REPORTS FROM THE CHURCHES
St David’s, Llanddewi
During Advent, we will explore aspects of our world, our place in it, our hopes and fears, and the reality of Jesus, in six studies based on the traditional hymn, ‘O come, O come Emmanuel’. We will meet on Wednesdays at 10.00am, from 26 November until 7 January, excluding Christmas Eve. Everyone is welcome.
Carols, Candles and Christingles will feature at our pre-Christmas service on Sunday 14th December at 4.00 pm. On 28th December at 10.30am the SW Gower churches unite for our Christmas celebration of Holy Communion at Llanddewi.
This month’s theme, ‘Room at the Inn: making space for others this season’, challenges our priorities during a season which celebrates the coming of the One who is Lord of all, yet whose birth was that of an outsider, who experienced exile, lived alongside the poor, challenged prejudice and hypocrisy; whose teaching and deeds created controversy. Then and now the need for security causes people to seek status, wealth, and power. It takes a complete turn-around for us to discover the way that sets us free from the limitations of human ambition.
The problems that beset the world, and which we rely so much on our political leaders to solve, are almost overwhelming. How much are they of our making? What can we do to help? While we all have limitations we also have resources and responsibility. We can at least start where we are, recognizing our own prejudices and those of our culture, responding to needs around us, ultimately filling the deep need for love that breaks boundaries.
We have the greatest resource in God, whose love, wisdom, understanding and power is above our human limitations and was revealed in Jesus. We do well to make room for him in our lives, to receive his grace to fulfil his command to follow him and make the right space for those we, as individuals or communities, have thus far left outside. Christmas blessings: Glory to God and peace on earth.
Penny Henderson
St Illtyd’s, Oxwich
‘No Room At The Inn’. This most appropriate topic has been endorsed for quite a few months now by charities such as Crisis, Shelter and the Salvation Army, begging for funds to be able to provide Christmas hospitality to the homeless. In days past we have included some less fortunate than ourselves in our Christmas celebrations. As we become older, the boot is on the other foot, and we rely on the younger generation. This has happened to me in the last few years, being old and single but fortunately having children nearby.
For Mary and Joseph, they were not able to find anywhere better than an animals’ stable in which Jesus could be born. What an ignominious start to the life of Jesus, bringing the love of God to all who would receive his word. There is so much in the world today that suggests that darkness is gaining the upper hand, suggesting evil is defeating good. Faith reminds us that from the darkness of Calvary, dawned the day of Resurrection.
Gracious God, when all seems dark you teach us that your light will always shine through. We pray that the destitute and homeless find kindness this Christmas and those of us more fortunate remember them throughout the coming year.
Rosemary Wigley
St Andrews, Penrice
How quickly this year has gone by. It seems only a few weeks ago that St. Andrew’s was in the midst of being plastered and redecorated and our Sunday morning services were being held in the Vestry, surrounded by builders’ materials. However, now, a year later, a significant amount of the work has been completed and only a few items are outstanding. We have been fortunate to have so many people who are prepared to spare the time and energy to make it all such a success and are of course eternally grateful for the grants and gifts we have received to make it all possible.
The Harvest Supper was held at The Britannia on Friday 14th November when we were pleased that the Revd Peter, Revd Martine and Revd Roger joined us. The enjoyable company combined with the good food made it a very successful evening.
The 2026 Penrice calendar is selling well. The photos are particularly good this year, some are air shots that Richard Dorran took with a drone and provide a very different angle from those normally taken. The calendars make excellent gifts and are particularly popular to send to anyone who has happy memories of being in the area. They can be obtained by ringing 01792 930589, email am-barnett@outlook.com or contacting any member of the congregation.
The theme this month is ‘Room at the Inn, making space for others this Season’. It is such a topical subject, at present, as almost on a daily basis we see pictures of boats containing refugees arriving on the south coast, in the hopes that they will find a better life in this country. The subject raises such a mixture of emotions but generally great pity for these people that feel the need to leave their homes and families. Recently a relative of mine was crossing the channel from Calais. As he reversed his pick-up he checked his mirror and saw a young man jump into the back, he immediately stopped and made the man get out. I asked if the refugee had been abusive in any way and apparently not, just very apologetic and polite. If he had let him stay hidden in the vehicle and he had been discovered, my relative would have ended up in court with a hefty fine. As Christians how do we equate that with ‘room at the inn, making space for others’?
All good wishes to all in the Ministry Area for Christmas and may 2026 be a year of peace, goodwill and good health for everyone.
Angela Barnett
St Cattwg’s, Port Eynon
There were some beautiful flower arrangements in church in early November – the annual gift of Mary Grove in memory of her father, Curtis.
We were sorry to hear of the death of David Shaw. David was Knelston School and Port Eynon Village Hall caretaker for years, and he and his late wife Margaret surpassed themselves each year with spectacular Christmas decorations. Our sympathy and prayers to David’s family and friends. Thanks are particularly due to Jennifer Jones, David’s neighbour, for the way she supported and helped him, before he entered a Nursing Home.
‘Room at the Inn: making space for others this season.’ Interestingly, the word ‘hospes’ has three meanings in Latin: host, guest and stranger. From that, we derive ‘hospitality’. Many nations and cultures have an unbreakable ethos of caring for the visitor, known or unknown, enemy or friend. Very primitive tribes often maintain the tradition more strongly than do ‘civilised’ peoples. Most major religions claim to uphold the practice, as exemplified and demonstrated by Jesus’ oft quoted words, ‘Come unto me, all you who are heavy-laden’ and ‘Suffer little children to come unto me’. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers for by so doing some have entertained angels unaware.’
Britain used to have the reputation of being a place of sanctuary for displaced and persecuted people, which lately has taken a nose-dive. How to explain it? Some of the reason may lie at the door of the decline in religious observance, with fewer people observing Christ’s example of care and welcome for people of every nation and with whatever ailment they presented. Our welcome to strangers should be a welcome to God, offering survival and protection rather than entertainment and etiquette, and not just for Christmas.
Susan Morris
St George’s, Reynoldston
The South West Gower churches were well represented at the Remembrance Service at St. George’s. In a moving service conducted by the Revds Peter and Roger, the roll call of the names of the fallen was read out, the Last Post and Reveille were played alongside very appropriate hymns. Wreaths were laid on the altar and on the Benson war grave. The service involved members of a number of churches, with contributions from Carl Johnson (music), Peter Williams and Roger Button (Coastguard), Vicky Charles, Sheila Fisher, Alan Glass, Ross Cursiter (Fire Service), Val Fuller and Hugh Jones. The poem The Box by Lascelles Abercrombie led to comments and discussion over coffee. The collection of £310 was donated to the Soldiers, Sailors Airmen’s Families Association (SSAFA).
The Stable Trail – Saturday 6th December. Trails begin from the Village Hall at 10.30am, setting off every 10 minutes until 12.30pm. The magic begins again from 2.00pm to 4.00pm. Each indoor and outdoor trail around the village is for all ages and takes around 60 minutes, depending on your pace! You will find clues in English or Welsh to solve a seasonal puzzle, whilst meeting characters from the Nativity story. Three Activity Centes will include puppets and story-telling, creative reflections and crafts and a Nativity photo-booth. Refreshments will be available in Reynoldston Village Hall. If you have Model A Safeguarding, please contact Vicar Peter since help is needed at all stages of the Trail.
Community Carols – Tuesday 16th December 7.00pm – Join the Salvation Army Band at the Village Hall for Christmas Carols, mince pies and mulled wine. Collection taken for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal to buy Christmas presents for disadvantaged teenagers.
Midnight Mass – At St. George’s Church at 11.30pm on Wednesday 24th December.
Collection for the North Gower Food Hub – Your donations of food stuffs and hygiene products will help many families to have a happier Christmas. Leave your donations at the Church porch, the Hall porch or on the stage or at the Shop and Post Office from 3rd December until the Community Carols evening on 16th December.
Congratulations to Gilli Davies and Sue Harvey who organized a quiz and meal at the Village Hall in aid of Faith in Families and raised £1445! In November we said farewell, combined with sherry and nibbles, to Barry and Mary Ecclestone, moving to a new home in Salisbury. We will miss their contributions to our church life in leading services and intercessions with Barry providing us with such thoughtful reflections. We wish them well.
Valerie Beynon
St Mary the Virgin, Rhossili
Looking at the word ‘Advent’ the dictionary says: awaiting the arrival of someone or something important; an ‘adventure’ is where one goes somewhere exciting and off the beaten track; and plants have ‘adventitious ‘roots, roots that venture into uncharted areas of soil in search of nutrients. As we approach Advent we prepare for the coming of Jesus, exploring the Stable Trail and searching out the wonder of Christmas Day.
I have taken some of the quotes and pictures from the current display at St Mary’s as a possible ‘hide and seek’. Pray: God of all seasons, when the path ahead feels unclear give me the courage to trust you. Help me to let go of what I cannot control, and to step forward even when I can’t see the full picture. May I find peace in the waiting and hope in the unknown.
Pray: God of second chances, thank you for the gift of new beginnings. When yesterday felt heavy you remind me that grace is new every morning. Help me release what I cannot change to find peace in the present and to walk forward with renewed hope.
Pray: When all seems lost and my spirit feels burned out, remind me that you bring life from the ashes. Help me to trust that even in devastation you are planting seeds of hope and beauty. Give me eyes to see new growth and a heart open to your restoring work.
Ponder: Often we seek appraisal from others and take it as a sign that we’re thriving and growing well. But true growth is not just found or gained from outward achievement but the blossoming of love, compassion and courage that comes from deep peace.
Roger Button
Gower Ministry Area 