Tuesday 5 March 2013

Branches and roots

The week-end visit to South Wales was preceded by a meeting with the Belonging Together Ministers Group in London. Ministers originating from our Partner Churches have different insights, experience and wisdom to offer the British Church and this group is an important aspect of that sharing. To re-inforce the point, the first engagement on Saturday in Wales was to join in with a gathering organised by Rev Irfan John in Roath, Cardiff. He brought together a singing group from a neighbouring Methodist church, Urdu speakers, others from South Africa and South India,leaders of nearby churches of various denominations, including an Ethiopian priest; and a couple of English people who strayed across the Severn Bridge! It was a lovely start to the visit, followed up by a meeting with Will Morrey and Vicky in Cardiff. The Sunday was spent in the Gwent Hills and Vales Circuit. My mother was born in Blaina, so leading worship at Cwmcelyn was special. And then Lin and Jack Healey, hosts for the week-end took us to Six Bells to see the miners' memorial and statue, close to where my grandfather and uncle mined coal (see photo). Then on to the Circuit Big Sing at Blackwood MC, a gathering of 300 on Sunday afternoon - great singing by a 'scratch' choir, an excellent sketch about evengelism from the young people, and some very sensitive prayers. A great way to finish the week-end visit.

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