What's On...
Here is your weekly update from the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area for the week of 22nd February 2026
A Lenten reflection for our Ministry Area and for those looking in. The cliffs around us still carry winter’s colours. The trees are empty lacking the colour. The air has that lingering chill although this week we have had that first bit of sunshine. At first glance, everything seems muted. But anyone who has lived through a Welsh spring knows what is happening underground. Bulbs planted months ago are stirring. Roots are stretching into dark soil. Life is gathering strength long before it becomes visible. The daffodils do not begin when we see them, they under the soil, hidden. Its the same with Lent.
Since Ash Wednesday, we have entered this quieter season together. The tone of our worship is simpler. Reverend Emma, Father Edwin and Hannah Seal reflecting weekly on facebook (If you haven't seen it please check that out.) The pace more reflective. Some of us have taken on a Lenten discipline, others are simply trying to be a little more attentive to God.
Wherever you are a regular worshipper, occasional visitor, or someone reading this quietly and anonymously on facebook, this is worth remembering:
Lent is not about grand gestures or big plans. It is about hidden growth.
In the life of the Church in Wales, we are shaped by steady rhythms of prayer, Scripture, and the Eucharist. Week by week, we gather. We listen. We receive. We are sent out again. These may seem like small things. But small things send roots deep. Our patron saint, David of Wales, (Who we will be celebrating this Sunday) urged his people: “Be joyful. Keep the faith. Do the little things.” Lent is full of little things. A prayer offered before the day begins. Choosing patience over irritation. Coming to church even when you feel spiritually flat. Setting aside noise to make space for God. None of this looks like big gestures. But beneath the surface things are moving. You may not feel different this Lent. You may not see obvious change. Growth in God’s kingdom is often invisible before it is visible. The seed buried in the earth looks like nothing until it becomes life. Across Wales, in big city Churches and rural Churches like ours, this quiet faithfulness continues. The wilderness of Lent is not wasted ground. It is preparation for resurrection.
The land may still look grey.
But beneath the surface in this Ministry Area, in your life, in this season it is already green.
Bishop Mary has confirmed that we are to have a Curate. His name is Christoph Auckland, and he and his family will be joining us after his Ordination in June. I ask you all to join me in praying for Christoph as he prepares for the next stage in his journey, praying for him and his family as they all settle in to our Ministry Area, and praying for those who will assist him at this exciting time.
A message from Christoph “I’m delighted to be joining the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area as your new curate. As someone who grew up in a rural coastal community, it’s a real privilege to have been invited by Bishop Mary to serve alongside you and our communities throughout the MA. My family and I are very much looking forward to meeting you all in the coming months. Please do pray for me, my wife Sarah, and our boys Arthur and Bertie as we prepare for this exciting new chapter with you, and join us in praying for the whole Ministry Area.”
World Day of Prayer 2026
The World Day of Prayer is an international ecumenical Christian laywomen's initiative. It is run under the motto "Informed Prayer and Prayerful Action" and is celebrated annually in over 170 countries on the first Friday in March.
This year’s World Day of Prayer will be celebrated at Bethel Chapel in Llantwit Major on Friday 6th March, beginning at 2.30pm. The material this year has been prepared by women’s group in Nigeria, and the theme is, “I will give you rest”, taken from chapter 11 of St Matthew’s Gospel. All are welcome
The Church in Wales since COVID have started to roll out how you can give to your Church making it a lot easier with Gift Direct. Gift Direct allows you to set up a standing order for as little or as much as you like every single month. This can help secure the future of your church by this regular guaranteed giving. See the poster attached or follow this link. Please note when you set this up that you can decide exactly where this money is going.
*Click here*
Easyfundraising help.
Another way you can help without giving money is Glamorgan Heritage Coast Ministry Area is now registered with ‘easyfundraising’, which means you can raise FREE donations for us every time you shop online. Over 7,000 brands will donate to us when you use ‘easyfundraising’ to shop with them – at no extra cost to yourself! Once you have signed up it will happen automatically every time you shop with the chosen brands. For example Amazon.
These donations really mount up and make a BIG difference to us, so we’d really appreciate it if you could take a moment to sign up and support us. It’s completely FREE and only takes a moment.
You can find our ‘easyfundraising’ page
*Click here*
How to Video
*Click here*
Fundraiser
Samaritans Push Up Challenge
Samaritans are running a Push Up Challenge, inviting people to complete 2,000 push-ups by 27th February. 3 intrepid volunteers from our Ministry Area have taken on this challenge; The T-Team comprises Tanya Bhanaut, Tom Farrugia and Fr Edwin are looking fitter by the day, and they are already more than half way towards their fund-raising target of £1,000. The challenge of 2,000 push-ups refers to the 2,000 people across the world who die by suicide every year. In the UK, an average of 125 people end their lives in this way every week… that one person lost every 90 minutes. Samaritans is a national organisation that works hard to provide a listening ear to a support people living with mental anguish, and we have a close partnership with Bridgend Samaritans in our Heritage Coast churches. You can donate using the sponsor forms in our churches, or by using the following QR code. This is a really good cause, and any support you can give will be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Events!
Senedd election Hustings at St Illtud’s Church
We are hosting a Peace Festival in St Illtud’s in Llantwit Major over the few days leading up to St David’s Day (1st March). There is such a lot of conflict in the world at the moment, and this seems like a good time to invite people to pause for a moment, and consider the importance of working for peace, locally, nationally and globally. There will be Prayers for Peace available for private reflection, and there will be 2 main events hosted at St Illtud’s. On the afternoon of Saturday 28th February there will be a People’s Peace Assembly, including contributions from students at Atlantic College, many of whom live in countries at war. This will be an opportunity to hear stories of conflict and resolution,
and to reflect on the opportunities to bring about peace in our own lives and communities. On Sunday 1st March (St David’s Day), we are hosting a Hustings event in St Illtud’s in advance of the Senedd elections in early May. The main political parties have been invited to send candidates to the event, and there is a warm welcome to all local people who would like to attend. There will be a chance to submit questions, and also to reflect some of the themes around peace and reconciliation that have been discussed over the weekend. The Hustings event begins at 3.00pm with music and refreshments, with the questions and discussion starting at 3.30pm for about an hour. The 6 main parties standing for our constituency in the Senedd election in May will be represented at the hustings event. If you have a question that you would like to ask them, please send it to: office@ghcp.church We can’t guarantee that every question will be asked, but we will reflect all the themes that are raised. Please include you name and contact details. Please come a long on the day and join in with this important event.
For additional posters please click here for Peoples People Assembly Poster AND here for the Hustings Poster
Saturday 28th February Llantonian Hall- More in Common have are doing film evenings on the last Saturday of the month. February they are celebrating pride. Tickets only £2.50 so grab your friends and join in.
Click here for poster.
Tuesday 3rd March 2:00pm St Illtuds Church- MU All Welcome. This talk will be about
Ann Griffiths (1776-1805) she is regarded as one of Wales’ greatest hymn-writers. We will
hear of her short life and sing some of her hymns to well-known Welsh tunes. This is arranged by the Mothers Union and open to everyone. There will be refreshments afterwards.
Tuesday 17th March 7:30pm Ewenny Priory Church- Ewenny Arts Festival presents a St Patricks Day Concert with Bridgend Tabernacle Choir and more. Click here for the poster. Tickets are just £10. Available from Samantha B's or Ewenny Pottery.
Friday 20th March at 7.30 Llantonian Hall- Our wonderful mayor is holding a quiz and karaoke night in aid of the Church Restoration Fund. Tickets are £7, which includes a glass of wine/soft drink and nibbles.
Tuesday 14th April- Julie Brown has VERY KINDLY put on a Coach trip to Hay on Wye to raise money for St Illtuds Church. So get your tickets and enjoy a lovely day out. Tickets available at Bardic Books or contact Julie on 07780475877.
Worship Information
Sunday 1st March: David, Patron Saint of Wales
for the readings please click here
8.00am Eucharist at St Illtud’s Church, Llantwit Major
9.30am Eucharist at Ewenny Priory Church
9.30am Eucharist at St Giles Church, Gileston
9.30am Eucharist at St Illtud’s Church (& on Facebook)
9.30am Eucharist at St Michael & All Angels Church, Llanmihangel
11.00am Family Service at St Bridget’s Church, St Brides Major
11.00am Eucharist at St Cattwg’s Church, Llanmaes
11.00am Eucharist at St James Church, Wick
11.15am Prayer & Praise at St Donat's Church, St Donats
Facebook Live link
click here
Morning Prayer: Monday at 9.00am on Zoom.
The meeting code is 592 850 026, and the password is Prayers, or
click on this link to join…
The liturgy for Morning Prayer is available in the worship section of this website.
Prayers for the Parish, led by the Mothers Union on Tuesday at 11.00am.
The Meeting ID: 879 7812 1918 and the password: MU, or
click on this link to join…
Morning Prayer from Wick on Thursday at 8.30am.
The Meeting ID: 872 7024 3106 and the password: James, or
click on this link to join…
If you know of anyone who would like to receive this information each week, please email or call the Parish Office (office@ghcp.church 01446 792439) and we will add them to the distribution list. Of course, if you would prefer not to receive further emails, please let us know.
With our prayers and good wishes,
The GHC Ministry Team
