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
19th July 2020
Life is slowly moving towards a new normal. Many have returned to their workplace while others continue to work from home with the prospect of spending the occasional day in their workplace.
We continue to socially distance when we meet with friends outdoors, we automatically change direction if our pathway is obstructed. We are adapting.
Many have had their spirits lifted following a visit to the hair salon or barbers
The elders of both churches have met this week to discuss what the next few months might have in store whilst yesterday Phil attended a meeting about possibly reopening , and is trying to digest the continuing updated advice. More information will be provided next week.
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Church Family and Pastoral News
We include this in the news sheet to inform our prayers.
- We pray for Claire, and the extended family in our prayers. Rob passed away peacefully on Tuesday as guitars were played and songs quietly sung by Claire and his two sons. Rob had a deep love of music.
- Bernice had a fall this week and has broken her hip and femur. We pray for her recovery.
- Several people have experienced problems with medication during lockdown and are relieved that measures are being taken to eliminate them. We give thanks that it is still possible to receive advice,
- We remember those who are suffering from stress as they are still confined to their homes.
Birthdays this week….. There are no birthdays that we know of this week.
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Sharing Good News
Mark Crowley has been invited to be the President 0f the Economic and Business History Society from May 2021.
It is a major international and scholarly society in the field of economic and business history. The invitation is based on Mark’s contribution in the field of business history and academia in which has worked for the last 10 years. So a really great honour which for him is significant in the light of this year’s tragic start and the awful Covid 19 situation in America.
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Christian Aid Covid Coping Cook Book
A few people have expressed their concern that the donations they sent by cheque had not been banked.
Christian Aid have been in touch to say a big thank you for the money we raised during Christian Aid Week with the Covid Cook Book. There’s been a delay in banking the cheques because some of the staff have been on furlough, but they should be processed this week.
Following the article in ‘REFORM’ our figure is fast approaching £3000!
Children’s Bible Statements…
…with no corrections!
Lots wife was a pillar of salt during the day, but a ball of fire during the night.
Discussion Group
Last week, those reading ‘Me and White Supremacy’ read about issues of allyship including white apathy, centring and saviourism. Could those reading the book let Phil know as he will arrange a date for an online discussion group.
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Midweek Challenge
Last week’s Midweek Reflection was recorded on Tuesday – Bastille Day – and the video included a fantastic rendition of La Marseillaise sung by Viviane and Anne Hill. If you missed it don’t worry it has been saved for future viewing.
In his reflection Phil read the 3rd verse of God save the Queen and part of the Grace Petrie Song – God save the hungry.
In the last months we have seen that we are all interconnected, the forced barriers and boundaries we create, the human made ones are often harmful to our well-being, they can be divisive – the flags and territories can be more to do with power and control than anything else. And with this pandemic it pays no heed to boundaries the health of one, the health of the individual affects the health of all , we should be looking after each other, that we are one family that we are all sons and daughters of God, brothers and sisters of Christ.
And we are lucky, we are blessed at Castle Sq and St David’s Uniting that we have a lot of international connections. In the video we saw images from Canada and the Cayman islands and of course the UK, but we know we have friends in many places, it’s great that we have these connections with our friends and our families throughout the world.
So our challenge this week is to record ourselves singing any National Anthem! We can sing along to a CD if we are not gifted vocally. The before and after haircut photo challenge will run for a few weeks as people have to wait for their appointments.
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Spot the Nursery Rhyme
- Pensioner’s pet deprived of food.
- Desperate plight of overcrowded family.
- Rare horticultural varieties found in a village garden.
- Valuable animals lost through carelessness.
- Immediate demand for personalised confectionery.
- Jewellery bedecked female demands musical accompaniment on pony trek.
- Obsolete coin and unusual pie as surprise for royalty.
- Riotous behaviour in classroom provoked by forbidden pet.
- Girls resist sexist attack.
- Retribution overtakes animal rustler. Answers next week
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Pontypridd YMCA, Community Conversations
Pontypridd YMCA is undergoing a major refurbishment with the support of Welsh Government, Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council and Arts Council of Wales. The completed building will be run by Artis Community on behalf of Pontypridd YMCA when it opens Mid 2021.
The building will be fully accessible, welcoming everyone to use the facilities including the Shelley Hall, a new studio theatre, a creative arts studio, meeting rooms & café. It will also house a new children’s facility with a rooftop garden.
Three ZOOM conversations have been arranged and will be held during the next two weeks. Bookings have already closed but Phil booked his just in time. However should you wish to be involved you can complete an online survey by using this link – https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/WMSPXCQ
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Thought for the Week
“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” Margaret Cousins