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Vol 16 No 6 July 2005 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  • Churches gain from PUI teaching The Bishop writes ... My Dear People of God, The choices we make Greetings in the name of Christ, our Lord and Saviour! As I write this letter, the sensational Shabir Shaik trial had been concluded by Judge Hilary Squires. It is interesting to realise how the former Deputy President Zuma has been implicated by his association with Shabir Shaik. The action of the President to release him of his duties as Deputy President is commendable. Our young democracy needs to be preserved from corruptible elements that seek to bring the name of our country into disrepute. This has sent a good signal to the G8 countries that the pleas we make about the cancellation of debt, will cause those in government positions to make sure that, in all honesty, the poor of our land benefit from such a gesture. It is the choices we make which determine our destinies. God has been faithful on His part in dealing with the problem of sin. Corruption stems from greed and selfishness. We choose to be corrupt, and disregard others because of our self-centredness. Yet God in His Son Jesus Christ invites us to be friends of His. In His love and generosity He forgives us unconditionally. It is the choice to be friends with God that will make us loving and responsible people in this land. Coming back to God, and bringing others too, is at the heart of our commission, especially when we are confirmed. Repentance is the first and genuine step towards the real Moral Regeneration Movement. God has created each individual for a purpose. The need is to discover and tap that potential. We are not in this world by chance. Each and every one of us has a duty to perform. Discover what God’s intention is for your life, by prayerfully asking Him to reveal His will for you. As Christians we basically carry a Commission “to go and make disciples of all nations &ldots;” (Matt 28 : 17f). This means causing others to love God in order to do His will - “Love one another, as I have loved you”. The time is for building. Action is important in our ministry. It speaks louder than too many words of empty reality. The second thing we need to acquire is the joy of giving. God has given. He has done so sacrificially and generously. I am saddened to see the poor quality of our giving in some of our worshipping communities. There is more blessing in giving than in receiving (Acts 20 : 35). As we give to the needs of the church and others in terms of our time, talents and tithes, God increases our resources. May God continue to do so to those obedient to His will in this regard. Finally, the way we choose governs our course in life, and the acquaintances we make shape our characters. Acquaintance with Jesus brings a new character. Let us rather choose to be with Jesus rather than land in disrepute and jail because of the choices we make. The time is to build the character of the nation by changing the mind-set, and getting involved, thus extending God’s Kingdom. What a good choice! Yours in the love of Christ Bishop Bethlehem Nopece The view from pulpit and pew Iindaba extends its condolences to Susan and Christopher Holmes - the rector of St Hugh's in Newton Park - on the sudden death in Cape Town of Susan's brother, also named Christopher, at the age of 52. His funeral took place at Christ Church, Kenilworth, where he and his family worshipped. The June Iindaba reported that Jacques Nell, son of Piet and Sharon, who is assistant priest at St Hugh's in Newton Park, had returned from Cape Town where he had undergone tests for seizures. Unfortunately, as this Iindaba was due for publication, Jacques suffered another severe seizure, and is in the ICU on a ventilator at Greenacres Hospital. The specialist in Cape Town said Jacques needs to be stabilised again, and will probably need to go to Cape Town after a month. Iindaba asks for the prayers of the Diocesan family for Jacques and the family. Retired priest Peter Bowen is continuing his active ministry as he ministers in the All Saints' United Church, in Somerset East during Dudley Greenshields' Sabbatical. Peter is well known in the district (as he is throughout the Diocese and beyond), and his ministry is much appreciated. Perhaps he is also using Somerset East as a launching pad for his homing pigeons! Keith Rae, the Diocesan Secretary/Treasurer, is recovering at home after surgery. Keith's surgeon has told him to stay at home for three weeks, and Keith said he feels a fraud, as he doesn't feel ill. Very recently his wife, Denise, also a deacon, underwent surgery. Iindaba wishes them both a full recovery, and encourages Keith to listen to the doctor's advice! Des Willis, who serves on the Diocesan Finance Committee and the House of Resurrection Executive Committee, ends his year as District Governor of Rotary District 9320, which includes Port Elizabeth, East London, up to Klerksdorp, including Lesotho. His year as immediate Past President will also be busy, but not as taxing on his time, so perhaps he will be more available for the Diocese. Des is retired as the regional Manager of First National Bank. Several clergy are on Sabbatical at present, including Dudley Greenshields as mentioned above. Howard Lancaster of All Saints', Kabega Park, was due back from Australia at the end of June, whilst Mario Hendricks, rector of St Mark and St John, Parkside, is due back from Israel soon. The Dean, Leon Foster, is also on Sabbatical at present. The Bishop has appointed Joseph Xhallie, self-supporting priest in Cradock, as the president of the Bernard Mizeki Guild, a guild for men. He succeeds Zwelidumile Tom, who was recently collated Archdeacon of the Zwartkops River Archdeaconry. The collation of the Archdeacons took place at the Cathedral on the Feast of St Barnabas - 11th June. They were Ralph McGuigan (Algoa), Eddie Daniels (Port Elizabeth), Welile Kani (Parsons Vlei), and Zwelidumile Tom (Zwartkops River). Christopher Holmes (Alexandria) is due to be collated at a later stage, as he was in Cape Town for his brother-in-law's funeral. Parishes will soon be hearing from Ken Simpson asking for helpers to sell Christmas Cheer competition tickets, on behalf of the House of Resurrection. All are asked to support this worthy cause. Tag Lines Hatch a dream and then believe it.   Churches gain from PUI teaching When Bob Clarke of Prayer Union for Israel (PUI) visited the diocese he spoke at many of our parishes and, as always, his teaching was enthusiastically received. One of the highlights of his visit was a dinner with Roy Snyman tssf, who is still a very busy priest although he is meant to be retired. Bob had bought Roy’s book, “Travelling along the Anglican Way” to help him understand some of the ritual and tradition used in the CPSA churches, and wanted to discuss some points with Roy. Because Bob began his ministry in the Salvation Army, moving to the Church of England in South Africa when he joined the PUI and is now helping in the CPSA, he needed to clarify some points. Of the evening spent together Roy said afterwards, “Bob is a wonderful person and I’d love to sit at his feet learning, for months!” Bob came to minister in the CPSA when, on retirement last year, he moved to Parys and began worshipping at the chapel of St Edward King and Confessor, under the rectorship of Stephen Letjoenyane, which is part of the Sasolburg cluster of which Stephen is the leader. As the cluster was short of clergy, Bob offered his help and Bishop Paddy licensed him to minister within the diocese of the Free State. Bob visited at the beginning of June and his main topic was the Jewish Wedding Feast and the preparation of the bride for the Wedding Feast of the Lamb (Rev 21:2). Besides speaking at services at St John’s and Holy Trinity, he led a Bible Study at St Francis Xavier, spoke at a parish breakfast at All Saints’, Kabega, and spent a day at Somerset East where he did three teachings. Readers wanting to know more about the Prayer Union for Israel may phone the local representative, Frankie Simpson, on: 041 360 6808 (evenings) Pictures: 1) Getting it right - When in town Bob Clarke spent an evening with retired priest Roy Snyman tssf discussing issues of ritual and tradition. Here Bob is asking for clarification on a point in Roy’s book “Travelling Along the Anglican Way.” 2) Sharing some laughter - Tony Opperman and Cheryl Nelson of All Saints’, Kabega Park, share some fun with Bob Clarke of PUI at the parish breakfast. Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage