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Vol 20 No 1 Jan / Feb 2009 ONLINE The official gazette of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth: The Anglican Church of Southern Africa

Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage PAGE 1  •  The diocese honoured Roy  •  St Paul's gave thanks  •  Pam Shapiro was also honoured  •  AWF thanksgiving dinner    •  AE said thank you The diocese honoured Roy Roy Snyman tssf received the blessing of being installed as an Honorary Canon of the diocese by Bishop Bethlehem at a beautiful Advent service on Sunday night 30 November. Many friends and parishioners attended the service to give thanks for Roy’s work in the diocese. Roy was rector and vice-provost of St Mary’s from 1991 to 2001, when he retired. But, as with most clergy, that did not mean a quiet life. On the contrary, he has looked  after two parishes during their interregnums. At present he is assisting at St Paul’s. The music for the service was inspiringly beautiful with Eric Spencer at the organ - it was his last service at the Cathedral. Roy is an Honorary Canon of the Dioceses of Kimberley & Kuruman and of Bloemfontein. Pic: Roy Snyman tssf receives the citation from Bishop Bethlehem. St Paul's gave thanks At St Paul’s, Remembrance Sunday was not only a day of remembering those who died in the various wars, but also those of our police force who have died in the line of duty. It was a service of thanksgiving for the work the police do in our city and to assure them  that under the terrible circumstances of their every day working conditions there are those who pray for them and appreciate what they do. Using the story of Israel’s defeat at Ai because of Achan’s sin, Ruthell likened it to the sin of corruption and greed of those in power and the idolatry of the people of this land who put sport and possessions above their obedience and love of God. The Memorial candle was lit and a time of silence followed by the singing of the National Anthem. After the service tea and eats were served in the hall and parishoners were able to meet those of the police who were able to be at the service while their colleagues had been called to keep peace at the voter registration outlets. Pic: St Paul’s rector, Ruthell Johnson enjoys a cup of tea with Cst (L) Makubalo, Capt S Janse van Rensburg, Cst Jonck and police chaplainTempleton Jam Jam. Pam Shapiro was also honoured  [ Jenny Watson] On Sunday16 November Bishop Bethlehem admitted Pam Shapiro to The Order of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth, at St Hugh’s, in Newton Park. She was thrilled, and surprised, to have three of her children, their families, and other family members (14 in all) present to celebrate this great occasion with her. This prestigious award is held by only 50 people in the Diocese at any one time.  In presenting the award Bishop Bethlehem said that Pam is counted worthy of this dignity because of her faithfulness and distinguished service to God, through the Church, particularly in the Parish of St Hugh, for about 50 years - in Mothers’ Union. Pam also  received a special commemorative Pin of the Diocese to wear as a token of the honour bestowed on her. Pam held various positions on the MU Diocesan Council for many years such as Diocesan Overseas Representative, Link Representative and Indoor Members Representative. She has also held the positions of Enrolling Member and of secretary on many occasions and other inspiring roles. She is currently the Enrolling Member/Branch Leader of St Hugh’s MU Christian Family Life. She continues correspondence with 12 Overseas Links and leads a Bible-study group which has been going for over 20 years, now consisting of  some Indoor Members. . Pam was President of the Victoria Memorial Home for the Aged for 16 years. Over a period of 25 years, she assisted Ron Rayner, the chaplain, with the monthly communion services. Her love for our Lord has helped so many in their life-time. In the Bishop’s words, “You are worthy! May the Lord bless you and inspire you and those whose lives you continue to touch.” The words of the hymn, “Put Peace into each others’ hands”, sung at the conclusion of the ceremony, perfectly describe Pam’s walk with our Lord Jesus. We are all blessed to be part of Pam’s family at St Hugh’s. Pic: The family gathered around Pam Shapiro (centre) after the service. AWF Thanksgiving dinner The Anglican Women’s Fellowship enjoyed their annual year-end Thanksgiving dinner on Friday 7 November. The dinner was held at St Michael and All Angels with Bishop Bethlehem as the keynote speaker. He was short and sweet, thanking the members of the  AWF for their support and prayers which helped sustain him through a very difficult year. He went on to speak of God’s love for us and that because of this he demands love from us which we must show to all we meet. “The church needs a compassionate heart – it  must be a beneficiary to the outside world,” he said and quoted from Judge Mervyn King. The rest of the two hour pre-dinner programme included the welcome, and some very good jokes, by Rudi Marais, the priest-in-charge of St Michael’s, a testimony by Ruby Whitehead and input from various other speakers. After the speeches the dinner was enjoyed by all. Pic: Lynette Bouah, Shereen and Garfield Jacobs from St Simon of Cyrene enjoyed the AWF Thanksgiving dinner. AE said thank you Greg Smerdon, the National Team Leader of African Enterprise, visited Port Elizabeth on Thursday 6 November to thank all the people who support AE financially and/or with prayer. He spoke especially of the outreach to the universities as being crucial because, “These are business people of the future,” and asked that the mission to Wits University and the University of Johannesburg next year be soaked in prayer. Earlier members of the Foxfire team, young folk who give a gap-year to the Lord, had given beautiful song and dance renditions of the ‘Lord’s Prayer’ and ‘We Lift Him Higher’. Pic: Bishop Bethlehem and Greg Smerdon enjoyed some soup at the AE report-back. Hebe Usher of St John’s joined them. Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage

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