Cwmbran Church in Wales Ministry Area
Team Vicar
Rev Elizabeth Kerl
Team Vicar
I am one of two Team Vicars that support the Rector in the running of the Ministry Area and supporting the team - both lay and ordained - that join us in serving Cwmbran. I have been here since 2018 and am focal priest at St Peter's Henllys, The Worship Centre Henllys and St Michael & All Angel's Llantarnam.
Faith & Prayer
I have a family of my own and know how difficult it can be to balance work, family needs, life and faith. I am a Bible-believing Christian with a rhythm of daily prayer, retreats and Bible study. If you are struggling with faith and have questions; or you're finding it hard to pray and would like someone to pray with you or for you; or you'd like to do some Bible study but don't know where to start; or you know what to do but are having trouble balancing your work-life schedule and would appreciate some pointers - then get in touch. Before I entered the Church, I was a teacher, lecturer and examiner for nearly 25 years. I am sure that, between us, with God's guidance, there's nothing we cannot work out!
Schools
One of my great privileges is to visit schools, take classes and assemblies, teach the Christian Faith, prepare people for Baptism and Confirmation and support schools as a Governor and Link Governor. Being present at schools is always fun and challenging - there are times of sadness when I am able to provide support; there are times of fun when I'm able to join in; there are plays, services and events which I am able to take part in - from Inspire assemblies to Remembrance services to being the 'dragon' during enterprise week - I am always happy to help. I am Chaplain for Henllys Church in Wales Primary School and I visit every week - often with Ignatius the Church Mouse!
Community
Living in the community of Henllys means I get to meet lots of neighbours out and about every day. I am a Trustee at Henllys Village Hall and offer my support at meetings and events to ensure Henllys Village has a wonderful resource available to them. You're more likely to find me washing up in the kitchen than pushing myself forward, but I love to serve in anyway that I can. We have Tree Lighting and Carols each winter, Remembrance and Armistice services in November and a wonderful summer fete every June.
In Llantarnam I work closely with local councillors, Llantarnam Primary school and the Food Bank. Projects are underway for youngsters, families and single parents. There's a lot going on and I'm never far away if I'm needed.
Naturally Cwmbran Ministry Area has its own faith community, but you will find that each of our serving team has links and friendships in the communities we live in too! Don't be afraid to come and say hello!
Music
Music is a fundamental part of Christian Worship and I am delighted that it is also a hobby of mine. I sing alongside the choir of St Michael & All Angels Llantarnam, I play the piano for The Worship Centre Henllys services on a Sunday morning, and I lead from the front at our services in St Peter Henllys - I've even been known to turn my hand to the organ or play carols in the streets as needs arise.
St Michael & All Angels Llantarnam is also blessed with a tower and a peal of bells which welcomes us to Sunday services. We are always looking to welcome new players to have a go at ringing. The bells are quite light and anyone over the age of 10 should be able to have a try with their family.
If you love singing or playing an instrument or want to have a go at bell ringing, do let me know - there's something for you in our Ministry Area and you can be sure of a warm welcome.
Team Vicar
Rev Sister Wendy Tayler
I originally come from Oldham in Greater Manchester and moved here in 2003 to begin my vocation as a nightclub chaplain with the Church Army. I was ordained in 2013 and have worked all my years in ministry in the Llandaff Diocese before moving to the Monmouth Diocese in 2018.
I am married with two children and one of my favourite hobbies is sewing (when I'm lucky enough to find time) I am a complete film buff and my favourite genre is chick flick or comedy.
I would love to swim with dolphins one day and a visit to Cuba is on my bucket list!'
ASSISTANT CURATE
Reverend Karin Pardoe.
I am the Assistant Curate at St. Mary’s Church, Croesyceiliog, which is part of the Cwmbran Ministry area.
I am part of the Clerical Team, who support the Rector in the running of the Ministry Area, which is made up of six churches and the Worship Centre at Henllys Church in Wales School
I have been involved with the Church since I was a small child, becoming more involved in Church leadership in the role as a Church Warden and then a Lay Eucharist Minister at Holy Trinity Pontnewydd. This led to me being Ordained into the Ministry as a Priest, and came to join St. Mary’s in 2020.
I am extremely keen to bring the Ministry Area together to share in social events and also certain church services. Enabling us to come alongside each other to celebrate our love of God through worship and praise.
CURATE
REVEREND MARLWYN NIXON
I moved to Wales 12 years ago and fell in love with the place, first in Aberystwyth where I went to University and met my lovely husband Phil, before moving to Cardiff to study for ministry.
I enjoy the diversity in the many different expressions of faith that can be found in Anglican churches, and I think it's important that each person has a space they can connect to God best in.
In my spare time I enjoy knitting, reading, playing video games, drinking tea, canal boating and playing with our lovely cats Coco, Cinnamon and Nutmeg.'
DEACON
REVEREND CERI-ANN JONES
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
I’m originally from Newport, Gwent in South Wales, and grew up in the Malpas area. Interestingly, my final training placement was in that very area—it felt like a real calling to return home. I’ve lived in Cwmbran for the past 27 years.
I was raised in a Christian family, but it was attending my first Christmas Eve Midnight Mass at age 19 that introduced me to the Church in Wales. From that moment, my faith deepened, and I’ve been worshipping within the Church in Wales ever since. Over the years, I’ve taken on various roles and become increasingly involved in church life.
In 2007, I married Keiron in Canada. We’ve since welcomed two sons—Cooper in 2008 and Bailey in 2012—and recently added a puppy, Jet, to our family in November 2024 (which has brought all the joys and challenges of puppy training!).
Before beginning my training, I worked as a Civil Servant for over 18 years, a role I continue part-time alongside ministry. I started my Bachelor of Theology degree with St Padarn’s in 2017, studying part-time over six years and graduating in February 2024. Though I first felt called to ministry many years ago, I resisted it at the time. That sense of call persisted, and I began part-time training with St Padarn’s in 2024, which I have found both fulfilling and enriching.
In my free time, I enjoy painting, drawing, walking, and going on adventures in our family camper van.
I’m excited to be returning to serve in Cwmbran as a Curate, a place that has long felt like home. The people here are in my prayers, and I look forward to working alongside them in this new chapter. I feel especially called to ministry with children and young people, as well as to NHS Chaplaincy, and I trust God’s plans for the journey ahead.