Category Archives: Vestry Venture

Last Vestry Venture this year

this coming  Monday the 11thwill be our last Vestry this year  – and to say that even if they  have not been for a while, or have never come before, to please feel very welcome to join us between 3 and 5 pm for a glass of mulled wine and light refreshments, just for a catch up and to wish everyone a Happy Christmas……and that around 4.30pm there will be a 15 minute slot in the church to sing a carol, receive a  Christingle and hear a short Christmas story,  for those who wish to stay on.

Vestry Venture for all

The Vestry Venture came about as an idea to provide space where people of any age can informally meet together.  

Newcomers to the area are particularly welcome: it is also an opportunity to find out what is happening locally.  

Simple refreshments  are available for which there is no charge – although if you enjoy coming, contributions towards the cost of electricity are really helpful, and much valued.  

There are a few paperbacks to swop or share, and there is a safe play area for small children. From time to time there are items for sale such as plants or clothes.  

The vestry adjoins the church, and the entrance is usually indicated by Winnie the Pooh sitting on a chair outside, on a Monday afternoon – but if the wind and rain is very heavy, he sometimes disappears, usually having been bowled down the path……

We are closed during school holiday time but otherwise open on Mondays (re-starting  11th September),  3-5pm.

Please feel free to drop by one Monday, even if only for ten minutes – you will be most welcome.  Ideas how this venture might develop further are always appreciated.  

For further info please contact Liz on 01550 777220 or Jane on 07522 960816 

Outreach newsletter January

Eglwys Llansadwrn church Carmarthenshire Sir Gar

Thank you for all the help you have given Llansadwrn Church and community over the years. These last twenty-two months must be some of the most difficult any of us can remember. The Covid pandemic has affected each and every one of us, whether through sickness and loss, or through the restrictions placed on our daily lives.

The church too has been affected. As you probably remember, there was a time when we were unable to go into church at all and many of the services we normally offer, like baptisms, weddings and funerals, had to be severely restricted. We are getting back to ‘normal’ now, although things will continue to change and adapt as circumstances dictate. It has been a learning experience for all which has made us ask questions about the role of our church in the community. 

The church has always felt very appreciative of the support given by the people of Llansadwrn and at the beginning of this new year, we feel this is an opportunity to hear from you – to know if there is any practical way in which the church can express her gratitude to you through providing venues and opportunities. Covid has had an impact right across the country and each community has responded differently: in some, people have asked for the chance to come together and enjoy each other’s company, because of the loss and loneliness experienced through the pandemic.

Vestry Venture was an attempt, in more normal times, to bring people together in that way, and there are plans to recommence as soon as it is safe: but perhaps now there are other more focused needs which require an additional response. Carers, as well as those they care for, have been under huge pressure during the pandemic and a monthly coffee morning might provide a opportunity to meet friends new and old. Regular phone contact for anyone feeling isolated is another possibility as is the opportunity to meet and practise Welsh in a relaxed and supportive environment.  

The last two years have raised some big philosophical questions. Discussion groups, for different ages, can be an ideal forum in which to explore a range of contentious issues, such as the limits of individual freedom and the nature of our personal and cosmic responsibility. Our young people have an especial interest in the future of the planet and might appreciate practical opportunities, such as an organised nature club, to interact with the environment. 

Undoubtedly you will have your own ideas which we haven’t even thought of. Please feel free to share them! Call Vicar Viv on 01550 777200 or Jane Shaw on 01550 777302. Or email us:  revd.viv.sayer@gmail.com or ffynnongarreg@btinternet.com 

In the meantime please accept our heartfelt thanks for your continuing support.

From all at Llansadwrn Church

Update on Vicar Vi, Vestry Venture and Church

Eglwys Llansadwrn church Carmarthenshire Sir Gar

It is a great relief and with delight to hear Vicar Viv is progressing quietly on the road to recovery after her nine month battle with long covid.  She hopes to make a gently phased return to work, guided by Occupational Health.

Meantime, services continue on a fortnightly basis, Holy Communion alternated with a half hour service of Morning Prayer.  Times vary according to availability of clergy, so please look out for notices on the church gates, a few days beforehand

Meantime Vestry Venture will be re-starting on Tuesday 14th September, 2.30pm – 5.00pm. 

All ages are most welcome, be it just to dip in for a ten minute link up, an hour’s chat or simply to say hello over a cuppa. If you know of someone new to the area who might value a chance to meet others living locally, please invite them along.

For further details of either of the above, please contact  Jane  on 01550 777302,  or via e-mail   ffynnongarreg@btinternet.com

Covid 19 and Llansadwrn

Llansadwrn

After much discussion and weighing the pros and cons, it has been decided to discontinue many of our indoor events for the time being – not an easy decision but given the circumstances arguably it is one to make earlier, rather than later. It is a very difficult time with so much uncertainty – and trying to do the right thing, balancing normality with good sense about the risk, is not without its problems: there is no blue print to guide us!

Meantime, a list is being compiled of anyone who would welcome an occasional phone call to make sure they are still ok / need anything / shopping / or whatever: if you think of anyone and you have their permission for their name and contact details to be shared, please let Jane Shaw or Vicar Viv know: similarly the names of anyone free, willing and able themselves to offer giving their support in this way…

Of course many already have local friends / family / neighbours who mutually support one another all the time, which is perfect – but there are some, especially if they are living on their own, in the vulnerable category and without family nearby, who could fall through the net if they catch the virus and self-isolate, without anybody else knowing they are unwell. Vicar Viv Sayer 01550 777200

To ensure that people do not end up isolated we are also organising a regular outdoor walk around the village, and we will also be doing work in the community garden to prevent isolation.

Weather permitting next Saturday morning (21st) we intend to have a community walk in the morning, meeting at the Reading Room at 10am and then a community garden in the afternoon from around 2pm. We have habitats to make and dogwood cuttings to plant. Keep an eye on the events page for updates and new opportunities for meeting up and not hugging.

As a community we commit to keep each other safe whilst not getting isolated. If you are feeling isolated or anxious you are surrounded by a loving community – please ask for help.