Issue No 207
‘Love came down at Christmas’ Love came down at Christmas, Love all lovely, Love Divine, Love was born at Christmas, Star and Angels gave the sign. Worship we the Godhead, Love Incarnate, Love Divine, Worship we our Jesus, But wherewith for sacred sign? Love shall be our token, Love be yours and love be mine, Love to God and all men, Love for plea and gift and sign. - Christina Rossetti We see this 1885 poem everywhere this time of year, in cards, on the radio and sung as a carol. Its enduring nature is, perhaps, down to the fact that the Christian faith is essentially about love – because God is love. At this time of the year we celebrate that ‘Love came down at Christmas’ to share our human life in the person of the infant Jesus. At Easter we celebrate the depths of that love in Christ dying for us and love’s triumph over death itself in the resurrection. At Pentecost we celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, ‘power from on high’, to enable us to love as God has loved us. It really is that simple. However, the problem – in case you hadn’t noticed – is that we don’t manage to love as God loves us. As we celebrate the Advent of the Prince of Peace humanity seems to have forgotten that ‘Love shall be our token’. Just weeks after we commemorated the centenary of what was referred to at the time as ‘the war to end all wars’ there is still so much violence,
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Magazine for the Builth Ministry Area December 2018/January 2019 bloodshed and oppression in the world. Why is that? Perhaps a reason we do not love as we ought is that we cannot, deep down, believe that we are loved or are even loveable. Most of our ‘sinfulness’ – in Christian terminology – derives from an insecurity, a deep dis-ease within. Ever since I became a Christian I have believed that I am unconditionally loved – in my head. The trouble is I couldn’t quite believe in my heart that anyone, let alone I, could be unconditionally loved. This is something that I have been struggling with even more over the last couple of years. I have read, I have listened to those wiser than myself, I have studied the holy scriptures. However, it was not until I had the power of love, of forgiveness demonstrated to me, that I felt that I was forgiven, and that in turn I was free to truly love. Now I can believe that God loves me unconditionally – with my heart as well as my head. I have a long way to go but I think that it has made me more loving. Our prayer this Christmas is that, wherever we are on our journey, we shall be given grace to believe with all our heart that God loves us more than we can possibly imagine with a love that is stronger than death and which will stretch into all eternity. Then we might be better able to love as God loves us.
Fthr Neil Hook EDITORSHIP If you wish to contact the editor, please note new email address: signpostsmagazine@gmail.com
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Llanelwedd Little Learners @ Llanelwedd Church in Wales Primary School
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Relax with a scrumptious home-made fruit or plain scone with home-made jam and a pot of tea. Special price - only £4.00 .(price valid on date of Signposts Publication)
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Ministry Area Notices LLANGASTY
Builth Ministry Area
Men’s Breakfast
‘Prayer Retreat’
29th December & 26th January
10.00am Drovers Tea Rooms, Builth
Tues 4th December £28 Dip into a rich store of Liturgy, word, art & music. Phone: 01874 658250 E-mail: enquiries@llangasty.com Visit: www.llangasty.com
LLANGASTY RETREAT HOUSE
Drop in Quiet Day Monday 3rd December Monday 21st January An opportunity to pause for prayer and personal reflection - come for all or part of the day. Bring your own lunch. Coffee and tea provided. No charge, but donations welcome. No need to book. 10am - 4pm with Eucharist at 12 noon
To learn more contact David on. davidi.anderson@btinternet.com
Phone: 01874 658250 E-mail: enquiries@llangasty.com Visit: www.llangasty.com
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Cymun Bendigaid
22nd January 2019 Holy Trinity, Llandrindod Wells 19.00 – 20.30
Welsh Eucharist
All Church Officers and Deanery Conference representatives are strongly encouraged to attend.
A Eucharist through the medium of Welsh every Monday at midday in Brecon Cathedral. Croeso i bawb All Welcome
Mothers Union Monthly Eucharist For the Brecon Archdeaconry at Brecon Cathedral Friday 21st December 2018 & 18th January 2019 at 12noon. All MU members and supporters welcome.
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. 3
Magazine wishes its readers a peaceful and reflective Advent and a joyful Christmas. If you wish to contact us the details are on the back page. signpostsmagazine@gmail.com
Builth Ministry Area - Colwyn
Services for Year B
30th December Christmas 1 10.00 Hundred House Hall
Benefice Carol Service LW Readings: 1 Samuel 2:18-20; Psalm 148 or 148:7-14; Colossians 3:12-17; Luke 2:41-52 Llanfaredd and Llansantffraed Hosting.
EVERYONE is welcome to come to ANY or ALL of our services
Services for December 2nd
December 10.00 Llansantffraed 18.00 Glascwm
Advent 1 Holy Communion Village Service ET
Services for January 6th January The Epiphany of our Lord 10.00 Llansantffraed Holy Communion 18.00 Glascwm Village Service
LW
Readings: Jeremiah 33:14-16; Psalm 25:1-10; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13; Luke 21:25-36 9th December 09.30 Cregrina 11.15 Llanelwedd 11.15 Rhulen
Readings: Isaiah 60:1-6; Psalm 72:[1-9] 10-15; Ephesians 3:1-12); Matthew 2:1-12
Advent 2 Holy Communion LW Worship4All ET/MJ Holy Communion JO
13th January The Baptism of Christ 09.30 Cregrina Holy Communion 11.15 Llanelwedd Worship4All 11.15 Rhulen Holy Communion
Readings: Baruch 5:1-9 or Malachi 3:1-4; Canticle: Benedictus (Luke 1:68-79); Philippians 1:3-11; Luke 3:1-6 16th December Advent 3 09.30 Llanfaredd Holy Communion 11.15 Glascwm Holy Communion 19.00 Rhulen Carol Service
LW ET/DD
LW
Readings: Isaiah 43:1-7; Psalm 29; Acts 8:14-17; Luke 3:15-17, 21-22
LW JO RM
20th January Epiphany 3 09.30 Llanfaredd Holy Communion 11.15 Glascwm Holy Communion
Weather Permitting Readings: Zephaniah 3:14-20; Canticle: Isaiah 12:2-6; or Psalm 146:5-10; Philippians 4:4-7; Luke 3:7-18
JO JO
Readings: Isaiah 62:1-5; Psalm 36:5-10; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; John 2:1-11 27th January
23rd December Advent 4 10.00 Hundred House Hall Benefice Communion LW With Advent hymns
Day 09.30 09.30 11.15
Readings: Micah 5:2-5a; Canticle: Magnificat (Luke 1:47-55) or Psalm 80:1-7; Hebrews 10:5-10; Luke 1:39-45, [46-55] Monday 24th December Christmas Eve 16.00 Glascwm Crib Service 23.00 Llanelwedd Midnight Mass
JO JO
Epiphany 4/World Leprosy Day/ Homeless Sunday/Holocaust Memorial
Bettws Cregrina Llanelwedd LW
Holy Communion Village Service Holy Communion
JO MJ
Readings: Neh 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10; Psalm 19 or 19:1-6; 1 Cor 12:12-31a; Luke 4:14-21
LW LW
Website: www.colwynbenefice.wordpress.com
Readings: Isaiah 9:2-7; Psalm 96; Titus 2:11-14; Luke 2:1-14, [15-20]
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.
Tuesday 25th December Christmas Day – The Nativity of our Lord 08.00 Rhulen Extended Communion ET 09.30 Cregrina Holy Communion LW 10.00 Llansantffraed Extended Communion ET 11.15 Bettws Holy Communion LW Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Psalm 98; Hebrews 1:1-4 [512]; John 1:1-14
Bettws and Llansanffraed, Christmas Wreaths
For information please phone: Elizabeth Powell on: 01982 570404
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
Dear Friends,
Events and Meetings for September and October: ALL WELCOME Events and Meetings: December
At Christmas time, many churches and Christian homes will display a crib – that is, a nativity scene, which depicts the birth of Jesus as described in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. Figures are used to represent the baby Jesus with his mother Mary and Joseph. Also, often included are shepherds, angels, magi and various animals such as a sheep, a donkey and an ox.
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The purpose of a crib is to present the story of Jesus’ birth. Saint Francis of Assisi is often credited as the first to create a nativity scene in 1223, following a visit to the Holy Land. Pope Honorius III gave it his blessing and within 100 years the idea had become popular throughout Christendom.
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Saint Francis’ creation used real people and animals. ‘Live nativities’ such as this are still popular today, although for practical reasons real animals tend not to be used in most situations. It is a very common practice for children to act out the various characters in services running up to Christmas.
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‘Crib Services,’ traditionally held on Christmas Eve, retell the Christmas story, gradually building up the nativity scene as the story is told. Such services will often include the Magi, although it is not uncommon to leave that part of the story out until Epiphany (celebrated on 6th January) on the grounds that this reflects a truer sense of the chronological unfolding of the story. Others maintain that it is right and proper to integrate the Magi into the nativity scene as it expresses a harmonisation of the narratives of Matthew and Luke.
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On Christmas Eve at 4pm at St David’s Glascwm we will be celebrating the Crib Service in which the Christmas story will be retold and children will be able to bring to the stable the figures and animals. You are all warmly welcome to share this service with us and join us afterwards with minced pies and drinks.
Friday 7th 7pm Bettws and Llansantffraed Coffee Evening with Father Christmas at Hundred House Hall. In aid of St Bridget’s Church Llansantffraed and also St Mary’s Church Bettws Tuesday 11th December, 10.00am, Bible Study. All Welcome. Phone Cherry on 01982 570702 for details. Wednesday 12th 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. Wear your Christmas Jumpers. Thursday 13th 10.00am Sewing Group, on Stage at Hundred House Hall. Friday 14th 6.30pm Friday Fellowship at Hundred House Inn. Saturday 15th, 10.00am Men’s Breakfast at The Drovers Tearoom. Please Note change of date. Thursday 20th December, 2.30-3.10pm. A special Christmas Story Time for pre-school children, babies & their carers. Friday 21st December, 1pm Christingle service at St Matthew’s Church for Llanelwedd School.
January
Wednesday 9th 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. Thursday 10th 10.00am Sewing Group, on Stage at Hundred House Hall. Monday 21st 7pm, Benefice Council Meeting at Hundred House Hall. Tuesday 22nd 7pm, Deanery Conference at Holy Trinity Llandrindod. Wednesday 23rd 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.
St Davids Rhulen Carol Service December 16th 7PM
Christmas Blessings to you all.
Linda
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 5
Builth Ministry Area – Buallt Worship for December 02 Dec (Advent I – Jer.33:14-16, Ps.25:1-10, Lk21:25-36) 10.00 All Sorts Eucharist in Builth 15.00 Advent Eucharist & Baptism in Llanddewi’r-Cwm 09 Dec. (Advent II - Mal.3:1-4, Benedictus, Phil.1:3-11, Lk3:1-6) 09.30 Choral Eucharist in Builth 11.00 Christmas Carols with Kids Pop-Up Nativity, Maesmynis 16 Dec. (Advent III – Zeph.3:14-20, Ecce Deus Salvator, Phil.4:4-7, Lk3:7-18) 09.30 Sung Eucharist in Builth with guest preacher
Regular Events Every Day Morning Prayer is said in St. Mary’s Builth at 09.00 Fthr
Neil 552355 Every Thursday House Group meets at 10.00 Judith 552706 Every Thursday Bell-Ringers in St. Mary’s Tower at 19.30 David 552477
23 Dec (Advent IV – Mic.5:2-5a, Magnificat, Heb.10:5-10, Luke1:39-45) 09.30 Said Eucharist in Builth 30 Dec (Holy Family Sunday – 1Sam.2:18-20,26, Ps.148:7-14, Col.3:12-17, Lk2:41-52) 10.30 Benefice Communion in St. Mauritius, Alltmawr
Worship for January 06 Jan (Epiphany Sunday – Isa.60:1-6, Ps.72:10-15, Eph.3:1-12, Matt.2:1-12) 10.00 All Sorts Eucharist in Builth with blessing of the chalk 15.00 Epiphany Eucharist in Llanddewi’r-Cwm 13 Jan (Baptism of Christ – Isa.43:1-7, Ps.29, Acts8:14-17, Lk3:1517,21-22) 09.30 Choral Eucharist in Builth 11.00 Sung Matins in Maesmynis
Welcome We look forward to welcoming Lauren Charlotte Osmond into the church family at the 15.00 service in St. David-in-the-Valley, Llanddewi’r-Cwm on Advent Sunday (02nd December) … what a wonderful way to begin the Church’s new year!
20 Jan. (Christian Unity Sunday – special readings) 10.30 United Ecumenical Communion in Horeb Chapel 27 Jan (Epiphany IV – Neh.8:1-3,5-6,8-10, Ps.19:1-6, 1Cor.12:12-31a, Luke 4:14-21) 09.30 Choral Eucharist in Builth 11.00 Sung Eucharist in Maesmynis 03 Feb (The Feast of Mary with the Candles – Mal.3:1-5, Ps.24:7-10, Lk2:22-40) 10.00 All Sorts Christingle Service in Builth 15.00 Sung Eucharist in Llanddewi’r-Cwm Visiting preachers In our regular third Sunday of the month (16th December) guest preacher slot at 09.30 in St. Mary the Virgin during Advent we are privileged to have Dr. Gill Todd with us – Gill is the LLM in the Cathedral Parish of St. John Evangelist Brecon. On Holy Family Sunday (30th December) we welcome Revd Mthr Carolyn Hall as guest celebrant and preacher at St. Mauritius, Alltmawr. In January on the 20th we join with our Brothers and Sisters in Horeb Chapel when Fthr. Neil will be their guest preacher! Builth Wells with Llanddewi’r-Cwm & Llangynog with Maesmynis & Llanynis with Alltmawr Revd Fthr Neil Hook, The Vicarage, 1 North Road, Builth Wells LD2 3BT 01982 552355 frhooky@gmail.com Licensed Lay Minister. Mrs Janet Day, 01982 553623, djd@janetdaydesigns.co.uk 6
Builth Ministry Area – Buallt Dear friends, I often feel that our communities need to take every opportunity to come together and celebrate what unites us. In a world often fractured it is difficult to find an appropriate occasion to reach out to our friends and neighbours. Advent, Christmas and Epiphany can however provide just the right moment, and the traditional of people and gifts encircling a Christmas Tree is a potent image that can bring disparate people together. As a Benefice we have decided to emulate other towns and cities who have successfully held a ‘Christmas Tree Festival’. We are holding this year’s inaugural Festival from 10- 21st December in St. Mary the Virgin (Builth) and we would like to invite you to
be part of it. The Church will be open, manned by churchgoers, and providing refreshments every weekday afternoon (3.30pm – 5.00pm) during this period, so that anybody can come in and appreciate all of the trees and the work that organisations across the area do. This is not a fundraiser for us but an opportunity for us to give back to the communities we love so much. Christmas is a time of giving – not so much receiving, and we all here in the Benefice hope that we will all have the opportunity to give this season, just as the gift of the Christ-child was given to us. With every blessing Fr. Neil .
Father Paul. X
Events in December 01 Julian Meeting in Christchurch URC Llandrindod 10.30 06 Mothers Union Christmas Meal Delia 01982 553828 06 Ecumenical Dementia Friendly Communion in Brynhyfryd at 11.00 08 Annual Llewellyn Memorial Service in Llanynis at 11.15 10 Christmas Tree Festival Launch at 7pm in St. Mary’s 17 Builth Community Christmas Carols in St. Mary’s Builth 21 Christmas Tree Festival Prize Presentations & Pub ‘Carol Crawl’ in St. Mary’s, Builth 29 Men’s Breakfast in Drovers Tea Rooms 10.00 – see Ministry Area Page for details Events in January 03 Mothers Union Meeting Delia 01982 553828 05 Julian Meeting in Christchurch URC Llandrindod 10.30 22 Deanery Conference at Holy Trinity, Llandrindod 19.00 26 Men’s Breakfast in Drovers Tea Rooms 10.00 – see Ministry Area Page for details
Annual Llewellyn Service Each year St. David’s, Llanynis are privileged to welcome visitors from across the globe who gather on the Sunday nearest the death of ‘Llewellyn, the Last Prince of Wales’ for an annual tri-lingual (Latin / English / Welsh) memorial service. This year we are privileged to welcome The Reverend Canon Doctor Mark Clavier, Residential Canon of Brecon Cathedral, as our preacher. The service begins at approximately 11.15 and willies/walking boots are suggested to get across the field to the church!
Builth Wells with Llanddewi’r-Cwm & Llangynog with Maesmynis & Llanynis with Alltmawr Revd Fthr Neil Hook, The Vicarage, 1 North Road, Builth Wells LD2 3BT 01982 552355 frhooky@gmail.com Licensed Lay Minister. Mrs Janet Day, 01982 553623, djd@janetdaydesigns.co.uk 7
Builth Ministry Area – Buallt Christmas Services We hope that you can join us to celebrate the birth of Our Lord Jesus Christ this Christmas. We invite you to be with us at any of the following services: 24th December (Christmas Eve) 11.00 Dementia Friendly Christmas Communion at Brynhyfryd Residential Home 17.00 Children’s Crib Service in St. Mary the Virgin, Builth . 19.00 YFC Carols & Vigil Eucharist in St. David-in-the-Valley, Llanddewi’r-Cwm 23.30 Midnight ‘Mass of the Angels’ in St. Mary the Virgin, Builth Wells 25th December (Christmas Day) 09.30 Christmas ‘Eucharist of the Shepherds’ in St. Mauritius, Alltmawr 11.00 Christmas ‘Eucharist of the Divine Word’ in St. David’s, Llanynis.
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity (18th to the 25th January) As mentioned above the week of Prayer for Christian Unity is marked in Builth Wells as the congregations of St. Mary’s (Anglican), Alpha (Presbyterian), Horeb (United Reformed) and Wesley (Methodist) join together for an ecumenical communion service in Horeb Chapel on the 20th January at 10.30am. The communion will be jointly celebrated by all the ministers present with contributions from across the denominations. To learn more about this years theme read the article on page 12 of this issue! EMMANUEL ELEISON This child most native of earth and heaven. Not any child but every child and always one and only child, your lonely child. The child for whom you long. Born unto us through feminine leaven, himself the God of heaven and earth, this Child of God, the swaddled door of life and hell. Not any God but one God and your God. The God through whom we long. Forgotten God, remembered child, we wrong.
Anon Anon
Builth Wells with Llanddewi’r-Cwm & Llangynog with Maesmynis & Llanynis with Alltmawr Revd Fthr Neil Hook, The Vicarage, 1 North Road, Builth Wells LD2 3BT 01982 552355 frhooky@gmail.com Licensed Lay Minister. Mrs Janet Day,8 01982 553623, djd@janetdaydesigns.co.uk
Christingle
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Builth Ministry Area - Erwood & Painscastle Dear All, Advent and the Christmas Season are here. How wonderful!
voice saying to us, “You are my beloved child, with you I am well pleased.” Heaven and earth are now inseparable, and we stand at the point where they meet, carrying our humanity through this veil of tears. We are the Babe in the manger; always being born anew, often helpless but always divine.
May you be able to enjoy this time of rejoicing to the full with family, friends and community. Of course, Christmas is not an escape away from worldly troubles and into a fantasy fairy-tale, but it is the first step into the adventurous world of heaven’s mystery that offers permanent and everlasting joys!
Carry the image of the new- born baby, radiant with light as he throws his golden beams into the stable, a divine light that reflects on his parents, the shepherds, the wise men and shines beyond into the world. The birth is the light! It is our light – feel it shine on you, feel how you may carry the light into the world. In this light, all our earthly troubles may then be seen as the shadow of a restless world that is searching for a new life of increased love, unity and fellowship. Embrace the new birth and all the fear and danger will be balanced by an increased peace and goodwill to all people. Think on this and you will always be carrying a prayer for those you love and those for whom Christmas may be one of pain and sorrow. This Christmas, there will be many children of God born to homeless families in stables, caves, hovels and makeshift shelters; through them the Christ-child is born again to redeem the suffering of his created world until we share his burden, realise our own divinity and turn our world to paradise once more.
At this special time of the year, we celebrate with the angels that God and heaven overflowed with love and showered the earth with signs and wonders in preparation for the great climax of the birth of the Holy Child in Bethlehem. Allow the story to fill your hearts. Revel in the images of the Angels appearing to the Shepherds and the Magi being led by the star for many months through the heat, cold and dust to pay homage to the physical radiance of God present in the babe who will change the world. Think of Mary’s wonderful and gracious acquiescence to God’s will as the Angel told her that she was his chosen one. See Mary rushing in excitement to Elizabeth where John the Baptist responded by leaping with joy within his mother’s womb. Remember Joseph’s loyalty and the visitation of angels in his dreams to tell him how to ensure the safety of the baby Jesus. The very spirit of the world was responding to heaven’s call by lifting people’s hearts in preparation for the birth of our Lord.
The Blessings of the Christ child be with you and those you love this Christmas and always. Father Paul.
This is the story of God and, as such, is not only fact but is an epic of great mythical truth. Christmas is the beginning of the beautiful truth that Emmanuel is ‘God with us.’ The real essence and beauty of the Incarnation of Our Lord is that it is our story; a complete gift to us. Through the incarnation we become the body of Christ. The Divine Babe is born to die, to know human suffering and after his Ascension he sends us God’s Holy Spirit, so he may live within us. Because of this, as we embark on our life with Christ, we, like Jesus, also may hear the Father’s
Painscastle Mothers’ Union You are most welcome to join us at our meetings. 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 56048
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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 10
Builth Ministry Area - Erwood & Painscastle Services for December Sunday 2 9.30m 11.00am 11.00am 3.00pm
nd
December Advent 1 Llanbadarn-Y- Garreg Gwenddwr Llandeilo Graban Llandewi Fach
Friday 7th December 6.00pm Aberedw Sunday 9th December Advent 9.30am Crickadarn 9.30am Aberedw 11.00am Llanbedr 2.30pm Moriah Chapel 6.00pm
Crickadarn
Sunday 20th January 3rd Sunday of Epiphany 9.30m Llandeilo Graban Eucharist 11.00m Gwenddwr Eucharist (Fr Phil.) 11.00am Newchurch Eucharist
Eucharist Eucharist Morning Prayer Eucharist
Sunday 27th January 4th Sunday of Epiphany 9.30am Bryngwyn Eucharist 9.30am Crickadarn Eucharist (Fr Phil) 11.00am Aberedw Eucharist
Evening Carol Service 2 Eucharist Eucharist (Fr Phil) Eucharist (Fr Phil) Afternoon Carol Service Evening Carol Service
Sunday 3rd February
Sunday 16th December Advent 3 9.30am Llandeilo Graban Eucharist 11.00am Gwenddwr Eucharist (Fr Phil.) 11.00am Newchurch Eucharist 6.00pm Bryngwyn Carol Service with Christingle
Llanbadarn-Y- Garreg Gwenddwr Llandeilo Graban
3.00pm
Llandewi Fach
Eucharist Eucharist Morning Prayer Eucharist
The Feast of the Epiphany on the 6th January emphasis that Jesus and all that his Incarnation brings is God’s gift to us. The Magi bring gifts that are elemental symbols of the earth presented to Our Lord to complement his divinity as he comes to live among us and through whom we are given a glimpse of eternity. Gold is a symbol of the richness of the earth - for him who shall rule our world. Frankincense and Myrrh are both strong healing plants. The former when used as incense has the quality of enhancing the depth and purity of prayer. This shows that our Lord’s strength is through being the most divine and pure of all men, like incense he will carry our prayers to heaven. The salve of Myrrh has the quality to banish decay and infection, thus symbolically this gift will preserve the babe in body and soul. The Magi have interpreted from the stars that the Christ will die but will live forever, thus they match their gifts accordingly. 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 story of Jesus combines joy with sorrow and demonstrates that within our eternal journey, earthly suffering may equal heavenly bliss.
Advent 4 Eucharist Eucharist (Fr Phil) Eucharist
Monday 24th December Christmas Eve 6.00pm Aberedw Christingle Eucharist 11.30pm Llanbedr Midnight Mass Tuesday 25th December Christmas Day 9.30am Gwenddwr Eucharist 11.00am Llandeilo Eucharist Sunday 30th December 1st of Christmas (Fifth) 9.30am Crickadarn Eucharist 11.00am Llanbedr Eucharist
Services for January Sunday 6th January The Epiphany 9.30m Llanbadarn -Y- Garreg Eucharist 11.00am Gwenddwr Eucharist 11.00am Llandeilo Graban Morning Prayer 3.00pm Llandewi Fach Eucharist Sunday 13th January 9.30am Crickadarn 9.30am Aberedw 11.00am Llanbedr
9.30m 11.00am 11.00am
St Cewydd’s, Aberedw. Evening Prayer at 6.00pm on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Midweek Eucharist at 6.30pm on Wednesday.
Tuesday 18th December 6.00pm Llanbadarn – Y- Garreg Evening Carol Service Sunday 23rd December 9.30am Bryngwyn 9.30am Crickadarn 11.00am Aberedw
5th Sunday before Lent
The Baptism of Christ Eucharist Eucharist (Fr Phil) Eucharist (Fr Phil)
. w Crickadarn w Gwenddwr & Bryngwyn Aberedw w Llandeilo Graban w Llanbadarn-y-Garreg 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 11
Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
regarding all as brothers and sisters. This harmony can be fragile at times and is threatened in particular ways. Gotong royong sits ill at ease with the neo-liberal approach to economics that has led to Indonesia’s economic growth with that has come corruption that infects politics and business, often with devastating effects on the environment. Meanwhile those who are supposed to promote justice and protect the weak fail to do so. As a consequence, a country rich in resources bears the burden of many people living in poverty. This is reflected in a traditional Indonesian saying, ‘A mouse dies of hunger in a barn full of rice’. Particular ethnic and religious groups are often associated with wealth in ways that have fed tensions. As a result the radicalization that pits one community against another has grown and is exacerbated by the misuse of social media to demonize particular communities. This gives us an opportunity to reflect upon the context in which we pray for Christian unity. How do divisions in our society contribute to divisions in the Church? How does injustice in our British context create challenges in pursuit of our shared life together? Our prayers for Christian unity are offered within a context of a world where corruption, greed and injustice bring about inequality and division. We ourselves are often complicit in injustice, and yet called together to form a united witness for justice and to be a means of Christ’s healing grace for a fractured world. .
A Mouse Dies of Hunger in a Barn full of Rice By Bob Fyffe
In last years Week of Prayer for Christian Unity we were invited to reflect upon the continuing impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade upon Caribbean society and upon Christian unity and witness. This year we are reminded again that our prayer for unity is offered up amidst injustice and that Christian disunity is in so many ways related to the divisions in our world. The Churches of Indonesia, who have facilitated this years events, speak out of a context of ethnic and religious diversity, and where there is a strong emphasis upon the need for a unity that is found in diversity, and one built on solidarity and collaboration. Yet they also highlight issues of economic injustice and how religious pluralism can face challenges in the face of radicalization. Indonesia, which is the largest country in South East Asia, made up of more than 17,000 islands, 1,340 different ethnic groups and over 740 local languages. It is united in its plurality by one national language Bahasa Indonesia. With some 86% of its 260 million people estimated to be Muslim, Indonesia has the largest Islamic population of any country. About 10% of Indonesians are Christian from various traditions, as well as Buddhist and Hindu communities. The nation is founded on five principles called Pancasila, with the motto Bhineka Tunggal Ika (Unity in Diversity). Across the diversity of ethnicity, language and religion, Indonesians have lived by the principle of gotong royong which is to live in ‘solidarity and by collaboration’. This means sharing in all aspects of life,
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½ Email hello@scriptureunion.org.uk to express an interest using the heading’ SUCymru The 95’
Llanafan Church Family Carol Service 3pm Sunday 23rd December Followed by light refreshments
All welcome. 13
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
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)
14
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
Open all year round by appointment Admission: Adults £5.00, children free Dogs on leads welcome Some areas not accessible to wheelchairs.
www.llysdinamgardens.co.uk
llysdinamgardens@gmail.com
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 Member of the Guild of Master Craftsmen 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. £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 Burial Ground A unique natural green burial ground located within the Radnorshire Hills. A place to rest in peace
14 High St, Builth, Powys LD2 3DN
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.
email. info@builthcs.co.uk www.builthcs.co.uk Registered Charity 1150452 Company limited by Guarantee 827866
Richard and Sarah Vale Busnant Farm, Glascwm, Llandrindod Wells, Powys LD1 5SE Tel 01982 570701 info@haymeadowburials.co.uk www.haymeadowburials.co.uk
Tel. 01982 553004
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
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COSY TOES MOBILE FOOT HEALTH PRACTITIONER JILL LLOYD DipCFHP, MPSPract ✓NAIL TRIMMING ✓CORNS REMOVED ✓CALLUS REDUCTION ✓INGROWING TOENAILS ✓VERRUCA TREATMENT ✓DIABETICS TREATED
Cost: £5
Profits towards The Court Community Garden Project
FOR A FRIENDLY PERSONAL SERVICE CALL JILL ON MOB. 07718150571 EVENINGSS 01591 620355
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Evan George
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MSc. MRICS. MCIAT
Doug Prosser
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& Grandsons
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Maelgwyn Funeral Home, Kensington, Brecon
Glanrhos, East Street, Rhayader. Tel 01597 811599
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Piano Tuning David Day B.A., L.R.A.M., M.P.T.A.
Qualified Piano Tuner covering Mid Wales
Memorial Masons
Website. georgebuildingconsultancy.com
Tel 01874 622755
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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
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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 David Childs E-mail advertssignposts@gmail.com. is printed by Powerprint, Llandrindod th
Deadline for next issue (February 2019) Friday 25 January 2019 16