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A Christmas Message from the Rev. John Binny, Vicar of Pentyrch with Capel Llanilltern.

Dear Friends,
One thing the Christmas story is genuinely and obviously about is peace. Everyone wants peace, but what is this peace which is the object of our deepest longing?
   Peace often refers to the cessation or resolution of  hostilities. All through this year Iraq has been in our thoughts and prayers and the hopes of 2003 have yet to be realised with conflict, terrorism and bloodshed contributing to continuing instability as various factions vie against each other, whilst the appointed government leaders, the leaders of other nations and armed forces strive to work for peace. In Iraq as in some other conflicts in history, when there has been a pause in fighting, often this peace has been temporary - it slips away and has to be won again. We continue to pray for Iraq, its people and all working for permanent peace and stability.
   Secondly there is the peace of escape or retreat. At times we feel things are getting on top of us and we want to get away from it all - have a break. In the midst of preparations for Christmas we may long to have time to ourselves to pause - have some peace. Very commendable and beneficial if it is possible but, of course we do have to return to the busy-ness of our lives.
   The Christmas gift of peace is the gift of God's presence and purpose in Jesus Christ. At the first Christmas God Himself became one of us that we might for ever be one with Him and with each other. The Christmas promise is peace to people of good will. So the angels sang, and so it must always be. Without sincere and active goodwill in people's lives there can be no peace worth the name. Peace comes when we have made room for it in our noisy and crowded lives and that we can do by turning out as many as we can of our mutual suspicions, prejudices, ancient feuds, grudges and fears. And we do this by the overwhelming pressure of new faith, a new hope, a new good will, a new spirit striving to enter in.
   We can reflect on the love and peace in that stable in Bethlehem on the first Christmas night - peace in the hearts of Mary and Joseph, the peace of the Christ - Child. In His Ministry, His death and resurrection Jesus showed the love of God for each one of us and in

Jesus people knew the peace of God He brought to their lives. As we make room for Jesus in our lives we know His presence is with us always. The Christmas story means God has got involved in our lives. Jesus is Emmanuel - God with us always.
   We pray for peace in our world, peace in our lives and the lives of all people, and we thank God for the gift of His Son, the Prince of Peace, to fill our hearts that we may know His love with us this Christmas time and always.
   A very happy and peaceful Christmas and New Year to you all.

John W. Binny
Vicar of Pentyrch
with Capel Llanilltern.

Because of the high demand for grants the application for Heritage Lottery Funding for the Church Hall which is widely used by the community during the week as well as for Parish Worship at 10.30am on the first Sunday of each month, was, unfortunately, unsuccessful.
   Work on the Church Hall will proceed according to available funds with quotations obtained for necessary repairs. Further applications for grants and fund-raising events to raise money will continue. The support of the communities is greatly appreciated.
   The Good News Coffee Morning is held on the 3^rd Saturday of each month at the Hall from 10.00am to noon - all are welcome.
   Tesco Extra of Talbot Green kindly supported the Restoration Appeal as Community Project in 2004, generously providing raffle prizes, tickets to be sold in store and the licence to sell them by parishoners on various weekend, for which everyone is extremely grateful.
   Over the first weekend in May 2005 it is intended to hold a Sponsored Bible Reading in St. Catwg's Church, Pentyrch for the Restoration Appeal. If any individuals or organisations, possibly reading in a block, are willing to participate, reading in English or Welsh, please contact Rev. John Binny, tel 029 20890318. The Assistant Bishop of Llandaff, the Right Reverend David Yeoman has kindly agreed to take part.

We are pleased to report that the Good News Coffee Shop held in Creigiau Church Hall on the third Saturday of each month from 10.00 am to noon is continuing to flourish. The number of people calling in for coffee usually averages about forty plus and you can tell everyone is enjoying themselves by all the chattering going on.
   We are now attracting a few people who have a sales table every month which is adding to the interest. The Creigiau Companions will be manning a sales table in November selling hand made Christmas gifts, the proceeds of which will be donated to the Church Hall Restoration fund.
   We are always pleased to see new faces and for £1.00 you will be hard pressed to find a better cup of coffee anywhere and you will certainly not be served by a waitress half as pretty and pleasant as our resident waitress Rosie! Why not come along and see for yourself, we look forward to meeting you.

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