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
20th February 2022
We welcome you all to this morning’s service at St David’s which is being led by our Minister
Today’s reflection will be given by Claire before she and Phil lead us in the sharing of Holy Communion
We invite those at home to have bread and wine, or the equivalent ready, so that you can share Christ’s meal with us.
The service is being live streamed from St David’s. It will also be available to watch later on YouTube. Those without internet will have received the script.
Link for Live Stream – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ftWuXHexnfFdo1FKwXBZA
This morning’s service at 11 am at Castle Square is being led by Rev Ray Vincent.
At 6:30pm we are invited to come and worship with many online as Christian Aid start their online conference with a moving service of song, prayer and reflection. John Sentamu, their new Chair of Trustees, will preach whilst one Ben Walkling will be leading some prayers!
To join you will need to register in advance at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/change-makers-supporter-conference-2022-tickets-211690962367 – Click register, select Sun 20 Feb, select 1, click register and provide the contact information. You will receive 2 emails with instructions. A third email containing the Zoom Link and the password to access the service will be sent 2 hours before the service starts.
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the news sheet to inform our prayers.
- Martha is still in hospital; she would love to be back home but has to be patient as they continue to treat her so that she will be fit to be discharged.
- Hilary Grinter is recovering from Covid and is feeling much better, but still taking it easy.
- We continue to hold Cerys in our prayers as she is coping with extreme tiredness, we also remember Stephen as he is head cook and bottle washer!
- John from Castle Sq is suffering with a bad back, we think of him and Ann as she cares for him.
- Cyril has had good results from his recent scans, which is a great relief for him and the family. He only has problems with swollen legs now, which he is putting down to immobility.
- People who having had various tests and are waiting for results.
Birthdays:
The only birthday we know of this week; our London friend Simon, is celebrating TODAY! We hope you are having a great day with your family Simon!
Good News:
We are pleased to report that Valerie Henson is back at Ty Porth having completed her treatment, although John is still waiting to hear when he might visit. We continue to hold them in our prayers.
Kath has received a date for her operation, it will be 28th February, she says the hospital and the doctors have been amazing!
Thanks…….
I would like to thank everyone so much for the support shown to Renda, Majdi and Susan in their mission to bring their mum and sisters to safety and for reunion of the family.
The fund raising has reached a staggering £1,715. Kath
Here is a message in Renda’s own words;
Good morning and Bore da to you all and happy Sunday.
Today I’m here to say thank you so much to everybody who support me or my family in Sudan. I really appreciate even I say thank you is not enough; may God bless you and protect and keep you safe in Jesus name. Amen. Just I want to say keep prayer for them because now they’re dangerous place, much love from me to you all. xxxxxxx
…..From Cyril
‘Thank you to everyone who took the time to phone me and send cards on my birthday, I had a lovely day and even met with Pete, the Pastor from Temple, (my daughter is a member there) for a cuppa in Sainsbury’s which was most enjoyable.’ God Bless
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Another Hopeful Sign!
With Covid rates continuing to fall, we mark another milestone at St. David’s Uniting Church this week as members are invited to sing all the hymns (whilst wearing masks – as mandated by the Government). Perhaps, by Easter, we will be almost back to normal! In the meantime, we ask members to remember that there are different vulnerabilities and perceptions of risk within the congregation so please respect each other’s space and wishes.
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Coffee after services
We are currently able to serve coffee after the service on the first and forth Sunday – BUT there is a doubt about this continuing as we are in need of volunteers. We urgently need a volunteer for 27th February. Please speak to Liz or Catherine if you can help.
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Anagram Antics….the answers, a little late – we forgot!
So how did you get on with the last round of film anagrams? Time to put you out of your misery…
- IN ATTIC (Titanic)
- 2 DEAL 8 TRAYS (28 Days Later)
- CHOPYS (Psycho)
- CORKY (Rocky)
- HE THAT FORGED (The Godfather)
- THAT DEEP RED (The Departed)
- HAM IS THINER (The Irishman)
- WHEAT ODOR FIZZ (The Wizard of Oz)
- HIS DRILL SCENTS (Schindler’s List)
- RESPECT (Spectre)
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Next Sunday
10:45am – Phil will be leading our second ‘Appreciative Inquiry’ discussion service in the morning, at St David’s. If you attended the one online, you are free to attend again. Or you might want to take the opportunity to worship elsewhere…or go worship God out in nature, grab a brunch with friends, or simply enjoy a lie-in! The Castle Square congregation will have their ‘discussion’ service on March 6th.
6pm – The theme for this month’s zoom storytelling service is ‘Welcome’…so come with anecdotes, poems, stories of the times you’ve welcomed, been welcomed, or even not been welcomed…before we are all welcomed to Christ’s meal. Zoom Link.
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89461145366?pwd=S3ExNTVjdGVGdXlGVlNQc2k3eldudz09
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Upcoming on-line events:
Christian Aid Online Conference: 20 – 25th February
https://www.christianaid.org.uk/get-involved/events/changemakers-conference
Zoom Event featuring Phil:
Whilst we are still transitioning back to our full program of activities at both churches, we have been asked to share stories to inspire others. On Tuesday 22nd Phil will be talking about last year’s 3 Welsh Peaks sponsored walk for Christian Aid at the National Churches Trust ‘Faith in the Future’ series –https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/change-makers-supporter-conference-2022-tickets-211690962367 details and booking forms for which can be accessed by following the links.
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. 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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St. David’s Guild Meeting
2pm, Wednesday March 2nd – Join us for a Welsh cake, a catch-up and a chat about what the next few months have got in store for the guild. Old stalwarts and interested parties of all genders, very welcome.
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Community Saints Awards
The build-up to the inaugural Community Saints Awards has truly begun! With endorsements from local businesses, politicians, community leaders, (even royalty!) we are looking forward to 5th March when we will be hosting the awards from 10:30am at St. David’s Uniting Church. Following nominations from across the community, we will be celebrating those often-unsung heroes in our community who ‘do the little things’ to make Pontypridd a great place to live. We’ll be saying thanks to the recipients of all ages and status – from individuals to groups – who will be awarded one of the following categories:
- Community Saints: Fundraiser Award
- Community Saints: Carer Award
- Community Saints: Emergency Services Award
- Community Saints: Good Neighbour Award
- Community Saints: Workplace Award
- Community Saints: Youth Development Award
- Community Saints: Green Champions
- Community Saints: Business Award
- Community Saints: Student Award
- Community Saints: Special Recognition Award
Members of both churches are very welcome to join us for this event but it would help our planning if you could sign up – either at the sheet at the back of Gelliwastad Road or by contacting Pam Mahoney or Catherine Naamani.
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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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Christmas Appeal – The final amount
£225 to NSPCC, who support Childline,
£220 to Money for Madagascar for aid following the cyclones, drought and COVID.
Plus £96.25 raised by gift aid to be shared between the 2 charities.
£475 for the Christian Aid Afghanistan Appeal – plus £70 raised by gift aid.
This is in addition to what was donated online to the three charities
Many thanks to all who supported these charities so generously.
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Thought for the week
Kindness is loaning someone your strength instead of reminding them of their weakness.
Andy Stanley