REPORTS FROM THE CHURCHES
St David’s , Llanddewi
We had a beautiful, candlelit Christingle service, led by Peter. He explained the significance of the Christingles: that, just as Jesus, who is the light of the world and died so that we might have life, loves the world and holds it in his hands, so we too are invited to love the world and hold it in our hands, with prayers and kind acts to meet people’s needs and bring love, joy and peace to everyone. We sang carols that remind us who Jesus is and proclaim his glory. During tea afterwards, many people expressed their appreciation of the service and the atmosphere in the decorated, warm church. It was a happy gathering: thanks to those who decorated the church, made christingles, provided tea and joined us to make it all so enjoyable.
Our next service will be Carols and Communion on the Sunday after Christmas, 28th December at 10.30am. We look forward to welcoming folk from all the churches of South West Gower, and anyone else who’d like join us to celebrate Christmas. A month later, following our pattern of monthly Sunday worship on the fourth Sunday of the month, Holy Communion will be celebrated on 25th January at the usual time of 9.30am. Weekly mid-week communion followed by coffee and Bible study will continue as from Wednesday 31 December at 9.30am. Advance notice that we are holding an afternoon tea on 14th February at 2.0 pm at Bank Farm, Scurlage. We hope you will come and join us. Tickets will be £5.
Penny Henderson
St Illtyd’s, Oxwich
Advent these days is the four weeks leading up to Christmas ending on December 24th. It is a time of anticipation and preparation for the birth of Christ. The word Advent derives from the Latin adventus, meaning coming or arrival.
Centuries ago it was the season of recognition of new Christians at Epiphany, represented by the visit of the Magi, Jesus’s baptism in the river Jordan by John the Baptist and noting His first miracle at Cana. During this season, Christians would spend the 40 days in penance, prayer and fasting. Originally there was little connection between Advent and Christmas. The Advent season was not linked to Christ’s coming at Christmas until the Middle Ages. Before this there was an expectation similar to that at the end of the Old Testament when the Israelites were led out of exile by God.
Advent today is a time of prayer and reflection and a time of giving and helping others. The four weeks signify Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. These attributes are represented today by candles on the Advent Wreath which was introduced in Germany by a Lutheran cleric in 1839 and is now an integral part of the pre-Christmas season. It is only in the shadow of Advent that the miracle of Christmas can be fully understood and appreciated and it is only in the light of Christmas that the Christian life makes any sense.
Although of little religious significance, New Year’s Eve is often celebrated with a midnight service. We make and often break New Year resolutions but nevertheless it does us no harm to look at our sins and shortcomings and try to address them.
Rosemary Wigley
St Andrew’s, Penrice
By the time this is read Christmas will be over and we will be at the beginning of a New Year. Resolutions will have been made and possibly broken already but hopefully those who are strong minded will be persevering. We all hope for a peaceful 2026, globally, as well as personally.
The Ministry Area service held at St Andrew’s on our patronal festival, November 30th, was well attended and most of the congregation stayed for coffee and a chat after the service. Canon Roger spoke of Advent being a time of preparation, as we await Christ’s birth and the purple prophet’s candle was lit on the Advent Wreath being a symbol of preparation and anticipation of Christ’s birth. As the only church in SW Gower holding a service on Christmas morning we feel honoured that it should be us. We hope to have welcomed many from other congregations and any visitors here for Christmas. Usually we have a full congregation, all in full voice and good spirits.
The news of Jane Gronow’s tragic death has been such a shock for everyone and to Stuart, Mari and the family we send our love and deepest sympathy. Jane was a kind and thoughtful person, always friendly, supportive and considerate of others. She will be deeply missed by many and always remembered with affection.
We will be meeting in January to discuss plans for next summer including planning the programme of lectures for next year. We are always open to suggestions of topics and speakers but we try to make the subject relevant and topical to the area in which we all live. If you have any suggestions for lectures please contact any member of the congregation, all ideas welcome.
To all those who have lost loved ones recently we send love and deepest sympathy and to those in hospital or ill at home we send all good wishes to get well soon. The Penrice Calendar for 2026 has sold well, there a few remaining and can be obtained from any member of the congregation or ringing 01792 930589.
Angela Barnett
St Cattwg’s, Port Eynon
St. Cattwg’s hosted a Christmassy concert on December 6th, separate from the Community Carol singing on the 21st. The programme included a variety of songs from Lleisiau Gŵyr, a virtuoso piano performance by a 6-year old and an amusing impromptu play, incorporating script suggestions from the audience. Another day, Mairwen Kirk and two friends gave a delightful recital of voice, piano and flute, and Mairwen also conducted the choir during a visit to Carmarthen, to support a group helping Parkinsons patients.
We send our deep sympathy and prayers to the family of Jane Gronow, who has passed away suddenly.
Advent to New Year: what do the seasons mean to us? Sadly, as the twenty-first century has advanced, the whole significance of Advent, Christmas and New Year has become increasingly secularised; some people no longer know it has anything to do with Christ and some wish to rename the time ‘Winterval’ or some such idiocy. ‘Advent’ calendars are produced to indulge a sweet tooth, a desire for cosmetics, scent or booze, a pet’s favourite treat. Children, even their elders, think of nothing but what presents they will receive or parties they will attend. Nowhere is that former magic of anticipation of Christ’s return, the attendance at both penitent and rejoicing church services, especially the Midnight Mass and the all-important Christmas Day celebration. Families still gather, but apparently unaware of the precious birthday behind it all. New Year’s Eve is all noise and drink instead of the old vigil. How many of us are there still, who treasure the mystery and joy that has everything to do with the gift of Christ himself and with family gatherings and the sharing of love, not presents?
Susan Morris
St George’s, Reynoldston
Early December saw the return of the Stable Trail organised by the local chapels and churches in Gower alongside The Wonder of Wellbeing. This year, Friday provided the opportunity for local primary schools to participate, beginning the trail at the Village Hall, where they met with hosts of Angels, the Three Wise Men, King Herod and the Inn Keepers before moving on to the Chapel to join the Shepherds, who had arrived at the stable, where they all found Mary, Joseph and the Baby Jesus. Children came from Bishopston, Knelston and Llanrhidian schools along with their teachers and support staff. The Trail continued on Saturday with parents, grand parents and, of course, many children enjoying refreshments and the many craft and related activities provided at the Hall before embarking on their journey to the stable in Bethlehem. Despite the dire warnings of bad weather, the Stable Trail was once again a great success, with more than 250 participants this year. Congratulations and many thanks for the leadership and hard work of Revd Peter and Revd Andy and all the many helpers in this very successful annual event by a number of the Gower churches and chapels working together.
The Community Carols with the Salvation Army Band was another enjoyable event in the Village Hall in the week before Christmas. Minced pies and mulled wine helped the singing of the familiar carols, chosen by the audience, while the children produced crowns, stars and symbols of Christmas at a table or on the floor. The collection of over £300 was given to the Salvation Army’s Appeal to buy Christmas presents for disadvantaged teenagers.
We share with the Reynoldston Chapel members and all who knew her the shock and sadness at the passing of Jane Gronow of Horton, only a few hours after she had taken an active part in the Stable Trail. She will be remembered warmly by many and will be deeply missed for her work in the Chapel. We send our sympathy to Stuart and her family.
Valerie Beynon
Gower Ministry Area 