Sp197 dec17 & jan18 all by Signposts Magazine

Issue No 197

Magazine for the Builth, Irfon and Wye Valley Churches December 2017 & January 2018

Peace on Earth

by Alan Jevons One of the songs that used to be popular at this time of year is that old crooner from Bing Crosby "Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. From now on your troubles will be out of sight.". If weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re honest, this message of peace and goodwill that Christmas engenders can at times feel very shallow. The nearest the Irish rock band U2 got to a Christmas record was a song called "Peace on Earth". It talks about the huge difference between the way we wish things were and what actually happens in reality. The song talks about a mother who cries for peace on earth ... "She never got to say goodbye, to see the colour in his eyes, now he's in the dirt, that's peace on earth." And then think over the events of this last year ... those lives which have been lost this past year as a result of war or terrorism. 2017, as I write, has so far seen 1039 attacks and 6,657 fatalities as a result of terrorism around out world. Will Christmas this year change all this? I don't want to be a kill joy. There is indeed I believe a wonder and a magic to Christmas. But this is a wonder and a magic which confronts the reality of the way things are. It is a wonder and a magic which should change us and perhaps stimulate us into changing the way we live our lives and the way our world organises itself. If not then the Christmas message will indeed be pure sentimentality and, as U2 sing, "hope and history won't rhyme." There is that often-quoted story from George Macleod, a minister working in a rough area of Glasgow. He tells the tale of a stained-glass window in his Church which had the message "Glory to God in the highest" underneath a picture of the nativity. One night a local youth threw a stone through the window and knocked out the "e" in "highest". George Macleod said that the message now read "Glory to God in the high st." ... and he felt this was a more appropriate message than the original. If we cannot make this connection then the Christmas hope will probably fade away just as fast as the words of sentimental Christmas songs ... and we will be right to ask, "What's it worth?â&#x20AC;?

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The reality is that the joy of Christmas is always in stark contrast to the events which are happening in the world at the same time. The wonder of Christmas, the incarnation, is that God comes to us where we are. And we as Christians can never retreat into a comfortable and selfish world of our own, battening up the hatches. God cannot be found apart from the world's sorrows, only within them, but the glory is that God shares his life within that sorrow and wants it to be the place of new life.

Archdeacon Alan EDITORSHIP Under new editoriship. Please note new email address: signpostsmagazine@gmail.com

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Ministry Area Notices Cards for Brecon Cathedral MONDAY 18th DECEMBER Brecon Good at 7.30pm Archdeaconry ROTARY CAROLS Causes Mothers Union Featuring

Christmas Card Shop St Mary's Church, Brecon Shop open until Thursday 14th Dec. The shop is open Monday to Saturday from 10.00am to 4.00pm.

Eucharist At Brecon Cathedral Friday 15th December 12.00 All Mothers Union Members and friends welcome bookings for lunch available at Pilgrims Tearooms in the Cathedral Close on 01874 623857

Admission free. Retiring Collection Builth Ministry Area

Men’s Breakfast

LLANGASTY

9 December & 27 January 2018 10.00am Drovers Tea Rooms, Builth

RETREAT HOUSE

February 20th -21st “The Mind in the Heart” Introduction: Repentance and Faith, how to think as a Christian, how to Pray”. Ven Martin Williams

To learn more contact David on. davidi.anderson@btinternet.com

Phone: 01874 658250 E-mail: enquiries@llangasty.com Visit: www.llangasty.com

Diocesan Vision Prayer Father, we hold before you our family in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon and we open our hearts and minds to your Spirit. Bless us as we gather in your name; Guide us as we grow into the likeness of your Son; Lead us by your Spirit to go out and make disciples of others. God of our journeying, be our way and our truth and our life; our beginning and our end. We pray through Jesus our Lord. Amen.

Drop in Quiet Day Monday 4th December “Advent Quiet Day” Revd Colin Sutton No charge – donations welcome Bring your own lunch Phone: 01874 658250 E-mail: enquiries@llangasty.com Visit: www.llangasty.com

IMPORTANT NOTICE We would like to wish you a Very Happy Christmas from all at Signposts Magazine Please note the new contact E-mail for Signposts is signpostsmagazine@gmail.com

Builth Ministry Area - Colwyn

Services for December

10.00 Hundred House Hall Benefice Christmas Carols LW/ET/CJ Readings: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 148 or Psalm 148:7-14; Galatians 4:4-7; Luke 2:15-21

3rd December Advent Sunday 10.00 Llansantffraed Holy Communion JO 6 pm Glascwm Village Service ET Readings: Isaiah 64:1-9; Psalm 80:1-7 [17-19]; 1 Corinthians 1:3-9; Mark 13:24-end

Services for January 7th January The Baptism of Christ 10.00 Llansantffraed Holy Communion LW 18.00 Glascwm Village Service CJ Readings: Genesis 1:1-5; Psalm 29; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11

10th December Advent 2 09.30 Cregrina Holy Communion LW 11.15 Rhulen Holt Communion JO 16.00 St Matthewâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Christingle LW/DD/ET/MJ/CJ Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:8-end; 2 Peter 3:815a; Mark 1:1-8

14th January Epiphany 2/Anglican Communion Sunday 09.30 Cregrina Holy Communion LW 11.15 Llanelwedd Worship4All ET/CJ/MJ 11.15 Rhulen Holy Communion LW Readings: 1 Samuel 3:1-10 [11-20]; Psalm 139:1-6, 13-18 or 139:1-10; Revelation 5:1-10; John 1:43-51

Bettws and Llansanffraed, Christmas Wreaths For information please phone Elizabeth Powell on:01982 570404 17th December Advent 3 09.30 Llanfaredd Holy Communion LW 10.00 Llansantffraed Morning Prayer MJ 11.15 Glascwm Holy Communion LW 19.00 Rhulen Carol Service RM*/LW *RM=Richard Martin Weather Permitting Readings: Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-end; Psalm 126 or Canticle: Magnificat (Luke 1:47-55); 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

21st January Epiphany 3 09.30 Llanfaredd Holy Communion LW 10.00 Llansantffraed Morning Prayer MJ 11.15 Glascwm Holy Communion JO Readings: Genesis 14:17-2-; Psalm 128; Revelation 19:6-10; John 2:1-11 28th January Epiphany 4/World Leprosy Day/ Homeless Sunday/Education Sunday 09.30 Bettws Holy Communion JO 09.30 Cregrina Village Service DD 11.15 Llanelwedd Holy Communion LW Readings: Deuteronomy 18:15-20; Psalm 111; Revelation 12:1-5a; Mark 1:21-28

Carol Service at St Davidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Church, Rhulen Sunday 17 Dec at 7pm Refreshments and fellowship afterwards

24th December Christmas Eve 10.00 Rectory Llanelwedd Holy Communion LW 16.00 Glascwm Crib service JO/LW 23.00 Llanelwedd Midnight Mass LW Readings for Said Holy Communion: 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16; Canticle: Magnificat (Luke 1: 47-55); Romans 16:25-27; Luke 1:26-38 Midnight Mass Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14, 15-20

Christmas in Llanelwedd Friday 15th December 3:30 - 5.30 pm at Jubilee Hall, Llanelwedd

Children will be making Christmas presents for their friends & family, watching the Christmas story, & eating a scrumptious Christmas tea. A very warm welcome to ALL children aged 11 & under.

25th December Christmas Day 08.00 Rhulen Holy Communion LW 09.30 Llanfaredd Holy Communion LW 09.30 Cregrina Holy Communion JO 10.00 Llansantffraed Holy Communion CH/NH 11.15 Glascwm Holy Communion JO 11.15 Bettws Holy Communion LW Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4 [5-12]; John 1:1-14 31st December Christmas 1

Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please contact

Cherry on 01982 570702

Llanelwedd with Llanfaredd, Llansantffraed-in-Elwell, Bettws, Cregrina, Glascwm and Rhulen Revd Mthr Linda Watson, The Rectory, Llanelwedd LD2 3TY 01982 553533, revlindawatson@gmail.com Licensed Lay Minister. Mr Eddie Thomas. 01982 552873, edwin.thomas935@btinternet.com 4

Builth Ministry Area - Colwyn

More from the Colwyn Group at www.colwynbenefice.wordpress.com

Dear Friends,

I wonder whether you are one of those people who like or hate Christmas. In my experience people view Christmas a bit like marmite. You either love it or hate it. Yet there are understandable reasons why we might find Christmas difficult; perhaps we find it too commercialised, emptied of its true meaning, or maybe there are too many reminders of people no longer with us, or perhaps it’s the loss of childhood innocence. However, I’ve always found Christmas a very moving time of the year. The story of Christmas is rich with meaning and recalls the joy and anxiety of families anticipating the birth of a child. It also recalls worries about money and finding ways of navigating family relationships as well as navigating the advice and expectation of others.

This is a useful source of information on church services and community events and offers resources and support in areas such as prayer and Bible study. Colwyn Benefice’s Facebook page can be accessed from this website.

: Events and Meetings • • • • •

•

• •

Sat 2nd Dec, 2pm, Enthronement of Archbishop John Davies at Brecon – entry by ticket. Monday 4th December, 7pm, Benefice Council Meeting at Hundred House Hall. Friday 8th December, Bettws and Llansantffraed Coffee Evening with Father Christmas Tuesday 12th December, 10.00am, Bible Study. All Welcome. Phone Cherry on 01982 570702 for details. Wednesday 13th December, 10.00am, Coffee Connection with homemade mince pies and mulled wine and/or tea, coffee and biscuits at Hundred House Hall. All Welcome. Contact Jo: 01982 570326 or Linda:01982 570296 for free transport. Please note: The children of Franksbridge School have kindly agreed to give us an exclusive preview of their ‘Christmas Concert,’ so please join us. Friday 15th December, 3.30-5.30pm, Children’s Church (Messy Church) at Jubilee Hall, Llanelwedd. Christmas Craft Activities for Children and Christmas Tea. Please note that children must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, please contact Cherry on 01982 570702. Wednesday 20th December, Children break up for Christmas Holidays. Thursday 21st December, 7pm, Christmas concert with Eleanor’s Girl’s accompanied by Ann Bufton, at Hundred House Hall. Tickets from members of St Bridget’s Church, Llansantffraed. Entry £5, Children free. Refreshments provided by St Bridget’s Church. In aid of a local charity.

The incredible and wonderful thing I have always witnessed has been the way that people are always ready to help in whatever way they can with grace and generosity so that the experiences of families around a birth are profound and resonate with the birth of Jesus. At Christmas, we remember that God comes to us as a frail human baby, asking for welcome, help, care and nurture. Perhaps we get turned off by Christmas because we can no longer see how it relates to our lives; perhaps it feels so closely associated with ‘young families’, perhaps we are left thinking that that Christmas ‘is for Children’. Well yes, in so far as it challenges us to welcome the vulnerable, the stranger and the disturber of our status quo. Yet it is so much more, this call to care and support the vulnerable and anywhere we see new life emerging, is an invitation to get involved, to do all that is necessary to enable the expansiveness of life to be born in our world. So, may you find yourself visited by and a visitor to the God who is born amid frailty this Christmas. Christmas Blessings to you all.

Linda

Builth Ministry Area – Buallt Worship for December

Worship for January 2018

3rd December Advent 1 10.00 St Marys Family Eucharist 15.00 Llanddewi’r Cwm Eucharist

4th January 10.00am St Marys Mid-week Eucharist 11.00am Brynhyfred Ecumenical Eucharist

7th December 10.00am St Marys Mid-week Eucharist 11.00am Brynhyfred Eucharist 9th December 11.15am Llanynis (Trilingual service –

7th January Baptism of Christ 10.00 St Marys Family Eucharist 11th January 10.00am St Mary

Prince Llewellyn English/Welsh/Latin)

Mid-week Eucharist

10th December Advent 2 09.30am St Marys Eucharist 11.00am Maesmynis Pop-up Nativity

14th January Epiphany 2 09.30 St Marys Eucharist 11.00 Maesmynis Eucharist

14th December 10.00am St Marys

18th January 10.00 St Marys

Mid-Week Eucharist

21st January Epiphany 3 9.30 St Marys Eucharist

17th December Advent 3 9.30am St Marys Eucharist 3.00pm Alltmawr Carol Service 18th December 7.00pm St Marys

Mid-Week Eucharist

25th January 10.00 St Marys

Rotary Community Carol service

Mid-week Eucharist

28th January Epiphany 4 9.30 St Marys Eucharist 11.00 Maesmynis Matins

24th December Christmas Eve 11.00am Brynhyfred Eucharist (Resd) 5.00pm St Marys Kids Crib Service 7.00pm Llanddewi’r Cwm YFC Carols (Mince Pies) 11.00pm St Marys Midnight Mass

Regular Events Thursdays Bell-Ringers meet at the new start time of 19.30 in St. Mary’s Tower. New members, enquiries and visitors always welcome. Fridays Choir Practice 18.00 to 19.00 – Currently meeting at different venues so please check your text messages for updates. New members, enquiries and visitors always welcome.

25th December Christmas Day 11.00 Llanynis Eucharist (Resd) 31st December Christmas 1 11.00am Alltmawr Eucharist

Builth Wells with Llanddewi’r-Cwm & Llangynog with Maesmynis & Llanynis with Alltmawr Whilst Revd Fthr Neil Hook is ill all enquiries should be addressed to the Area Dean Revd Canon Mark Beaton, The Rectory, School Lane, New Radnor, Presteigne LD8 2SS, 01544 350342, revmarkbeaton@gmail.com Licensed Lay Minister. Mrs Janet Day, 01982 553623, djd@janetdaydesigns.co.uk 6

Builth Ministry Area – Buallt Pilgrims Course 2018

Flower Rota A Rota for the provision of Altar Flowers from Christmas until the beginning of Lent is now at the back of the church. If you are able to help in this way, please can you sign up for the appropriate Sunday.

We say a fond The Lord’s Supper farewell to our

This second book in the Grow Stage explores in greater depth how Christians know and worship God. Its six sessions reveal the reasons why The Eucharist is celebrated as a memorial of Christ’s saving passion andreaders standsofatSignposts the verywould heart wish of to I am sure join me inworship. thankingThe Abi course Hook for hertake many Christian will years of dedicated service to the Editorship place in the Christian Centre for Rural of this on andthe other much-loved Parish Wales, Royal Welsh Showground, publications. Since I first met Abi some 16 top entrance trophy years ago sheover has the always beenroom, putting her Glamorgan Hall, Builth Wells 3SY. desk-top publishing skills to useLD2 in something

Editor.

Alltmawr Carol Service 3.00pm on Sunday 17th December

or another. How lucky we are that she has felt drawn to use her talents to such good effect. I am also grateful that she has taken Time ThemeEucharist – Pilgrim such Table pains tofor show the ropes with her Course at CCRW 7pm contacts own particular brand RWS of precision enduring patience. will doubtless some553623 time Janet DayIt07754 03709 or be 01982 before I can match her in either the editing or theRev patience department, I am433431 hoping she Or Michelle Baileybut 07754 will be on hand to support me. Abi has rurallife_swanseasbrecon@yahoo.com decided to pursue other interests but hopefully will continue to be aate Signposts Session one: Your ancestors manna in reader! We wish Abi all the best in her the wilderness - Explores worship as future pursuits and hope that they will be as fruitful communion with God (18 Jan) as this has been!

Session two: This is my body broken for you - Adeline Considers the Eucharist as the pattern of all Christian worship (1 Feb) Session three: This is my body broken for you - Considers the Eucharist as the pattern of all Christian worship (15 Feb)

Builth Ministry Area - Erwood & Painscastle

Dear All, Advent and the Christmas Season

acceptance of the secular world of the birth of Emmanuel who is God with us. The three men feel the influence of heaven as they follow the star to the birth – place. Theirs is also a journey based on intellect and human initiative – their homage displays an acceptance that God is the only true sovereign over us all. The Magi have followed his will to announce to the world the reign of his Son; Jesus, Emmanuel, the Prince of Peace.

are here. Once more we may rejoice! 2000 years ago the coming of Emmanuel who is God with us, united heaven and earth in a bond never to be broken for all eternity. Enjoy the story as heaven overflows with the love of God in preparation for the great climax of the birth of the Holy Child in Bethlehem. Let it fill your hearts as you revel in the images of the angels appearing to the shepherds and the wise men travelling by the guidance of the star through heat, cold and dust for many months just to pay homage to the physical radiance of God now present in the babe who will change the world. Think of Mary’s wonderful and gracious acquiescence as the angel tells her that she is God’s chosen one and how she rushes with excitement to Elizabeth within whose womb John the Baptist responds by leaping with joy as his Saviour draws near. Remember Joseph’s loyalty and the visitation of angels in his dreams to ensure the safety of the baby Jesus. Heaven was showering the earth with signs and wonders and the very spirit of the world was responding by lifting people’s hearts in preparation for the birth of our Lord.

The scene is already set for the fulfilment of the Passion some thirty years later. It is worth remembering that the story of the incarnation is a complete and whole event in the history of our world - from our Saviour’s birth until his death and resurrection. The life of Jesus demonstrates that earthly suffering and heavenly bliss are close companions and he gives not as the world gives. We may not understand this. Sometimes we must simply let our hearts tell the story. Let nothing deflect us from the joy of Christmas! But let the joy make a bed of compassion in our hearts for all people for whom sorrow is never far away. Our constant prayer must be for the ongoing and eternal peace of Christ for all people. The Blessings of the Christ – Child be with you and those you love this Christmas, the New Year and always!

Most of all, remember that the story is true! How can you resist the invitation to see the world in a new light – the Light that never dies. All our earthly troubles may then be seen as the restless symptoms of a fast-changing world that is searching for a new identity of increased unity and fellowship. If we allow this new perspective to become a reality, then all the fear and danger will be balanced by an increased peace and goodwill to all people.

Father Paul. XX

Carry the image of the new- born baby, radiant with light and throwing his golden beams into the stable. Think on this and we will always be carrying a prayer with us for those we love and for those whose Christmas may be one of pain and sorrow. The Feast of the Epiphany of Our Lord will be celebrated at our Eucharist on Sunday the 7th of January to set the seal upon the Christmas story. The visit of the three Wise Men symbolises the Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach Revd Fthr Paul Keown, Trefechan, Edw Crescent, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, 01982 560653, frpaulkeown@mac.com 8

Builth Ministry Area - Erwood & Painscastle

Services for December

Sunday 28th Jan Fourth Sunday of Epiphany 9.30am Eucharist Bryngwyn 9.30am Eucharist (Fr.Phil) Crickadarn 9.30am Eucharist Bryngwyn 11.00am Eucharist Aberedw

Sunday 3rd Dec Advent Sunday 9.30am Eucharist Llanbadarn 11.00am Eucharist Gwenddwr 11.00am Morning Prayer Llandeilo Graban 3.00pm Eucharist Llanddewi Fach Friday 8th Dec 7.00pm Carol Service

Sunday 4th Feb Second Sunday before Lent 9.30am Eucharist Llanbadarn 11.00am Eucharist Gwenddwr 11.00am Morning Prayer Llandeilo Graban 3.00am Eucharist Llanddewi Fach

Aberedw

Sunday 10th Dec Second Sunday of Advent 9.30am Eucharist Crickadarn 9.30am Eucharist (Fr Phil) Aberedw 2.30pm Carol Service Llandeilo Graban (With Moriah Chapel) 6.00pm Crib and Christingle Llanbedr

Sunday 11th Feb Sunday before Lent 9.30am Eucharist (Fr. Phil) Aberedw 11.00am Eucharist (Fr.Phil) Llanbedr Evening Prayer in St Cewydd, Aberedw at 6.00pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuesday to Friday, excepting Wednesday, when there is midweek Eucharist at 6.30pm.

Sunday 17th Dec Third Sunday of Advent 9.30am Eucharist Llandeilo Graban 11.00am Eucharist Newchurch 6.00pm Carol Service Llanbedr 6.00pm Carol Service Gwenddwr Thursday 21st Dec 6.00pm Carol Service.

Please check the weekly Benefice worship sheet for amendments or changes.

Painscastle Mothersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Union You are most welcome to join us at our meetings.

Llanbadarn

Sunday 24th Dec Christmas Eve 9.30am Eucharist (Fr.Phil.) Gwenddwr 6.00pm Crib/Christingle/ Aberedw Eucharist 11.30pm Midnight Mass Bryngwyn 25th Dec 9.30am Eucharist 11.00am Eucharist

Christmas Dinner 12th December

Christmas Day Newchurch Llandeilo Graban

Sunday 31st Dec First Sunday of Christmas 9.30am Eucharist (Fr.Phil) Crickadarn 11.00am Eucharist (Fr.Phil) Llanbedr

Meetings are held at Painscastle Village Hall on the 2nd Tuesday of each month during the winter months. For more information contact: Fran Shaw, 01982 560480

Services for January Sunday 7th Jan The Epiphany of our Lord 9.30am Eucharist Llanbadarn 11.00am Eucharist Gwenddwr 11.00am Morning Prayer Llandeilo Graban Sunday 14th Jan Second Sunday of Epiphany 9.30am Eucharist Crickadarn 9.30am Eucharist (Fr Phil) Aberedw 11.00am Eucharist Llanbedr Sunday 21st Jan Third Sunday of Epiphany 9.30am Eucharist Llandeilo Graban 11.00am Eucharist (Fr.Phil) Gwenddwr 1.00am Eucharist Newchurch

Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn w Newchurch w Llanbedr Painscastle w Llanddewi Fach Revd Fthr Paul Keown, Trefechan, Edw Crescent, Aberedw, Builth Wells LD2 3UH, 01982 560653, frpaulkeown@mac.com 9

Irfon and Wye Ministry Area Irfon Valley, Blaenau Irfon and Upper Wye Dear Friends

Services for December

Christmas has crept up on us yet again. There always seems to be so much to do and the list of tasks seems to get bigger each year. let us not forget that Christmas is actually a Christian festival where we celebrate the birth of Jesus, God's son. It is not the 'holidays' or any other secular name that has been attached to it. It is Christ's Mass. In remembering this we must spare a thought for all who are suffering this year. So many are sick, homeless or missing loved ones. In our own Ministry Area we draw to mind the terrible tragedy in Llangammarch. Please let us all pray for everyone affected by this. Family is so important, and this time of year can make us think of those we have and those we have lost. Please be assured of my prayers for you at this Christmas time and I wish you every happiness and peace for the season and the year ahead. Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda! Love and blessings

Sunday 3 December Advent 1 9:30am Holy Eucharist EOD Isaiah 64: 1 – 9 11:00am Morning Worship St James Psalm 80: 1 - 7 11:00am Morning Worship Newbridge 1 Corinthians 1:3 – 9 11:15am Holy Eucharist Llanfihangel Brynpabuan Mark 13: 24 - 37 11:15am Holy Eucharist Llanlleonfel 11:15am Children's Advent Service at Llanganten

Petra

Saturday 9 December 5pm Christmas Tree Festival Sunday 10 December 9:30am Morning Worship 9:30am Holy Eucharist 9:30am Morning Worship 11:00am Holy Eucharist 6:00pm Compline

Advent 2 EOD Llangammarch Cwmbach St James Newbridge

Isaiah 40:1 - 11 Psalm 85:[1 – 2] 8 – 13 2 Peter 3:8 – 15a Mark 1:1 – 8

Wednesday 13 December 7:00pm? Advent Carol Service at Llanlleonfel? Sunday 17 December Advent 3 9:30am Holy Eucharist EOD Isaiah 61: 1 – 4, 8 - 11 11:00am Morning Worship St James Psalm 126 11:00am Morning Worship Newbridge or (Luke 1:47 – 55) 11:15am Holy Eucharist Llanganten 1 Thessalonians 5: 16 – 24 3:00pm Advent Carol Service at Llanafan John 1:6 – 8, 19 – 28 Wednesday 20 December 6:30pm Candle Lit Service St David's Sunday 24 December Advent 4 Christmas Eve 11:00am MA Lessons & Carols EOD2 Samuel 7: 1 – 11, 16 7:00pm Christmas Carols at The Prince, Cilmery (Luke 1:47–55) 11:30pm Midnight Mass Llangammarch or Psalm 89:1 – 4, 19 - 26 or Psalm 89:1 – 8, Romans 16:25 – 27, Luke 1: 26 - 38 Sunday 31 December 11am MA Holy Eucharist Newbridge

St Cadmarch’s, Llangammarch Wells; The Parish Church, Llanlleonfel, Garth; St Afan’s, Llanfechan; St Cannen’s, Llanganten, Cilmery; St. James’, Llanwrtyd Wells; St. David’s, Llanwrtyd; St David’s Tirabad; Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah; Newbridge-on-Wye, Cwmbach Llechrhyd, Llanafan Fawr & Llanfihangel Brynpabuan Revd Petra Beresford-Webb, 9 Cae Nant, Newbridge-on-Wye, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6LQ, 01597 860842 or 07966 799546, petra.beresfordwebb@yahoo.com Licensed Lay Minister. Mrs Gina Ayling, 01982 551498, ginaayling@talktalk.net Licensed Lay Minister. Mrs Yvonne Parker 10

Irfon and Wye Ministry Area Irfon Valley, Blaenau Irfon and Upper Wye Services for January

6:00pm

Sunday 7 January 9:30am Holy Eucharist EOD 11:00am Morning Worship St James 11:00am Morning Worship Newbridge 11:15am Christmas Eucharist Llanlleonfel 11:15am Morning Worship Llanganten 3:00pm Carol Service LB

Sunday 21 January 9:30am Holy Eucharist 11:00am Morning Worship 11:00am Morning Worship 11:15am Holy Eucharist 3:00pm Holy Eucharist

EOD St James Newbridge Llanganten Llanafan

Sunday 28 January 9:30am Family Service 9:30am Morning Worship 9:30am Holy Eucharist 11:00am Holy Eucharist 11:00am Holy Eucharist

EOD Llangammarch Cwmbach St James Newbridge

Sunday 14 January 9:30am Morning Prayer 9:30am Holy Eucharist 9:30am Morning Prayer 11:00am Carol Service 11:00am Holy Eucharist

Cwmbach Llangammarch EOD Llanfechan St James

Compline

Newbridge

We say a fond farewell to our Editor. I am sure readers of Signposts would wish to join me in thanking Abi Hook for her many years of dedicated service to the Editorship of this and other much-loved Parish publications. Since I first met Abi some 16 years ago she has always been putting her desk-top publishing skills to use in something or another. How lucky we are that she has felt drawn to use her talents to such good effect. I am also grateful that she has taken such pains to show me the ropes with her own particular brand of precision and enduring patience. It will doubtless be some time before I can match her in either the editing or the patience department, but I am hoping she will be on hand to support me. Abi has decided to pursue other interests but hopefully will continue to be a Signposts reader! We wish Abi all the best in her future pursuits and hope that they will be as fruitful as this has been! Adeline

Christ child of Bethlehem, our dayspring and our dawn. We turn to you when we fear the dark and all around us weep. We pray you greet us with our shining light that we may spread your warm embrace and kindle the hope of Christmas in all whose lives remain in shadow. Come again Lord Jesus and be our strength O Lord, our hope and our salvation. Amen.

Just Giving…….. The tragic fire which has devastated a local family in Llangammarch Wells is no doubt pressing on many of us. Thankfully a local couple launched a page on “Just Giving” in an effort to ease the financial burden on a distraught family. If you would like to donate, the address below leads straight to the page.

https://www.justgiving.com/ crowdfunding/tragicfiredonation 11

Pwllgwilym Cottages and B & B 4 Star Three Self catering cottages with Hot tubs sleeping up to 17 ideal for large families Also Three spacious B & B rooms Two miles from Builth Wells

Tel. 01982 552140 www.pwllgwilym-cottages.co.uk

www.mccartneys.co.uk AUCTIONEERS – VALUERS LAND AND ESTATE AGENTS CHARTERED SURVEYORS FINE ART AUCTIONEERS 46 High Street, Builth Wells, Powys, LD2 3AB Tel. 01982 552259 e-mail. builth@mccartneys.co.uk

Weekday Worship Builth Ministry Area offers regular opportunities for Christians to gather in worship. Daily Prayer Evening Prayer 18.00 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday in St. Cewydd’s, Aberedw www.abbeycwmhirhistory.org.uk

Holy Eucharist Wednesday at 18.30 in St. Cewydd’s, Aberedw Thursday at 10.00 in St. Mary the Virgin, Builth

R. W. Evans & Son Ltd Monumental Mason Memorials & Commemorative plaques, additional inscriptions and renovations highest quality at low prices, family firm established 100 yrs Unit 8B, Brecon Enterprise Park, Brecon Tel. 01874 625308 (day) 01874 624913 (eve)

ROOF & CHIMNEY CARE

Builth Secretarial Services

~PITCHED & FLAT ROOFS~ ~LEAD & DECORATIVE LEAD WORK~ ~GUTTERING AND FASCIAS~ ~NEW ROOFS AND REPAIRS~ ~EVERYTHING FROM SLATES TO TILES~

Word processing; virtual assistant (via the internet); audiotyping; CVs; black and white photocopying; colour and black & white printing from disk, digital camera or memory card/stick; scanning photographs, slides and negatives; fax facilities; binding; laminating. We also copy VCR/camcorder tapes to DVD, vinyl/cassette to CD, produce personalised/corporate items such as calendars and frame pictures enlarged from original photographs. Please phone to discuss your requirements. We may also collect and deliver.

CHIMNEY MAINTENANCE. REPAIRS TO REBUILDS SWEEPING – PAINTING For Friendly Advice & Free Quotations Please Contact Matthew Drew… 07525 437083 ~ 01874 712264

01982 560422 (Aberedw) or 07552 995881

www.roofandchimneycare.co.uk

(Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm)

Clean Home Company (Local business Est 2007) Carpet Cleaning Spring Cleaning Gutter Cleaning Patio Cleaning Also grass & hedge cutting and other handy man jobs.

Contact Rupert Lewis on 01597 825925 or 07930513585 (Can provide local references if required)

RAINBOW TOTS PRE-SCHOOL Irfon Valley CP School, Garth, Powys office@irfon.powys.sch.uk Monday, Wednesday and Friday Mornings 8.50am-12.10pm

A lovely in school setting for children aged 2½ to school age. £10 per session until the term after the child's third birthday, then the sessions are free. Singing, dancing, running, jumping, laughing and playing with friends. Come along and have some fun! Call the school today for a chat on 01591 620281 13

D. K. Dixon Plumbing & Heating

Parry & Pugh Jane Pugh (Daughter of the late Walter Parry)

TEL. 01982 552644 MOB. 07974 315328

FUNERAL DIRECTORS oil & gas servicing new installations bathrooms, lead work Pencae, Hay Road, Builth Wells Tel. 01982 551023 Mob. 07813 405039

Local & International homemade dishes Catering for Gluten Free & Vegan diets 55 High Street, Builth Wells

Ben Lloyd & Son

A family business established in 1858

We now provide personalised pre-paid funeral plans PASADENA, 31 BRECON ROAD, BUILTH WELLS, POWYS LD2 3EB

Dale Williams

H. VAUGHAN VAUGHAN & Co

Painting & decorating, Highest quality Of papers hung, Tiling, coving, artexing, General building maintenance Tel. 01874 712206 Mob. 07800 541955 Over 15 years experience, Fully insured

SOLICITORS

THOROUGHLY DRY SEASONED HARDWOOD LOGS ASH, OAK, BIRCH & ALDER

From Cefnllysgwynne Estate, Builth Wells ______________________________________________________

Memorial Craftsmen

Est. 1886 Churchyard memorials commemorative plaques additional inscriptions and renovations Bridge Street, Rhayader Tel. 01597 810320 & 811183 Mob. 07767 220163

DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR Cut and split into easily handled sizes. Packed in bags weighing an average of 8 kilos net Price. Â£3.50 per bag (negotiable for Bulk/regular orders) ORDERS/ENQUIRIES. Tel. 01982 551624

COMMISSIONERS FOR OATHS Established since the 19th century We offer a full & friendly legal service ______________________________________

SOLE PRINCIPAL. DAVID T. LLOYD CONSULTANT. CONAL M DUNN MANCHESTER HOUSE HIGH STREET, BUILTH WELLS

TEL. 01982 552331 & 553571 FAX. 01982 552860

ELECTRICIAN David Stone Electrics Free, no obligation quotes for all your household & domestic needs. 07771 767246 davidpstone@btinternet.com 01982 570403 NICEIC Registered Insured & all work fully guaranteed

Hay Meadow Burials A unique natural GREEN burial ground located within the Radnorshire Hills. A PLACE TO REST IN PEACE We welcome any faith, religion or belief so suitable for everyone. You can create something different or have a traditional funeral with a church service. Return back to nature and choose your final resting place, anywhere in the meadow. Plots are available to be purchased in advance. Richard and Sarah Vale Busnant Farm, Glascwm, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5SE Tel 01982 570701 info@haymeadowburials.co.uk www.haymeadowburials.co.uk

14 High St, Builth, Powys LD2 3DN

Tel. 01982 553004 email. info@builthcs.co.uk www.builthcs.co.uk Registered Charity 1150452 Company limited by Guarantee 827866

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for our Community Car scheme & Charity Shop, also Befrienders & Directors for our Board of Management. Please contact our office for more information and an application form

BUILTH MINISTRY AREA

Intercessions December 2017

Intercessions January 2018

01. Lay Readers in the Ministry Area

01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07. 08. 09.

02. St Cewydd, Aberedw and all they serve 03. St. David’s, Llanddewi’r-Cwm and all they serve 04. St Mary, Llanfaredd and all they serve 05. Childrenswork in the Ministry Area 06. St Dubricius, Gwenddwr and all they serve 07. St David, Rhulen and all they serve 08. Youthwork in the Ministry Area 09. Those in residential care in our Ministry Area

10.

10. St. David, Llanynis and all they serve 11. St Matthew, Llanelwedd and all they serve

11.

12. St Michael, Bryngwyn and all they serve

12.

13. The Mothers Union in the Ministry Area 14. Llanlleonfel Parish church and all they serve

13. 14.

15. World Mission Initiatives in the Ministry Area 16. St. James, Llanwrtyd and all they serve

15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21.

17. St. Mary the Virgin, Builth Wells and all they serve 18. St David, Llanddewi-Fach and all they serve 19. All who read scripture in Services in the Ministry Area 20. St Bridget, Llansantffraed-in-Elwel and all they serve 21. St Teilo, Llandeilo Graban and all they serve 22. Lay Worship Leaders in the Ministry Area

22.

23. St. John the Divine, Cwmbach and all they serve

23. 24.

24. St Mary, Newchurch and all they serve 25. Llanelwedd Church in Wales School its staff & students

25. 26. 27. 28.

26. St David, Glascwm and all they serve 27. Church Foundation Governors in the Ministry Area 28. St Mary, Bettws Disserth and all they serve 29. All Church Officers in the Ministry Area

29. 30.

30. Schoolswork in the Ministry Area 31. Clergy within the Ministry Area

31.

St. Mauritius, Alltmawr and all they serve All Saints, Newbridge on Wye and all they serve For evangelism in our Ministry Area Hospital Chaplaincy throughout the ministry area St. Afan’s, Garth and all they serve St. Michael’s, Llanfihangel Brynpabuan Eglwys Oen Duw, Beulah and all they serve St. David, Maesmynis and all they serve Newbridge Church in Wales School it’s staff and students St. Cadmarch’s, Llangammarch Wells and all they serve St. David’s Old Church, Llanwrtyd Wells and all they serve All who play music in Services in the Ministry Area St. Afan’s, Llanafan Fawr and all they serve All who lead prayers in Services in the Ministry Area St. Cannen, Cilmery and all they serve St. David, Llandilas in Tirabad and all they serve Rural Outreach in the Ministry Area St Peter, Painscastle and all they serve Pastoral Assistants in the Ministry Area St David, Cregrina and all they serve An increase in vocations within the Ministry Area All those considering confirmation in the Ministry Area St. Mauritius, Alltmawr and all they serve Our brothers and sisters in other churches in the ministry area Our Ministry amongst the bereaved Pastoral Work throughout the Ministry Area St Mary, Crickadarn and all they serve St Padarn, Llanbadarn y Garreg and all they serve All PCC members in the Ministry Area All exercising a Ministry of Administration in our Area All who steward our churchyards across the Ministry Area

NEW INN

COSY TOES MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER JILL LLOYD DipCFHP, MPSPract

Newbridge-On-Wye 01597860211

✓NAIL TRIMMING ✓CORNS REMOVED ✓CALLUS REDUCTION ✓INGROWING TOENAILS ✓VERRUCA TREATMENT ✓DIABETICS TREATED

NOT JUST A PUB BED & BREAKFAST/BUNK HOUSE LARGE SEPARATE FUNCTION ROOM Wedding Receptions  Christenings  Funeral Teas  Private Parties RESTURANT Sizzling Steak Menu  Gluten Free Menu Available  Real Ales BUTCHER SHOP Selling Our Own Free Range Pork  Local Beef  Local Lamb  Hand Made Sausages, Pies & Dry Cured Bacon

Evan George

Your Advert HERE!

MSc. MRICS. MCIAT Chartered Building Surveyor Architectural Designs & Plans

FOR A FRIENDLY PERSONAL SERVICE CALL JILL ON MOB. 07718150571 EVENINGSS 01591 620355

Doug Prosser Incorporated with Crickhowell Funeral Services

Planning & Building Control Applications for. New Build, Conversions & Extensions, etc. Glanrhos, East Street, Rhayader. Tel 01597 811599

georgebuildingconsultancy@btinternet.com

Website. georgebuildingconsultancy.com

Tel. 01591 620 648 E-mail. hhussey@btinternet.com

Maelgwyn Funeral Home, Kensington, Brecon

Piano Tuning David Day B.A., L.R.A.M., M.P.T.A.

Qualified Piano Tuner covering Mid Wales

Memorial Masons Tel 01874 622755 www.dougprosser-brecon.com

Tel. 01982 553623 Mob. 07966594663 tuning@piano-tuning-wales.co.uk www.piano-tuning-wales.co.uk

W Cook

The Medical Hall Llanwrtyd Wells

Eye Health Examination Wales and Low Vision Accredited

For all your farm needs ‘He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herbs for the service of man. that he may bring forth food out of the earth.” Psalms CIV Garth Road, Builth Wells Tel. 01982 552210

Eye examinations Contact lenses Spectacle Frames and lenses Low Vision Assessments

Drug Store, Stationery & Toys, Gifts, Cosmetics, Greetings Cards, Batteries & Torches,

Tel. 01591 610 207

Cavendish House, Middleton St, Llandrindod Wells 01597 823400 23 High St, Builth Wells 01982 552801 www.sgmarshall.co.uk

All contributions (news items and ideas for future issues) are very welcome and should be sent to. Adeline Jennings, 1 North Cottages, Llysdinam, Llandrindod Wells LD1 6NB Tel. 01597 860116 E-mail. signpostsmagazine@gmail.com Web. www.builthgroup.org.uk/signposts/ For Advertising Queries please contact Richard Hussey Tel. 01591 620 648 E-mail. hhussey@btinternet.com is printed by Powerprint, Llandrindod th

Deadline for next issue (February 2018) Monday 15 January 2018 16