Newsletter of the Diocese of Grahamstown
Volume 31 No 5; October-November 2008
Launch_of_“Growing_the_Church”
Bishop_Ebenezer_writes…._Making_a_difference_in_people’s_lives
“Indaba”_goes_to_Canterbury:_Lambeth_Conference
Donation of Cake at St Francis'
Books_wanted_for_libraries_in_Queenstown_and_Sterkspruit_
St_Michael’s_Sterkspruit_Youth_projects_lead_the_way
Tshwaranang_promotes_school_garden_project
From_the_Department_of_Spirituality
Obituaries of Grahamstown Diocese Clergy
Launch of AWF_Bursary_Fund_
Two-wheel_power_for_child_care_workers_
HOPE_Africa_brings_visitors_from_California_to_Tshwaranang
Office_experience_offered_under_learnership_scheme
Ebenezer St Mark Ntlali was consecrated and installed as the 14th Bishop of Grahamstown at a vibrant service in Grahamstown Cathedral on 20 September 2008.
The historic building was packed with worshippers from all over the diocese and far beyond, and another 200 of the faithful, seated in the nearby City Hall, followed the service via a television link.
Singers came from the new Bishop’s former diocese, St John’s.
The Cathedral choir was joined by visiting choirs, and other musical accompaniment included kudu horns, trumpets and drums, and the Cathedral marimba players who accompanied the Lumko setting of the Mass.
The Archbishop of Cape Town, former Bishop of Grahamstown Thabo Makgoba, presided, and at his invitation the preacher was the Revd Vicentia Kgaba from the Diocese of Johannesburg.
Surrounded by his brother Bishops, the new Bishop of Grahamstown, Ebenezer Ntlali, holds the crozier at his Consecration. His Presenting Bishops, the late David Beetge and Jo Seoka, stand on either side of him, with Archbishop Thabo Makgoba at centre back. The Bishop of Toronto, Colin Johnson, (3rd from right) brought a gift of R40,000 from his diocese for Training for Ministries.
Among those who brought greetings was the Vice-Chancellor of Rhodes University, Dr Saleem Badat, who reminded the congregation that their new Bishop is both an “illustrious graduate” of Rhodes and a member of the University Council.
The service concluded with Bishop Ebenezer blessing the City and the Diocese.
On 24 September, Heritage Day, Bishop Ebenezer with Dean Andrew, members of Chapter and Diocesan structures: (MU, Bernard Mizeki Guild, AWF, Youth, Religious Communities, Choirs and the Diocesan Family) successfully launched the programme “Growing the Church”, a province-wide initiative, in the Diocese at the Indoor Sports Centre, Queenstown.
The launch took place in the context of a Eucharist, at which Bishop Ebenezer celebrated and preached on “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matt 28: 18–20). He emphasized that there is no “Growing the Church” without accepting the authority and the great commission of Jesus of Nazareth, the Son of God. The success of this wonderful programme depends largely on our obedience to Jesus Christ. The congregation was charged to commit itself and promise openly, with God’s help, to labour for the extension of God’s Kingdom with love and compassion.
A team of Australian visitors from SOMA (Sharing Of Ministries Abroad) was present to take part in the historic occasion. (More about SOMA and Growing the Church in the next issue of Umbuliso.)
The Diocese of Grahamstown commissioned the new Diocese of Ukhahlamba as the Diocesan Council and Synod of Bishops have agreed, but it is not yet inaugurated. The Bishop will be appointing a Bishop’s Vicar to assist him and the Dean in the setting up of the new Diocese from 1 October 2008 to 31 August 2009. In August 2009 an Elective Assembly is expected to elect a Bishop for Ukhahlamba Diocese, and the new Bishop should be installed in January 2010.
Dear People of God
I, Ebenezer, Noncedo and the entire family are overwhelmed by the acts of love, prayers and support which our Diocesan family, Diocesan Staff, College of Transfiguration and Religious communities have shown, before and after the elections, before and after the Lambeth conference, during our bishop’s training in Cape Town up to the consecration and installation. We want to give glory to God and pray that God may bless all of you abundantly for your generosity.
I want to personally thank the Vicar General, Andrew Hunter, for his outstanding leadership during the interregnum period. I have no doubt that God has bestowed on him a great future. I want to thank his wife Claire for her support to her husband and our family. I also wish to thank the Dean and the leadership of the Diocese for the continued wonderful work that they are doing in the Diocese.
The Vicar General and I called a meeting of the full-time stipendiary clergy on 19 August in King William’s Town, to look at the format of the Diocesan budget, the needs of the clergy and the 10-year Business Plan (action plan of the entire life of our diocese). Many thanks to all the clergy that attended. I pray that, through God’s love and our skills, this Diocese will grow from glory to glory.
This was followed by a meeting of the non-stipendiary clergy on 23 August, to look at their needs, how the Diocese constructs its budget, clergy and staff remuneration, the criteria used for assessing parishes and the Harper Commission Report. We are grateful to Mrs Bongiwe Nkohla, a parishioner in St Martin’s Gonubie and MU member, who assisted us with legal expertise.
Finally on 30 August there was an Imbizo of all the Rectors, Priests- in-Charge, and Churchwardens in the proposed diocese of Ukhahlamba. Our agenda was to revisit the resolutions of their previous Imbizos regarding improvements in their Assessments to meet the budget of their new proposed Diocese. We looked again at the budget, and resolved to improve on it.
In all these three meetings I observed great co-operation and enthusiasm. I believe that in God and through God’s grace we will be able to make a difference in the lives of people whom God has entrusted in us through his Son Jesus Christ.
We are faced with many challenges; the resignations of our State President and national Ministers, with resultant uncertainty; increases in food prices and interest rates. But we must always know and be encouraged that God is in control.
Lastly, I must salute the outstanding work, which Archbishop Thabo and Lungi have done, in our diocese: The initiative to start departments of Spirituality, Stewardship and Giving, the creation of a new diocese. For their wonderful work we give glory to God and we pray that our ties of friendship may continue. Did you know that Archbishop Thabo is our son-in-law (Umkhwenyana), through Lungi? May God bless them and that they may increase in grace.
I pray that the prayer of St Teresa de Avila will be realised in us as we serve God in this Diocese. “Christ has no body on earth but ours, no hands but ours, no feet but ours…” May God make us touch as many lives as possible for Him.
By: Bro. M D Hintsa (Albany Archdeaconry Recording Secretary)
The Albany Archdeaconry Men’s Guild celebrated Bernard Mizeki day on the 21 - 22 June 2008 at St. Augustine Parish, Grahamstown. The Archdeaconry was honoured to be visited by the Guild Diocesan treasurer Brother Genu and the Men’s Guild Diocesan Chaplain the Revd E Masoka who delivered a wonderful sermon on Sunday the 22 June.
Back row: The Revd K Sunners (who sadly passed away on Sunday 20 July 2008 - may her soul rest in peace), the Rev T Phillip (St Barnabas - Port Alfred), the Revd M P Mize (St Augustine and the Albany Archdeaconry President), the Revd E Masoka (Men's Guild Diocesan Chaplain) and the Revd Seku.
Front row: Bro. J Z Mabora (Albany Archdeaconry Treasurer), Bro. Genu (Men's Guild Diocesan Treasurer) and Bro. D D Hashe (St. Philips and Albany Archdeaconry General Secretary).
For three weeks in August, some 650 Anglican Bishops from all over the world met in Canterbury, England, for the 10-yearly “Lambeth Conference”. Among them were all the ACSA bishops (except two who were sick), and Bishop-elect of Grahamstown Ebenezer Ntlali. Grahamstown Sub-Dean Suzanne Peterson also attended, as one of those who took notes at the daily meetings of the “Indaba Groups”.
The Xhosa/ Zulu word Indaba was used to describe the groups of 40 in which the bishops met throughout the Conference. In a departure from tradition, this Lambeth Conference did not produce reports and recommendations which had been voted on in plenary session. As our Archbishop Thabo Makgoba said, “The problem with voting is that it means having to take sides, yes or no, for or against, and there has been far too much taking sides, or trying to force people to take sides, within Anglicanism in the last few years.” Instead, Archbishop Thabo explained, the Indaba groups became “places of deep trust, even as we exchanged very divided opinions and sharp disagreements – but we learnt we could be honest, and held in love and respect by one another. Some people were afraid the Indaba approach was a tactic for avoiding difficult questions. But the reverse was true.”
Certain controversial issues had been described by the secular press as a threat to the unity of the Anglican Communion. The Anglican bishops remain committed to building bridges and continuing discussions, including with those bishops who chose to boycott Lambeth 2008. The moratoria recommended by the Windsor report (on the ordination of persons living in a same gender union to the episcopate, on the blessing of same-sex unions, and on cross-border incursions by bishops) will remain in place meanwhile.
The Conference was preceded by a Retreat, and every day began with a Bible Study in groups of eight bishops, who grew very close to each other, and closer to Christ, in the process. As Archbishop Thabo said “These Bible Studies were marvellous.”
Our Archbishop concluded: “I think that, to a very considerable extent, we achieved our objective of deep exploration together. What we concluded was this: we do have big differences, and we don’t easily know how to deal with them – but, more than this, we all belong to Jesus Christ, and therefore we belong to each other, and we must, we must, keep on debating and discussing, in mutual care, respect and trust. As several bishops said, the indaba must go on!”
Quotations from Archbishop Thabo’s “Ad Laos” for August 2008.
A gift of two chalices for Grahamstown Diocese was given to Ebenezer Ntlali, (then Bishop-elect of Grahamstown), and his wife Noncedo at the 2008 Lambeth Conference in Canterbury, England, by retired priest Terry Pinner, who formerly ministered in this Diocese.
Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery
As part of the Benedictine ministry of hospitality, the monks of Mariya uMama weThemba Monastery offer a 25 bed, fully equipped guesthouse for those seeking a quiet place of prayer and retreat and for meetings. Parish groups, individuals, families, pilgrimages and other groups are welcome. We also offer bed and breakfast and self catering. Our facility is ecumenical. The Guesthouse is open from Tuesday morning until Sunday afternoon.
Besides spiritual guidance for individuals, the monks are available to help with a variety of retreat topics. If your group is interested in having a monk lead your retreat, please contact the Guestmaster. Please note: We do not turn anyone away from our Guesthouse because of financial constraints. If you need to negotiate the costs, please speak with the Guestmaster.
Enquirers Week 25-30 November 2008
Single men with no dependent children who are seeking a life of prayer are invited to come to the Monastery for a week of exploration of the Benedictine monastic life. Participants will experience the daily round of prayers of the community as well as its work and ministry. They will learn some of the wisdom offered by St. Benedict as expressed in his Rule. They will have opportunities to speak to the members of the community about monastic life and how it is lived today. And perhaps one young man will find his vocation. There is no fee for the week. To book: contact Br. Andrew or Br John at 046 622 8111, or fax 046 622 6424, Email:
andrew@umaria.co.za, or john@umaria.co.za.
On Mothering Sunday, a Former Churchwarden of St Francis’ Mdantsane donated cakes to the whole congregation. She is seen at the left of the picture. In the centre is the Rector of St Francis, the Revd P P Mpumlwana.
By Zoleka Stemela
Mrs Pat Takane and the Revd Monica Hobongwana donated theological books to the Tshwaranang library. This donation was in response to a request made by Zolile Ntlale, the Centre Coordinator. Ntlale commented on the donations: “Although Libraries are acknowledged as indispensable part of the community and promoters of a wide range of reading for all ages, it has always been difficult to acquire books because of limited financial resources and lack of sponsors. I am grateful to Mrs Takane and the Revd Hobongwana for these valuable donations.”
According to him, the Centre has been inundated with enquiries made by Fellowship of Vocation trainees and students studying with Theological Education by Extension College (TEE). The Centre needs more books as it is supporting a newly established library at St Michael’s Sterkspruit. It is needless to mention that library facilities are non-existent in rural areas and the St Michael’s initiative would be first of its kind. The Centre Coordinator wishes to extend a hand of gratitude to the Revds Chaoana and Sonti for converting an unused building into a library facility. He further calls on professional people to donate more books towards this noble cause.
Waiting for books, clergy Sisa Sonti (l) and Albert Chaoana in the new library at St Michael’s Sterkspruit
St
Michael’s Sterkspruit Youth projects lead the way Nqojana Simamkele, Parish Chairperson for the Youth Guild
The Youth Guild of St Michael’s Parish met in September 2007 at their conference. Amongst the decisions taken there, was one to do at least one project a year for the Parish from the funds collected each year.
From funds remaining at the end of 2007 they agreed to repaint the Parish Church roof. They bought paint and because the building is high they thought of employing somebody professional to do the work. This was unsuccessfully done as the painter absconded (fortunately with only one-third of the payment!) The youth appealed to an old parishioner, Mr Wiseman Walaza, who completed the work successfully. Because the paint bought was enough even to paint the nearby buildings, the youth themselves embarked on the project and those buildings were also done. This work excited everybody in the parish.
This year when they met on 19-20 April for their conference, they decided to repaint the rectory's outside wall. They approached Belle's contractor because this work needed a professional. The paint was bought and this contractor did it so well. The Guild is thankful to their chaplain Fr Walaza for the guidance because today the church has seen that though we are young we can do something for the Kingdom of God.
Both endeavours challenged other organizations in the Parish. To show that the challenge is being accepted the Bernard Mizeki Men’s Guild of the Parish responded by buying a computer for the Parish and this was handed over to the Churchwardens on the 29 June 2008 at a Parish council meeting held at St Stephen’s Church.
This is great, bant’ abatsha - KEEP IT UP!
On top of their work, youth members Sabelo Walaza and Mziwandile Mavungwana spruce up the parish buildings at St Michael’s Sterkspruit.
By Zolile Ntlale
The Tshwaranang garden programme has entered into partnership with two local schools to start up school gardens. The partnership agreement was concluded in February and March 2008.
In terms of the agreement, Tshwaranang Resource Centre would provide seedlings, organize technical advice and attach volunteers to the sites. The volunteers would assist with cultivations, irrigation and removal of weed. The school on the other hand undertook to provide land and assist with irrigation. Parties further agreed that the produce would be used solely for the benefit of orphaned and vulnerable children. Soil preparation and cultivation started at Minah T Soga Primary school towards the end of February 2008. Spinach, lettuce and green peppers became ready at the end of March and 269 children benefited from the yield.
The Minah T Soga Primary school proposed to start a soup kitchen with the view of feeding the indigent learners. The garden yield would be used in the preparation of soup. But because the school falls under the” No fee school area” no provision for the purchase of soup powder was made. The Centre had to come to their rescue and offer to purchase the powder. Six bags of powdered soup were donated to the school. We request donations in the form of food stuffs and clothing for these children.
From the Department of Spirituality
On the third day a marriage took place at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. (John 2:1).
John's signature tune “...and the third day…”, in other words fasten your seat belts and prepare to be astonished because something amazing is about to happen! In the language of stories and storytelling it’s bean-growing time for Jack, pumpkin-carriage time for Cinderella, and it is all the other third day experiences of story that excited our childhood experience.
Richard Rohr in Things hidden - Scripture as spirituality (St Anthony Messenger Press, 2007) writes: “We need transformed people today, not just people with answers”. To have both would be a bonus! And perhaps there is a creative relationship between being astonished (what the child might experience as wonder) and the beginning of the quest “to know” - another loaded Johannine word.
Invited to the wedding feast is “the mother of Jesus”. John deliberately omits her name because he sees her as the sacred mother, the mother of the new Israel, the voice of our humanity and the human side of the marriage of Heaven and earth. She is the one who can authoritatively say for us “they have no wine” - a truth uttered with the tender compassion of a mother for her children.
The hour of Jesus had not yet come, that would be his glorification, but before that was the word spoken from the cross “It is finished', which in the Latin vulgate is rendered consummatum est - it is consummated. The marriage of Cana is now consummated - and the Mother is there.
John gives us the vision of the infant church. Mary is there with Jesus and his disciples. Mary is there also as our spiritual mother. And today she is saying more than ever “Do whatever he tells you”.
She is present also in our Liturgy and more and more in a world governed by patriarchies, her sacred, feminine concern, compassion and imaginative creativity are necessary to the Church. As John was asked to behold his mother so the Church must take her into their presence.
Obituaries of Grahamstown Diocese Clergy
Whilst we were away we learnt that we have lost some clergy who have contributed a lot in the life of our diocese: The Revds Kholiwe Summers, Howard Skomolo and now recently Ndyebo Samela and Peter Olivier.
Benze baphumle ngonaphakade Nkosi, + Ubakhanyisele Ngokhanyiso Olungacimiyo. Amen.
We know that the souls of the faithful departed are in the hands of God (Wisdom). I want to assure their families of our deepest condolences, love and continuous prayers. May God bless you!
Ndyebo Samela, who died on 8 September 2008, in his 79th year, was a devoted self-supporting priest for over 20 years at St Barnabas’ Church Sada.
Born in the Herschel district (a twin) Ndyebo Samela trained as a teacher at St Matthew’s College. His work took him to the Eastern and Western Cape, sometimes as a clerk and a court interpreter, as well as teaching. He was ordained to the diaconate in 1987 and to the priesthood in 1989. His active ministry at Sada continued far past the official retirement age. His twin brother died some years ago. Our sympathy and prayers for his wife Nozipho and the family.
Howard Skomolo
Howard Skomolo, who served as a self-supporting priest at Tarkastad near Queenstown, died on 13 July 2008 at the age of 61. Educated in Lesotho and the Transkei, Howard Skomolo was working in Port Elizabeth as a clerk when he was accepted as an ordinand in that diocese. He studied at FEDSEM and St Paul’s, but in 1983 he left college to take over the family business, a shop, in Tarkastad.
He continued to take an active part in his local Anglican Church, St Mary’s, and was ordained as a self-supporting priest at the end of 2003.
Prayers are asked for his wife Tandi and the family.
Kholiwe
Sunners
The Revd Kholiwe Sunners, recently ordained into the permanent diaconate, died on 20 July 2008 at the age of 61.
Kholiwe Antoni was born in Fingo Village Grahamstown and did her schooling locally. After training as a primary school teacher in Zwelitsha, she returned to Grahamstown to begin her teaching career, which she combined with some part-time modelling. A devoted member of St Philip’s congregation, she taught in the Sunday School and worked with the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA). Her marriage to Peter Sunners, an Englishman, in defiance of the Mixed Marriages Act then in force, necessitated a move to Botswana to live and work. She continued to teach, and also started a modelling school. Involved again with the local church and YWCA, she became National President of the YWCA in Botswana.
Returning to Grahamstown after 1994 to look after her seriously ill mother, Kholiwe Sunners for some years held the post of Corporate Affairs Manager for the Grahamstown Foundation. She resumed her active membership of St Philip’s Church, where she became a Lay Minister, and took a keen interest in local community projects. In September 2007 Kholiwe Sunners was ordained into the vocational diaconate by the then Bishop, Thabo Makgoba. Since then she has been assisting in the Southwell congregations, under Robin Murray, the Rector of Bathurst and Port Alfred, where she will be greatly missed.
She leaves her husband Peter, and their son Mark.
The Anglican Women’s Fellowship of the Diocese of Grahamstown wishes to announce the Launch of the Bursary Fund on 31 October 2008.This will be in the form of a fundraising dinner to be held in East London city at Municipality Hall in Oxford Street, at 17h30 for 18h00 until 24h00. AWF is requesting each Parish, our church leaders to buy a table for ten, and each person is requested to pledge R100.00 and therefore a table will be R1000.00.
To book, contact: N Zibi:
083 520 6910/ 043 707 6748,
Email: lizwizib@yahoo.com, or
L Masithela: 083 878 9465,
Email: masithela@yahoo.com
Kokela Siqendu writes:
The background for the bursary is as follows:
In 2003, Bishop David Russell called each church and guild/ organization, including AWF, to choose a mission project for 2003 in preparing for the 150th Anniversary of the Diocese. The Anglican Women’s Fellowship decided on adopting a school and requested the educators to identify two needy school children.
In February 2004, the Anglican Women’s Fellowship members presented school uniform and stationery and paid school fees to two “adopted” needy children of Zikwaba Public School at St. Luke’s in East London in the presence of the then Bishop of Grahamstown (Thabo Makgoba) and Chaplain Barry Wittstock. Because of the condition of the area, Bishop Thabo requested AWF members to continue with the project and suggested that each member should contribute R1 a day during the 40 days of Lent. This should be used to sustain the project. The Bishop pledged R10 a day. The Revd Barry Wittstock is supporting the project even today. The students are now at Ntsonkotha High School doing grade 9. AWF is still looking after them, and we pledged to help them until they reach tertiary education.
Members of AWF resolved in one of their Council meetings that this project should be extended to other Archdeaconries, and came up with this fundraising launch. Each Archdeaconry will be required to choose one needy school and adopt one or two needy children.
Do you ever wish you could have a ministry like AWF? The Lord has given each of us at least one spiritual gift to use for His Kingdom purposes.
Please come and join us in our journey to fulfil Jesus’ ministry. What is important to God is critical to our spiritual well-being.
Kokela Siqendu is the former President of Diocesan AWF, now living in the Free State.
AIDS Ministries
Monica Vega writes
We now serve over 1,600 children among the three sites. Amazing work by the 44 Child and Youth Care Workers (CYCWs)! The Ilinge team has been busy finishing their 14 modules, so they hope to graduate and attain their certificate in Child and Youth Care by October. Well done! Ilinge and Ezibeleni have been designated pilot sites to implement a new component called Toy Library, where, instead of lending toys out, children come to the Safe Parks and play with the toys. These include imagination corners with a full range of wooden appliances, a dress-up corner, store, clinic, physical activities like punching bag or throwing games, plus all varieties of developmental games, puzzles, and toys. We are receiving more toys for this as I write.
After training at Ilinge, nine foster parents for Ilinge and three for Ezibeleni have been certified. A great need indeed as family emergencies and crises create the need for foster homes, both short and long term. The most wonderful, selfless women came forward, many of them young grandmothers who have already raised their children successfully and find a space in their hearts and homes for these children in need.
26 bicycles were donated for the CYCWs for the three sites in August. Shiny, bright yellow bikes, bell and helmet included. Defying the tradition in rural South Africa that only men ride bikes, CYCWs continue to break the mould, and all of the women have learned or are in the process of learning how to ride. We are all deeply moved and touched by the courage, strength, determination, and persistence of these women.
Mamas on wheels! The CYCWs are determined to ride their bicycles, despite spills, and the amazed looks and laughter of neighbours, as they will be able to get around and do their job better.
By Kumbulele Hector Mnikina
In a glittering ceremony organised by the Masakhe OVC programme of the Mothers’ Union, held in July in the Anglican Church of Holy Name Stutterheim, some 104 children - mostly orphans and otherwise vulnerable - were treated to a heart-warming function when they were presented with parcels of educational material and toys.
A benevolent group of Christian well-wishers and donors from Cape Town converged at this parish to entertain these children to a variety of activities including ball-handling skills, and an exhibition of a Christian drama - much to the delight of the children and parents, and onlookers.
Thanks were expressed to the clergy from different denominations, who, together with Reverend Gareth Friend of the local Baptist Church and with members of the South African Police Services, co-ordinated this event.
By Zolile Ntlale
The Revd David Monteith, accompanied by nine parishioners from Holy Trinity, Wimbledon, UK visited Tshwaranang Resource Centre. Holy Trinity parish is one of the donors that support the Tshwaranang HIV/AIDS and vegetable gardens.
During their week-long stay in Queenstown they visited almost all Tshwaranang HIV//AIDS and vegetable gardens sites. The team expressed satisfaction with the work done by the Centre. One of the team members, Sarah Codrington was particularly impressed by the gardens and undertook to place the garden photographs taken on their website, http://www. holytrinity-southwimbledon.org.uk/) She hopes to attract more support for the garden programme.
The team concluded their visit by attending a Sunday service at St Barnabas, Whittlesea which is predominately a black congregation. Although it was for some of them the first time to worship in a black parish, they followed the proceedings as Zoleka Stemela guided them throughout the proceedings. The team enjoyed the service, participating in dancing when choruses (Amagwijo) were sung. Father David assisted in the celebration of the communion. At the end of the service Father Elliot Masoka thanked the visitors.
By Zolile Ntlale
Nine parishioners from All Saints’ Pasadena, California visited Tshwaranang Resource Centre recently. The group was led by the Revd Wilma Jacobsen who was formally attached to St Paul’s Parish in Rondebosch. The visit was arranged by HOPE Africa which is in partnership with Tshwaranang Resource Centre, to see the HIV/AIDS programmes run by the Centre. When visiting the Home-based care sites they were shocked by the enormous challenges faced by the caregivers. The group took part in the washing, dressing, cooking and praying for the helpless children and adults. Their attitude demonstrated their love, understanding and genuine affection for human life.
Nomvuyo Mxhosana who led the Lessyton caregivers said the assistance offered by the visitors “had infused courage and determination on us to continue caring for God’s people. The prayers they made brought hope to the bed-ridden clients. Being part of us the visitors reminded us of the olden days Christians who would give their hearts to others”.
Zoleka Stemela, the HIV/AIDS Officer, thanked the visitors for visiting Queenstown to experience personally the challenges facing God’s people in this part of the country. She urged them to be the Ambassadors for Tshwaranang.
Hands on: Paul from Pasadena gets practical.
Stop press: Sadly we have learned of the death on 27 September of Bishop David Beetge of the Highveld, who was Dean of the Province. Although seriously ill at the time of Ebenezer’s consecration, Bishop David fulfilled his duty as one of the Presenting Bishops.
Umbuliso greets Patrick Mnqathu, who returns to the diocese after some years away, to take up the post of SANDF Chaplain in Grahamstown. He is seen (r) at his licensing in the Cathedral, with Dean Andrew Hunter. A warm welcome to him and his wife Nwabisa.
To Simphiwe Magxwalisa and Nzuki on the birth of their first-born son, Phethokuhle!
Fruitful: Akhona Gabavana sent this picture of the Cathedral Youth Group and students from the College of the Transfiguration and Rhodes Anglican Society, with the children of Eluxolweni, a shelter in Grahamstown for children who would otherwise be living on the streets. The Youth had brought the children a gift of fruit and vegetables.
By Themba Mdedelwa
A young and energetic Miss Bongiwe Vanqa has been chosen to benefit from a training programme which combines work-based experience with structured learning She has been placed in the Northern Region Diocesan Administration office in Queenstown, to work under the Revd Ruth Brandt and Miss Hlubi Mhlauli. Bongiwe has entered into a contractual learnership agreement with the Diocese and Education, Training and Development Practices – Sector Education and Training Authority (ETDP-SETA). ETDP-SETA will provide her stipend.
This follows a Diocesan Bernard Mizeki Guild workshop held in February, conducted by Thobile Mona from ETDP-SETA. Two young people who have done a secretarial course after passing matric had been sought for Queenstown and Grahamstown areas respectively, to be trained for a period of not less than 12 months so as to gain experience in office and administrative work. The aim of such training is to improve their chances of being employable in secretarial and administrative fields.
After she completes her learnership Bongiwe will be able to demonstrate the practical application of her competencies in an employment context.
Peter Olivier, a retired priest living in Cape Town, who had served for many years in Queenstown in a self-supporting capacity, died on 12 September. We give thanks for his life, and pray for his widow Martie and the family.
Pray for the family of Kathleen Oram, widow of Bishop Kenneth, who died in England on 27 September.
Archdeacon George van der Merwe, Rector of St John’s East London, suffered a heart attack in August, and had a stent inserted. Prayers are asked for him as he continues the process of recuperation. Hon. Canon Bob Clarke gives thanks for a successful cataract operation in September.
October
18 Sat In Lesotho
19 Sun Consecration & Installation of Adam Taaso as Bishop of Lesotho
20 Mon Finance Committee (morning), DSG 14:00, St Andrew’s 19:00
26 Wed Ginsburg Patronal
31 Fri Fundraising Dinner Zwelitsha
November
1-2 Sat-Sun Bishop Ntlali’s farewell, Zwelitsha
4 Tue Executive and Trust Board
9 Sun Grahamstown/Albany Cluster, Cathedral
13-14 Th-Fri Wedding of Vela Ntlali
15 Sat St Luke’s Nxaruni
16 Sun Aliwal North Cluster, St Mary’s Sterkspruit
23 Sun East London West Cluster, Holy Cross, 09:30
29 Sat Zwlelitsha 09:00
30 Sun Patronal Festival, Zwelitsha
December
7 Sun St Paul’s Port Alfred 150th Anniversary 10:00
16 Tue Ordination of Priests
Umbuliso is your diocesan newspaper!
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Deadline for next issue: 20 November 2008
Please send news to:
P O Box 181, Grahamstown 6140
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Please note change of fax number.
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Umbuliso is published by the Diocese of Grahamstown, edited by Maggy Clarke