OCTOBER 1998
PARISHES OF SHIRENEWTON AND NEWCHURCH
MAGAZINE
INCUMBENT: The Revd Hugh Trenchard 424984
CHURCH WARDENS: Mrs Jean Jones Shirenewton 641627
Mrs Cynthia Smith Shirenewton 626712
Mrs Pam Manning Newchurch 650294
Mr Steve Manning Newchurch 650294
ORGANISTS: Mr Martyn Cole Shirenewton 626791
Mrs
Kath Whittington Newchurch
641600
A PASTORAL LETTER TO THE COMMUNION FROM THE ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY, GEORGE CAREY
My dear Sisters and Brothers
Just a few days ago the 13th Lambeth Conference, which brought together 750 Bishops and 650 spouses from the 37 Provinces of the Anglican Communion, ended. Thanks to the prayers of many, and the work of the Holy Spirit in our midst, the vast majority of those present agreed that it had been very worthwhile, with much blessing resulting from our common worship, study and dialogue - blessings which, I know, were experienced as much in the Spouses Programme as in the Bishops' Conference.
At the heart of our Conference was our daily Bible study, in small groups, of Paul's Second Letter to the Corinthians, which we looked at under the title Leadership under Pressure - something which all of us could, I think, readily identify with. As we did so, I was struck by St Paul's emphasis on 'faces' The glory on Moses' face after he had met with God (3:12); the transforming glory on our faces when we turn to God (3:18) and then in 4:6, that wonderful passage where Paul speaks of the light which has shone in our hearts 'to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ'.
And we have been transformed by being together over these three weeks. We have seen one another's faces. People who we might only have heard about in the past are now people we know as friends, whose faces are known to us. And many of us will never be the same again because we have been enriched by the stories those people have shared with us, of leadership under pressure, and of the goodness of God sometimes in the context of great hardship, poverty and persecution or, elsewhere, of secularity and indifference. How could any of us forget the Bishop of Kitgum's simple but moving account of the death of his beloved wife, Winifred, blown up by a landmine? And who was not challenged by his courage in maintaining a faithful witness in an area where terrorists regularly abduct children and take them away to train them as killers: Such an account is a vivid reminder of the context in which some of our brothers and sisters work as bishops and Christians.
In listening to each other and sharing common concerns we have also seen the face of the world in its agony and confusions. We have taken time together to study carefully some of the profound and perplexing problems which the Provinces had requested for our agenda. Some of these problems press hard only on some parts of our Communion but they must be of concern to us all as members of one family. The burden of international debt; the changing pattern of inter-faith relations; the making of moral decisions in an increasingly relativistic climate; the need as a Church to bring peace and reconciliation in those parts of the world threatened by civil strife; the impact of technology on us all - all these were looked at in depth and our Report and Resolutions reflect that fact. (These will be available in due course). what is more, we believe we made considerable progress in addressing these issues as we listened to each other in the context of scripture and the experience of the Communion; and the fruit of our discussions will, I hope, become evident in days to come. Of particular significance, I believe, is the issue of International Debt, and much more will flow from our commitment to press the moral argument for the relief of the burden of unpayable debt.
But there have been times when 'face to face' encounter has been difficult and potentially divisive. This was particularly so with regard to our discussions about human sexuality. Prior to the Conference no Province had asked for homosexuality to figure as a major item on the agenda, but, nonetheless, the issue was debated hotly and we found that our diversity of theology and culture, often a source of blessing, was becoming a 'differing' that could so easily have resulted in bitter confrontation.
But the result of those discussions was a Resolution, passed by a huge majority, that 'this Conference, in view of the teaching of Scripture upholds faithfulness in marriage between a man and a woman in lifelong union, and believes that abstinence is right for those who are not called to marriage'. In the same Resolution we also affirmed that we would 'commit ourselves to listen to the experience of homosexual persons, and we wish to assure them that they are loved by God and that all baptised, believing and faithful persons, regardless of sexual orientation, are full members of the Body of Christ.'
For the vast majority of us involved in that debate the friendships that had been established coupled with a desire to listen to each other, enabled us to transcend our differences. Nevertheless, I recognise that for some parts of the Church, there was considerable pain to be endured both in the debate itself and its outcome and so the listening must go on, not only to Scripture but also to one another.
And the fact of division in the world and the Church is surely something that we should face up to with courage and faith. So much energy goes into maintaining divisions instead of working for unity. It is my strong belief that one of the greatest benefits of this Conference will be our experience as bishops pursuing a oneness of aim in the midst of diversity. That, I believe, has strengthened rather than weakened our Communion.
But, if we have looked at the difficulties facing our Churches we have also perceived the effects in many Provinces of the Decade of Evangelism that was so wonderfully brought to our Communion by the last Lambeth Conference. We give thanks to God for all that has been achieved. We affirm under God that the Decade of Evangelism does not end in two years' time! Rather, the 201st decade begins then! The Millennium will, I believe, provide a unique opportunity of telling the story of Jesus Christ afresh to our world. Let every diocese aim to present our Lord as Saviour and Hope of the world and let us all seek to bring people to baptism and new life in Christ.
For through this marvellous Conference we have begun to see some of us for the first time, the growth and the vigour of the Communion. Anglicans are at work among the very poor as well as among the most privileged. We have thus gained true insights into our interdependence as Provinces. We know now that we must ensure that our structures are more accountable; we know that we must find new ways of supporting the poorest parts of the Communion (often rich in faith and joy); we know that we must become a more outward looking and serving Communion; we know that we must share together our resources in training and Biblical scholarship.
And strengthened by our fellowship together we return to our dioceses more ready to serve that Communion and all its members. Thank you, brothers and sisters, for making it possible for us to meet in Canterbury, because in meeting here we believe we have glimpsed something precious of the glory of God in the 'face of Jesus Christ' and the nature of a serving ministry which comes from following him.
And in the words of St Paul, from that letter which challenged us so very deeply, we salute you from the Lambeth Conference: Finally, brothers and sisters... put things in order... agree with one another, live in peace and the God of love and peace will be with you.
May God bless you in our faith and life together
Your brother in Christ
+ George
GAERLLWYDD WOMEN'S MEETINGS
Wednesday at 2.30 pm
7 October Harvest Festival Speaker: Rev Graeme Halls, Chepstow
Leader: Mrs S Price
21 October Speaker: Mr Bruce Anderson, Newport
Leader: Mrs S Price
CHURCH FETE NEWS
Our sincere thanks to Barbara Davies whose paintings have been sold since the fete for £140, bringing our Grand Total to £3,193. Thank you and well done Barbara.
SHIRENEWTON MOTHERS UNION
Our September meeting was largely taken up discussing future plans. We were pleased to learn that Auriel Horton is prepared to take over the running of the Branch, after Ivy Wells retires at the end of the year.
On 23 September, a successful coffee morning was run at the home of Ivy Wells. Thanks are due to everybody who helped: our members who made the coffee and washed up, manned the door, sold raffle tickets and one member who ran the bring and buy including cakes, books, magazines and vegetables. Special thanks to our generous visitors.
Our next meeting is on Wednesday 14 October at 2.30 pm in the Recreation Hall. Our speaker is to be the Reverend Hugh Trenchard.
Ivy Wells
SHIRENEWTON WOMEN'S INSTITUTE
Our branch meeting in September was well attended. Our president, Mrs Winifred Jones, was elected to attend as our representative on the Millennium Action Group in the Shirenewton area.
Our Speaker for the evening was Mr R Morgan, curator of Chepstow Castle. His talk was about Rorke's Drift. Even those of us who had not seen the Film "Zulu" could imagine the setting and background, as Mr Morgan's enthusiasm for his subject and his graphic descriptions brought the subject to life. Betty Attfield gave the vote of thanks.
Our next meeting is on Thursday 15 October at 7.15 pm at the Recreation Hall, Shirenewton.
An early notice of our Christmas fair on Saturday morning 5 December.
Ivy Wells
SHIRENEWTON VILLAGE PRODUCE ASSOCIATION
We didn't have a conventional meeting in September, instead we visited Chepstow Museum. There weren't many members there but what a treat it was for those who were. Ms Rainsbury gave us her time, very considerable knowledge and genuine enthusiasm. She was able to tell us anything we wished to know and gave us quite an insight into things not generally known. It was a lovely evening out. We may have outstayed our welcome but we hope not.
Our next meeting will be in the Huntsman Hotel on Monday 5 October at 7.30 pm. We will be having a talk given by Usk College on "Fruit". Raffle prize and biscuits to be provided by Mrs M Bryant.
200 CLUB
September 198 Draw:
£40 No 208 Fabian Cornwell
£20 No 51 Mr R Such
£20 No 137 Mrs L Wilkinson
£20 No 185 Mr S James
IN MEMORIAM
The burial took place recently in Shirenewton churchyard of the ashes of someone who, many years ago, was well known in this village, namely Mr Walter Harvey who was our resident village constable.
A week previously Mrs G Lloyd and I attended his funeral in Abergavenny, representing the older generation of Shirenewton residents who knew him well.
P C Harvey, as he then was, was popular in the community and took an interest in village life. He started training several local men, including myself, as wardens in the Civil Defence Corps, before being moved to other areas and promoted to Police Sergeant.
Fred Davis
NEIGHBOURHOOD WATCH
There will be a meeting on 15 October at 8.30 pm at the Huntsman Hotel. Anyone wishing to attend will be made welcome.
THANKS
I wish to thank everyone for their kind thoughts and best wishes whilst I am in hospital.
Mrs Olwen Morgan
Gardening Corner
Earlier this year I talked about the ups and downs that this year had brought in the garden. There were some noticeable ups. Carrots have been exceptional, greens particularly green, and runner beans are still running. On the other hand, there have been plenty of downs. Broad beans produced just one miserly picking, peas suffered from mildew and it was a race to beat the slugs to the lettuce. Even the early potatoes ended up rotting before they could be combined with mint. The same could be said of the flower garden, with mildew, slugs and high winds causing the main damage.
However, gardeners are a resilient lot and I'm sure we will all come bouncing back for another round next year. Already the first of the seed catalogues have started arriving through the door, and there are plenty of new varieties to tempt the confirmed plantaholics amongst us. I am already making plans of what new plants can be found a home next year. Whilst at the Gardeners World Live Exhibition, it was noticeable that the Foxtail Lily, Eremurus, was the in plant for this year. For those that know it, it grows from some four feet up to six feet. I love sitting in the car watching as proud owners negotiate four passengers, a rose arch and two or three pots of Eremurus into a Corsa. What I wonder is what condition all of them arrive in at the other end! My bet for plant of the year in 1999 is the Canna Lily, those brightly coloured plants that form the centre piece of many a council or continental bedding display. They come in all the `hot' colours, along with many bi colours, some with green leaves and some with red, all of which are eye catching in a mixed border. They are treated the same as dahlias, in that they should be allowed to get frosted before being brought into a frost free shed or greenhouse. They can then be repotted in early spring and encouraged into growth as temperatures begin to rise.
You may recall that we opened our garden up in June, in aid of church funds. The day proved so popular, with many kind comments, that we considered whether the garden would be good enough for the National Gardens Scheme - `The Yellow Book' as it is affectionately known. The local co ordinator visited the garden in July, and we are pleased to say that she felt it worthy of the scheme. With this in mind, stage three of the garden development has started apace. The old shade tunnel has now been demolished, and a cold frame erected in its place, so that alpine plants and cuttings can be raised in more suitable conditions. An existing tunnel is to be moved, and replaced with an extension to the vegetable patch, so that we can be self sufficient in fresh produce. With an extra area being created for soft fruit. An area has been cleared ready for an heather and dwarf conifer rockery, with plans afoot for the grand water feature - if time permits!!
Work for this coming month really revolves around preparing the garden for the winter months. However unlike the frantic efforts of spring, the work at this time of year can be undertaken at a much more leisurely pace. Daily bonfires can become habit forming as you clear away old foliage and prune rampant shrubs. Do not go mad however, as neighbours soon get fed up with smelling like kippers, and many of the hardy perennial plants survive our winters more successfully given the protection of a mat of old foliage as insulation. Raspberries should by now have had this year's fruiting stems removed and new wood tied in to their supporting wires. Strawberries should be tidied up and if you want new plants, peg down the first runners into the soil. The rest should be cut off and removed from the bed, as should all old leaves which will only rot and create a haven for diseases. All other bush fruits should be pruned by now, and blackberries treated in the same way as raspberries once fruiting is finished. If you haven't bought the spring bulb display yet, don't panic. There is still plenty of time. Daffodils should be planted in October, with Tulips and Lillies in November. As you clear this seasons bedding plants away, replace them with Wallflowers, Sweet Williams, Winter Pansies and Polyanthus, to provide a colourful display in the spring. If you have a cold frame or cold greenhouse try sowing a crop of Sweet Peas now, as plants overwinter well, and give a much healthier, and stronger plant for next spring. If you have a vegetable patch then don't forget that bonfire night is the last time to sow Broad Bean seeds.
Other than that, take things easy, and browse those seed catalogues ready for next year. I always derive as much pleasure from looking and making plans, as I do from the end results the following year. Happy gardening.
Steve Hunt.
SECRETARIES: please pass your notes or disks to:
Jane Smith-Haddon, 14 Clearview, Shirenewton tel: 641 525
by: Tuesday 27 October 1998
DIARY
October
Mon 5 Oct 7.30 pm Shirenewton VPA, Huntsman Hotel
Tue 6 Oct 7.30 pm Millennium Action Group Brainstorming Meeting - Shirenewton Recreation Hall
Wed 14 Oct 2.30 pm Shirenewton Mothers Union - Shirenewton Recreation Hall
Thu 15 Oct 7.15 pm Shirenewton WI - Shirenewton Recreation Hall
ADVANCE NOTICE
Sat 5 Dec Shirenewton WI Christmas Fair
HARVEST SERVICES
Thu 1 Oct 7.00 pm Llanfair Discoed Harvest Evensong followed by Harvest Supper at the Woodland Tavern
Sun 4 Oct 8.00 am Llanfair Discoed Harvest Eucharist
11.00 am Caerwent Harvest Eucharist
6.30 pm Caerwent Harvest Evensong
Mon 5 Oct 7.30 pm Caerwent Harvest Supper, Northgate Inn
Thu 8 Oct 7.30 pm Newchurch Harvest Evensong
Sat 10 Oct 7.30 pm Newchurch Harvest Supper - with a concert given by the Garndiffaith Glee Men. Tickets (£5) from Steve and Pam Manning, 650 294 or Joyce Waters 421 497
Sun 11 Oct 9.45 am Shirenewton Harvest Eucharist
2.30 pm Newchurch Harvest Eucharist
6.30 pm Shirenewton Harvest Evensong - guest Preacher
Tue 13 Oct Shirenewton Harvest Supper - Huntsman Hotel. Tickets £5.50