Heartfelt Thanks

by

Good evening lovely people,

I wanted to thank you all for the way you supported, encouraged and took part in the Lent Walks with me. I rather naively thought that you might wave me off, would hopefully greet me when I arrived, but that I would be walking alone. That couldn’t have been further from the truth! I had company for every walk – sometimes too many people to talk to everyone properly! For most of the walks I really didn’t have a clue which of the routes would be best, but I had help with those, and some experienced walkers to give me all the guidance I needed. Thank you to you all, whatever you did, you were amazing. Every single church greeted me like an old friend, and I was really overwhelmed with your kindness and all the energy and time that you all offered along the way. Thank you so much.

What did I learn? Well I discovered that our communities are linked by a series of tiny lanes that make so much more sense than the more main routes. I learnt that whether it’s raining or bright, the countryside is beautiful. I found out that walking is a great way to get to know people. I realised that despite my lack of self belief, I can actually walk for miles!

I have always loved rural ministry, it has been about the people and the communities – there is beauty in the small, the hidden, and the intimate. Now I love the scenery, the rolling hills, the sense of space, the height and depth, and the amazing way that for being just a few miles outside a village or town we can be in peace and tranquillity. The interconnectedness is of course about people, but it’s also about hedgerows, lanes, flowing water, and a sense of shared understanding. 

Care of God’s acres is a huge responsibility. The spiritual care of those who care for God’s acres is equally huge, and I am so pleased to be able to be part of the team offering this care. On my walks I saw God at work in every field, every cloud, every animal, every person. How lucky we are to be surrounded by such beauty. I am not blind to the challenges, or the hidden difficulties, but I do trust God that he wants his church to continue to grow in Monmouthshire, and we are all part of that good news.

I’m sure there will be lots of things that have yet to surface that will excite me and help with my ministry, but for now, I make this prayer below my own. If you would like to pray it too then please do (it is from the URC).

With my love and gratitude for you all, Sally xxx

God of field and mountain 

we hold before you the rural communities of this land.

We pray for congregations and people witnessing to the Good News

in villages, hamlets, and in isolated farms and homesteads.

We pray for those who live in rural areas, and for all who serve our churches.

God of valley and stream

we hold before you the work of the countryside:

farmers, labourers, those who make and maintain equipment,

auctioneers, veterinary surgeons, cleaners, publicans, teachers,

doctors, nurses, bus drivers, rangers, foresters,

all their families, and so many others.

God of forest and moor

we hold before you those who visit our countryside, and those who live and work there.

May each person ‘see beyond the view’ both to stand in solidarity with rural issues,

and to discover you and your purpose for their lives, more fully.

In the name of the One who retreated to the quiet places.

Amen.

© The United Reformed Church

Please note that Friday is usually my rest day. Emails received on Friday may not be responded to until after the weekend. Thank you for your understanding.

Outlook-kt4f0gw5.png

New Vicar for the Ministry Area

by

Bishop Cherry is delighted to announce the appointment of Revd Dr. William Ingle-Gillis, as a Vicar in the Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry Area.

Will, originally from Texas, has served in Monmouth Diocese since his ordination at St. Woolos’ Cathedral in 2004. He has served as Curate in the Rectorial Benefice of Caldicot; Priest-in-Charge in Caerwent, later forming the Wentwood Ministry Area; then again as Priest-in-Charge of Maindee & Lliswerry, later becoming the Ministry Area leader of the Beechwood Ministry Area.

In addition to holding several small Diocesan roles over the years, Will has taught ordinands in Cardiff and currently serves as a Diocesan Vocations Advisor. In his spare time he enjoys science fiction, language learning, travel, writing, and cookery (not least American slow-cook barbecue!). He is currently working on a book based around daily prayer with the lectionary readings.

Will is looking forward to returning to rural ministry, and to joining the lively, innovative team in the Heart of Monmouthshire.

He will take his final service in Beechwood on Easter Day and be licensed on April 30th in St Mary’s Church in Usk.

Holy Matrimony

by

Getting married in church is personal, meaningful, spiritual and beautiful, just as you want it to be. 


So here are some of the reasons to choose one of the beautiful church buildings in the Usk Ministry Area for your wedding.

A church is so much more than simply a venue for your wedding. Unique and special things become part of your marriage, on the day itself and beyond:-

  • A church wedding will add a spiritual dimension to your marriage. The ceremony includes God and looks to him for help and guidance. God’s blessing is the main attraction for many couples, whatever their beliefs.
  • You can make amazing vows, or promises, in a church. You can only make vows this big in a church. These vows, made in public, will help you to stay together and grow together. God and your church are there for you to help you keep your vows.
  • The Vicar has a very particular role to play in your wedding. They can blend ancient tradition and modern experience to reflect your story. Because of the relationship with the Vicar, your wedding can be made personal, memorable, meaningful and beautiful.
  • Church buildings offer outstanding beauty. Old, intimate or grand, our buildings are some of the most stunning wedding venues, with all being listed buildings.
  • Church buildings offer centuries of history. Imagine all the couples who have married in your local church, some of whom may well be your family. You can feel you’re becoming part of history itself, the bigger plan, by marrying in the same place as your relatives. We know these sorts of connections can make your day even more special.
  • You can be involved in making choices about your ceremony.
  • For some people, a church simply seems like the proper place to get married. Churches can be described as ‘peaceful’, ‘serene’, or having an atmosphere that makes marrying there a particularly special experience.
  • And after your wedding, you’ll realise that a church is more than simply a wedding venue.

Getting married in the Church in Wales

The introduction to the Church in Wales Marriage Service describes marriage as a gift from God.  The Bible teaches that marriage is a life-long, faithful union between a man and a woman, and compares married love with the love Jesus has for his people – a love expressed in his willing sacrifice of himself on the cross.

Image result for wedding ring finger

Marriage is a gift of God through which husband and wife may grow together in the knowledge, love and service of God. It is given that, united with one another in heart, in mind and in body, they may increase in love and trust. God joins husband and wife in life-long union as the foundation of family life (in which children are born and nurtured and) in which each member of the family, in good times and in bad, may find strength, companionship and comfort, and grow to maturity in love. Marriage enriches society and strengthens community.

from the Church in Wales order for Holy Matrimony

Jesus therefore sets the greatest example of unconditional, self-sacrificial love – a model that husband and wife can seek to follow in the way they love one another, each putting the other’s needs first.  At the heart of the marriage ceremony is the exchange of vows, in which a couple make a public declaration of lifelong commitment to love each other, whatever the future may bring.

Christians believe that in marriage we find the proper expression of our sexuality, a secure environment for bringing up our children, and an important element of stability for the wider community.

You have a right to be married in your local parish church.

The law requires that at least one of those to be married should:

  • resides in the parish where the wedding is to take place, or
  • be a regular worshipper in the parish and to have your name entered on the church electoral roll, or
  • have a ‘qualifying connection’. A ‘qualifying connection’ as described in the Marriage (Wales) Act 2010 is that you were baptised or confirmed in the parish, that you or a parent formally lived for at least six months in the parish, that you or a parent formerly habitually attended worship in the parish for at least six months or that a parent or grandparent had been married in the parish.

If you are under the age of eighteen, you must have your parents’ consent to marry.

There are special guidelines on church marriage if you have been divorced (see FAQ).

The normal preliminary to getting married in the Church in Wales is by banns, the procedure of notifying people of your intention to marry. There are circumstances in which some form of licence, such as a Common Licence or Special Licence, is more appropriate. Your vicar or rector will advise you about this. More information about the various legal preliminaries to marriage is available from the Faculty Office website.

If you are thinking of a church wedding, you should contact the Vicar for an initial discussion and fill out the application form which you can download here:  Wedding Application Form

Contact Us

  • Vicar: Sally Ingle-Gillis
  • Telephone: 07813 264429
  • Email:

Baptism

by

Christian Baptism has been carried out by the Church for around 2,000 years.  It is an occasion of great joy for the Church and a defining moment in a person’s life.  In the UK we take baptism for granted, but in some parts of the world being baptised requires immense courage as it can lead to imprisonment and persecution.

Baptism is an outward act with an inward and spiritual meaning.  Very simply it is about…

  1. Identity.  A Christian is someone who identifies with Jesus Christ in his death and resurrection.  They have a relationship with him, follow him, and do what he would do.
  2. Cleansing.  During the service the candidate(s) will have water poured over them.  Water is a powerful symbol to show how Jesus Christ washes away a person’s sins and gives them a new fresh start.
  3. Initiation and belonging.  It marks the beginning of membership of the Church, the family of God.

Adults and older children who are baptised make their own statement of faith and promises to follow Jesus.  Younger children however are too young to do this.  Therefore parents and godparents make promises on their behalf until such time as the children are old enough to own the promises for themselves.

Parents and godparents therefore have a tremendous responsibility to ensure that the promises they make for the child are taken seriously and come to fruition, which is why they themselves should be practising Christians.

Further information about Baptism (sometimes known as Christening) please follow this link to the Church In Wales Website: http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/life/baptism

Baptism takes place during a regular Sunday morning service.  If you are interested in arranging a Baptism in any of our churches please contact one of the Ministry area Team.