IINDABA August 2002  The official gazette of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth  - Church of the Province of Southern Africa
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Iindaba is the vehicle for sharing your parish news with the rest of the Diocesan family. Please send contributions and photos to the editor. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the Bishop nor the editor. Articles may be reproduced but credit must be given to Iindaba.

Page 1 MU World Wide President visits The Diocese was honoured to have a visit from Trish Heywood, the World-Wide President of the Mothers’ Union, Trish was here to attend the Provincial Council meeting held at PE Technikon from 3 - 7 July. About a hundred delegates representing all the dioceses of the CPSA were at the conference, which is held every eighteen months. This is the first time our diocese has hosted the meeting and the Mothers’ Union Christian Family Life (MUCFL) members were thrilled that they were blessed by having Trish with them for the first two days of the Conference. Bishop Bethlehem presided at the opening Eucharist, which began with a procession of banners from many of the dioceses. It was a joyful service with much dancing and singing in many languages, reminding one that the CPSA is made up of people, not only from South Africa, but also from Mozambique, Angola, Namibia, Swaziland and Lesotho. Present at the opening Eucharist were six former Diocesan Presidents: Mary Jourdan, Rae Smithers, Peg Selley, Ruth Burkinshaw, Audrey Durham and Tandie Xundu. Tandie, who is presently the Provincial President, chaired the Conference, and also present was Abigail Tukulu, a member of St Peter’s, KwaZakhele, who is on the MU World-Wide Board of Trustees. During her address at the opening session of the conference Trish Heywood shared her vision for the MU which came out of the theme “Called to change, Committed to serve”. The three-year theme was chosen last year when the MU celebrated their 125th anniversary. Following her address, the main questions discussed were the name of the organisation and the flexibility of membership and age. No rules are laid down other than that the MU is open to anyone who is baptised in the Name of the Trinity and who prescribes to the aims of the MU. However, provinces, dioceses and parishes may adapt this to suit their specific situation. At later sessions diocesan reports were given and projects were discussed. The 125th Anniversary collection was handed in, made up of 125 coins from each of the MU members. Some dioceses had not been able to bring their contribution to the Conference, but the wonderful total so far has exceeded R26 000. A resolution was passed that the money be used to pilot a literacy programme in Mozambique (the Dioceses of Lebombo and Niassa). This was decided because the members from these two dioceses needed to have all the proceedings translated as they were unable to understand English, the chosen language of communication in the CPSA. Trish Heywood Trish is a widow, whose family has grown up and moved away from home, which has allowed her the freedom to accept the very busy schedule that goes with the job of World Wide President of the MU. She works from Mary Sumner House, the MU headquarters in London, where all the administrative work is carried out, and she has quite a heavy travelling programme set out for her over the next two years. She humbly told Iindaba that she had been very surprised to find herself chosen over the other nominees who were bishops’ or priests’ wives. She serves a three year term of office and, if voted in again, is allowed to serve a second term. After Trish had chaired the meeting of the World Wide Board of Trustees which had been held in Johannesburg, Iindaba asked her if she had had any time to see anything of South Africa. She replied, “I was thrilled to spend a day at the Addo Elephant Park on the Tuesday before the Council meeting. It was a real highlight and I saw lots of elephant as well as many other animals.”   Visit by AWF Provincial President The Anglican Women’s Fellowship (AWF) was thrilled to have their Provincial President visit them at the end of June. Sylvia Adams was in Port Elizabeth to attend the Mothers’ Union Provincial Council meeting, and came a few days early to be able to spend some time with the AWF branches. The highlight of her visit was a tea hosted by the combined branches of the diocese and held in the All Saints’ Church hall on Saturday afternoon 29 June. Almost all the local branches were well represented, including two from Uitenhage. The first Diocesan President of the AWF, Joan Newsham, and former Presidents, Eileen Bambrough and Frankie Simpson, were also able to be present to enjoy the tea and talk. Sylvia was able to meet many of the members and address them. She shared her vision for the AWF saying, “My vision is that we become an organisation which has God’s heart at its centre. That we strive to become a united family inclusive of all God’s children - young and old, all races and cultures, where all can exercise their gifts. That we make our structures more effective - structures that will allow us to reach out and minister to and in our communities; that will make it possible to become ecumenically involved so that we can create a mind set of ‘us’ and not ‘we and them’. That we instil in our members a culture of commitment and sharing. That we focus on educating and empowering our members so that each one of us can play a role to make God real in a changing world.” Sylvia expounded on each of these areas encouraging the diocesan members to grow and reach out to bring many more into the Kingdom of God and ended by encouraging them by saying, “Tough times don’t last, tough people do last, if that person is tough in Christ.” Sylvia steps down from the position as Provincial President when the AWF meet in Cape Town for their bi-annual Council during September. She will have completed two terms of office and has to step down.   I was hungry The Straits Times published the menu for the opening lunch served at the UN World Food Summit. Kofi Annan opened the conference saying “ We must give hope to the world’s 800 million starving people.” The leaders then tucked in to: Foie gras on toast with kiwi fruit Lobster Vinaigrette Fillet of goose stuffed with Olives Seasonable vegetables Compote of fruit with vanilla. The rank and file had to be content with: Mushroom Crepes Risotto with orange and zucchini slices Salmon with peppers. Altogether, some 3 000 international philanthropists got their snouts in the trough. This totally eliminated the pangs in 0.000375% of the world’s hungry. And the London Telegraph had this to say: And this says nothing about all the hot air that 60 000 people produce verbally ... and nothing about all the rain forests cut down to produce all the paper used ... and think of the sewage! back to top

Page 2 South African heads Bible Society Forum From a report by Mims Turley, Media person for the Bible Society Ds Gerrit Kritzinger, former Regional Secretary of the Bible Society in Port Elizabeth, will head the forum of Bible Societies responsible for the publication and distribution of English Bibles globally. Many readers who visited the Bible Society offices in PE during his term of office will remember Gerrit, who moved to Cape Town as the General Secretary. He was elected as chairman of this important forum during their meeting at the end of June. Bible Society representatives from England, New Zealand, Australia, Canada, Ghana, Kenya, the Philippines, the USA and South Africa who attended the meeting unanimously voted for Gerrit, who ironically enough is Afrikaans-speaking. The number of people worldwide who have a command of the English language has given rise to a great demand for English Bibles. English is the official language in approximately 75 countries with a total population of more than 2 billion people. It is estimated that 750 million people worldwide have a command of English. Of these, 375 million are first language speakers while a further 375 million people speak English as a second language. One out of every four people in the world has some level of proficiency in English. Attention is given not only to the Bible in printed format but also especially to providing the Bible text in various electronic formats and on audio cassette. A great challenge to Bible Societies is the diverse Bible needs of post- modern societies and the developing world. Constant attention needs to be given to ways of using the available resources to their optimum. According to Gerrit co-operation between Bible Societies is of the utmost importance in order to provide for the Bible needs of people. “South Africa is the only country on this continent with the necessary technology to produce books of 1 200 pages on light weight paper, such as Bibles. We can therefore produce English Bibles for other countries at competitive prices,” says Gerrit. “In addition to the almost 150 000 complete English Bibles that we distributed in South Africa last year, the Bible Society of South Africa also produced a further 111 000 English Bibles mainly for Bible Societies in Africa.”   Green piece Council for World Mission (CWN) have issued an “In-depth 2002” booklet on "Global Warming - The view from the Pacific" in which Pacific Islanders plead for their Christian friends to speak out for them. The Revd Teeruro lueti of Kiribati says, “We are still God’s people. Even though we have black skins or brown skins, we are no different. We need to be treated as human beings. We need our Christian friends to speak out across the world. Because they have a stronger voice, they could come to our aid if they had the desire and the will.” He goes on to say, "We won't be able to live here much longer because the sea will rise. We need to halt global warming so our Pacific children will have a future." The booklet points out that Pacific islands could vanish forever if global temperatures continue to rise. Small islands off Kiribati and Tuvalu have already been swallowed up as the level of the sea has risen. Kiribati has had to move roads inland on its main island as the Pacific Ocean has eaten into the shore. The Kiribati Protestant Church has a project building sea walls and raising awareness locally. Members of the Ekalesia Kelisiano Tuvalu church are working hard to highlight the issue locally and internationally. Readers wanting more information on the booklet or on how they can help can e-mail CWN at: council@cwmission.org.uk   Your letters Thank you I’m writing to thank Iindaba for putting in the plea for materials to make linen for use in the sanctuary at some of the poorer parishes in Swaziland. It was wonderful to be able to take home Copes, Frontals and even Bibles that St Paul’s, Parsons Hill, had donated to us. Our thanks to them and the Diocese of Port Elizabeth for your loving concern for our ministry up north. - Jenny Lee News from Tristan da Cunha Iindaba has received the winter “Tristan Cameo” from Doreen and Ambrose van der Merwe. Any readers interested in reading it can e-mail the editor for a copy.   Jabulani Outreach 2002 African Enterprise will celebrate their fortieth anniversary by having a week- long city-wide outreach called, ‘Jabulani! Outreach 2002’ which will run from 11 - 18 August. More than two hundred internationals from as far afield as the USA, Australia, Denmark, Tanzania, Egypt, Rwanda and other African countries will form part of the South African team. This will be led by the renowned founder and international team leader, Michael Cassidy. Jabulani! Outreach 2002 is a wonderful opportunity for parishes to get involved in evangelising the community in which they minister and they can make use of the different options which the Outreach offers. One of these is an opportunity to host a week-long mission to your parish. The evangelists are available to preach at the Sunday morning and evening services on 11 and 18 August. They can also take small meetings such as addressing women's or men’s meetings, the youth and other leadership meetings. "We encourage the local church to be as creative as possible in coming up with ideas to reach out to people in your parish or the area in which you live," says Wellington Jansen, chairman of the organising committee. He went on to say, “The programme is structured in such a way as to bring fresh hope into the city. The mission will serve to equip the community leaders and to allow interaction between the international guests and locals. Meetings have been arranged in schools, hospitals, prisons and the professional community” Ministers throughout Port Elizabeth are encouraged to contact the PE office to arrange that special meeting for your congregation, workplace or house church. Contact details are: African Enterprise: Telefax 041 373 2007. E-mail: aesape@mweb.co.za   The mind of South African young adults (18 - 24 years old) Graeme Codrington of ‘The Edge Resources’ has sent this interesting report and Iindaba wonders if this is how our diocesan young adults see life. I recently attended a briefing called “Trend Youth” hosted by the Unilever Institute of Strategic Marketing. Together with a number of researchers they compiled a set of “Hot Topics” that give insight into the minds and attitudes young adults of South Africa (age 18-24). Here are some extracts: * Everyone is equal - this is the dominant view (75% agree). Everyone has equal opportunity. * Politics is not important - the government (especially those in Parliament) are even seen as an embarrassment. 98% of them believe that there are dishonest people in government. * The most important thing they need to be happy (or so they think): money (86% say so). * Women are becoming more forceful - and some young men are worried about this. In fact, it's mainly black young men who don’t think this is a good thing (75%). Many of today’s young women see men as “an unnecessary accessory” and are finding fulfilment in being single. Marriage is no longer the “prize” - a career and financial success are the goals. * AIDS is the enemy, and there is some fear. But today’s young people are tackling this head on. * This generation does not have anything that they are united against. They have no “big cause” to rally to. * They value society highly. * They are incredibly media and marketing savvy - you cannot “trick” them with clever advertising. They see right through it. You have to “be real”. Graeme can be contacted on info@youth.co.za and The Edge Free Resources can be caught at: http://www.youth.co.za back to top

Page 3 The Bishop writes ... My Dear People of God, Greetings to you in the name of Christ, our Lord and Saviour Negative Approach. Recently I attended an Anglican Students Federation (ASF) Conference in George. Among many questions raised on my address ‘Living victorious as Women and Men’, was this one: ‘Why does the Church have a negative approach in her dealings with issues of discipline, in particular?’ The explanation given was the fact that for all that is done amiss or contrary to church laws and moral issues, there is always punishment, which results in losing the parties affected. The argument goes on to say that during ‘apartheid South Africa’, the negativity was that ‘all people are guilty until proven to the contrary’. As a result there was a lot of violence which retarded progress in the country. This has been followed by severe punishments. A child growing up with the negative cannot produce any positive. On the other hand, where there is a positive approach the result is progress, fulfilment, healing and affirmation. I found this kind of thought interesting and thought provoking. However, there are questions to be answered. It is not my intention to raise those in this letter. It is true that the Church’s attitude towards all that is considered sinful is a call to repentance and amendment of life. The service of Confession and Absolution in both Rites states that a prayer is offered ‘on behalf of the penitent’, advice is given together with suggestions of appropriate ‘prayer or action as a token of repentance and thanksgiving’ (APB pp.449.3 and 452.11). The journey into penitence is both ways. The penitent is involved, and is asked whether the prayer or token of repentance is acceptable; while the priest also acknowledges his/her own sinfulness as well (APB p 453.18). A Code of Conduct. Discipline could be defined as a systematic training or subjection to authority especially the training of the mental, moral and physical faculties by instruction and exercise (cf Collier Dictionary). If this is acceptable for us as Christians, the authority of scripture is of vital importance. When we look at scripture we take cognisance of the fact that tradition, experience and reason cannot be left out if we look for a balanced discernment in what God says to us. It is as a result of our obedience to God’s word, that a Code of Conduct, Constitution and Canons, together with Diocesan Acts have been formulated and accepted by our Synods as laws governing our existence within the household of faith and the world at large. Our character is our existence as witnesses to the saving power of Jesus Christ, and engagement in the ministry of reconciliation. We have to deal with the problem of sin, without being judgmental in our attitude. Our journey demands progress towards righteousness, which can only be found by coming to Christ and obtaining His grace. God in His love intends good life for all. This is often crippled by our lack of love and fellowship. As a result we experience pain, and continue to put the blame for failure on our partners or counterparts. The loss of the sense of sin remains much of a bother. In our positive approach, we must also recognise that we should discipline ourselves within the realm of what we’ve accepted as our guidelines. We suffer ‘the negative’ as a result of refusal to accept discipline in ‘a positive’ way within a penitential period. Whatever is done amiss, repentance has to follow with a disciplinary action, in order to uphold ‘the ideal’ which could be attained when we assume the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Rom 5). Yours in Christ, Bishop Bethlehem Nopece   The View from Pulpit and Pew Iindaba expresses its condolences to two of our clergy who have lost parents since the last Iindaba. Mthetheleli Vena’s father, Zonele Vena, died in Uitenhage at the ripe old age of 100. He is survived by his wife Liza and their children. We commend Mthetheleli, the Archdeacon of Cradock, and his wife Nomathemba and family to the prayers of the diocesan family. Lawrie Wilmot lost his mother, Jean, who died in Claremont, Cape Town last month. We commend Lawrie and his wife Isobel to the prayers of the diocesan family. May Zonele and Jean rest in God’s eternal peace. Johnathin Pieterse, with Lynette and the children, have moved to St Mary Magdalene as their new rector. Their address is: 10 Parker Street, Hillside; their postal address is PO Box 17048, Saltville. 6058. Their telephone numbers are 041-452-5048 (H); and 041-481-8686 (O). Lynette will continue to teach at Hankey, so will need to commute each day. With all the traumas facing Eastern Province Cricket, it is comforting to know that one of those appointed to set things right is Freddy Kriel, Churchwarden of Saint Mary Magdalene. However Freddy, who has a lifelong love for the game of cricket, will have to give some his attention to welcoming his new Rector, Johnathin Pieterse, and his family, as they settle into their new home and parish. Many will remember Henry Serfontein, who was tragically paralysed going back to Cradock from a Clergy Retreat many years ago, and who bravely continued in ministry until his death, when he and Audrey were at the St Nicholas Home for Boys. He would have been proud of his son, Alan, who was recently admitted as Churchwarden at St Mark and St John, Parkside. No, Christopher Holmes is not a ‘cold’ priest, nor was his welcome at the Zwartkops River Valley Redhouse Festival Eucharist cold! Last Iindaba described him as the ‘frost Rector of the Parish’ - this should have read ‘first Rector of the Parish’. Indeed even though the weather was a bit cool, he received a warm reception at the service followed by a tasty breakfast prepared in a caravan by ladies of the Parish. This year the Parish celebrates its Silver Anniversary of their establishment as a parish. Aubrey Davids did not leave Port Elizabeth on the planned date, but decided to remain in order to commission and admit the first members of the Church Men’s Society at Saint Mary Magdalene on Sunday 9 June. Members of the Society from Christ-the-King, St Mark and St John, St Luke’s and St Michael and All Angels came in support of this new branch. Iindaba wishes Aubrey and Benita a happy retirement in Cape Town, and the CMS. of St Mary Magdalene a long and productive future. The hurricane damage of 9 July affected many in the diocese with damage to roofs and walls. Iindaba editor Frankie Simpson was also a victim, having lost tiles from the roof. She soon had husband Ken on top to effect repairs. How good is he? Wait for the next rains. Please note: the editor does not write this column but, like all our readers, she looks forward to enjoying what the columnist sends Iindaba each month. - A request: The editor is looking for a copy of the red covered version of Liturgy 75. Any offers?   We are a parish At a festive celebration St Augustine’s in Walmer Gqebera moved from being a Mission District to being declared a parish on Sunday 16 June when Bishop Bethlehem handed over the letter of declaration to the churchwardens and the Priest-in-Charge, Zwelidumile Tom. Love Life The youth of St Augustine’s signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Love Life, who will be running programmes in the parish. The Provincial Organiser of Love Life, Odwa Macingwana, visited the parish on 5 June to speak to the youth and to receive the Memorandum from Zwelidumile Tom, the Priest-in-charge.   Tag Lines Talk is cheap because supply exceeds demand. The spoken word The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing at the right time, but also to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. back to top

Page 4 St Patrick's, Humansdorp St Patrick’s falls under the umbrella of St Mark’s, Humansdorp, with Assistant Priest, Zola Nanana, ministering to this congregation and those outstations which are mainly Xhosa speaking. Zola told Iindaba that the vision of the parish is, “A one and undivided work of God for His people.” He is assisted in his ministry by four Lay Ministers and two Lay Preachers as well as many of the rest of the congregations who form a group of ‘people who minister to the people’. There are active branches of MU Christian Family Life, Anglican Women’s fellowship, Bernard Mizeki, St Mary Magdalene, St Agnes Guild and a Youth Group in St Patrick’s and the out stations. These have initiated various projects, the three most vibrant being: Nukuzenzele (Rise up and do for yourself) is a group who feed the school children and orphans. A Preschool project with two teachers who look after children from new born to the age of four. This is housed in the St Patrick’s Church building but the congregation is trying to raise funds to upgrade an old building in the grounds which will give them more space to house the little ones. A Sewing Project which is doing some outstanding work. Parish Profile The original church building was erected in about 1899, but the Humansdorp Municipality moved the church to its present site in 1926 when it segregated the Xhosa and ‘coloured’ communities. At the time the parish had 11 outstations, but with the move these were reduced to four, the others falling under the ministry of what is now the Parish of St Francis of Assisi. For many years the congregations were served by a priest who travelled from Port Elizabeth once a month to conduct a Communion Service. Services on the other Sundays were conducted by Lay Ministers. St Patrick’s: Communion services are held here on the first and third Sundays of the month with an average of just over 100 communicants. The vibrant congregation is growing under the ministry of the present incumbent, Zola Nanana. St Faith’s, Hankey (with Patensie): Communion is held here once a month and the congregation averages nearly fifty. St Barnabas, Tsitsikama: Also has one Communion Service a month with an average of 38 communicants. Woodlands House Church: Consisting of six families who meet for worship, this group joins the St Barnabas group for communion once a month. Neither St Barnabas nor St Faith’s have a ‘church building’ to meet in so they have to meet in homes, which makes worship very uncomfortable when it rains or during the cold of some of our winter Sunday mornings.   Cyprian Thorpe RIP In the May Pulpit and Pew, mention was made of the 90th birthday party held for Father Cyprian Thorpe. Iindaba is sad to report that Father Thorpe died in his home shortly after his 90th birthday on 24 May. Harry Fletcher Cyprian Thorpe came to this part of the then Grahamstown Diocese in 1958, as Rector of St Mark’s in Crawford Street, and established the Parish of Holy Spirit in KwaZakhele. Whilst here, he and his wife, Margaret, lived in 30 Clevedon Road, which subsequently became the Diocesan Office before the Office moved to Newton Park. After establishing the Parish and becoming its first Rector, he swapped places with the Assistant Curate, Ernest Shai, with Ernest becoming the Rector and Cyprian the Assistant! He remained there until 1962, when he moved to St Matthew’s Mission in Keiskammahoek. He then became the Director of Mission for the whole Province until 1973, when he became Warden of Ecton House, where he remained until he retired in 1981. Writing to Dennis and Ruth Burkinshaw, Cyprian’s widow, Margaret, said the he had enjoyed his 90th birthday party very much, especially as all their children joined them - from Australia, Canada and England. Their son Richard lives about 4 miles from their home. She also said that his brain remained alert and active right to the end. Cyprian was cremated, and his ashes interred in the Broadclyst’s Churchyard near Exeter in Devon. Many in this diocese - both clergy and laity - will have fond memories of Father Thorpe, and he will be remembered for his establishment of Holy Spirit in KwaZakhele. Iindaba extends its condolences to Margaret, his widow, and all the family. May he rest in God’s peace. - Archdeacon Christopher Holmes   Don't forget to visit the Diocese of Port Elizabeth web site at http://www.cpsa.org.za/portelizabeth   Are you in touch with events in the Anglican Church? Keep in contact with Contact OnLine An Anglican website for Christians in Southern Africa www.contact-online.org News and comment from around the world back to top Previous Issues: July 2002 June 2002 May 2002 March 2002 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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