60p CREDO 1. May The Parish Magazine of Christ Church, Roath Park Lake Road North, CARDIFF CF 23 5QN. Volume 23 Issue 4

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1 CREDO 1 60p Volume 23 Issue 4 The Parish Magazine of Christ Church, Roath Park Lake Road North, CARDIFF CF 23 5QN Holy Wells St Madron s Well, near Penzance Cornwall is teeming with local saints, with some wonderfully evocative names like St Cuby, St Neot and St Guron. Many have holy wells called after them and some of these wells have survived and remain popular with visitors today. St Madron, or Maddern, was a 6th century Cornish hermit. Very little is known of his life, but after his death local legends attributed many miracles to his intercessions. Stories became attached to the well near Penzance that is named after him and still today a steady stream of visitors walk the wooded path to the well to pray and ask for healing. The well is known as a cloutie well as the tradition grew up for petitioners to tie a clout or rag on a branch on a tree nearby to symbolise their request. The well itself is little more than a patch of boggy ground surrounded by trees and bushes which are covered with dozens of strips of coloured cloth. Not far from the well are the ruins of a chapel where coins are left or candles lit. Some folklorists say that the chapel was originally the site of the well and there is evidence that it dates back at least 600 years. Cures came about both by washing in the waters of the well and also lying on the saint s bed which was once found in the chapel by the altar. One famous cure in the 17th century, that of John Trelille whose limbs were restored to enable him to walk, was investigated by the Bishop of Exeter who concluded it was indeed a miracle. The Bishops s reason for taking an interest may have been to refocus the minds of the local people on the miraculous healing powers of God, rather than on local superstitions. St Madron s well is a quiet and tranquil place. Many visitors go there to ponder and pray. Some still go seeking cures, perhaps when conventional medicine is offering little hope. Some Christians might view it as a pagan site. There is little overt evidence of Christian practice. Perhaps it is best described as a place of folk faith. Like so many holy wells it is a place that serves as a reminder of God within nature and within history. People go there to leave the modern, secular world behind and reconnect with the innate trust their forebears had in the power and love of the Almighty. Parish Pump Please note that articles for the JUNE edition of Credo NO LATER than 15th May 2016 Handwritten or on a named memory stick in RTF with a printed copy please, or (contact Editor) May 2016 Sunday 15th May PENTECOST am - Parish Eucharist, Funky Church & JWalkers Youth Group 6.00 pm Service of Meditation and Reflection Page 2.May Diary; Thought for the Month; Page 3 Our Vicar Trystan Writes Page 4.Curate s page - Pentecost Page 5. Church Family; Stewardship; Who s Who Page 6.Christ Church Pilgrimage; Christian Aid Page 7.God in the Arts; Language Learning Page 8.Coming Events Page 9 The Wesleys; Marking Our Way Page 10 Our Page Page 11 Crossword; Lourdes Page 12 Notice Board

2 2 Sunday 1st Tuesday 3 rd MAY DIARY EASTER 6 - ROGATION SUNDAY am FAMILY COMMUNION 6.00 pm Service of Light am noon Church open for PRAYER Wednesday 4 th ASCENSION DAY Eucharist 9.30 am Holy Eucharist (tea & coffee to follow) Thursday 5th May Church will be used for Polling station Sunday 8 th EASTER am Parish Eucharist & Funky Church 6.00 pm Taize Service Sunday 15 th PENTECOST am Parish Eucharist & Funky Church and J Walkers Youth Group 6.00 pm Christian Aid United Service at Llanishen Baptist Thursday 19 th Sunday 22 nd 9.30 am Holy Eucharist (tea & coffee to follow) TRINITY am Parish Eucharist & Funky Church 6.00 pm Celtic Night Prayer Sunday 29 th TRINITY am Parish Eucharist & Funky Church 6.00 pm Evensong Sunday 5 th June TRINITY am FAMILY COMMUNION 6.00 pm Service of Light Prayers for Healing am every Wednesday in Parish Office Other services & activities as announced in the newsletter Chinese government tears down more church crosses China has torn down more church crosses in Zhejiang, raising fears that soon no Christian crosses will be left standing on churches throughout the province. Release International, which supports persecuted Christians worldwide, is concerned that this campaign of growing intolerance towards Christians in the coastal province of Zhejiang could even spread on throughout China. Release s partners report another 49 crosses have been torn down since the start of the year. Where churches are refusing to demolish them themselves, the authorities are cutting off their water and electricity. So far, around 1850 crosses have been removed. Release International has recently launched a petition calling on China s president Xi Jinping to release the jailed Christian human rights lawyer Zhang Kai, who mounted a legal campaign to challenge the cross removals. To sign the petition, search for Zhang Kai on change.org Parish Pump CREDO Thought for the Month LIGHTING A CANDLE ST. ILLTUD S CHURCH God I light this candle because I am here; I don t know what to say, don t know how to put my longings into words. You know I light it for those special people of my heart whom I love, and name before you. To light this candle and leave it in this holy place silently burning comforts me. I see it as a small sign that love will always live on whatever happens, and that makes me believe in you. Amen. (Patrick Woodhouse) sent in by Anne James Promise of the Father (Lk24:44-53, Heb 11:1-3) Blessing led to leaving, and leaving to a new coming, a coming in power and joy to worship and to witness to God s plan fulfilled in the reality of Jesus, living. This is the promised day, the day of clothing with power and presence, and a fresh sending of those with opened eyes in every generation, releasing hope and faith-filled certainty, making sense of everything. Come Holy Spirit, clothe me, send me By Daphne Kitching -Parish Pump

3 CREDO 3 THE Cost of Success Dear friends, We have just had our annual vestry meeting, and we looked through our annual report and what a great read it is this year! Thank you to our new church secretary, Denise Searle, for all her work in helping to create such a wonderful report. Not only do we have colourful photographs alongside the reports, but it is also shows the amazing work we, as a church, are now doing in our local community. Throughout the year, our church has been where we believed the community wanted us, and where we felt it needed us. We have seen hundreds of children through our doors to our Funky Church, Chatterbox Group, and Messy Church, we are now running a regular youth group for young people, we are involved with community concerts, we are used by various community groups who book the church and hall, we are involved in visiting local schools to share God s love in both primary and secondary schools, we hold carol concerts and Christmas events that, this past Christmas alone, helped almost 1000 people reconnect with the real meaning of the season, and we have a wonderful pastoral outreach to those in need of us in our community that is headed by the clergy and the pastoral care team. The future at Christ Church is certainly exciting. We have a warm, affirming, devout, and loving congregation. If you feel you can do more in a certain area, if you feel your gifts are not been used effectively, please do tell me or one of the wardens we are always looking for people to assist in our various ministries and in our outreach to the local community! There is, of course, one other thing that we need if we are to move forward both in terms of resourcing the church and the new hall. When she was 5 years old, my daughter Lena announced that she knew what was most important thing in life. The most important thing in life, she said, is money. Taken aback at her assertion, I told her that, for Christians, love is the most important thing. She nodded and seemed to agree. Later when our family visited the Archbishop the children behaved impeccably. As we were leaving, my daughter turned to Archbishop Barry and said, Mr Bishop, I know what is the most important thing in life. I held my breath. The most important thing in life, she said, is love. I was so proud. And then she added, and the second most important thing is money! The message that wealth is to be revered and sought after has become as natural to us as the air we breathe. Yet, I see this attitude as so contrary to what I believe that I find talking about money difficult. According to 1 Timothy 6:10, the love of money is, the root of evil! This is why I have never talked about it during services, and this is the first magazine article in which I have mentioned our need for financial support. However, we do need to be able to fund our outreach and ministry. The question is what would we give to see our community transformed by God s love? Being generous to those around us is one of the greatest privileges we have as Christians. Because you have given so freely, we have been able to do so much in the past year. Everything we do relies on the generosity of the people of Christ Church our time, our abilities, and, of course, our money. Fulfilling our vision to see God s love transforming lives takes much faith, especially when we can t see where the funds are coming from. Our parish share alone, which pays for our clergy here and helps fund further loving and compassionate ventures that the church is involved in, costs us almost 9 per person per week. This is where we need you all to continue to support our work with your contributions, and even consider giving a little more, if you can afford it. God is inviting every one of us to experience the joy that comes with the lifestyle of radical generosity. The more we give, the more we receive. Christians find that the more they trust God with their plans and resources, the more they see incredible things happening. Over the past few years, as our church has reached out more and offered God s light and life to our community, these incredible things have started to happen here in Christ Church just look at the numbers in church on Sunday, just look at how many families and children have been to our events, just ask the local schools and care homes about the impact God s transforming love is having through our community. So, let s go all in and see what God can do! Please ask yourself can you start giving financially? Or can you give regularly? Or can you give more? Gerald Bradnum s article on page 5 in this issue of Credo gives further ideas of giving or increased giving, including the possibility of us setting up a standing order or direct debit for you. Help us to share God s transforming love with a society that is in desperate need for hope, for peace of heart, and for compassion. The most important thing in life certainly is love. But there is no second most important thing. In the light of God s love, nothing else is important. Yours in Christ, Trystan

4 4 Dear friends, When he had said this, as they were watching, he was lifted up and a cloud took him out of their sight. We cannot begin to imagine what the disciples must have felt at that precise moment. They had been on an unforgettable, roller-coaster, ride of a journey. They had travelled extensively with Jesus to towns and villages witnessing miracles: healing the sick, making the blind see, making the paralyzed walk, and even raising the dead. They heard his teachings and listened attentively to his stories. They experienced his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. Their journey was on a high! Suddenly, their journey hit rock-bottom. Their Lord was dead, taken from their presence. Struggling with acceptance, disappointment and confusion they were plunged into the reality of now having to comprehend the Resurrection. They wrestled with fears and doubts when encountering the Risen Lord. But their journey continued. They continued to listen to Jesus teachings. But this time his teachings were different. He was no longer speaking about the present but rather making reference to the Kingdom of God and the days ahead. And I suppose just as the disciples were getting used to having Jesus with them, right before their eyes, he was taken from them once again. Like the disciples, we are also on a journey and we can identify with many of the struggles, fears, doubts, the moments of confusion and disappointment that the disciples experienced. And yet, our journey continues. Individually and corporately we began a seasonal journey on Ash Wednesday. We journeyed through the 40-days of Lent, Holy Week, and the cross. We stood together at the empty tomb greeting the Risen Christ the Light that banishes all darkness. We continued to journey, proclaiming Alleluia; Christ is A Reflection for the Feast of the Ascension risen! And our journey has led us to this point, like the disciples, at the Ascension of our Lord. I can just picture the disciples, after seeing Jesus taken up in a cloud, bewildered, mesmerized, slightly lost, turning to one another and asking: What now? We too could turn to one another and ask the same question. Too often we cloud the Ascension with doctrine, biblical interpretations and theological commentaries, all at the risk of losing the opportunity to marvel at the mystery and the awesomeness of God. In St Peter s first letter we read, You are blessed because the glorious Spirit of God, is with you, (vs14) and also, You will be happy and full of joy when Christ comes again in glory. (vs13) Through St Peter s words of encouragement we are reminded that our journey continues. The Ascension is simply Jesus been taken up back to God. He might no longer be physically present with the Church, yet, he is still with us, continuing to journey with us, blessing us with the guidance and the discernment of the Holy Spirit. As our journey continues, we believe and look forward to the coming of Christ in glory. The Gospel of St John, chapter 17, shows Jesus praying. Naturally this text belongs to Holy Week as it is Jesus final act before he is arrested but yet so appropriate for the Feast of the Ascension. Before Jesus ascends we find him praying for the Church, blessing the Church; and how appropriate are Jesus words of petition. He prays for the Church s unity, for oneness in Spirit, so that the Church may keep the revelation of the one true God of CREDO love and peace. Jesus prays not only for unity but also for peace and for love among the people of God. We see Christ with arms open wide, forgiving, accepting, loving, healing for all people. What an amazing example to follow. Here we have Jesus, just before his arrest, knowing what is to lie ahead, and he prays; not for himself but for others. Jesus prayer must become our prayer. As a people of God we must also be praying for unity and for a oneness in the Spirit. For it is only when we are united in the Spirit that we shall become effective witnesses within the world, sharing the love of Christ. Every week, as a community, we enter together into the great Eucharistic prayer where Jesus takes the bread, blesses the bread, breaks the bread, and gives the bread to his disciples. This Eucharistic action is to be embodied in our lives along our earthly pilgrimage. We need to allow Christ to take us for himself, to bless us abundantly, to break us so as to create within us a humble and contrite heart, and then finally to send us out into the world to be a blessing to all people. Our journey most definitely does not end here. Our hearts and souls are to be open to the Holy Spirit. May we long for the renewing, refreshing, equipping, and empowering nature of God s Spirit. You are blessed because the glorious Spirit, the Spirit of God, is with you. Revd. Kent Middleton, Obl CR Rogation time Only one of the Lord s Prayer has any condition attached to it: it is the petition for forgiveness. Archbishop William Temple

5 CREDO 5 Stewardship and Generosity All things come of thee: and of thine own do we give thee (1 Chron. 29:14). God's love for us is unstinting, and at the heart of love is giving. In response to God's generosity to us we are called upon both to share Christ's mission today and to use our God-given resources and wealth, as well as time and talents, in His service. During 2016, as before, donations and fund-raising are sought specifically for our Buildings Renewal Fund (towards the prospective replacement hall and/or other adaptation/s). Apart from that, our regular needs require adequate funding. These needs I estimate for 2016 as totalling about 64,000; the three major components of this are (1) 11,000 for maintenance of buildings and utilities; (2) 9,000 for office/secretarial/ services; (3) 35,700, net of a 5% direct-debit rebate, for our 'Parish Share' payable to Llandaff Diocese, covering the provision of many joint facilities and of clergy etc. The diocesan Parish Share is set according to its recent relative average adult attendances at services, and now reflects a monthly cost of about 34 per attender. This is only one aspect of belonging with a particular congregation (and Christ Church is, of course, very keen always to retain and attract members). However, in straight financial terms most members of our congregation currently regularly contribute rather less than the parish incurs in respect of them under this diocesan obligation alone -even of the 59 people who kindly now contribute to Christ Church regularly (via either monthly direct-debit, standing order or enveloped cash in weekly collections) only 27 (less than half) do so at a level higher than that diocesan 34 per month. That is before any helping towards the funding of the parish's own on-the-spot facilities and activities. There may, be good reason for this for any particular person, or perhaps simply a lack of recent review of one's ability to help by increasing the contribution. Time perhaps for some to kindly start regularly contributing, please, and others to review - maybe yourself? Our regular income for 2016 is estimated at 64,000. Half of that (at current giving levels, 31,500) comprises this crucial committed giving, with related Gift Aid tax refunds and bonuses due to provide a further 10,000 (16%), and with casual cash at service collections some 8,000 (12%). Other income is expected from hall leasing and hire, c (10%). Anyone willing to consider a regular contribution of whatever size, or an increase is cordially invited to contact the writer for a discussion in confidence, guidance and help with any commitment and process chosen. Enquiries on any aspect or method of giving are very much welcomed. Thank you indeed. Gerald Bradnum - Giving Secretary Around the Church Family - Our Good Wishes & Prayers to: Nancy Eyre, still progressing in her recovery at home Margaret Rees, enjoying a time of respite at Cartref home The family of Tony John - who died on 16th March - his wife Guinevere and sons, Crispin, Justin and his wife Sarah and Oliver Congratulations and good wishes to: Our curate, Revd. Kent Middleton Obl.CR, who celebrated his 40th birthday on 19th April and his appointment to be curate and assistant priest at St Paul s Cathedral, Nicosia, Cyprus from June after his ordination to the priesthood Gill and Mike Barker - Ruby Wedding Anniversary 27th March (Easter Day) Mary and Jeff Payne - Golden Wedding Anniversary on 9th April Peter Vokes and Kate Jones married at Christ Church on 23rd April Jenny Goss on her recent musical diploma Good to see back at services when they can, John Griffiths, Ken Perkins, Molly Hughes and Marion LeBeau Home Communions take place once a month, usually on the first Tuesday - if you know anyone who would like to receive Communion at home please inform the Parish office or Gerald. Sick Visiting Requests Please complete the book, checked weekly and kept on the Lady Chapel altar, if you wish to request a pastoral visit for someone who is sick. WHO S WHO at Christ Church Lake Road North Cardiff CF23 5QN Priest in charge: Rev.Trystan Owain Hughes Tel: Curate: Rev. Kent Middleton Obl.CR Parish Secretary Denise Searle: at Parish office Parish Office/Hall Enquiries Tel: Web site: Church Wardens Haydn Hopkins Tel: Colin Francis Tel: Reader Dominic de Saulles P CC Secretary Judith Hill Tel: Treasurer John Hodgson Tel: Gift Aid Secretary Gerald Bradnum Tel: Electoral Roll Officer David Alexander Tel: Magazine Editor John Griffiths Tel: Sacristan Len Bowker Tel: Assistant: Haydn Hopkins Tel: Organist /Choir Julie Waller Tel: Funky Church Karen Payne Tel: Sandra Tel: Flower Rota Organiser Sylvia Dowell Tel: Churches Together Julie Waller Tel:

6 6 CREDO A journey to the knowledge of God. (Christ Church Pilgrimage to the Galilee Chapel, Llantwit Major 5th March) This was my first pilgrimage, which again was a new experience and add-on to my journey to faith. Long ago when I was in China as a student, I learnt from my English text book that pilgrimages are the conduct of monks and extremely committed religious persons, with an image of them praying all the way down to a holy place such as Jerusalem. I had never understood the necessity of going on a pilgrimage, not to mention the word pilgrimage! So before I registered myself onto the list of pilgrims of Christ Church, I still firmly held this serious pilgrimage idea. Someone saw me hesitating to sign and encouraged me by saying, This is a really good experience. I put my name down on the list, and it turned out to be a very valuable and unforgettable experience! The destination St. Illtud s Church Llantwit Major, is only 40 minutes drive away, and this national heritage church with its 1500 years of history soon presented herself before our eyes. Her beautiful surroundings and her magnificent interior decorations all made me wonder how close we are to our Lords beauty and treasure. There is surely so much to admire in this beautiful Church! In addition to the glorious paintings and a variety of delicate miniatures of the saints. Three extraordinary things remain in my mind, which to me, inspire deep thinking. First are the personalised kneelers. As soon as I turned my head in the direction of the altar, these colourful and graceful kneelers caught my eyes. Each of them bears a certain characteristic, some with a specific flower embellishment, some with peculiar patterns, some with initials and names. These kneelers imply that each one of them was made for someone who worships. This just makes one feel that each person in this house of the Lord has a dedicated position or a piece of space, with their individual flavour, beauty and meaning for being there. The second is the large tapestry, which hangs on the north wall of the Church. It was said to be started by a local group of ladies but soon expanded to incorporate logos of the local organisations, schools, community groups and individuals throughout the town. It took those ladies 4 years to complete. Many of the organisations are active today. This tapestry gives us such a vivid visual idea of the life of the town at that time. It also presents a picture of a peaceful and harmonious community, under the union of something very special and precious. This makes me think of nothing but the paradise, not only of Eve and Adam, but of all God s people, living on their toils, working closely, and enjoying the blessing of this little piece of land. The third is the Church s history and tradition of Christian teaching to God s people. From St. Illtud himself until nowadays, thousands of people have come to this old church specifically for a glimpse of the rise of Christian faith, and to admire the holy people who have preached and worshiped here, and who had carried on bringing the Celtic tradition of eremitism and monasticism to other parts of Wales. One can t help wondering what it was like to be a student here in the University of the saints of the early Celtic Church according to the monk, author of the book The Life of St. Samson of Dol which gave very detailed information on the teaching of St. Illtud. However, while standing in the stone exhibition in the west end of the Church admiring the Celtic stones, I also could not help thinking how lucky we are that we can be this close to the work of the saints, and can still be inspired by the holy spirit shown by these great disciples of our Lord. Thanks to this pilgrimage, I feel that I was somehow linked with the ancestors and pioneers of Christianity, and that now have a clearer idea of God s presence throughout History, and covering all the lands that I know of. It s amazing. Jane Song. Christian Aid Week 2016 Morsheda and her children live on an island in the middle of one of Bangladesh s mighty rivers. Life is hard for her since she is constantly afraid that the river will flood and that her home will be destroyed and her children put in danger. This year, Christian Aid Week focuses on the situation of people like Morsheda who live on similar islands. These islands are created by the silt and mud washed down by the river. They are not islands made of rock. This means that they are very fragile and when the river overflows they are in danger of being washed away. Since the islands are fragile, life for those living on them is fragile too. It is these people s story which we will be telling during Christian Aid Week. On the notice board is a list of streets to be covered, please put your name against any street that you can deliver and collect envelopes from, your help is greatly appreciated. See Judith Hill for details and page 8 for local events.

7 CREDO 7 GOD IN THE ARTS. He gave us eyes to see them : Railings and Kneelers This month we visit St Nicholas Church, Compton in Surrey. It is a very fine building with an unusual double sanctuary on two floors at the east end. Our eyes look up to see a gallery and an altar, and then at ground level is another altar surrounded by a glorious Norman arch with Jacobean railings and kneelers. As we enter this church, we realise with T S Eliot in Little Gidding that we are here to kneel where prayer has been valid. With the liturgical reform of the last century, it is customary in many churches to stand to receive Holy Communion. Sitting and standing seem the norms now for worship in spite of all the beautifully embroidered kneelers that many churches boast. But open the Book of Common Prayer, and there is a multitude of rubrics on kneeling whenever people gather for services. It is a posture that takes us back to those vivid images of Jesus praying on his knees in St Luke s Gospel, Peter kneeling to pray in Lydda, and the people kneeling on the beach with Paul in Acts 21. The Psalmist invites us to kneel before the Lord our Maker, and Paul wrote to the Philippians, At the name of Jesus every knee should bend. As we kneel at the Jacobean railings of St Nicholas, Compton or in our own churches, we are heirs to that tradition. Cranmer in the Prayer Book said that kneeling was a sign of gratitude for benefits received. But it is more than that. Buildings like Compton church bring us to our knees quite naturally as we gaze and wonder at the beauty and majesty of the building. Kneeling is a sign of reverence and adoration of the God who inspired such architecture of old and who feeds us now in the sacraments. Rev.Michael Burgess - Parish Pump Language Learning for Senior Citizens For those of us who are,as the Book of Common Prayer puts it of riper years we are constantly enjoined to adopt measures to prevent our minds from becoming inflexible and, to put no finer point upon it, enfeebled. Prominent amongst those well meant words is that we should take up the learning of a foreign language. Such admonition is simply not needed for those of us who have grandchildren. They speak to us in a foreign language which bears something of a similarity to the English of our childhood, but we certainly need to learn its complexities. It is not that the words they speak are unfamiliar;; it is that they have acquired an entirely new meaning and are used in curiously alien connotations. The word that first springs to mind in this context is COOL It has always attracted colloquial extension such as Cool It or He walked off with a cool million. Now it has acquired a huge use to express approbation for, some bewildering popular trend. Its antonym UNCOOL is just about the worst condemnation that can be uttered from the lips of the young. Other apparently modern usages are not quite what they appear to be. The use of GAY to mean something other than joyful is certainly something that has slowly changed, for I recall having problems with classes in a boys school some decades ago when we came across Wordsworth s A poet could not but be Gay/ In such a joyous company He was referring, of course, to the chaste daffodils In fact, this use of the word to indicate homosexuality is as old as the 17 th Century. However, there are, as they say, some quite new kids on the block. I needed the help of grandchildren to settle BLING into my vocabulary, and I have, I think, got around to understanding what a BLOG is.. well, more or less. It is not just vocabulary which has to be learnt. Consider the syntax of the following:- Then he went like, That s seriously sad and then I went like Yeah, kinda uncool. I will translate, for the new language seems to have lost the whole range of words of saying and replaced them by verbs of motion. Well, I expect you have got there without a paraphrase from me. There is also the matter of TEXTESE. Here my grandchildren who frequently text me have kindly provided me with a book of glossary. It contains instructions about how to attach a Smiley to a message and provides helpful keys to DMBLBIT which translates as Does my bum look big in this though we have long gone past the age when we worry about these things. Most used of all, apparently, is OMG. This is very odd, because on the whole God does, alas, not figure very prominently in the mind-set of the young. Perhaps we who care about these things here have an entrée into their world. Meanwhile, I am setting about my modern language studies with determination. God forbid I should be thought UNCOOL John Walrond All Saints (From services by Bishop Timothy Rees) So Great a cloud of Witnesses. Hebrews XII IV. In every parish a nucleus of faithful and devout communicants (names for the most part) unknown outside their parish not on committees etc., - not prominent in the world, but they are the salt of the earth, and pillars of the church. Bishops and clergy may come and go, but they remain loyal to their church. All through the ages, the History of our land is the History of the common people, not of wars, quarrels, and ecclesiastical wrangling s History of devout people, who believed in God, and handed on the great tradition from age to age. We owe a great debt to the past this cloud of witnesses and the glorious tradition that we have inherited. Standing firm when Empires collapse. Quiet and obscure folk, hidden saints devout witnesses. People may find a vision of God in a church through these unknown saints, a given perseverance. Then there is respectable Christianity that has no power and no life and then your power is dimmed. Worldly saints are men and women who maintain their ideals. V. Moverley.

8 8 CREDO Diary Dates..... Wed. 4th May 6.15 pm Scout Group Celebration - see this page Sunday 5th June 6.00 pm Revd Kent s final Evening service and bring & share buffet Saturday 25th June New Curate, Jordan s Ordination at Llandaff Cathedral Sunday 26th June Welcome Service at Christ Church for Jordan Saturday 2nd July Youth Trip to Barry Island Saturday 9th July Festival of Prayer at St Michael s College (leaflets in Porch) Sunday 10th July Vicarage Garden Party J WALKERS Youth Group yr olds Come and join this new group every third Sunday each month at the 10 am service - next one 15th May CHATTERBOX Babies and toddlers with parents/ grandparents Thursdays 1.30 pm pm in Christ Church Hall during term time Contact Gill Barker Tools with a Mission Eric Howell is waiting for your unwanted/unused TOOLS used for all trades including sewing machines, sewing implements, and tools for carpentry, plumbing, gardening etc. All to help others in Africa. Contact Eric Howell or speak to Eric in Church. Time for a Spring Clean! th Cardiff Scout Group Please join us in the Scout Hall and Church Hall Wednesday 4th May From 6.15 pm Celebrate Louise Lucas 20 years of Scouting with us. Fun & Games for children of all ages with our usual Barbeque RSVP Caryl Christian Aid Week 15th - 21st May Local events Sat. 14th May noon Plant Sale at Llanishen Baptist Church Sunday 15th May 6.00 pm. United Service at Llanishen Baptist Church Tures. 17th May pm Book Sale & Coffee at St Faith s Church Altar Kneeler Project. Tues. and Thurs. home stitching continue weekly contact Posy for details Next Saturday meetings 21st May and 18th June 10-12noon Join the stitchers in the Church Hall to view the progress and even put a few stitches in the newest panel and have a coffee or tea Contact: Posy Akande Prayer Link 2016 Churches Together in Llanishen & District Saturdays am 7th May Llanishen Methodist Melbourne Rd, off Fidlas Rd 4th June Thornhill Evangelical Excalibur Drive, Thornhill, next to Sainsbury ALL WELCOME Christian Aid events

9 CREDO 9 John and Charles Wesley evangelists and hymn-writers John and Charles Wesley were the founders of Methodism. Two of nineteen children born to Samuel and Susannah Wesley of Epworth Rectory in Lincolnshire in 1703 and 1707, their father was the local rector, while their mother was a spiritual inspiration to her many children. Both John and Charles went to Christ Church, Oxford (1720 and 1726). John was ordained, and Charles and some friends formed a Holy Club while still at college. It consisted of men who dedicated themselves to Bible study, prayer, fasting and good works. Such regular disciplines soon earned Charles the nickname Methodist. The name stuck. Both Charles and John felt called to the mission field, and so in 1735 they sailed to Georgia. Their time among Indians in America was not a success they struggled for any real spiritual authority in their ministries. Feeling failures, they returned to England in some depression. John summed it up: I went to America to convert the Indians; but, oh, who shall convert me? Then the Wesleys made friends with some Moravians. They stressed that salvation cannot be earned, but must be received by grace through faith in Christ. Charles was the first to experience this true conversion, when on Pentecost Sunday, 21st May 1738, he wrote that the Spirit of God chased away the darkness of my unbelief. Only three days later, on 24th May, 1738, it was John s turn. As he wrote in his journal: In the evening I went very unwillingly to a society in Aldersgate Street, where one was reading Luther s preface to the Epistle to the Romans. About a quarter before nine, while he was describing the change which God works in the heart through faith in Christ, I felt my heart strangely warmed. John and Charles Wesley then devoted the rest of their lives to sharing the Good News of Jesus Christ and turned England upside-down. When the established Church threw John out, he took to the fields, preaching to coal miners and commoners. His itinerant evangelism took him 250,000 miles on horseback and to preach over 40,000 sermons. His small societies attracted some 120,000 followers by the time of his death. Charles became the most prolific and skilled hymn-writer in English history, writing hymns that are sung widely today, such as Love Divine, All Loves Excelling. In all, he wrote nearly 7000 hymns. The legacy of the two brothers lives on. As well as Methodism, their teaching has widely impacted the holiness movement, the Pentecostal movement, and the charismatic movement Parish Pump Marking Our Way Anyone used to hiking and climbing mountains will be aware of cairns - collections of small stones heaped upon each other. Cairns are markers along a route and ensure that walkers don t head off in the wrong direction or succumb to danger. Cairns have been used as trail markers for thousands of years, and exist not only on mountains but also on many kinds of terrain. They can vary in size from a low pile of pebbles to elaborate stone monuments and large sculptures. Sometimes they are specific landmarks or memorials to some historic event. Cairns are mentioned in the Bible usually as memorial stones. Jacob made a small mound at Bethel and Moses ordered a more decorative construction on Mount Ebal. These were markers so that people would remember the blessings God had given them in the past. Joshua s twelve stones at the River Jordan was a marker commemorating God s miraculous demonstration, and in generations to come it would make people stop and think about His almighty power. Today, we have markers to remind us of God s provision and love and these are presented as the Liturgical Year. This consists of the cycle of seasons, feast days and celebrations of saints. Alongside these, some churches, use distinct liturgical colours to cover the altar as a visual reminder of a season or a day on the Christian Calendar Of course, not all churches use a liturgical calendar and perhaps miss out on seasons such as Lent, to spend some time for personal reflection and spiritual growth. We may not all observe Maundy Thursday, Ascension Day or Trinity Sunday, but in one way or another we all observe Christmas, Easter and Pentecost. In the Bible narrative, the Israelites and later the Jewish nation, were often forgetful of God s counsel and care. They needed visual markers of stones and their year of festivals to constantly remind them that God was always with them. The principle is the same for us. We can be forgetful, neglectful and negligent of God as we go about our busy, daily lives. What then are our personal markers? What can we use to help us stay on the right path with Him? Let s identify our markers so we do not stray from God s guiding and protective hand Parish Pump

10 10 CREDO

11 CREDO 11 CROSSWORD PUZZLE ACROSS 1 One who owes money, goods or services (Isaiah 24:2) (6) 4 A good measure, pressed down, together and running over (Luke 6:38) (6) 7 Continuous dull pain (Proverbs 14:13) (4) 8 This bread contains yeast (Amos 4:5) (8) 9 But take heart! I have the world (John 16:33) (8) 13 And the rest (abbrev.) (3) 16 What Paul was accused of bytertullus, the high priest s lawyer, in his trial before Felix (Acts 24:5) (13) 17 Rap (anag.) (3) 19 Founder of the Jesuits in 1534 (8) 24 For where your is, there your heart will be also (Luke 12:34) (8) 25 The first word written on the wall during King Belshazzar s great ban quet (Daniel 5:25) (4) 26 We all, like sheep, have gone (Isaiah 53:6) (6) 27 One was given in honour of Jesus Across: 1, Debtor. 4, Shaken. 7, Ache. 8, Leavened. 9, Overcome. 13, Etc. 16, Troublemaking. 17, Par. 19, Ignatius. 24, Treasure. 25, Mene. 26, Astray. 27, Dinner. Down: 1, Deaf. 2, Behaviour. 3, Relic. 4, Swarm. 5, Aged. 6, Elect. 10, Rabbi. 11, Ocean. 12, Exalt. 13, Epicurean. 14, Cage. 15, Step. 18, Acres. 20, Gaudy. 21, An end. 22, Fair. 23, Fear. DOWN 1 The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the hear, the dead are raised (Luke 7:22) (4) 2 Conduct (Colossians 1:21) (9) 3 In the Catholic and Orthodox trade tions, the body of a saint or his belongings, venerated as holy (5) 4 Like a of locusts men pounce on it (Isaiah 33:4) (5) 5 Very old (Genesis 44:20) (4) 6 In Calvinist theology, one who is pre destined by God to receive salvation (5) 10 How Nicodemus addressed Jesus when he visited him one night (John 3:2) (5) 11 Sea (Psalm 148:7) (5) 12 I will you, my God the King; I will praise your name for ever and ever (Psalm 145:1) (5) 13 One of the groups of philosophers that Paul met in Athens, who disagreed with his teaching about the resurrection (Acts 17:18) (9) 14 Barred enclosure (Ezekiel 19:9) (4) 15 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in with the Spirit (Galatians 5:25) (4) 18 Cares (anag.) (5) 20 Garish (Ezekiel 16:16) (5) 21 So God said to Noah, I am going to put to all people (Gen. 6:13) (2,3) 22 Just (2 Corinthians 6:13) (4) My trip to Lourdes - by Immy Hurrell Children who have disabilities or are not fortunate can go to Lourdes and sing songs and have so much fun. The organisation is HCPT and I was in group 99, the leader is very funny he is called Mike. I had a blue t-shirt it had HCPT Group 99 and an ice-cream on it and a hoodie and a bag with an ice-cream on it and my name. On Easter Sunday after Christ Church service we travelled and we went on an airplane. And I was on the first row. We got to our hotel and I was sharing a room with Zara. Her great-grandma comes to Christ Church. She has cerebral palsy like me, and she has a lovely smile. My helpers were Laura and Beth - they teased me and they are lovely and looked after me really well. Zara s helpers were Hannah and Harriet. We went to a zoo, and had a big dayglo disco. Me and Laura We had services about Easter. We had a Welsh Mass with all of the Welsh Groups. We made a box and I went up to take it to the priest. It had all of our names in and pictures. We also had a torchlight procession where there is a service and we walked around hearing music. We also went to the place where a girl called Bernadette a long time ago saw the virgin Mary. Her dad was a miller and he stop working because he was ill and it was only a small house and her family was very poor. You can get holy water. It is spring water and you can buy bottles of it and you can drink it. On Thursday we had the big HCPT Trust Mass 2016 service. If you search for this on Youtube you can watch it and if you look on the first bit you can see me and Zara walking to our place with our helpers. There are more than 100 groups from across the world. On Thursday after the Trust Mass we bought candles and we decorated them and we went a memorial place where people go to pray. I prayed for Sian because she is lovely and I miss her. When we got together with other groups we swapped badges and I had loads of badges on my hoodie when I got home. I'm going to do a sponsored walk to raise money because they need to raise money to take children next year. I can't go next year to make sure that other children have a chance to go. If we don't raise money children won't be able to go.

12 12 CREDO WORSHIP AT CHRIST CHURCH Sunday 8.00 a.m. The Holy Eucharist a.m. The Parish Eucharist 6.00 p.m. Evening Service Weekdays Thursday 9.30 a.m. The Holy Eucharist (Saints Days and Festivals: See Parish Diary) PARISH PRAYER GROUP in the Lady Chapel Wednesday, am Eucharist for healing with anointing and the laying on of hands as announced. Holy Communion is taken to the sick and housebound, and anointing as requested. Please inform the Vicar in cases of sickness, bereavement or distress. OTHER SERVICES Please arrange with the Vicar for baptism, confirmation, marriage and funerals. The Vicar is happy to arrange times for the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confession) or for counsel. From the Registers March 2016 Communicants Sundays 6th th 94 20th th (Easter) 154 Easter Vigil 26th 25 Weekday communicants 126 Communions of the ill & housebound at home 7 at Cartref 10 April 2016 Communicants Sundays 3rd 90 10th th th 96 Weekday communicants 12 Communions of the ill & housebound at home tbc at Cartref 12 Holy Baptism 10th April Samuel Mark James Nicholls Holy Matrimony 23rd April Peter Edward Vokes and Kate Emily Jones GOOD COMPANIONS Tuesdays at 2.00 p.m. Norma Ash CHRIST CHURCH SOCIETY 4-5 times annually Howard Kilvington LADIES KEEP FIT GROUP Mondays at 7.30 p.m. Jill Kilvington FELLOWSHIP & BIBLE STUDY GROUPS (see newsletter for details) Haydn Hopkins Linda Alexander SERVERS GUILD Sunday morning and as announced Gerald Bradnum CHATTERBOX Thursday pm during Term time Gill Barker Mary Payne FUNKY CHURCH Karen Payne Sandra YOUTH GROUP (11-16 year olds) Meet monthly Rev. Trystan Hughes CHOIR Thursdays at 6.30 pm Julie Waller Tel: CHRIST CHURCH NURSERY Every Weekday 9 am -12 noon Anna Brancazio or RAINBOWS Tuesdays at 5.00 p.m. Emma Lane BROWNIES Mondays at 6.00 pm. 84th SCOUT GROUP Group Scout Leader vacant Group Committee Chairman Geoff Payne Enquiries to Caryl Roach BEAVERS Thursdays at 5.30 p.m. Stephanie Barker CUBS Wednesdays 6.15 p.m. Simon Rimell SCOUTS Wednesdays 7.30 p.m. Simon Broadley