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Latest News from the
Dyffryn Clwyd Deanery
Retirement of Rev'd John Barden Davies, Rector and Area
Dean
The Revd. John Barden
Davies retired at the beginning of January. John was ordained in 1971
serving his title at Rhosllannerchrugog. He moved to Bangor Diocese in 1975
serving in the parishes of Llanbedr y Cennin and then Betwys y Coed and also
as Diocesan Officer for Adult Education. He returned to St. Asaph Diocese in
1993 to become the incumbent of the Llanfwrog Group of Parishes and is also
Diocesan Officer for Rural Life.
John served faithfully as
the Area Dean of Dyffryn Clwyd for 14 years overseeing many changes and
challenges during this time. His ministry has been characterized by a gentle
patience, encouragement and support to fellow clergy and people alike.
A special Celebration of
the Eucharist was held on Sunday 3rd January 2010 at Llanfwrog
Church for the Feast of Epiphany and to mark John’s retirement. People
gathered from parishes throughout the Deanery to enjoy a very full service,
including the Baptism of Tomos Carter (Richard & Rachel’s baby), an
excellent sermon from John, a tribute given by Revd. Huw Butler and a
presentation from the people of the Deanery and the Llanfwrog Group of
Parishes. In good Church tradition the service was followed with delicious
refreshments at Llanfwrog Community Centre!
Rev'd Huw Butler's Farewell
Message
My
letter in the last edition of the Link was entitled Changing Seasons
where I made the point that change is something that we should be well
used to as Christians. Little did I realize when writing how prophetic
those words would prove to be! I now find myself writing what will be my
last letter for the Link before moving from the Vale of Clwyd to the Vale of
Glamorgan to begin a new chapter in ministry at Llantwit Major.
The season of Pentecost, which we have now
entered, reminds us that the Holy Spirit often disturbs us with the wind of
change. Discerning the moving of the Spirit can be complex and the decision
to move to Llantwit Major has been weighed very carefully. However, for many
reasons, both Pat and I truly feel that God is now calling us to go “back to
our roots” in Llandaff Diocese. Having said this, we have put down many
roots in North Wales and saying farewell to so many friends is very
difficult. I feel very privileged to have ministered within these beautiful
parishes over the last 10 years. Being a County Parson (to coin
George Herbert’s phrase) is to share in people’s lives, very often at hugely
significant moments – literally from the cradle to the grave. Priestly
ministry encompasses the whole range of human emotions and relationships. I
would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for allowing me to
share in your lives in so many ways over the years and most of all for your
friendship and support.
There will be an opportunity to say
farewell on Sunday 27th June at a celebration of the
Eucharist at Llanbedr Church at 11am and then a Garden Party
to be held at Bryn Celyn, Llanbedr D.C. between 3-5pm to which
you are warmly invited.
In looking to the future I urge you to
remember how on the Day of Pentecost, huddled in the upper room not knowing
what to expect, the disciples experienced an outpouring of the Holy Spirit
empowering them to take on new challenges in sharing the Good News of Jesus
Christ. As the book of the Acts of the Apostles graphically describes,
taking up such challenges inspired by the Holy Spirit are not without
difficulty and hardship. The coming months will undoubtedly be challenging
but I urge you to be faithful, to be patient, to support one another and
above all to be prayerful in anticipating a new priest to lead you into new
adventures in the worship and service of God.
The parishes of Llanbedr D.C.,
Llangynhafal, Llanychan, Llanarmon yn Iâl, Llanynys & Rhewl and the Deanery
of Dyffryn Clwyd will always hold a very special place in my heart.
Be assured of my prayers and may God bless
you and keep you in his love now and always.
Yours in Christ,
Huw
A New
Priest for Ruthin
We are delighted to announce that Bishop
Gregory has appointed a new priest for the Parishes of Ruthin - St. Peter’s,
Llanfwrog and Llanrhydd - who is Revd. Stuart Evans.
Stuart is currently the Incumbent of
Rhosllanerchrugog where he has served since 2002. He was ordained in 1998
serving his title in the Parish of Connah’s Quay. His first degree is in
English and Drama and prior to ordination his career was teaching. Stuart is
originally from the Vale of Clwyd, growing up in Bodfari, and is a fluent
Welsh speaker.
The Induction service will be held on
Thursday 6th May at 7pm at St. Peter’s.
Please pray for Stuart as he prepares to
begin his new ministry in the Ruthin Group of Parishes. |
