IINDABA January 2001  The official gazette of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth  - Church of the Province of Southern Africa
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Previous issues Other Christian News More info about the C.P.S.A. Diocese of Port Elizabeth website	Source: Frankie Simpson (Mrs) Editor "Iindaba", Diocese of Port Elizabeth, P O Box 34992 Newton Park, 6055, South Africa Tel/fax: +27 41 360-6808 (home/office)

Page 1 Farewell Bishop Eric and Joyce Palesa Mbele reports on the farewell service for Bishop Eric held at Christ the King on Saturday 16 December. The Bishop arrived following a small procession of singing and dancing members of Bernard Mizeki and MU Christian Family Life, which set the scene for this joyous but sad occasion. Sad because the diocese was saying goodbye to a much loved couple, but joyous in thanksgiving for the nearly eight years of their ministry. The church was full and among the dignitaries present were Bishop Michael Coleman and Peter Mulligan of the Roman Catholic Church. Peter brought a message of thanks saying, “Bishop Eric touched all who met him. He is a man of God who walked the talk.” He ended off with the Irish blessing, “May the road rise with you.” Also present were Wellington Jansen of African Enterprise and Lance Kock of Exodus Initiative. Throughout the service the various groups gave messages of thanks to Bishop Eric and Joyce for their ministry. Andrew Marshall spoke for the clergy saying, “Bishop Eric was a shepherd, a parent figure, a compassionate human being and a leader, by example, to the clergy.” The children of the diocese were represented by Babalwo Kani and Katharine Holmes and they reminded the people of our diocesan Vision. Youth representative, Nolubabalo Mase, thanked him for using language that they could always relate to when speaking at youth gatherings and confirmations, although, she teased, that occasionally he used Transkei Xhosa words which the ‘townies’ didn’t know. The opening procession had been led in by the King David Dancers who also brought another item during the service. The St Stephen’s Marimba band, the young soloist and choir members from St Mary the Virgin and the music group all helped to make it a very memorable service.Then it was Bishop Eric’s turn. His whole talk was one of thanksgiving to God for His guidance throughout his ministry and to the people of the diocese for their “incredibly wonderful” support. He said, “All glory must go to God for preparing me for this calling.” The preparation he spoke of was his growing up in the Transkei where he learnt to speak Xhosa, and his attending an Afrikaans Teachers’ Training College where he learnt to speak that language too. He thanked the clergy for being a wonderful team for him to have to shepherd, the lay people for their incredible ministry to him, his intercessors, the legal team and many others. He also thanked Joyce for her wonderful support. As Leon Foster said, “Bishop Eric leaves a void that will be difficult to fill.”Farewell services had also been held in Humansdorp, Cradock and Alexandria during the preceding weeks.   Jesus is born in PE Danielle George reports that, when it was time to arrange the annual nativity play the Sunday School, children at Christ the King chose to go modern. They informed the superintendent, "We are not wearing the old shepherd and wise men clothes again this year, Teacher Merle. This year the story of the birth of Jesus Christ is going to be funky." The question was then asked, “If Jesus was born today, where would God choose for him to be born?” The teenage scriptwriters decided that it would be in a Street Children's Shelter. When the Angel Gabriel appeared to Mary via the Internet to inform her about her pregnancy, the congregation was quite alarmed. But as this modern nativity play unfolded, the people warmed towards the contemporary version of the birth of the Messiah. When Mary broke the news to Joseph, the stunned Dad-to-be was told using cellphone technology. While Mary and Joseph were playing tourist at Port Elizabeth's Boardwalk, the Son of God wanted to make His appearance, and the only person who could assist the young Mary (as Joseph went into a panic) was a matron from a Street Children's Shelter. So Jesus was born in a humble state owned establishment somewhere in upper Central. When the rag-tag children of the shelter heard that the Saviour of the world was born in their dwelling, they were overjoyed and they presented Him with gifts of toys. "A ball to keep Him bouncing back when times are tough." "A car to help Him spread the gospel." "A teddy bear for Him to hold when He gets lonely." The news of His birth spread quickly and soon many youngsters from clubs, game centres and shopping malls flocked to His bedside.There was a big write up about this miraculous birth in the Iindaba and thereafter many people from all walks of life - the nurse, the teacher, the prisoner, the soldier, the traffic cop, the cripple, all came to worship Him. The principal message of this play was, "Even in our high tech times when religion has become unimportant, in many cases non-existent, when values and morals are lost, that same message of hope which was given to all, at His birth, is still significant for each of us."   Welcome new Millennium During the Midnight Service to welcome the third Christian millennium, held at the Collegiate Church of St Mary the Virgin, Bishop Eric lit the Millennium candle. St Mary’s was packed for the communion service on 31 Dec, as many came to pray-in and celebrate the New Year and new millennium. On the stroke of midnight Bishop Eric lit the candle, symbolising “Christ, the light of the world”, and the Great Bell rang out 33 times (one peal for each year of our Lord’s life on earth). The Rector, Roy Snyman, sang the High Mass.When discussing the exact date of Christ’s birth, Roy told Iindaba, “I don’t think it matters one way or the other to God when we keep the feast, but keeping such a solemn occasion will bring thanksgiving and honour to our Lord and Saviour. It will indicate to Him that we are grateful for the revelation of His love, through His incarnation, and make glad His heart that we wish to rededicate ourselves to His worship and service for the next thousand years that lie ahead. This special service was a kind of renewal of our covenant relationship with God.”In his sermon leading up to midnight, Bishop Eric used the words of Daphne ffolliott’s Millennium Hymn, ‘The Man for all Millennia’, as he spoke of Jesus being “this Man who strides across the ages for all time”. He said Jesus is, “Our Lord who never changes, the Rock of Ages and the Shepherd of His fold.” He ended with a challenge to everyone to take this Man to those who have been overcome or are over wrought by poverty, HIV or AIDS, or from having been victims of violence saying, “Your hands, your feet and your mouth will take Him into this new millennium.”   Roy Snyman retires Roy Snyman, who in an Honorary Canon of both the Diocese of Bloemfontein and the Diocese of Kimberly and Kuruman, retires at the end of January. Barry Sendall will be replacing him as Vice-Provost and Ralph McGuigan will be moving from Sundays River Valley to St Cuthbert’s to replace Barry. back to top

Page 2 Wedded for life Diamond couple In the modern world of marital strife and easy divorce Dan and Kay Strydom are a shining example of the maxim, ‘Those who pray together, stay together’ writes Genny Walthew. This cheerful couple celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary by renewing their marriage vows at St Paul’s, Parsons Hill, on Sunday 17 December 2000. They were married by Dean Crosse at the Cathedral of St Michael and St George, Grahamstown, on 16 December 1940, and have been faithful members of St Paul’s parish for more than 55 years. When asked their secret to a long and happy marriage, Kay replied, “Give and take.” 56 not out Frank Hurd was not talking about cricket when he reported the score, “Fifty-six not out.” Frank was congratulating a lovely, devoted couple, Wallie and Peggy Hayes, who have just celebrated their fifty-sixth wedding anniversary. Married at St Barnabas, Sydenham, they are an inspiration and example to all. Despite both now having disabilities, they still try to attend the service held at St Paul’s on a Wednesday morning. They also attend the Matins and Communion services held each month at Fairhaven, where they live.   Your Letters Quentin Foster update Here’s a wee update on what I've been up to these past months. Firstly, about two weeks before the July discipleship training school began, I was offered a scholarship, but I still had to come up with a thousand dollars and miraculously God had provided the money by the time outreach was about to begin. If you are not to familiar with Youth With a Mission (YWAM) or Mercy ships, their policy is that in order to serve on mercy ships long term or at a YWAM base, one has to do a DTS (discipleship training school) and it consists of three months of lectures during which different speakers speak on topics in preparation for the next phase - a longer term commitment to mercy ships or YWAM. After completing the DTS we had a two month outreach phase. Our outreach took us to beautiful Northern Ierland where we did a prayer and reconciliation walk around Northern Ireland and a little bit of the Republic. Our main focus of the walk was on restoring the ancient wells of worship in the towns we walked through. It was also focused toward the youth. Although we didn't see a significant change as a result of our walking, God has and knows the bigger picture. At the beginning of 2001 I return to Northern Ireland for a season of about six months as I believe that is where God is calling me to. After that I have been accepted to return to the Anastasis for a minimum of 1 year and wish to fulfil my commitment after my six months at the YWAM base in Northern Ireland. Prayer points are: My financial support at the moment is very dicey as I'm not sure where it must go. The address I'm going to give you is the address in Northern Ireland and I'll be there from the beginning of January 2001: 45 Closkelt Road, Closkelt, Ballyward, Co.Down, BT 319 QF, Northern Ireland. For direction and guidance from God. Quentin Foster e-mail: qwf1967@yahoo.co.uk   Two retired bishops die Iindaba is sad to record the recent deaths of Bishop Kenneth Oram and Bishop Richard Kraft. Bishop Kenneth died in Worthing in the UK, where he and Kathleen were living in retirement. He was Dean of Grahamstown from 1964-1974, having been Dean of Kimberley before that. He was Bishop of Grahamstown from 1974-1987, and Dean of the Province for the last few of these years. After retirement he was Assistant Bishop in the diocese of Lichfield from 1987-1997. Christopher Holmes represented the Diocese at his Memorial Service in the Grahamstown Cathedral. Dennis and Ruth Burkinshaw accompanied him to Grahamstown. Bishop Richard Kraft, former bishop of the Diocese of Pretoria, died on 18 January after many years of struggling with ill health. He had had to take early retirement because of his health problem. During his episcopate the Diocese of Pretoria was multiplied and the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist was established. Later a Suffragan-Bishop was elected to care for the low-veld area which effectively reduced the travelling that Bishop Richard had needed to do. Richard had been the CPSA Media Liaison Bishop for many years. He had a heart for communication and encouraged all the Diocesan Communicators to attend workshops, organised by the Provincial Media Committee, to improve their skills. Iindaba Editor, Frankie Simpson, was fortunate enough to attend a couple of these workshops. Iindaba extends its condolences to the families of both these wonderful servants of God.   MU Provincial President The diocese is very proud to hear that Tandie Xundu had been elected the Provincial President of Mothers’ Union (MU) to succeed Abigail Tukulu. Bishop Eric said, “We are delighted to know of Tandi’s election which is a real tribute to the quality of leadership within the MU Christian Family Life in this diocese. We have not only had Abigail serving the Province as Provincial President with distinction for two terms of office and now serving as an International Trustee of the MU, and now to have Tandie succeed her as Provincial President is wonderful. We are proud of you both and, of course, of the MU Christian Family Life in this diocese.”   To Let: Holiday house at Bushmansrivermouth with river view. Sleeps 11 (eleven) Weekends R200 per day week days R150 per day Easter R400 per day Contact Lucy Green 046 585 9184   Animals attend Indaba Angels, sheep, a bunny rabbit and donkeys attended the Indaba held outside Bethlehem soon after the birth of Jesus. At least that is if one is to believe the children at the House of Resurrection Haven. The play put on at their annual Carols by Candlelight service at the end of last year enthralled all who watched it. Zola is seen in the background giving the necessary help to the little ones. Computer wanted/needed for Trinity Parish in the Karoo This parish has no office equipment and would be thankful for help from the wider body. Phone:Pumelele Koliti (041) 991 1160 or 083 519 3850 back to top

Page 3 The Bishop writes ... My Sincere thanks My dear People of God, Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. This my final Iindaba letter is quite simply one of very sincere thanks to you, the people of the diocese, for all that you have been to Joyce and to me over the past seven and a half years, but also underlying our thanks to you is our recognition of the grace of God which has sustained and carried us. Joyce and I came to Port Elizabeth in May 1993 knowing very few people in the diocese, but leave having been enriched through so many meaningful and wonderful relationships with which God has blessed us in these past years among you. You have welcomed us into your lives, into your homes and into your respective parish families, and we have been wonderfully carried and strengthened by all that you have been to us. From the outset I wanted to be among you as a Bishop in Mission, and you have enabled me, I know imperfectly, to be that. There have, of course, been times of hardship and struggle but the overwhelming assurance that both Joyce and I carry with us is one of acceptance, encouragement and love. I have been blessed to be surrounded by a wonderful team of clergy and their respective families and I know that it is they who day by day have carried the responsibility for the care and nurture of the people of God in the diocese. The life and vitality of the diocese depends so much on the quality of the ordained leadership in the parishes of the diocese, and I believe that I can, without contradiction, say that we have in this diocese a team of wonderfully dedicated, gifted and devoted ordained men and women who I know will continue to serve God with distinction into the future. Yet it is not only the ordained leadership that makes this diocese so special, but the lay leadership and all who serve so faithfully in their respective ministries in the parishes and in the wider family who make this diocese what it is. I have also been richly blessed in that I have been able to work from a dedicated and sound base at the centre of the diocese in the Diocesan office. Keith, our devoted diocesan secretary, works tirelessly with his staff to facilitate the mission and ministry of the church in the parishes, and Julia has been a wonderfully efficient and effective secretary in sustaining me in my ministry. So the diocese, seeking to grow towards our vision, has indeed been a team and a family of which I have had the enormous privilege of being its leader and shepherd. In all of this Joyce and I have been surrounded by the faithful prayers of the people of the diocese, and for this we are indeed deeply grateful, but particularly so to Brenda Hill and to her team of intercessors who committed themselves to praying for Joyce and me over the years. How blessed the diocese has been to be carried by the prayers of God's people. It has not been easy for Joyce and me to bid farewell to such a wonderful diocesan family, but I do believe that as God called us here for a season, that time has now drawn to a close and we must move on to that which He has in store for us in the future. The farewells which you arranged for Joyce and me in various parts of the diocese, together with the final diocesan celebration of thanksgiving at the Church of Christ the King, were emotionally draining yet wonderfully uplifting to know that God had been able to use both Joyce and me in ways beyond our knowledge and understanding. The more than generous gifts which you have showered upon us have been a truly wonderful blessing and will enable us to build our little house in Fish Hoek. We have already decided to call our house, when completed, "Farne", after the little rocky Island in the North Sea where St Cuthbert lived as a hermit in contemplation and prayer for a number of years. Not that Joyce and I intend to become hermits, but our little house is being built on a huge rock, and Cuthbert is one of our favourite saints. Be assured that in using your most generous gift towards the building of our house, we will always have a tangible reminder of the love and generosity with which you have blessed us. We will continue to pray for you and trust that you will continue to remember us in your prayers. "Now into Him who by the power at work within us is able to do far more abundantly than all we ask or think, to Him be glory in the Church and in Christ Jesus, to all generations, for ever and ever. Amen". Eph. 3:20-21. Bishop Eric Pike   The view from Pulpit and Pew v Make hay while the sun shines! Thus goes the proverb, and thus did Bishop Eric and Joyce this past Christmas. Before settling in their new retirement home in Fish Hoek, the Episcopal couple decided to ask their family for Christmas, so all seven children with spouses and 11 grandchildren joined them, making a total of 26 - or 26 and a half counting a grandchild on the way. Their only unmarried - a son from New Zealand - came out for the occasion. Next year, it might be a problem!! v In his farewell letter to Iindaba, the Bishop says he is open to God’s prompting for the future, which means he will, in fact, not be re-tired, but re-treaded, to give many more spiritual kilometres of service. Iindaba wishes him and Joyce every blessing for the future. v Also retiring at this time is Father Roy Snyman TSSF, Vice-Provost and Rector of the Collegiate Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, the Mother Church of the Diocese. Fr Roy has served the Church faithfully for many years, and Iindaba also wishes him a blessed and happy retirement. Fortunately Fr Roy has a flat in Port Elizabeth, so his telephone number will not change. v Barry Sendall, the former Rector of St Cuthbert’s in Westbourne Road, is taking up his appointment as Vice Provost and Rector of St Mary’s at the end of February. He is being replaced at St Cuthbert’s by Ralph McGuigan. Ralph and Margaret are at present on long leave in Scotland, Ralph’s homeland. If you thought he had a strong Scottish accent, wait until he returns from spending some time at ‘hame’. v Also on the move are Fumanekile and Tembela Kula. Fumanekile, present Rector of Trinity Parish in the Karoo, has been appointed Rector of St Matthew’s, KwaMagxaki, replacing Mcebisi Xundu who retired recently. Fumanekile’s appointment is from 1 March. v Pumelele Koliti has been appointed Rector of Trinity Parish - also from 1 March. He and Mandisa are at present at St Timothy’s in Motherwell. v Iindaba congratulates: - Jean Underwood and Brian Axcell who have both completed their Diploma in Theology from TEE College. - Zwelidumile Tom on successfully completing the requirements for his M Phil Degree in Christian Studies through UPE. - All the St Mary Magdalene students who were doing the TEE Preaching course, and whose photo appeared in the September issue of Iindaba. v Our condolences are extended to: - Bachelor and Olga Zantsi on the sudden death of their youngest son, Thabile, in Umtata, just before Christmas. - Yaliwe, widow of Konki Fannie Nzunzu, a Member of the Order of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth, and a staunch member of St Ninian’s, Somerset East, who died last month after a long illness. Konki lost his sight some years ago, but continued to serve the Lord in many ways. v Fr Ambrose and Doreen van der Merwe are leaving St Barnabas at the end of January and are going to Tristan da Cunha. More next month! v Sheila de Groot, wife of Henk, is recovering at home after being seriously ill in hospital before Christmas. Iindaba commends them to the prayers of its readers.   The Spirit is moving at St Paul’s The Spirit is certainly moving at St Paul’s Church, Parsons Hill, reports Genny Walthew. How gracious is God that at this normal, relaxed Confirmation service His Spirit moved to cover not only the five girls being confirmed by Bishop Eric, but also the entire congregation, on Sunday morning 12 November. It was obvious that the girls felt the presence of God. They wept openly and even Bishop Eric had tears in his eyes as he prayed for each of the girls individually. Parents too were moved to tears and many in the congregation were observed wiping eyes.. “Never be afraid of tears,” Bishop Eric told them. “They are healing.” The rector, Ben Durham, who had prepared the girls for confirmation mentioned that Joyce Pike (Bishop Eric is her husband) was heard to say that of all the numerous confirmations she has witnessed, she’d never seen the like before. He added, “It was none of my doing. I only told the girls to believe the Spirit would be with them. How fitting that at this, Bishop Eric’s last confirmation at St Paul’s, he should witness the glory of God is such a wonderful way.” The words of the hymn, “All over the world, the Spirit is moving”, written by Roy Turner, came to mind during the service. back to top

Page 4 Debbie ties the knot Debbie, our Diocesan Office receptionist and ‘Girl Friday’, on her marriage to Winston Vencencie on 30 December 2000. Debbie looked stunning in a beautiful white gown, the bodice of which was covered with embroidery and pearls. The service, which took place at St Mary Magdalene, was conducted by Bishop Eric who was assisted by Elroy Damons, the rector. Afterwards about a hundred guests enjoyed a meal at Tivoli Restuarant with the family.   Fundraising can be fun The youth group of St Peter’s, Cradock, had fun when they arranged an afternoon tea, writes Desray Britz. The tea was arranged to raise much needed funds for the youth group and proved to be a wonderful afternoon of fun and fellowship amongst the youth and elders in the parish. Entertainment was provided by a male choir, “Voices of Victory”, who enthralled the guests with their renditions of beautiful spiritual songs. Each table had been festively decorated to ensure the spirit of Christmas was felt. The eats, which added greatly to the success of the afternoon, had been lovingly prepared by the women of the parish and the parents of the youth group members. Gifts, donated by Diskom, Ochse Pharmacy and Woolworth’s, were presented to those who attended. Helecyne Roberts was lauded for her all-important ministry to the Sunday school and youth. Many more such functions are planned, not only to raise funds, but to further promote the fellowship between the youth and the elders of the parish. Weekend of celebration The people of St Hugh’s in Newton Park recently had a wonderful opportunity of giving thanks to the Lord for their place of worship, writes Brenda Moore. St Hugh’s celebrated their 75th jubilee in the year 2000 and, to mark this auspicious occasion, a weekend of celebration was arranged.On Saturday 25 November a Flower Festival, entitled ‘Consider the Lilies’, was organised by Beryl and Roger Hewitt. Flower arrangements were done by members of the congregation, depicting their favourite verse of scripture. These ranged from large to small, but each one had a special place in the church and each carried a message from the Lord. Folk brought along rose bushes for the Garden of Remembrance situated at the back of the church, and these were planted by our dedicated gardener. A beautiful arrangement was made of the St Hugh’s Swan and Mitre emblem. White and mauve dried flowers were used, and this still has a place of honour in the church. On Sunday 26 November we celebrated our Patronal Festival and Rob Penrith, an ‘old boy’ of St Hugh’s, was our honoured preacher. It was wonderful to have Rob with us to mark this occasion. Rob grew up at St Hugh’s. Having joined as a choir boy, he left as a priest. The service was followed by a parish breakfast in the hall. St Hugh's is the spiritual home of so many folk, and is definitely ‘the church on the hill’ as Canon Mayo said way back then.   A visitor from Korea At the beginning of December the diocese was blessed with a visit from a Korean priest who was on sabbatical, writes Christopher Holmes. Christopher Holmes, Rector of St Francis Xavier in Kabega Park, received a phone-call from the Bishop of George, Donald Harker, asking if he could look after a visitor to the Province, Ignatios Sung Man Hong, the Vicar General of the Diocese of Taejon. Ingatios’s main goal during his sabbatical is to learn English prior to a trip to the Holy Land, where English is the language of the tourists. Frank Date Chong, a Lay Minister at St Francis Xavier, and his wife, Lorraine offered to accommodate him. Ignatios stayed for just over a week, during which time he took part in services at St Francis Xavier and All Saints’ in Kabega Park. At both churches he ministered the Chalice at the Eucharist, and at St Francis Xavier he gave the blessing in Korean at the end of the services. With a good tenor voice, he was able to join in the singing and making responses. There were some hilarious occasions when he tried to make himself understood, or understand. When told he was invited to the Thursday Club, he looked up the work ‘club’ in his Korean-English dictionary, and then wondered if the Thursday Club was used for hitting people on the head! The Korean language and writing are totally different from Chinese, but Ignatios, with an infectious smile, was able to make himself understood, and certainly by the end of the week was much more conversant. Whilst at St Francis Xavier he attended the above-mentioned Thursday Club, and also the first birthday party of Tamlin Ah Sing - a special occasion in the Chinese tradition. After leaving Port Elizabeth, Ignatios went up the east coast, and plans to end his African journey in Malawi. His wife has since joined him. In his broken English, Ignatios was able to tell of the history of the Anglican Church in Korea, which was expelled for 35 years until 1965, and its growth as it seeks to unite people with one another and God. He said he was overcome by the friendliness of South Africans, and hoped to visit here again in a few years' time.   A Celtic Christmas There is great excitement every Christmas at the Parish of St Margaret of Antioch in Summerstrand as the theme of John Dunn’s Christmas decoration of the Church is revealed, writes Christopher Holmes. This year the mural on the South Wall of the Church began in Advent, culminating in an enormous Celtic circle of 24 intertwined geese with the Christmas Crib in the centre - the goose being the Celtic symbol of the Holy Spirit - possibly because of the hissing sound they make. The roof of the Crib contained drawings from the 12 Days of Christmas beginning with the partridge in the pear tree, and ending with the 12 drummers drumming! The circle of geese took 11 hours to put up, with each bird holding onto the tail of one in front of it, and each decorated with Christian and Christmas symbols. The planning and drawing of the mural began in January 2000 with many hours of hard work and fun by John and his Merry Artists. back to top Previous Issues: July 2000 September 2000 October 2000 December 2000 Current issue

Find it fast !

Powered by

Home | Business | Calendar | Churches | Community | Links | Ministries | Music | News | Spiritual | Contact us © 1999 - 2010  P.E. Church Net ..... Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Our Vision