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‘In world full of fear, do not be afraid’ – The Easter message from Archbishop of Wales
IN A WORLD gripped by fear the message of Easter is “Do not be afraid”, says the Archbishop of Wales.
With major cities on high alert from terrorist attacks and refugees fleeing into Europe, we are living in a climate of fear, says Dr Barry Morgan. Easter, however, tells us not to be afraid as God is with us through it all and calls us to a life which resists violence and degradation.
Dr Morgan says, “Our world seems to be gripped by fear – to begin with there are constant threats of terrorist attacks on virtually every major city across the world. This country and London especially, is on high alert against such a possibility because it is regarded as a prime target. The tragic events in Brussels this week have simply reinforced the terror.
“At the same time, many countries in Europe are fearful of being inundated by refugees and there are plenty of people willing to fuel such fears. And the debate whether to remain or leave the European Union, as far as Britain is concerned, often feeds on people’s fears – fears about sovereignty and not being able to decide Britain’s future and again the financial implications of having to accept more refugees than we can afford.
“Jesus’ constant refrain, echoing the words of God through His messengers from Genesis to Revelation is ‘Do not be afraid’.”
That reassurance, however, doesn’t mean nothing bad will ever happen to us, says the Archbishop, and that we will be safe and immune from danger. He says, “What Christ’s words do mean is that whatever happens to you, God will be with you and God is stronger than anything that can be arraigned against you, even death itself. And that goes to the heart of the meaning of Easter for us as well.
“The message of the Risen Jesus to individuals who are facing incurable illnesses and inevitable death, and to relatives totally bereft after the loss of someone they love deeply, hard though it is at times to believe is that God is there too. It is a much more profound message than, ‘I will make you feel better’ or ‘I will take away your pain or your grief’ because actually that does not happen. What is true is, that in the midst of all the pain and angst of terminal illness and bereavement, God says I will be there too, sustaining, supporting, weeping with you, however terrible you feel and however bleak you feel the outcome may be.”
The Easter message also shows us that the God of Jesus is greater even than death, says the Archbishop. He says, “That does not mean, as one poster I saw last week said, ‘You can live forever because of Easter’ as if death could be bypassed and we simply carried on as if we were immortal but rather that we will all die but the God of Jesus is greater even than death and He will raise us to new life in His presence. He can and does make all things new for us humans and for our world as well.”
We need to live out Christ’s values in all we do: “Since God has given a resounding yes to Jesus’ way of living and dying – the way of forgiveness, compassion, mercy and grace, of not returning violence with violence, of turning the other cheek, of valuing those who are least valued in society because every single human being is made in the image of God and because that is God’s future, we are bidden to begin that kind of life now. Not being afraid means resisting all that enslaves, degrades and dehumanises another human being and doing so non-violently.”
MUSIC lovers can enjoy a wonderful evening of entertainment at Ysgol Greenhill in Tenby next week, featuring talent straight from the West End.
The Denmark Street Big Band will headline the evening on Friday April 4.
The musical extravaganza also marks the launch of the Ysgol Greenhill Theatre to further promote and support the arts at the school and showcase the talents of young people.
The Denmark Street Big Band are a throwback to when exciting big bands electrified audiences and recreates the swinging sounds made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin among many others.
Having performed regularly on the London music circuit, the Denmark Street Band brings its show to Greenhill and will take to the stage with local favourites Tenby Male Voice Choir as part of the Choir’s 50th anniversary celebrations.
A special West End guest will also join the Choir to perform.
The event is also an opportunity to showcase incredible school talent and provide an opportunity for pupils to play alongside professional performers.
A further highlight will be a sneak preview of the return this summer of a major school production, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
This will be the first school production in six years and preparations are in full swing.
The event takes place at Ysgol Greenhill on Friday April 4 from 7pm. Ticket prices are £18 for adults and £16 for concessions.
For tickets, see https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ and search Ysgol Greenhill or contact the school on 01834 840100.
Temporary disruption to services between 8th–28th May
PEMBROKESHIRE Libraries will be upgrading to a new library management system this spring. The switch will affect services between Wednesday, 8th May and Tuesday, 28th May, with temporary disruption to the systems that manage library membership, customer accounts, book loans, item details, and access to digital services.
During this time, the current system will be replaced by a temporary platform provided by the new supplier. While core borrowing services will continue, other services such as:
- Book reservations and requests
- Access to the online catalogue
- Use of self-service machines
…will be unavailable until the transition is complete.
Normal service is expected to resume from Wednesday, 28th May, as libraries begin using the new system.
A new all-Wales library system
Pembrokeshire Libraries has joined the all-Wales Public Library Service consortium, supported by grant funding from the Welsh Government. The change in supplier will not only improve the quality of service for customers but also reduce costs.
Benefits of the new system include:
- A more user-friendly online catalogue
- Better account management tools
- Easier access to e-books, audiobooks, and digital resources
- A new events calendar for library users
There are no plans to close any libraries, including the Mobile Library and Library at Home service, during the transition. However, unstaffed access (Open Plus) at Narberth and Neyland libraries will be unavailable until the upgrade is complete.
You can still borrow books during the changeover, but you must bring your library card, as staff will be unable to access your details manually.
Loan extensions and overdue charges
- Loan due dates between 8th May and 14th June will automatically be extended to Monday, 16th June (or your next library open day).
- No overdue fines will be charged during this period.
- Any existing fines or charges will be carried over to the new system.
- Up to two years of your loan history will be transferred. If you wish to download your full loan history, you must do so by Tuesday, 7th May, via the library webpage:
www.pembrokeshire.gov.uk/libraries-and-culture
Statement from the Council
Cllr Rhys Sinnett, Cabinet Member for Residents’ Services, said: “There will be some disruption to library services as we switch over to the new management system. As our library staff learn new skills, there may also be temporary issues with e-resources, so we kindly ask for your patience.
If customers remember to bring their library card, they can still borrow books as normal. From Wednesday, 28th May, we’ll start using the new and improved system.”
Key dates to remember
- Tuesday, 9th April
Last day to place reservations, stock requests, or inter-library loan requests (including Reading Groups). - Tuesday, 7th May
Last day to use self-service machines and Open Plus unstaffed access.
Final day for courtesy and overdue notices to be sent. - 8th May – 14th June
No items will be due back during this period. All loans will be extended to Monday, 16th June (or next working day). - Wednesday, 28th May
Expected start of new system roll-out (depending on each library’s opening days).
A GROUP of loose horses caused alarm near Pembroke Leisure Centre on Sunday (March 30), prompting a police response and reigniting concerns over the ongoing issue of fly-grazing in Pembrokeshire.
Officers from Dyfed-Powys Police attended the scene to ensure public safety and attempt to secure the animals, which had been spotted wandering in the area.
This latest incident comes amid growing frustrations over repeated occurrences of horses roaming freely on roads and public land, or on private land without the landowner’s permission.
The problem of fly-grazing—where horses are left to graze on land without consent—has become a serious issue across the county, with multiple cases reported in recent months including at St Daniels Hill in Pembroke. In that case, horses were eventually removed following a long struggle by landowner Paul Hay, who said the situation had caused significant distress and called for new legislation to protect the public.
Last month, one local resident reported her father suffered head injuries and wrote off his car after hitting a loose horse on the A477 in the dark. Despite the severity of the incident, no further police action was taken, fuelling anger among residents.
County Councillor Jonathan Grimes has been liaising with local authorities and police in a bid to address the issue, while members of the public have also come forward to share experiences of property damage and road closures.
The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for a statement about the latest incident.
Anyone with concerns about loose horses which may cause a danger to traffic or pedestrians can call the police on 101. In an emergency, always call 999.
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