News

On 17th June, we held the annual vestry meeting where Ministry Area Council members, Wardens, and Sub Wardens were elected. The results of the elections are below: MAC Reps 2026/2027. Vicar’s Warden- Andrea Harford. People’s Warden- Marian Godsall. Lay Chair-Ian Jenkins. MAC Treasurer- Tony Godsall. MAC Secretary-Rhian Gait-Parker. MAC Reps- St Fagan’s- Angela Clarke. St Matthews- Elizabeth Morris. St Lleurwgs- Rose Jones. St John’s- Wanda Gait. St Elvan’s -Martin Poole. St

I just counted it up on my figures and I have been in the MA just nine months, but in a good way it feels far longer than that. For all of us, I think it is fair to say that the last year has been challenging. But because of the faith and hard work of so many people we are today in far better situation than we were a few months ago. When you are getting on with the job whatever it is you forget what has been achieved and more importantly where God has been in the situation.

On Saturday, congregations from across the Cynon Uchaf Ministry Area came together for a remarkable Passiontide Pilgrimage, an event rooted in history, symbolism, and the shared life of a Christian family. The idea had been sparked months earlier when Fr Hywel Snook, Transition Minister, read an article listing the oldest buildings in each European country. (It wasn't an article it was a TikTok Video) He later reflected, “I was taken aback when I realised that half of the bu

Over the last few months, we have appreciated coming together as a Ministry Area in worship. It was great to see over 90 people attending Ash Wednesday across three services in St Lleurwgs, St Fagans and St Elvans. It was also great to see many people worshipping in churches other than their usual one. We are a Christian Family supporting and worshipping together across the valley. I was reading an article the other day about the oldest building in each European country. I

FAITH FACTORY IS BACK FOR 2026! Ready to kick off the new year with a spark? We’ve recharged our batteries, and we are SO excited to welcome our young explorers back to St Fagan’s Community Hall! Do you have a child who'd love to join in the fun, learning, and faith-filled activities? Then Faith Factory is the place to be! When to Join Us To help you plan your busy weekends, we are moving to a new schedule. We will now meet on the: 2nd and 4th Sunday of every month. The Gra

What was Decided at the MAC: On Tuesday 27 th Jan we were updated on the work done following the MAC in October. This fell into three projects. Communications: Christy Law and Finance: Safeguarding: We also approved a Sustainable Worship Plan and heard an update from the St Elvans Heritage Trust Safeguarding: In October it was agreed Fr Hywel and Andrea Harford would meet to make sure everyone who needed DBS had one and that all training was up to date. Nearly all DBS have

Over the last few weeks I have been looking at the current worship offering on a Sunday morning. Looking at it in detail, I have come to the conclusion that it is unsustainable for the current and future staffing of the ministry area. We currently have 8 services running on a Sunday morning; the maximum number of services a priest can do is 3 in one morning. So we can only run 6 services maximum without relying on retired clergy. This also assumes that neither priest will tak

Last year, a lady asked me why we change the colours in church, so I told her. She said that she has been coming to church all her life, and she had never asked. I think it is true that many people in church have questions about why we do certain things in church, but have never asked. Perhaps because they feel a bit silly or they are the only one who doesn’t know. Also, if you have only been coming to church for a little while or come back after a break, you might not know w

Election Results and Appointments Wardens: Marion Godsall (People’s Warden) Andrea Harford (MAL Warden) Lay Chair: Ian Jenkins Recommended by the meeting, the person needs to be appointed by the Bishop Mac Reps: St Lukes: Meryl Plummer St Fagans: Angela Clark St James: Peta Maidman St Winifreds: Elizabeth Peters St Lleurwgs: Robert Jones St Johns: Wanda Gait St Elvans: Martin Poole St Matthews: Elizabeth Morris

29 th October 2025 Firstly I would like to thank everyone I have met so far in Cynon Uchaf ministry area for the welcome I have received. It has been a real pleasure to minister with you and a lot of fun as well. I would like to thank you all for the open nature of the ministry area and how people have shared the joys and the challenges of church life. Before I begin I thought I would give a brief explanation of the terms used and what a Ministry Area is. As I have come fr

Many from the Cynon Uchaf Ministry Area—especially St Elvan’s, St Winifred’s, and St Fagans—have journeyed to Walsingham on pilgrimage. But what makes Walsingham so special? Located in Norfolk, Walsingham is one of Britain’s most significant pilgrimage sites. Once destroyed during Henry VIII’s dissolution of the monasteries, it was lovingly restored between 1922 and 1938. Today, thousands visit each year to encounter God in this sacred “thin place”—where heaven and earth feel