Ad Clerum
Gŵyl Fair Y Canhwyllau 2015 Candlemas
Bydd wrol a dewr iawn! (Josua 1.7)
Be strong and very courageous! (Joshua 1.7)
Annwyl Gyfeillion,
The feast day which we celebrate today has many different
names, some of which emphasise Our Lord, and others Our
Lady. What is undeniable is that today’s feast is the Christian
festival of light, Candlemas, when we are called to remember
Jesus as the Light of the World, and as a fitting climax to the
season of Epiphany. “A light to enlighten the gentiles, and to
the glory of thy people Israel” went the Song of Simeon.
It means that we should look for the light of Christ wherever
there is darkness – and there is so much darkness in our world.
It means that we should look to be lightbearers, bringing the
light of Christ into our world. I once remember someone saying
the whole of humanity could be divided into drains and
radiators, those who drain energy out of us, or those who
radiate and supply energy. How then can we be radiators, and
how do we bring light into the situations we have to face?
In this Ad Clerum:
Hwyl a Helo
Chrism Eucharist
CMD News
Electoral Roll
Interregnum Duties
Order of St Asaph
Pastoral Chaplains
The Power of Prayer
Vacancies
Hwyl a Helo
I am delighted to record the birth of Rhiannon Lucy, a daughter to Sam Erlandson and Karen, who
was born in the early morning of 23rd January. We congratulate the Erlandsons on the first clergy
baby of 2015, and advise them to go to the Hainsworths for advice …
I am also pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Jason Bray, Vicar of Blaenavon in the
Diocese of Monmouth, as Vicar of St Giles’ in Wrexham. Jason is a long-serving and senior priest
there, and it will be a pleasure to welcome Jason and his family to Wrexham shortly after Easter.
After Easter, we will also be welcoming Glen Mansfield, a young cleric of the Diocese of
Guildford, as Associate Priest in Rhyl, and taking on pastoral responsibility for St Anne’s. It will be
a great pleasure to have Glen and his wife, Anita, joining us in April. The move means that Stan
Walker will be stepping down from St Anne’s and, we hope, moving to a non-stipendiary role as
Associate Priest in Rhyl.
At Petertide this year, God willing, it is my intention to ordain Phil Carey to the Sacred Order of
Deacon. Phil is a child of the diocese, and he will be serving his title in Rhosllanerchrugog with
Jackie Carter.
I am sorry to record the deaths of Walter Raymond Williams and David Hugh Rees, faithful
priests and servants of this diocese. Also, I have just heard of the death of James Thompson, a
retired priest living in this diocese. Our thought and prayers go to their families, and we pray that
God will give them rest. We also extend our condolences to two members of our clergy family
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who have lost a parent; David Francis has lost his mother, Pauline, and Phil Bettinson, his father,
Keith, in this last month. May all the faithful departed rest in peace and rise in glory.
Chrism Eucharist
I look forward very much to keeping this feast as usual with you at 1100hr on Maundy Thursday,
April 2nd in the Cathedral at the Eucharist for the Blessing of the Holy Oils together with our
Renewal of Commitment to diaconal, priestly and episcopal service as well as the commitment of
all the baptized to mission. I would like to remind everyone that the invitation is not just to
serving clergy but also to retired clergy, readers and lay ministers and also to any parishioners
who would like to come.
Clergy are requested to robe in alb or surplice with white stole in the Translators’ Chapel and
then take your seat in the nave by 1050hr. Readers are also welcome to robe in surplice and
readers’ scarf.
Lunch will follow as usual, served in the South Transept, and will be a hot main course and
pudding. Again all are most welcome to stay for this, however we do need to have accurate
numbers to give to the caterers and I will be grateful if area deans / mission area leaders would
once again collate the numbers of those requiring food from their deanery. Please would all
clergy, therefore, make sure that they have liaised appropriately with their area dean indicating
the number of people from their parishes who will be staying for lunch. Every area dean / MAL
is asked to submit their deanery numbers to Siân at Esgobty no later than Monday, March 23rd.
The Order of St Asaph
It is now time to start inviting nominations for the Order of St Asaph
in 2015 as we seek to recognise and honour the outstanding
contribution of lay persons at diocesan level, particularly at an
appropriate point on the completion of service in a particular way or
in a particular role. Admission to the order is marked by the
presentation of appropriate insignia, and those admitted to the order
are listed in the diocesan Yearbook.
A nomination form is attached which should be returned completed
with as much information as possible about a candidate’s
contribution to the diocese. All members of the Teulu Asaff, whether
clerical or lay, are encouraged to make nominations, which can also
be submitted through any diocesan council or committee.
Nominations forms should be submitted to me at Esgobty by the end of April, and will be
referred to the advisory committee who will meet in early May.
Understandably there are those who have offered sterling service to the church within a parish
or deanery context. Whilst the Order of St Asaph is intended to recognize diocesan service, I am
happy to be approached by parishes and deaneries who feel someone’s outstanding contribution
to their life should be recognized and I will be happy to issue a suitable certificate that can be
used by the parish or deanery for a local presentation. Please contact Michael at Esgobty in the
first instance with appropriate details for me to consider.
Pastoral Chaplains
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As you know, I have followed a pattern of appointing Pastoral Chaplains in recent years. These
chaplains are available to any member of the clergy to offer pastoral support and advice, and are
chosen for their wisdom and experience. Recently, the Province has launched a Mediation
Service (about which more below), and this service is available, especially if clergy are facing
difficult situations in their parishes, and would like support. A number of our clergy have been
trained as mediators in the Provincial scheme, and I have decided to ask some of those trained to
join the list of pastoral chaplains.
Of course, as pastoral chaplains and mediators, these clergy are available not just to the clergy
but to all members of the Church, particularly in difficult or testing parish circumstances.
Please note therefore that Noel Carter, Chris Potter and Mary Stallard have been kind enough to
agree to my request to be used in this manner in the diocese. I am grateful for their readiness to
be of service to us all in this way, and they bring a variety and rich talent and background to this
new role and ministry. You may either approach Chris, Noel or Mary or any of the other pastoral
chaplains through me, the archdeacons or directly.
Mediation Service
The Church in Wales launched its Mediation Service in April 2014. Every Diocese now has trained
mediators who can work, either in their own Diocese or in any of the other Dioceses in the
Church in Wales. The mediators can help in cases of tension or the breakdown of relationships in
any area of church life. They can obviously respond to crises, but often their work can be more
effective if they are called in at an earlier stage. They can work with individuals and groups.
The Mediation Service can provide an independent and confidential service to both
congregations and individuals. For more information contact Helen Walker
helenwalker@churchinwales.org.uk Tel: 029 2034 8200 or for an informal, confidential
conversation about how the Mediation Service might be able to help you contact Rev Noel
Carter, 01492 339521
The Power of Prayer Roadshow
You will know that the diocesan follow up to “The Time is Now” Conference istaking place over
the weekend of 27th February – 1st March. If you haven’t booked your place, please do so without
delay. Places are filling fast at all three venues as we look forward to welcoming inspirational
American speaker Mark Yaconelli. It would be good to see all the clergy attend this event as we
consider how we can inspire our parishes in prayer. There is a reminder of the timings below and
the quickest way to register is online by following this link: http://bit.ly/1wZneEn and filling in your
details and venue preferences.
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St Asaph Cathedral - Friday 27 February, 1.30pm – 5.30pm finishing with Choral Evensong.
St Joseph’s Catholic and Anglican High School, Wrexham - Saturday 28 February, 9.30am 1.30pm.
St Joseph’s Catholic and Anglican High School, Wrexham - Saturday 28 February, 2.30pm
– 6.30pm.
Gregynog Hall, Tregynon, Newtown - Sunday 1 March, 2pm - 6pm.
Vacancies
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The post of Rector of Denbigh is advertised with this Ad Clerum. I remain concerned that we
have not yet found the right person to appoint as Area Dean of Holywell/ Vicar of the Gorsedd
Group. Any expressions of interest, or recommendations as to possible candidates, for either of
these appointments can be made to the Archdeacon of St Asaph. Both of these groupings are
excellent parishes, which have been well looked after by their last incumbents, and so are in fine
form for any new priest. Please think about whether you may be called to these parishes, or if
anyone you know could be recommended.
Old Colwyn and Llanelian
The post of Rector of Old Colwyn is a Bishop’s appointment for this turn. I attach to the Ad
Clerum the advertisement which has been prepared by the parish, and the parish profile may be
viewed at http://stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk/work-with-us/. It is my intention only to advertise
this post internally by this Ad Clerum, and I should be grateful if any clergy interested in this
appointment would contact me directly on my email (gregorycameron@churchinwales.org.uk)
in the next two weeks.
Dates for your diary
10 February
24 February
Creative Worship CMD (see below for details)
Appreciative Inquiry CMD (see below for details)
MARCH
27 Feb- 1 March
4 March
8 March
9/10 March
The Power of Prayer Conferences
Licensing of Danny & Mary Evans at St Deiniol’s Church, Hawarden, 1900hr.
Licensing of James Alyward as Priest-in-Charge of Southsea at All Saints’
Church, Southsea at 1600hr
Area Deans / MAL Residential Meeting, Foxhill, Frodsham
LATER IN THE YEAR
2 April
4 April
10 May
13 June
14 June
21 June
27 June
28 June
29 September
05 July
12 July
7 October
10 October
21 Oct
11/12 November
02 December
Chrism Eucharist, Cathedral, 1100hr
Easter Vigil & Diocesan Confirmation, Cathedral, 1900hr
Confirmation for Mathrafal & Pool deaneries at St Myllin’s, Llanfyllin 1500hr
Readers’ Day, Gresford
Confirmation for Alyn deanery at St Tudfil’s, Coedpoeth 1500hr
Anniversaries of Ordination Service, Cathedral 1100hr
Ordination, Cathedral, 1000hr
Confirmation for Wrexham Mission Area, St Giles’ Church 1500hr
Clergy Synod Day, venue to be confirmed (half day concluding with lunch)
Confirmation for Dee Valley Deanery, 1500hr, venue to be confirmed
Confirmation for Cedewain Mission Area, All Saints’ Church, Newtown
1500hr
Retired Clergy Association Eucharist & lunch, St Asaph
Diocesan Conference
Confirmation for Mold & Hawarden Mission Areas, 1900hr, venue to be
confirmed
Area Deans / MAL residential, Foxhill, Frodsham
Diocesan Nicholastide Confirmation, Cathedral, 1830hr
CMD News
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Many thanks to you all for contributing to the Clergy Synod last month. I am very grateful to
Manon and to Siân Sweeting-Jones for all their organisation of the day, and to Nicola McGinty for
leading us in such a professional manner. Manon would welcome further feedback on the day
although up to now the responses have been overwhelmingly positive. Please bear with us as we
collate all the valuable work that was produced, and we hope to share all this significant
information with you as soon as we are able.
Manon and the Developing Steering Group are also beginning to plan next year’s training and
although some training needs are arising out of MDR, it would be helpful to have suggestions of
speakers / trainers and topics. Please contact Manon directly on manoncjames@gmail.com .
Sabbaticals
Applications for 2016 will need to be in by March 31st 2015. The information and application forms
were circulated in the last Ad Clerum. Please contact Manon if you want any help with the form
or to discuss ideas.
Training Events
Two events are coming up this month that might be of special interest, the first is on February
10th 10am-4pm at Llangollen Pavilion and the speaker is Revd Rachel Mann, looking at Creative
Worship especially in preparing liturgies for Lent, Holy Week and Easter. Rachel is a well known
speaker and is one of the most talented Christian poets in the UK and one of Wild Goose
Publishing/ Iona Books’ key authors.
The second is on Appreciative Inquiry by Revd Stephen Adams on February 24th 10am - 4pm
again at Llangollen Pavilion. Appreciative Inquiry is increasingly being used in churches in order to
help them develop mission and ministry by assessing where they are and developing their
strengths. It is a positive and affirming way of parish development so it is particularly helpful for
us as we work out how to address the challenges posed to us by the Church in Wales Review.
As you know, there is an expectation that all stipendiary clergy will book themselves on to at
least 2 diocesan training events, and for this year, one includes the mandatory Safeguarding
training. However, this doesn’t prevent you for attending more, and I would like to encourage
you to be pro-active in your training and development. More information on the other courses
can be found on http://stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk/life/steering-groups/training-togetherprospectus-2015/
Please book your place on any of the courses advertised by emailing Sian Connelly on:
sianconnelly@churchinwales.org.uk or 01745 582245.
All those who have joined the diocese in the past year are also invited to the Introduction to the
Diocese day on Tuesday 17 March at the Diocesan Office, St Asaph. The day will include sessions
with Diocesan Officers to learn about their roles and how they can support you in your mission
and ministry plus an opportunity to meet the Administration Team at St Asaph. Start time 10 a.m.
until 3.30 p.m. (a light lunch will be provided). All those who have missed previous sessions and
want to find out more are also welcome. To book a place or find out more about the event,
please telephone the Diocesan Office 01745 582245.
Further Notes and Queries
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Electoral Roll Renewal
The Electoral Roll for every parish in the Church in Wales needs to be renewed every 5 years in
line with the Constitution of the Church in Wales. This renewal is due to place in 2015 and must be
completed before the Annual Vestry Meeting. In addition to its necessary administrative and
constitutional functions, this is also a helpful pastoral exercise since it provides both the
Incumbent and Parochial Church Council with an assessment of 'membership' and will be used in
future planning in the context of 2020 Vision.
All the documentation has already been sent to your PCC Secretaries and is also available to
download from the diocesan website at http://stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk/life/electoral-roll2015/
This year, the Electoral Roll Application Form also incorporates a proforma that encourages
church members to consider how they might like to get more involved in the life of the local
church. This pro forma has been developed and used very successfully by Wrexham Mission Area
and is now offered to all our parishes without obligation in the spirit of sharing good ideas that
support 2020 Vision. I do hope that you will take this opportunity to encourage all the members
of your churches to think prayerfully about how they can offer their gifts in God’s service.
The James Pantyfedwen Foundation
The Foundation is a well known and much appreciated avenue of support in meeting the costs of
building repairs and improvements in our churches. Please find attached a new set of guidelines
issued by the Trustees. A greater emphasis will now be placed in applications demonstrating the
following ‘positive attributes’:
 Churches which share resources with other churches, especially buildings
 Where the need for improvements arises from the mission plans of the local church
congregation
 Where the need for improvements is planned to provide for greater community use of
the buildings.
Real Easter Egg
The Real Easter Egg is the only one which tells the Easter story, gives money to charity and is
Fairtrade. Now in its fifth year, it has just been voted the UK’s favourite Fairtrade Easter egg.
This year, at least 10p from every sale of the Original egg will be donated to Traidcraft Exchange.
There are three eggs to choose from – the Original (£3.99) which has a new 24page Easter
storybook/3ft Happy Easter banner and a pack of Chunky Button inside; the Special (£9.99),
which contains an olive wood peace dove keyring from the Holy Land, as well as a simple guide to
the Easter story and a chocolate bar; and the Dark egg (£5.50) with three chocolate mini squares
and a simple guide to the Easter story.
For more information or to order see
www.realeasteregg.co.uk The bishop is sent a number of free samples every year of this
product, and I am happy to give them to deserving parishes or causes as raffle prizes, or rewards.
Please enquire at Esgobty if you are interested.
As I have said above, it was very good to see you at the Clergy Synod earlier in January, and I
hope that you felt that it was valuable. I look forward to digesting our discussion in the future,
and applying our thinking to diocesan life. I am sure that the quality of our life together, and
mutual listening and learning will be at the heart of our future flourishing.
Ad Clerum Chwefror 2015; tudalen 6
The year is already going very quickly, and I wish you well as you prepare for Lent, which begins
on 18th February. May God bless the springtime for our souls.
POSITIONS VACANT
Advert Live from 13 February
RECTOR
Denbigh with Henllan, Llannefydd and Bylchau
The historic market town of Denbigh is grouped with three rural parishes in the attractive
Vale of Clwyd. The new group has a modern rectory, re-ordered town centre church and
four fine churches in beautiful settings.
We seek to appoint a Rector who will encourage us in our knowledge of the Bible, our
personal faith in Jesus Christ and to deepen our prayer life. We need someone who will
develop our vision to engage with the wider community, through links with local schools,
opportunities for youth ministry and local Cytûn churches. He/she will need to be
sympathetic to Welsh language and culture and comfortable with a diversity of worship
styles.
The new Rector is assisted by a House For Duty colleague who has pastoral responsibility for
the rural churches in the Group and by a supportive laity team.
A recruitment pack is available from:
http://stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk/work-with-us/
or from the Bishop’s Secretary on (01745) 583503
Applications should be received at Esgobty by 12 noon on Monday, 09 March 2015
and interviews will be held on Tuesday, 24 March.
Advert now Live
Ad Clerum Chwefror 2015; tudalen 7
RECTOR
Colwyn and Llanelian
These North Wales coastal parishes with two churches close to Colwyn Bay
seek a Rector with experience and vision who will
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Nurture a culture of Christian learning and prayer
Develop ministry among families and young people
Lead us to engage with the community
Sensitively relate to the needs of the congregation
Be sensitive to Welsh culture and context
For an informal conversation about this vacancy please contact the Venerable John Lomas
on 07810 357895 or archdeacon.stasaph@churchinwales.org.uk.
A recruitment pack is available from:
http://stasaph.churchinwales.org.uk/work-with-us/
or from the Bishop’s Secretary on (01745) 583503
Expressions of interest should be made to the Bishop at Esgobty
by 12 noon on Monday, 16 February 2015.
Any applications from within the diocese will have preference.
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