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Vol 16 No 4 May 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 1  • Gifts of friendship exchanged  • Pope John Paul II RIP  • Bags of Goodies come pouring in  • Guiding light  • Welcome visitors Gifts of friendship exchanged A friendship that began eleven years ago between the parishes of St Augustine’s, Gqebera, and the United Church, Plymouth, in the UK, was again strengthened with the recent visit of a group from England. Long-time friends, Forbes and Penny Watson, were among the group who brought a gift of a beautiful lectern from the Church’s Rotary Club. his was presented at a service at which former rectors Solomon Nkesiga (who had initiated the link between the parishes) and Johannes Hardnick were present. St Augustine’s reciprocated with Sebenzile Magewu presenting a gift of an inscribed calabash acknowledging the relationship between the two parishes. Both Solomon and Johannes spoke of some of the good times that had been shared and churchwarden Mazoe Nopece thanked the visitors. Forbes Watson is the newly inducted World President for Rotary. He said he really enjoys his annual visit to Port Elizabeth to be among the family at St Augustine's. The rector, Zola Nanana, said afterwards, “This was indeed a great day that will not soon fade from our memories as individuals and as a parish.” Picture: Out of Africa - An African gift of a calabash was presented to Monica Crocktrail of the Plymouth United Church , UK, by Peter Magewu, of St Augustine's in Gqebera, while her husband looks on. Pope John Paul II RIP The Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Revd Rowan Williams, has expressed his sadness on learning of the death of His Holiness Pope John Paul II. The Archbishop said, “Pope John Paul was a leader of manifest holiness and a faithful and prayerful friend of the Anglican Church. “There will be time in the days ahead for the proper tributes to be paid; for now we remember his life and ministry with thankfulness and hold the church that he led in our thoughts and prayers.” ENS Bags of Goodies come pouring in Patti Matthews of St Katharine’s, Uitenhage, reports that when parishioners were invited to take part in a special Lenten appeal the response was overwhelming and many ‘Bags of Goodies’ came in. The invitation had been extended by parish council and was to help support some of the ministries of the church. The idea, which is widely used by the Salvation Army in England to ‘collect goods’, was suggested by one of the councillors, Alyth Schmitz. Parishioners were handed a package consisting of a folded green bag (refuse size), together with a letter from parish council and a list of suggested goods required eg clothing, footwear, linen, blankets, toys, books, wool etc. The filled bags were to be brought to the Palm Sunday Service for blessing and distribution. On Palm Sunday about 60 bags full of goodies were brought in. What a blessing for all the ministries in need of help, and a joy to know that so many were willing to share what they have with those who are in need. The ministries that have been supported, with love from the parishioners, through this appeal include: St Francis Hospice (local and Somerset East); The House of Resurrection Haven; a rural school at Amanzi; the prem ward at the Provincial hospital; Dora’s AIDS orphans; and New Life Family Centre. Picture: Including a big teddy bear - Craig Dunsmuir, the rector of St Katharine's in Uitenhage, is surrounded by many of the bags of goodies that came in on Palm Sunday. He is with Patty Matthews, the churchwarden, and his assistant Evelyn Kibble (seated). Guiding light When Jean Underwood stepped down as chaplain to the Anglican Women's Fellowship at their AGM on 9 April she was presented with a beautiful hand made candle as a thank you. Picture: Shining light - Jean Underwood, the outgoing chaplain of the Anglican Women's Fellowship, holds the beautiful hand-made candle presented to her at the AGM. In handing the candle to Jean the out-going president, Myrtle Koen, said, "This is a tangible gift to say thank you to you for everything you have meant to us. It is a symbol of the light you have been to all of us in the AWF and whenever you light it we hope you will continue to pray for us and the work we do in the diocese." New chaplain Bishop Bethlehem has asked Sharon Nell to take up the reins as AWF chaplain. The handing over ceremony will take place at a later stage, as Sharon is in Cape Town with her son, Jacques, who is haveing a series of tests to try and ascertain what is causing his seizures. • Iindaba asks for prayers for the Nells. Welcome visitors Picture: Attending the Easter morning service at Holy Trinity in central were the Harker family from George. Bishop Donald, Joan and their son, Linden, had joined their daughter, Naidene, who is a member of the parish. Iindaba praises God for the wonderful healing that Joan has received. May the Lord continue to bless this special family. Quick Links: Page 1 | Page 2 | Page 3 | Page 4 | Top | Homepage