On this Valentine’s Day and Ash Wednesday and Half Term, hope you are well and enjoying life. Here is a message from Rev Delphine and an activity to do at home and in the open air.

Message from Rev Delphine

Today is St Valentine‘s Day and everyone has heard of St Valentine, the Patron Saint of loving couples. But have you heard of Saint Dwynwen? Dwynwen was a Welsh Princess who fell in love with a young man, Maelon, but her father, King Brychan Brycheiniog had other ideas, and a different bridegroom in mind. Devastated by this, Dwynwen prayed to God that she could fall out of love with Maelon to ease her pain. In response to this he was made to forget all about her and God promised to protect and look after couples who were truly in love, so that they would not have to suffer the same cruel separation that Dwynwen and Maelon suffered. Dwynwen remained unmarried the rest of her life, became a hermit on the Island of Llanddwyn, Anglesey where a church was built in her name. She became the Welsh St Valentine, with her day being 25th January.

This is a lovely but sad myth, a story, a legend surrounding the real Welsh Princess, but the love of God for us is no myth, it is for real and in return He asks us to love Him and care for others especially if they are unhappy and in need.

Happy Valentine’s Day!
Activity- Heart Shaped WindowYou may have made some heart shaped cards for Valentine’s Day so grab a piece of card in your favourite colour and cut out a large heart shape. Add the text “Thank you God for ….” at the top and “Amen” at the bottom. Now you can take your heart shaped window anywhere and just pause and say thank you to God for all his wonderful gifts to us. In the example attached the view through the window is of some newly sprung daffodils but you can look at other flowers, birds, animals, trees - see what you can spot! (Thanks to Sunhats & Wellieboots for the idea).
Spring Messy ChurchOur next Messy Church session is planned for Saturday 20th April so please Save the Date- more information to come nearer the time.Best Wishes from Eleanor, Delphine and the Acton & Bednall Messy Church Team