This week we celebrate the first of our events from the season of invitation.  It has traditionally been called Back to Church Sunday.  Yet, for many people, Christians included, this remains quite an unclear initiative.  Certainly, we can all think of friends who might appreciate coming to church with us yet it is hard to move this thought and intention into an action of inviting.  This is why we need to pray about this.  We are co-workers with God because ultimately it is the action of God in a person's life that bears fruit and transformation.  

For more information on what this idea of Christian mission and outreach is all about, have a look at the following video issued recently by the Church of England.  

On Sunday 14th Sept 2014 the benefice hosted its latest 'Explore' which focused on using labyrinths to create an engaging way for young and old to encounter and worship God.  It was a great success.  Adults were led in prayer and meditation by Fr Phelim while the children engaged in a slightly different way through walking, running, being quiet and reverently staying still near the candle-lit centre.  It was remarkable to witness how both these approaches worked well together and how respectful and understanding the young people were of the slower, more reflective approach of the adults.  

Of course, the service was followed by cakes, this time Black Forest Gateaux!  

EXPLORE at 4pm, Sunday 14th September 2014 - In St John’s - This month it will be a service and reflection using a labyrinth design and layout based on that from Chartres Cathedral.  

Labyrinths have ancient origins and Christians through the years have easily connected them to the spiritual themes of calling, pilgrimage and vocation.  At the heart of these is a journeying with God and a longing for completion and restful relationship with our creator and loving Father who tends to our needs and sorrows.  As I write, the labyrinth layout has been completed in St John's and the finishing touches will be applied after the 9:15 service.  Please come along and see how we have transformed this old Church into an ancient prayer form. Open to all with refreshments at the end. 

Benefice Notes: 

Messy Church – Final preparation has begun and most jobs have been assigned.  If you missed the last meeting then please see Fr Mark or Fr Phelim about the various jobs that are still available.  We are still in need of volunteers to help us with the various creative activities.  The theme is “Harvest and Jesus said ‘I am the true vine’”.                                                                                       

Living Faith - The Living Faith group resumes on Tuesday 23 September.  Everyone is welcome.  This term’s focus is on the New Testament. If you’d like to join the group or you want to find out more please contact Paula Yates paula.yates440@btinternet.com 
                                                                                                                                                                               eXplore takes place this afternoon at 4:00 pm in St John’s.  This service will replace the 6.00 pm service of evening prayer. 

Season of Invitation – last week we gave out the invitation cards for Back to Church Sunday on 28 Sept.  If you have already given one and would like another, then  please pick one up from the back of our churches or ask the clergy.                                                         

Mothers’ Union: Meets on Sept 15th when Fr John Webber reflects on his life and work in Bangladesh.

Benefice Noticeboard - If you would like to include something in the notes please send it to linsaycoolhouse@hotmail.com, Benefice PCC -  the next meeting is 5 October at St John’s at 7.00 pm.




St Catherine’s Notes:
Sunday Club - We are looking for Sunday Club helpers if anyone would occasionally like to lead a class or can assist someone who is leading the class we would love to hear from you.  Full training and support will be given.  Please see Jane Holland after service or email Linsay at linsaycoolhouse@hotmail.com thank you.                                                                                

Hall Bookings - Angharad has kindly agreed to take on the Hall Bookings from Flip and the Benefice owes a debt of gratitude for a job well done over many years so a huge thanks from all of us. Please make a note of the new contact details  for Angharad Elias 07989 747026 hall.stcatherines@gmail.com Welcome and thanks in advance.                                        

Gardening Group - Every Wednesday 10.30 am -12.30pm. Contact Gareth Parsons or Hilary Westwood.   
                                                                  
St Catherine’s DCC on Sunday 12 October at 7:00 pm - meet in the Church 


St John’s Notes:

Ty Bronna - In September we will be collecting Pasta, Rice, sauces and Curry Powder for Ty Bronna.
                                                                          
St John’s DCC  is on Tuesday 14 October at 7:00 pm - meet in the Church.     
                                                                   
Harvest Supper at St John’s: Friday 26th September 6.30pm for 7.00pm.  Four course meal £12.00, tickets available from the Churchwardens and all are welcome.           


Mothers’ Union - Upcoming dates for Mothers Union Meetings are Oct 6th Harvest Table and Oct 20th Fr Colin Wilcox- quiet afternoon                                                                                                                                                              


St Luke’s Notes:

ELVIS IS BACK! Saturday 4th October at 7.00pm in St Luke’s Hall. Tickets £8.00 to include ploughman’s supper and a bar will be available.  Tickets from Sue Bainton, Sue Jones, Beryl Cooke and Margaret Williams.                                                   
Women’s Group: On 25 Sept is the AGM.
                                                                                                                                                 
St Luke’s DCC on Thursday 16 October at 7:30 pm - meet in the Hall Lounge
                                                                             
Altar Servers: our faithful and long-serving team at St Luke’s does a grand job but needs some new members. Please think about whether you can help and talk to the Churchwardens or clergy if you are interested.                                                


Paradise Run - This is our chance to help the homeless in Cardiff.  Please enquire if you’d like to be involved- it doesn’t involve a lot of time or effort.  Contact Diana (02921 400367) to find out more or you know who might need this help.

On Sunday 7th September a small group of volunteers met in St John's to organise and get ready for the launch of Messy Church at the end of the month.  The meeting went well and it bodes well for our local community.  There is still room for more volunteers to help out with the various activities for children.  Our theme will be 'Harvest - I am the True Vine'.  If you registered your interest previously but couldn't make the meeting, then contact Fr Phelim to pick up a copy of the activities and make your selection.  

 Please note the planning meeting this afternoon in St John’s at 4.00 pm. This is an important meeting making final plans for the launch on the 28th of this month so please come along if you’re hoping to be involved in Messy Church.  No evening service in St John’s that evening.    

Living Faith - The Living Faith group will meet again in the Autumn to begin a new course-this time on the New Testament. Why not join us.  This is a chance to discover more about the New Testament, especially the Gospels and St Paul's letters, and to discuss what you learn with others from the Benefice.
We meet at7.00pm every other Tuesday in the back room at St John’s and the first meeting will be on Tuesday 23 September.  Everyone is welcome.  If you’d like to join the group or you want to find out more please contact Paula Yates paula.yates440@btinternet.com        

Next Sunday at 4.00 pm in St John’s there will be another eXplore – an all-age worship and prayer opportunity, this time including a prayer Labyrinth with a look at how this can be used to help us reflect on life and our calling from God.  This service will replace the 6.00 pm service of evening prayer.

Season of Invitation - please take home an ‘I’m inviting …’ card.  This is only for you and is a reminder of who you might/will invite to accompany you to church and when.  The dates of this new season are: 28 September (Back to Church Sunday),  4th October  (Harvest), 9 November (Remembrance), 7 December (Advent) and 25 December (Christmas). The next date on the season of invitation will be a Harvest Festival on Sun19th October 

For more information go to http://seasonofinvitation.co.uk 

The next meeting of the Mothers' Union is on September 15th when the Rev’d John Webber will share some of his reflections on his life and work in Bangladesh.

The next run will be next Saturday 13th September.  This is our chance to help the homeless in Cardiff.  Please enquire if you’d like to be involved- it doesn’t involve a lot of time or effort.  Contact Diana Morgan (029 2140 0367) to find out more. Food needs to be at Sylvia Watkins’ house (114 Pencisely Road) or at Diana’s (23 Greenfield Ave) between 6pm and 7pm on the evening of the Run.  Sleeping bags, warm socks will be gratefully received too.  Sylvia (St Luke’s) and Siwan Mitchell (St Catherine’s) take it in turns to cook the hot food.  If there’s anyone else who’d like to offer this service we’d be delighted to hear from you. Many thanks to our regular supporters.

Linsay is now back in action....so please continue to send any notices you’d like to include on the noticeboard direct to me at 
linsaycoolhouse@hotmail.com, thank you.

The next meeting of the Parochial Church Council is on 4 October at St John’s at 7.00 pm.  As ever, attendance on the first meeting after the summer break is very important as there will be much to discuss about our life and mission as a faith community moving forward. 

St Catherine’s Gardening Group - Every Wednesday 10.30 am -12.30pm.  No particular skill, knowledge or equipment needed - just enthusiasm - and you don’t have to turn up every week.  For more information contact Gareth Parsons or Hilary Westwood.                   


St Catherine’s DCC on Sunday 12 October at 7:00 pm - meet in the Church 

In September we will be collecting Pasta, Rice, sauces and Curry Powder for Ty Bronna. 


St John’s DCC on Tuesday 14 October at 7:00 pm - meet in the Church Hall


Harvest Supper at St John’s: Friday 26th September 6.30pm for 7.00pm.  Four course meal £12.00, tickets available from the Churchwardens all welcome

By popular demand ….ELVIS IS BACK!...........Saturday 4th October at 7.00pm in St Luke’s Hall. Tickets £8.00 to include ploughman’s supper and a bar will be available.  Tickets are limited to approx 70 because of space in the hall and are available from Sue Bainton, Sue Jones, Beryl Cooke and Mgt Williams.

Women’s Group: On Thursday 11th September the group will be dining at The Summer Palace in Llandaff at 7.15.  Please give your names to Jeannie and view the menu today. 25 Sept is the AGM.     


St Luke’s DCC on Thursday 16 October at 7:30 pm - meet in the Hall Lounge


Altar Servers: our faithful and long-serving team at St Luke’s does a grand job but needs some new members. Please think about whether you can help on a rota basis and talk to the Churchwardens or clergy if you are interested. 

A big welcome to Fr Phelim, Annette, Fiachra and Eoin as they begin their new life and ministry in Canton.  We wish them a warm welcome and much joy for the future.  

Fr Phelim was licensed by Bishop David Wilbourne in a service at St John's on Tuesday 2 September.  The whole service went very well and many parishioners and visitors found it a very moving and inspiring act of worship.  Thanks to all those who contributed in any way to the service and refreshments (especially those who donated the wonderful cakes).