Saint David’s Uniting Church
& Castle Square URC
Minister: Rev. Dr Phil Wall
Tel: 01443 300345 Mob: 07855090360
Website: www.stdavidsuniting.org.uk
Admin email: office1.sduc@gmail.com
13th February 2022
Our service on Zoom this morning is the first of our Appreciative Inquiry Discussions and is likely to last 60 – 80 minutes (maximum!) but as it is hoped that these will be an important part of our discernment process, we trust members will understand.
Let us pray that God will bless us with the vision to see what we have been given and where we’re going; the humility to listen and tend to the needs of others; and the faith to make tough decisions for the sake of God’s kingdom. The service will NOT be on YouTube but a written reflection is available on our website.
Link for ZOOM:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89461145366?pwd=S3ExNTVjdGVGdXlGVlNQc2k3eldudz09
The chat room will be open from 10.30.
The monthly Castle Square conference call is today at 2.30. Time to catch up with everyone. Set your alarm or you’ll miss it!
This afternoon at 16.00 Phil will lead a Contemplative Communion at St David’s.
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the news sheet to inform our prayers.
- Valerie Henson was admitted to RGH on Wednesday afternoon, she is receiving treatment on ward 4 and is comfortable. We keep her, along with John and the family in their concern for her
- Martha has been in hospital since last weekend and is awaiting a second MRI scan, the pain in her hips and back is a bit better but she is suffering with nausea.
- Hilary Grinter tested positive for Covid on Monday and is still feeling very weak and tired but her cough has subsided a bit.
- Mo’s granddaughter, Lexi, who was born prematurely on January 28, and has been in an incubator is now improving and the family are looking forward to her leaving the hospital soon.
- Jean Davies had a fall last week end, so she is resting and taking it easy.
- Bethan is sporting a bright red plaster cast on her wrist! We think of her as she copes with the restrictions it imposes. Take care Bethan!
- Gill Miller is still in a lot of pain but is having to manage at home.
- Cerys has a telephone consultation this week and is looking forward to the warmer weather and escaping the confines of the house.
Birthdays.
Another week with only one birthday that we are aware of – Catherine will be celebrating this week and with good reason…. she will be getting her bus pass as she reaches the big 60 on Friday 18th, enjoy ‘YOUR’ day Catherine and make the most of your bus pass!
Good News
Margaret and Chris’s granddaughter Ciara, who had her head shaved for Macmillan Cancer Support, last week, has been offered her first post as a Staff Nurse at Bristol Children’s Hospital after graduation this summer. To say that the grandparents are proud would be an understatement!
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Christmas in February!
Whilst both Christmas and Candlemas have both been and gone, as he had Covid over the festive period last year, Phil will be welcoming his family down for Christmas take-two next weekend. He will still be leading worship at St David’s – with Claire Hughes – on the Sunday.
Rev Ray Vincent will be leading worship at Castle Square.
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Appreciative Inquiry Discussions
At today’s zoom service, the St. David’s Uniting service on 27th February, and the Castle Square service on 6th March, we will be having some discussions to help with our discernment of our future. We encourage all those connected to our churches to go to one of the services but if, for whatever reason, people cannot and would like to feedback their thoughts anyway, please send Marcia your responses to the following questions by 6th March:
1) Reflect on your entire experience with your congregation. Recall a time when you felt most alive, most involved, spiritually touched, or most excited about your involvement.
2) What is your church good at?
3) What could make it even better at that?
4) Imagine that it is January 2032, and we’re meeting to celebrate our journey together. What is different? What has been achieved? What are the challenges that have been overcome?
5) What would help move the work forward? Describe one small step and one challenging or radical action.
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The Drama of Easter
Plans for holy week are a-foot and, after a more muted couple of years, we are hoping to explore holy week through music and drama – including a trip to St. Matthew’s Passion, one of music’s greatest portrayals of the final days of Christ. It is at St. David’s Hall at 2pm on Saturday 9th April. Tickets are £30
The sign-up list is on the table at St. David’s Uniting Church building or contact Marcia.
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Upcoming events:
Over the next few weeks, we are invited to a number of events – some online, some in person – where we will be able to discuss some of the burning justice issues on these isles and abroad. These include:
Zoom Events featuring Phil: Whilst we are still transitioning back to our full program of activities at both churches, we have been asked to share stories of both former and future events of us to inspire others. On Tuesday 15th February, Phil will be talking about our upcoming Community Saints event at the National Churches Trust ‘Faith in the Future’ series – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/faith-in-the-future-building-connections-and-engaging-communities-registration-239183733987 and, a week later, (22nd) he will be talking about last year’s 3 Welsh Peaks sponsored walk for Christian Aid – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/change-makers-supporter-conference-2022-tickets-211690962367 All are welcome to attend both events – details and booking forms for which can be accessed by following the links.
Cost of Living Summit: This summit will be an opportunity to talk directly about the impact of the crises that you are witnessing in your communities, how you are responding, your plans, and what help you might need. If you would like to put forwards a presentation or submit evidence, please let us know, even if you are unable to attend. Your comments, evidence, and concerns will be fed back to a National Summit taking place in the evening and to Welsh & UK Government.
Venue: St Dyfrig’s Church Hall, Treforest, Broadway, CF37 1DB.
Time: 1pm – 3pm Date: Thursday 17th Feb.
To Book: email Elyn Stephens Elyn.Stephens@Senedd.Cymru or Ken Moon Ken.Moon@Senedd.Wales or call 01443 853214
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Fair Trade Fortnight Online Conference:
21th February – 6th March
There is a plethora of events on Zoom and YouTube, including the climate crisis, chocolate as a learning resource, a Masterclass with Bake Off’s Sandy Docherty, Women in Agriculture, a Coffee masterclass, a celebration of Fairtrade wine and, ‘Threads’ – sustainable cotton clothing with a preview an exciting new game. The first event is 16th February then there are events almost every day from 21st February until 7th March. For more details see: https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/choose-theworld-you-want/lineup/
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Thought for the week
“It’s simplicity that makes the uneducated more effective
than the educated when addressing popular audiences.”
Aristotle