Pastoral Letter
Dear friends,
We all know there is a lot of competition for our attention at this time of the
year. There is a tension between Advent and Christmas Season (Advent 1
through Epiphany, January 6) and the wider culture's "Christmastime"
(November through December 25).
"Christmastime" generally wins. Advent and its focus on the second coming of
Christ and the fulfilment of all things begun in his first coming is lost. That's a
major loss. Advent is the one time of the church year specifically dedicated to
this focus. While we rehearse and remember the second coming, new creation,
and the fulfilment of all things every time we pray the Great Thanksgiving and
celebrate Holy Communion, Advent was developed from the beginning to be
the season where we focus our worship and teaching around this explicitly. The
church year starts with Advent precisely so we can "begin with the end in
mind."
Commercial "Christmastime" causes us to lose more than just Advent. In effect,
we often lose Christmas Season, too. These twelve days (December 25-January
6) were designed as a time of celebration and intensive contemplation of all that
the Incarnation of God in Jesus Christ began to set loose in the world.
Instead, the commercial opportunity, we call “Christmastime” begins right after
Halloween. The TV & radio adverts, posters, newspapers shop decorations all
create pressure on us to buy all kinds of gifts, providing multiple opportunities
for “feel-good” parties and end-of-year giving to various charities. For we
Christians at least, this culminates on December 24 or 25 with the babe in the
manger and the comforting illusion that all is now well with the world.
“Christmastime” then continues not with any meditation on the implications of
the incarnation, but with a sort of national “time out” to return unwanted gifts,
see family, and handle all end-of-year business before January 1 rolls around.
The reality of this fake human centred “Christmastime” silences the cries of the
baby Jesus, because his cries would break the illusion that all is well if we have
played our role as "seasonal consumers" aright. But the readings of Christmas
Season do not let us do that. We hear poignantly of the martyrdom of Stephen
on December 26 and the wailing of Rachel renewed in the "slaughter of the
innocents" on December 28. The stories of terrified, then joyous shepherds in
Luke, of wandering Iraqi astrologers (The Magi) in Matthew, and of the Word
becoming flesh and dwelling among us in John provide at best a "strange
comfort."
During “Christmastime” we are offered a nostalgic, consumerism-driven escape
from the harsh realities of the world. But true Advent & Christmas Season takes
Christ’s followers directly into this world's deepest sufferings with both its
deepest pain and its highest hopes.
Those opposed to faith and uncaring world powers are happy to encourage
everyone to fully commit to the self congratulating, self indulgence of
commercial “Christmastime” because it gets those in power off the hook! But
the true understanding of the Christmas Season reveals the lengths to which the
powers of this world will go to avoid, obstruct, or halt the coming of God's
kingdom. Please don’t misunderstand me I’m not saying that feelings of peace
and comfort, the joy of giving and receiving, warmth in the midst of winter are
to be avoided. They are all fine things. We can and should enjoy them with
family, friends, and siblings in Christ.
But actually keeping these seasons in worship and in the life of the
congregation calls and equips us for something far more, and far richer, than
what “Christmastime” offers. A full celebration of Advent, four to seven
weeks, followed by a full celebration of Christmas Season enables us to see
what the wider culture often keeps invisible, to feel with a depth of faithful
understanding that the commercial “Christmastime” ignores, avoids and tries to
dumb down. Let us look for God in the harshness of broken human
relationships and love with the fierce determination of “God with us, every
one.”
We have a powerful message to proclaim, celebrate, and contemplate as fully as
we can at this time of the year. Let us resolve to do whatever we can to bring
Jesus into our conversations with our neighbours, friends and loved ones so that
we educate those we care about most about the true value of Christmas and how
as Jesus Christ’s family, we live out these values of God’s kingdom each day of
the year.
Pob Bedith,
Trevor (your Priest-in-Charge)
Vicar’s notices:
“Vestry Hour” Vicar’s notices: During December, I will NOT be available
for a “Vestry Hour” Tuesday 6th. Instead I will be available from 6-7pm Friday
9th Dec. in St Mary’s Parish Room.
On Tuesday13th I will be at St Teilo’s Church 6-7pm and on Tuesday 20th I
will be in St Maelog’s Church from 6-7pm. If you wish to talk or pray with
me about anything, please feel free to come and see me at any of the churches
during this vestry hour.
St. Mary’s News
Church Cleaner – We are looking for a new cleaner. If you feel that you are
interested or know someone who may be interested, please contact the Vicar or
Churchwardens for more information about the job specification.
Parish Room bookings – Any bookings for the rest of this year will be taken
by Brenda Evans on 01554 890 803 – [email protected]
From January 2017 Mrs. Christine Hughes will be dealing with all Parish
Room bookings. Tel. 01554 890235 email: [email protected]
St. Mary's Sidesperson Rota
04/12/16
Mandy Jones & Lynne Davies
11/12/16
Alice Denman & Maureen James
18/12/16
Christine Hughes/Liz Antoniazzi/John Farr-Davies
08/01/17
Yvonne Evans & Kath Nicholas
15/01/17
Geoff Davies & Ken Denman
22/01/17
Brian & Liz Lewis
29/01/17
Eileen Bryant & Pearl Rowland
05/02/17
Ieuan Hughes & Derek Dalton
St. Mary's Flower List
Altar
Pulpit
Christmas Day + January 2017
Christine Hughes
Clare Walters
Maureen Evans will prepare the Organ Stand for Christmas
February 5th
June Lloyd
Haulwen Williams
February 12th June Lloyd
Haulwen Williams
th
February 19
February 26th
Lent No flowers
Lady Chapel
Brenda Evans
Ceris Harries
Ceris Harries
St. Mary's Money Matters – Figures for October 2016 – Money paid in
£2,148 Money paid out £528
Food Bank – We will once again be collecting for the Food bank in :Llanelli so
please leave your gifts at the back of church no later than the 18 th December.
Decorating and Christingle making - We will be making the Christingles on
Saturday 17th December from 10.00am in the Parish Room. Do come along
and join in, either making the Christingles or decorating church.
Thanks to Jenny for once again providing our Christmas Tree and to Gareth and
Simon for putting it up.
Christmas Trees in Church and in our homes
I see nothing wrong with the traditional Christmas tree. However, some have
taught that it's wrong because of the symbolism within Pagan tradition.
Jeremiah 10 is commonly used to support this viewpoint. But a closer look at
the passage will show that it has nothing to do with Christmas trees and
everything to do with idol worship. Verse 8 says, "A wooden idol is a worthless
doctrine”. So, there is no need to worry about enjoying the sparkle and lights on
your Christmas trees. Instead let us focus our minds and hearts on remembering
the real reason for the season. The greatest gift of Jesus Christ our Saviour!.
With this in mind, I propose that this year our tree decorations be used to
remember loved ones who have passed on and no longer share our earthly
Christmas celebrations. So if you would like to make a £3 donation to St
Mary’s Church, a bauble with a label attached with their name, a personal
message and a prayer, will adorn the Church Christmas tree.
We also intend to approach local businesses and ask them to donate £10 to
“Sponsor a Christmas Bauble” with their name and any appropriate Christmas
message they would like to add.
With Advent & Christmas blessings, Trevor (Your Priest-in-Charge).
Seasons Greetings
Enid Edwards wishes all family friends and neighbours a very Happy Christmas
and Happy New Year. God bless you all.
We wish all our friends and neighbours a very Happy Christmas and a healthy
New Year. A donation, in lieu of cards, will once again be made to the MND
Association (Wales) – Best wishes John and Mary Filer
Mrs. Marian Thomas wishes her friends and neighbours, a joyful Christmas,
and a healthy and happy New Year.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to all my friends and neighbours, near
and far. Wishing you good health for 2017. Sheila Nash. Donation in lieu of
cards to “Friends of St. Mary's”.
Wishing you all a joyous Christmas, and a peaceful and happy New Year for
2017. Instead of cards, I am making a donation to three charities. “Friends of
St. Mary's”, The Bandi Appeal at Glangwili Hospital, and People's First
Advocacy Centre, for young adults with learning difficulties, Carmarthen.
Vanessa Grasso and family.
Christmas and New Year greetings to all my family and friends, with every
blessing for 2017. Brynda. x.
Christine and Garry extend their best wishes to all family, friends, and
neighbours, for a blessed Christmas and a happy New Year. x.
Glyn and Brenda send their good wishes for a Happy Christmas and a healthy
New Year.
Thanks Margaret Hughes (Mags) wishes to thank her family and friends for
the numerous cards and gifts received on her recent “Big Birthday”.
Special thanks to my family for the Vintage High Tea at the Ashburnham Hotel.
Diolch yn fawr i bawb.
“Friends of St. Mary”
The refurbishment of the top gate of the churchyard has been completed by
Tumble Forge, and has been fitted in situ at a cost of £714.00, which is to be
funded by the “Friends”.
The next fund raising event will be the repeat of a coffee morning with toasted
fruit loaf to be served on Saturday 28th January 2017 at the Parish Room from
10.00am to 12.00noon. Tickets on sale at £2 each. Welcome to all.
The “Friends” committee extend their best wishes to everyone for a joyous
Christmas ,and a prosperous New Year.
St.Mary's Church Floolighting
We thank all our sponsors
5/12/16 I wish you were here to share your birthday with me. Missing you so
much, sweet dreams my love. xx
10/12/16 Happy birthday memories of our wonderful sister, Gill,(Jilly Jolly).
Thinking of you on this your birthday, Love and miss you every
single day. With love from Lala, Jacky, Lyn, and all nieces and
nephews.
16/12/16 Loving birthday memories of my dear husband, John, on what
would have been his 80th birthday. Always in my thoughts, Una. x.
16/12/16 Loving birthday memories of a dear father and grandfather, John
Evans, whose 80th birthday would have been on this day. Always in
our thoughts, Wendy, Chris, Stuart, and Michael.
16/12/16 Loving birthday memories of our dad and grandfather, John Evans,
on what would have been his 80th birthday. Always in our thoughts,
Joe, Julie, and families.
16/12/16 Fondest memories of a loving father, John Evans, who would have
been 80 years old on 16th December 201. Forever in my thoughts.
Jeanette
18/12/16 Missing all my family; David Daniel, Margaret, Grenville, and Enid.
Love from Jaqueline, Charles, William, Julie, and all the family. x
Heidi, Michelle, and William. x
19/12/16 In memory of my loving husband, Roy, on what would have been
his 79th birthday. Still missing you very much , Love you forever,
Pauline. Xxxx
24/12/16 Treasured memories of my dear parents, Joan and Sid Cray, at
Christmastime. Love always, Avril.xx.
24/12/16 Dyddiad nad ac angof. xx.
25/12/16 Er cof annwyl am Monica, mam a dad, auntie Mary, Jean, Janice, a
auntie Decima, a'r wyl y Nadolig. Gweld eich eisiau yn fawr,
Cariad Ieuan, Julian, a Juliette.
25/12/16 Treasured memories of John, Verina, and Derrick Kilvert, at
Christmastime. Forever in our thoughts, Brian, Jean, Richard, and
Jonathan.
25/12/16 Loving and cherished memories at Christmastime of my very dear
mother and father. Forever in my thoughts, much love as always,
Enid.
25/12/16 Treasured memories at Christmastime of a very much loved brother
and uncle. Forever in our thoughts, much love as always, Enid,
Denise, and Jason.
25/12/16 Loving memories at Christmastime of Ken and John Hobden.
Always in our thoughts, with love from Mair, Linda, Mark, and
Amy.
25/12/16 Remembering at Christmastime a dear friend, Marie. Treasured
memories, love Mair and Christine. xx.
25/12/16 Cherished Christmas memories of Eric Gwynfor, Evelyn, Eric, and
Miriam, from loving daughter, Gwyneth, Alan, Ann, and families.
25/12/16 Loving and cherished memories of our dear parents, Olive, and
Brinley Copp, and all our family at Christmastime, from Megan,
Douglas, Mary, and families. Always in our thoughts.
25/12/16 Remembering with love, our parents, grandparents, and our dear
family this Christmastime. Always in our hearts, Susan, Julie, and
families. xx
25/12/16 Loving memories of my parents, Raymond, Merle, and John Jones.
x Ann and Terry x.
26/12/16 In loving memory of our dear son , Martin, who died on 26th
December 2014. Forever in our thoughts, Mam, Dad, Robert, and
family. xx
27/12/16 In loving memory of Carolyn, on the 6th anniversary of her passing.
“No presents to give you, no wishes sincere, only the heartache of
not having you near.” With much Love, Colin.
27/12/16 In memory of Carolyn, a much loved sister, sister-in-law, and aunt,
on the 6th anniversary of her passing. Yvonne, John, Meriel, Hywel,
Gareth, Len, Sian, Dave, Iestyn, Beca, Sarah, David, and Gemma.
St.Mary's Church Floodlighting (cont'd)
02/01/17 Remembering Emma with love xx
03/01/17 Sincere good wishes to my best friend Derek Dalton, on the
occasion of his 70th birthday. Ieuan.
03/01/17 Happiest of birthdays on your 70th Derek. xx
20/01/17 Birthday memories of my dearly loved mother, Rose Smith. Always
in my thoughts, Sheila. xx
22/01/17 Loving birthday memories of Verina Kilvert, a dear mother, motherin-law, and mamgu. Brian, Jean, Richard, and Jonathan.
23/01/17 Cherished birthday memories of Derrick Kilvert, a dear brother,
brother-in-law, and uncle. Brian, Jean, Richard, and Jonathan.
27/01/17 Loving and cherished birthday memories of my mother, Amy
Hawkins. Love always, Jan. x
28/01/17 Er cof annwyl am rieni cariadus, sef Effie ac Emrys Hughes. Bu
farw dad ar yr 28ain o Ionawr 1985, a mam a fu farw ar yr 28ain o
Ionawr 1993. Parhau i weld eich eisiau yn fawr. Cariad, Ieuan.
29/01/17 Four years have passed since that sad day when you closed your
eyes and slipped away. Miss you Mam, always in our hearts. Love
Susan, Julie, and families. Xxx
29/01/17 Remembering with love our dear Mam Neld; gone 4 years and
dearly missed. Love always, Alena, Emily, Richard, and families.
Xxx
With our good wishes to all members and parishioners who are mourning the
loss of loved ones, unwell at home or in hospital at this time. We keep you all in
our prayers. God bless
Our branch carol service is on Wednesday 14th December at 7.00pm followed
by refreshments in the Parish Room. All welcome.
On Wednesday January 11th our meeting will be at 2.00pm in the Parish Room
when Peter Judge will be talking to us about Dementia Care.
Subscriptions are due at this meeting. An increase of £1 has been decided upon
by the Trustees so our subs will be £18 in 2017. £13 of this will go to Mary
Sumner House for the work of the Mothers' Union worldwide, leaving £5 for
the work in the Diocese.
Mothers' Union have launched an updated version of our Labelled for Life
resource - designed to help parents respond to the rise in sexting, online
advertising and commercialisation of children and young people.
Labelled for Life: Managing the Commercial World as a Family, builds upon
our successful Bye Buy Childhood campaign and addresses the proliferation of
online advertising, user generated content and includes updates to marketing
and media regulations that have been made following recent policy changes.
Labelled for Life offers a practical and accessible guide to parents and carers to
help them understand and ensure the safety of their children amid the latest
developments in technology.
Speaking at the launch, Fiona Bruce, Conservative MP for Congleton,
highlights how half of parents in the UK do not feel equipped to deal with the
commercial world, with over a third feeling they have little or no control over
the content their children are viewing on mobile phones and social networking
sites. She says, “We have all benefited from advances in technology in this
generation but parents often feel ill equipped to ensure their children can
engage with this new world in safety. Labelled for Live provides a starting
point for both parents and carers to begin that conversation”.
Kidwelly News and Diary Events
Kidwelly Welfare Committee Coffee mornings at the Rugby Club, Kidwelly
at 10.30am. 13th December, 2016 (Christmas Buffet) – please check the
January dates: Tuesday 10th January and 24th January
Kidwelly Tea Dance Club – Dates for December and January at the Princess
Gwenllian Centre in Hillfield Villas Kidwelly SA17 4UL 2.00pm-4.00pm –
everyone welcome. Easy Parking* Charity Raffle* £3.00 admission to include
refreshments - Tuesday 6th December 2.00pm-4.00pm
and for January 2017
Tuesday 17th January 2.00pm-4.00pm Tuesday 31st January 2.00pm-4.00pm
Princess Gwenllian Centre events –Burns night on the 21st January – for
details contact Tegwen Burns
Forthcoming clinic at Deb's Holistic Health & Footcare is on 13 th December.
Please see advert for contact details
Gardening Club This month's meeting is on Thursday 15th December at
7.30pm in the Rugby Club.
CHRISTMAS TREE FESTIVAL at ST ILLTYD'S CHURCH, PEMBREY SA16 0AQ
where there will be a winter wonderland of 34 real, Christmas trees decorated by local organisations.
Thursday, 8 December: 2.00pm-6.00pm (Short
Opening Service at 2.00pm)
Friday, 9 December: 2.00pm-6.00pm
Saturday, 10 December: 2.00pm-6.00pm
Sunday, 11 December: 2.00pm-4.00pm. Carol
Service: 6.00pm Warm welcome to all throughout
the Festival! Free admission and refreshments - but
donations much appreciated. Further information
from 01554-833223/832895
Kidwelly Senior Citizens Best wishes to all members who have a birthday in December and January. Our
trip to Abergavenny in October was enjoyed by all and once again we had good
weather. This was our last trip of the year and Bobbie Hope asked members to
put on their thinking caps for ideas as to where we can visit so that we can
discuss these in the New Year. Bobbie said she had thought of The Mint and
also to Cardiff in September where they will be displaying poppies at The
Castle. The ladies from The Co op had thanked Bobbie for letting them come to
our meeting last month. Raffle winners were Verona Powell, Jackie Jones and
Joan Osborne. Bingo winners were Jean Callard, Betty Davies and Joan
Abraham. The next meeting will be 7th December and then not until 1st
February 2017, 2pm at the Rugby Club. New members welcome. On behalf of
the Kidwelly Senior Citizens may I wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a
New Year which brings everything you’re wishing for. Janet Malcolm
Apel Cancr Ail Gyfle. Second Chance Cancer Appeal
The committee wish to note the following donations received from various
benefactors for which they are eternally grateful. £250.00 donated by
Llanddarog branch of Merched y Wawr
£789.00 received from Mr. & Mrs. John Evans Tanylan Farm, raised by
holidaymakers staying at their Holiday Facilities. £900.00 presented by Mr
Brian Beynon, outgoing president of Cefn Sidan Rotary, who had selected our
charity to receive a donation. Sincere Appreciation
Trinity Methodist Church Anniversary
Trinity Methodist Church has this year been celebrating the 150th anniversary
of the building of the Church by Jacob Chivers, who was the then owner of the
tinplate works. This is commemorated by the Blue Plaque on the external wall
of the Church.
We have had two celebratory services: the first was on September l8th when we
welcomed Rev. The Lord Leslie Griffiths of Burry Port and Pembrey, the
Superintendent Minister of Wesley's Church in London, to lead the service. We
were also pleased to welcome Mr and Mrs Gerald Lewis to the service as Mr
Lewis is a descendent of Jacob Chivers. The second service was our Harvest
Service on October 9th when we welcomed Rev. Stephen Oliver, who was our
Minister between 2004 and 2009.
We have also produced an illustrated Anniversary Booklet which records the
history of Methodism in Kidwelly as well as the history of the Church. The
booklet is available in Castle Newsagents priced at £3.50.
Letters from children to ministers
Dear Vicar, I know God loves everybody but He never met my sister. Yours
sincerely, Arnold. Aged 8.
Dear Reverend, My father should be a minister. Every day he gives us a sermon
about something. Robert , Age 11
Dear Pastor, I'm sorry I can't leave more money in the plate, but I don't get
much pocket money. Could you hove a sermon about being generous to
children? Love, Patty. Age 10
Dear Vicar, My mother is very religious. She goes to ploy bingo at church every
week even if she has a cold. Annette. Age 9.
Dear Pastor, I think a lot more people would come to your church if you built a
fun fair with lots of exciting rides. Loreen. Age 9.
Dear Pastor, Please say a prayer for our Football team. We need God's help
and a new goalkeeper. Thank you. Alexander Age 10.
Dear Revd. My father says I should learn the Ten Commandments. But I don't
think I want to because we hove enough rules already in my house. Joshua.
Age 10.
Dear Vicar, I liked your sermon on Sunday. Especially when it was finished.
Ralph, Age 11.
Newyddion St. Teilo Mynyddygarreg News
The Over 50's Club's October outing was to Caerphilly which was followed
by a lovely afternoon visiting Llancaiach Fawr Manor House, Nelson, a most
interesting Tudor building, now a museum of living history. The November
outing was to The Royal Mint , Llantrisant and a visit to Cardiff. In December
the members meet for a Christmas dinner at the Red Lion, LLandyfaelog and
the annual Christmas tea will be held at the Neuadd on Friday 16th December.
Chairman Mrs Jean Fox extends Christmas greeting to past members and those
who are unwell, with best wishes for the New Year.
Neuadd Mynyddygarreg's Grand Fireworks Display was a very successful
evening, the display hailed as the best yet. With good weather, a full capacity
crowd enjoyed the display plus entertainment by the "Fire Eater", and the
"Men in Lights" . The BBQ did a roaring trade and thanks go to Peter Peric for
his very kind donation of sausages. The entertainment continued with live
music indoors. The Committee wish to thank everyone for the huge support
and, the committee and friends are to be applauded for their fine organisation of
a wonderful event. Chairman Peter Martin extends thanks to the Town Council
for their contribution and support.
The Family Halloween Fancy Dress Party at the Neuadd was also a huge
success with children and adults alike donning the most spectacular costumes
and enjoying the fun and games laid on by committee members. Well done
committee for your dedication and commitment to providing a great night for
the community
Llongyfarchiadau a Phenblwydd hapus i Christine Evans, Morfa Maen, ar
ddathlu penblwydd arbennig mis diwetha. Dymuniadau gorau i ti Christine
oddiwrth dy deulu a hefyd dy ffrindiau i gyd yn Eglwys fach Sant Teilo.
Once again Sant Teilo has been gifted a beautiful hand knitted Nativity scene
and sheep by our dear friend, Mrs Yvonne Evans, Ferry Road. Thank you so
much Yvonne. Your generous gift will be enjoyed by Ysgol Mynyddygarreg
pupils firstly before being hosted by various families. Diolch yn fawr iawn.
Neuadd and Village Christmas Lighting-up night will be held on Friday 2nd
December at 6.30pm. There will be Carols round the tree with Punch and
Mince Pies and a promised visit from Sion Corn and Mrs Sion Corn. Come
along to this lovely community annual event.
Sant Teilo's Christmas Services will be Ysgol Mynyddygarreg's Annual
Christingle Service on Friday 16th December at 2.00pm and the Christmas
Eucharist will be celebrated on Christmas Eve at 6.00pm.
Gair o ddiolch, from Dorian, Simon, Emma and family, on the sudden passing
of Keith on the 1st November, our most sincere thanks to the community at
large for the huge support and kindness shown to us all at this very sad time. All
tokens received have been of great comfort and help. The funeral was held at St
Mary's Church, the Reverend Trevor Copeland officiating, his quiet presence at
our side was much valued at a difficult time. As a faithful member of Eglwys
Fach Sant Teilo, Keith's presence will be surely missed.
Flowers No flowers in Advent
Christmas
Dorian Reeve January Elin Davies
YSGOL MYNYDDYGARREG NEWS
As usual it was a busy time in the new school year, lots going on in and out of school.
The Foundation Phase had a very interesting topic in "When I fall asleep ", with night
and day experiments. The value of the month was "Thankfulness". Pupils went on a
walk to study nature on the Mountain. They also had two trips to see Hydref Heini and
Jambori Martin Geraint. Next term the theme will be Scrumptious, learning about
different foods and shops. Now that sounds delicious to me, a very tasty topic !
The KS2 had a fascinating start to the year with several trips relating to their theme,
"The Wild Wood". Poetry was the main focus of the Language study, learning the work
of T. Llew Jones, "Dance of Leaves". A lovely time of the year to be out studying
nature.
Janet Hawkins of Bible Explorers visited the school many times to discuss The New
Testament with Junior pupils.
The Junior pupils visited Ysgol y Strade to hear the County's Peripatetic Music
Teachers playing in an orchestra. Pupils also took part in the Carmarthenshire CrossCountry competition. Years 4 and 5 took part in a Rugby Festival at Kidwelly,
organised by Ysgol y Strade. Years 1 and 2 had a wonderful time on a visit to
Pontyberem Hall to see the "Jamboree Show" organised by Menter Cwm Gwendraeth.
The whole school visited Ffoslas Racecourse for a Sponsored walk around the course,
with the funds raised going to purchase exciting reading schemes for the school.
Meithrin and Derbyn pupils visited Parc y Scarlets for a fitness activity with "Hydref
Heini", meeting with Mr Urdd, an event organized by Menter Cwm Gwendraeth.
There also was a visit to Llandyfaelog show to see the children's art, craft and writing
work: all wonderful efforts
Cwtch Gloyn,Pontyberem held a Welsh Book Fayre and Christmas gifts at the Neuadd.
There was an "Open Afternoon" in the school for parents. The PTFA's AGM took place
with pupils in pyjamas for story time and biscuits and milk-shakes, and parents and
school governors meeting with staff and learning about the school work, before the big
treat of Bridget's scrumptious Chocolate cake !
Three pupils from Year 5 attended a Bronze Ambassadors training at LLanelli Leisure
Centre, organized by Dragon Sport.
November Value of the Month was PEACE. DR
Newyddion St. Maelog News
Sidespersons
December 4th
11/12/16
18/12/16
Christmas Eve
01/01/17
08/01/17
15/01/17
22/01/17
29/01/17
05/02/17
Altar flowers
Sarah Walters & Ronald Thomas
Helen Davies
Dyfrig Jones & David Thomas
Ronald Thomas
Kath Williams & Sarah Walters
Rheinallt Jones
Richard Thomas & Ronald Thomas
Llinos Jones
United Service in St. Mary's
David Hughes
Nerys Jones
Bronwen Phillips
Llinos Thomas
Bethan Thomas
Congratulations to John and Kath Williams on the birth of their fifth
grandchild, a baby girl Nellie Rose, a sister for Bobby.
Best wishes to David and Marjorie Thomas on their retirement. Steve and
Sarah Withers will now take over the running of the Red Lion. Good luck to
you both. Get well wishes to Marjorie as she recovers from a broken ankle.
A second celebration for Richard and Bethan Thomas and family after winning
the Interbreed Championship at the South West Dairy Show. They have now
won at the Welsh Dairy Show at Carmarthen. Their cow, Moorshard Duke
Paradise also had best Holstein at Carmarthen. Well done.
The Christmas Whist Drive and raffle will be on December 8th at 7.30pm.
Raffle tickets are for sale now, there will also be a room raffle and
refreshments. Please support.
The Tree Lighting will be on December 5th at 7.00pm, where Father Christmas
will be visiting Llandyfaelog.
The Horse Racing event that was cancelled in November will now take place
in February.
Cydymdeilwn â Mrs. Pauline Thomas a'r teulu yn dilyn marwolaeth ei frawd a
bu farw yn ddiweddar.
St. Ishmael's YFC Sian Elin Haris, past member of St. Ishmael's kindly gave a
talk on her experience as physiotherapist for Team GB at the Olympic Games in
Rio. Sian Elin now lives in Cardiff with her family. She also attended the games
at London 2012 and the Commonwealth Games. Sian Elin is the daughter of
John and Janet Knott, Danybanc Farm, Banycapel.
Llandyfaleog Hall held a Quiz in November where all monies raised went to
the Luhimba Project in Tanzania. It was a very successful evening where local
lads, Graham, Neil, Roger and David came 1st. The total sum raised was £400.
Paul Temple who manages the project thanked everyone for supporting the
event; he also gave a talk on the work he has been doing in Luhimba.
Nadolig llawen a blwyddyn Newydd dda i pawb
Saying a Prayer for the Christmas Meal
Lee, A seven-year-old boy, was asked to say thanks for the Christmas
dinner. The family members bowed their heads in expectation. Lee began
his prayer, thanking God for his Mummy, Daddy, brothers, sister, Grandma,
and all his aunts and uncles. Then he began to thank God for the food.
He gave thanks for the turkey, the stuffing, the Christmas pudding, even
the cranberry sauce. Then Lee paused, and everyone waited ... and
waited. After a long silence, the young fellow looked up at his mother and
asked, "If I thank God for the Brussels sprouts, won't he know that I'm
lying?"
Parish Readings for December 2016/January 2017 with lectionary page
numbers When the Service is Morning Prayer the O.T. reading and the Gospel
reading are read.
4 December 2nd Sunday of Advent
Eucharist/Morning Prayer (p4) Isaiah 11.1-10; Psalm 72.1-7; [18,19];
Romans 15.4-13; Matthew 3.1-12
Readers: St. Mary's Jean Giess
St. Maelog Sarah Walters
St. Teilo Jayne Roberts
Evensong Psalm 11; [28]; 1 Kings 18.17-39; John 1. 19-28
Reader: Kath Nicholas
11 December 3rd Sunday of Advent
Eucharist/Morning Prayer (p8) Isaiah 35.1-10; Psalm 146.5-10; James 5.710; Matthew 11.2-11
Readers: St. Mary's Brian Lewis
W Peggy Davies
St. Maelog Helen Davies
Evensong Psalm 12. [14]; Isaiah 5.8-30; Acts 13.13-41
Reader: Olga Sheen
18 December 4th Sunday of Advent
Eucharist/Morning Prayer (p12) Isaiah 7.10-16; Psalm 80.1-7,[17-19]
Readers:Pearl Rowland
St. Teilo Christine Evans
St. Maelog Dyfrig Jones
Evensong Psalm 113; [126]; 1 Samuel 1.1-20; Revelation 22.6-21
Reader: Ted Rowlands
25 December Christmas Day
Eucharist/Morning Prayer
Readers: Christmas Eve 8.00pm St. Maelog Ronald Thomas
01 January 2017
The Naming of Jesus
Eucharist/Morning Prayer (p1059) Numbers 6.22-27; Psalm 8;
Galatians 4.4-7; Luke 2.15-21
Readers: St. Maelog Kath Williams
St. Teilo Nevin Davies
08 January
Baptism of Christ/ Epiphany 1
Eucharist/Morning Prayer (p42) Isaiah 42.1-9; Psalm 29; Acts 10.34-43;
Matthew 3.13-17
Readers:St. Mary's Simon White
W Dorian Reeve
St. Maelog Rheinallt Jones
Evensong Psalm 46;47; Joshua 3.1-8,14-17; Hebrews 1.1-12
Reader: Brenda Evans
15 January
Epiphany 2
Eucharist/Morning Prayer (p45) Isaiah 49.1-7; Psalm 40.1-11; 1 Corinthians
1.1-9; John 1. 29-42
Readers: St. Mary's Kath Nicholas St. Teilo Peggy Davies
St. Maelog Richard Thomas
Evensong Psalm 96; Ezekiel 2.1-3.4; Galatians 1.11-24
Reader: Ted Rowlands
22 January
Epiphany 3
Eucharist/Morning Prayer (p49) Isaiah 9.1-4; Psalm 27.1,4-9 or 27.1-9;
1 Corinthians 1.10-18; Matthew 4.12-23
Readers: St. Mary's Maureen James
St. Maelog Llinos Jones
Evensong Psalm 33 or 33.1-12; Ecclesiastes 3.1-11; 1 Peter 1.3-12
Reader:Catherine Dorn
29 January
Epiphany 4
United Service at St. Mary's 11.00am
Eucharist: (p56) 1 Kings 17.8-16; Psalm 36.5-10; 1 Corinthians 1.18-31;
John 2.1-11
Reader:
Edwin Atkinson
Evensong Psalm 34 or 34.1-10; Genesis 28.10-22; Philemon 1.16
Reader:
05 February 4th Sunday before Lent (readings for The Presentation of
Christ)
Eucharist/Morning Prayer (p60)Malachi 3.1-5; psalm 24[1-6]7-10; Hebrews
2.14-18; Luke 2.22-40
Readers: St. Mary's Jean Giess
St. Teilo Dorian Reeve
St. Maelog Phyllis Hughes
Evensong Psalm [1;3] 4; Amos 2.4-16; Ephesians 4.17-32
Reader: Kath Nicholas