Diocese of Grahamstown
Umbuliso/ The Greeting
Newsletter of the Diocese of Grahamstown
Easter 2009. Vol. 32 No 2
Important Date!
Inauguration of new Diocese of Ukhahlamba
3 October 2009
Bishop's Easter greetings
Alicedale food
garden blessed
Bishop Ebenezer writes:
There is a variety of
gifts in the body of Christ
John Cooper's writings
and poems published
"Two Cathedrals" exhibition in Grahamstown
Marriage and Confirmation at St Mary Sterkspruit
My time at the College of the
Transfiguration
Ukhahlamba Diocese to
be born 3 October
Fort Hare Anglicans
on a roll!
From the Department of Spirituality: Wanted: Mystics
without Monasteries
Diocesan Finances
Bernard Mizeki Guild news
Letter to the Editor from Cofimvaba
New Honorary Canons
Diocese to set
up Section 21 Company?
Bishop's welcome and blessing of Bishopsbourne
"A lamb to the slaughter": reflection
Umbuliso uyakubulisa:
New Head for St Andrew's College
Doctors in the Mtuze
family!
AWF stalwart dies
Death
of St Augustine's "Aunt Betty"
Highveld Bishop elected
From the Bishop's Diary
Dear Diocesan Family and all
its leaders in their different callings.
Thank you for praying,
fasting by eating less or simple food, by giving up some pleasure or luxury,
using the money saved to help other people, studying scriptures, meditating,
worshiping and doing reflection with us from Ash Wednesday up to this fourth
Sunday which we are writing to you.
We are still faced with
contemplating the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Hughes in
his book “God of Surprises” teaches us to “allow Jesus to easter in us, be a
day spring to dimness of us, be a crimson-cresseted east”.
We pray and hope that you
have been enriched in the spiritual depth of our faith and calling. We want
to take this opportunity with my family wishing you a happy Easter.
He is
risen indeed, hallelujah.
+Ebenezer
“Masiphlisane: Let us
give one another good health”
Even a small patch of church ground can be used to
uplift the surrounding community. This is being proved by the people of St
Barnabas Church in Alicedale (a congregation of St Peter’s Sidbury) who have
started a food garden called “Masiphilisane: Let us give one another good
health”.
On Sunday 15 March months of planning and hard
work were rewarded when the Bishop of Grahamstown, Ebenezer Ntlali, came to
bless the Masiphilisane organic food garden.
The piece of ground behind
St Barnabas Church is now dominated by a magnificent shade-cloth “tunnel”.
Inside this, egg-plants and various kinds of peppers are already bearing
fruit, destined to be sold to local hotels. Members of the project will not
only benefit from the sales, but will also be able to grow vegetables on the
land outside the tunnel, to take home to feed their families. Water to
irrigate the garden is collected in two big tanks fed with rain-water
collected off the church roof.
The project, led by the
Parish Priest Cynthia Webbstock, was inspired by an idea of Alicedale
resident Paul Langley, who had experience of organic farming back in the
1960’s. It was made possible through generous funding by the Grahamstown
Railway Job Creation Project.
The little church was full to bursting for the
Eucharist, at which the singing was led by musicians from the Cathedral
including their marimba band, and students from the College of the
Transfiguration. Representatives were present from all the congregations of
Sidbury Parish.
Asking God’s blessing on the garden, Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali and his
Chaplain George van der Merwe (2nd left) are surrounded by the clergy of
Sidbury parish: Deacon Thato Monaheng on the left, Deacon Simphiwe Mnukiso
and Cynthia Webbstock the Priest-in-Charge. On the right are students from
the College of the Transfiguration.
First fruits: Local priest Cynthia Webbstock admires the egg-plant
fruit with Paul Langley, while deacon Thato Monaheng looks on.
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There is a variety of
gifts in the body of Christ
Dear People of God
Through our baptism we have been made members of the
body of Christ. In the New Zealand prayer book the baptized are called “the
people of God, a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a community of faith, and
the fellowship of the Holy Spirit” (p. 931).
St Paul argues that the baptized people of God
are endowed by the Holy Spirit with a variety of gifts, for the common good
(1 Cor 12:4 -7). These include the gift of preaching, miracles, prophecy,
etc. (1 Cor 12:4 – 11).
St Paul also speaks about a variety of ministries, such
as apostles, prophets, teachers, workers of miracles, also those able to
help others, and administrators (1 Cor 12: 4 -28). There are also other
gifts that he did not speak about such as medical doctors, nurses,
Churchwardens, the ministry of Mothers’ Union, of Bernard Mizeki, of AWF, of
Youth, of Junior church, carpentry and other ministries of the laity.
St Paul emphasizes that the gifts and ministries come
from the Holy Spirit. He warns us not to fall into the same trap as the
Corinthian Christians, who saw themselves as separate entities. Different as
we are in gifts, skills, talents and ministries, we are inspired by the same
Holy Spirit. Then we can see ourselves as one, yet different in serving one
another in the body of Christ and beyond. St Paul explains that these gifts
and ministries are given for the common good, and for the betterment of the
church.
Nolan in his book “Jesus Today” warns us to distance
ourselves from the destructiveness of individualism. He argues that the
western world maintains that an individual attains authentic identity only
if clearly separated from others and from the rest of the enveloping world.
Freedom and happiness are equated with independence and self sufficiency.
But one can easily fall into the trap of alienation, loneliness,
lovelessness, unhappiness, and inability to maintain relationships (2007, p
15).
Nolan echoes St Paul when he says that, though the Holy
Spirit has given us a variety of gifts, we need not create a situation of
separation, in which a teacher might say to the one with a gift of healing
“I do not need you” or the one who has a gift of faith might say to a
prophet “I do not need you”. Nolan believes that the west needs to learn
from other cultures, in which a person who is separated and isolated from
the rest of the community would be regarded as very unfortunate, and
interdependence, social coherence, and reliance upon one another are highly
appreciated cultural values. That is why the people of Africa say “A person
becomes a person through other people”. Therefore we are inspired by the
same Holy Spirit in our different gifts to work together for the common
good. This means ‘unity in diversity’ (2007, p 15).
Let us thank God in His Son Jesus Christ, who has
endowed us with different gifts and ministries to bear witness to Him! May
Jesus Christ give us the ability to integrate our giftings with the gift of
the mind and love which will improve our relationships with God and one
another, as we minister together in the body of Christ that is in the church
of God.
+Ebenezer
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page
Taking one
Step at a Time is a book of the writings of John Cooper, many of them
poems, selected and introduced by his widow Vivien, with biographical notes.
John and Vivien Cooper
John Cooper was a priest of the Diocese of Grahamstown
who ministered in a number of parishes despite a continuing battle with
spino-cerebellar degeneration which eventually put him in a wheel chair. He
died in 2005 at the age of 58. A talented poet and painter, he left a legacy
of works which can now be enjoyed by a wider audience.
“Part memoir, part inspirational poetry, his book is
one that will surely help and uplift readers: those who can appreciate the
depth of feeling and the message behind his poetry, articles and diary. It
is the work of a courageous man who was ordained into the Anglican Church,
lived his faith, bore his disablement bravely and left behind a legacy for
others.”
Beryl Bowie, East London author.
Taking one Step at a Time is published by Dr Vivien Cooper,
P O Box 2067
Beacon Bay 5205.
Telephone orders: 082 782 3326
Price: R90, of which R20 will go towards Diocesan HIV/AIDS work.
It is also available from
St Nicholas' Church, Beacon Bay:
P O Box 2518, Beacon Bay
5205. Tel. 043 748 6100.
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By
Jeanette Eve
An exhibition entitled “A Tale of Two Cathedrals: a celebration of the links
between the cathedrals of Grahamstown and Toronto” was displayed at the
Albany History Museum in Grahamstown from 14 February to 14 March.
The exhibition grew out of a visit by the archivist of St James'
Cathedral, Toronto, Nancy Mallett, to Grahamstown Diocese in 2005. She
collected information and material, and mounted an exhibition in Toronto
later that year. Afterwards much of the material was sent to Grahamstown. In
August last year the Sub-Dean, Suzanne Peterson and a local committee began
planning for the Grahamstown exhibition. The Albany Museum was approached,
and offered gallery space and the expertise of their staff.
At the launch on 14 February the Bishop of Grahamstown, Ebenezer Ntlali
spoke enthusiastically of the link of the Diocese of Grahamstown with
Toronto Diocese in Canada. Rachel Johnson, daughter of the bishop of
Toronto, Colin Johnson, read a loving and encouraging message from her
father. She told how she had come to work at Hamburg, the home of the
Keiskamma project. The Keiskamma Aids tapestry, which was blessed in
Grahamstown Cathedral in 2005, had been taken to Toronto and displayed in
their cathedral during the World AIDS Conference of 2006. Rachel had seen it
and felt a call to go to Hamburg and offer her services as a nurse. She has
now been there for nearly three years.
The exhibition focused on:
· How
the inter-diocesan link came about and has been sustained.
· similarities
in architecture (the cathedrals are both Neo-Gothic in style and were built
at about the same time) and in furnishings.
· a
“history line” comparing what was going on at each stage in South Africa and
Grahamstown, with events in Canada (Toronto).
· special
occasions, such as the consecration of bishops
· everyday
occurrences such as tea after services, pancake suppers, outreach projects
and a concern with AIDS. And much more!
The Grahamstown committee added to the exhibition some of the exquisite
hand-embroidered liturgical items made by the Sisters of the Resurrection of
Our Lord, as well as some of the cathedral vestments, and artefacts such as
the architect's model of the cathedral. On display on another floor were art
works from different periods, in which the cathedral features. All this was
most skilfully and attractively displayed by the museum's exhibition
officer, Zach Taljaard.
A journey through time:
People at the exhibition opening on 14 February
study the images and documents on display. Those above the line refer to
events in Grahamstown, those below the line to what was happening at the
same time in Toronto.
Beautiful and ancient vestments from the Cathedral on
display.
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By
Koot Dayimane
The
16th November 2008 was a day that will never be forgotten by the Christians
of Sterkspruit as it was so spectacular. St Mary’s mission church building
could not contain all the people who came to see the new Bishop, Bishop
Ebenezer, so instead the Bensonvale Multipurpose Hall was used for the
Confirmation service. The congregation welcomed the Bishop at the gates of
the College with a procession and guard of honour. The hall was half-filled
by confirmation candidates alone. St Michael’s and St Mary’s had about 127
confirmation candidates altogether. Some of them came in wheelchairs from
Empilisweni Hospital.
The
Bishop prayed and laid hands on the sick, one of them being the Revd Velile
Sono’s mother-in-law. Many in the Diocese are not aware that the Revd Sono
is now married to Zukiswa Mzizi. The right time came for him to find his
life partner, and we pray that their married life may be exemplary, as heads
and leaders of the church. The blessing of the Revd Sono’s marriage, and the
celebration of the 30th wedding anniversary of the Revd Duka and Mrs Duka
was a cherry-on-top of the pudding for the day.
The
congregations of Sterkspruit extend a word of thanks to the Bishop for the
work he did, hoping that all those who were confirmed will support the
church and the Diocese.
Married bliss:
newly-weds Velile and Zukiswa Mzizi are at the left of the picture. On the
other side of the Bishop are Nontsikelelo and Vuyisile Duka, who have been
married for 30 years. The service was also made colourful by the
red-and-white clad servers of St Mary’s Parish.
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By
Sue Paton
Two very fulfilling and
happy years at the College of Transfiguration have left me confident in my
ministry and assured of the value of being an Anglican. The lecturers at the
College are dedicated professionals who willingly share their passion for
theology with their students. My time at College has birthed within me a new
love for theology and theological debate. The multi-cultural environment
further enriched my understanding of different contexts. The daily
discipline of the Eucharist has strengthened my desire to participate
regularly in Anglican services which build the unity and community of the
Anglican Church. I so appreciated the support I received from the bishop and
the church and would like to say thank you for the opportunity I was given.
I would further like to encourage the diocese in its support of the College
of Transfiguration as they strive to make theological education accessible
to many more potential students.
Since January 2009 Sue
Paton has been Community Engagement Officer and Assistant Chaplain at the
Diocesan School for Girls, Grahamstown.
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Bishop’s Vicar prepares
the way
The Revd Lawrence Ndzwana has
been appointed Bishop’s Vicar for the new Diocese of Ukhahlamba. His brief is to
visit all the parishes of the Northern Region to take services, preach and hold
meetings in preparation for the inauguration on
3 October.
He will facilitate workshops for the training of the clergy and laity, and
assist in the establishment of structures such as Chapter, Trusts Board,
Executive and Diocesan Council. He will conduct meetings of the executives of
various diocesan guilds, to set up structures for the new diocese. The Bishop’s
Vicar will be accountable to the Bishop of Grahamstown. Bishop Ebenezer will
continue to do Episcopal acts and be of support until a new Bishop is in place.
Dean Andrew Hunter will oversee
preparations for the inauguration, including the liturgy, catering and
invitations, and even a coat of arms for the new Diocese, with a joint committee
from northern and southern parts of the Diocese.
Lawrence Ndzwana
The Elective Assembly to choose the first Bishop of Ukhahlamba
Diocese will take place on
21 January 2010.
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The Fort
Hare Anglican Society (ANSOC) in Alice held its opening function of the year on
Sunday 15 March, after a Eucharist celebrated at St Bartholomew’s by the
Chaplain, Moses Madywabe. New students were welcomed and while the braai got
going there were field games.
The 2009 UFH ANSOC committee
with new students: l-r: Gift M Ngwenya (Chairperson); Mthunzi Mpongo
(Organiser); Moroesi Moerane (Media Officer); Nompumezo Dudula (Deputy
Secretary); Andile Mnyaka (Treasurer), Antony Tuis (Organiser). Not in the
picture: Mthetheleli Ngcwecwe (secretary) and Chaplain Moses Madywabe.
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From the Department of
Spirituality
WANTED: “Mystics without Monasteries”
By
Charles Lagan
An email of some photographs from my daughter could not be
downloaded. The legend on the screen read: “this mail has been rejected because
it is too large and exceeds your maximum mail size”.
Some ideas
are like that too. We cannot accommodate them.
Lent is
really a mini liturgical year with its own beginning, middle and glorious
Paschal crescendo. Early in the Lenten readings (Thursday after Ash Wednesday),
like a banner across High Street, we read (Deut. 30:15-20) “See today I set
before you life
and prosperity, death and disaster… . Choose life, then so that…you may live in
the love of the Lord your God”. Implicit here are all spiritualities.
The Spiritual life is about making choices. The Lenten readings
resonate with wisdom and warnings, rules about fasting and prayer, and making
correct choices.
I found myself pausing this morning at a phrase
in Matthew’s gospel for Wednesday
of the 2nd
week of Lent, 20:17: Jesus was going up to Jerusalem, and on the way he took the
Twelve to one side… . Scripture has many models for the Christian journey- the
Journey to Jerusalem is one of them, and walking with Jesus the Way (hodos) to
Jerusalem is a particularily Lenten spiritual model. We tend to think of the Way
passively, but we know it is a profoundly active, verbal noun. The Way walks
with us and sees through us.
It is impossible to download all that Jesus wants to do and say
in our changing lives. It’s an intimate walk, listening and learning on the way
from the way. There is no such thing as a quick fix.
A culture-bound Christianity overloaded with traditional luggage
will make for a wearisome journey. A wide consensus of spiritual writers today
is calling on us to travel light (pun intended!). Caroline Myss in her
wonderfully accessible book
entering the Castle: An inner path to God and your soul,
Simon & Schuster, 2007, challenges us to become “Mystics without monasteries”.
Her book is a work-book response to St Theresa’s
The
Interior Castle
and is excellent reading for any season.
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From the
office of the Diocesan Administrator
Assessments
Shortfall
at end 2008: 344,415.
Arrears
brought forward: 625,633
Total
outstanding:
970,084
24 out of
the 43 Southern Region parishes are paying their assessment monthly. These
parishes are to be congratulated! The other 16 parishes are not performing well.
They are strongly encouraged to pay monthly, and wipe out their arrears.
Expenditure
Expenditure
on stipends in 2008 was lower than budgeted due to there only being 19
stipendiary clergy, not 22.
Episcopal
ministry costs were up because of the Elective Assembly. Training for Ministry
costs are higher than budgeted, including the stipend of one deacon this year.
Economic
woes and spiritual growth
by Immanuel Bangubukhosi Ngubo
The world
economic outlook is not good. In a third-world country like South Africa
unemployment is hitting us badly. Our hope and strength to survive will come
from our Lord.
Our problem
is our “leprosy” of not giving our all to our God: our souls and everything
worthwhile in our lives. We should not allow the economic situation to dictate
whether we fulfil our obligation to pledge. (See 2 Kings 5:1-14.)
Only God
can restore order in our lives and heal our economic woes, only when we turn our
lives to Him. We must beg Him on our knees and come to Him (Mark 1: 40-45).
Jesus is always willing to clean our lives and does not have a waiting period.
Jesus says “those people honour me with their lips, but their hearts are far
from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are but rules taught by men”
Mark 7:6-9.
How can it
be that our economic situation can only be felt by the house of the Lord, while
other life-styles continue as normal? Amounts of giving are not the issue. It is
consistency that is required, and commitment. Jesus’ teachings encourage us to
do the right thing: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled”. The Diocese depends on our pledges to survive and look
after our spiritual growth. As true Christians let’s fulfil our obligation by
turning our existence to God and let Him clean our leprosy. Let’s cry for help,
as He promised to help. Read Acts 17:23.
Lastly my
brothers and sisters in Christ, let’s go out in numbers and vote in the coming
election. So that when we criticise constructively we fulfil our obligation of
protecting God’s people. Pray for a peaceful election and for the upcoming
president, cabinet and the whole country.
Bernard Mizeki Guild attends Provincial Executive Meeting in George
By Mthuthuzeli k’Baduza, Media Officer Cape Town Diocese BMG
Scores of
Saint Bernard Mizeki Men’s Guild members from the various Dioceses in the
country attended a memorable two-day Provincial Council Meeting between 20-21
February at St Mark’s Cathedral in George. The meeting forms part of planned
rotational visits by the provincial executive members to different dioceses
during its tenure in office.
Provincial
Chaplain, Thato Molipa delivered a rousing sermon, where he called on Guild
members to be agents of positive change in communities in which they live. He
referred to Jesus teaching his followers to be the “Light and Salt of the
world”. He highlighted poverty, homelessness, unemployment and other social ills
that bedevil vulnerable communities, and also the need to revive and nourish the
growth of the Guild wherever it operates within the broader Anglican Church in
Southern Africa.
A report on
the Lesotho Conference, held in Maseru last year, was extensively discussed by
delegates under the chairmanship of the Guild President, the Reverend Makomela
Mokoena.
The
breakaway sessions proved to be successful, as plans to consolidate what has
been achieved by different diocesan portfolios paved the way for
implementation.
Sweet harmony: The
singing of Men’s Guild hymns and choruses, delivered with gusto and
enthusiasm, received a thumbs up from the host, the Bishop of George, the
Right Reverend Donald Harker.
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Letter to the Editor
Appeal from Cofimvaba
From Pateka Somgede, Cofimvaba (Mthatha Diocese)
I write
this letter as a constant reader of your newsletter. I always get a copy from
Immanuel Ngubo who is working with me at Ngcobo. I worship at St. Mark's church
in Cofimvaba under Rev. F. Mbabama. In the past years our church celebrated 100
years and it was a great event but late last year it was affected by the heavy
storm and some of the roof was blown away. On Christmas day, the congregation
raised some money so that we can at least put on a sail to prevent rain, but the
building is so high it was difficult to reach. At this moment I am not sure if
the church is covered by insurance.
In the past
issues of the newsletter I have read how the Bishops and other people have
assisted others so that is why I am writing this letter, requesting that you
please assist us any way possible as our church will be destroyed by the coming
rain.
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Well done, good and
faithful servants:
Three new Honorary
Canons of the Cathedral
The names of three new Honorary
Canons of the Cathedral were announced after the meeting of the Chapter of the
Diocese of Grahamstown on 12 February.
Christian
(Chris) Kokoali retired at the end of 2008 from the position of Rector of Aliwal
North and Burgersdorp, which he has held since 1998. He was also Archdeacon of
Aliwal North since late 2004.
Johannes
Hardnick, a Canon on Chapter since 2005, has also retired. He was Rector of St
David’s Queenstown and Molteno since 2001.
The third new Honorary Canon is
Suzanne Peterson, whose move to Cape Town to assist the Archbishop in his office
at Bishopscourt was described in the previous issue of
Umbuliso.
Our congratulations and prayers go with them all.
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Diocese to set up
Section 21 Company?
The legal team of the Diocese of Grahamstown is advising the
Diocese about how to set up a Company to undertake programmes to uplift the
people of God in this area.
A
meeting on 26 February set the process in motion, and the Diocesan Registrar
(lawyer) Brenda Amsterdam is looking into the legal aspects involved in setting
up either a Section 21 (not for profit) or a proprietory (pty) Company.
According
to Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali, the Diocese of Grahamstown owns some 354 hectares of
land. Programmes to be undertaken could involve land and property, heritage and
tourism, education, health and family life. Among those involved at this early
stage are Godukile Mbolekwa, who works for the Department of Tourism, and the
Director of the Diocesan Department of Social Responsibility (DSR), Tony
Schnell.
The group
will meet again for a working retreat on a date to be announced.
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A Lamb to the slaughter:
Honoured custom or animal rights issue?
A reflection by Cynthia
Webbstock
Is to know to understand?
Does
knowing and experiencing automatically lead to understanding?
I was
left with these questions after Bishop Ebenezer’s welcome and house-blessing.
Early in
the proceedings as the programme of the occasion unfolded, a sheep was led out
for blessing before slaughter. I understood that this sheep was given by the
Yapi family as a gift of love to the Ntlali family for a fellowship meal, but I
was not comfortable with the idea of the slaughter. Did I respond out of emotion
and pity for one of God’s creatures about to die?
The image
of a lamb being brought to the slaughter is biblical, frequently referred to in
our study of Scripture, and practiced today in many cultures and traditions. Yet
I reacted negatively instead of rejoicing. I realized on reflection I had
inwardly (and verbally to several people) responded out of emotion and my
‘Western’ understanding of sacrifice without the understanding of a spirituality
that incorporates giving in this way.
Ironically
I ate and enjoyed the meal provided, which included chicken and lamb.
Peter Mtuze
in his book
The Essence of Xhosa Spirituality – and the Nuisance of Cultural
Imperialism writes
clearly about the issues of understanding Xhosa spirituality and the many
nuances that tend to be missed by the ‘western’ mind.
In a
diocese that is as diverse as the people represented, what a wonderful
opportunity we still have of teaching one another and what a large amount we
still need to learn from each other! This was a lesson in understanding for me.
Too often I have thought inwardly, and have heard it spoken, “That is not my
culture!” I ask myself is that not a cop-out? It is easier to live with shutters
down because I don’t want understanding and knowledge. It is difficult to become
vulnerable. It is more difficult to walk together, alongside one another and
engage with the issues that still continually divide us as the Body of Christ.
There is
still a need to acknowledge our differences of culture and tradition. However
maybe it is time to walk in honesty and openness. Honesty from the perspective
of openness and willingness to honour one another’s differences and engage more
openly with the issues that tend to divide rather than unite.
Jesus said
“I have come so that you may have life!” That life rejects prejudice; that life
promotes and honours the other. May we walk the more difficult way and have
life.
Bless this house: Dean
Andrew Hunter, (r) with Deacon Noluthando Gixana, blessed Bishopsbourne on 13
February. Bishop Ebenezer and Noncedo Ntlali are on the left.
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Umbuliso
congratulates Paul Edey, an old boy of St Andrew’s College
Grahamstown, on his appointment as the 18th Headmaster of that school. Edey was
installed as Headmaster by Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali on 1 February 2009. We wish
every blessing on him and his wife Susan.
Doctors in the Mtuze family!
Congratulations to Peter Mtuze, Priest-in-Charge of Ginsberg, and his wife
Kutala, who have both earned doctorates from the University of South Africa.
Peter’s D.Th (Doctor of Theology) thesis in Systematic Theology was on
Bishop Dr S Dwane and the rise of Xhosa spirituality in the Ethiopian Episcopal
Church (formerly the Order of Ethiopia.)
That was his second doctorate as
he already had one in African languages from UCT. At the same graduation Kutala
received her Doctor of Literature and Philosophy (D Litt et Phil), for her
thesis on
Transformation and sociopolitical change in selected isiXhosa
novels 1909 - 2006.
Kutala and Peter Mtuze seen
after their UNISA graduation on 10 October 2008.
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Cynthia
Seaton-Smith, who died in March, was well known and loved in the Anglican
Women’s Fellowship, of which she was a member since the early days of that
organisation in the Diocese of Grahamstown. A parishioner at St Michael Nahoon,
she was active in her parish branch and diocesan structures. Keen to promote
hand-work, she saw to it that there was always a “mini-market” (table of
handmade goods for sale) at diocesan AWF meetings. As the AWF grew and changed,
Cynthia was delighted to see the composition of the executive change with it.
She will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, loyal,
dedicated, warm and friendly. We give thanks for her life.
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Nomathokazi
Beatrice “Aunt Betty” Kolisi died peacefully at her home on 12 January aged 86.
St Augustine’s Grahamstown celebrated her life. She was a dedicated member of
the Mothers’ Union for over 70 years. She was regarded as a role model and
leader, an adviser and a true professional nurse well beyond her retirement.
The St
Augustine’s congregation and MU celebrate her life as a patriot and a Christian.
David
Bannerman, Dean of Benoni Cathedral, Highveld Diocese, has been elected the next
Bishop of the Highveld. His consecration will be on 25 April.
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| April |
| 9 |
Thur |
St Philip Grahamstown |
| 10 |
Fri |
Good Friday: St Augustine Grahamstown |
| 11 |
Sat |
Easter Vigil, St Alban East London |
| 12 |
Sun |
Easter Day: Cathedral |
| 17-21 |
Tue-Sat |
Synod of Bishops |
| 14 |
Tue |
Interviews for MU Development Officer |
| 16-18 |
Thur-Sat |
Rhodes University Graduations |
| 19 |
Sun |
Holy Trinity Dimbaza, Confirmation |
| 21-24 |
Tue-Fri |
HOPE Africa Development
Course for Bishops |
| 25 |
Sat |
Wedding of Siphokazi, daughter of Sebenzile Williams |
| 30 |
Thur |
Rhodes Council |
| May |
| 3 |
Sun |
Institution of Peter Lenkoe,
Aliwal North |
| 14 |
Thur |
Cathedral Chapter, Licensing of Mzoxolo Doda as Archdeacon of KWT, at
the Cathedral |
| 16 |
Sat |
Annual meeting of all churchwardens of the diocese (following parish
vestries for 2009). |
| 21 |
Thur |
Diocesan Finance Committee with Budget Committee, Diocesan Trusts Board |
| 25-29 |
Mon-Fri |
Archdeacons’ Training with Rhodes University |
| June |
| 7 |
Sun |
Bholothwa |
| 18 |
Thur |
Rhodes Council |
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Umbuliso is
your
diocesan newspaper!
Contributions welcome
Please send news to:
P O Box 181,
Grahamstown 6140
Tel: 046 622 7803;
Fax 086 685 3968
E-mail: umbuliso@diocesegrahamstown.co.za
Umbuliso is published by the Diocese of Grahamstown, edited by Maggy Clarke, and
printed by Dupli-Print, Grahamstown.
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