There are 36 churches that are part of the West Glamorgan Association, and the area includes the Afan, Neath, Tawe and Amman valleys and their communities, as well as its only city, Swansea.
The condition of many of the churches is fragile, but perseverance and resilience are part of their nature, and there is a genuine effort to take hold of the future to ensure a Christian witness. The association has an experienced and active executive committee that discusses matters and, in turn, holds Quarterly Meetings in the churches. The current secretary, Gareth Richards, took up the role in 2021 following the loss of Wendy Ellis.
Enthusiastic chairs
Ann Davies of Bethel, Sketty, carried the responsibilities of the secretary while she was chair before handing over to Dr Christian Williams of Penclawdd in June 2022. During this period the Association received a generous donation from Ebenezer, Cwmtwrch, at the time of its closure, to be used to support local churches to innovate. Christian led the campaign and set firm guidelines, emphasising the use of new technology to help congregations embrace the use of the internet, television screens, and sound equipment to enhance services. In addition, churches were encouraged to modernise their buildings to attract new audiences.
The response was very positive, with numerous applications for funding for kitchen and sanitation facilities, as well as television screens, computers, sound equipment and noticeboards. Eleven projects were supported, and a total of £85,000 was spent from the Ebenezer fund. The careful treasurer, John Williams, worked diligently to record and ensure accuracy in all transactions. The popular GP and politician Dr Dai Lloyd became chair in 2024, and the plans to support the churches continued.
Promoting literature
Following a visit by Rev. Aled Davies from the Sunday Schools Council, an application was supported to provide volumes for local churches for use by members when preparing services. Eight churches received these valuable volumes. Thanks to Aled for the deal! In addition, to promote the work of the Union and support Y Tyst, the Association supported a campaign to distribute the weekly paper among churches. At the start of the year, ten churches received a total of 70 copies of Y Tyst. Perhaps this initiative is an idea for other associations in Wales?
Activity
A visit by the Urdd Eisteddfod, “Dur a Môr,” to the area encouraged members to come together to support the Sunday Schools Council’s tent on the beautiful showground in Margam. Several churches prepared colourful panels showing their activities. Association Sunday is a major event in the calendar, and in recent years services of praise have been held with some of Wales’s notable artists. Lleuwen Steffan, Delwyn Siôn and Gwenan Gibbard led, and a blessing was received as they presented testimony through song and conversation. Dr Dai Lloyd’s term ended with an impactful presentation on the “Street Pastors of Swansea”: volunteers who offer support to vulnerable people on the city’s streets on Friday and Saturday nights. They are there to help those affected by alcohol and drugs, as well as those who are depressed or discouraged.
A new period of innovation
At the end of the presentation, Rev. Rhys Locke was welcomed as chair. Rhys is active in these circles and is a popular minister at Saron, Crynant. His enthusiasm for the gospel is clear, and he is eager to support all the churches of the Association. At the beginning of his term, a Quarterly Meeting was arranged at Bethesda, Cwrt Sart, where all the churches were invited together to discuss the use of the Association’s healthy financial fund and its desire to support churches willing to take risks. “Standing still” is not an option, and despite the weakness of many churches, the Association is ready to offer guidance and support. At the meeting, representatives of churches that had received funding were invited to report on their plans:
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Saron, Crynant – establishing a bilingual nursery group (Saron Tots) and inviting families to join. Despite initial disappointment, it is now very successful. On average, 15 families attend each week, and it provides a safe place for parents and babies. The chapel’s women are responsible for the initiative. There is also a new initiative to start a “Baby Bank” to support young families in need.
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Bethesda, Cwrt Sart – free monthly Saturday breakfast meetings with regular speakers. This is a growing initiative as more local people support the meetings.
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Alltwen Chapel – television screens to display hymns and images during services.
After this, the audience was divided into three groups to discuss how the Association’s grant funding could benefit the churches. After twenty minutes, the following conclusions were reached:
- Support fragile churches with maintenance costs
- Consider employing a development/promotion/youth worker for the whole Association, a group of churches, or an individual church
- Reach out to the community through events such as breakfast clubs, children’s reading clubs, and Christmas dinners
- Offer support in preparing advertising leaflets and banners
The work is only just beginning. We must take risks and make good use of the funding presented to us.
Gareth Richards
Secretary
