All you need is love! The Beatles’ song ‘All you need is love’ is very fitting in this month, as we mark St Valentines's Day. If love is all we need, what does real love look like? Paul describes it like this: ‘Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonour others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.’ (1 Corinthians 13: 4-8). Love is unconditional: The agenda of one bride on her wedding day was ‘aisle-altar-hymn’ (think about it!). Entering into love on the basis of changing the other person is dangerous! Paul talks about loving unconditionally, rooted in our experience of God’s love through Christ for us: ‘We love, because he first loved us.’ (1 John 4:19). Love is forgiving: According to the film Love Story, ‘Love means never having to say you’re sorry.’ This is rarely true in our experience! According to Paul, love is saying you are sorry and hearing that you are forgiven. Love ‘keeps no record of wrongs’ (5). We can only forgive as God forgives us, and who does so from the arms of Jesus stretched wide in love on the Cross. Love is sacrificial: Paul describes love as not selfish or self-seeking, but selfless and self-sacrificial. It is a love that puts the needs of the other person first. Take the words from 1 Corinthians and instead of the word love, substitute your own name. Now substitute the word Jesus. This is the Jesus who is available to you to make your love for others grow that will bring true Valentine's joy! Taken from the Parish Pump website Advance notice: There will be a combined issue of the magazine for May/June this year, so please can you send any articles or notices in by April 16 th. Editor.

St. Mary’s News

Compline will be held in the Parish Room during Lent at 7.00pm on Wednesday evenings starting on the 17th February. Mothering Sunday – We welcome any children who would like to take part in the Family Service on March 6th at 9.30am. Please contact Ceris on 01554 890975 so that arrangements can be made for rehearsals. Plant Dewi – £454.00 was the total amount of money sent to Plant Dewi for 2015. This was a combination of the Yellow Box collection and the Christingle service collections. Thanks to everyone who supported us. Real Easter Egg 2016 Campaign We will be ordering eggs again this year – if you would like to order any, please sign the list at the back of St. Mary's – orders have to be in no later than Friday 26th February. Eggs are £3.99 for the Original and £9.99 for the Special Edition. Rota for St. Mary’s Sidespersons 9.30am 07/02/16 Mandy Jones/Lynne Davies 14/02/16 Alice Denman/Maureen James 21/02/16 Christine Hughes/Liz Antoniazzi/John Farr-Davies 28/02/16 Heather Davies/Yvonne Evans 06/03/16 Audrey Lyon/Geoff Davies St. Mary’s Flower list No flowers during Lent “The Friends of St. Mary's” The “Friends”first meeting of the new year will be on Monday 8 th of February 2016 at 7.00pm in the Parish Room. The committee recently purchased two engraved larch wood planters, to house the flower containers planted and donated by the Cydweli Allotment Society, to whom we are grateful for their contribution in enhancing the entrance to the church porch with seasonal plants.

St. Mary’s Church Floodlighting We thank all our sponsors for their support 07/02/16 Loving and cherished birthday memories of a much loved father, forever in my thoughts, and with much love as always, Enid. 08/02/16 Cherished birthday memories of Eric Gwynfor, from loving daughter Gwyneth, Alan, Ann, and families. 09/02/16 Er cof annwyl am Auntie Mary, a fu farw ar y 9ed o Chwefror 2005. Gweld dy eisiau yn fawr, yr oeddet fel mam i mi. Cariad Ieuan, Julian, a Juliette. Xxx 11/02/16 Atgofion cynnes am Auntie Decima, a fu farw ar yr 11eg o Chwefror 2009. Melys yw'r cofion amdanat. Cariad wrth Derek, a Ieuan. xx 12/02/16 Many blessings, Glenda, on your special birthday. Treasured memories of Summer School. Rosemary. 15/02/16 Loving memories of Ken, a dear husband, father-in-law, and grandad, on the anniversary of his passing. Always in our thoughts, Mair, Linda, Mark, and Amy. 19/02/16 Cherished and very happy birthday memories of a much loved brother, and uncle. Forever in our thoughts, with much love as always, Enid, Denise, and Jason. Gardening Notes – Audrey writes: I am beginning to think that we will soon all be creating Bog Gardens! but then over the years I have been persuaded by the weather forecasters that drought resistant plants should be grown or rain tolerant, even tropical plants was recommended one year. I have learnt to ignore them and look for plants suitable for conditions in our garden wherever it may be. In sandy, drier Surrey, the plants we grew were unsuitable for Wales, whilst here I delight in growing plants that struggled before – e.g. Astilbe, hydrangeas, olicentra, hardy geranium, geum, ferns etc. Best of all we never have to put up with a brown parched lawn, whilst faced with a hose pipe ban! I don't really suggest a bog garden but grow plants that thrive in damp conditions above and below ground. Happy gardening! There is a plant for every condition wherever we live.

7-14 National Marriage Week – we will be having a display in church 'Marriage – then & now'. If you have any photos or memorabilia please bring them to church by the 3rd February. 10th February - Our meeting this month is at 7.00pm when we will be holding the AGM. If you haven't paid your subs yet for this year please let Alice have the £17 as soon as you can. 23-25 Wave of Prayer – Our time is Wednesday 24 th February between 1011am Sick visiting – Christine Hughes (890235) has taken on the role of visiting coordinator, so if you feel you can offer some time to visit any of our parishioners do get in touch with her so that dates and times can be organised. Make a Mother's Day Appeal – Leaflets are available at the back of St. Mary's if you would like to take part in this appeal. Taken from Traditional Fare of England and Wales, Vanessa Grasso shares this with us for Valentine's Day. Apple Pudding -To four spoonsful of apples, put 4 eggs, 2 spoonsful of grated biscuit, a little lemon chopped small, nutmeg, ginger, and sugar to taste, 2 or 3 spoonsful of thick cream, one spoonful of clarified butter, one spoonful of brandy or white wine, and candied peel cut very thin. Mix all together and line the dish with puff paste and bake in a moderate oven for one hour. Kisses -To one dark piece of shady lane add a little moonlight; take for granted two people. Press in two strong ones a small, soft hand. Sift lightly two ounces of attraction, one of romance, add a large measure of folly; stir in a floating ruffle and one or two whispers. Dissolve half a dozen glances in a well of silence, dust in a small quantity of hesitation, once ounce of resistance, two of yielding, place the kisses on a flushed cheek or two lips, flavour with a slight scream, and set aside to cool. This will succeed in any climate if the directions are carefully followed. To make Burnt Cream (1762) Boil 1 pint of cream with sugar and a little lemon peel shred fine, then beat the yolks and whites of 4 eggs separately, when your cream is cooled put in your eggs with a spoonful of orange-flower water and one of fine flour, set it over the fire and keep stirring it till it is thick. Put into a dish, when it is cool.

“Ail Gyfle” Cancer Appeal Committee. The successful Christmas coffee morning held in November 2015, raised a total of £954.00. Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the overwhelming outcome of this event. The committee extend their appreciation to Mr. Rhidian Griffiths, and staff of the Cydweli Pharmacy, for their donation of £70.00, generated by them wearing their Christmas jumpers during the period leading up to Christmas, and also in doing so, promoting public awareness of the efforts of the “Second Chance Cancer Appeal”. Substantial donations have been presented to numerous charities and causes during the past 11 years, since the inception of the appeal in 2004. The total donated to date is £64,750-00. An update of monies allocated by the “Second Chance Cancer Appeal” committee is as follows: £6,000-00 Breast Care Centre Llanelli. £11,500-00 Chemotherapy Unit West Wales Hospital. £6,500-00 Urology Dept. for renal & prostate cancer, W. W.Hosp. £2,000-00 Intensive Care Unit, West Wales Hospital. £1,500-00 Colo-rectal Cancer Unit, West Wales Hospital. £7,000-00 Tŷ Bryngwyn Hospice, Llanelli. £5,000-00 Tŷ Cymorth Hospice, Carmarthen. £1,500-00 Tŷ Hafan, Childrens Hospice, Sully. £2,500-00 South Wales Institute for Cancer Research. £5,000-00 Chemotherapy Unit, Singleton Hospital, Swansea. £1,000-00 Minafon Surgery, Cydweli. £3,000-00 Plastic Surgery Unit, Morriston Hospital, Swansea. £3,000-00 Pancreatic Cancer Unit, Morriston Hospital. £1,250-00 Pancreatic Cancer Research, via Shan Cothi. £8,000-00 Teenage Cancer Unit, University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff. A sincere thanks to everyone who has supported our fundraising events during the last 11years. Special gratitude to the minimal committee members of the appeal, for their commitment and diligence in ensuring great achievements. Diolch o galon i bawb am eich cefnogaeth ar hyd yr amser, pan yn cynnal achlysuron i godi arian ar gyfer elusennau yng ngorllewin, a de Cymru. Ieuan Hughes. Cadeirydd,/ Chairman.

What’s On in February 2016 Tŷ Golau Health and Well-being facility for people aged 50+ meets every Wednesday morning between 10.00am-12 noon in the Morfa Chapel Vestry. Kidwelly’s community toe nail cutting clinic has now moved from the Gwenllian Centre to the Morfa Vestry. Clinics are held on an appointment basis Tuesday mornings, once every 6 weeks (at present). For further details or to make an appointment, please phone Debra Byers on 07968553634 or 01554-744896.

Kidwelly Welfare Committee Coffee Mornings this month in Kidwelly Rugby Club at 10.30am are on 9th February and 23rd February. Kidwelly Tea Dance Club – Tea Dance Dates for February at the Princess Gwenllian Centre in Hillfield Villas Kidwelly SA17 4UL between 2pm-4pm – everyone welcome* Easy Parking* Charity Raffle* *Entrance Fee £3.00 to include refreshments Tuesday 2nd February & Tuesday 16th February Gardening Club meet at 7.30pm in Kidwelly Rugby Club on Thursday 18th February – speaker to be confirmed. Leap Year – 29th February 2016 brings us a Leap Year. We need to add this extra day every four years in order to keep our calendar in alignment with the Earth’s revolutions around the Sun. The problem is very simple: our calendar has 365 days, but it actually takes 365.242199 days (a tropical year) to circle once around the Sun. That means we are ‘out’ by nearly six hours a year. Four times six hours is 24 hours hence an extra day every four years. Adding the extra day in February goes back to Julius Caesar in 45 BC. In his Julian Calendar, February was the last month of the year, and 24th February was Leap Year Day. Does anyone have an anniversary or birthday on the 29 th February – share how you celebrate an anniversary date that comes round only every four years….

Kidwelly News Mothering Sunday in St. Mary's – Sunday March 6th There will be children's participation in this year's Mothering Sunday service at 9.30am. If there are any children interested in joining in let us know so that rehearsals can be arranged. Contact Ceris Harries on 890975. Kidwelly Senior Citizens Well, it all seems so long ago now! Our meal at the Red Lion, Llandyfaelog, was a great success, especially the appearance of the “Look a Like” Beatles aka Pat, Jeanette, Ieaun and Bobbie. Hilarious! The stall at the Christmas lights turn on brought in a profit of £38. Well done to Bobbie and her team. Two trips we enjoyed in December were to Bath for the Christmas market and also to the Victorian tour of Picton Castle, followed by lunch and shopping at the Vincent Davies department store at Haverfordwest. At our December meeting, the Mayor commended the committee for all their hard work throughout the year, with setting up meetings and arranging trips, and for the way all members give support to each other and to other groups. She kindly gave a donation of £50 from the Mayor's Charity which Bobbie accepted with our appreciation and thanks. The raffle winners were Maureen James, Elizabeth Jones, Eve Jones and Janet Davies. Bingo winners were Ann Burt, Marlene Leadbeater and Ann Thorburn. The next meeting will be on Wednesday 3rd February, 2pm at the Rugby Club. Kidwelly library -Library hours at the Gwenllian Centre are Mondays 10.00am to 1.00pm and Wednesdays 1.00 to 5.00pm. Should anyone have suggestions for alternative days and times, please call in at the Hall. Volunteers are also needed in order to extend opening hours. Books on display are available out of hours by using the self-service facility in the foyer. Barnardos – With thanks to all who supported the Hollyberry Lunch in December at the Red Lion, Llandyfaelog. We have been able to send £1200 to Cardiff for the vital work that Barnardos provides. Keeping in our prayers all those parishioners who are unwell either at home or in hospital at this time. God of healing and hope, send your Holy Spirit to comfort all who are in need. Amen.

Newyddion St. Maelog News St. Ishmael's YFC held their Christmas party on 27th December at Mynyddygarreg Rugby Club, Everyone had to dress up as the first initial of their name. The winners were: Best dressed club leader: Alan Jones, who came as an Arab. Best dressed female: Celyn Yate as Cleopatra Best dressed male: Gethin Walters as a Grandad If anyone would like to join St. Ishmael's YFC please contact Bethan Phillips on 07900901606 or Rhys Griffiths on 07875615737. Clwb Gwawr Ar 8fed o Mis Ionawr, oedd Parti Nadolig a Cyfle i gwneud cocktails yn Tafarn Lorenzo Caerfyrddin. Oedd y bwyd yn blasus iawn a cocktails yn hyfryd. Mis Chwefor noson saethu laser a golf. Mis Mawrth noson Gymreig-gwahodd Clybiau eraill. Cysylltwch a Llinos Jones, Ystradferthyr are 07791857461 am fanylion pellach. Clwb Cant 100 Club The winners of the Christmas draw were: 1st. Haf Jones £60 2nd Owen Jones £40 3rd Dilys Rees £20 th 4 Kath Williams £10. Short Mat Bowls The club meets on Monday and Wednesday at 7.30pm in Llandyfaelog Hall. All enquiries to Caroline Stiles on 01267 267 245. Rotas for February 2016 Flowers – February Mrs Bethan Thomas, Llancwm – No flowers in Lent Sidespersons February 7th Helen Davies & Ronald Thomas Nia February 14th Richard Thomas February 21st Kath Williams & David Thomas Iwan th February 28 Ronald Thomas March 6th Sarah Walters & Alan Jones Caryl Servers Bell-ringers February 7th Nia Helen February14th Graham February 21st Iwan Neil th February 28 Helen March 6th Caryl Graham

Newyddion St. Teilo News The Annual Lighting Ceremony which took place at the Hall in December saw a large crowd gather to sing carols around the tree and enjoy mulled wine and mince pies provided free by the Hall committee. Sion Corn paid a visit and a surprise guest was Mrs Sion Corn aka Peggy Davies who ably assisted Sion Corn in meeting the youngsters with their wish lists. Ysgol Mynyddygarreg had a most enjoyable end of term round of activities, and pupils are now settling in to schoolwork and welcoming back Mrs Davies from her leave. Family and friends who attended the Christingle service held at Sant Teilo enjoyed a beautiful service of carols and readings from the children, and a talk given by the Rev Philip John. Only Mynydd Aloud were the guests at Clwb Cinio Bro Gwenllian’s Annual Christmas Dinner, under the baton of Ioan Hefin , accompanied by Geraint Rees. Mansel Thomas also offered readings and the group wish to thank Clwb Cinio for their warm and generous welcome. Penblwydd Hapus i John Richards, Heol y Meinciau, ar ddathlu Penblwydd arbenning mis diwetha’. Hwyl fawr a iechyd da am y dyfodol John. Llongyfarchiadau mawr i Marc a Beth Lewis ar enedigaeth eu plentyn cyntaf, Millie Beatrice ar Ddydd Nadolig, dyddiad arbennig iawn. Dymuniadau gorau oll i chi fel teulu oddiwrth eich ffrindiau i gyd yn y pentre. Sympathy is extended to Mrs Nanette Jones and daughter Catrin, of Haulfryn, Carmarthen Road, on the recent death of Dr Martyn Jones, who for many years served the community as a respected General Practitioner. We remember them in our prayers. The Nativity - Eglwys Sant Teilo members were delighted to receive a beautiful gift of a hand knitted nativity set during the Christmas season from Mrs. Yvonne Evans. This will be brought out each Advent for years to come, and as last year, will be hosted by Ysgol Mynyddygarreg for a period, to the delight of the young pupils. All members at Sant Teilo wish to sincerely thank Yvonne for this generous gesture and appreciate the work and imagination she has put into the set. It will be treasured. Diolch yn fawr.

We also would like to wish Yvonne our get well wishes. Flower List February Avril Morris

March

LENT

YSGOL MYNYDDYGARREG NEWS Pupils are settling in to schoolwork in a new term following the excitement of Christmas and loads of special festive activities. Last term's diary included a Children in Need day when pupils and staff came to school in fancy dress, with a cake stall and various activities raising £112 for the appeal. Pupils took part in the Urdd Swimming Gala at Llanelli whilst pupils of Years 3 and 4 took part in a Netball skills day. They also went to Ffos Las Racecourse to help “The Woodland Trust” plant trees, which will form part of a new local wood at Carway called ‘Coed Ffos Las’, a scheme which is being created to commemorate the centenary of the First World War. Years 5 and 6 were invited to the science laboratory at Ysgol Gyfun y Strade, where they took part in scientific experiments. The school took part in a ‘Wobbly Wednesday’, a day which raises awareness of the condition Nystagmus, with a special service for the occasion and activities to help understand the condition. Congratulations to Llew Owen on winning two prizes at Llandyfaelog Eisteddfod. Da iawn Llew. “Trim y Mynydd” choir visited Asda store, Llanelli, Christmas time, where they delighted shoppers with lovely Carols. Years 1-6 visited the Millennium centre in Cardiff to see the show “Shrek the Musical”, and of course, a wonderful time was had by all. Congratulations to Rhys Davies who came third in the Town Mayor’s Christmas Card competition and congratulations also to the successful pupils in the Cydweli schools who feature on the card. Well done all. The School’s Christmas Concert was a performance of “The Greatest Story of All” and it was held at Capel Horeb. Following this, the pupils entertained The Senior Citizens at their annual Christmas party held at the Neuadd. Each pupil was rewarded with sweets and a money gift. And this month’s ‘Value of the Month’ is CYFRIFOLDEB / RESPONSIBILITY. DR. Chocolate in Lent

Parish Readings for February 2016 7 February The Sunday before Lent/Transfiguration Sunday Eucharist/Morning Prayer Exodus 34. 29-35; Psalm 91.1-11; Romans 10.8b13; Luke 4.1-13 Readers: St. Mary's Olivia Walters St. Maelog Helen Davies St. Teilo Jayne Roberts Evensong Psalm 119. 73-88; John 3; Luke 18.9-14 Reader: Kath Nicholas 14 February The First Sunday of Lent Eucharist/Morning Prayer: Deuteronomy 26.1-11; Psalm 91.1-11; Romans 10.8b-13; Luke 4.1-13 Readers: St. Mary's Brian Lewis - Cymun Cymraeg Christine Hughes St. Maelog Richard Thomas Evensong Psalm 119.73-88; Jonah 3; Luke 18.9-14 Reader: Brenda Evans 21 February Lent 2 Eucharist/Morning Prayer: Genesis 15.1-12,17,18; Psalm 27; Philippians 3.17-4.1; Luke 13.31-35 Readers: St. Mary's Pearl Rowland St. Maelog Kath Williams St. Teilo Peggy Davies Evensong Psalm 135; Jeremiah 22.1-9,13-17; Luke 14.27-33 Reader: Ted Rowlands 28 February Lent 3 Eucharist/Morning Prayer: Isaiah 55.1-9; Psalm 63.1-8; 1 Corinthians 10.113; Luke 13.1-9 Readers: St. Mary's Simon White St. Maelog Ronald Thomas Evensong Psalm 12;13; Genesis 28. 10-19a; John 1.35-51 Reader: Catherine Dorn 06 March Lent 4/Mothering Sunday Eucharist/Morning Prayer: 1 Samuel 1.20-28; Psalm 34; 2 Corinthians 1.3-7; Luke 2.33-35 Readers: St. Maelog Sarah Walters St. Teilo Nevin Davies Evensong Psalm 30; Isaiah 40.27-41.13; 2 Timothy 4.1-8 Reader: Brenda Evans