Umbuliso/ The Greeting
Newsletter of the Diocese of Grahamstown
June-July 2009. Vol. 32 No 3
CR Sisters celebrate 125th Anniversary
A crowd of over 200 gathered in the Rhodes Chapel on 25
April, to celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Community of the Resurrection
of Our Lord (CR Sisters).
The contribution of the
CR Sisters, whose current Superior is Mother Zelma, was celebrated joyfully in
a service of thanksgiving to God, led by the Chaplain Canon Roy Snyman TSSF,
with Canon James Hoyle a former CR Warden as the preacher. The nursing and
domestic staff who work for the Sisters at their mother house, St Peter’s and in
the hospice, St Luke’s, formed a choir which performed several choral items.
After tea on the lawns outside the chapel, members of the
congregation were invited to the Community’s House in Donkin Street for lunch.
There they could view pictures and other records of the CR’s history, as well as
the lovely church embroidery done by some of the Sisters in the early days.
Dancing before the Lord: A group of young girl dancers from St John the Evangelist Cape Town, Mother Zelma’s home parish, helped to lead the worship in Rhodes Chapel with beautiful spiritual dance.
The procession leaves St Mary's Chapel, with Canon James Hoyle and Canon Roy Snyman bringing up the rear; and some of the congregation including the colourfully dressed choir of workers from the CR convent.
From the Department of Spirituality
The Community of the Resurrection of Our Lord
A Reminiscence by Graeme Deas
This issue contains a special report on the 125th Anniversary of the founding of the Community of the Resurrection of our Lord. The invitation from the Reverend Mother Zelma to this milestone event triggered off pleasant memories of the Community in the 1960’s and 1970’s.
I remember a very nervous young man in his first year at St Paul’s Theological College (now the College of the Transfiguration) making his first ever Confession in St Mary's Chapel on (I think) Shrove Tuesday in 1961.
Father Knowles was Chaplain to the CR Sisters at the time; at any rate he heard my Confession. That was a ‘God moment’ for me, and as a result of that first experience, I have always commended the Sacrament of Penance (see ‘An Anglican Prayer Book 1989’ pages 445 to 453). I was so lightened by the experience that I still remember a sense of 'floating' about a metre above the ground when I left the Chapel after the Confession. The colours of the flowers in the Training College gardens around the Chapel seemed more intense, and the whole of Creation was aglow!
In those days some of us ordinands at St Paul's College would from time to time attend Benediction in the old St Peter's Chapel (now like St Mary’s chapel, also a part of the Rhodes University campus). This was the CR Sisters’ Chapel in St Peter’s Home, their Mother House. The Chapel had a wonderful ambience and it was always a privilege as guests of the Sisters, to worship there. The large (almost life-sized) crucifix now in the Chapel of the Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery was a gift of the Sisters when the St Peter’s Chapel was deconsecrated.
And what about the hospitality of the Sisters over the years at Hillandale in all the Retreats I attended?
Fond memories indeed!
I also have fond memories of Mother Valerie, when in 1970 I took over from her at the Church of the Good Shepherd in East London. She had held the fort there for a few months after the sudden illness and death of Fr Reginald Fane OGS who was Rector there before me. Sister Valerie was the CR Sister working in Good Shepherd Parish at the time of my appointment as Rector (another Sister worked in St Saviour’s Parish as well). The Sisters were so kind to Fr Reg, taking him in and nursing him in their House in St Andrew's Road, Selborne up to the time of his death.
To all the Sisters I say, “Bless you all for your visible devotion to our Lord then and now!”
New Archdeacons include first woman
Nomathamsanqa
Esther (Thami) Mhlana, Rector of Holy Cross Mdantsane, has been installed as the
Archdeacon of East London West. She is the first woman to be appointed as an
Archdeacon in the Diocese of Grahamstown.
The new Archdeacon of East London South is Mark Spyker, the
Rector of St Saviour’s, a post he has held since his arrival in the Diocese in
2006. East London has now been divided into four Archdeaconries. The East London
East Archdeaconry is still awaiting a new Archdeacon.
The
first Archdeacon of the new Archdeaconry of East London Central is
Penrose Mpumlwana. He has been Rector of St Francis Mdantsane since 2005.
The
Archdeaconries of Albany and Grahamstown are no longer under a single
Archdeacon, with the appointment of Robin Murray, Rector of St Paul’s Port
Alfred, as Archdeacon of Albany. The Dean remains Archdeacon of
Grahamstown.
Bishop Ntlali’s new policy is to conduct the installation of Archdeacons in their own parishes.
Bishop Ebenezer writes….
The grass did not grow on the Sepulchre of Jesus (empty tomb)
Dear People of God
It has been a great joy to celebrate the remembrance of the Easter events of 2009 with you. We hope that all of you have been spiritually enriched through this period. Many thanks to the clergy, clergy spouses and their families for their leadership and support of you, and for your co-operation as well.
Boff in his book “Jesus Christ the Liberator” argues that the resurrection of Jesus Christ did not allow the grass to grow on His Sepulchre. The Angel said to the women at the grave: “He is risen! He is not here, see the place where they laid Him.” This was confirmed by the resurrection appearances to those who believed in Jesus (1987: PVIII) (Mk 16:6,9).
The Resurrection of Jesus throws light on His incarnation, ministry and crucifixion, and shows that God has liberated us through the power of His love from the power of sin, darkness, evil and death. It opened a path for the church to carry the same mission and message as Christ. The good news is announced to the new Israel: to the Jews and all God’s people in the world (Boff 1987:133-134). Because of the resurrection of Jesus, Christianity is not a nostalgic religion that commemorates the past, but is a religion of a living personal presence. Christianity came to answer the most crucial problem of the human heart, “What is to become of humankind?”
The human person is a being on the road to itself. People seek to realise themselves on all levels, in biological, spiritual and cultural life. But this desire is always obstructed by frustration, suffering, the absence of love, and the lack of unity with self and others. The hope-principle that is part of human nature leads people to construct elaborate “utopias” (ideal worlds), e.g. Marx’ proletarian Paradise and Hegel’s absolute state. We all sigh with St Paul “who will rescue me from this body doomed to death?” (Rom 7:24). As we also read in Rev 21:4 “we long for the situation where there will be no death, no more mourning or sadness, the world of the past has gone”. (Boff: 1987: p134-135).
As a result of the resurrection of Jesus, “utopia” becomes real within the world. It is an introduction of the human person into the kingdom of God, a total realisation of the capacities which God has placed within human existence. It has annihilated death, pain, hatred and sin. The resurrection has created an environment in which Christians believe that “utopia” has become one with “topia” - that which exists here and in the future. Therefore, human hope was realised in Jesus resurrected, and is already being realised in each person. Christians will continue in their faith, joyfully believing that resurrection is a total transfiguration of human reality, both corporal and spiritual (Boff 1987: 135). The death and resurrection of Jesus mean that the sins of human beings are forgiven, God the Father is accessible, and humankind is liberated from the forces that arrogate divine power to themselves in this world (Boff 1987:135).
Therefore, we as a Diocese and the rest of humanity (other churches) are called to be carriers of the cause of Christ in the world, witnessing to God’s love, hope and mystery, and to be partners in mission with God in the risen Christ, in the power of the Holy Spirit, knowing that the Risen Christ is Lord of all in heaven and on earth (Boff 1987:133-134). Let us continue to give thanks to the Most High God, who has raised up the Dayspring, Jesus Christ our Lord. May the God of peace be with you always as we serve God in Christ and one another.
Call to support Gala Fund-Raising Dinner
Friday 24 July, Christian Centre East London
Bishop Ebenezer has announced this fund-raiser in aid of the Ministry Endowment Fund, at which the new Diocesan Company will be launched, and significant Anglican achievers in various fields will be honoured. Parishes, Guilds and individuals can buy tables as a donation at R15,000 (each table seats 10). Tickets will be sold to Universities, Colleges, Banks, other denominations, Government departments, industries, companies etc.
The
guest speaker will be the Most Revd Njongonkulu Ndungane, former Archbishop of
ACSA.
Where: Abbotsford Christian Centre, East London
Time: 18:00
Tables: R15,000 (seats ten)
Speaker: Most Revd W N Ndungane
Bookings: Speak to your Archdeacon’s office, the Diocesan Office or Mrs L Ndema, 083 275 1881, LNdema@Khubeni.co.za
Three-dimensional event for East London MU
By M Dabula and T Mbekela
For the Mother’s Union, Lady Day is a yearly event which is recognized world-wide. East London Archdeaconry MU celebrated this significant event on 21 March, 2009 at St Andrew’s Anglican Church in Mdantsane. The service started with a banner procession led by the Diocesan President of Grahamstown, Mrs N Ntlali.
Bearing in mind the economic climate of today, the Archdeaconry MU managed to celebrate three events in one service:
· Lady Day: Service conducted by the Revd Fobosi
· Induction of the Executive MU members for the three Archdeaconries (Multiplication) led by Rev P Mpumlwana.
· Farewell to the outgoing Executive members. Awards handed out by Mrs N Ntlali
Recognition of former Presiding members was highly appreciated. This had been a dream. MU members were thanked for their love and support. Thanks also went to the organizers of the day.
In recognition of service: Some of the outgoing Executive members with awards presented to them by MU Diocesan President Noncedo Ntlali.
Obituary
Sam Ngcola, priest
Samuel
Mxolisi Ngcola, a retired priest in Alice, died on the day of the General
Election, 22 April, but not before he had voted. His age (84 years) and
ill-health had qualified him to cast a Special Vote the previous day.
Born in Uitenhage, Ngcola trained at St Matthew’s College as a teacher, specialising in music. His career took him to various schools to teach music or as Headmaster, and he taught music to future teachers at both his old College, St Matthew’s, and at Lovedale.
Ngcola was worshipping at St Bartholomew’s Alice when he began training for the self-supporting ministry. He was ordained deacon in 1988 and priest the following year. After his retirement from teaching he ministered full-time in Alice, Adelaide and Fort Beaufort. From 1992 until his final retirement in 2003 he was Priest-in-Charge of Holy Trinity Fort Beaufort. Under his ministry the church at Tinis Location was built. He would make his parish visits with his son Vuyani as his driver.
He is remembered as a faithful and committed priest, and a community leader. For instance, on one occasion when there was taxi-related violence in the area, he served as a peacemaker. As a keen ecumenist Sam Ngcola was a founding member and one-time chairperson of the Alice-Fort Beaufort Ministers’ Fraternal.
He is survived by his wife of more than fifty years, Mamai, three sons and eight grandchildren. We give thanks for his life, and pray God’s blessing on his widow and the family.
New Youth leadership in KWT
By Yolanda Bonase, General Secretary
On the 21st of March 2009, the King William’s Town Archdeaconry Youth held its elections at Ginsberg. A vast number of the Youth Guild members were present, together with the Diocesan Youth Guild Chaplain Simphiwe Magxwalisa and King William’s Town Chaplain Mrs Nontsikelelo Njoli.
Simphiwe Magxwalisa delivered a moving and encouraging message addressed to the elected executive members as well as to all the members who attended. Quoting from the theme of last year’s conference, he said the Youth should be “Vessels of Hope”, to provide sanctuary for young people who are faced with many challenges, a place brimming with Hope where Jesus’ love is manifested thus reversing a decline in the number of young people coming to church. The KWT Chaplain Mrs Njoli articulated the centrality of love in ministry and how love is the firm foundation stone for all human relations. As she said, love builds united families and from loving families comes a victorious society capable of dealing with challenges.
May we continue being “the vessels of hope”
“Come Lord Jesus, lizalis’ idinga lakho!”
New executive:
Ms. Sisanda Mcoseli
(Chairperson)
Ms. Zisiwe Ntontela (Deputy Chairperson)
Ms. Yolanda Bonase (General Secretary)
Ms. Thembela Hlulani (Deputy
Secretary)
Ms. Nobulali Mbilini
(Treasurer),
Ms. Vuyokazi Ncedani (Project Manager)
Additional members:
Ms. Nandipha Mazinyo
Mr. Tito Sotshongaye.
Hon Degree for Archbishop
On 20 May Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree by the General Theological Seminary in New York. Speaking before the ceremony in the USA, the Archbishop said the award was for “all South Africans who were denied access to education”.
Top of the page
Cluster Confirmations, Church of the Resurrection, Fort Beaufort
By S Jemsana, St Bartholomew’s Alice
On 29 March 2009 in the Church of the Resurrection Fort Beaufort, Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali confirmed 59 candidates. The cluster was represented by the following parishes: St Bartholomew’s (Alice), St John’s, Church of Resurrection and Holy Trinity (Fort Beaufort), St Michael’s (Adelaide) and St Edmund’s (Bedford). Bishop Ntlali’s message was on commitment and dedication. Afterwards the Bishop was formally welcomed to the cluster.
Palm Sunday upon the Mountains (Danger’s Hoek)
By Pat Walaza
On 5 April 2009, Palm Sunday, the chapelries that form cluster “A” at St Michael’s Parish (Sterkspruit) met at St Cyprian’s (Danger’s Hoek) for a service. Danger’s Hoek is in between big mountains, at the extreme end of Herschel on the borders of Lesotho. All the people assembled on the banks of a small stream called Magqaganyana to start the service.
The priest read Mark 11: 1-10. As he was saying a few words on the instruction that was given to the two disciples , “Go to the village there ahead of you… tell him that the Master needs it and will send it back at once”, two boys appeared bringing a donkey. The people in that village had organized it for the priest so as to draw the picture of the occasion. The priest was asked to ride on the donkey when the congregation was moving to the small chapel called St Cyprian. Afraid as I was, I had to abide with the request and climbed on it. I heard women in the village making a lot of noise as an expression of joy and surprise. One of them said, “Nawe Danger’s Hoek akunguye nakanye omncinane phakathi kweezitishi zase St Michael’s.” She was repeating Matthew 2:6, but putting it into their context.
We went to the chapel and it was full to capacity as the people came to witness what was taking place. The service was wonderful.
The most exciting thing was that we managed to win about four new members to the church on that day. I found a lesson that people need practical things sometimes. When possible we should be practical as such things attract people not only to church but to God.
Focus on Church Choirs
A sung retreat: The Revd Chris Dano conducted a ‘sung retreat’ for the St John and St Chad Choir, Zwelitsha from 27-29 March 2009 at a farm owned by the Revd Elliot Masoka just outside Queenstown. Choristers were all impressed about the high standard and quality of the retreat. They commented that they gained a lot from this exercise and came back home rejuvenated both in body and in spirit and with a commitment to serve the Lord more often with their gifts of voices.
What is a Church Choir?
Visitors bring inspiration to St Francis Mdantsane
By Maureen Dabula
On the 26 April 2009, St Francis’ Anglican Church in Mdantsane was visited by the choir of St Matthias’ Anglican Church, Motherwell, Port Elizabeth. These two parishes have a common number in their location in the community. The Revd M B Vena and family accompanied his flock. They received a warm welcome from the St Francis’ Rector, P Mpumlwana, Assistant Priest Z Kilana and Churchwardens, and spent the week-end.
Miss L. Mbekela a leader of Mary Magdalene, addressed the congregation about the importance of a choir in the church. An expression of love and joy was in her face. She was impressed by the fact that the choir sits at the altar. “What is a Church Choir?” she asked.
It is the pillar of the Priest. Partnership with the church choir creates bonds in the church. Singing gives strength even when faced with life challenges.
The choir visits the bereaved, and with their singing during the funeral, they uplift the family’s spirits. The choir is also a market for the church.
The choir is a representation of all age-groups including pensioners, from different organizations. All these members are unique with different skills and gifts.
The Revd Vena preached on the Resurrection, and said that a choir is one of the fruits of the church of God. You do not sing to please anyone else except singing for your God who died for us.
St Matthias’ choir has a vibrant presenter who understands his priest; he knows when to sing special verses in hymns. The mood in the church was one of joy and love. The Revd Vena has created a successful bond with his choir. New members joined the choir through this inspiration. They were welcomed by Mr S Mlenzana and blessed by the Priests.
Letter to the Editor:
Thanks to the Independent Elections Project
From Xolela Yili
I hope Anglicans, fellow South Africans and the world would want to thank the Independent Elections Project as led by Anglican Archbishop Thabo Makgoba and the faith communities for having successfully monitored the fourth South African General Elections without fail. Your leadership and captaincy, Archbishop Makgoba, will be recorded in the books of history. We will continue to produce such leaders for the benefit of our society. Well done! God bless you and your entire team.
AIDS Ministries
Pilot Early Childhood Development Progamme for Alice
By Heidi Smit and Monica Vega
The NACCW (National Association of Child Care Workers) has chosen Isibindi Alice to pilot the first Early Childhood Development (ECD) Programme in the country as a component of the Isibindi Programme.
This will target children under the age of six from the three identified communities with satellite safe parks in rural Alice, where early childhood education is hard to come by. This programme will provide FET training and jobs for nine ECD teachers and nine Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCW’s) for the three satellite safe parks, in addition to the existing 14 CYCW's. The three Isibindi sites, with the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown as partner, will employ 51 Child and Youth Care Workers and nine Early Childhood Development teachers, (a total of 60 staff).
PEPFAR (the US President’s AIDS relief fund) will provide the infrastructure, including containers and educational materials. The D G Murray Trust will partner with the NACCW to provide training, and development of the programme.
Other Isibindi news
The Isibindis at Ilinge and Ezibeleni continue to provide activities for children and adolescents. Some new features at Ilinge include a gym, boxing gear, a pool table, sewing machines, marimbas, and a parachute game to attract the teens and children of the township, keeping them out of the streets and engaged in supervised activities, bonding with Child and Youth Care Workers. The circle of care is alive and well in Isibindi Ilinge, Ezibeleni, and Alice!
Fun and games at Isibindi Ilinge
The Arts in the Context of the Christian Faith
An initiative of Grahamstown Churches at the National Festival of the Arts
Worship - Organ - Gospel - Voice - Marimbas - Dance - Embroidery - Painting - Lectures
At: The Cathedral
Trinity Church (Hill Street)
NGK (cnr Hill and Market Streets.)
Cory Room (next to Long Table Restaurant)
St Peter’s, Donkin Street
2-11 July 2009
For more details click here
Blessed are those who are visited by a Bishop!
Good Friday at St Augustine’s Grahamstown
By Xolela Yili
The Bishop of Grahamstown, Ebenezer Ntlali, visited St Augustine’s on Good Friday, 10 April 2009.
As part of the Bishop’s yearly programme, St Augustine’s was fortunate to receive him on this spiritually momentous day. Bishop Ntlali was accompanied by his Chaplain, George van der Merwe and Mrs Maria van der Merwe. The parishioners were happy to be introduced to the large families of both the Bishop and his wife, Noncedo, who wholeheartedly thanked the congregation for receiving them so graciously.
From all corners of the Anglican mission churches in Grahamstown, people came in droves to listen to both Canon van der Merwe and our honourable Bishop deliver some of Jesus’ parting words as he was to be crucified. In this they were joined by a number of lay members of the congregation, who each shared a meditation. As they pondered on the Lord’s courageous words of wisdom, the atmosphere of solemnity in the church changed to one of determination and hopefulness.
The Revd Mluleki Mize and his entire parish wish to thank Bishop Ntlali and his entourage for having graced their Good Friday, and added more significance to the activities of the day. They wish them God’s blessing: “May your good selves continue to diligently do God’s work in his own way.”
The solemn Good Friday procession leaves St Augustine’s Grahamstown. The Bishop’s Chaplain, George van der Merwe, is at the centre back.
MU greet new Archdeacon at Holy Cross
By L Marawu (MU Parish Leader)
The Institution of Archdeacon N Mhlana was a notable event at Holy Cross Anglican Church Mdantsane. Mother’s Union members were proud to show their fully furnished office to the distinguished visitors of the day.
From Left to Right: Mrs N Mzamo, Mrs L Marawu, the late Mrs K Njikelana, Mrs N Mhlauli, Mrs N Ngqame, (The next three members were visitors for the day) Mrs N Ntlola, Mrs N Ntshingwa Deputy Diocesan President, Mrs N Ntlali Diocesan President. Seated : Mrs N Ntsabo , Mrs. Guma from Botswana (Visitor).Umbuliso uyakubulisa...
Training for Ministries: new name and leadership
Development Officer for MU
Congratulations to Nkosazana Maqoma, who has been appointed to the post of Mothers’ Union Development Officer for the Diocese from 1 June 2009.
Clergy appointments in the Ukhahlamba (Northern) Region
Noelene Arends:
Priest-in-Charge, St John Bholothwa.Elliot Masoka: Priest-in-Charge, St Barnabas Sada.
Vuyiswa Kuse: Acting Priest-in-Charge, St Augustine, Dordrecht.
Moses Sibamba: Acting Priest-in-Charge, St Michael Sterkspruit.
Retirement
Chris Dano retired as Rector of St Peter’s Peddie at the end of March. We wish every blessing on him and his wife Noluntu, and pray for the parish in the search for a successor.
May they rest in peace
We regret to report the death of one of the first lay members of Chapter, Keslina Njikelana, on 23 May.
Prayers are asked for Phakamile Masola, permanent Deacon at Christ Church Amalinda, and his family, on the death of his son Xolisa; for Bill Domeris, Rector of the College of the Transfiguration, on the death of his mother, and Simphiwe Magxwalisa, Priest-in-Charge of Dimbaza, whose father died on 25 May.
Bishop Martin Breytenbach and St Mark’s Diocese are mourning the death of Sarah, Bishop Martin’s wife. Bishop Rubin Phillip of Natal has suffered the loss of his son Bryan.
Many will remember Mrs Ruth Harker, who died in March. She had been living in the Port Elizabeth diocese since the death of her second husband, Canon Hugh Harker. Her first husband was the Dean of Grahamstown, Jimmy Beaufort.
We give thanks for the lives of these Christian people, and pray for their families.
New Bishop of Harare
Canon Chad Gandiya, currently with USPG, has been elected as the next Bishop of Harare. His consecration date is set for 26 July. Please pray for him.
From the Bishop’s diary
| June | ||
| 11 | Thur | Renewal of Vows and Blessing of Oils for Northern Region, St Andrew Queenstown |
| 13 | Sat | Churchwardens' meeting, Holy Trinity KWT |
| 14 | Sun | Install Robin Murray as Archdeacon of Albany, St Paul's Port Alfred |
| 18 | Thur | Rhodes Council |
| 26 | Fri | Healdtown Board Meeting |
| 28 | Sun | St Mark East London |
| July | ||
| 2-5 | Thur-Sun | MU Conference |
| 12 | Sun | East London South Cluster Confirmations |
| 19 | Sun | Install Penrose Mpumlwana as Archdeacon of East London Central |
| 24 | Fri | Fundraising Dinner, East London. Launch of Diocesan Company |
| 25 | Sat |
Southern Region Family Day, St Alban's East London |
| August | ||
| 13 | Thur | Chapter |
| 20 | Thur | Diocesan Finance Committee |
| 21-22 | Fri-Sat | Northern Region Family Day |
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