Church

The Church of St Cynidr and St Mary can be found in Aberyscir at the end of a lane leading south off the Cradoc to Trallong road. It sits just across the river Yscir from the remains of the old Roman fort – Y Gaer. It is likely that there has been a place of worship on this site since soon after the Romans left and a church here for perhaps 1500 years. The present building dates from around 1860; a simple building but many visitors comment on its peaceful atmosphere conducive to prayer and mindfulness.

 

We are a small congregation some of whom have celebrated many landmark moments in their lives in this building and have relatives buried in the churchyard – but we aren’t drawn here just to reflect on the past.

 

We meet on one Sunday each month to celebrate and to find joy in the present and a hope for the future. We celebrate our belief in a Creator God who has given us such a beautiful place in which to live as well as the responsibility to care for it and for each other. Our response to God’s love for us is to try to love one another and, in so doing, find joy in the present and hope for the future.

 

Services

Currently we hold a service once a month, usually on the second Sunday of the month at 11am. It is sometimes a Eucharist, or Communion, service when we are led by one of the priests who look after the wider Ministry Area of Brecon and Epynt of which we are a part. On other occasions it is a service of Morning Prayer, also known as Mattins. We are lucky enough to have an organist who can lead us in singing well-known hymns.

 

The service is followed by a ‘cuppa and a chat’ – a time to catch up with your neighbours. Many of the congregation then go on up to Cradoc Golf Club where we have Sunday lunch together.

 

We also celebrate the major festivals of Christmas (with a traditional carol Service), Easter and Harvest as well as Remembrance Sunday so, even if you are not a regular church goer, perhaps you would like to join us on these special occasions. You can always be confident of having a friendly welcome.

On the other Sundays many of us attend church elsewhere either within the area. St. Mary’s, in the town centre, holds a communion service every Sunday morning at 9.30am followed by refreshments. There, too, the congregation is growing.

 

 Maintaining the Church Building

We are fortunate that the Church is quite a simple building, almost chapel-like, without towers, spires, or huge stone windows. This makes the structure easier to look after, but at the same time, the building lacks any exciting or rare architectural features which would attract visitors and funds.

Our maintenance policy is to keep working away steadily at whatever needs doing most, but is within reach of our finances.

 

The Future

The future is uncertain, not least because the building doesn’t lend itself to anything other than acts of worship. But the Church is not just a building, it is the community of people who assemble there and that community in Aberyscir has welcomed new members recently who do more together than worship. We enjoy each other’s company and draw strength from each other which helps us to show in our daily lives a little of God’s love for His world. To quote a hymn: “The angels cannot change a world of hurt and pain, the task is ours to do. Help us to do His will”.

 

However, there is no doubt that we are facing an uphill task, not just to keep St Cynidr and St Mary open, but in a much more important fight – to keep Christianity alive, and visibly so, in this small part of Wales. If you are concerned that we, and our children, should be able to live with Christian values, if you want the Church to be there for you and your relatives – you can help. First and foremost by joining the congregation but also…..

Finances
This is the worrying part. There is no doubt that our finances are deteriorating.  We have done all we can by way of covenants, standing orders, gift aid etc. but income is declining while costs, as everywhere else, are increasing. We need to take a serious look into the future.

 

How Can You Help?
Join the Congregation – What we should like more than anything else is your presence at services in the Church.

Help with Finances – What we need is regular income that can be relied upon. We are, of course, a charity, and compared with the big charitable organisations are requirements are infinitesimal. This means that only small sums can transform our finances. If you have read this far, and would like to help, the most useful donation is in the form of a Gift – Aided standing order on your bank. Some of our supporters give £10 a month, some contribute on a quarterly, or annual basis. Of course, one -off donations are just as welcome. Whatever you do, you can be assured of our grateful appreciation.

If you decide that you would like to help or would like further information please contact the Church Warden – Huw Marshall, 5 The Pool, Cradoc, Brecon LD3 9NY or email: rhmarshall@hotmail.co.uk