Llangynidr Village

Llangynidr is a country village across the border in Powys and in the Brecon Beacons National Park. The village sits between the river Usk (crossed here by a narrow stone bridge) and the steep slopes of Llangynidr Mountain and is a delightful setting for its 1000 or so population. It is a great attraction to canoeists, walkers and tourists exploring the valley between Abergavenny and Brecon.

One can follow the winding the road over the mountain from Beaufort to enjoy the panoramic views across the Usk Valley to Llangorse Lake, the Black Mountains and beyond – one of the finest views in Wales. The Monmouthshire and Brecon Canal – said to be one of the most picturesque in the country – passes through the village.

The Church

The church is in the village, situated in the westerly side of the Brecon Beacons Pastorate Churches. We are four miles from the market town of Crickhowell, seven miles from Gilwern and ten miles from Abergavenny and Brecon. Llangynidr has seen growth but is a village proud of its traditions and its community spirit. It has a marvellous Village Hall where most of the activities are held, and Sardis members play a full part in running the hall (the Church Secretary is also the Secretary of the hall) and are involved in most of the events held there.

Sardis is a country chapel seating 150/160 worshippers. It has a school room alongside, and both are well cared for and maintained. Both graveyards behind and across the narrow lane in front of the chapel are well tended. Weekly morning services are held at 9.30 am, and joint services with Sardis Baptist Chapel are held on the first and second Sunday in each month, alternating each month the place of worship. The membership consists of 10 with adherents, mainly retired people. The members insist on keeping the Maintenance and Ministry paid up to date.

Mission

A Ladies Guild meet every Monday afternoon with their Knitters and Knatters ecumenical group, knitting for deprived children in Third World Countries. It gives financial support not only to the Church itself but to Christian Aid, and Health Help International Children‟s Trust.

An ecumenical Women‟s World Day of Prayer service is held, and is rotated between the three Churches. Members of Sardis support social events within the local community and its residents. The friendly and welcoming members have been able to attract and hold a number of very capable, professional people who undoubtedly love the quiet simplicity of the chapel, the natural kindliness of its members, and the simplicity of its worship.

Country chapels like Sardis have learned over decades to survive by their own loyalty and love, and to accept the wide differences, even disparities in the contributions Sunday by Sunday with visiting preachers. Sardis members play a full part in the ecumenical, as well as the community life of the village.

In addition to the regular joint services with the Baptist Church, ecumenical services with the Church in Wales are held on special occasions, like Week of Prayer for Christian Unity, Christian Aid Service, Remembrance Day and Mother‟s Day service, etc. Members also take interest in the Synod of Wales affairs and support Women‟s Conferences.