In this edition of ‘Getting to know’, we hear Bethan and Richard Jones’ stories and what keeps them going in a small rural chapel in north-east Wales. Familiar to many in the Baptist family in North Wales, we started by asking both about their journeys to faith…
Lovely to meet you, Bethan and Richard! Can you share with us some of both of your faith journeys?
Bethan: I grew up in a very happy chapel and church community, going to Ainon, Dolywern (Baptist) and to churches of other denominations with various family members! The ecumenical impulse has always been strong in me as a result.
Richard: I was also brought up in a Christian family, and I was baptized under the ministry of the Rev Gwilym Tilsley in Rhyl. I was encouraged to play the organ from a young age, and the Welsh hymns have always been an influence on me. I had a wider experience of Christian faith when I was a student in Manchester, where I had the opportunity to attend the church which was part of the hall of residence.
You’re involved in all sorts of things in your community – can you give us a taste?
Bethan: I’m now secretary of Seion United Church, in Glyn Ceiriog! I’m a teacher by vocation and I’ve always enjoyed working with children. I help with the local Eisteddfodau, run a Sunday School in our chapel and organize our family services.
Richard: I’m also a teacher. I was led a few years ago to train as a visiting preacher and since then I have served in churches across all the Welsh denominations and find real satisfaction in doing so. That’s us sounding the ecumenical note again!
What encouragements do you experience on a regular basis in your faith?
Bethan: Maybe it’s the way people collaborate locally? We have a real team of people involved in the work of the church, people with different abilities contributing, and that’s true of our services and the Sunday School – even though we don’t have a minister. I would say that the faithfulness of our members really encourages me. Hopefully as we sow seeds that we will see them bearing fruit over time!
Richard: I’m currently really looking forward to the privilege of playing the organ at the National Eisteddfod’s Cymanfa Ganu in August! That closes a circle for me as Gwynfor Jones, my first organ teacher, from the chapel of my upbringing did the same thing at the 1985 Rhyl Eisteddfod. I have been immersed, to be honest, in our hymn tradition – the Welsh one and beyond (Bach etc.). There are real treasures there and it gives me another dimension to my faith, which is very important.
Thank you both, and every blessing on your diligent work and on the life of Seion United Church in Glyn Ceiriog.
You can follow and hear what is going on in the life of Seion United Church on their Facebook page (Welsh-language): Eglwys Unedig Seion Glyn Ceiriog