IINDABA March 2002  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 Easter 2002 Early on the Sunday morning, while it was still dark, Mary Magdalene went to the tomb and saw that the stone had been taken away from the entrance. John 20:1   Celebration ends in style The St Michael and All Angels Church Diamond Jubilee celebrations ended in style with a Debutante Ball. Friday 30 November 2001 saw many parishioners and friends of St Michael’s converge on the University of PE Sports Auditorium to attend the Debutante Ball. The Bishop was the guest of honour but, as his wife was unable to attend, Estelle Fraser, the Rector’s wife, graciously stepped into the gap to partner him in receiving the debutantes and their partners. The Debutantes raised the magnificent amount of R42 000, with Chanel Fraser raising the most. The Master of Ceremonies, Kenneth March held the evening together rather well with his wit, and the Rector, Shane Fraser, thanked everyone for their support. As he said at the end, “Well done, and forward to another 60 years. Ad Majorem Dei Gloriam.”   A son returns home Unlike the prodigal son, Musa Daba has been completing his theological studies and ‘tasting’ the joys of married life while in Cape Town. He has returned to his home town of Uitenhage as the Parish Worker at St Katharine’s - and a number of parishioners have commented on how he has ‘grown in stature’ since they saw him last. His wife, Levidia (well known at St Saviour’s) is finding Uitenhage very different from her home of Cape Town. This year she intends to realise her ambition of writing a cookery book. Having met each other in this diocese, they have spent their married life away. Iindaba wishes them God’s blessing in their ministries and as they are reunited with the Church family here.   Courtney - an inspiration to all Archdeacon Christopher Holmes pays tribute to a very brave and faithful child of God. Assuredly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will by no means enter it!' These words spoken by our Lord Jesus Christ have been a source of inspiration and hope to all who mourn the death of Courtney Pow Chong (12), who died peacefully on 22 January after suffering from cancer tumours on her brain for over six years. This young child of God inspired countless numbers of people throughout her illness and 14 operations, by her faith in Jesus, her bravery facing such difficulties and her attitude to life itself. Messages were received from all over the world giving thanks to God for her, giving comfort to her parents, Larry and Leona, her sister Danya, brother Craig and twin-sister Kirsten. Amongst those was a message from Bishop Eric Pike, who wrote to Courtney's parents"..It has been a great privilege for Joyce and me to be joined with countless others who have prayed for Courtney and for you and, with them, our hearts grieve with you and for you. We have all prayed for a miracle of healing but it was not to be, yet in a most wonderful way God has heard our prayers and has, over the years, by His grace, enabled Courtney to be a shining witness for Him. Courtney has shown us all in her short, but abundantly full life, how to live for Jesus through adversity and illness. As a family you have all shone with the light of Christ and been a wonderful inspiration to so many..". Likewise Bishop Bethlehem said that in spite of having known Courtney for a short time, he was inspired by the joy she brought to all who met her. The first time he met her was at a special concert for her at St Mary's, and he visited her in hospital. Courtney asked that the proceeds of the concert at St Mary's be sent to CANSA Home Care Nursing. She was a great collector for various charities, including CANSA and the Bible Society. Those visiting her at the hospital - and when ill at home - were expected to put money into her Bible Society collection box. Through her efforts, over R5 000 was donated to the Bible Society. Even her surgeon was told by Courtney to 'pay up before you examine me!' Her funeral was held at St Francis Xavier, where she grew up, and where she played an important role - always a ready and willing helper. Her stock question to Susan Holmes, Junior Church Superintendent, was "Aunty Susan, what can I do?" One has a picture of her standing before Jesus in heaven, broom in hand, saying 'Lord, what can I do?' Her funeral was the largest in the history of the parish, and was an example of the love and respect this special child held in the hearts of many. Her mother, and sister, Danya, played for the Jesus In Music group at the service. Her father Larry is a Churchwarden and Lay Minister.   Dedication acknowledged Emily Thomas was presented with a thank you card and a cheque in appreciation for over 30 years unselfish dedication as she regularly packed food parcels for the needy on behalf of St Mark’s and District Fund. She received the cheque and a card from Dennis Burkinshaw, Chairman of the Fund. St Mark's Mission, a feeding scheme to the poor families in the Northern Suburbs was one of the "outreaches" begun by the CR Sisters during their years of work in our diocese. The scheme will continue to operate from St Mary Magdalene Church. At present 30 families (each parcel has enough for eight people) are being fed and they are reviewed every three months. Donations are always welcome. Contact Dennis Burkinshaw at Tel: 041 581 2182 back to top

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Page 3 The Bishop writes ... My Dear People of God, Greetings to all of you, in the Name of the Risen Christ, our Lord and Saviour, Alleluia! A change of heart It will be almost halfway through the Lenten period when you receive this letter. One way or another we engage ourselves in some kind of programme under the theme of “Repentance”. Sometimes this may take a form of Bible Study, self-discipline, a community programme etc - with prayer. The thrust of the service is “Return to God and Repent”, with a call to “turn away from sin and believe the Good News”. (APB p. 164.8). There is also a reminder that we are in fact dust, and unto dust we shall return. In Greek there are two words that Peter the apostle uses to describe the process of returning to God; viz. Repent: Gk metanoia; and Conversion: Gk epistrophé. For the Greeks metanoia implies a sudden change of heart or attitude towards that which violates or contravenes the set order - be it a constitution, law, values, tradition and/or customs. The result is this desire or action to change or amend one’s ways which bring about a clear conscience and a further closer walk with God. The process of change from this life of sin is referred to as conversion. The Gk epistrophé implies a movement towards God. It refers to growth. The Lenten period helps us to make an honest assessment of our own lives in relationship to God. We should take courage and work on those areas of our lives which obscure or suppress God’s glory in us. Jesus prepared Himself for the great task that laid before Him, the Good Friday, which brought salvation of humankind. Lent is a challenge to us, to prepare ourselves for worshipping the living God in spirit and in truth (John 4:24); to witness Jesus’ saving power - not only a lip service, but in word and deed; and to render Him service even to the least of our sisters and brothers (Matt 25:31ff) The glory of the risen Christ The Easter event is at the centre of our faith. It is an exceedingly joyous occasion. Resurrection (Gk egersis) is the heart and core of our existence. It is the Christ event. Like the sun in the centre of the universe, so is resurrection to the calendar of the Christian Church. Without resurrection the Church is no more. Resurrection is of Christ and those who believe in Him will rise also. What does resurrection mean to us? It means that Christ is alive, and seeks to live in us all the more. Interpreting resurrection to both the Roman and the Corinthian Church, the apostle Paul does not hesitate to bring in an element of hope. If Christ is not raised from the dead, we are the people to be most pitied, and we are still in our sins. (I Cor 17ff). For him resurrection is power for a glorified sinless life, which can only be attained by faith in the Son of God. The living Christ restores us to the original intended glory of God. Death is no more. Life abounds abundantly. The challenge of Resurrection is much stronger to those who have seen and experienced the saving power of God in our lives. God calls us to a life of loving and caring even “for the least” of our sisters and brothers. We need to get involved in service to our fellow people. In Mission and Evangelism we engage in outreach programmes. We exist as the hope of the communities and nations. As I drive through the country areas of our diocese as well as the Eastern Cape, in particular Border and Transkei, a functioning community is noticeable by a church building, the school and the clinic. The church should uplift good moral values and all the goodness enshrined in the philosophy of “Ubuntu”. My dear people of God, Christ is risen from the dead, Alleluia! The Spirit of Christ who lives in us must continue to live on and bring better life to all. This is possible only when we engage ourselves and get involved. May the joy, love, peace and happiness of the risen Christ fill your hearts! Reflect on: 1 Cor 15. Yours in Christ, Bishop Bethlehem   Notes from pulpit & pew Ted and Ray Smithers may have retired, but their families have been busy. Both their married sons - John in England and David in Cape Town, have produced more grandchildren for Ted and Ray. As an accomplished accountant, Ted, a retired priest, has taught his children not only to add, but to multiply. Nicky Daniels, wife of Eddie, Rector of Saint Hugh's, comes from a talented family. Her father, Owen Hill, is one of the Four Classics, Port Elizabeth's answer to the Three Tenors. Another member of that talented musical group is Charles Jantjies, organist at St Luke's in Palm Ridge. They have brought much joy to many with their wide-ranging concerts, using their God-given talent. Speaking of musicians, Iindaba would like to hear from readers if any members of their parish choir have been active for over 50 years. We have some grand 'golden oldies' who have been singing, or playing, God's praises for many years. Please contact the Editor. January's Iindaba reported the death of retired priest, Bachelor Zantsi, followed shortly by his wife Olga. Iindaba has recently learnt of the death of Bishop Robin Briggs, Suffragan Bishop of Pretoria, followed within a month with the death of his wife Margaret. Their youngest child is a daughter of 14. Both Robin and Margaret were well known in this Diocese, and were in the Grahamstown Diocese at the time of the split into Grahamstown and Port Elizabeth in 1970. May they rest in God's peace. Mike and Candy Ferrar, formerly of Saint Hugh's, have re-located to the Karoo where they have established a Bed and Breakfast near Schoombie. They have already joined one of the Parish's vibrant Bible study groups. Iindaba wishes them well in this new exciting venture. Candy comes from the well-known Southey family from the Karoo. The Bishop and Mazoe, and members of Chapter and their spouses, recently spent a Retreat Weekend together at Waverley Hills under the guidance of Bishop Godfrey Ashby, who has retired to Knysna. The focus of the weekend was on leadership, with Bishop Godfrey using 'Isaiah, the 6th Gospel' as his source. The value of such a time together cannot be measured and Bishop Bethlehem hopes to repeat it again next year. Sipambo Ludidi, a Canon in Chapter and Rector of the Alexandria Plurality, arrived at 23h00 on the Friday night at Waverley Hills for the Chapter Retreat, and on finding 'lights out', decided not to disturb anyone, so went to Port Elizabeth for the night. Iindaba has it on good authority that he has a mattress in the back of his bakkie, and wondered why he didn't use it! Iindaba is sad to record the death of two prominent members of the Collegiate Church of Saint Mary the Virgin - former Lay Minister Bruce Morgan, and former principal of the Russell Road Technical College, Erle Blignaut. Bruce had been ailing for many years with a brain tumour, whilst Erle was in his 90's. Iindaba is also sad to record the death of well-known builder and businessman Fred Smith, who was in his 100th year, and was looking forward to receiving a telegram from the Queen in her Jubilee Year. His funeral took place at St Cuthbert's. Iindaba expresses condolences to the families of Bruce, Erle and Fred. May they rest in God's peace.   Setting the record straight A statement issued by Bishop Sigqibo Dwane, Presiding Bishop of the Ethiopian Episcopal Church The statement about the Order of Ethiopia which appeared in ‘Iindaba’ of September 1999 incorrectly reported the decision of the Provincial Synod of July 1999. It said that the “Order of Ethiopia severed its ties with the CPSA although it has asked that a commission be set up to look at its continuing relationship with CPSA.” There is indeed, in terms of the decision of Provincial Synod 1999, a “continuing relationship with the CPSA”. This means that the Order of Ethiopia did not “sever its ties with the CPSA”. Provincial Synod 1999 rescinded Canon 48, as a result of which, the Order of Ethiopia ceased to be an “integral part” of the CPSA, and became an autonomous church which is in “full communion with the CPSA”. The Ethiopian Church which entered into a compact with CPSA in August 1900 was then renamed by the Bishops of the CPSA ‘Order of Ethiopia’. In August 1999 the Order of Ethiopia reverted to its pre 1900 status of autonomy, when it dropped the name Order of Ethiopia in favour of Ethiopian Episcopal Church.   Tag lines The next time you feel like complaining remember: Your garbage disposal probably eats better than thirty percent of the people in this world. back to top

Page 4   A man of Courage Frank Hurd of St John’s in Walmer has proved that faith and courage can overcome adversity, writes Lovel McCleland. During 1984 Frank was a happy-go-lucky Sales Representative. He had many friends, was popular with his clients, and life was just great. Suddenly during that November he suffered a massive stroke which paralysed his right side. It was believed that if he suffered a second stroke soon after this one it would be fatal. “Fortunately I did not suffer a second stroke, as I had other ideas about dying. I wanted to go on living,” he said. He loved the Lord and wanted to continue serving his Maker in some way or another. One of Frank’s talents is a good singing voice which enabled him to be part of the choir at All Saints’, Kabega Park, for many years and subsequently at St John’s, Walmer. Being a member of the choir is what he lived for as he could express his real love for the Lord in song. Unfortunately during February 2001 Frank suffered a further setback. Getting out of bed one night he fell and fractured his hip. Many weeks in hospital followed and with the aid of a wonderful physiotherapist he was able to return to Fairhaven Frail Care where he enjoyed further loving care and treatment under Matron Ann von Benecke and her staff. He progressed to using a wheelchair which gave him more freedom and lifted his morale and courage. It also enabled him to return to church, where he had longed to be. The wheelchair has since been discarded and now, with the help of a Walking Aid, he is able to walk into church and bravely walk down the long aisle to receive his communion. Farnk says, “What a miracle. Jesus was beside me giving me the strength and courage to persevere.” Through faith and sheer guts Frank has been able to get to the place where he wanted to be, worshipping his Lord.   Stained glass window vandalised Dudley Greenshields, Rector of All Saints' United Church in Somerset East writes of a serious blow. Our church has suffered a serious blow as a result of a burglary during which one of the 13 stained glass windows was vandalised. When David Manning came to estimate the cost of repairing it he discovered that the lead in the other windows is so badly oxidised that they are in danger of falling apart. All Saints' is the third oldest building in the diocese and has some of the most beautiful and priceless windows. It will cost a staggering R38 000 to preserve this part of our history. We invite our brothers and sisters in Christ to pray for us and visit us. Any help in raising funds will be appreciated. Tel: 042 243 2395.   Women on the march Lovel McCleland reports on meetings and a march that took place in an attempt to draw the attention of the authorities to the seriousness of the high crime rate against women and children. With the high crime rate, particularly against women and children, reaching a level which is unacceptable to society in general, some women in South Africa have decided ‘enough is enough’ and have embarked on a campaign of awareness against crime. Meetings and marches have been organised in an attempt to draw the attention of the authorities to the seriousness of the situation. Lilian Daniels, Provincial vice-president of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship, and a member of St Mary Magdalene Church, mustered support for the movement of Women Against Crime and called a meeting of all interested people. The well attended meeting took place on 12 August 2001. It was preceded by an extremely well-organised march from Cleary Park Shopping Centre to the church, which was filled to capacity. People had come to hear a message of hope from the panel of speakers who included Dr Lucky Govender of the Rape Crisis Unit, Merna Johnson a volunteer from NICRO, Merle Williams of Life Line, Agnes McBean of NCW, Sybil Jali of FAMSA and Lovel McCleland of Women Against Crime, Gun Control. Dr Freddie Rank of Livingstone Hospital was unable to be present but was represented by Bernice Jacobs, and Supt Marinda Mills stood in for Comm Toba, the Provincial Comm-issioner of Police of the Nelson Mandela Metropole.   Another march On 6 December another protest march against the rape of women and children was led by our Bishop. The marchers moved from St Barnabas Church in North End to the New Law Courts where a memorandum was handed to the Chief Magistrate requesting that no bail be granted to suspected rapists, and that stricter penalties be enforced for those found guilty, preferably life imprisonment. The campaign against crime involving women and children has become a national issue, thanks to the women of South Africa who had the courage to stand up to be counted.   Receive the healing of Jesus Praying for Gareth Armstrong during a healing Service are Aletta Chauguion, Lindsay Woods and Eve van Eck. All are members of the Christ Healing Fellowship and are available to minister the healing of Jesus. More information available from: Pat Callahan 083 447 4715 Lindsay Woods 041 368 3442 or Jean Budgen 041 484 1037.   Holy Trinity United Church, Thornhill Parish Profile Holy Trinity is one of the older churches in the diocese, the first buildings having been erected in 1884, on ground given to the church by Isaac Newton. The present picturesque building was built in 1947. Extension to the building will soon be underway as it has become too small for the growing congregation. Services have increased from two a month to every Sunday with an average attendance of 30. This increases during school holidays as children return from boarding school and university. In fact this December saw the best attendance figures the church has every had. Holy Trinity Church, Thornhill Holy Trinity is linked to Woodridge College. Stephen Fouché also has oversight for religious instruction of the College scholars and for conducting services at the College every Sunday. The parish covers the area from the Gamtoos River to Blue Horizon Bay. The parishioners are mainly local farmers some of whom are descendants of the original parish-ioners, or like the Puttergill and Steele families, who have had at least four generations of their family worship in the church. Stephen Fouché, a Methodist minister, was instituted at the end of January this year, to have pastoral oversight of Holy Trinity United Church. He is married to Else and they have three children, Jennifer, Stephanie and Michael. back to top Previous Issues: January 2002 December 2001 November 2001 October 2001 September 2001 August 2001 May 2001 April 2001 January 2001 December 2000 October 2000 September 2000 July 2000 Current issue

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