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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 3  •  Christmas celebrations  •  St Margaret’s nativity  •  St Paul’s Carols by Candlelight  •  Service of Remembrance  •  Clergy widows appreciated  •  Essential services staff thanked Christmas celebrations At ZRV the Virgin Mary arrived at the stall in her ‘very’ advanced stage of pregnancy ... the donkey and the ox bowed as she and Joseph arrived  ... the story unfolded as all the wonderful carols were sung and the shepherds and Magi joined the scene on the stage. The congregation had  enjoyed a picnic before lighting their candles for the nativity and carols. St Margaret's nativity [ Gill Bowman ] St Margaret’s was graced again at Christmas with a beautiful nativity display constructed by Jenny Yates and her team. During Advent St Margaret’s journeyed with Mary and Joseph as they sought a room to stay for the night, and were welcomed into parishioner’s homes as part of a Posada experience, which focuses on “Making room for Jesus this Christmas”. Posada is a Mexican word which means “inn”, which each home offered became for a night for Mary and Joseph. This experience culminated with Mary and Joseph being brought to the church, seeking a place to stay, and being welcomed to stay at St Margaret’s, as the Holy couple were revealed in the stable that had been created for them. The Mary and Joseph that journeyed  through the Parish were a charming felt pair, who met many people around Summerstrand, attending events like the Police Christmas party, meeting in one day about 150 people, and a carol  service in a retirement complex among others. In all this people were reminded and given an experience of the true meaning of Christmas, with the journey being recorded in a Posada Journal.  The Tribelhorn family of Mike, Sarah and daughters Caitlin and Nicole commented: “Mary and Joseph have given us all the opportunity to focus on the coming of our Lord. Thank you.” Pics: The nativity scene ... and posada display St Paul's Carols by Candlelight The wind was kind and did not blow too hard on the night of  Sunday 21 December when St Paul’s in Parsons Hill held their Carols by Candlelight service on the lawn in front of the hall. During one of the choir solos, members of the congregation came forward and decorated trees with baubles they’d been given, at the same time placing their donations in a basket. Sherry and mince pies rounded off a wonderful evening. Pic: Some brought chairs while others opted for a blanket on the grass, but all enjoyed singing Carols in the open. Service of Remembrance Good Shepherd Parish held their annual ‘Service of Remembrance, Healing and Hope’ on Saturday 6 December at St Mark’s in Humansdorp. Bishop Bethlehem was present and lit the AIDS candle of remembrance from which a taper was taken for those who wished to light a candle too. Those who had died of AIDS-related diseases  were remembered in a time of silence. Olivia Mtetwa, who has been living with AIDS for 11 years, gave an inspiring testimony of the love and support she has received from her family and friends. She is married and has three children  and lives a ‘normal’ life. She is on ARVs. The Dancing Angels once again entertained the congregation with their beautiful interpretations of Gospel songs - this year they were dedicated to mothers. Jean Underwood, the assistant priest at All Saints’ United in Somerset East and Director of the Blue Crane Hospice working with AIDS patients, gave a challenging testimony about her call to work  with People Living with AIDS (PLAs) - her initial resistance which God had to break through. She also spoke of the resistance of the outside world towards PLAs. She said ARVs have changed the face of the disease, “Because of this most of those who were in bed are now up and attending the support group where they get counselling, prayer and understanding and are helped through the grief process. However, as ARVs can only be taken with a good meal we have spent our whole year’s grant in six months, on food. The R250 a month  does not buy enough food to feed a patient for a month, and with the recession, things are getting even worse.” Jean thanked the churches that have supported her work and donated clothing for the patients. Pic: Bishop Bethlehem lights the AIDS candle at the Remembrance service. Clergy widows appreciated Speaking to the clergy widows who attended a Christmas lunch at the PE Golf Club, Bishop Bethlehem said that one of the things that came out of the Lambeth Conference was the need for  Bishops to pay more attention to encouraging clergy wives. He thanked the clergy widows who had supported their husbands during their ministry and he encouraged the women to make themselves available as speakers for various church groups and to  participate in the church programmes where needed. Bishop Bethlehem said he was hoping to arrange a clergy spouses, weekend retreat , which he would lead, early in the new year. He is also looking for someone to assist him in a programme he  envisions which will bring about more integration of black and white parishioners. A very delicious three course meal was and enjoyed by everyone present. Pic: Bishop Bethlehem is seen with Jill Smith and Yvonne Bramwell and (sitting) Ellen Gwentshu, Val Heath and Catherine Yoyo at the Christmas lunch he held in their honour. Not in the photo are Jessie Haya, Zanele Xuba and ThembisaHlwatika. Essential services staff thanked Once again All Saints’, Kabega Park, took gifts of food and drinks to those on duty on Christmas Day at the Kabega police station and to the fire fighters and ambulance personnel on duty at Greenbushes. Pic: Assistant priest, Richard Taylor, with two members of All Saints’ are seen handing a parcel to the policemen on duty at Kabega Park Station. Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage

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