Firstly, may I wish you a very Happy New Year for 2024.

Secondly, as tomorrow, Sunday 31st December is a 'fifth Sunday of the month' there isn't a service in Devauden but there are services elsewhere - a 10am Communion Service at St Christophers in Bulwark (just past the Lidl, if you've never been), and a 10am Communion Service at St Arvans. For those who like to hear, as well as see the New Year in, the bellringers will be at work at both Shirenewton and Mathern churches from 11:30pm.

We have some news which if you weren't able to get to the Christmas Eve service you will not have heard. With Rev. Julian White retiring from Shirenewton, the Ministry Area are changing who leads the services in some parishes. In Devauden, Rev. Philip Averay will be leading one service a month, a family-friendly Communion service, suitable for all ages, with tea & coffee afterwards. He heads out to Australia to visit family later in January, so we decided to swap the services around in January so he could hold one before he hards off.

The other big news is that we have finally raised enough funds to begin repair works on the church - so at some point in the New Year, you will see the scaffolding go up. I'd like to thank everyone who has helped with the fundraising - whether you volunteered your time, wrote out a favourite recipe, bought a cookbook, sponsored a slate, entered a photograph or bought a calendar, you have helped us raise funds, and shown the grant-awarding bodies that the community cares about the church building. Without that support the repairs would not be possible. Thank you!

I do have a few copies of the Devauden Calendar left, if you would like one, please reply to this email & I can sort it out.

Services
Sunday 7th January - 4pm - the first all-age communion service led by Rev. Philip Averay *yes, this is different to the calendar... my apologies!
Sunday 21st January - 9am - Family Service led by Gay