Good evening lovely people,

Wow, what a hot few days we are having in Monmouthshire! I must confess to choosing to travel somewhere by car today instead of taking my bicycle for the short distance – just so I could use the air conditioning! Not very environmentally friendly I’m afraid, but it kept me in a better mood, so I think that might have made it worth it!

This week I have to share with you some news which is becoming public knowledge locally, but which should be shared with the whole Ministry Area. After many years of struggling financially, the local churchgoers, along with the Ministry Area Council have decided the time has come to close St. Michael’s Church, in Glascoed. This is both sensible and extremely sad. It’s not an easy thing to do, and we need to be gentle and kind as we pursue this, aiming to have a final service there at the end of the year. The churchyard will remain open so that people can be buried there, and existing graves can be visited, and the wild orchids and other flora and fauna will continue to be cared for. I would be grateful for your prayers for all those affected by this decision. Towards the end of the year we will plan an event to close the church with love and gratitude for all that it has meant to the community.

In related news, there will be five Sundays in September, with the fifth one falling on the feast of St. Michael and All Angels (Michaelmas). So we will be having a full Ministry Area service on 29^th September at 11am at the church in Glascoed, because it is dedicated to St. Michael. This will be the only service in the Ministry Area that day. We are hoping to have someone from Rocha as a guest speaker, to talk about Eco church and what we have all been doing to improve the eco credentials of our churches. After the service you are invited to stay for a picnic (please bring your own food and something to sit on) in the beautiful churchyard at the church. 

Finally tonight, can I thank you for all your prayers and give you notice that we will be recommencing the final three Leading Your Church into Growth sessions in September. The leadership team have scrutinised all the feedback and are beginning to get a good feel for some of the exciting things we might consider as we work to change the culture in our churches and to grow them in healthy ways. It’s not too late to join in – 

Tuesday 3^rd Sept.

Tuesday 17^th Sept.

Tues 1^st Oct.

All 7pm-8.30pm in the hall at Llanvair Kilgeddin.

There will also be a celebration Ministry Area Service at Usk primary School on Sunday 24^th November, so please save the date. Every single church and community will benefit from these events if it is able to join in with them .Come along, you might be surprised! 

Right I think that’s everything. Flapjack and a cup of tea await me!

With my love to you all,

Sally xxx

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.