Ukhahlamba Diocese inaugurated 3 October 2009

Thabo Makgoba, Archbishop of Cape Town, inaugurated the new Diocese of Ukhahlamba in Queenstown on 3 October. The legal process took place in the context of a wonderful four-hour praise-filled service of Holy Communion, attended by clergy and laity from the new diocese, the Diocese of Grahamstown and further afield. The Bishops of Natal, Free State, Mthatha and Umzimvubu were present, as well as Ebenezer Ntlali, Bishop of Grahamstown. The ceremony took place in a marquee on the Queen’s College Recreation Ground. The theme of Bishop Rubin Philip’s sermon was “living stones”. A newly-formed Ukhahlamba Diocesan Choir led the inspiring singing, and the 250-strong Servers’ Guild of the new diocese was represented by a large contingent of young people. A praise singer acclaimed the Archbishop, Bishop Ntlali and Ukhahlamba Diocese, and there was a dance offering by a traditional group.

The new Diocese was formed out of the two northern Archdeaconries of Grahamstown Diocese, and includes  Aliwal North, Burgersdorp, Sterkspruit, Barkly East, Dordrecht, Sada, Queenstown, Cathcart, Lady Frere, Lanti, Bholothwa and Tarkastad.

Vicar-General licensed, election planned for 21 January 2010

During the service Archbishop Makgoba licensed Gordon Johnson, Priest-in-Charge of Barkly East, to be Vicar-General to oversee the process of summoning an Elective Assembly to meet on 21 January and ensuing days, in order to elect the first Bishop of Ukhahlamba. The Revd Lawrence Nzwana will remain Bishop’s Vicar until the new Bishop is installed.

In solemn procession, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba (2nd from right) arrives in the Queen’s College Recreation Grounds for the Inauguration of the new diocese. Rubin Phillip, Bishop of Natal (5th right) was the preacher. For more pictures, click here.

Top of the page

Bishop Ebenezer writes….

Stewardship and giving: human response to God’s grace

Dear People of God

We want to thank all congregations and individuals that are giving generously to God’s work in the Diocese by way of Assessments, Lent, insurance, medical aid, love-gifts at Diocesan family days, bequests etc. This act is an individual and communal response to God’s love.

Before we embark on our theme, we want to remind you that Advent  begins on 29 November 2009. May God pour his grace upon you, and give the necessary ability to those who will be writing their exams.

Let us look at how God’s people responded to God’s grace in obedience in their stewardship and giving. In the Old Testament tithing was commanded by God to Moses. Moses instructed the Israelites to give to God 10% of their land produce, their livestock and their money (Lev. 27:30-34 and 27:1-8).

In Moses’ time each Israelite was required to pay three different forms of tithe, which made 24%:

· The Lord’s tithe (or Levites’ tithe) 10% (Lev. 27:30), for the Temple and the Priest, paid monthly.

· The Festival Tithe, 10%: (Deut. 12:10-18). This tithe sought to encourage and maintain national morale and unity, and was given annually at a patronal festival or harvest festival (APB p. 329).

· The poor tithe, 4%: (Deut.14:28) This was to support the welfare fund, particularly the widows and orphans. When tithes were not paid, they were the first to suffer.

In the Old Testament there are many examples of generous acts in which the Israelites gave more than the prescribed tithe, e.g.

First-fruit giving: a great act of faith by a farmer, who gave the very first and the best as an offering to God, before the crop was assured. In Proverbs 3:9 we read: “honour the Lord with your wealth, first-fruits of your crops: then barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over”.

Free will offerings: Both were offerings that involved no set percentage, just a voluntary sacrificial gift of gratitude to God given by faith. (See Ex. 25:1-2 and 35:21.)

Israelites in their long journey of faith became disobedient in their payment of tithes and offerings to the Lord. In Malachi 3:6-12, God reminded them to obey his command.

In the New Testament, tithing retained its aspects of required and fixed proportional giving (see Matt 17:24-27). In 2 Cor. 8:1-5, St Paul teaches us how the poor Christians in Macedonia sacrificed to give generously to God and to him: “Out of the most severe trial their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.”

Both in the Old Testament, and as the New Israel became reconciled to God through the death and resurrection of Christ, we observe that those who believed in God’s love responded to God’s grace in obedience to God’s commands and were generous, even giving more and above what the law required of them.

We pray that God may pour his grace on us, and give us the ability to tithe and to be generous. Remember how generous the Lord Jesus was: “He was rich, but he became poor for your sake, to make you rich out of his poverty.” (2 Cor. 8:9). May you grow in your understanding of giving as a spiritual matter.

Grace and Peace

+Ebenezer 

Top of the page

Personalities emerge at Rhodes ANSOC team building exercise

By Sue Paton

The ANSOC committee organised a Saturday morning of team building at the Hobbiton-on-Fairewood Centre outside Grahamstown. The intention was to offer an opportunity for the ANSOC members, (Cathedral student members and College of Transfiguration members) to get together and bond in a way not previously experienced. A good number of young people arrived and were given some ice-breaking exercises to break down the inhibitions that existed between everyone. The large group was then divided into smaller groups which tackled the different team building challenges. Everyone contributed to the conversations around how to get their team through the challenge. It was lovely to see the different aspects of people’s personalities emerge. Gone was the stiff formality of people unfamiliar with one another as the students pushed, pulled or supported each other. Allan had his team shouting out a team war cry as they united together in the challenge against the other teams. Courtney and Carla, from the cathedral, were very enthusiastic about volunteering for abseiling. Everyone contributed to a successful morning of getting to know one another better. The team building has happened at a good time, encouraging quieter members to volunteer their services at the AGM for next year’s ANSOC committee.

A balanced view: Pulane and her group making slow progress over the ropes course.

Top of the page

Diocesan Company launched, achievers honoured, at East London Gala Dinner

A new Company for the Diocese (provisionally named Capraway Development Agency) was launched at a prestigious dinner on 18 September in the Abbotsford Christian Centre, East London. The Section 21 Company will take on the functions of the former Department of Social Responsibility of the Diocese of Grahamstown. Among the over 700 guests at the dinner was the Premier of the Eastern Cape, Noxolo Kieviet. The guest speaker was Archbishop Emeritus Njongonkulu Ndungane, who stressed the importance of poverty eradication. The dinner raised over R350,000 in aid of ministry development, and further sums are still coming in.

More details of the new Company in the next issue.

Honoured guests at the Gala Dinner, Noxolo Kieviet the Premier of the Eastern Cape Province (left) and Archbishop Emeritus Njongonkulu Ndungane (right) are given a warm welcome by Dumile Monakali, Deacon at St Clement’s Grahamstown.

Those honoured at the Gala Dinner were:

•    Canon Peter Mtuze, author of significant books on African Spirituality
•    The Revd Isaias Chachine, on his PhD in Social Ethics
•    Canon Bob Clarke, author of Anglicans against Apartheid
•    Ms Bongiwe Kali, award-winning young woman farmer
•    Canon N Lubelwana for her work in the field of HIV/ AIDS
•    Ms Bella Ganco for her contribution in pastoral working and healing ministry
•    The Revd Lorraine Rusch for hospital chaplaincy work and in particular assisting mothers of newborn babies with clothes
•    Mr John Kingsley-Hall, architect, for assistance with church building projects in East London
•    Mrs Ntombizane Madyibi, award-winning Chief Financial Officer of the East London Industrial Development Zone
•    Mr Nyameko Nqodi, churchwarden and champion of Stewardship, Zwelitsha
•    Mrs Thandiwe Mkwelo, who opened her home for an orphanage project
•    Mr B B Mabandla, generous donor and dedicated parishioner
•    Prof Michael Whisson, 2009 Grahamstown Citizen of the Year, Cathedral Churchwarden  and municipal councillor.

These Anglican Christians of the Grahamstown Diocese received Citations and were acclaimed for their achievements.

Top of the page

Aids Ministries

Alice Hospice: drastically improving people’s lives

By Gift M Ngwenya

In response to the increased need for public health services in the area of HIV/AIDS infected and affected people, a group of retired nurses in Alice decided to take an initiative to assist the South African government in fighting HIV/AIDS pandemic. Religious people, nurses and other professionals made a concerted effort in establishing Alice Hospice to serve their communities and the Nkonkobe Municipal area. The aim of the Hospice is to promote health and quality of life to HIV/AIDS infected and affected people.

       The Hospice is involved in Home Based Care, awareness and prevention including VCT, a nutritional programme (Soup Kitchen), support groups, a medical and drugs supplement programme, the training of caregivers, staff and counsellors, gardening services, a Day Care Centre (sewing, beading etc) and networking.

Hundreds of people have visited the Hospice and for many who were chronic and bed ridden, their lives drastically improved. As the organisation was in partnership with the Ikhwezi Wellness Centre, which in turn worked with the Canadian Medical Organisation, the organisation was the first institution to roll out ARVs through a local practitioner. People’s lives and health improved to such extent that many are now working and doing their own chores.

In recognition of the effort and achievements, in 2007 the Department of Social Development and Old Mutual nominated Archdeacon Moses Madywabe (Chairperson of the Hospice) as the Provincial Community Builder of the year. Madywabe was involved at New Start VCT Centre at Middledrift, as well as at the Isibindi that is responsible for orphans and vulnerable children. His experience in establishing and managing these activities will be of great benefit to the communities of Ukhahlamba Diocese where Madywabe is now based.

Top of the page

Growing the Church at St Francis Mdantsane

Lay Minister recruits and trains Servers

By Maureen Dabula

Through the influence of Bassie Mbenya many children have been included in ministry as servers at St Francis Anglican Church in Mdantsane. Mbenya is a Lay Minister, dedicated to this mission. He trains these neophytes with passion. During this process change in behaviour is marked, confidence and positive self-esteem is built, and a sense of belonging and identification brings joy to them. Good relations are developed, and support in the group is enhanced. Taking responsibility and commitment in the ministry is remarkable.

Congratulations to the new group of servers at St Francis Mdantsane, enrolled on 2 August 2009.

Top of the page

Sterkspruit's Computer Training Centre opened

By Zolile Ntlali

Additional reporting and photo: Koot Dayimane

The Sterkspruit Computer Training Centre was launched on 7 August 2009 by the Bishop of Grahamstown, Ebenezer Ntlali. This development is an initiative of Tshwaranang Resource Centre, Queenstown, and the parish Councils of St Mary and St Michael’s Churches, Sterkspruit.

The Centre is housed at St Mary’s church and serves various villages around Sterkspruit. It runs three sessions per day in order to meet the high demand for training. Ncumisa Duma, the head Instructor, said that the programme provides structured employment- based training aimed at younger people wishing to gain employment and computer skills. It is also in direct response to employers citing the need for greater job readiness. She further reported that public servants and private sector employees also benefit from the programme.

The Chief Executive officer of the Eastern Cape Council of Churches, the Revd Mpumelelo Qwabaza, was amongst the dignitaries. When asked to comment on the development he said “Tshwaranang Resource Centre is one of the successful projects that we have funded. That is why we are still part of its extended mission”.

Bishop Ebenezer Ntlali assisted by Bishop’s Vicar Nzwana and Archdeacon Lenkoe officially opened the centre and unveiled the plaque. In his speech he said that “The technological era demands that everyone, young and old be computer literate. Young people must grab this opportunity with both hands”. He urged the people of Sterkspruit not to resist new things. He concluded his speech with special thanks to the funders of the project, Omukunda Network Development (formerly CPSA development), EC Council of Churches and Hope Africa for their valuable contributions. He also thanked the Director of Tshwaranang and staff for their contribution in capacitating the marginalized communities.

Surrounded by students, Bishop Ebenezer is flanked by Bishop’s Vicar Lawrence Nzwana on his right and Archdeacon Peter Lenkoe. The first students have already completed their courses, and new students are flocking to register. Courses include Introduction to Computers, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Power Point, E-mail and Internet skills.

Top of the page

From the Department of Spirituality

Circumcision or no circumcision?

By Nelson Yapi

The performance of male puberty rituals designed to mark the rite of passage nowadays poses enormous problems and health hazards such as botched circumcisions, penile amputations, permanent disabilities and death of initiates. Does it serve any good purpose as hoped for hitherto? Umbuzo awoni, madoda.

An English translation will follow in the next issue of Umbuliso.

Zimomene iindlebe zam kukuva isimbonono sokufa kwabakhwetha minyaka le. Ewe! Ndiyayibona imigudu neenquleqhu ezenziwayo zokunqanda nokuthomalalisa le nyhikityha yomonakalo. Kodwa makude kunabele ingca unyana kabani na ukuze kuxozwe mphini wumbi? Makubanjelelwe kutshelwe nkwalakatshi ntshi kweli siko, kuhle ehlayo, kunyuke enyukayo,qabu kungekafi owam nowegazi lam kisini na? Mntu uthile wakha wacamngca esithi isiko eligugelwe zizambatho malihayelelwe, lilahlwe kwesinomhlwa nakwichibi lokulibala. Ukuba akunjalo lingaba laya phi na isiko lokuthombisa intombi yakufikisa, lingathi lihamba homomo nko kwindlela enye nje nokwaluka?

Ndiyavuma. Ndaye andivumi mhloko nakanye. Ulwaluko lufudula luyimbunguzulu mfamlibe kusadliwa ngendebe endala, kungakhokeliswa buchule bokusetyenziswa komdlanga nje, kodwa kuzungulwa kunyekwe iziqhamo zeemfundiso ezifinca iinyanga ngeenyanga. Ngalo lonke elo xesha abakhwetha bakumathonto wabo athe thantalala kude lee namakhaya. Basemathanga nasezindle, befundiswa ngamakhankatha wabo aziwayo nanebala likantsho ngokulunga nokwazi ukuma umzi. Bafundiswa bonke ubunkunkqele bokuphila nokuma umhlaba ngezinto ezikukuzingela, nokufuya, nokulwa amadabi ngexesha likawayekela, kukhuselwe ukuthinjwa komhlaba ngamarhundasi. Bafundiswa ubuntu, nembeko yokuxabisa iinkosi zohlanga, nezinye kwanezinye. Namhla baphuma esuthwini, babuyela emakhaya, bayazinxwema kwiimbutho zamakhwenkwe.

Ke zifika zibe phi na zonke ezi zinto ndizibekayo ngeli xesha likantontsha? Le mbinana isinde ngezikaSibi ibuya ifunde ntoni na ngezi ntsukwana zimbini- ntathu isesuthwini elikwajikeleze la makhaya wabo? Masivume, singankwalambisi.Abuyela kwakwisikolo semfundo enye namakhwenkwe. Ukuba kukuchwela, achwela kunye. Ukuba kukudlala, adlala kunye inkwenkwe nekrwala. Ngalinye efundwa yinkwenkwe ifundwa nalikrwala. Indlela yokuphila nokufunda imisebenzi ngemisebenzi ilapha kumaziko wemfundo.

Zithini na ke zona iziBhalo ngolu lwaluko? Kaloku sonke singamaKrestu. Ziyavuma ukuba kwangemihla yooAbraham, uThixo wakhupha umnqophiso othi wonke owasebuhlanti makaluswe ngemihla esibhozo ezelwe. ( Gen.17:12a, Lev. 12:3). Kusenjalo nanamhla ngokweTestamente entsha. (Luk. 1:59;2:21). Kodwa noko kunjalo umPostile uPawulos uyigalela amanzi eyokuthwala inyongo nesinyi uzigwagwisa nangomaluko onjalo. Uthi ulwaluko asilolwangaphandle enyameni. Lolwentliziyo noloMoya. (Rom. 2:26-29;3:1b). Kungoko aqononondisa ngelithi; “… kwabakuKrestu Yesu akunamadla anto ukwaluka kwanokungaluki…” (Gal. 5:6a)

Top of the page

August 2009 was Women's Month. A focus on our Women's Organisations:

New Chaplain and President for AWF

By Nomonde Mankhahla

The Diocesan Anglican Women’s Fellowship (AWF) has a new Chaplain, and their previous President has been re-elected after an absence in the Free State.

The Bishop of Grahamstown has appointed Revd Simpiwe Magxwalisa as Chaplain of Diocesan AWF with effect from July 2009, after Godfrey Walton left the Diocese.

Kokela Siqendu who left Eastern Cape for Free State in July 2008, was recalled by Eastern Cape Provincial Government in April 2009 and the AWF members did not hesitate to re-elect her to lead the organisation. The members labelled her as humble servant, an all-rounder, and a peace-loving person. They believe she is the perfect leader to take the guild to new heights. In her address to the members, she reminded them that AWF is a Christ-directed and focused guild, referring to the AWF motto ”United in prayer, service and love". She requested members to connect with Christ in prayer, service and love. She encouraged members to check out Ministries and take a test drive to see what is the "fit" that God has for each person.

In a farewell letter from the Free State Diocesan President, it was stated that Kokela Siqendu had seen to it that their books were audited for the first time, and herself audited the accounts. The Grahamstown AWF feels blessed and thanks God for making it possible for her to come back and serve in the Eastern Cape. Diocesan President of the Diocese of Free State wrote “Meeting you was a real blessing and hope we’ll maintain the fellowship forever. You left an indelible mark for your human nature of dealing with challenges.”

Our award-winning Diocesan AWF!

The Diocesan AWF is rated number two in terms of outreach work by the Provincial AWF, and recently won an amount of R7500 from Sanlam’s Social Corporate Investment. The money will be banked with the Diocesan Trust Account in order to increase funding for AWF bursaries.

Top of the page

AWF assists needy learners

By Kokela Siqendu

Anglican Women’s Fellowship members presented school uniform and stationery to two needy students “adopted” by AWF and one student adopted by one AWF member, in the presence of the Chaplain, Simphiwe Magxwalisa. The Chaplain shared that the Holy Spirit moved AWF members from their comfort zone to go to Ntsonkotha SSS to show the act of love.

He encouraged members to initiate outreach programmes and assured them that they will succeed by the power of the Holy Spirit. He turned to educators and reminded them that they are parents, social workers and they must not fear, as God will help them to solve problems. He encouraged all of us to work together to help those that are in need.

At the request of the Principal, Magxwalisa talked with Grade 12 learners. He encouraged the future leaders of the country to conduct themselves in a Godly manner.

The new AWF Chaplain, Simphiwe Magxwalisa, with some of the learners from Ntsonkotha Senior Secondary Secondary School.

Top of the page

Mary and Martha Day: AWF Patronal

Around the Diocese AWF branches celebrated their patronal feast recently. In East London the new Chaplain Simphiwe Magwalisa inducted the new Executive on that occasion, at St Philip’s Gompo.

Mary and Martha Day in Grahamstown and Albany Archdeaconries

By N Dlokolo

The AWF of the Albany Archdeaconry celebrated their two saints, Mary and Martha, on 1 August 2009 at St Barnabas Port Alfred.

Front row: N Quntu, N Budaza (Treasurer of St Augustine’s AWF), L Mhlwatika, N Sixaba (Secretary of Albany Archdeaconry AWF), the Revd T Phillip Priest at St Barnabas, P Timba, Additional member of AWF Albany Archdeaconry.

Middle row: N Sixaba, N Dlokoko (President of St Philip’s Grahamstown AWF), S Fiyani, N Duma.

Back row: S Mbolekwa, L Kolisi (President of St Augustine’s Grahamstown AWF),  L Nikelo, M Nofemele (Deputy Chair, AWF Albany Archdeaconry), N Duma, B Ngxiki.

Top of the page

Human Trafficking MU focus for Women’s Day

By Maureen Dabula

Human Trafficking in our communities is affecting mostly the youth.  In March this year Dr Lesley Ann Foster, Director of Masimanyane Support Centre,  invited the Mother’s Union to a National Conference on Human Trafficking. Another one followed at St Saviour’s Anglican Church. Grahamstown Diocesan MU resolved that there should be continuous awareness programmes in our churches, Mother’s Union meetings and gatherings. Implementation had a time frame of 100 days from the date of the MU Conference.

On August 10, 2009 East London Archdeaconry Mothers Union, Anglican Women’s Fellowship, St Agnes and Youth jointly celebrated Women’s Day, taking into consideration the conference resolutions on parenting. This eye-opening event was held at Holy Cross Anglican Church in Mdantsane, led by Archdeacon T Mhlana. It was in the form of praise, worship and prayers, bible study, group discussion, drama and two keynote speakers for the day. Mrs X Shinta, a President of Zwelonke Mother’s Union (Interdenominational) was among the guests.

Dr L Foster started off by sharing the story of Sartjie Baartman who was a victim of trafficking. How are people trafficked?  They are lured by job offers and study opportunities. Eastern Cape is seen as the province with the highest numbers of victims. The concern is to disseminate the information to the rural areas before we actually get to 2010.  Education and awareness in communities is the greatest need.  If we are quiet as the church we become part of the problem.

Mrs  L Jack from the Provincial office of SAPS also told alarming stories of events happening around us as parents. People should be alert and vigilant. She said the police are hands-on, as they deal with these cases day in and day out. Her message changed our mindset of looking at the police as though they could not care less about our problems at times.

Students of Ebenezer High School acted out a drama showing what human trafficking entails. This is an ideal tool for the Awareness Campaign.

Not for sale! The Zwelonke Mothers’ Union demonstrating against human trafficking.

Top of the page

MU celebrates Women’s Day in style at St Mary’s Sterkspruit

By Koot Dayimane

Women’s Day is celebrated country-wide in this country on 09 August. As the church, we are happy to be doing something to commemorate this day. The MU of St Mary’s was no exception.

The MU met in the chapelry of St George. The theme of the day was from Proverbs 31: 29-31 “a woman who fears God…” Mrs Kholiwe Mpiti from St Monica related the 1956 national march of 20,000 women to the Union Buildings and the implication of the march to woman today. She quoted Nehemiah 2: 16-20 and also listed challenges facing women today, like African culture, education, the economy, poverty, women and child-abuse, unemployment, early pregnancy (i.e. teenage pregnancy), incurable diseases and orphans.

The leader of the MU, Mrs Nomqulu Sgatya) divided the congregants into five groups/ commissions to discuss the following topics, explaining what they are, what challenges they bring, reasons for such problems and solutions:

• Faith and spirituality
• Governance and administration
• Outreach
• Parenting, focusing on human trafficking
• Marriage