Umbuliso

Two distinguished priests have been created Honorary Canons of the Cathedral. Nancy Charton served faithfully as a lay minister, deacon and priest in our diocese for many years until she moved to Graaff-Reinet in 1999, and was in 1992 the first woman to be ordained priest in the CPSA.

The Dean of the Cathedral, John Stubbs, has been honoured in recognition of his seven years’ faithful service in this onerous role, as he departs to take up his new ministry at the Anglican House of Studies in Pietermaritzburg.

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Short Provincial Synod

Provincial Synod met at Midrand from 8-9 September. Bishop Thabo reports on the items agreed:

CPSA into ACSA

This Church’s canonical name is now ACSA (Anglican Church of Southern Africa). We are no longer CPSA. Synod acknowledged that to change boards etc will be costly, and it is not expected that people should change these immediately.

Suffragan for Cape Town

Synod passed a resolution to the effect that the suffragan bishop of Cape Town is to be known as the Bishop of Table Bay, with certain rights and responsibilities within the Diocese of Cape Town. He/ she will have a seat in the Cathedral of Cape Town, and there were various canonical amendments and provisions for this.

Representing Grahamstown Diocese, (back) Geoff Antrobus, Suzanne Peterson, Siphokazi Njokweni, Paul Walters and (front) Bishop Thabo, Ebenezer Ntlali and Moses Madywabe.

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Northern Region Family Day nets R63,809

A Family Day for the Northern Region was held at St John’s Bholothwa on 2 September. The sum of R63,809 was raised.

Bishop Thabo wrote:

Thanks for your generous contribution to the Family Day. So far the Southern and Northern Regions together have raised almost R150,000. These contributions, throughout our Decade of teaching on Stewardship and Giving, will be used for mission, ministry and witness in the diocese, Province and Anglican Communion.

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Bishop Thabo writes: Synod of Bishops feedback, Global Anglican witness

Dear People of God

Since the Synod of Bishops and the Provincial Synod I have been reflecting on our global Anglican witness, and in particular on the following Latin concepts: Cognatus ergo sum (I belong, therefore I am), and cogito ergo sum (I think, therefore I am).

At a Communion level

The Synod of Bishops affirmed our founding statement of 1870 in the Canons. We pledged to remain in communion with the See of Canterbury, and with all the Churches in the global Anglican context that are in communion with Canterbury. We believe that much more unifies us as Anglicans than divides us. Unity is a gift from God, and we should work at all costs to preserve this unity within the Communion, as others threaten schism.

The state of our nations

Synod of Bishops called on all who hold public office, bishops, business people, political leaders, to uphold ethical standards congruent with their own moral standards. Lack of congruence between what a leader thinks, says and does, and the values that he publicly espouses, is tantamount to dishonesty. We particularly prayed for the people of Swaziland.

Theological education

We committed ourselves “to support and foster theological education that is life-long, missional, relational, ecumenical and rooted in the gospel (scripture) and living tradition of the Church, as well as engaging prophetically with the social, political and cultural context of CPSA and beyond.” We recognised that we cannot do without a residential theological college, nor wish away the diocesan schemes. We affirmed local co-operation with various institutions of higher learning, and encouraged dioceses in continuing ministry of formation.

The Diocese of Grahamstown

At our May 2007 Synod of Bishops meeting I will be requesting that the Dioceses of Grahamstown and the Free State be discussed, to explore the possibility of alternative episcopal oversight of the north of our diocese, possibly as a missionary diocese with a missionary bishop. So pray for this vision, and for the Burton Commission as it puts flesh on it between now and the Imbizo in February.

Parishes within our diocese

Over the past years I have seen a significant growth in the quality of worship in parishes I have visited. Although finance continues to be a challenge and we are largely still in “maintenance mode”, I thank God for a steady improvement in the level of giving. It is my prayer to have parishes that are vibrant beyond Sunday, which seek to point their parishioners and the people around them to Jesus. Parishioners must acknowledge that this will require money, time, skills and talents, dedicated to God.

At a personal, theological level

In the past months a senior priest erred by performing “re-baptisms”. In one instance he “re-baptised” adults in somebody else’s parish, without his knowledge. When requested to sort this out, by the Biblical and pastoral route, with that person, he was arrogant about it. This is wrong. All of us are baptised “in the name of the Triune God”, whether as an infant, or as an adult. No-one has the right to re-baptise. (Rom 6:3-4, & SAPB p 362; Jn 3:19-21; I Cor 6:11, Mt 28:19; Col 2:12 ; 3:9, Gal 5:24; 6:14.) I am sharing this so that you are not misled, and so that you know. I have written to this priest reprimanding him, and have said that rather than disciplining him, I would discuss this in this open letter. If there are others who have been doing a similar thing, they should refrain. I am glad to say that in the case I was told about, the priest concerned has apologised unreservedly.

Continue to pray for our Communion at this critical time, and for our Province and our parishes. We belong to this body. “Though we are many we are one body” (I Cor 12:12). May God bless you all.

+Thabo

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Disability Day at St Philip’s Lady Grey

By N Spambo

Disability Day was a very special day for MU members at St Philip’s Lady Grey. They invited Zwelonke Mothers’ Union to celebrate the day.

Mr Ntantiso, who is disabled, was the guest of the day, and two officials from the Lady Grey Based Community Organisations, Ms Nyembe and Mrs Ndlangwe. The theme of the day was: “UYesu Nyana kaDavide ndenzele inceba”.

Candlelight was included to mourn loved ones lost to AIDS.

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Grahamstown, Free State work together

By Noreen Burton

The ground work of the two people tasked with growing the Grahamstown Free State missionary area is continuing. Ruth Brandt and Mike Keep are training church wardens and treasurers in financial matters and supporting the congregations. They report that parishioners are enthusiastic about being empowered with financial skills, but that there is a lack of knowledge of the Rules and Canons of the ACSA.

The Commission is still exploring the best model of ministry for this new area. The next step is a retreat for clergy and elected laity planned for November. At this retreat the participants will be given an opportunity to voice their vision and select a name for the area. Following this, in February 2007, an imbizo is planned for the GTFS area. The commission agreed that we need our bishops to verbalise very clearly what they envisage for the area, and put this to the imbizo so people can have a say. Bishop Thabo is concerned about the cost of a missionary area, but still feels the ultimate goal should be a missionary diocese.

In the mean time the ground work continues with Ruth Brandt and Chris Kokoali travelling to Bloemfontein to meet with Mike Keep and Don Narraway to discuss different models of ministry, in preparation for the imbizo.

The next meeting of the Commission will be in November.

A joint committee combining clergy and Chapter members from Grahamstown and Free State Dioceses met on 8 August at the CR Sisters’ convent in Grahamstown. From left to right: Ruth Brandt and Reg Morgan from Queenstown, Don Narraway Dean of Bloemfontein and Michael Keep, both from Free State, Chris Kokoali of Aliwal North and convenor Noreen Burton.

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Diocesan Mothers’ Union Mini-Conference

By Maureen Dabula

This event was held at Pallotti Farm on 16-18 June 2006. It had been postponed several times but God’s timing is always good. This was the time that was meant to sort out Mother’s Union business.

The opening address was by Archdeacon E Ntlali. His talk was based on Stewardship, Trinity and that God wants to speak to us in prayer. Jesus Christ used His time fruitfully, praising and sanctifying our Lord.

M U Development Worker

All participants felt there was a need for this person. Brain storming on the criteria was done, to be finalised by the Task Team. The day ended up with an evening service. The theme was based on humility, spending time at Jesus Christ’s feet.

The Revd Mzikazi Mfenyana started the next day with an inspiring sermon “Look Beyond the Enemy”.

Look beyond the enemy

No bitterness over brokenness

Submission to authority

Inner confidence to handle pressure

Seek God’s wisdom: get the necessary information

Troubled by the trouble of others to the point of action

Prayer and fasting are both powerful.

Rule Book

This was the most important aspect of the Conference. By God’s grace it was handled by Bishop Thabo. It was a lengthy, fruitful exercise which took up to midnight, with a break for Evensong, led by the Bishop. The Finance Committee also presented their document after a meeting with the Bishop.

The time spent at Pallotti was fruitful to all attendees. Archdeacon Ntlali finalised the session with a morning service. All documents were handed to him at the altar in this service by Mrs Lucas, the Diocesan President. He left the Conference with this message:

“Prayer is conversation with God, read the Bible daily, retreat and audit your forgiveness.”

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Women’s Day with Bholothwa MU

By Noelene Arends

Women’s Day took a new meaning on, as the Mothers’ Union and some parish members with the Revd Rini spent the day with the children of Bholothwa. Most of the children that were present at the church were orphaned by HIV/ AIDS.

Mrs Rini and the Mothers’ Union decided that they would come together at the church, prepare a delicious meal and spent time with the children who under normal circumstance would not have this opportunity.

A real festive atmosphere was present on that day, with the laughter of children just being children and not wondering where there next meal will come from.

Thank you to the Mothers’ Union of St John Bholothwa, for bringing some sunshine into the lives of God’s children.

Making their day: Members of the Bholothwa MU seen at St John’s Church on Women’s Day, with local children affected by HIV/ AIDS.

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Rebirth of St John’s Church Bathurst

By Shirley Krsic

St John’s Church, with its history and its charm, has always been a popular venue for weddings, and can also be sure of full pews for the great festivals of Christmas and Easter. For many years though, only a dwindling and ageing congregation has held the fort at the regular services. Now, however, thanks to the inspired efforts of the parish’s two priests, the Revds Robin Murray and Brian Stephen, all this has changed.

They organised a mission to take place in Bathurst and Nolukhanyo during the week of June 4th to 11th, involving nine students and one ordained priest from the College of the Transfiguration in Grahamstown. Parishioners opened their homes and hearts to these seven men and three women from near and far - the Eastern and Western Cape, Gauteng, Lesotho, Swaziland, and even Namibia.

Wearing distinctive black cassocks, they walked the length and breadth of Bathurst and Nolukhanyo, encouraging people to join the congregation of St John’s for worship. Providentially, the weather was warm and dry, but those cassocks were hot!

The missioners were met with a variety of receptions, from being chased by intimidating dogs to being welcomed with tears of joy. The general reaction to their mission was far more positive than negative, with the morning of Wednesday 7th, in the “Monkeytown” area of Bathurst, being definitely the high point. They spent Friday at St Barnabas’ Church in Nemato, cleaning up the ground in preparation for a vegetable garden. On Sunday, 11th June, the fruits of their labours could be seen, when gratifyingly large congregations attended the Gala Services at both St John’s and St Barnabas.

When St John’s was still new, in the second quarter of the 19th Century, our ancestors met each other with guns and assegais - now we meet with the embrace of peace. If we can continue to draw such a congregation as came on the 11th, then surely our ten missioners will have brought not only new life to our church, but also the message of hope to others - love really does conquer all things.

On a Mission: The ten missioners from the College of the Transfiguration who conducted a mission in the Bathurst parish, seen with Assistant Priest Brian Stephen and Rector Robin Murray.

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Harvest Festival at St John’s East London

By George van der Merwe

On Sunday 27th August 2006 the worship at St John’s was focussed on the goodness of God. In the weeks running up to this day, congregation members were encouraged to bring fruit, vegetables and groceries for display in church. The people of St John’s responded with open hearts, and collected an abundance of nutritional items.

This was an effort to assist and uplift the poor and respond to the call to alleviate poverty and hunger, by considering the people in our surrounding communities living in hardship. Archdeacon George v d Merwe, who initiated this form of outreach is of the conviction that those members of his congregation who are able to make a living, should not “cross the Red Sea” with celebration and leave the helpless “wandering in the wilderness.” They must uplift them and bring them along to make them aware that God has not forsaken them, as Ps 94 affirms.

In a special Harvest Offertory Procession, the children brought up corn, coal, fish, fruit, water, the Bible and finally the bread and wine for the Eucharist, in thanksgiving to God. The next day Archdeacon George and about 16 parishioners distributed the food to 11 families at the ARV Clinic, Frere Hospital through Sister Unathi Jako, and to 16 families in the surroundings of the church, including people at the Dockside Informal Settlement. They also supplied food items to Nana’s Haven in Quigney which feeds up to 80 children daily from the streets.

The Archdeacon thanked St John’s people for their generosity.

Suffer little children: George van der Merwe with two of the many Junior Church children from the Dockside Informal Settlement.

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News from our Link Diocese, Toronto

Altarpiece tells story of faith, hope and care

A huge artwork created in the Grahamstown diocese has been seen in the Cathedral of our Link Diocese. The following is taken from a report by Nancy Devine on the Toronto Diocese web site (read the whole report on: http://www.toronto.anglican.ca/)

By Nancy Devine

More than 150 people gathered at St James Cathedral in Toronto on 12 August to see the unveiling of the Keiskamma Altarpiece, a soaring four-metre-high series of tapestries depicting New Testament themes of annunciation, resurrection and nativity through the eyes of those affected by HIV/AIDS.

Created by more than 120 men and women in the area of Hamburg (E Cape), the altarpiece is comprised of three separate panels that open like cupboard doors. It incorporates various textile art techniques, including stump work embroidery, beading, appliqué and photography. The altarpiece made its debut last year at the Cathedral in Grahamstown.

Dr Carol Hofmeyr, Hamburg’s only AIDS doctor, Jackie Sidwell Downs, who worked full-time on the piece and was its co-ordinator, and Eunice Nombulelo Mangwane, a Hamburg grandmother and AIDS awareness educator, were on hand to interpret the work. In sharing her story, Mangwane touched the gathering with her rich voice in a faith-filled hymn of her home in the Eastern Cape. “Never give up, never give up. There is no one like Jesus. Never give up…,” she sang.

She told the gathering she left home for the first time in her life to come to Toronto, to tell people that while her struggles are many, she looks to the future through the eyes of her grandchildren, Akona and his twin siblings, Lithemba and Thabo. The family’s photograph is part of the altarpiece. Mangwane was on the verge of losing her 27-year-old daughter to AIDS when antiretroviral medications were made available in her area. Two years later, her daughter is well, and caring for her children, one of whom is also HIV positive.

“I am thankful today to have the opportunity to come to Canada,” she said. “To see this altarpiece in this wonderful church, and to have seen it put up also in the church in Grahamstown.”

In a far country: Eunice Nombulelo Mangwane from Keiskamma shares her story in Toronto Cathedral, standing in front of the tapestry altarpiece. Her photo is featured in the panel behind her.

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From the Department of Spirituality

Celebrating Women’s Day

By Gloria Smith

Women’s Day, 9 August 2006 was bright and sunny, and the perfect day for celebration. A crowd of approximately 300 women from various parts of the Diocese gathered at St Saviour’s East London for a special service, organised by the Department of Spirituality, to celebrate Women’s Day. We gave thanks for the women of the past, not only our foremothers from the Bible, but also those who played a role in striving for the establishment of a fair and just society in our beloved land, and especially those who took part in the march to the Union Buildings in Pretoria 50 years ago to demand the abolition of pass laws. We also celebrated the life we enjoy in the present, and looked forward to the future our daughters will inherit.

We were privileged to have Bishop Thabo and Lungi with us, as well as a number of men. The keynote of the service was joy, with members of both AWF and MU, as well as some who are not ‘attached’ to any organisation, participating in the service. A tradition has been established of celebrating Women’s Day in a special way.

The Department has been delighted to receive feedback on Women’s Day celebrations held in other parts of the Diocese, but would be grateful to receive more input. Write to the Chairman, Canon Graeme Deas, P O Box 15039, Beacon Bay 5205, with comments or suggestions.

Capacity crowd: 300 women (and some men, too) filled St Saviour’s Church on Women’s Day.

The next quiet morning: St Saviour’s East London, 10:00-13:00 on November 11. Do join us for a time of reflection and fellowship. Bring a packed lunch.

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Social Responsibility and AIDS Ministries

News from Tshwaranang

By Themba Mdedelwa

Children’s clothes warmly accepted

Orphans and Vulnerable Children looked after by the Tshwaranang Caregivers received a major boost when the St Barnabas Anglican Women Fellowship (AWF) and HEWU Hospital donated clothes and blankets.

An excited Mr Ntlale welcomed the donations and praised both AWF and HEWU Hospital management staff. Mrs Baduza who is in charge of the Sada Caregivers also expressed their gratitude and called upon other church organizations and individuals to make more donations as the numbers are growing.

Any donations towards the Sada / Machibini Children’s project could be dropped off at the Tshwaranang Centre, on the premises of St Michael’s and All Angels, Queenstown.

Growing food in Sada

The challenges facing orphans and vulnerable children have prompted the Sada group Sakhisizwe Women in Partnership against AIDS (SWIPPA) to embark on a vegetable cultivating project. The vegetables grown are given free of charge to orphans, vulnerable children and HIV/ AIDS affected households. About 60 families benefit from this project.

Tshwaranang Resource Centre in partnership with Holy Trinity, Wimbledon U K is providing start-up funding for the project. The centre is now moving to Ilinge to develop a similar project.

Violence against girl-children escalating

Zoleka Stemela from the Paralegal division has followed up a sad case of a 17- year-old who was raped in March 2005. The rape was so severe that she could not walk, is now bound to a wheel-chair, and has tested HIV-positive.

The case was taken up with the Child Protection Unit, and it transpired that the Director of Public Prosecutions declined to prosecute. The victim was not informed of the Director’s decision. The Centre is now arranging counselling for the victim and her older sister who is heading the family of eight siblings.

The diocese, through the AVERT Bishop’s Hardship Fund, has also assisted this family financially.

Computer training

This division is managed by the Revd Themba Mdedelwa and conducts the training as well.

The division currently offers:

Introduction to Computer

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel.

Our target audience is the youth and previously disadvantaged adults, employed and unemployed. So far the majority of learners we have trained are young women.

Training will run up to the 1st December 2006, and we intend to train more than 100 people for the current financial year.

The centre is currently negotiating with ISETT SETA for accreditation. We are also exploring the possibility of adopting Hope Africa’s programme for purposes of assessment and certification. To date we have 50 people on the waiting list. We have extended our training from one session to two sessions a day in order to accommodate the working class, who are at work between 8-4 pm.

We have also extended our programmes by introducing:

Basic Bookkeeping training, and

Project Management

to parish organizations and Project leaders. Thanks to HOPE Africa for financial help.

We train people to handle the finances in their organisations, as well as recording the data, and information on banking.

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St Augustine’s forges Northern Ireland links

Giving of their time, members of the MU project “Sinikithemba” at St Augustine’s Grahamstown have been serving nourishing meals for up to 40 people with HIV on Wednesdays for more than a year now. Sheila Jennings of the parish of Moira in Northern Ireland has now extended a hand of friendship to the project, and her parish has pledged to assist Sinikithemba with donations on a regular basis.

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Umbuliso uyakubulisa…

Clergy moves

Peter and Maureen Evers have moved to Port Elizabeth. Peter retired as Priest in Charge of St Peter’s West Bank in East London at the end of 2005.

Ewart Collett has now retired, and has left Barkly East. He is also in the Diocese of Port Elizabeth, living in Kenton-on-Sea. We wish them well in their new homes.

Sharon Summers has moved from St Mark’s Cambridge to be Assistant Priest at St Alban’s Vincent, and Zamile Dlanjwa, one of our Deacons, has now transferred from St John’s East London to St Mark’s Cambridge, for further experience.

Death of Thenjiwe Jayiya

Mrs Thenjiwe Jayiya, widow of the late Canon Jayiya of Bholothwa, died on 15 September. A large crowd attended her funeral, led by Bishop Thabo at St Michael’s Queenstown, to give thanks for her life of service.

For prayer

Prayers and condolences to Velile Sono, a deacon at St Michael Sterkspruit, whose brother Sabelo was tragically abducted and murdered in Johannesburg.

The Bishop of Natal, Rubin Philip and family, are also in our prayers after the sad and sudden death of their youngest son, Stephen.

Suzanne Peterson has had arthroscopic surgery to her shoulder. At the time of going to press, two clergy were facing operations: Christopher Cook a prostate operation and Carl Schultz a heart by-pass. Deacon Peter Boucher was having to cope with kidney dialysis at frequent intervals. We pray for their healing.

STOP PRESS

Carl Schultz, priest in charge of St Mary and St Andrew Kidds Beach, died on 9 October following heart surgery. We pray for his widow Lynn and the family.

Mission to University

A week-long Mission to Rhodes University in Grahamstown conducted under the auspices of African Enterprise brought blessings to staff and students alike. Celebrities who visited and shared their testimonies as Christians included boxer Baby Jake Matlala, TV personality Michael Mol, swimmer Penny Heyns and cricketer Gary Kirsten.

Students, staff and townspeople of Grahamstown at a Mission meeting.

Youth Weekend cancelled

Simphiwe Magxwalisa, the Diocesan Youth Chaplain, wishes to apologise to all Youth that the planned Youth Weekend at Hobbiton, Hogsback, on 22-23 September, had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.

AWF 40th Anniversary

AWF of the Diocese of Grahamstown will be celebrating Provincial AWF's 40 years of existence.

25 November 2006

Grahamstown Cathedral

08h00 (church service at which Bishop Thabo Makgoba will be the celebrant) until late.

40 years of Faith, Hope, Trust and Perseverance!

All clergy and their parishioners are invited. Please come and celebrate with us.

Provincial AWF executive and liaison Bishop will be part of these celebrations.

Nomonde Mankahla, President

Where is our camera?

Can whoever has the diocesan digital camera, please return it to the diocesan office or to the Bishop! Thanks.

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