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Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage PAGE 2 • The ZRVP Big Float The ZRVP Big Float So an invitation was extended to all the other churches in the area to join us on the river and for a braai afterwards. That dream of 'bigger and better' came true for the Zwartkops River Valley Parish when about 70 representatives from Bluewater Bay Community, Roman Catholic and Dutch Reformed Churches filled the river with moms, dads, grannies, grandpas, toddlers, teens, and in-betweens. They took to the water in a large array of 'swim wear’ floating on every imaginable kind of float aid. There were inner tubes, pool noodles, boogie boards, paddle skis, canoes, water wings, inflatable dinghies, and a veritable zoo of blow-up animals. The Big Float got under way from Settlers Bridge
at noon with the rector, Sharon Nell, first in line, bravely
manoeuvring a blow-up dinghy while holding aloft our parish banner. It
finished about an hour later at Dufour Park. Residents all along the
river hung over their balconies to witness the amazing spectacle, and
there was much bantering and shouting back and forth. We noted with relief and gratitude that the other pleasure craft in the river made way for us. We had to smile when a huge boat full of ‘perlies’* was forced to slow down, and the bait diggers on the mud bank made a quick escape. So we accomplished far more than we set out to. Everyone arrived safely at a festive Dufour Park to be greeted by their reassured families. The Bluewater Bay Community Church had set up a tent and were selling pancakes and hot dogs. We Anglicans had umbrellas up and braai fires going, ready to cook for the hungry floaters. A great time of fellowship followed - a fitting end to a fun day. We extend our grateful thanks to all who helped to make the day so enjoyable, and especially to our gracious God who gave us such a beautiful day. * For those not familiar with local jargon, ‘perlies’ are perlemoen (abalone) poachers. Pic: Lift high the banner - Sharon Nell, afloat on a blow-up dinghy, lifts the Zwartkops River Valley Parish banner at the front of the Big Float.
Exactly a year ago, during the course of a routine appendectomy, Merna was diagnosed with colon cancer. When she came round from the operation she found that half her colon had been removed. She subsequently had 6 months of chemotherapy. Competing in the River Mile, which Merna had swum twice before, was her way of celebrating her return to full health. Throughout her illness Merna was able to remain physically, mentally and spiritually strong, for which she gives God all the thanks and glory. “Throughout what proved to be a very enriching year for me, I felt the Spirit of God moving in my life through the expertise of the surgeon, my oncologist, and the wonderful support received from my family and friends. The fact that I had cancer and was undergoing chemotherapy had to fit into a very small corner of my life, and in no way interfered with my normal activities. I came to realise that cancer can be beaten, and I would like to share my experience to encourage anybody in a similar position.” Besides friends and fellow parishioners rooting for her during the race, Merna had two very proud supporters in her husband, John, cheering her from the river bank, and her eldest son, Christopher, also participating, coming 12th in the Men’s Mile.
The "Youth and Sexuality Research" of the Fikelela AIDS Project reports on the sexual behaviour of young people aged between 12 and 19 in the Diocese of Cape Town. It was carried out in 2004 and 2005 by the Revd Rachel Mash, Anglican priest and coordinator of Fikelela, and Roselyn Kareithi, MSc graduate in development management from the Open University, UK. Here is an executive summary. This research is unique in that it aimed at establishing if church-going young people adhere to the principle of ‘no sex before marriage’, or if there are other competing ‘voices’ and pressures that young people succumb to. Are they practising risky sexual behaviour, with multiple partners, and no protection, and what are the levels of sexual violence? We conducted a survey in order to understand the gravity of the challenge, and to identify ways in which the Anglican Church might become more effective in dealing with issues of the sexuality of young people. The field research was undertaken between October 2004 and January 2005, and involved a detailed questionnaire Survey (with 1 306 responses analysed), and three different focus group discussions. Respondents were between 12 and 19 years of age, both male and female, and represented all the race groups in South Africa. The researchers visited them in their confirmation classes and youth meetings. A great deal of data was obtained. This report was not designed as an academic paper; rather it is a tool for church leaders and those involved in ministry with young people. Our research reveals that churchgoing young people are not excluded from the risks faced by others in society. Of the respondents, 30.5% have had sex (40% male and 21% female; black 44%, white 26%, and coloured 30%). This is irrespective of geographical location (32% rural and 30% urban). Young people are practising vaginal, oral and anal sex or any combination. With regards to their first sexual experience, 90% of their first partners were friends or schoolmates, the venue was 75% at home or at their partner’s place, and only 35% used contraceptives. Casual sex was common; 66% of those who have had sex have had more than one sexual partner. Sexual violence also occurred: 6% of the respondents have been forced to have sex with someone else (black 7.1%, white 6.5% and coloured 5.4%). Of this coerced group, 12% have themselves demanded sex from somebody else. There is thus a gap between the Church’s traditional teaching of ‘no sex before marriage’ and the realities of the way in which our young people live. Hence, we should no longer hide our heads in the sand and pretend that our young people are not at risk. This research has certainly identified several areas of concern. Nonetheless, it has also revealed encouraging information, as young people are interested in influencing change for the better. In order to increase its effectiveness in addressing the sexuality of young people, the Anglican Church should be prepared to act decisively. The recommended approach should be multifaceted, given the increasingly complex landscape in which young people live. There is an urgent need to support young people in building healthy relationships. Parental workshops are an important intervention in order to enable parents to teach their children about sexuality, using an age-appropriate approach. Peer education should be adopted: that is, training key opinion leaders in each church so that they can provide positive peer pressure. In addition, the church should take a stand against sexual messages seen in the media. Silence implies consent. The church must clearly communicate its stand to society at large.
With the support of the McGrath and Pedlar families, the church now has a Wall of Remembrance. Built by Eddie Downey, the self-supporting assistant priest, with help from Dougie Frederiksen, the wall stands in a newly-created garden that is peaceful and serene. A bench will be placed for those who want to spend a quiet time there. St Mark's is part of the new Parish of the Good Shepherd. Pic: They will be remembered - The newly-built Wall of Remembrance at St Mark’s Church in Humansdorp. Home-based Care and Wellness Management training courses Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery 1 - 16 April, 2006 Holy Week and Easter 12 - 14 May, 2006 Taste the Silence: Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage |
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