St Mary s, St Theodore s & Holy Trinity working together ...Joanna Morgan St Theodore [s...

July 2020

St Agnes’, St Mary’s, St Theodore’s & Holy Trinity working together, praying together, serving together.

The Diocese of Llandaff

Esgobaeth Llandaf

Newydd page 2 July 2020

Parish Directory ____________________________________

Fr Rhun ap Robert Team Vicar

07957 675918 [email protected] Fr Ben Andrews Team Vicar

07946 395376 [email protected]

_____________________

In this month’s magazine

Page 3 from the Team Vicar, Fr Rhun Page 5 The Parochial Church Council Page 7 Welcom Fr Ben Andrews Page 8 to 11 Praying at Home Readings and Collects from 5th July to 1st August Page 12 and 14 from the new Churchwardens Page 15 to 17 The Order of Mass to help follow the live streaming on Sundays. Page 19 to 20 Lockdown Running by Allison Murray and Jayne Owen 2 to 23 from Magda ap Robert

The Parish Office serves the whole Benefice. The phone number is 01639 883123.

The Parish Admin Officer is Denise Tamlyn.

The email address is [email protected]

The office is the hub of all parish administration.


From Fr Rhun ap Robert

07957 675918 [email protected]

So, the time has finally come to say farewell and I’m welling up already! I’ve been pondering for a while what I want to say here. On the one hand there is so much to reflect on and on the other, I don’t know where or how to start.

We’ve all had to adapt to a new way of living over the last few months and we’ve all done different things to pass the time. To have my one-a-day exercise I’ve been going out for daily walks and after living here for six years, I don’t think I’ve appreciated the beautiful Aberavon beach as much as I have done so recently. It is stunning and the seascape and landscape is magnificent.

During my walks I’ve also started listening to music. Sometimes I would listen to my favourite hymns, or some very cool Welsh artists, or a radio podcast, and sometimes I would listen to a randomly selected music playlist chosen for me by Spotify (a music App for the phone).

Just a couple of weeks ago when we had that lovely weather, I was taking a late evening walk, the sun was setting, people were gathering in ‘small groups’ with their friends and families on the beach and along the prom, simply enjoying the sight and the sound of the waves gently crashing onto the shaw, lighting a barbecue, walking the dog, having an ice cream... and the randomly selected track playing in my ears... ‘O sole mio’, sung by Pavarotti and


So will you please say Hello, to the folks that I know, tell them I won't be long they'll be happy to know, that as you saw me go I was singing this song.

We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when But I know we'll meet again some sunny day.

My brothers and sisters in Christ, I love you all dearly, I can’t put into words how much my time here with you has meant to me, but I know we will meet again some sunny day. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your friendship, your love and support for me and my family and for sharing your lives with me, it really has been an honour and a privilege.

And finally, I would like to thank Fr Nigel. I have learned so much from him and I’m so glad that God put it into my heart to come to Aberavon for my curacy and to have Fr Nigel as my training incumbent. Nothing can separate us from all we’ve shared over the past six years just as nothing can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus.

‘This is the day that the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.’ Pob bendith / Every blessing

of course made famous by a certain advert for a cone ice cream. It was a magical moment for me where I felt uplifted and at one with the community here. As I was walking home, enjoying the moment, Vera Lynn started singing into my ears (through my headphones), and yes, you guessed it, ‘We’ll Meet Again’. Well, I could have cried. As I was listening all I could think of was you, my dear friends, all the memories I have from the time I arrived, all the adventures we have shared, the special moments, the difficulties, the joys, the laughs and the tears and now, how difficult it is to say good bye. Here are the lyrics, in case you need them, because they speak for themselves:

We'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when, but I know we'll meet again some sunny day. Keep smiling through, just like you always do, till the blue skies drive the dark clouds far away.


The Parochial Church Council

A word of special thanks to all those who have been parochial church councillors over the years, but most especially to all those who have held office as warden, secretary and treasurers, but are no longer PCC members. In particular, thank you to Pat Davies and Amanda Holmes from St Theodore’s and Mike Howe and Simon Burton from St Agnes’ for all that you have done in your time in office.

The new Parochial Church Council for 2020-21 At the annual vestry held virtually via Zoom on the 17th of June, which was very well attended, the following were either nominated or elected to the PCC

Laura Howe Benefice Churchwarden

Matt Williams Benefice Churchwarden

Karen Davies Sub Warden Holy Trinity

Johanna Munian Sub Warden Holy Trinity

Christine Morris Sub Warden St Mary’s

Susan Hughes Sub Warden St Mary’s

Sian Thomas

Sub Warden St Theodore’s

Suzanne Amos Sub Warden St Theodore’s

Paula Durnell Sub Warden St Agnes’

Michael Howe Sub Warden St Agnes’

Jayne Owen St Agnes’ Representative

Joanna Morgan St Theodore’s Representative

Alison Williams

Holy Trinity Representative

Sam Thomas

St Mary’s Representative

At the subsequent first PCC meeting, Brian Thorne from St Theodore’s was co-opted on to the PCC and appointed PCC Treasurer, and Sara Folland, also from St Theodore's, was co-opted on to the PCC and appointed PCC Secretary. We are extremely grateful to them for taking on these roles and to all the PCC members for the dedication and support and commitment to the life of the church they have already shown.


Welcome Fr Ben Andrews On Monday, 6 July, Fr Ben Andrews was licensed as Team Vicar in the Benefice of Aberavon via Zoom. It was wonderful to see parishioners from all over the Benefice as well as community representatives in the ‘virtual’ licensing taking the number in attendance to just under 100.

Please continue to pray for him as he settles in to the parish and his new home at St Theodore’s Vicarage. I know you’re all very much looking forward to meeting him in person and giving him a proper Aberavon welcome when that will be possible. But for now we offer our warmest congratulations and may he be richly blessed in his ministry amongst us.

The Revd Emma Street It has been confirmed that The Revd Emma Street will no longer be joining the Benefice of Aberavon as Asssitant Curate. We realise this will be a disappointment to many in the Benefice Please pray for Revd Emma who will now be licensed as Assitant Curate in the parishes of the Vale of Neath and the Dulais Valley.

Congratulations Many congratulations to Susan Hughes on the birth of her first granddaughter, Holly Louise Hughes. Susan and Len are so happy for David and Danielle on the arrival

of their firstborn, and added “She’ll sort the boys out when she’s about I’m sure. lol!”

Thank You Glenys John would like to thank everyone for their good wishes, cards, gifts and phone calls received on her birthday.

Recently departed We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who have recently died, amongst them:

Alan William Calford Arfon Lloyd Roberts Philip Stott Kate Margaret Isaac

The next four pages contain your Morning or Evening Prayer information


Praying together at home: choose Morning or Evening

In the morning

Lord, open our lips and we shall praise your name.

Come, ring out our joy to the Lord; hail the God who saves us. Let us come before him, giving thanks, with songs let us hail the Lord.

A mighty God is the Lord, a great king above all gods. In his hand are the depths of the earth; the heights of the mountains are his. To him belongs the sea, for he made it and the dry land shaped by his hands. Come in; let us bow and bend low; let us kneel before the God who made us: for he is our God and we the people who belong to his pasture, the flock that is led by his hand. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The readings from page 10 or 11 One of the Collects & The Lord’s Prayer

In the evening

O God, come to our aid. O Lord, make haste to help us. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit; as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.

The readings from page 10 or 11 My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God, my Saviour. He looks on his servant in her lowliness; henceforth all ages will call me blessed. The Almighty works marvels for me. Holy his name! His mercy is from age to age, on those who fear him. He puts forth his arm in strength and scatters the proud-hearted. He casts the mighty from their thrones and raises the lowly. He fills the starving with good things, sends the rich away empty. He protects Israel, his servant, remembering his mercy, the mercy promised to our fathers, to Abraham and his sons for ever. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. One of the Collects & The Lord’s Prayer


5th July 4th after Trinity 13th 21st Psalm 145. 8-14 Isaiah 1. 10-17 Micah 7. 14, 15, 18-20

Romans 7. 15-25a Psalm 50. 7-15 Psalm 85. 1-7

Matthew 11. 16-19, 25-30 Matthew 10.34 – 11.1 Matthew 12. 46-50

6th 14th 22nd Mary Magdalene

Hosea 2. 16-23 Isaiah 7. 1-9 Song of Solomon 3. 1-4

Psalm 145. 1-9 Psalm 48 Psalm 42. 1-8 2

Matthew 9. 18-26 Matthew 11. 20-24 Corinthians 5. 14-17

John 20. 1, 2, 11-18

7th 15th 23rd

Hosea 8. 4-7, 11-13 Isaiah 10. 5-7, 13-16 Jeremiah 2. 1-3, 7-13 Psalm 115. 1-11 Psalm 94. 3-15 Psalm 36. 5-10 Matthew 9. 32-38 Matthew 11. 25-27 Matthew 13. 10-17

8th 16th 24th

Hosea 10. 1-3, 7, 8, 12 Isaiah 26. 7-9, 12, 16-19 Jeremiah 3.

Psalm 105. 1-7 Psalm 102. 12-22 14-18 Psalm 121

Matthew 10. 1-7 Matthew 11. 28-30 Matthew 13. 18-23

9th 17th 25th James, Apostle

Hosea 11. 1-9 Isaiah 38. 1-6, 21 Acts 11.27 – 12.2 Psalm 80. 1-7 Psalm 6 Psalm 126 2 Matthew 10. 7-15 Matthew 12. 1-8 Corinthians 4. 7-15

Matthew 20. 20-28

10th 18th 26th 7th after Trinity

Hosea 14. 1-9 Micah 2. 1-5 1 Kings 3. 5-12 Psalm 51. 1-11 Psalm 10. 1-9, 18, 19 Psalm 119. 129-136 Matthew 10. 16-23 Matthew 12. 14-21 Romans 8. 26-39

Matthew 13. 31-33, 44-52

11th 19th 6th after Trinity 27th

Isaiah 6. 1-8, [9, 10] Isaiah 44. 6-8 Jeremiah 13. 1-11 Psalm 93 Psalm 86. Psalm 95 Matthew 10. 24-33 Romans 8. 12-25 Matthew 13. 31-35

Matthew 13.24-30, 36-43

12th 5th after Trinity 20th 28th

Sea Sunday Micah 6. 1-8 Jeremiah 14. 17-22 Isaiah 55. 10-13 Psalm 50. 5-15 Psalm 79. 9-13 Psalm 65. [1-8,] 9-13 Matthew 12. 38-42 Matthew 13. 36-43 Matthew 13. 1-9, 18-23


Daily Reading continued

29th 31st Joseph of Arimathea

Jeremiah 15. 10, 15-21 Jeremiah 26. 1-9

Psalm 59. 1-4, 16, 17 Psalm 69. 1-8, 13, 14

Matthew 13. 44-46 Matthew 13. 54-58

30th 1st August

Jeremiah 18. 1-6 Jeremiah 26. 11-16, 24

Psalm 146. 1-5 Psalm 69. 14, 15, 29-36

Matthew 13. 47-53 Matthew 14. 1-1

The Collects

5th to 11th July

O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that with you as our ruler and guide we may so pass through things temporal that we finally lose not the things eternal; grant this, heavenly Father, for our Lord Jesus Christ’s sake, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 12th to 18th July

Almighty and everlasting God, by whose Spirit the whole body of the Church is governed and sanctified: hear our prayer which we offer for all your faithful people, that in their vocation and ministry they may serve you in holiness and truth to the glory of your name; through our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

19th to 25th July

Merciful God, you have prepared for those who love you such good things as pass our understanding: pour into our hearts such love toward you that we, loving you in and above all things, may obtain your promises, which exceed all that we can desire; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. 26th July to 1st August

Lord of all power and might, the author and giver of all good things: graft in our hearts the love of your name, increase in us true religion, nourish us with all goodness, and of your great mercy keep us in the same; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.


Other Prayers A spiritual Communion for when we are unable to be at the Eucharist with Jesus Soul of Christ, sanctify me

Body of Christ, save me

Blood of Christ, inebriate me

Water from the side of Christ, wash me

Passion of Christ, strengthen me

O good Jesus, hear me

Within Thy wounds hide me

Suffer me not to be separated from Thee

From the malignant enemy defend me

In the hour of my death call me

And bid me come unto Thee

That with Thy Saints I may praise Thee

Forever and ever. Amen.

Blessed Lord, who in a wonderful Sacrament has left us a memorial of thy Passion: grant us, we beseech thee, so to venerate the sacred mysteries of thy Body and Blood, that we may ever perceive within ourselves the fruit of thy redemption, who lives and reigns with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, world without end. Amen.

For strength in faith Almighty God, who revealed the faith to the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ being the foundation stone: following the example of the saints and martyrs of your Holy Church, may we live in your fear, die in your favour and rest in your peace; for the sake of Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

At the intercession of Our Lady of Walsingham

O Mary, recall the solemn moment when Jesus, your divine son, dying on the cross, confided us to your maternal care. You are our mother, we desire ever to remain your devout children. Let us therefore feel the effects of your powerful intercession with Jesus Christ. Make your name again glorious in the shrine once renowned throughout our land by your visits, favours, and many miracles. Pray, O holy mother of God, for the conversion of England and Wales, restoration of the sick, consolation for the afflicted, repentance of sinners, peace to the departed. O blessed Mary, mother of God, our Lady of Walsingham, intercede for us. Amen. For Unity Heavenly Father, you have called us in the Body of your Son Jesus Christ to continue his work of reconciliation and reveal you to the world: forgive us the sins which tear us apart, give us the courage to overcome our fears and to seek that unity which is your gift and your will; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who is alive and reigns in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever. Amen. Eternal God and Father, whose Son at supper prayed that his disciples might be one, as he is one with you: draw us closer to him, that in common love and obedience to you we may be united to one another in the fellowship of the one Spirit, that the world may believe that he is Lord, to your eternal glory; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


growing Sunflowers (those who know that I totally lack any gardening skills will

probably be chuckling at that!) I love to bake and am known amongst my friends for being

something of a ‘feeder’. Cake baking comes in handy

of course for the Summer and Autumn fetes and for keeping the campers happy at the Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage. I first started going along to the Youth Pilgrimage in

2018 when Alanis decided that she would like

to attend and, despite months of dread at the idea of portaloos

and sleeping in a tent, I loved it. I am really disappointed not to be with my wonderful leader group and the young pilgrims this year. I was also looking forward to recruiting Thomas from St Theodore’s for his first pilgrimage with Camp Llandaff but I am sure we can make 2021 even better. It is great to see young people enjoying worship and fellowship and it is something I hope we can grow in the Benefice in the months ahead. Having lived in Aberavon all of my life I of course love the seaside and the walks along the Aberavon seafront with Mum have kept me sane in the lockdown months. Whether in the sunshine or the crisp cold weather there is nothing better than watching the tide rolling in and smelling the salty sea air. Lockdown has also recently got me back onto the bike (or more accurately Alanis has!) so I am learning that the bike is not just for Spin Class!

The Churchwardens Not everyone will know the new Churchwardens, and so both have written a little about themselves and provided a photo so you can have some idea who they are.

Laura Howe Hello everyone, I hope that you are all coping as well as can be expected in what continue to be such weird times! Many of you will know me but for those of you I am yet to meet, my name is Laura and I look forward to meeting you all soon when hopefully we return to some form of ‘new normal’. I worship at St Agnes’ which is the church where I was baptised as a baby in 1976 and where my parents married in 1974. I am sure many of you will know my parents and particularly Dad for his starring role as King Herod in Christmas the Story (along with many other wonderful performances with the Friends of St Agnes’). I am sure it is from Dad that I gained my passion for acting starting out on the stage at Sandfields Comprehensive School and ultimately ending up on a slightly different stage ... the Family Court. I have been a Solicitor specialising in Child Protection for about 20 years and it occupies most of my waking hours. When I am not working I enjoy spending my time with the family especially my lovely nieces Alanis (who many of you will know) and Anwen and my nephews Owain and Rhodri. We enjoy many things from baking cakes to painting rocks and my latest project ....


I have rediscovered my love of books but I also love a good film or a TV Box Set. I have particularly been enjoying re watching episodes of Father Brown and those of you who joined us at the Christian Aid Quiz will also know that I am a (not so) secret Disney Princess fan ... perhaps not as much as little Gracie Munian though! I think that is probably enough about me for now! Take care, I hope to see you all soon.

Matt Williams Hi, I’m Matt Williams and I’m the new Churchwarden for the Benefice. I live in Pen Y Cae and I’m married to Ann, we have three children – Jack, Mia and Thomas (many of you will know Tom as the youngest server in St Theodore’s). Ann and I first attended St Theodore’s in around 2004, we were married there by Fr Colin Amos in 2005 and the children were all Baptised there in the years since, it became ‘our’ family Church. There were a number of years that we weren’t able to attend as often as we would have liked, with both work and family commitments, but we were welcomed back a couple of years ago by Fr Mark Williams and have been regularly attending ever since.

In my day job I work for Marie Curie as the Head of Information and Support. My team produces information and provides support across the UK to people with a terminal illness, as well as their family and friends. I know many of you already, but I am looking forward to getting to know you all better as Warden.

The last few months in

particular have been very difficult for many people,

and it’s heartening to hear that people have felt supported by our Churches during this time. The Coronavirus has meant that we have had to find new ways to connect (and not just

within the Church buildings). The online

services, telephone calls, and parish magazines have

really helped us to all keep in touch (big thanks to Fr Nigel and Fr

Rhun, and all volunteers for all they have done), and I think that it’s important that we can continue to build on this and support the wider community even when we do begin to establish a ‘new normal’. I look forward to supporting the clergy team going forward and especially Fr Ben as he settles into the Benefice, and would like to wish Fr Rhun and his family all the best in their move to Neath.


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Glory to God in the highest, and peace to his people on earth. Lord God, heavenly King, Almighty God and Father, we worship you, we give you thanks, we praise you for your glory. Lord Jesus Christ, only Son of the Father, Lord God, Lamb of God, you take away the sin of the world: have mercy on us; you are seated at the right hand of the Father: receive our prayer. For you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. The Collect and Readings For the Gospel

The priest reads the Acclamation then says: The Lord be with you and also with you. Listen to the Gospel of Christ according to Saint …. Glory to you, O Lord. and at the end of the Gospel This is the Gospel of the Lord. Praise to you, O Christ.

The Order of Mass In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Grace and peace be with you and keep you in the love of Christ. Father of glory, holy and eternal, look upon us now in power and mercy. May your strength overcome our weakness, your radiance transform our blindness, and your Spirit draw us to that love shown and offered to us by your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. The priest introduces the Confessional Kyries Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.

Christ, have mercy. Christ, have mercy.

Lord, have mercy. Lord, have mercy.


We believe in one God, the Father, the almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven; by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son, who with the Father and the Son is worshipped and glorified, who has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.

The Prayers of the Church

Lord, in your mercy. Hear our prayer.

or

Lord hear us. Lord, graciously hear us. At the prayers for the departed:

Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord and let light perpetual shine upon them.

May they rest in peace and rise in glory. At the end of the Prayers: Merciful Father, accept these prayers for the sake of your Son, our Saviour Jesus Christ. Amen. The peace of the Lord be with you always. And also with you. When the bread and wine are placed on the altar the response to the offertory prayer is Blessèd be God for ever. Pray, my brothers and sisters, that this my sacrifice and yours may be acceptable to God the Almighty Father. May the Lord accept the sacrifice at your hands for the praise and glory of his name, for our good and the good of all his Holy Church. The priest prays the Prayer over the Gifts


The Lord be with you. And also with you.

Lift up your hearts. We lift them to the Lord.

Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. It is right to give our thanks and praise.

The priest continues alone until all say: Holy, holy, holy Lord, God of power and might. Heaven and earth are full of your glory; Hosanna in the highest. Blessèd is He who comes in the name of the Lord Hosanna in the highest.

At the end of the Prayer of Consecration all say Amen. Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, the power and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.

We break this bread to share in the body of Christ. Though we are many, we are one body for we all share in one bread.

Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world: have mercy on us. Lamb of God you take away the sins of the world: grant us peace. This is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world: Happy are those who are called to his supper. Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word and I shall be healed. As the priest receives Holy Communion and cleanses the vessels you may wish to say the prayer for a Spiritual Communion on page 12 The Dismissal Give thanks to the Lord, for he is gracious. His love is everlasting. The priest prays the Post Communion Prayer. The Lord be with you. And also with you. The Blessing


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Lockdown Running

As many of our friends will know running

has never been part of a life goal for

Jayne or myself. That was until exactly 12

months ago today, as I type, 19/02/2019,

when Jayne and I joined Empower

Wellbeing, Zero to Park Run Group.

Informed, impressed and encouraged by

Helen Thomas completing her first 5K

Park Run, two nervous newbies enrolled,

and met at the side of the Food

Warehouse to start our venture to run a

5K Park Run in 6 weeks’ time.

With the guidance and instruction of Jo

Juliff, (Mrs Empower) supported by the

encouragement, laughter and support of

a great team of fellow support ladies and

newbies our goal was achieved. On

Saturday July 21st we completed our first

5K Park run at Swansea Bay. Who would

have thought it!

I cannot explain the feeling that comes

over you as when you are ready to drop,

but encouraged at the sight of the finish

line and numerous Purple army people

shouting encouragement to keep going,

you reach your goal. It is more than just

running, it is the numerous friendships

we have made, every run chatting

constantly, and rarely getting out of

breath!! The wellbeing and support of a

group of people, all with the same goal,

amazing.

Fast forward 12 months and Lockdown.

No runs allowed with groups of people

and a new goal to set, to run on our own.

So dig out the earphones and music and

off we go. Our aim being a 1 x Mile solo

run during Lockdown which we would log

and post on our Facebook group page.

The runs collated, totalled and then

plotted on a virtual tour of the UK.

With the help of fellow runner friends/

family from across the UK, and wider

world, who follow our group, we left Port

Talbot and have travelled the whole

coastline of the UK. Running from one

major town to the next. Down through

Devon, Cornwall, across the South Coast,

up the East Coast of England to Scotland,

around the Highlands down to Liverpool,

and on to Hollyhead. We then crossed the

Irish Sea, and have run and have covered

the whole coastline of Ireland. It will be a


trip across the Irish Sea in a few days then

down the coastline of Wales back to Port

Talbot. Wow!! That is some mileage!

With social distancing in mind, we now

run in pairs and we have been able to run

back at our beautiful prom/beach.

Early runs have enabled us to bump in to

our church family, Laura & Chris Howe,

Len

Jones on

his bike

and

Magda.

(Magda

was

running

much

faster

than us!

Ha ha)

How lovely to see familiar faces in these

very strange times.

If you should see us out running don’t

forget to give us a shout of

encouragement, it certainly does help!

Allison & Jayne

The Rectorial Benefice of Aberavon A registered charity no 1130785

Post should be sent to

The St Paul’s Centre Gerald Street

Port Talbot SA12 6DQ

Prayers at Mass If you would like us to pray for anyone who is sick, or in any kind of need, or for the departed, you can text us your prayer requests to 07483 328389 to reach us before 7pm on Saturdays, and we will include them in Sunday’s mass, or you can leave a voicemail.

Items for the magazine Please let us know about things you want in the parish magazine. Phone 01639 883123 or email [email protected]. Deadline for August is 26th July.


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Dear Friends, Having lived in Aberavon and within the church community of the Benefice over the last six years, I could reflect on many significant life moments as a family and recall direct acts of kindness and care that we directly experienced from many of you. I am deeply grateful for them all!

Our Children have spent a substantial part of their lives in Aberavon and the memories of our numerous walks to the beach and prom bike rides will stay with us forever. This has been our life here where we have felt settled and felt at home. As in any time of change and transition, there is a natural sense of imminent sadness and apprehensiveness, multiplied by recent events in the Benefice and the global pandemic. However, I believe that the spirit of the people of Aberavon is strong. I know a thing or two about the strength of human character having devoted my professional life to helping others during their times of greatest distress.

What I would like to reflect on here in this farewell piece is something that for me sustains that sense of strength and spirit and comes directly from the glory of God’s great gifts, which is Compassion. In psychology, one definition of compassion says that compassion is a ‘sensitivity to suffering in self and others with a commitment to try to alleviate and prevent it.’ It is understood that compassion is an active act, that is characterised by its clear intentions of reducing the distress in another person. This describes well how I frequently feel towards the people I know, and even more recently towards you in the Benefice when compelled to bring some lightness to a time that might feel like a heavy burden. What sustains compassion is to allow it to be in a constant flow. I would like to bring some healing and joy to each and every one of you, and I can assure you, experiencing jointly the flow of compassion has the chance of bringing strength and hope to us all. Gilbert, who is a prominent researcher of compassion in psychology identified three interconnected parts of compassion: compassion to others, compassion from others and compassion to self. I will not go into the details of them all here but the point I am hoping to make is about paying attention to what we need to do to sustain the flow of compassion during the most difficult of times. This involves allowing yourself to reach out towards others, accepting care and


compassion from others and importantly, feeling compassionate towards yourself, which is about paying attention to your own individual needs. Treating yourself with kindness and non-judgment is so important. Thank you for allowing me and my family to experience that flow of compassion jointly with you over the past six years. I know that there are many of you who I was unable to get to know better or at all, including those of you who are housebound and of course, St Theodore’s congregation! Sadly, is can be a tricky role to play for the vicar’s wife who probably doesn’t fit the mould very well. We are incredibly sad to be leaving next month but excited for the future and looking forward to seeing our children thrive and grow in their new school and among new groups of friends.

Thank you for your relentless support towards Rhun and his ministry and my own personal ambition of fundraising through running! Together, we raised a lot of money for various causes including St Mary’s restoration appeal and your generosity and open hearts always moved me deeply. Thank you!

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers as we will continue to do the same for all of you here in the Benefice of Aberavon. I hope you enjoy the before and now photos that well reflect the length of time we were blessed to be given to live here among you. God bless you all.

Magda x

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