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• Diocesan Council report
• Chalice Bearer to the King
• In everything give thanks to the Lord
• Retreats coming up at uMariya uMama
weThemba Monastery
• HIV/AIDS management
Diocesan Council report
Iindaba continues with the report by Archdeacon Christopher Holmes
on the last DC meeting.
AWF
The Diocesan President of the Anglican Women's Fellowship, Myrtle
Koen, said in her report that a workshop was held during January,
lead by Mazoe Nopece. The theme of the workshop was “Challenged
to Change”. The report ended saying that their AGM will take
place on 9 April at the Church of the Ascension in Cradock. At this
AGM, Myrtle would be retiring after serving on the committee for over
30 years, and after having served 3 x four-year terms as Diocesan President.
MUCFL
The Mothers’ Union Christian Family Life Report was given by Mrs
N Qoto, the Diocesan President. In the report, she gave the details
of meetings for 2005. She also mentioned projects identified by MUCFL
- Matric Herald; Educare Centres; House of Resurrection; Take-Home
packs for Dora Nginza patients; HIV/AIDS support Groups; sewing and
beads projects; and vegetable gardens in Church grounds.
The Dean of Studies
- Training for Ministries (Clergy)
Canon Robert Penrith gave a comprehensive report on the Training for
Ministries (Clergy Division). In his report, he mentioned that Jogra
Gallant (St Luke’s, Palmridge), Isaac Petersen
(Christ-the-King), Sandile Mila (St Michael and All Angels,
Schauderville) and Phumla Mtila (Parish of the Karoo) had all
completed their studies. He also reported that Zola Xuba (St
Stephen’s, New Bri ghton) had joined Cive Newman and Lungile
Ngcola at the College of the Transfiguration in Grahamstown.
Canon Penrith also reported that the Trinity Ordination will be held
at the Cathedral on Trinity Sunday, 22 May, at 15h00.
- Training for Ministries (Laity)
The Revd David Grobbelaar reported that he had held the first meeting
of the co-ordinators, and the focus was on Sunday School training. He
also reported that the Revd Shane Fraser had identified the need for
a comprehensive training curriculum for Lay Ministers, and that this
would come through Training for Ministries. Also mentioned was the
annual training day for churchwardens whi ch would include the Role
of Churchwarden (Charles Qoto); Christian Leadership and Management
(David Grobbelaar); and Financial Administration (Keith Rae, the
diocesan secretary/treasurer).
Parish of the Good Shepherd
After the consolidation of the Karoo Parishes (Parish of the Karoo
and Parish of the Great Karoo) and the Cradock Parishes (the Parish
of Christ Church), the final consolidation will be the parishes in
the Humansdorp region (St Mark’s with St Patrick’s and St
Francis of Assisi) which will be called the Parish of the Good
Shepherd. The inauguration will take place on Sunday 24 April.
Mission to Seafarers
The Bishop reported that David Stansbury has been appointed chaplain
to the Seafarers' Mission. He said this was a very important ministry
to men and women who were far from home, and often needed counselling
and help. The Bishop said he believed David would be able to fulfil
that function.
United Church assessment
The Bishop reported that he had met with the Presbyterian Church
leaders, and said that Dudley Greenshields and Abigail Tukulu would
attend as representatives of the Diocese at the United Church
Committee meeting. Diocesan Council heard that the original
agreements regarding United Churches are not being followed.
Acts of the Diocese & Churchwardens' handbook
Diocesan Council heard that the updated Acts of the Diocese were in
final preparation for the printers, and that the updated
Church-wardens' Handbook would be available at the rectors' and
churchwardens' meeting with the Bishop in June.
Youth chaplain
Nicolette Leonard, the Youth Chaplain, reported that she was
encouraged by the calibre of youth leaders in the diocese, and urged
rectors of all parishes to give them their support. It was also
agreed that together with the Bishop and the Dean, Nicolette would
look at the formation of structures for 'older' youth in the Diocese
(ie those over 25), thus excluding them from those 24 and under, who
form youth groups within the Diocese.
Chalice Bearer to the King
Claude Murphy has been a lay minister at St Mary the Virgin, now
the cathedral, for 33 years and, as he gives thanks to the Lord for
the privilege, he prays he will be allowed to continue to serve in
this way, “For the rest of my life.”
 Claude
was licensed by Bishop Philip Russell in 1972 and, over the years,
has served under four priests. He shared that he has always been a
nervous person, saying, “The very first time I was called upon
to read the lesson I took a deep breath and tried to read the whole
lesson without pausing to breathe again. It felt as if my chest was
about to burst while my heart was beating like a runaway locomotive.
Afterwards, I was advised by one of the other lay ministers to read
slowly, clearly and to project my voice. I now enjoy reading as often
as possible.”
He went on to say that while on holiday in Johannesburg he has been
invited to read the Gospel or to assist with the sacraments at St
Margaret of Scotland church in Bedfordview on various occasions. But,
he said, “Two duties that have had a profound affect on my life
recently were when I was invited to carry the Pascal Candle and cry
out three times ‘The light of Christ’, and the other was
carrying the covered crucifix at midday during the Good Friday service,”
Picture: Chalice bearer for the King - Claude Murphy of the
cathedral celebrated his 33rd year as a Lay Minister on 9 March.
In everything give thanks to the Lord
During the many years I've been editor of Iindaba I have never
felt it necessary to have an “Editorial comment” section.
There is always so much news from the parishes and around the world
that I felt the space would be too precious to waste. This month,
however, I’m going to take some space, but it is to give a
testimony to God’s caring hand in all circumstances.
Over the weekend 8 - 10 April, together with my husband, Ken, and
Hazel Braun, the AWF diocesan treasurer, I was visiting Jean
Underwood in Somerset East. On the Saturday morning, in a rush, as
always, I ran into the wet shower to grab my face cream, turned and
ran out onto the wet tiled floor. I heard a very loud crack, felt
excruciating pain and I landed on the floor. Screaming wit h pain, I
looked at a left foot turned at an almost left-angle to my leg!.
The Word says, “In everything, give thanks to the Lord” ...
and so my journey of thanksgiving began.
-
The broken bones did not break through the skin ... thank you Lord.
-
The doctor arrived within a few minutes and gave me a pethadine
injection to relieve the pain a little bit ... thank you Lord.
-
The ambulance was available and arrived within a short time to take
me to Port Elizabeth. A relatively smooth ride and wonderfully safe
driving ... thank you Lord.
-
At St George’s hospital I was taken straight to the X-ray
department, the specialist arrived soon afterwards, the theatre was
available immediately, so was the anaesthetist ...thank you Lord.
-
My ankle now has six pins and a washer, and the leg is in plaster,
but it will mend ... thank you Lord.
-
Home, and such love from the All Saints' family! Ken needn't think of
cooking for most nights during the first two weeks ... thank you Lord.
-
And for all the phone calls from members of the diocesan family ...
thank you Lord.
-
The blessing of a loving, patient, "long-suffering" husband
to look after me while I feel so helpless ... Thank you Lord.
-
Seven weeks having to take things slowly ... yes, I must thank you
for that too, Lord.
-
But Lord, I’ll need plenty of patience ... thank you Lord.
In everything give thanks to the Lord ... for He is gracious!
Retreats coming up at uMariya uMama weThemba Monastery
22 - 24 July, 2005
Taste the Silence:
An Introduction to Centering Prayer
Led by Contemplative Outreach, Eastern Cape Region
God draws us into an intimate and loving relationship that grows out
of true prayer, finding fulfilment beyond words, thoughts or
expectations. Centering Prayer fosters the development of this
relationship and provides the means of transformation. Come and learn
the method, and the conceptual background of this ancient way of
prayer and let the Silence speak to you.
Fee : R350 Deposit : R175
12—14 August, 2005
A Table of Delight; Feasting with God in the Wilderness.
Led by The Revd Elizabeth Canham
The psalmist recalls a question raised by God’s pilgrimage
people during difficult times: “Can God set a table in the
wilderness?” The story unfolds with many experiences of grace as
they celebrate feasts of joy and hope with the Creator and discover
the answer to their question - YES. During this retreat we will sit
together at God’s table of delight and share our own stories of
jou rneying with God who is always inviting us into celebration and
wholeness. Liz Canham is an Anglican priest, author and retreat
conductor from the United States who is no stranger to South Africa.
She led several retreats in Benedictine spirituality throughout South
Africa two years ago. This will be her first retreat led at uMariya
uMama weThemba Monastery. Fee : R350 Deposit : R175 For more
information or to make a reservation, please contact : The
Guestmaster UMariya uMama weThemba Monastery, PO Box 6013 Grahamstown
6141 046 622 8111 Fax : 046 622 6424 Email : umaria@imaginet.co.za
House of Resurrection Haven
HIV/AIDS management
4 Day (Monday - Thursday)
home-based Care and Wellness Management course at The House of
Resurrection Haven
Time: 08h30 - 16h00 with a tea and lunch break
Cost: R450 per person not staying on site
Cost: R650 per person staying on site
The cost includes training fee, 5 handbooks, tea and lunch.
Participants receive a certificate at the end of the course. Dates
for the next few
courses are: 6-9 June 2005 20-23 June 2005 18-21 July 2005
The trainers are Sr Maggie Williams and Sr Norma Hutcheon Venter. For
more information and to register for a course contact the Haven on
041 481 5585.
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