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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.

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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

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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

 

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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!
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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

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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.

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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.

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Sunday reflection

Dear all,

”To one he gave five talents of money, to another two talents and to another one talent, each according to his ability.” Jesus in the parable of the talents, Matthew 25: 14-30

“Your voice is like liquid gold.” Simon Cowell, to a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent. 
 
The parable of the talents is a story told by Jesus about a wealthy man who entrusts his property to those who serve him before he goes on a long journey and gives them a gift of money according to their ability. Those who received five and two talents put them to good use and double what they were given but the third simply hides it, doing nothing.
In the time of Jesus, a talent was a considerable amount of money and the rich man shows great faith in his servants by giving them so much. On return, the rich man praises the others but is angry that nothing was done with the one talent, which could at least have been invested. Why was he angry, when the money was given according to ability? If the owner wanted a better return, why didn’t he give it to those more able?
It’s clear that the servant given one talent knows that the rich man doesn’t think much of him. He fears and dislikes him – and yet, he’s been given this opportunity to show what he can do and make a difference. The rich man has given him a chance – but, by doing nothing, he squanders any possibility of change and wastes the opportunity he’s been given. Is that brave and honest or foolish and lazy? 
When the rich owner returns, the servant can’t control his resentment and fear, telling his master what he thinks of him and his profiteering. He’s then asked why he didn’t try harder to impress his master – and he has no answer. So, what he’d freely been given is lost and given to the one who had most but used it. The lazy servant is thrown out and loses even what little he had, condemned while the able servant benefits from his loss.
There are times in life for all of us when the temptation to do nothing prevails or when we feel there’s no point in even trying to change someone’s mind or circumstances. Sometimes, resentment or fear, self-pity or laziness can prevent us from still trying to make a difference for ourselves or those around us if we become demoralised, jealous of others or obsessed with our own failure. It’s also clear, as Covid-19 continues, that this is sometimes to do with mental health matters and that the number of people with depression, anxiety attacks and other issues is increasing as restrictions continue. It can also be a life choice and a life style in choosing not to respond or use what is given. 
However, the servant blamed the master for his problems, even though he’d given him a chance, and by not taking the responsibility he’s been given, brought about the very thing he feared and made matters far worse for himself. He wasn’t condemned for not reaching the same amount as the others but because he did nothing with what he had been given. Don’t we do that too, sometimes?
Today, the word talent has come to mean the skills we’re naturally good at and the gifts we’ve been freely given. TV programmes like Britain’s Got Talent showcase a huge range of abilities from the mundane to the golden and many talents can be improved as well as coming naturally. During the pandemic, Covid-19 has given many the chance to use their talents for the benefit of others and there are so many instances of people doing this to encourage others – as well as making money from it and selling their book or DVD too! Amongst them are the elderly – centenarian Captain Sir Tom reminding us that tomorrow will be a good day, Margaret Payne doing a climb of Mt Suilven on her stairs at the age of 90 to raise £75,000 for charity and Paul Harvey, the pianist with dementia who, aged 80, is raising money for people with Alzheimer’s others through his lovely compositions. 
The good news is it’s never too late to use and develop new skills, change your mindset, make an effort or encourage others. Knowing and doing that is a talent in itself and a real gift that is so much needed in these hard times – it can bring its own spiritual riches, more precious than gold and a much wiser investment than money!
With my prayers,
Christine
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Remembrance

Remembrance
Gas! GAS! Quick boys! An ecstasy of fumbling
Fitting the clumsy helmets just in time,   
But someone still was yelling out and stumbling
And flound’ring like a man in fire or lime.—
Dim through the misty panes and thick green light,
As under a green sea, I saw him drowning.
In all my dreams before my helpless sight,
He plunges at me, guttering, choking, drowning.
If in some smothering dreams, you too could pace
Behind the wagon that we flung him in…….
My friend, you would not tell with such high zest
To children ardent for some desperate glory,
The old Lie: Dulce et decorum est
Pro patria mori.
Wilfred Owen
This famous poem, Dulce et decorum est, is particularly appropriate for the graves in St Melangell’s Churchyard of those who died in warfare or later succumbed to their injuries. The First World War was known as the chemist’s war because of the development of chlorine, phosgene and mustard gas which created deadly hazards not only for soldiers and civilians at the Front but also for those workers manufacturing it. Used by all sides, by the time of the Armistice in 1918 gas had created more than 1.3 million casualties and approximately 90,000 deaths, a relatively low figure as it was only used for the first time at Ypres. However, the psychological effects of ‘gas fright’ and the damage done to the bodies of those who survived had far-reaching consequences, some of which affected those who lie in Pennant Melangell’s churchyard. 
Private Edward Evans, for example, was born in Llangynog and worked as a porter with the Tanat Valley Railway Company. His battalion was fighting on the Western Front throughout World War One until demobilisation in 1919 and, although Edward survived this, he died of tuberculosis aged 33 on 3rd January 1920 at home in Llangynog. This happened to many troops who had been gassed as the severe scarring in their lungs left them particularly susceptible to TB and it also happened to another local man, Richard Lewis. 
Richard worked as a waggoner at Llangynog Granite Quarries before enlisting with 10th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers and being involved in the final days of warfare in Flanders before returning home. He died in hospital in Oswestry in December 1919 having been injured 13 weeks earlier by stone falling at the quarry, causing him head injuries and paralysis which was affected by his TB. At the age of 37, he left a widow and two young children – how did they cope, after the joy of seeing him return from war only to die in this way?
Richard’s death must also have been a terrible blow for his parents, who lost two other sons during the Great War. Born in Llangynog, William worked as a farm labourer before being posted to Egypt with the Montgomeryshire Yeomanry in March 1916. His battalion fought at the battle of Beersheba in 1917 where hand-to-hand combat created 1,010 wounded and 136 dead – William amongst them. He was buried at the War Cemetery in Beersheba, Palestine and is also commemorated on a headstone here, shared with his brother, Thomas.
Thomas grew up in Llangynog but worked as a collier’s haulier in Rhondda before joining the East Yorkshire Regiment. In 1915, his battalion was in the area when gas was deployed for the first time at Ypres and fought throughout the war on the Western Front. Thomas survived all this but died of influenza, accelerated by the effects of gas, on Armistice Day 1918 at the age of 28. Having witnessed the dreadful consequences of using gas, no wonder Wilfred Owen wrote so horrifically of its effects and of “The old lie: Dulce et decorum est pro patria mori.” – It is sweet and fitting to die for your country. Ironically, the poem was published posthumously in 1920, Owen being killed in action just a week before the end of the Great War – what other fine poems was the world denied by his untimely death?
Owen wrote of the terrible dreams he had after seeing a soldier exposed to gas and of the “smothering dreams” others may have too. Many of those who have survived combat have suffered terrible nightmares afterwards and had to live with dreadful memories. One of them was Meurig Owen, whose immediate family still live locally. At 18, he was sent out to Egypt, India and on to Burma where, in the terrible heat, humidity and fear of the jungle, water was rationed and malaria rife. Food being short and the circumstances taking their toll, the Forgotten Army had to fight on for months after VE Day and so awful were his experiences that, when the British Legion offered to pay the expenses of those who wanted to return in peacetime, Meurig and others chose not to go. The Burma Star is emblazoned on his headstone in recognition of all he, and so many others from nations near and far, endured. Amongst them were Americans Arthur William Joseph Johnson, Benjamin Lewis Orr and Israel Orr as well as James Crandall who flew with the RAF and submariner Jim Swindon who joined the Royal Navy in WW2. So many lives affected by all nations involved, so much courage and suffering shown, such sacrifice and memories to be honoured during this time of Remembrance Sunday……
As the photo shows, on the altar at St.Melangell’s are used shells now containing poppies as the conflicts and consequences of the past are remembered in a different way this year in the context of the battle being waged against Covid-19. In the lives lost, the families affected, the support being given and the sacrifices being made by so many, the struggle and cost of freedom, peace of mind, safety and well-being continues. As Meurig’s headstone reads, “Nad a’n angof yr atgofion” – the memories will not be forgotten – and the Kohima epitaph in honour of those who fought in the Burma Campaign, also reminds us that “For your tomorrow we gave our today.”      
We will remember them. 
Thanks to the Llangynog WI for their research – further details about these and other families involved locally in the World Wars are available from the history tab of their information on llangynog.org
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Sunday reflection

Reflection for All Saints’ Day
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth…….” – Jesus, in St Matthew 5:1-12, NIV.

 
“Santa Claus travels all around the world. Is he at risk of transmitting the virus and is there a risk for Santa Claus himself? He’s not exactly thin – if he were having a medical exam he would be considered to be clinically obese. That puts him at higher risk of Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure so if he were to catch Covid then he would be at risk of getting a very serious version of it.” 
Prof. Emer Shelly, Faculty of Public Health Medicine, Ireland. 

“Just for the record, I don’t have Type 2 diabetes. Neither can I catch or pass Coronavirus during my delivery.” Statement from Santa Claus.
 
A lot of people think that Santa Claus is a fictional character but he’s actually based on the real Bishop of Myra who died in 343 AD and was known for leaving anonymous gifts for the poor and giving bags of money to the father of three girls so that he could pay the dowry then necessary for each of them. The custom of giving presents and chocolate coins developed from this as well as his name, which came from the Dutch Sinterklaas and the German Sankt Niklaus. His day is December 6th and his originally green outfit became red and white when a certain fizzy drink manufacturer changed it to fit with the colours of their cans. Clement Moore’s poem “‘Twas the night before Christmas” introduced reindeer as the means of transport and nowadays Santa is big business with comments such as those above receiving serious feedback in the social and economic repercussions of the pandemic. The grain of initial truth in the life of an actual saint became a legend as fact became entwined with fiction – and this didn’t only happen with Santa Claus but with many saints, Melangell amongst them.
When the eighteenth century traveller Thomas Pennant visited her valley, he added to Melangell’s story the suggestion that the horn of the huntsman would not sound when he tried to blow it to encourage the hounds and that the horn stuck to his lips. A saint by public acclaim due to her life of prayer, healing and compassion for those around her, the details of Melangell’s life are scarce but the oral tradition was strong and she has become one of those shadowy figures whose lives and examples have become foundation stones of the faith that has been passed on to us now.
Today, All Saints’ Day in the time to remember all those, known and unknown, seen and unseen, who have witnessed to the reality of the love of God and the power of hope in times of trial. That is so much needed as the pandemic continues and Jesus speaks of this reality in today’s Gospel, known as the Beatitudes and sometimes called the attitudes for being. In the face of so much suffering, death and grief being caused by Coronavirus, it almost sounds callous to suggest that those who mourn will be comforted. As yet another family of refugees so recently drowned in the channel, how can it be said that the meek will inherit the earth? 
However, the Beatitudes don’t deny the pain of human tragedy – rather, Jesus lives out the truth of what he proclaims during his life by bringing comfort to those who need it, showing mercy, being a peacemaker rather than responding with violence when he meets it and as death is overcome through the resurrection. In this way, human life here on earth becomes irradiated with heaven now – it becomes real and not just anticipated when seen in the lives of those also choosing to live in this way. The Beatitudes are complicated and hard to live out but Jesus’ own life and attitudes to what was happening around him shows that it is possible. The saints have shown us down the years that his example can inspire us to live in that hopeful way too and, in the face of Covid-19, now is the time for showing and practising the faith they have passed on to us so that we can also know the reality of its truth and power – demanding though that is. 
Through the example of Jesus, the actual lives of the saints and the courage we need to show in the ongoing challenges before us all, may God’s kingdom come and God’s will be done here on earth as it is in heaven. 
With my prayers,
Christine
Guardian of St Melangell’s Shrine Church.