NEWSLINK FEBRUARY 2015 - MARCH 2015

CANTON UNITING CHURCH

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NEWSLINK FEBRUARY 2015 - MARCH 2015

PRAYER IS…

Last month the Revd Gethin Abraham­Williams led the prayers of intercession at one of our services and introduced them with a reflection on the meaning of prayer that was itself a prayer. We thought it would be good to share this more widely.

Praying is not asking for favours. Praying is not a formula for avoiding illness or loss; accident or

violence. Prayer is not a shield against facing reality.

* Prayer is tuning in to the world's distress, and participating in the

suffering of God. Prayer is the wordless stillness of an anticipated expectation that

'all shall be well'. Prayer is a surrender to the love of God so that forgiveness is not a

kindness but a necessity.

GA­W

CANTON UNITING CHURCH was established in 1995 when New Trinity United Reformed Church joined with Llandaff Road Baptist Church and in 2013 joined with Grand Avenue United Reformed Church Ely which in 2005 had united with Saintwell URC. We are committed to ecumenism through our links with Cytûn, the Covenanted Churches and Churches Together in Canton. Our minister is the Chair of the Committee of the Covenanted Baptists which, with the Church in Wales, the Presbyterian, Methodist and United Reformed Churches seeks to bring about the goal of uniting together. He would be happy to talk to anyone who wants to find out more.

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Dear Friends, Soon it will be 18th February, Ash Wednesday, the beginning of Lent. There is an ancient tradition which emphasises this day as a day of repentance when sins are confessed and ashes are imposed on the foreheads of the penitent as a reminder of human mortality – and then comes the journey from the dust of the ashes to the dust of the desert as the 40 days and nights that Jesus spent in the wilderness are commemorated. But Lent is more than about commemorating those 40 days and nights in the wilderness, it’s about connecting with them as well. Christians are called to journey with Jesus and like him fast and pray and confront the question of who we are and face the challenge of what are we called to do with our lives. We know what happened with Jesus. He left the wilderness proclaiming that: ‘The time is fulfilled; the Kingdom of God has come near. Change your way of living. Believe in the Gospel.’ [Mark 1.15]. What will happen with us? Will we see the Kingdom of God come near? What is this Kingdom? To help answer the question and to inspire our seeing, I offer a poem by R S Thomas. It is called, ‘The Kingdom’. It’s a long way off but inside it There are quite different things going on: Festivals at which the poor man Is king and the consumptive is Healed; mirrors in which the blind look At themselves and love looks at them Back; and industry is for mending The bent bones and the minds fractured By life. It’s a long way off, but to get There takes no time and admission Is free, if you will purge yourself Of desire, and present yourself with Your need only and the simple offering Of your faith, green as a leaf. The Grace of God be with you, Marc

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Canton Uniting Church News There has been one Deacons’ meeting since the last Newslink.

Relevant points and other matters not included elsewhere are detailed below. Hopefully everyone has received a copy of the address book by now, either a paper copy or via email. Many thanks to Audrey Takle for coordinating this and Chris Atherton for copying.

A reminder that we have a new and working boiler ­ you may remember that the boiler was our gift to the church following last year’s gift day. If you haven’t yet given and would like to do so, please see Paul Keenor. Many thanks to everyone who filled in Alison Walker’s members’ skills survey, and to Alison

herself for coordinating. It is wonderful that we can see the skills that everyone has to offer to the church and congregation. If you haven’t had the chance to complete one yet then please see Alison, she’d be thrilled to provide you with one! The Next Steps Committee proposed to the deacons at the meeting in November that a fundraiser be appointed to coordinate grant applications for the new centre block building project. The deacons voted in favour of this. The charity that the Junior Church chose to collect for last Christmas was Rev Mary Evans fund, one which is close to the hearts of many in the church. This will also be our communion collection charity for the first half of 2015. Many thanks to all who have stepped up during Marc’s time in hospital and helped out with services, Bible studies and other activities. We are all very grateful and hope things will run just as smoothly when Marc takes his sabbatical later on this year. If anyone is able to offer to take services at any time then I am sure that Megan Atherton would be very happy to hear from you! Fiona Harding, Church Secretary

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The Canton Uniting Church survey of members` interests/skills

Thank you very much to all those of you who responded to the survey with completed questionnaires. I was delighted with your responses and your willingness to participate in the activities of the church. I was also interested to hear of your other interests which will be of benefit to our church community. You have been generous and helpful.

I have given the table of your responses to the church deacons, and I am passing the names of those who expressed an interest in an activity to the organisers of those activities. I am sure that they will follow up with you soon if they have not done so already. I have also given the table to Megan Atherton, our pulpit secretary and those leading services. When Marc returns from sickness leave, I will pass on to him the names of those willing to participate in church services eg leading the prayers, reading the lessons etc. I am not passing the names to anyone else as this is confidential information.

For those who are interested in outside activities, we will wait until springtime when it is warmer, and then we will get together in the different groups to decide what we would like to do together – something to look forward to!

For those who have said that they are willing to provide flowers to decorate the church, please sign your name on the flowers rota which is on the notice board in the foyer. You choose a Sunday which suits you.

These responses have come at just the right time with Marc`s sickness leave and his forthcoming 3 month sabbatical period, so thank you again for your willingness to contribute to the worship and activities of the church.

If someone has not completed a questionnaire, it is not too late! You can easily be added to the table.

Thank you,

Alison Walker 22.1.15.

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RNIB I am making my annual appeal for donations for the above. I shall be glad to receive any money in the next month to enable me to send it off in early March.

Many thanks if you think you can help. It will be much appreciated.

Barbara Ball

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Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2015 + Churches Together in Canton

It was good to see some 50 members of the Anglican, Methodist, Calvary Baptist and Canton Uniting congregations at the united service at St John the Evangelist Church in Canton, arranged to celebrate the beginning of the week of prayer for Christian Unity on Sunday Evening January 18th. The printed Order of Service, prepared for the occasion, that included an invitation to prayer translated from the Portuguese as well as an ‘Affirmation of Faith’ adapted from The Archbishops Council’s Common Worship service was based largely on the story of Jesus meeting with the Samarian woman at the well found in the Gospel of St John Ch. 4 vss. 1­ 42.

The service was led by the priest at St John’s and the minister of Calvary who in good Dylan Thomas mode were voices 1 and 2: CUC’s Toni Edwards was voice 3 and voice 4 was a lady member of one of the Methodist congregations.

The opening Prelude/preparation to the service set the scene:

Voice 1 Where is the path of unity, what route we should take,

so that the world may drink from the source of life?

All Jesus Christ is the path of unity Voice 1 Where is the path of Unity that gives proper respect to

our diversity?

All Jesus Christ is the path of unity…..

The sermon was preached by Rhian Linecar, the Secretary for Faith and Mission at Cytun who welcoming the initiative of the Canton Churches in arranging the service, offered two definitions to the word ecumenism that provoked thought and challenged the congregation in suggesting that taking unity a step further would be by uniting over the issue of the celebration of holy communion which she suggested would be a significant signal to the world at large of the unity of Christian churches.

This was a good start to the move to refresh the witness of the churches of Canton working together.

SE January 2015

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PASTORAL NEWS

Our prayers are with all those whose loved ones have died after suffering ill

health, sometimes for many years. Let us share our caring for them.

Mr Les Bowring died in hospital on the day of his 94th birthday. Les joined CUC

with Grand Avenue URC members, and enjoyed fellowship with us. We give

thanks for his life, and remember John, Lyn, Keith, and families.

Mr Grahame Perryman died after a short illness. Grahame had been bringing

Tricksie to church regularly when she had to give up driving for health reasons.

We give thanks for his life.

Miss Val Harries attended Llandaff Road with her family many years ago. She

was a lady with special needs, and endeared herself to all who knew her. We

remember Raymond who was her main carer for the past 12 years, and sister

Ann, as we offer our thanks for her life.

Mrs Ceri George’s father, Gordon, died after prolonged illness. He had been

admitted to hospital a few weeks ago. We especially remember his wife Mary,

as well as Ceri and her brother, Andrew, and all the grandchildren, giving thanks

and praise for Gordon.

Mr Clive Curtis’ mother, Florence May Curtis, died on Sunday the 18th of

January. We remember Clive in our prayers, and give thanks for his mother’s

life. Her funeral will be on Wednesday, the 4th of February, with a service at the

crematorium, and then at C.U.C. at 3.45pm.

We continue to offer prayers for those in need.

Marc has had his operation and is recovering well at home, and Alison who is

unwell;

Mr Gareth Williams, as he continues his treatment;

Viv and Audrey Morgan;

Mrs Alwyn Tyrrell and Jane;

Mrs Millie McQuade, and son Matthew in hospital;

Mrs Kath Jeremiah;

Miss Joan Phillips;

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Mrs Gwen Hill

Mrs Joy Thompson;

Mr Paul Keenor;

Dr Elinor Kapp;

Mr Idris Jones;

Mrs Rachel Baker’s mother;

Mr Ron Farnham has had surgery and is recovering well at home;

Mr Rob Harding’s father is in hospital.

Congratulations to:

Toni and Peter on the occasion of their Golden Wedding anniversary.

This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.

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Representatives of the Junior Church making a presentation to Joy Thompson for the Rev Mary Evans Fund.

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Prayer Call FEBRUARY 2015 1. Trade Unions 2. Keith Bick 3. Catherine Blakemore 4. The Family of Les Bowring 5. Sheena & Gibril Carlisle­Gaye 6. Doreen Cassam 7. Debbie Cheshire 8. Economists and industrial leaders 15. Those who care for others 16. Christine & Philip Condick & family 17. David Cook 18. Clive Curtis & Constantino Dumangane 19. Denise Davies and family 20. Rowena & Fred Davies 21. Sally & Julian Davis, Charlie & Isobel 22. Lent 1: Those whose faith is being tested 23. Alison & Marc Dummer 24. Richard, Hiroko & Emily Edge 25. Toni, Peter & Rhys Edwards 26. Alan Evans 27. Siarlys & Barbara Evans & family 28. Barbara & Ron Farnham MARCH 2015 1. Lent 2: The People of Wales 2. Alan Farnham 3. Trudi & Rod Faulkner 4. Keith & Bunny Flynn 5. Sybil Franklin 6. Phil, Ceri, David, Catrin & Hannah George 7. Linda Gibbs 8. Lent 3: The Covenanted Churches 9. Bronwyn Gregory 10. Iris Grimaldi 11. Teresa, Robert, James & Catherine Hammacott

12. Rob, Fiona, Isobel & Alistair Harding 13. Jean Hawkins 14. Carol Heard & family 15. Lent 4: Mothering Sunday 16. Gareth Henson, Marja Henson­Flipse, Aiden, Carys, Dyfrig & Iona 17. Gwen Hill 18. Pat Hurman 19. Kathleen Jeremiah 20. Barbara & Idris Jones 21. Emma & Stephen Jones 22. Lent 5: Those working for Peace & Justice 23. Mary Jones 24. Moyra Jones 25. Pat Jones 26. Siân, Stephen & Joshua Jones 27. Elinor Kapp & family 28. Taiwo, Laide, Korede, Ore & Oluwanifemi Kassim 29. Lent 6: The leaders of the Nations 30. Paul, Rachel Elizabeth, Eleanor, Matthew & Samuel Keenor 31. Adam Keenor APRIL 2015 1. Jenny Keenor 2. Bev & Chris Kibble & Ioan & Evelyn 3. Jack Permintella 4. Jenny Kimber 5. EASTER: The Proclamation of the Gospel 6. Ann, Tom, Ceri, Gafin Lloyd 7. Rachel Lloyd & family 8. Doreen Luff 9. Angie Luther 10. Pat Maggs 11. Pat Marshall 12. The Churches of Canton

O Almighty and merciful Lord, who givest unto thy faithful people the Holy Spirit as a sure pledge of thy heavenly kingdom: Grant unto us this same Spirit, that he may bear witness with our spirit that we be thy children and heirs of thy kingdom; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen.

Godly Prayers, 1559

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In our worship we try to combine both modern and traditional elements. Our Morning service usually lasts for about an hour. Children are welcome and we have an active Junior Church which, after sharing the first part of worship, leaves to follow the theme in their own age groups. At our youth services on the second Sunday of the month we stay together. The usual Sunday evening service has gradually changed over the years and is now very different to what it once was. There is no sermon and it is more responsive and reflective than the morning. If you want a time to centre and strengthen yourself through a more contemplative form of worship this might well be the service for you. It is a good way to end the Sabbath and prepare for the week ahead.

1 February ­ Evening Communion Service TBC Deuteronomy 18.15­20; Psalm 111; 1 Corinthians 8.1­13; Mark 1.21­28 Readers: am: Matt McCabe & Gwyn Atherton; pm: Jackie Wilkinson & Debbie Cheshire Deacon Marieke Arthur: Steward: Joy Thompson. To serve at Communion: Toni Edwards, Audrey Takle

8 February – Youth Service TBC Readers: am: Audrey Takle & Megan Atherton; pm: Toni Edwards & Audrey Morgan Deacon: Gwyn Atherton; Steward: Steve Phillips.

15 February ­ Morning Communion Service The Minister 2 Kings 2.1­12; Psalm 50.1­6; 2 Corinthians 4.3­6; Mark 9.2­9 Readers: am: Hugh Morgans & Ceri George; pm: Deacon: Abigail Phillips Steward: Alan Farnham To Serve at Communion: Fiona Harding, Cindy McCabe, Audrey Takle & Alison Walker

22 February – Lent 1 The Minister Genesis 9.8­17; Psalm 25.1­10; 1 Peter 3.18­22; Mark 1.9­15 Readers: am: Lucy Robinson & Eva Elliot; pm: Alison Dummer & Audrey Morgan Deacon: Alison Walker. Steward: Megan Atherton.

1 March – Lent 2 ­ Evening Communion Service The Minister Genesis 17.1­7,15,16; Psalm 22.23­31; Romans 4.13­25; Mark 8.31­38 Readers: am: Idris Jones & Rachel Baker; pm: Barbara Ball & Siarlys Evans Deacon: Gareth Henson. Steward: Alan Farnham. To serve at Communion: Toni Edwards & Gareth Henson.

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8 March – Lent 3 – Youth Service The Minister Deacon: Fiona Harding. Steward: Rob Harding

15 March – Lent 4/Mothering Sunday ­ Morning Communion Service The Minister Numbers 21.4­9; Psalm 107.1­3,17­22; Ephesians 2.1­10; John 3.14­21 Readers: am: Clive Curtis & Hugh Morgans; pm: Debbie Cheshire & Toni Edwards Deacon: Audrey Takle. Steward: Janice Richens. To serve at Communion: Linda Gibbs, Barbara Morgans, Abigail Phillips & Gareth Henson.

22 March – Lent 5 The Minister Jeremiah 31.31­34; Psalm 51.1­13 or Psalm 119.9­16; Hebrews 5.5­10; John 12.20­33 Readers: am: Bev Kibble & Alan Farnham; pm: Audrey Takle & Alison Dummer Deacon: Barbara Morgans. Steward: Alan Farnham.

29 March – Lent 6/Palm Sunday ­ Morning Communion Service The Minister Mark 11.1­11 Readers: am: Pat Marshall & Barbara Jones; pm: Elinor Kapp & Doreen Cassam Deacon: Cindy McCabe. Steward: Steve Phillips. To Serve at Communion: Marieke Arthur, Toni Edwards, Cindy McCabe & Gwyn Atherton.

5 April – Easter Sunday Morning Communion Service The Minister Mark 16.1­8 Readers: am: Hugh Morgans & Ceri George; pm: Jackie Wilkinson & Debbie Cheshire Deacon: Ceri George. Steward: Paul Keenor. To Serve at Communion: Ceri George, Fiona Harding, Abigail Phillips & Audrey Takle.

11 April – TBC Readers pm: Toni Edwards & Audrey Morgan Deacon: Linda Gibbs. Steward: David Thompson.

EVENING SERVICES - CALLING ALL PIANISTS If you are able to accompany the hymn singing at our evening services and can offer a Sunday every couple of months or every quarter or even a couple of Sundays a year, please talk to the Minister, Clive Curtis or Audrey Morgan. We’d love to have more people on the rota.

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We are grateful to all those who serve as Deacons on Duty, Stewards and Readers. If you would like to act as a Steward or read the Scripture or lead the Prayers then please let the Minister know. We try to keep as full and up to date list of people as we can.

CONTACTS Minister: Revd Dr Marc Dummer 57 Fairwater Road, Cardiff CF5 2LF – Tel. 02920 563740 email: amdcardiff @ aol.com Secretary: Mrs Fiona Harding 23 Llanfair Road, Cardiff CF11 9PZ ­ Tel: 02920 257783 email: cucsecretary @ hotmail.co.uk Treasurer: Mr Paul Keenor Website: www.cantonuniting.org.uk USUAL WEEKLY DIARY & MONTHLY EVENTS – check below for further details Sunday 10.30am Family Church 6.00pm Evening Service Monday 6.15pm Brownies Tuesday 6.30­8.00pm Boys’ Brigade Wednesday Midday Day Centre 2.30pm Women’s Fellowship [Fortnightly] (Please see weekly notices for exact dates) 7.30pm Study Group Friday 5.30pm Rainbows 7.00pm Guides ­ for more info contact Trudi Faulkner February Sat 7 9.30 am Toast Wed 11 7.30 pm Study Group Tues 17 tbc Agape Wed 18 7.30 pm Teachers’ Meeting Thu 19 7.30 pm Deacons Wed 25 7.30 pm Study Group March Sat 7 9.30 am Toast Weds 11 7.30 pm Study Group Weds/Thu 18/19 7.30 pm Deacons Weds 25 7.30 pm Study Group April Thu 2 7.30 pm Maundy Thursday Communion Sat 4 9.30 am Toast AND FINALLY … Please hand in material for the next Newslink to Barbara Ball or Hugh

Morgans by the end of the Morning service on Sunday, 22nd March 2015. Canton Uniting Church Cardiff 12