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Vol 15 No 11 December 2004 ONLINE The official gazette of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth: Church of the Province of Southern Africa

Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage PAGE 3  • The Bishop writes ...  • The view from pulpit and pew  • Tag lines  • 120 years of St Cuthberts The Bishop writes ... My Dear People of God, The Advent - Christmas - Epiphany Mystery Greetings in the name of Christ, who came and was manifested to us as at this time! Christmas is one of the three very important times in our liturgy, wherein every believer is encouraged not to miss the celebration of the transmission of the divine light. The other two occasions are Easter and Pentecost. This liturgical season begins with Advent, a time of waiting in hope for the coming of Jesus in power and great glory for the consummation of the parousia or end-times. John in his gospel speaks of "to behold” the glory of the “Word made flesh” (Gk sarz) and “dwelt among us” (Gk skevoo). The Greeks give us a sense of Jesus taking up his temporary dwelling place (as if in a tent) among human beings; “full of grace (Gk pleres charis) and truth” (Gk kai aletheia). The terms “grace and truth” are based on the Old Testament concept relating to God’s loyalty and faithfulness to his covenant and covenant people. God who “so loved the world that he gave &ldots;” (John 3 :16) remains faithful to His promises for humankind. In turn people should respond by viewing or contemplating (Gk theaomai) as if in a theatre, the glory of the truly human Son of God for their own survival - in love, joy, peace and happiness. Epiphany takes this mystery further to the nations through us who believe. St Paul’s enthusiasm and earnestness for missionary zeal and evangelism make him to boldly declare to the Colossian Church the mystery, which is hidden and undiscoverable by human means. It is revealed by God only. The mystery is "Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Col 1 : 26 -27). This mystery is manifested in three areas of our life of faith viz. worship, witness and service. 1. Worship is an obligation to those who believe. This entails giving all honour, glory and majesty to God in all our doings. We read and listen to his word and repent in order to resemble his loving, compassionate holy life. 2. Witnessing goes together with the proclamation of the truth of the gospel to those who do not know and do not believe. This we do, not only with our lips, but translate what we say into action (Gal 5 : 22ff; Col 3 : 1-17). 3. The service which we render where there is a dire need, we do so first and foremost to God. There are many challenges the Christian Church is focusing on through the SACLA Process. These should be happening in our worshipping communities. Outreach programmes should be drawn up, aggressively addressing poverty, disease in HIV/AIDS, crime, corruption, abuse, sexism, racism and the building of family. Corruption, as you heard from the CPSA bishops in the last issue, is alarming. This is worse and heart breaking when it happens or is caused by people who are called “Christians“. This kind of action cannot be allowed. To be true witnesses to the saving grace of Christ, we need to repent. The occurrence of fraud at St Francis Xavier, reported in the Herald, is no cause for joy. Gambling is also a disease. While we shall allow the law to take its course in such instances, I am calling upon the culprits to repent and turn to Christ. The church cannot afford to lose her credibility at a time where we are building the nation. Most people still trust us. Do not bring the name of Christ which is in you into disrepute. Celebrate Christmas in the spirit of honesty and love. Together with the angels let us continue the Gloria Excelsis hymn in praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to people on whom his favour rests”. Lk 2 : 14 Mazoe and I wish you a blessed, joyous Christmas and a bright and prosperous new year! Yours in the love Christ. Bishop Bethlehem Nopece   Picture: Icons and ICONs - Bishop Bethlehem looks on as Archbishop Emeritus, Desmond Tutu, an Icon to so many, hands Ruth Burkinshaw her ICON, and Jessie Haya, in traditional dress, waits her turn to receive her ICON at the recent MU Conference held in Bloemfontein. See story in last issue of Iindaba.   ----------------------------------------------------------------- The editor, members of the Iindaba committee, the Bishop and diocesan staff wish readers a blesséd Christmas and a year of peace, joy and love in 2005. ----------------------------------------------------------------- The view from pulpit and pew Tragedy struck a seaside outing of the servers from St Peter's in Zwide on Saturday 6 November when 15 year-old Bathanowa Ngqondela was drowned. At the time of printing his body had not yet been found. Iindaba extends condolences to his family and the people of St Peter's. Iindaba also extends condolences to: - the family of Thomas Turner, the vocalist of the St Mary Magdalene Gospel Band, who died suddenly last month. - the Parish secretary, Glynnis Collins, on the death of her brother, Eric, in Durban. - to Val Heath, Assistant to our Diocesan Secretary/Treasurer Keith Rae, on the death, last month, of her brother. May the souls of these four loved ones rest in God's eternal peace. Congratulations to Dominique Hendricks of St Francis Xavier on her appointment as Head Girl at the Morningside High School. Iindaba would like to know of any others from our Diocesan family, as we add to Ndumiso Mbele of All Saints', Kabega Park, Head Boy of Westering High next year. Congratulations also to Dominic Rhodes of Christ-the-King, who has been selected to join the Eastern Province Youth Choir. Dominic attends Herbert Hurd School in Newton Park. Well done, Dominic! Congratulations also to Nicky Daniels, wife of Eddie, rector of St Saviour's in Walmer. Nicky is going to Rio de Janeiro in January to present a paper on science education in museums. She is on the staff of the Port Elizabeth Museum complex. Unfortunately for Eddie, he will be staying at home! Members of the Diocese were no doubt shocked and angry at the theft of the Kombi belonging to Brian Grant, a quadriplegic of All Saints', Kabega Park, which was stolen outside the church during a service. The shell of the vehicle was found, minus engine, gearbox and the special ramps he had made to get in and out of the vehicle. Iindaba prays for a happy ending to this sad reflection on our society. Stella Londt Retirement Home has lost its organist, Mrs Billie Rance, who died last month at the ripe old age of 97! Surely Billie was the oldest practising organist in the Diocese. She played the organ at the Chapel of the home for their services conducted by the Clergy of St Hugh's in Newton Park. Sheila Lancaster, whose husband is Howard, rector of All Saints', Kabega Park, underwent surgery after suffering a fall whilst on holiday at Kenton-on-Sea, which resulted in a broken collarbone and a badly damaged knee and leg. Iindaba wishes her a speedy recovery. Bernard Malango, Archbishop of the Province of Central Africa and Albert Chama, Bishop of our Link Diocese of Northern Zambia, send their greetings to members of our diocese. Iindaba is pleased to report that St Cyprian's has a priest-in-charge, Enoch Ncula, who was instituted last month - and early December David Kiviet, from the Diocese of St John's, will be instituted rector of St Andrew's, KwaNobuhle. Iindaba prays God's blessing on those being ordained this month. See report next month. Iindaba is late this month, due to gremlins - or was it a mouse? - that froze the computer for two weeks. We apologise! Tag lines The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart. 120 years of St Cuthberts The last week-end of October was one of great celebration at St Cuthbert’s church, with the opening and blessing of the newly built children’s church, as well as the 120 year anniversary festivities, reports Brenda Southey. Rose Trehaeven gave a very informative address on the history of the church to those gathered for cheese and wine on the Friday evening. This was followed by a musical treat for young and old in the form of the Oratorio Choir, as well as the delightful and youthful Conservatoire Concert Band. Indeed, an evening to remember. St Cuthbert’s welcomed many visitors and former parishioners to the various functions. Saturday was the children’s day. Joyful song and dance by them as the preliminary item before the opening of their children’s church building, and the unveiling of the very beautiful mosaic in the entrance hall, done by the children - with some assistance. The rector, Ralph McGuigan, helped by his assistant, Eric Kleb, blessed each room during the dedication service. The Lord was gracious allowing a beautiful day for the family braai held after the dedication. The culmination of the celebration was a combined Eucharist giving God thanks for St Cuthbert’s ministry over the past 120 years. The guest preacher was Barry Sendall, former rector and now the provost of the cathedral, who was in sparkling form. This wonderful service was followed by fellowship and tea in the hall. Pictures: Into history - Rose Trehaeven, who spoke on the history of St Cuthbert's, with the rector, Ralph McGuigan, and Michelle Werth. (right) Kids praise - The children show their joy with song and dance. (below) With a little help from our friends - Little Kara Davis in front of the mosaic in the children's church, made by the children ... with a little help.     Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage