Dictionary

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Advent

Advent means ‘coming’ and is the special four-week period leading up to Christmas. It is a time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’s birth but also for his coming in glory at the end of time.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Holy Communion

At Holy Communion blessed bread and wine is shared, by which we receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ. The congregation gives thanks for Jesus’ life, his death and resurrection and his continuing presence. See also Eucharist.

Prayer

Prayer sustains our human relationship with God and may involve words (formal or informal) or be silent. Prayer can involve adoration (‘I love you’), confession (‘sorry’), thanksgiving and supplication (‘please’).

Home Pobl Dewi: December 2024 The Year of Children, Youth & Families

The Year of Children, Youth & Families

Children Youth and Families Missioner Sophie Whitmarsh previews that's in store for the year ahead

So, the year of Children, Youth and Families begins. Throughout the year you can expect to see a series of events which can help us engage with children, youth and families across the diocese, resources and support to help you with your own children, youth and families work and regular updates via social media platforms, through Pobl Dewi, the diocesan website, and the Children, Youth and Families website and newsletter.

It is my prayer that everyone feels they can contribute to this important work and that, by the end of the year, everyone will feel confident and well-resourced to continue that work.

Michelle Lloyd and I have begun to plan a series of videos that will be readily available on YouTube to help you. They will include teaching about the basics, like doing risk assessments and how to start groups, through to putting together and planning assemblies, or starting your own Messy Church. These videos will last about ten minutes, so you can pick and choose the bits you need to watch and be resourced quickly and easily. We will update you when the first videos are available, and you can subscribe to the Children, Youth and Families YouTube channel. My plan is to have these available before the end of 2024. In addition to videos, I will make some time available to be able to support you in your endeavours on a 1:1 basis, hoping to help you build confidence.

There will be a number of events this year. The first will be the launch happening on the 12th December in the Cathedral, three performances of the Passion by the LAMPS theatre company in Holy Week, a Children’s Festival on tour in May, the Youth Pilgrimage in August, The Freedom Festival for the whole church family in August, and so much more - there will be plenty to be involved in.

If you would like to be kept up to date or would like to volunteer, the CYF Newsletter will be sent out monthly from Advent. Please subscribe by visiting www.stdavidscyf.org.uk. I will also be regularly posting on social media platforms at www.facebook.com/StDavidsCYF or Instagram cyfstdavids. Alternatively, you can visit the CY&F page on the diocesan website and I will be writing for Pobl Dewi as well. If all else fails, you can email me on sophiewhitmarsh@cinw.org.uk and phone me on 07870 415378.