Rivertown United Reformed Church

Next to my patio window I have placed a pot with an azalea in it and over time the top of the soil has filled with moss, that, for ages, I have intended to dig out. I am so pleased that I left it because it has been a source of joy for me. A little wren, one of those shy secretive tiny birds, has been entertaining me for 3 days now pulling and tugging at the moss to line his nest. I did loosen some for him because it seemed such a struggle for him to get even the smallest piece out, but he knew just what he needed and ignored my bits, What do I know about building nests anyway?

Wrens are fascinating birds, the male builds the nests, usually more than one, and then takes the female on a tour of inspection and she picks her favourite. I always feel that it is such a waste of effort for the nest that gets rejected.

Also nesting in the garden we have blackbird, ring collared dove, sparrow and robin, with the crows nesting in an oak tree just beyond the fence.

The wonder of Gods

At the retirement service held for Mrs Flo Buckell at Shotton Baptist Church recently, many memories were recalled. One related by Mrs Buckell concerned her childhood when she was about five years old. She had three brothers and learnt how to play football, cricket, etc.! but her favourite “game” was playing churches. She would follow an order of service, just as she had seen it done in their local chapel.

Complaining to her mother that her brothers wouldn’t join in this game with her, the boys were told that they should share some time with their sister and take part. Having organised them to sit in a row, and having sung a hymn, she then told her brothers that they would pray. She offered up a prayer, and when sheopened her eyes, her brothers had disappeared from sight and were playing their own games outside! (Did this show the power of prayer in a different way?) It obviously didn’t discourage her from becoming the pastor of Shotton Baptist Church in later life, for which many people were thankful. They certainly filled the building and it was a joyous occasion.

Catching the vision in Wales

The Rev. Lloyd Vidler of the Uniting Church in Australia is with our Synod from March to June this year as a theological and mission consultant. He is based in Swansea but will travel all around Wales to observe and listen to us and offer guidance as to how we can best develop our work as some of Christ’s people in Wales.

On Saturday 25th June there will be a “Consultation Day” at Builth Wells when Lloyd will give us a first report. There will also be a bookstall, sales tables, Fairtrade stall, information stands and activities for the children.