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
29th August 2021
It’s the fifth Sunday of the month, so this morning we join other churches across Wales for ‘Synod Sunday Worship. The service has been pre-recorded is introduced by Eileen Newington, the Synod Green Advocate
Good morning everyone and a very warm welcome to worship. Our service this morning has an environmental focus and, I’m particularly pleased you can share in our reflections.
With increasing awareness of the climate and biodiversity crises, as individuals, churches, and wider communities, we’re seeking ways to reconnect with the gift of creation, to protect and restore our natural world and to work for climate justice. This morning we’ll be considering in particular how local churches can use the Eco Church Award Scheme to respond to the many challenges and opportunities ahead.
Throughout this last year, churches have been encouraged to hold Climate Sunday services to reflect on creation care, to pray and to commit to action. The culmination of this campaign is a national Climate Sunday event taking place in Glasgow next Sunday.
For the past two years, it’s been my privilege to learn about the great environmental work already going on in URC churches across Wales and everyone taking part in our service is involved in projects within the Synod
We’re very grateful to Caroline Pomeroy, Director of Climate Stewards, which is part of the A Rocha network of organisations, for her contribution to this morning’s worship
As usual you can join us on Zoom at 10.30 for a pre-service chat, watch on YouTube later and those without access will have received the script. The service will be a little longer than usual.
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the news sheet to inform our prayers.
- Cyril is still in RGH: he was waiting for transfer to another hospital for rehabilitation as he has a had a slight stroke, but as he is making such good progress he may go home instead! We continue to hold him and Janet in our prayers.
- As Phil returns to work this week after a well-deserved break, we pray that he is refreshed and ready to face the challenges that lie ahead as we slowly but surely return to a regular worship pattern.
- Several people in our fellowships live with pain, and find various ways to cope, we remember them.
- There are people we know who are waiting for doctors’ consultations, having tests and are waiting for results or are recovering from surgery. May they know that we hold them in our prayers.
- We remember our friends in residential accommodation and those who are being cared for in their own homes, especially who are unable to remember us, and we pray for their well-being.
- We pray that the people who have been unable to leave Afghanistan may be able to live in safety.
Good News
Colleen’s son, James finally got a flight back to the UK and arrived in Gatwick last week. He is home for ten days, Colleen and Kev are making the most of their time with him before he returns for another tour of duty until November.
Some people have been able to meet up with groups they are members of or the first time in many months and have thoroughly enjoyed being able to meet face to face for a chat. We ARE slowly getting back to a new normal!
Birthdays this week
There are no people on our birthday list who are celebrating this week, but we are aware that someone from Castle Square has her birthday on Thursday 2nd September. So enjoy your day and celebrate!!
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Future services:
- 5th September 45am Morning Service at St David’s led by Iestyn Henson.
- 12th September 45am Zoom Service with Our Minister.
All morning services available on paper, on our website and on YouTube.
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Meetings
St David’s Uniting
The Elders will meet in person on Wednesday 8th September.
Castle Square
All members and friends of Castle Square are invited to an informal meeting at 11 o’clock on Sunday 5th September to chat about our different perspectives, priorities, and preferences. Phil is looking forward to seeing everyone together in one place!
St David’s Uniting
The Annual General Meeting will be held on Sunday 19th September. It will include the Election of elders. Margaret and Chris will be stepping down as Hirings officers so a new one will need to be appointed. To find out what is involved please speak to Margaret. An Agenda will be available soon.
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Dates for the Diary
Ladies Guild
Our first Monthly Film Afternoon will be held on Wednesday 8th September at 1.30pm. More details next week. All are welcome to join us! Put the date in your diary now. It will be great to meet up again!
Church Lunch
As a marker of our return to more physical gatherings together, we are planning to have lunch at The Heritage Hotel on Sunday 17th October. ALL (both Churches) are invited
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We have seen an increase of 40% in the total number of people that have needed our help so far in 2021 compared to 2019, and this has meant that we have outgrown our old warehouse and ways of distributing food to those most in need.
We were lucky enough that RCT council gave us the use of the Ilan Centre in Rhydyfelin during the pandemic, but now that things are opening up, other groups are in need of the space.
They are now in St Davids Church Hopkinstown CF37 2SG. If you have donations, please bring them to St Davids Church Hopkinstown on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday morning 9am to 11 am
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Don’t Forget!
We hope you are saving your Green bottle tops. We are approaching September and all sorts of activities and events are being planned to mark the season of creation as we look towards the COP26 Conference in Glasgow. Sue is itching to get started on some magical creations for the three buildings. Thankyou to those who have already delivered them either to the church or Sue’s home. Collection can be arranged if it’s easier for people. The deadline is 12th September.
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And Finally…..
A lovely belated get together for Hilary’s birthday. A great time was had by all even if it was a little cool!
Photo’s taken on Friday courtesy of Margaret Morris.
A Thought for the Week
If we did all the things we are capable of doing, we would astound ourselves
Thomas Edison 1847-1931
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ZOOM SERVICES: Log in opens at 10.30 for pre service chat. Services will start at 10.45 or as advertised. Zoom service link – https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89461145366?pwd=S3ExNTVjdGVGdXlGVlNQc2k3eldudz09
To join by phone (call 0203 901 7895. then, when asked, type in the meeting ID – 894 6114 5366; followed – when asked – by the passcode – 8453605) Calls are charged at standard UK call rates.
LIVE STREAM SERVICES – to join go to https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1ftWuXHexnfFdo1FKwXBZA where you should be able to join the service. Don’t join too early!