Margam Calling

The Margam Calling project has now been launched. This intergenerational service with a modern twist is becoming established at St Theodore’s Church, Kenfig Hill. We are seeing a wide range of people attending the fortnightly services, from across the Margam Ministry Area and further afield. To date we are attracting an average of 40+ individuals of all ages attending. We are building up a regular following as well as seeing new people every two weeks.

A regular band of musicians is available for the services, sourced locally, but we have also had other musicians leading the worship who have come from Cardiff. Other roles to support the project have been filled by volunteers from other churches in the Ministry Area. These include welcomers, volunteers who prepare and serve the refreshments, those who man the sound desk, musicians and worship leader. A volunteer has been found to manage the Margam Calling social media accounts.

Each Margam Calling service begins at 5.30 p.m. with coffee and cake which is free. This is an opportunity for people to socialize and get to know each other. Worship begins at 6.00 p.m. with prayer from the worship leader, this is followed by the band leading the singing of worship songs. The reading of a biblical text is followed by a themed short talk. The service ends with the singing of more songs. After the service all are encouraged to stay for pizza and drinks, for which a small donation is asked.

A wide range of merchandise promoting the Margam calling brand has been produced, including t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, greetings card, coasters and wrist bands. It is planned to take Margam Calling out into the community. In June there will be a Community Festival week taking place in Kenfig Hill, organized by the local Community Council. Margam Calling is planning on having a stall at the “Party on the Pitch”, a community fun day which takes place on Kenfig Hill rugby club field.

It was always intended that the Margam Calling service would eventually offer a eucharist. This will take place, beginning shortly after Easter. Plans are also underway for the launch of Margam Calling Juniors in St David’s Church, Nottage.

The establishment of Margam Calling was only possible with the financial support of a number of funders – the James Pantyfedwen Foundation being one. We also had support from the Mission Fund of the Diocese of Llandaff and the Bishop Radford Trust as well as the Margam Ministry area. The Margam Ministry Area Council has approved a budget for the coming year for mission work throughout the Ministry Area, which includes Margam Calling.