Join us as we host a Ministry Area 24 hours of prayer in St. Teilo’s, Merthyr Mawr.

Come for as much or as little as you like, stay for as long as you want, show up any time and leave at any point, but do join with us in worshipping God and devoting ourselves to him through prayer.

The church will be open throughout the 24 hours with hosts there throughout keeping everyone topped up with refreshments (and safe during the night time hours). They will be on hand to welcome you in and explain what’s happening when you arrive.

Every hour there will be something different happening with the full schedule below so that you can time your visit to join in with the sessions you’re most interested in.

There will also be prayer stations around the church, so any time you come along you have the option to join in the led session, use the interactive stations to guide your prayers, or enjoy the atmosphere of the church to guide your own personal prayers.

You’re invited.

All the information below is subject to change and will be updated as more slots are confirmed.

Saturday 12th July, 11am

Holy Communion - led by Ven Mark Preece

12pm

Songs of Praise - led by Bethan Thomas

1pm

Family prayer writing through song - led by Daniel and Bethan

2pm

Prayers for the family - led by by the Ministry Area Sunday School leaders.
A time of craft activities linked with prayer for children.

3pm

Contemporary all age worship - led by Jess Broadway

4pm

Contemplative prayer - let by Valerie Fyans

5pm

Worship songs - led by Jo Blackwell & Jess Broadway

6pm

Evening Prayer - led by Michael Hawthorne

7pm

Taize - led by Ven Mike Komor|
Taizé-style worship offers peace, quiet and reassurance: and an encounter with God in the singing and stillness. Join in Taizé songs and chants and be led in prayer with a time of quiet reflection and meditation.

8pm

Compline: Prayer at Night's Approaching (followed by silence) - led by Huw Jones

9pm

led by Rev Roger Pitman

10pm

Celtic healing service - led by Val Turner

11pm

TBC

Sunday 13th July, 12am

TBC

1am

Acoustic contemporary worship - led by Jess Broadway

2am

Night watch, an hour of prayer - led by Rev Mark Broadway

3am

TBC

4am

TBC

5am

Sunrise prayer - led by Simon Buckley
This will be held outside to watch the sunrise, weather permitting.

6am

Prime: Prayer at the Day's Dawning (followed by silence) - Led by Huw Jones

7am

TBC

8am

Morning prayer - led by Mandy Buckley and Jenny Morgan

9am

Prayer walk - led by Rev Mark
Starting in the gazebo outside the front of church. Meet at 9am to join for a short prayerful walk.

10am

Holy Communion - led by Bishop Mary

Parking

Very kindly Kag Splashback Glass are very happy for us to use their car park for the whole of the prayer event.

Please park here if you are able and as we are keen to reserve the limited parking close to the church for those who need it.

To reach the car park drive past St Teilo's (on your right) and at the top of the incline there is a sharp turn to the left. The car park gate and a low building are on the left just as you get to the sharp left turn. A large stone house, the old rectory, is directly in front of you. The gate will be left open.

Penybont MA is going on Holiday!

Each year churches from across the UK gather together to worship God together at Focus.

Mark, Jess and the family have been going to Focus for the last few years and love it - and so have saved space on site for the Penybont MA. Do get in touch with Mark or Jess if you have any questions - they’d be happy to talk to you.

If you’re ready to book, click the link above and make sure to book under the Penybont Ministry Area.

We do hope you’ll join us!

The below is taken from the Focus website to answer some of the key questions you might have - but there is more on their website: Focus.htb.org

What is Focus?

Focus is summer! It’s family, friendship, fun, community, encounter, and of course Jesus - all in one place. What more could you ask for?

Every morning and every evening, we gather to worship as one family. We hear from our Big Top Speakers, make space for ministry and prayer, and delve deeper into what God has for us this year.

During the day, we run a range of labs. Labs are seminars covering a range of topics. Whether that’s on exploring ordination, mental health and the church, or love lessons – there’s something for everyone.

Looking to keep active at Focus? Whether it’s an early morning run, pilates in the paddock, or touch rugby on the Active Field, there’s something for you at Focus. We have teamed up with Bridge The Gap again this year, and they’ll be bringing a full programme of football for all.

Looking to learn a new skill or let off some steam? There’s not a moment for boredom at Focus. Pick from a funfair, a climbing wall or a coffee workshop. Keep an eye on the app for creative opportunities as well – you’ll be spoilt for choice.

What are the dates?

The Focus 2025 dates are Thursday 24 July until Sunday 27 July 2025. The full programme and main sessions will start on the evening of Thursday 24 July and finish late on the evening of Sunday 27 July 2025.

Guests need to leave the site by 10am on Monday 28 July 2025.

Where to stay

There is so much space at Focus for us to camp together and to bring our caravans and motorhomes - there is a specific spot set aside for Penybont Ministry Area!

However if camping’s not your thing, there is also ample offsite accommodation in the surrounding area.

We appreciate that each of us have different budgets and one type of accommodation doesn’t fit all so there are a variety of accommodation options, from basic camping to electric pitches and live-in vehicles, to enable everyone to find something to suit them at Focus. If none of these work for you, there’s also the option of finding local accommodation offsite.

Head over to the accommodation pages of the Focus website for more information.

Is Focus suitable for kids and teens?

Focus Kids is for children between the ages of 1 - 10. With family worship, Bible stories and an action-packed programme full of games, crafts and more, it's the best way to kickstart the summer holidays.

Focus Youth is an emerging movement of young people (school years 7 - 13) from around the UK. We gather to worship God, encounter Him and have a lot of fun.

Is there anything specific for 18-29 year olds?

Focus Collective is a venue designed specifically with 18-29s in mind to help you get the most out of your time at Focus. With live podcast recordings, pop-up stores and guest speakers each afternoon, this is a space for you.