unexpected developments we are all facing, this quieter Christmas, we may be confronted with the silence that forces us to face up to what we may usually be able to drown out with noise and socialising. If we choose to, we may find the courage not to be afraid but to look for where the good news and hope might be in the quieter joys facing us. That may enable us not only to hear the song of the angels in our hearts but also to join in the ancient hymn of praise:
“Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace.”
With my prayers,
Christine
Posted on

Covid Update: Church closed during Lockdown

Dear all,

After careful consideration of everyone’s safety and examination of the new guidelines from the Church in Wales and Welsh Government, the difficult decision to close our doors during the lockdown has been made. Online services will be available for those who wish to join us, so please get in touch if you would benefit from this.

We look forward to welcoming you back when it is safer to do so.

With our prayers,

Christine and all at St Melangell’s Church and Centre

Posted on

Sunday Reflection

Reflection for the 4th Sunday of Advent
“She was much perplexed by his words… The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid……. Then Mary said, “…Let it be with me according to your word.” From Luke 1:26-38, NRSV

“Christmas plans cancelled….. the announcement prompted a rush to the train stations with thousands attempting to leave before the restrictions came into force.” 
News Announcer
“Just a couple of days before Christmas they’re doing this? This is crazy!” Pedestrian.
Today’s Gospel focuses on a young woman hearing the sudden announcement of perplexing news from an unexpected messenger in an intervention that disrupts not only her life but that of her immediate family too. Consternation at first results but then Mary is able to find the strength to accept what is happening to her and, as a result, enables hope eventually to be fulfilled in the birth of the Christchild. Perhaps her example may hearten us as we face the unexpected announcement that lockdown is now being implemented in Wales once more and at very short notice. 
It may seem to us, hearing the story once more in these straightened circumstances, that acceptance was easy for Mary as a person of faith living in simpler times without the technology that now communicates announcements instantly to so many. Yet Mary’s pregnancy before marriage would have brought shame to her household which was one of the reasons why she went to stay with her cousin Elizabeth, an older woman also coping with an unexpected pregnancy. Mary’s fiancé, Joseph, was so perplexed at her story of the angel’s visit that he thought she was mentally ill and wanted to shut her away until he, too, had an unexpected change of heart following an astounding announcement in a dream. This was after Zechariah, an older priest, was struck dumb in the temple when he understandably struggled to accept that, at his age and with a barren wife, conceiving a child could be possible. And yet, it was so! Their eventual acceptance of such an unexpected intervention led to the birth of John the Baptist and the restoration of Zechariah’s speech as he and Elizabeth came to terms with such astounding events. Perhaps their example may give us food for thought, too, as we try to come to terms with governmental interventions and unexpected announcements in our lives. 
Governmental intervention also affected Joseph and Mary who, in the later stages of pregnancy, had to travel to Bethlehem when Governor Quirinius was implementing the registration for the census required by Emperor Augustus. Bethlehem Ephratha means not only little Bethlehem but insignificant Bethlehem, about four days’ journey away – who would have thought that the Messiah would be born there rather than in some more splendid setting? How did Mary and Joseph manage whilst travelling, where did they stay en route and how did they cope with a birth away from home? None of this is known, but the irony is that, although there was no room when they arrived and a manger served as the infant’s cot, today there is plenty of space for travellers as Bethlehem is also affected by the worldwide spread of Covid-19. Spare a thought, too, for those people frantically trying to get home before the restrictions began and who may find themselves stranded later on or leave others isolated at short notice due to the unexpected announcement from the government. 
Today, our plans may have been disrupted by governmental decrees but these sudden announcements come in the midst of renewed perplexity as, despite preventative measures, the virus not only multiplies but mutates. It’s a costly, painful business and, having only seen my mother once since March and not being able to be with my family over Christmas, I write these words to myself too. Yet, as plans and services are disrupted and so many are sad, once again the carol that the American priest Phillips Brooks wrote after a visit to Bethlehem rings out with words of hope for us all as the angel’s words, “Do not be afraid,” speak to our hearts today as well as Mary’s then. If we, too, can find the courage to accept these changing circumstances and to look for where the good and hope may be in it all, then there will also be unexpected blessings spreading amongst us this quieter Christmas, despite the perplexity of unanticipated events due to the pandemic:
“Yet in thy dark streets shine the the everlasting Light
The hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight….
How silently, how silently the wondrous gift is giv’n
So God imparts to human hearts the blessings of his heav’n.”
With my prayers,
Christine
Shrine Guardian.
Prayer for the week
God in heaven, may the flame of an Advent candle remind us of Mary, Mother of our Lord, who quietly accepted her role in the story of salvation. As we look forward to the birth of Jesus, may we learn to be humble and kind and to trust you at all times, God for ever and ever. Amen.
Canon Robert Townsend

Advent Prayer For Wales:The Bishops are inviting everyone to join them in prayer every evening at 6pm until Christmas Day. Heavenly Father, in the midst of a troubled world, you are light and life. Send us your healing for those who are ill, your strength for those who are suffering, your compassion for those who grieve, and your courage for those who work for the healing and service of others. Bless our nation of Wales with the life-giving spirit of your love, and grant us your mercy, [revealed in the person of Christ your Son]. Amen.

Posted on

Sunday 20th December Service changed to online service

Dear all,

Following the emergency lockdown for the whole of Wales last night, we have decided it is wise to change today’s service from a Sunday service in the Church to a online service via zoom. Access will be via the usual Sunday service link.

We will provide a further update soon regarding changes during the lockdown period.

With our prayers,

Christine and all at St Melangells

Posted on

Advent Resources and Christmas card from St Asaph Diocese

Below you will find links to Bishop Gregory’s pastoral letter for this week and the Advent resources from St Asaph Diocese, including the 2020 Christmas Card and advent calendar.

11 Dec: The Light Still Shines: A Pastoral Letter for December from the Bishop of St Asaph to all the faithful of the Teulu Asaph.

https://dioceseofstasaph.org.uk/advent-and-christmas/

11 Rhagfyr: Mae’r Goleuni’n Dal i Dywynny: Llythyr Bugeiliol ar gyfer mis Rhagfyr oddi wrth Esgob Llanelwy at holl ffyddloniaid Teulu Asaph.

https://dioceseofstasaph.org.uk/advent-and-christmas/?lang=cy

 

Posted on

December and January Services

Will there be Zoom at the Inn?

No-one knows how things will be by Christmas or January and it may be feasible to hold church activities online – but what if there’s so much demand that the technology can’t cope and there’s no Zoom anywhere, never mind room at the Inn? It’s a strange time for us all – and so it was the first Christmas. “Glory to God in the highest” was the song of the angels – but it was heard by the lowest, shepherds who were isolated. Christmas is a time of hope – but the first involved huge loss of life when so many children were killed. This year, if families can gather, many will be mourning the loss or absence of their loved ones due to Covid-19. Carol singing won’t be possible in church so We three Kings of Orient aren’t – how can there be hope in these circumstances?
It’s because, at the birth of Jesus, the divine comes to us without any social distancing. Born as a helpless baby needing care, Jesus was put into human hands – just as we sometimes have to put ourselves or loved ones into the hands of the NHS or other key workers, giving or receiving a helping hand ourselves at times too. That first Christmas, unexpected things were happening as a new way of living began while people were perplexed, isolated and sad. So it is today and, still, there can be hope. If we look for it!
May Advent bring hope, Christmas its blessings and 2021 a fresh start for us all,
Pob bendith, Christine, Jampa and all at St Melangell’s.
 
December and January Services
Thurs. Dec. 2nd, 11am: Online Advent group – the unexpected event

Second Sunday of Advent, 6th, 3pm: Online Service of reflection – unexpected news
Thurs. 10th, 11am: Online Advent group – the unexpected visitor

Third Sun. of Advent, 13th, 3pm: Church Service of reflection – the unexpected child 
Thurs. 17th, 11am: Online Advent group – the unexpected town
 
Fourth Sun. of Advent, 20th, 3pm: Christmas readings and music – unexpectedly!
Christmas Eve, 24th, 3pm: Crib Service – If you’d like to come as a character or animal in the Nativity story, please do – bringing a torch with you!

Christmas Day, 25th, 9.15am: Christ Mass

First Sunday of Christmas, 27th, 3pm: Online service – can New Year be a fresh start?

Second Sunday of Christmas, 3rd January, 3pm: Online service – Jesus the refugee

Wednesday 6th, 11am: The Epiphany – Church service

The Baptism of Christ, 1Oth, 3pm: Church service and renewal of baptismal vows
Thursday 14th, 11am: Online discussion group – Name and identity

Second Sunday of Epiphany, 17th, 3pm: Christian Unity – online service
Thursday 21st, 11am: Week of prayers for Christian Unity – online discussion group

Third Sunday of Epiphany, 24th: Online service – Do miracles still happen?
Wednesday 27th, 11am: Holocaust Memorial Day – online discussion group
 
Fourth Sunday of Epiphany, 31st, 3pm: Church Service marking Candlemas

These services are provisional and will be held according to the relevant Government and Church in Wales guidance at the time. For confirmation, please ring 01691 860408, check at stmelangell.org or contact guardian@stmelangell.org 
 
Thank you – diolch!
Posted on

Advent reflection

Reflection – Advent 2 

 “I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way: the voice of one crying out in the wilderness……..” John the Baptist, in Mark 1:2,3, NRSV.

“Help is on its way…… we’ll be ready from the start of next week.” Matt Hancock, Health Secretary, proclaiming the coming of the vaccine.

“There is barely any time left……. Four and a half years on from the referendum, we are now approaching the end.” Chris Mason, political commentator, on the Brexit trade deal. 

St Mark’s Gospel begins with a voice crying out in the wilderness and urging those who hear it to prepare the way of the Lord, echoing the call of the prophet Isaiah. The news is both ancient and yet current as the figure of John the Baptist cries out in the desert to make the paths of the Lord straight and people from both the countryside of Judea and the city of Jerusalem flock to him.

In the wilderness of the pandemic experience, whether in rural or urban settings, most people in the UK have not been able to flock anywhere during lockdown and the streets, shops and pubs have been deserted in many places. Many voices in this desert have been heard crying out in support, criticism, warning or guidance regarding both the unexpected news that the anticipated vaccine is ready sooner than many anticipated and that new issues in these final days could mean that it may not be possible to meet the imminent deadline for the talks to establish a Brexit trade deal with the EU. It’s also suggested that the RAF may have to fly in the vaccine to avoid ports adversely affected if there is no trade agreement and that 35% of those eligible may refuse the vaccine, which could affect herd immunity. The work of many people from scientists and lab technicians to volunteers, bureaucrats and drivers has gone into ensuring that the vaccine is on its way and may help to save lives, jobs, the NHS, the economy, hospitality, theatres …… But what might be the risks in the supply chain, the vaccine’s efficacy and the local as well as worldwide consequences for people, nations, governments and the accompanying bureaucracy at this complex time of such change? 

We shall have to wait and see – an appropriate response during Advent, the season of waiting for plans to be revealed. The first doses of the vaccine are already in the UK – but how long will it take to immunise the population here and be rolled out across the world? The complexity of the task is mind-boggling – but still the voices call, unseen skills and hands assist and the way is being prepared, mountainous though the task may seem. What a challenge and what a time we are living through! John the Baptist calls us all to repentance – but also reminds us of the coming of both Jesus and the Holy Spirit, with whose help we may find strength and possibilities as yet unknown. What is our response to that call today? Perhaps there are small, as well as great, things that could be done to help smooth the way ahead for ourselves and others in these perplexing and complicated times?

Advent invites an inner journey that can be painful, lonely and frightening but, if we allow it, also involves an adventure that can lead to different views and a new way of being and living. It may depend on whether we listen to God’s call in the cacophony of noise and clamour that so often surrounds us. Amidst all this, why not respond to the call of the bishops and unite with countless unseen others to pray the following prayers at 6pm, not only for Wales but for the people and countries who come to mind? Who knows where that may unexpectedly lead us all?!

Advent Prayer For Wales:

The Bishops are inviting everyone to join them in prayer every evening at 6pm from now until Christmas Day.

Heavenly Father, in the midst of a troubled world, you are light and life.

Send us your healing for those who are ill,
your strength for those who are suffering,
your compassion for those who grieve, and
your courage for those who work for the healing and service of others.
Bless our nation of Wales with the life-giving spirit of your love,
and grant us your mercy,
[revealed in the person of Christ your Son]. Amen.

 

Prayer for the week:

God in heaven,
may the flame of an Advent candle
remind us of brave people
who have shone your light in dark times and places.
Strengthen us to be your messengers today,
never afraid to call out injustice,
but always pointing towards Jesus,
your Son, our Lord and Saviour. Amen.

Canon Robert Townsend

Posted on

Bishop’s Reflection and Message

Hello everyone,

Today’s reflection comes from Bishop Gregory, who has asked that his Advent message be read or sent to all. It comes with a link to the Diocesan online Advent Calendar, which has been put together by the Communications Officer, Karen Maurice, and will be available from 1st December. This can be found at: https://dioceseofstasaph.org.uk/advent-calendar/

May Advent bring its blessings and hope as we look for light in the darkness,

Christine

Guardian of the Shrine Church of St Melangell.

 

Bishop Gregory’s Advent Message 2020

When I spoke to you in my Advent message last year, my message was one based upon hope; the idea that Jesus says to us that when things are going wrong or are difficult we should lift up our heads and look to see where God is at work amongst us. 

I couldn’t have imagined then, none of us could have imagined, what was ahead of us in 2020 and the fact that this year has been dominated by the virus almost to the exclusion of everything else.  It’s amazing even Brexit has taken a back seat to the way in which we have responded to the virus.

My first thoughts go to all those who have suffered because of the virus. Those who have died or those who have lost family members. Those who have found themselves almost imprisoned in their own homes or through fear because none of us can truthfully know what is around the corner. And yet, our diocese has survived, has been resilient in the face of this crisis. Mission Areas have rallied around. The different levels of the church, Mission Area Diocese and Province have worked together to overcome the difficulties set before us. Clergy have been amazingly inventive on online worship and finding new ways with their congregations to look after those who need care or those who are needy of a good meal or friendly support at a time like this. I am proud of what the Teulu Asaph has achieved and thank you for the part you have played. 

Now we come to Advent and then to Christmas. It’s almost certain this Christmas will be a Christmas like no other when all the usual plans have to be set aside. Maybe our family won’t be joining us this year; maybe we won’t be able to do what we usually do and keep those family traditions. And church will be very different as well. We won’t be able to fill the church for the midnight mass or for the carol service or Christingle this year. And that may make you very sad indeed.

I want to return to the theme of hope, and I want to return to the good news that Christmas gives us; of a God who loves us and a God who is on our side. I want to return to the message of Christmas, that says when the baby was born in Bethlehem God came to live amongst us and that He promised that He would remain amongst us to encourage, to inspire, to build a future. And that means that as a church, as the people of God, as those who believe and follow Jesus, that we want to be this Christmas, people of light. People who in the midst of the darkness will bring hope and love and joy and peace to those whom we encounter. And yes, we won’t be able to do it in the usual way. We won’t just be able to invite people in and sing with them or preach to them. We shall have to find new ways of getting our message across, of going out of our way to deliver goodness to people’s homes even those we can’t spend time with them. We shall have to find new ways of passing on the gift of peace that comes at Christmas.

I know from the conversations I have had with many of the clergy and with many of the Mission Areas that there are a host of creative ideas out there, new ways of planting the message of Christmas. And I think that’s the challenge of us for this Advent: Not to do as we’ve always done but to think about how by gesture, by action, by online worship, by passing the message on, we can impart the message that God is on our side, that God has been born in the world for us, in a new way.

And it will be my prayer for you in our churches that that the spirit of God may touch you, may speak to you, may inspire you, may support you so that as we go through Christmas and face 2021 (and goodness knows what challenges that year may bring), as we go through Christmas and come to that new year we will know that we carry with us the hope of a saviour who loves us and the love of a God who serves us.  

May God be with you this Advent and Christmas. Amen.

Posted on

Sunday reflection

Christ the King

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these…. you did for me.’ “ Jesus, in Matthew 25:31-46, NIV.
“Shakespeare wrote about Richard III, Henry IV and Henry V. But…. those kings were all safely dead when Shakespeare wrote about them.” Andrew Roberts, historian. 
 
Today celebrates Christ the King, which happens amidst great controversy over the accuracy of the latest Netflix series about the current British Royal Family, The Crown, and the alleged subterfuge to gain the interview given to the BBC by Diana, Princess of Wales. Many people remember the Wales’ marriage and divorce which, with other issues, began to undermine the monarchy itself and the enquiry into how the interview with her was obtained may help to establish some of the truth about what happened. However, creating fiction such as a critical letter written by Lord Mountbatten to Prince Charles in a programme about real events has further distorted an already very complex situation, the resonances of which are still ongoing 25 years after Diana’s death. In The Crown, there were more than 500 factual errors in Series One alone but, as it portrays real people, some viewers may believe what is screened although the producers have already said that it’s not intended to be a documentary. These aspects of worldly rule have caused great controversy and all this, the ongoing challenges of the pandemic as Christmas approaches and the many other issues currently the focus of criticism and speculation in public life mean that truth, often multi-faceted, can be hard to establish and rumour becomes rife.
That was so for Jesus, when appearing before Pontius Pilate who questioned his Kingship and then asked “What is truth?”. That Kingship was mockingly confirmed by the crown of thorns given to him and the statement above the throne of his cross where it was written Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. Yet the reality is that, in Luke’s Gospel, the angel told Mary that “The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David and….his Kingdom will never end” and the Magi in Matthew’s account asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?”, upsetting the insecure King Herod in the process. There are many prophecies in the Old Testament about the coming King and David, one of Jesus’ ancestors, was just a shepherd boy before himself becoming a King of profound contradictions. 
So, the reference to sheep and goats in today’s Gospel is a powerful one, also with many resonances. Sheep and goats in the time of Jesus looked similar and often grazed together, though they would be separated at night as the goats with thinner coats were not as hardy and would need to be kept warm. The link with David is emphasised when John calls Jesus the Lamb of God, later sacrificed for his flock, and Jesus refers to himself as the Good Shepherd. In today’s parable, he reminds his followers that the sheep and goats will be separated and judged but that this will be done fairly, according to how they have acted towards those around them who are also part of the flock. There may be profound contradictions for us as we hear this and respond to, or ignore, those around us but Jesus reminds us that truth and justice will eventually prevail, no matter how unlikely it may currently seem. And, if earthly rulers or those in authority, much in the news or subject to public debate seem to be as full of profound contradictions as King David, isn’t that true of all of us and the human condition? The good news is that the King of heaven not only knows this but has experienced it  – he will truly be a fair judge of us and our actions when our time comes and we know his Kingdom come here on earth as it is in heaven. That is reflected in this poem written by Rev’d Kit Carter for Good Friday but also appropriate for Christ the King.
With my prayers,
Christine
Guardian of the Shrine Church of St Melangell.