Umbuliso
The Greeting
Newsletter of the Diocese
of Grahamstown
Easter 2007: Vol 30 No. 2
Meet the next Dean of Grahamstown
Missionary Diocese: Formation agreed
Steps towards a Missionary Diocese
From Bishop Thabo’s Charge: Incarnational Evangelism
Synod duties for new Bishop’s Secretary
St Francis’ Mdantsane hosts picnic for senior
citizens
150 not out: St Peter’s East London
400 Anglicans at Boksburg Conference
Obituary: Madoda Qinisile, founder of first E L Bernard Mizeki
Guild
Youth Workshop at St Francis’ Mdantsane
Ten Deacons ordained at St Alban’s East London
Umbuliso uyakubulisa (short items of news and greetings)
Meet the next Dean of Grahamstown
The present Rector of Hout
Bay in the
Andrew Hunter was born in 1957 in Pietermaritzburg. He matriculated at
His
wife Claire is also a priest. She has been working as a lecturer in New
Testament and as an assistant at St Peter’s, and they have two daughters.
Andrew Hunter with his wife Claire,
and daughters Rachel (left, 11 years) and Nicola (9).
Formation
of Missionary Diocese agreed
The Diocesan Synod of the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown, meeting in St Alban’s Church East London on Saturday 3 March 2007, has agreed in principle to the establishment of a Missionary Diocese, to be called Emmanuel Diocese. The Synod motion, accepted unanimously, came as the culmination of a thorough process of consultation involving the Dioceses of Grahamstown and the Free State.
Proposing the motion to form a Missionary Diocese out of
parts of the dioceses of Grahamstown and
The one-day Synod followed a weekend of Imbizo, held in Aliwal North from 9-11 February, at which the idea was discussed and the proposal framed.
The new diocese would consist of the northern region of the present Diocese of Grahamstown, including Sada, Cathcart, Queenstown, Lanti, Bholothwa, Tarkastad, Lady Frere, Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Sterkspruit, Barkly East, Lady Grey and their surrounding districts, and the southern part of the present Free State Diocese including towns such as Philippolis, Springfontein, Smithfield, Rouxville and Zastron. The proposal accepted by the Grahamstown Synod will be put before the Synod of Bishops of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa in May, and providing the Bishops’ approval is forthcoming, will be on the agenda of a Synod of Free State Diocese in August.
Emmanuel Diocese: It was agreed that
the new diocese should consist of the bright pink area (northern region) plus
the blue area (
Steps towards a Missionary Diocese
Delegates at Synod were presented with a Resolution to consider. This was the final result of a long and prayerful process.
Imbizo
After preliminary work over many months by the Commission led by Canon
Noreen Burton, an Imbizo was held over the weekend of
9-11 February
in
Queenstown, attended by about 90 clergy, lay ministers and parishioners from
the Southern Region of Free State Diocese and the Northern Region of
Grahamstown Diocese, including the Bishops of Grahamstown and Free State.
Bishop Martin Breytenbach of the diocese of St Mark
the Evangelist described how that diocese had succeeded over 20 years in moving
from being a Region, to being a Diocese receiving support from the Diocese of
Pretoria, to becoming self-sufficient (although not yet able to achieve their
desired goals). His presentation inspired the delegates to “Get out of the boat
and walk on the water”. To make sure that every voice should be heard, the
delegates broke up into small groups for iincoko, and
reported back. All groups requested a Missionary Bishop. In a secret ballot
that followed, approximately 90% of
Tithing will ensure financial
viability
Mr Bruce Harrison then presented an assessment of the financial
viability of a
Missionary Diocese, on behalf of the Revd Ruth Brandt and himself. While
accepting that the way would be difficult, the figures show that if everyone tithed, and if the Church grew in
numbers, the Missionary Diocese could be self-sustaining. Until this happens,
the two dioceses pledge to support the Missionary Diocese. The name chosen was
Emmanuel Diocese (“God with us”). A group prepared the Resolution which was put
to the Grahamstown Diocesan Synod on 3 March and passed unanimously.
From Bishop Thabo’s Charge: Incarnational Evangelism
Dear People of God
Our local context is not different from the global scene. We are a Diocese located in the Eastern Cape, a beautiful place with amazing topography, a highly spiritual Province. We pride ourselves on our ocean, rivers, mountains, nature reserves and the rich traditions and hospitality of our people. This Province has the potential to be the greatest, but we are hampered by past infrastructural backlogs, by abject poverty, corruption, greed, high incidence of HIV/AIDS and TB infections, high infant mortality rate, illiteracy, unemployment, crime and the escalation of street kids and prostitution in some parts of our Province. We welcome the move by National Government to expedite dealing with policy on HIV/Aids intervention.
The call
The church is called to usher in epiphany experiences for all people affected by these socio-economic conditions as well as to deal with its own ecclesiological and theological challenges such as the Civil Unions Bill, patriarchy and the lack of sufficient fiscal resources to equip church leaders theologically, to respond to these challenges. We cannot address these alone, in some form of “Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown imperialism”. Ecumenism and multi-faith dialogue as well as involving all organs of civil society, is the way for Incarnational Evangelism.
The Questions
How do we acknowledge our identity as a boldly Christian Anglican Diocese, in this world yet not of this world, in our engagement and proclamation? How did Christ become involved, and how do we get involved in the pain and challenges of this world as Christians without being too holy, too worldly or indifferent? Put differently, how do we fulfil the call to Incarnational Evangelism as aptly put in Our Diocesan Vision Statement, “… that all people may know the love of God in Jesus Christ at work in us through the power of the Holy Spirit”. How do we do this without despairing, colluding, and without ignoring our being “set apart” and yet compelled to be engaged?
Some Practical Steps
As clergy and laity are you willing to be deployed where Jesus sends you?
Jesus calls us to spiritual growth and renewal. How are we to respond today?
Does our worship welcome, allow space for prayer, reflection and an encounter with Jesus?
Jesus has entrusted the Anglican Communion to us. What is our response and attitude to this precious gift?
Jesus wants these mission contexts to be places of encountering his Word proclaimed, engaged with and lived out in our world, God’s world.
As people give sacrificially to the church, we need to be accountable for their giving, grow these resources and be generous to the Diocese, Province, Communion and the needy. Financial statements are vital.
Jesus calls us to trust and obey as we engage in Incarnational Evangelism in our time and context. This will no doubt, lead to “an increase in those that are saved”– growth.
Synod duties for new Bishop’s
Secretary
Essential administration for the 3 March Synod at St Alban’s East London was provided by the lay and clerical secretaries. Nobuntu Mageza (left) is the Bishop’s new Secretary. Three days into her post, she was taking minutes at Synod with Tony Schnell of the Department of Social Responsibility. Archdeacon Reg Morgan (centre) was the clerical secretary, and Siphokazi Njokweni and Geoff Antrobus (right) the lay secretaries.
Lost!
Canon Johannes Hardnick has lost a precious white stole, made by a friend for him many years ago. He last saw it when he attended the funeral of a priest at St Alban’s East London late last year.
If anyone has picked it up, please return it to him at P O Box 447, Queenstown 5320, or hand it in at the Diocesan Office. It is of great sentimental value.
Transfer of Church land
donated by Diocese
Milestone
in St John’s
Bishop Thabo Makgoba signed the transfer of farmland from the historic St John’s Mission, Bholothwa, to 24 local beneficiaries on 24 January.
The large crowd attending the signing included representatives from the community and the churches, and officials from local and national Government.
This is the first major transfer of Church land in the Diocese in terms of the Government’s Land Reform programme. Six hectares of the farm, which contain St. John’s Church, the new Retreat Centre and the burial ground, are being retained by the Diocese of Grahamstown.
Much of the land has the potential for growing good crops. The Bholothwa river which runs through the centre of the farm has in the past enabled the successful growing of citrus fruit and vegetables, and this is again envisaged in the current Farm Plan.
Historic hand-over: Willie Ruiters
(left), head of Land Affairs in Queenstown, with Mr Neli the Chair of the Siyazama
Project, new owners of the land, and Bishop Thabo.
The colourful ceremony, which included Xhosa horsemen and
dancers in traditional dress, took place in the grounds of Bholothwa’s
former rectory, now restored as the Nondumiso Retreat
and Training Centre.
Eight-year process
The transfer was started in 1998 with the decision by the diocese to assist those living in disadvantaged rural areas where the Church owned land. Bholothwa was one such place. Throughout this time the diocese through DSR staff on its Land Justice Programme has worked jointly with field officers from the Government’s Land Affairs and Agricultural departments. Beneficiaries were selected according to the criteria of the Government’s Land Reform programme (e.g, they had to be local, both men and women). They receive a government grant of R20,000 per person, to be used for fencing, machinery, seeds, fertilizer etc.
Of the 62 who initially showed interest five years ago, 24 remained committed to the project, nearly all of whom had experience of working with livestock and crops. Training, largely based on the Farm Plan produced by Development Officer, Vernon Gibberd, also included marketing and book-keeping and understanding the responsibilities and legal requirements of land ownership.
Siyazama
During 2005 the beneficiaries elected to work together as a team, forming a Community Property Association (CPA) with the name “Siyazama Project”-which means “We are trying!” The following year a Constitution setting out the legal requirements was signed by all the beneficiaries and the project formally registered with the Department of Land Affairs in Pretoria.
Ongoing partnership
The Nondumiso Retreat Centre has been the base for the Siyzama Project and beneficiaries’ monthly training meetings. This will continue in the years ahead and will ensure an on-going partnership with the diocese and those with farming experience.
For
a fuller account of this event see http://www.diocesegrahamstown.co.za/direction/landtransfer.doc
St Francis’ hosts picnic for senior citizens
By Maureen Dabula
Recognition of senior citizens is a norm at St Francis Anglican Church in Mdantsane. Late last year a day trip by bus was arranged to Nahoon Beach. Most of them commented “Azange siyibone le ndawo intle kangaka, iphole kamnandi” (We have never seen such a lovely beach). The event was organized through the Unit Committees. We were blessed to get donations from Star bakery, Wolfies bakery, and Sanans for fruit. Food parcels were from Spar Southernwood and Gompo Welfare.
Lunch was prepared at home ready to be served by the younger mothers. Breakfast was in the form of boerewors braai with rolls, juice and fruit. They also had time to stretch their legs at the board walk.
The occasion was graced by the presence of Rev P.Mpumlwana, Ms S. Makeleni Church Warden, Ms D.Tokwe Parish leader Mrs. N.Gqadushe Branch leader, Mrs. N. Mangcu and Ms P.Msengana, Committee members.
Kamnandi! Senior citizens at
150
not out: St Peter’s East London
By
Tyronne Boucher
Despite setbacks like the murder of one Rector and the drowning of another, the Anglicans of St Peter’s Church West Bank, the oldest church in East London, will celebrate the church’s 150th anniversary in June this year. The parish is lovingly referred to as the “Mother Church” of East London, as it was from this parish that many of the other Anglican churches in East London and surrounding areas developed.
The church was established in 1857 with the Revd Joseph Willson as rector. He was murdered shortly after his appointment, while performing religious duties near Fort Grey. Under the leadership of the succeeding rector, the Revd William Greenstock, a wood and iron church school was constructed in 1859, which was also used for worship. With Revd Lees as rector, the present St Peter’s Church was built, with the first service held in 1862. In 1877 the east wing was added.
The construction of East London’s railway line shifted attention to the East Bank, and the clergy of St Peter’s extended the area of their work to include the new centre. In 1881, the Parish of East London was divided into two: East London East (Parish of St John the Evangelist) and East London West (Parish of St Peter). Revd Wyche, the rector of St Peters, ministered to both congregations. Sadly, in 1881 he drowned in flood waters of the Chalumna River while returning from a service at St Andrew’s, Chalumna.
St Peter’s had for a long time been associated with the sea, and between 1976 and 1987 Chaplains from the Mission to Seamen helped with services at St Peter’s.
The present rector, Reverend Lorraine Rusch, is the first female priest at St Peter’s and the first female rector in East London.
St Peter’s 150th will be celebrated throughout the coming months, with the main celebration in September.
News from Tshwaranang
By Zolile Ntlale and Noelene Arends
Preventing substance abuse
Substance abuse is fast becoming a problem in our communities. It is rife in the local schools, and educators struggle to find solutions to it. It is against this backdrop that the Tshwaranang Centre decided to open a subdivision that deals specifically with substance abuse.
Sizwe Hlekiso, a trained volunteer in this field, has been appointed to lead this sub-division. In his first assignment he educated learners of Ngubengcuka High School on substance abuse, and prevention and intervention strategies. The Centre has now joined hands with the South African Police Services and Health Department officials. On 8th March 2007, Sizwe and members of the South African Police addressed about 85 students of Ikhala Technical College on the effects of drug abuse.
March against crime
On Friday 26 January 2007, Tshwaranang organized members of the Christian community and other concerned residents to march against the high levels of crime in the Queenstown magisterial area. The march was led by Bishop Thabo, Bishop Ngqono, leadership of the Eastern Cape Council of Churches and Lukhanji executive mayor Mr Mzwabantu Dapula.
The marchers demanded tough actions and stiff sentences to be meted out to
criminals.
Gardening project
Three householders at Mlungisi and Sada have successfully started up home gardens in their areas. The gardens have not only become a source of food but also provide income for these families. Start-up funding for these gardens was provided by Tshwaranang in collaboration with Holy Trinity Wimbledon parishioners. Other group members are also encouraged to start their own gardens.
Christian Aid has donated a property in Sada for the accommodation of six Orphan and Vulnerable children who have no extended family members. They are maintained from the state grants and the caregivers provide vegetables from their gardens.
David Montieth and three members of his parish Holy Trinity Wimbledon visited St Barnabas on 18 February 2007. The purpose of the visit was to reconnect with people he met during his last visit and expose his friends to African worship. After the service he thanked the rector and parishioners for allowing him to take part in the service. Tshwaranang also thanked Holy Trinity for their continuous support of their HIV/AIDS and garden projects.
MU Enrolment held in home
By
Maureen Dabula
The home of two elderly mothers was turned into a church on 22 February, when a service was held to welcome them into the Mother’s Union of the Anglican church.
Mrs Joyce Mabhai-Makuleni and Ms Gladys Mabhai had to stay with their daughter in East London for care and safety. Because of the strong Christian values of their daughter Lungiswa Mabhai, they were attracted by the ministry at St Francis Anglican church, and the cell group “Siyakhula”, to which Lungiswa belongs. They were followed up by the Parish Rector Penrose Mpumlwana. They had been members of the women’s groups for many years in different churches, but had belonged to the Anglican church before marriage. Negotiations to change to the Anglican church were well accepted by the Rector. The process was followed by the Parish Leader Ms D Tokwe assisted by the cell group Mother’s Union members, who went through the Manual and Service book. Mrs N Mabuto and Mrs T Mbekela assisted in the service proceedings.
Since they are house-bound, the service had to be conducted at their home. This service left them with satisfaction and love as their identity was not lost as Mother’s Union members. A sense of belonging strengthened their spiritual life. Old family friends, Mrs Kose and Mrs N Mtai supported them on this day.
Church came to their home: Mrs Joyce Mabhai-Makuleni
(80) and Ms Gladys Mabhai (87) on their enrolment
into the MU.
Canterbury comes to Boksburg: 400 Anglicans at Conference
Bishop Thabo Makgoba was one of the ACSA delegates at an international conference of Anglicans in Boksburg in March. He was among more than 400 people from 30 of the Anglican Communion’s 38 Provinces attending the “Towards Effective Anglican Mission” (TEAM) conference, which met to review the Church's response to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to see how the Church can do more as one of the world’s largest grassroots development networks.
“We hear and we respond because we serve a God who hears the cries of the oppressed,” ACSA Archbishop Njongonkulu Ndungane said in his opening address to the TEAM conference. Delivering the keynote address, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams, said that a world where no one is forgotten, no one is invisible, “is a world in which God's promise has been fulfilled.” At the conclusion of the eight-day meeting, the conference issued ten recommendations meant to help guide dioceses and parishes as they strive to live out their mission in the world.
Pilgrimage for Peace
At the TEAM Conference, Bishop Thabo addressed a group of about 45 Pilgrimage for Peace delegates from across the USA and Lebombo on justice and peace, and how the Diocese of Grahamstown was addressing these. He urged these delegates, mostly youth and young theologians, to continue to pray for peace and justice, and to consider giving a year of their life in the Diocese of Grahamstown, working alongside HIV positive people, orphans and the poor.
(Additional reporting from ENS).
Taking a break after a service at Christ the King, Sophiatown, Bishop Thabo is seen with the Suffragan Bishop of
Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan
Williams at the opening Eucharist, in
Obituary: Madoda Qinisile, founder of first E L
Bernard Mizeki Guild
By
Immanuel Ngubo
Mr M A Qinisile, a parishioner at St Philip’s East London who died on 25 February 2007 at the age of 80, was instrumental in founding the first St Bernard Mizeki Guild branch in East London.
Madoda Abednigo Qinisile was born in 1926 in the Tsomo rural area. Having been baptized by missionaries at an early age, he never turned back from working for God wherever he was. In 1956 after four years in East London he was licensed as a lay minister. In 1973 Qinisile requested the Revd Sondiyazi to call the Revd Qabazi to come and form a St Bernard Mizeki Guild at St Philip’s Duncan Village. This took place in October 1974, with Mr Tile, who is still alive now at the age of 97 years. St Philip’s was the first Anglican church in East London to have a Men’s Guild (and perhaps even in the whole Diocese). Qinisile encouraged many people to join the Guild, and St Philip’s Church, and to work hard on their behalf.
Qinisile’s funeral on 10 March 2007 was conducted by Archdeacon W L T Ntlola, with the Revd Z Adonis as the preacher. He will be missed by the Guild, church and community for his care, dedication and willingness to help always. As a young person I personally learned a lot from him. May his soul rest in peace, we will always remember him.
Youth Workshop at St Francis’ Mdantsane
By Sonwabo Mdubi
The Youth Guild of St Francis Mdantsane invited the congregation and the East London Archdeaconry to attend a workshop on 24 February 2007, on the theme of “Anglicanism and Youth motivation”.
The speaker of the day was the Revd M C Dano from St Peter’s Peddie. He gave a historical background of the Anglican Church from the Roman Catholic to the present. He highlighted that the sacrament is one of the things that we adopted from Roman Catholic Church. He also emphasised that the Anglican Church is the church of unity not conformity, (unity in diversity, diversity in unity).
He mentioned the importance of seasons such as Lent, Harvest, Pentecost, etc. He also mentioned the importance of events such as Patronal Festivals. He then answered questions from various workshop participants.
Mrs Bekani, a member of the Mothers’ Union, gave us words of encouragement: “When you feel you have failed start again, do not become discouraged and do not give up”.
Ten Deacons ordained at St Alban’s East London
Wearing their deacons’ stoles after the ordination on 27 January
at St Alban’s
Umbuliso uyakubulisa
New MU President
Umbuliso greets Noncedo Ntlali on her election to be the next President of the
diocesan Mothers’
A living Link with Toronto
A warm welcome to Sylvia Skippen from our link diocese,
Bishops elected
Because of forthcoming retirements of Bishops,
three elective assemblies were held recently in the ACSA, and the following
were elected: To be Suffragan Bishop of Natal, Canon Nkosinathi Ndwandwe; Bishop of Matlosane, Dean Molopi Stephen Diseko; Bishop of Kimberley and Kuruman,
Dean Ossie Swartz. Pray for them as they prepare for
consecration to the episcopate.
Sympathy
We extend sympathy and prayers to Canon Nomaza Mfenyana on the death of
her mother.
Clergy moves
We ask God’s blessing on the following clergy
in new areas of ministry:
Canon Louis Flint to take over St Luke’s
Nxaruni from 1 May.
Simphiwe Silwana to join the
ministry team at All Saints’ East London, while James Rusch will be in charge
of
Deacon Gela has retired out of the Diocese. We
wish him well and God’s strength in his retirement, after years of faithful
service at Indwe.
Close shave for Bishop, Canon
As sheep before the shearers: At the end of the one-day Synod in
Umbuliso is your diocesan newspaper!
Contributions welcome
Deadline for next issue: 20 March 2007
Please send news to:
P O Box 181, Grahamstown 6140
Tel: (046) 622 7803 Note change of number.
Fax (046) 622 5231
E-mail: umbuliso@diocesegrahamstown.co.za
Umbuliso is published by the Diocese of Grahamstown, edited by Maggy Clarke
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