December 2013 Parish of Killay Magazine

Parish of Killay

Parish MagazineSt Hilary and St Martin

December 2013 40p

Parish of Killay - Who’s WhoVicar: The Revd. Timothy J. Williams The Vicarage, 30 Goetre Fach Road, Killay, Swansea ) 01792 204233

St Hilary'sReaders: David Morgan,

Eucharistic Assistants: Gillian Hutchinson, David Morgan, Eileen Nielsen, Alan PickardChurchwardens: Valerie Beynon ) 204352 Roy Chapman ) 204766Church Treasurer: Pam Davies ) 208506Assistant Treasurer: Alan Pickard ) 204717Sacristan: Tom Bartley ) 204915Servers: Beryl Claybrook, Catherine Swain, Tom Bartley, Steve Lewis, Howard Phillips, Bryan Smale, John Williams, Stephanie BudskiPCC Secretary: Eileen Nielsen ) 520685Parish Centre Booking Secretary: Eileen Nielsen ) 07902844379 or 520685Envelopes/Gift Aid Scheme: Ken James ) 205963Junior Church Enquiries: Father TimOrganist/Choirmaster: Peter Carder Please send text message to 07530025275 Or email [email protected]

St Martin's

Churchwardens: Elaine Graves )207126 Colin Williams )201364Organist: Bill Riseborough )205935

Parish Magazine

Editor: Father TimCopy Editor: Roger Rees ([email protected]) ) 207916Commissioning Editor and Printer: Eric ThomasAdvertising & Distribution: Ken James

Parish of Killay December 20132


The Vicar Writes……December 2013Dear Friends

It hadn't dawned on me that some Christians do not celebrate Christmas. They say it's not biblical and promotes greed, debt and lies. Thinking about it, I shouldn't have been so taken aback; after all The Puritans banned Christmas in 1647 until 1660.However, we celebrate our birthdays why shouldn't we celebrate our Lord's Birthday? Then there is the spirit of goodwill which pervades society. I think I'm with Bishop H. George Anderson of the Evangelical Lutheran Church who said "the world needs Christmas." Beyond the frenzy, past the consumerism, and amid the false glitter of tinsel-‐strewn expectations, Christmas still has the power to reclaim an age-‐old religious truth. God once lived among us, born in a manger as a human child.This year about 2 billion Christians around the world will celebrate the truth of these "glad tidings of great joy."In the church's earliest days, there was no Christmas. It wasn't until three centuries after the birth of Christ that the holiday was recognised. Few religious scholars today will point to Dec. 25 as the exact birthday of Jesus. Evidence indicates such a date is unknowable.But, in the first half of the third century, Hippolytus, bishop of Rome, proposed Jan 2 as an appropriate date for a celebration of Christ's baptism and natural birth. Others, at that time, referred to the complicated "Plan of the Ages," which named March 25 as the date of the creation of the world. If Christ was conceived on this day they reasoned his birthdate would be Dec. 25.This date was already marked by pagan rituals celebrating the winter solstice or "the return of the sun." In the Roman observance, small gifts were exchanged. In Britain and Scandinavia, a huge log or a whole tree, the Yule Log, was cast into a bonfire. Revellers danced and sang around the fire, hoping to awaken the sun from its winter slumber and hasten spring.In working to convert the unchurched to Christ, Pope Julius I, in the fourth century AD, made Christmas, on Dec. 25, an official part of the church calendar. (Although the change to the Gregorian calendar in 1752, pushed the date back 11 days, causing some purists to still observe Jan. 7 as the day of Christ's birth.)


The adoption of pagan rituals for "Cristes maesse" or "Christ's mass," became a common practice as Christianity spread throughout the world.In Rome, people gave each other simple gifts like twigs from sacred groves to celebrate the festivals of Saturnalia and Kalends, which revolved around the passage of winter. The practice of exchanging small gifts became traditional and has become an essential ingredient of Christmas. In many cultures gift giving is also associated with the Magi who brought gifts to the Christ child, or with St. Nicholas, who evolved in many countries into Santa Claus.Although the church did not sanction many of the festivities which sprung up around the holiday, it did not usually discourage people from their celebrations.During the Middle Ages in Germany, mystery plays were performed on the feast day of Adam and Eve. These pageants featured a decorated evergreen to represent the Tree of Life from the Garden of Eden. Today's Christmas trees trace back to these celebrations.In Italy, St. Francis of Assisi gave a Christmas sermon standing in front of a manger scene he had asked a man from the village of Greccio to create.These creches developed into a popular folk art form, often encompassing whole villages of figurines. In France moulds for the "santons," or little saints, have been handed down since the 17th century.Poinsettias became connected with Christmas in 17th century Mexico. According to legend, a boy named Pablo was headed to his village church to visit the Nativity scene when he realised he had no gift for the Christ child. He gathered some green branches by the roadside. Although the other children laughed at his gift, when he laid them before the manger, brilliant red star-‐shaped flowers appeared on each branch.Even the candy cane has religious significance. According to tradition, the Christmas confection was created by a candy maker in Indiana who wanted to commemorate Christ.He chose hard candy to represent the solid rock on which the promises of God are built. The white represented the sinless nature of Christ, while the red stripes symbolized the bloody gashes received by the Messiah before he was crucified. The candy is shaped in the letter "J" for Jesus and also represented the staff of the Good Shepherd.In different cultures around the world, the Christmas season is celebrated in a variety of ways, each making personal the promise of Christ's birth.A brief scan of the globe indicates the joys and symbolism of Christmas historic rituals:


In Britain, groups of serenaders called "waits" travelled from house to house singing carols, which means "songs of joy". These nineteenth century songs are still among today's most beloved Christmas music.In Spain, the holidays begin on Dec. 8 on the feast of the Immaculate Conception when an elaborate ritual dance is performed by boys on cathedral steps. Children in Spain receive gifts on Epiphany when the Magi re-‐enact their journey to Bethlehem. Shoes filled with straw are left on window sills for the horses of the wise men.In Iraq, families gather around lighted candles as children read the Christmas story. On Christmas day the priest also blesses one person with a touch. That person touches the one sitting next to him and this continues until all who are present have felt "the touch of peace."To remember the star of Bethlehem, in Poland, the Christmas meal does not begin until the first star appears in the sky. The feast is made up of 12 courses, one for each apostle and an extra chair is set at the table for a stranger, or the Holy Spirit to share the meal.In Venezuela, worshippers often roller skate through the streets to attend the Mis de Auginaldo or early morning mass which is held from Dec. 16 through 24. These are a few of the traditions from around the world.This rich mosaic of traditions and rituals, within and outside of church walls, helps Christians make real the message "Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."A lot of traditions are based around people coming together for Christmas dinners, parties and the coming together is more important than any gifts. Many families have their own traditions around Christmas but what ever the traditions are, wherever in the world they take place, we must remember and we have a duty to proclaim that the real reason for the season is Christ. The clue is in the word CHRISTmas. It is the celebration of Jesus Christ's coming and He brings us the greatest gift of all. He brings the gift of God's love. So the world does, indeed, need Christmas.May I take this opportunity on behalf of my family and I to wish everyone a happy and Holy Christmas and a healthy new year.

Yours in Christ

P.S. Christ is not just for Christmas -‐ pass it on.Our Vision: A family, rooted in Christ, committed to transforming lives by:Gathering as God’s people – Growing more like Jesus – Going out in the power of the Spirit.


Advent & Christmas 20131 December Advent 1 8.00 St Martin’s (Eucharist)10.30 St Hilary’s (Eucharist)

18.00 Advent Carol Service (St. Hilary’s)8 December Advent 29.00 St Martin’s (Eucharist)10.30 St Hilary’s (Eucharist)16.00 Toy Service (St. Hilary’s)

9 December10.00am – 6.00pm A day of Prayer for the Parish (St. Hilary’s)

11-16 December Christmas Tree Exhibition11 December

19.00 Ladies Guild & Mothers’ Union Carol Service (St. Hilary’s)15 December Advent 39.00 St Martin’s (Eucharist)10.30 St Hilary’s (Eucharist)

18.00 Killay Precinct Community Carols18 December

18.30 Memorial Carol Service (St. Hilary’s)19 December

11.00 St Hilary’s (Eucharist)22 December Advent 49.00 St Martin’s (Eucharist)10.30 St Hilary’s (Eucharist)

18.00 St Hilary’s, St Martin’s & Siloam Carol Service (St. Hilary’s)Christmas Eve

18.00 Living Crib Service (St. Hilary’s)23.30 The First Eucharist of Christmas (St. Hilary’s)

Christmas Day8.00 Holy Eucharist (St. Hilary’s)9.00 Holy Eucharist (St Martin’s)10.30 Holy Eucharist (St. Hilary’s)

Thursday December 26 St Stephen’s Day11.00 Holy Eucharist. (St. Hilary’s)

Friday December 27 John, Apostle & Evangelist10.00 Holy Eucharist. (St. Hilary’s)

Saturday December 28 Holy Innocents10.00 Holy Eucharist. (St. Hilary’s)

Sunday December 2910.30 Holy Eucharist. (St. Hilary’s) (No evening Service)

5 January16.00 Christingle (St Hilary’s)


Rotas for December 2013Readers at Morning Eucharist1st 1st Marian Williams 8th 1st Glenys Vaughan 2nd David Vaughan15th 1st Alan Clewett 2nd Alan Pickard22nd 1st Angela Reed 2nd Margaret Massey29th 1st Eric Thomas 2nd John Williams

Offertory Procession1st Junior Church8th Gwynneth Prestwood & Liz Restall15th Jan & Jim Proudfoot22nd Mary & David Jones29th Carole & Alan Pickard

Altar Flowers

No flowers during Advent25th CHRISTMAS DAY -‐ Mothers’ Union29th Glenys Vaughan

Sidespersons

December Carole & Alan Pickard, Barbara Rowe

January Mary Osborne, Gwynneth Prestwood, Barbara Thomas & Bob Mapp

Coffee Barbara Thomas

Sponsor for Bread & Wine Haydn & Mary Osborne

Church Cleaning Gregory McGee


St Martin’s Church DunvantDecember 2013

Date Service Time Sidesperson Reader

1st Holy Eucharist 8.00am E Graves D Morgan

8th Sung Eucharist 9.00am C Lewis H Lumsdaine

15th Sung Eucharist 9.00am S Charles-‐Phillips S Gardener

22nd Sung Eucharist 9.00am G Lewis L Lewis

25th Sung Eucharist 9.00am C Williams E Harris Christmas Day

29th Sung Eucharist 9.00am R Draisey M Draisey Evensong 6.00pm C Williams TBA

Altar Flowers

No flowers during Advent

25th Eileen Harris

Bread & Wine

E Harris

We pray especially for:-‐

Eleri SherwoodKath SmithMarjorie Knight


Parish NewsWe pray for all who are ill at this time or in Nursing Homes – particularly remembering those being cared for at home and those who are caring for them: Phyllis Harries, Emlyn Bawden, Peter Dickman, Joan Davies, Beattie Loosemore, Joyce Leonard, Olwen & John Iles, Joan Dobbs, Graham Treharne and Bob Massey-‐Shaw. Verona Thomas and Barbara Jones are in Singleton HospitalJoyce Ivey is now home after major surgery. She continues to have a lovely smile and an infectious laugh and hopes to be back in church soon. She thanks everyone for their concern, cards and telephone calls to Bill. She will be back with us soon.Barbara Jones is looking forward to coming home -‐ she sends her love to everyone and wishes to record her gratitude for cards, visits and messages received during this time. Everyone is welcome to visit her and she was pleased to receive the sacrament from Eileen.Verona Thomas would like to thank everyone for the kind wishes she has received including from members of the Mothers’ Union.To any member of our church family who is not feeling well or is

distressed at this time, please contact Father Tim. There are a small number of trained pastoral care visitors in our

Parish who will always try to accommodate a request.

Garden of Remembrance: All donations to the cost of the upkeep would be very much appreciated from those with loved ones in the Garden of Remembrance.Luncheon Club has been awarded a 5 star rating by the Environmental Health Department.Annual subscriptions for this magazine are now due.From January 2014 the cost will increase to 50p a copy, the number of pages will also increase to allow for more content. Don’t forget if you have anything you would like see included or have stories of interest you would like to share, please feel free to let me know.

gDon’t forget St Nicholas Fayre - Saturday 7 December 2013 at 12 noon.

Lots of stalls and interesting items for sale. Please make an effort to buy raffle tickets available from back of church or from anyone involved.

This is a good source of bringing money to our church.


Music SocietyeTwenty members were present for our November meeting which was a ‘Members Own’. This proved, once again, to be a very pleasant evening. We had poems from chairlady Heulwen, Julie Cole and Jane Riseborough. Eric Thomas read a passage from Dylan Thomas’ “Memories of Christmas” to mark the anniversary of the late poet’s 100th birthday in January. We also ended the evening with a recording of ‘Eli Jenkins’ Prayer’ from Dylan’s “Under Milk Wood” which was sung by the Dunvant Male Choir. Margaret Cross chose a recording of Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” which reminded her of a concert she had enjoyed at the Sydney Opera House while she was visiting her daughter. Margaret Williams gave a resume of the work of Vivaldi and we listened to a recording of his “Gloria” which Margaret had sung many times with the choir at Ebenezer, Dunvant. It was special because her late husband, John, had requested and had it played on Alun Williams’ Sunday Morning Request Programme on Margaret’s birthday some years ago. Wendy John spoke about and played a recording of ‘The Benedictus‘ from “The Armed Man -‐ a Mass for Peace” by local well known composer Karl Jenkins. We also listened to a track from a Max Boyce recording to mark Max’s 70th birthday which he celebrated recently. Bill Riseborough then passed around song sheets and played brilliantly for us to have a good sing of popular songs! Many thanks to all who contributed to a very entertaining evening which had a healthy Welsh flavour and was nicely held together by Heulwen. NB Christmas meal at the Black Boy on Thursday 12th December at 7:00 for 7:30 pm.

ET

Swansea Philharmonic Choir -‐ Christmas Music by Candlelight

St Mary's Church,Saturday 7th December, 7.30pmTickets £12 (unreserved) from Choir

members, Grand or on the door on the night!A pleasant evening of choral music for the

season, including:Vivaldi "Gloria" (Soloists Jennifer Walker & Laura Kelly)Britten "Ceremony of Carols" (Harpist Hannah Stone)

Lauridsen "O Magnum Mysterium"

plus two lovely settings of well-‐know hymns:Lloyd Webber "Love Divine" and local lady Lisa Mears

"Be thou my Vision" (for Choir & Harp)

Swansea University Chaplaincywarmly invite you to

A Service of Nine Lessons and Christmas Carols

7.00pm Thursday, 5th December at The Hive, Fulton House

Retiring collection in aid of the St Vincent de Paul Community in the Philippines for

the victims of Typhoon Haiyan

Please stay and enjoy mince pies & some mulled wine


CHRISTINGLEa generous present from the Moravians to the Churches

It is the Moravians whom we have to thank for bringing us the Christingle, especially one Moravian clergyman: John de Watteville.On 20th December 1747, John de Watteville was taking a children’s service in his Moravian church in Marienborn, Germany. He led the children in some hymns and read out verses which the children themselves had written to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Then he explained to the children that true happiness only comes through knowing Jesus. “Jesus”, said John de Watteville, “has kindled in each little heart a flame which keeps burning

to their joy and our happiness”.John de Watteville then went on to illustrate that ‘flame’. He gave each child a little lighted wax candle, tied around with a red ribbon and ended his service with a little prayer: “Lord Jesus, kindle a flame in these children’s hearts, that theirs, like Thine become”.

The visual aid was a great success with the children for the Marienborn Diary for that day concludes: “hereupon the children went full of joy with their lighted candles to their rooms and so went glad and happy to bed”.The candle and red ribbon were remembered the following year, and the following after that.... The years came and went, and as the Moravians began to travel beyond Germany, so they took the custom with them: to Labrador, to Pennsylvania, to Tibet and Suriname, to the Caribbean and South Africa. In each country the Christians adapted it for their own use.No one knows for certain when the word ‘Christingle’ was first used with regard to the custom. No one even knows where the word ‘Christingle’ comes from. Some people say it is from the old Saxon word ‘ingle’ (fire), meaning ‘Christ-‐fire or light’. Another theory is that it derives from the German ‘engel’ (angel), meaning ‘Christ-‐angel’.In any event, the symbolism of Christingle gradually developed until today the Moravians in the British Province use an orange, representing the world, with a lighted candle to represent Christ, the Light of the World. Nuts, raisins and sweets on cocktail sticks around the candle represent God’s bounty and goodness in providing the fruits of the earth. Red paper, forming a frill around the base of the candle, reminds us of the blood of Christ shed for all people on the cross at Calvary.In Moravian churches, the Christingle Service is usually held on the Sunday before Christmas or on Christmas Eve. The website for the Moravian Church says: “We are glad that the Moravian Church has been able to make this contribution to the wider Christian world.”


Ladies GuildOn Wednesday 30th October, Mr Royston Kneath of the Swansea Historical Society gave a talk entitled “Ashes to Ashes” relating to Swansea's history from the copper boom of 1700's to the devastation of the blitz during the second World War.Roy had some very old drawings of Swansea and the castle dating back to the 8th century. The first copper works opened in 1717 when Greenhill was described as a very pleasant area. By 1800 there were twelve and Swansea became the world centre for copper smelting and gained the name “Copperopolis”.

The Mumbles Railway, the first passenger train in the world, began operating in 1811 when it was horse drawn; in 1851 the first locomotive arrived at High Street Station carrying Isambard Kingdom Brunel. It was fascinating to see the photographs and pictures of these events. We were shown many photos of the town, as it then was, taken before the 2nd World War and it was hard to identify some of the old shops and streets. The photos taken immediately following the bombings showed the complete devastation of the town centre, including the

old market. Roy showed old photos of many well known landmarks such as St Mary's, the Museum, Weavers flour mill, the first reinforced concrete building and The Guildhall which Luftwaffe pilots used as a landmark when bombing the town. Roy said that papers have been discovered stating that Hitler intended using The Guildhall as his Welsh headquarters if he won the war!!

It was a most interesting evening.

Our winter shopping trip, on 6th November was to Cheltenham, there was light rain when we left Killay but this became steadily heavier as we travelled along the M4. Luckily it was quite light rain by the time we reached our destination, so after fortifying ourselves with coffee etc., we were able to get down to some serious shopping. It was a very enjoyable day, thanks to Gwynneth's organising skills, but a pity these did not extend to the weather as when we arrived back at the church, it was pouring and blowing a gale!


The history theme continued the following week when Canon Keith Evans told us about “The Bells of Santiago” three of which were housed for many years at All Saints Church, Oystermouth. The history theme continued the following week when Canon Keith Evans told us about “The Bells of Santiago” three of which were housed for many years at All Saints Church, Oystermouth.The bells were cast by an itinerant bell-maker in Huego, near Barcelona from where they were taken by sea to Santiago, Chile and placed in the bell tower of The Jesuit Church of La Compana. It was very large holding up to 3000 worshippers and was ornately decorated with paper flowers, candles, muslin and gauze draperies, and paraffin lamps. On 8th December 1863, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, the church was full, the women and children were inside and the men outside watching through metal grills. A gust of wind caused a candle to fall which ignited the drapes, the fire quickly spread and as the women tried to escape through the only unlocked door, they were hampered by their hooped skirts. Most of the women and children, about 2500, were killed. They were buried in a communal grave.The bell tower remained, but it collapsed as the site was being cleared. It was decided to send the bells to be melted down at one of the copper works so they were transported by a Capehorner to Swansea. Instead of melting the bells, the owners of the copper works, the Vivians, donated the three largest to All Saints

Church, Oystermouth. They remained there until 2010 when Chilean diplomats approached Canon Keith asking to “buy them back”. After consultations, the PCC, the Vicar and the Bishop agreed on their return to Chile. The Royal Navy took the bells to Valparaiso, and on 29th September 2010 a “Homcoming Ceremony” took place;

this was also the 200th anniversary of Chilean independence. Canon Keith was honoured by the Chilean government for his role in repatriating the bells. He was made a Knight of the Order of Bernardo O'Higgins, the Bishop was made an officer of the same order. It was a very interesting and moving talk.

Members of Guild attended a performance of “Carousel”, performed by Abbey Players on 20th November at the Grand Theatre. It was a very polished, professional show sung by an outstanding cast, with Father Tim in the role of Mr Bascombe, the mill owner. It was a most enjoyable evening.

27th November Christmas Dinner at Tapestri4th December Members Own Christmas Evening 11th December Combined Carol Service with Mothers’ Union


Mothers’ UnionOn November 5th we welcomed Mr Tim Conway, the Lifeboat Operations Manager at Mumbles Lifeboat Station. The RNLI is a charitable institution with 236 stations, 344 boats and 4600 volunteer crew. There is no government funding so the charity needs to raise £145 million annually. Apart from saving lives at sea, the RNLI has flood rescue teams, education teams, lifeguard training and, situated in Poole, Dorset, is the RNLI college for staff training and the building and maintenance of the boats.Now a medical practice manager, Tim was, previously, a helicopter crew man with 771 Squadron Air Sea Rescue. He has served in the Gulf and, modestly, described himself as the man on the end of the rope. Tim has been Lifeboat Operations Manager for 6 years at one of the busiest stations in Wales, managing the boats, crews, all volunteers and authorising all launches. Mumbles has recently had a new £10 million lifeboat house built to house a new larger boat costing £2.7 million and there is also a new fast inshore lifeboat.Over the years, 18 volunteer crew members have lost their lives, the worst disaster being in 1947 when William Gammon and his crew were lost after rescuing 42 people. There are memorial windows to the lifeboat men in All Saints Church, Oystermouth. The RNLI has awarded 1 gold, 13 silver and 5 bronze medals to the brave Mumbles crew men. Pat Stratton spoke of the bravery of all lifeboat men who risk their lives at sea and thanked Mr Conway for sparing time to tell us about the RNLI.

November 19th was a ‘Members Own’ afternoon with some members bringing something they treasured, such as a book, ornament or jewellery and giving a short talk on why it is special to them. To raise funds for the branch, we held a raffle, everyone being very generous with prizes for the table. A pleasant afternoon ended with mince pies and tea.

For December:

Tues 3rd Dec Christmas Lunch in Sketty Hall 12:30 for 1:00 pm There will be a raffle and bran tub.Fri 6th Dec Monthly Eucharist in St Mary’s 11:00 am (Diocesan Members)Wed 11th Dec Carol Service with Ladies Guild in church 7:00 pm Afterwards in Parish Centre for sherry & mince pies.

Sandra BanksSecretary


Yearly ReviewThe usual book and film review of the year

It may be me but like last year, when I recommended ‘The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ by Rachel Joyce, this year’s recommendation also concerns an elderly group of people. It is ‘The 100 Year Old Man

Who Climbed Out of the Window’ by Jonas Jonasson and is currently in the bookshops as a paperback edition. If you want a resume of all the important happenings in the world since the 1920’s, if you want to finish each period of reading with a smile, if you wish to wonder what is going to happen next and

become mystified, if.... this is the book for you. I strongly recommend it and look forward to talking about it with you. For those who like thrillers then another geriatric hero Derek Miller’s ‘Norwegian by Night’; it’s concerned with an elderly American ex soldier trying to protect a young boy in Oslo...I’ll say no more. Philip Kerr, Lee Child and Michael Connelly are always reliable as is Robert Goddard, but I was very disappointed in ‘Gone Girl’ which has been pushed as the thriller of the year. If you want to read something different yet entertaining and holds the interest then try any book by the authoress Anne Zouroudi; she writes of Greek Island culture packed full of culinary advice together with mysteries that emanate from her characters who are Greek through and through. The latest is called ‘The Feast of Artemis’ most enjoyable for me.

Turning to the silver screen, well - not really; turning to the film world of DVD’s and films shown on television, I must say that the recent BBC2 1930/40 black and white films early Saturday morning have been excellent. Of the recent releases and, in no particular order, I have enjoyed Les Miserables, Skyfall, Argo, Django Unchained, Quartet, White House Down, and Baaria an Italian film covering three generations in Sicily. David Morgan

Have you got something you would like to say? Read a good book? Seen a good film or play? Had a good holiday? Recommend a recipe? Gardening tips? Something interesting or funny happened to you? Tell us about it. There is a post box at the back of church – just drop in your contributions and we will share them in the magazine. Or e-‐mail to [email protected] Roger

Articles for the magazine can be submitted any time up to the last Sunday of the month for publication the following month.


The following had originated from the USA...but is in keeping with what is happening here.

Twas the month before ChristmasWhen all through our land,Not a Christian was praying

Nor taking a stand.Why the PC Police had taken away

The reason for Christmas -‐ no one could say.The children were told by their schools not to sing

About Shepherds and Wise Men and Angels and things.It might hurt people's feelings, the teachers would say

December 25th is just a 'Holiday'.Yet the shoppers were ready with cash, checks and credit

Pushing folks down to the floor just to get it!CDs from Madonna, an X BOX, an I-‐Pod

Something was changing, something quite odd!Retailers promoted Ramadan and KwanzaaIn hopes to sell books by Franken & Fonda.

As Targets were hanging their trees upside downAt Lowe's the word Christmas -‐ was nowhere to be found.

At K-‐Mart and Staples and Penny's and SearsYou won't hear the word Christmas; it won't touch your ears.

Inclusive, sensitive, Di-‐ver-‐si-‐tyAre words that were used to intimidate me.

Now Daschle, Now Darden, Now Sharpton, Wolf BlitzenOn Boxer, on Rather, on Kerry, on Clinton!

At the top of the Senate, there arose such a clatterTo eliminate Jesus, in all public matter.

And we spoke not a word, as they took away our faithForbidden to speak of salvation and grace.

The true Gift of Christmas was exchanged and discarded.The reason for the season, stopped before it started.

So, as you celebrate 'Winter Break' under your 'Dream Tree'Sipping your Starbucks, listen to me.

Choose your words carefully, choose what you sayShout MERRY CHRISTMAS,

not Happy Holiday

Christmas Tree ExhibitionSt Hilary’s Church from Wednesday 12 to Monday 16 December 10.30am - 7pm

15 Christmas trees decorated with the theme ‘All the Saints’On Monday we are in for a treat in so much as at 10.30 a.m. Hendrefoilan Primary are to sing and play instrumental music,and at 1.30 p.m. Dunvant Primary will be in attendance.


1Corinthians 13 -‐ The Christmas VersionIf I decorate my house perfectly with plaid bows, strands of twinkling lights and shiny balls, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another decorator.If I slave away in my kitchen, baking dozens of Christmas puddings, preparing gourmet meals and arranging beautifully adorned table at mealtime, but do not show love to my family, I’m just another cook.If I work at the soup kitchen, sing carols in the Nursing Home and give all that I have to charity, but do not show love to my family, it profits me nothing.If I trim the spruce with shimmering angels and crocheted snowflakes, attend a myriad of holiday parties and sing in the choir’s cantata, but do not focus on Christ, I have missed the point.Love stops the cooking to hug a childLove sets aside the decorating to kiss the husband.Love is kind though harried and tired.Love does not envy another’s home that has co-‐ordinated Christmas china and table linens.Love doesn’t yell at the children to get out of the way, but is thankful that they are there to get in the way.Love doesn’t give only to those who are able to give in return, but rejoices in giving to those who can’t.Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.Love never fails.Computer games will break, cashmere jumpers will wear out, golf clubs will get lost.But giving the gift of love will endure.

PRAM GROUP -‐ CREATIVE TOTSAn update regarding Creative Tots. This is a session we hold every third Monday in Pram Group. It is led by Sian Parkhouse, the Family Support Worker from Sketty Parish. We have had 3 sessions which have been very successful with activities ranging from Hand-‐painting (very popular as can be imagined!),to making mobiles of cut out pictures of fruit with a bible verse from 2 Corinthians v.9-‐10 at Harvest time when the picture in church was also done. Lots of messy little hands can be seen! IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIThe last session involved making a Christmas decoration with green & red torn-‐up tissue paper with candles, coloured in by the little ones stuck on – words on the candles were: Jesus, Hope, Joy, Peace & Love. Sian tells a short story at the end of each time & brought bread, butter & Nutella spread for them to have whilst she read the story of The Little Red Hen who ends up sharing all her food with her friends. Our thanks to our helpers who have turned up as extra help & to our Mums who have joined in wholeheartedly.


CHRISTMAS MAZE

Answer next month

Answers to last months quiz

1. Yes, every year 2. Just one 3. All of them - 12 4. How can he? If he has a widow, it means he’s dead 5. 70 6. 2, of course 7. 60 minutes 8. 9 9. 1 of each sex (1 female & 1 male)10. A dozen - 1211. They are equal – both = 1/8 12. Equal - they both weigh a pound


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Parish of Killay St Hilary’s Church

PramGroupMonday afternoons 1pm – 3pm in the Parish Hall

(During school term)With songs & musical instruments, pictures to colour and paint

playdough, toys, books, jig saws etcRefreshments for children & their parents, grandparents or carers

All ages from babies to preschoolers£1.50 per family


Grove StoresB R O A D M E A D K I L L A Y


Learn to drive with

Cindy’s School of MotoringSpecialist Refresher LessonsMotorway Driving, Pass Plus

Any Age GroupTel: Cindy 01792 204883

Mob: 07792408397www.npt.driving.com Find me on facebook

D U N V A N T R F CBroadacre, Killay, SA2 7RU

Why not become a member and make full use of your own local club?

Main large hall s Lounge s Committee Rooms s Large screen s Video ProjectorSky TV & DVD s Fully equiped keep-fit gym s Disabled Access

wwwIdeal for Birthdays, Weddings, Christenings, Anniversaries,

Meetings, Conferences, Dances, Discos, Fund Raising eventswww

Ample Parking. Full Catering Facilities.Contact John Watkins, Commercial Manager

Club: 01792 296363 – Home: 01792 415376 – Mob: 07780765382

MARNEON SIGNS11 Pont y Glasdwr, Dyfatty, Swansea, SA1 2BH

the complete sign service

Tel: 01792 646949 Fax: 01792 652227

The only neon signManufacturer

in south west wales

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GOWER

Interior & Exterior WorkUndertaken

No job too small!!!

Free Quotations upon Request

Please call between 8am and 8pmTelephone: 01792 233680

Mobile: 07967245177

The Village Inn and restaurantEstablished since 1974

Killay precinct, swansea, Tel: 01792 203311

Open 7 days a week for freshly brewed coffee, teas,hot chocolate, toasted teacakes and desserts.

Wide selection of bar lunches from toasted sandwiches, fresh sandwiches & paninis; chillies, pasta, fresh local fish, mixed grills, omelettes

and many more home-made specialities.Wide variety of beers available, including weekly guest beers mentioned

in the Good Beer Guide.Sunday lunches served 12 noon to 2:30 pm in restaurant

and at the Bar. Reservations advisable.

Restaurant available for Lunches, Dinners, Buffets & Private Functions.

New menu available every day from 12:00 – 8:00 pm


PAUL HARTNOLL64 Goetre Fawr Road,

Killay, Swansea, SA2 7QU

Painting & Decorating, Internal & ExternalFREE ESTIMATES!!

Tel: 01792 419693 – Mobile: 07931610204

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GLENMORE FOOT HEALTH(formerly at Killay Precinct)

Now offering home visits

call Caroline on 01792 281580

www.glenmore-foothealth.com

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Hearing Wales30 day FREE trial of our Digital Hearing Aids

FREE Hearing Tests – FREE Consultation – FREE Home Visits

48 The Grove, Uplands, Swansea, SA2 0QRTel: 01792 650894

www.hearingwales.com


HomeFixUK

P R O P E RT Y M A I N T E N A N C E

Handyman Service NO J O B TO O S M A LL Tel : 01792 556268 Mob: 07958695137

INTERIOR: EXTERIOR:Curtains/Blind fitting/Rails Blocked Drains/SewersDoor/Window easing/Repairs Fence repairs/ErectionFurniture Repair Garden Repairs/MaintenanceKitchen Unit Repair Glass Replacements/RepairsLight Bulb/Tubes Replacement Shed Roofs Re-feltedLock Fitting Roof Tiles ReplacedLoft Insulation Fitting Gutter ClearingLoft Boarding PVC Cleaning – Windows/Fascias/Painting & Decorating Guttering/ConservatoriesPicture Hanging High Pressure Cleaning – Paths/DIY Flat Packs Patios/Decking/Walls/DrivesShelf ErectionReseal PVC WindowsWindow/Door Security

PLUMBING:ELECTRICAL: General RepairsFuses/Light Fitting Hot Water Cylinder Jacket FittingSmoke Detector Fitting/Battery InsulationSockets/Switches Replaced Leaks/RepairsTelephone Extension Fitting Radiator BleedingCentral Heating Electrics Replaced Tap Washer Replacement

WAYNE COLE 83 CECIL ROAD GOWERTON SWANSEA e.mail: [email protected] 3DN Web: www.homefixuk.co.uk


• Sales, Rentals & Auctions

• Relocation Specialists

• Residential, Commercial and Industrial Valuations

• RICS House Buyers Survey Reports

• Rent Reviews / Lease Renewals

• Rating and Compensation

• Commercial Property Advisors

• Mortgage Advice

Contact Branch ManagerCara Herbert

419 Gower RoadKillay

Swansea SA2 7ANTel: 01792 298014

e-mail: [email protected]: www.dawsonsproperty.co.uk

Branches at:Swansea, Morriston, Killay, Sketty, Mumbles,

Gorseinon, Llanelli & Swansea Marina

www.dawsonsproperty.co.ukDawsons Your Only Local

Estate Agent withWorldwide Coverage


HH E R I TA G E

C A R P E T & F L O O R I N G LT D4 2 2 G o w e r R o a d , K i l l a y, S w a n s e a S A 2 7 A J

Te l / F a x : 0 1 7 9 2 2 0 2 0 2 1www.her i tagecarpe tandf loor ing .co .uk

KILLAY OPTICIANSDavid Jenkins BSc(Hons)

FCOptom

Joe R. Warchal BSc(Hons)

Accredited to provide Wales EYEHealth Examinations

Welsh Low Vision Service

o450 Gower Road, Killay,

Swansea, SA2 7AL01792 201382

TraditionalChinese Acupuncture

Alex Wood MBAcC

(Member of the BritishAcupuncture Council)

Over 10 Years Experience ofTreating Complaints.

Tel: 01792 651717Mob: 07812 702382

www.swanseaacupuncture.co.uk Natural Health Service Hareslade 2 Page St Swansea Bishopston, Gower

JEFF BOWEN76 Goetre Fach Road

Killay

AERIAL & SATELLITE INSTALLATIONS

TV and VIDEO REPAIRS

Tel: 01792 201133Mob: 07966159986

Wide Selection of Small AnimalsFull range of Foods and Accessories

Free Delivery to local area

Broadmead, Killay, SA2 7EE

Tel: 01792 512135www.killaypetshop.co.ukOpen: Mon–Sat 9am–6pm


Exercise

Classes Vivian Hall, Blackpill: Mon 7:30 – 8:30 pm Mixed St Hilary’s Church Hall, Killay: Tues 10:00 – 11:00 am Ladies

St Paul’s Parish Centre, Sketty: Tues 7:30 – 9:30 pm Ladies

Thurs 10:00 – 11:00 am Ladies

AWARD WINNING

PRIME CUT BUTCHERSUNIT 7, THE PRECINCT, KILLAY

Try our own-made FAGGOTS and PIES,Our own-cooked HAM, BEEF, PORK and TURKEY BREAST,ROAST CHICKENS and home-made SAUSAGES and BURGERS.

CHIROPODIST / PODIATRIST

STATE REGISTERED / HPC REGISTERED

JENNIFER PROTHEROE D.Pod.MMCH.S.(BOWEN)

SURGERY AT 18 ADMIRAL’S WALK, SKETTYTEL: 01792 535231

ENQUIRIESCHRISTINE O’ROURKE

01792 290100

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FUNERAL DIRECTORSIN PRIVATE OWNERSHIP

St JamesFuneral home

MAIN OFFICE AND CHAPEL OF REST

31 ST JAMES GARDENUPLANDS, SWANSEA

OFFICES AT462 GOWER ROAD, KILLAY, SWANSEA

AND3 GORWYDD ROAD, GOWERTON

24 HOUR SERVICETELEPHONE: 01792 643840

Partners: S.J. Lee – P. Garland-‐Thomas

Golden Charter Pre-‐paid Funeral Plans available


HAIR BY CLAIREMobile HairdresserFormerly of Mair’s

Tel: 01792 208503Mob: 07799403043

STEVE JONESELECTRICAL

ALL DOMESTIC ELECTRICAL WORK

Every th ing f rom a socke t to a comp le te re -w i reSecur i t y L igh t ing

Compet i t i ve p r i cesNO JOB TOO SMALL

91 Har lech Crescen t , Ske t ty01792 517554

Mobi le : 07974689902

AllsortsCard GalleryCARDSsGIFTSsPARTY WARE9 The precinct, killay

01792 208993and

helen’s cards, gorseinon

TROUSSEAUDesigner

Hand-Made to MeasureBridal & Evening wear

For an appointment

Ring Audrey Thomas

01792 390740

M. DONNEWINDOW CLEANING

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTICHigh Reach * A l l Weather

uPVC C leaning

Mob: 07969 083143Home: 01792 208549

WHITECROSSAND SON LTD

9455

Plumbing & HeatingContractors

Gas Boiler Servicing28 Pentre Banadl, Killay SA2 7DD

Tel: 01792 206156Mobile: 07802152130


Pre-‐paymentFuneral Plans

24-‐hourPersonal Service

MonumentalMasonry

SympatheticandCaring Staff

PrivateRest Room

EDDIETUCKER

OFKILLAY

CLOSE TO THECOMMUNITY BECAUSE

WE ARE PART OF IT

10 SWAN COURTTHE PRECINCT

KILLAY

TEL. 01792 280101

Church Services

St Hilary’s1st Sunday 10.30am Family Eucharist (followed by coffee with Traidcraft Stall) 6.00pm Evensong

2nd Sunday 10.30am Holy Eucharist 6.00pm Combined Evensong with Siloam

3rd Sunday 10.30am Holy Eucharist 6.00pm Evensong

4th Sunday 10.30am Holy Eucharist 6.00pm Healing Service

5th Sunday 10.30am Holy Eucharist 6.00pm Evensong at St Martin’s

St Martin’s1st Sunday 8.00am Holy Eucharist

2nd Sunday 9.00am Sung Eucharist

3rd Sunday 9.00am Sung Eucharist

4th Sunday 9.00am Sung Eucharist

5th Sunday 9.00am Sung Eucharist 6.00pm Evensong with St Hilary’s at St Martin’s


St Hilary’s Church Hall – Parish CentreTwo large rooms with refreshment and disabled facilities available for hire ….. parties, anniversaries, meetings etc.

Phone 07902844379

Documents

December 2013 Parish of Killay Magazine