IINDABA December 2002  The official gazette of the Diocese of Port Elizabeth  - Church of the Province of Southern Africa
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Page 1 Wishing all our readers a very blessed Christmas and the peace, joy and love of Jesus thoughout 2003. The editor and Iindaba committee, the Bishop, his family and diocesan staff. Awe-inspiring stained glass windows Margaret Rumsey reports that the new stained-glass window project at St Saviour’s, Walmer, has now been completed by Ruth and Hunter Nesbit. The 22 beautiful cameo inserts form a magnificent backdrop, not only to the Nave of the Church in general, but have come to emit a spiritual splendour all of their own. The first ten having been blessed by Bishop Bethlehem in May, the final 12 will be blessed by him on 22 December. The windows, each with its own unique scene, and relevant biblical passage, were the focal point of Lenten studies this year. A meditation booklet has also been created to enhance personal worship, and to bring a realistic understanding of the life of Christ, into our hearts and minds. The windows on the North side (street side) depict the ‘Stations of Christ’s Passion’ and on the South side (pulpit side) ‘The Stations of Christ’s Life’ - moments of His life that influenced and affected His own ministry, as well as ours. Visitors are most welcome to come in and experience the spiritual, awe-inspiring wonder of these creative works. A river baptism The villagers of Redhouse are quite used to being woken in the wee, small hours of the dawn to the sound of African drums, singing, dancing and foot stamping and we know that some of their neighbours from Veeplaas are being baptised, writes Philippa Stephenson. So it was with great interest that the parishioners of St Nicholas’, Redhouse, heard from their rector, Solomon Nkesiga, that two of the village children were to be baptised in a likewise manner, after the Communion Service on Sunday morning 3 November. They were delighted to hear that Bishop Bethlehem had given the ceremony his enthusiastic blessing and had sent Tasmin and Tristan his very good wishes. A group of the parishioners gathered with the children's mother, Sanette de Lange, the Godparents and friends on the Redhouse Yacht Club slipway. It was a warm but overcast morning, and alas, the tide was very low, so Solomon and the children had to wade through a fair amount of reasonably sticky mud to get to the water. Solomon wisely decided he’d have to bless the entire river, which we were all very pleased about, because it receives so much abuse but still remains so beautiful and giving. Tasmin and Tristan, wearing simple white gowns, were duly lowered into the water by Solomon, and were welcomed into the church by those present - some of whom were even brave enough to hug the wet, cold, muddy children. Jeanné Sellick was there to record it all on camera and it was indeed a happy time. It had been a simple and moving ceremony and well worth remembering. Well done to both Tasmin and Tristan for having this great idea. May your life in the heart of the church go from strength to strength. You both deserve it. Another Provincial President Lillian Daniels of St Mary Magdalene was elected Provincial President of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship (AWF) at their Council Meeting held in Cape Town during October 2002, reports Eileen Bambrough. This gives the Diocese of Port Elizabeth a second Provincial President with Tandi Xundu being the Provincial President of the Mothers’ Union. Lillian was elected unopposed with Ray Overmeyer of Cape Town as Vice-president and Eileen Bambrough of Port Elizabeth as Alternate-vice at the 18th Provincial Council Meeting which took place from 16-20 October. Bishop Bethlehem chaired the meeting in his capacity as Liaison Bishop for all the organisations within the CPSA. The occasion was highlighted by some personal ‘God incidences’. Pumla Titus of the Diocese of St John’s was voted onto the Executive and Bishop Bethlehem remarked, “This is a personal blessing for me as I have known Pumla since she was a baby and to now witness her willingness to give her time and talents to lead our women has touched my heart. Her youthfulness bodes well for the AWF.” Other young delegates represented the most recent diocese to come into the AWF - Umzimvubu. Another ‘God incidence’ was that Eileen Bamborough had not been told that the Kay Baron Memorial speaker was her cousin, Dr Deborah Gaitskell. The invitation to speak had come because of Dr Gaitskell’s research into ‘The Spirituality of Womens' organisations in Africa’, for a recent publication. Her comparative analysis of the history and activities of the Mothers’ Union and the various groups within the Methodists gave her listeners a sense of being a participant in the making of history. Dr Gaitskell commented that although the AWF was a more recent women’s organisation, from what she experienced while participating in the Council Meeting she was optimistic that future historians would comment favourably on the significance of the members' activities. “United in Christ to make a difference” is the theme that will be taking the AWF forward. Every sermon during the daily Eucharist encouraged the members to keep their eyes, hearts and minds focused on Christ - to continually be dependant on the Holy Spirit to lead, guide and transform them so that others will see by their lives that Christ can make a difference in a world in need of healing. Dr Carey leaves Lambeth Dr George Carey has delivered his final sermon as Archbishop of Canterbury, and his successor is Dr Rowan Williams, from Wales. There has been a lot of controversy around the appointment of Dr Williams and in a television interview with David Frost, Dr Carey pleaded for an end to the infighting over the appointment of his successor. “He is a friend, a man of excellent gifts, and a very profound theologian,” he said. During his 11 year term of office Dr Carey visited 90 countries, travelling around the Anglican Communion far more than any other Archbishop of Canterbury had previously done. He visited the CPSA in January 1993 when the Primates' Meeting and the Anglican Consultative Council met in Cape Town. During his stay he visited Guguletu and some of the other townships with Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He also encouraged the 'cub' diocesan communi-cators who were being trained by the Anglican news gatherers at the meetings. Dr Carey will continue to exercise international influence. He is expected to become the chairman of the trustees of the World Faiths Development Dialogue, as well as religious consultant for the World Economic Forum. Thoughts on the WSSD Eileen Bambrough, one of the diocesan representatives who attended the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) shares some of her thoughts on the Summit. The summit presented me with the opportunity to meet and learn from scientists whom God has blessed with the knowledge to realise what a gross sin we, as Christians in particular, are committing when we fail to adequately care for our environment. (Genesis 1:27-31) So God created human beings, making them to be like Himself. He created them male and female, blessed them and said, “Have many children so that your descendants will live all over the earth and bring it under their control. I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds and the wild life. ...And God was very pleased with all He had created.” (loose translation based on GNB) Many years later a displaced Sioux Indian bemoaned mankind’s subsequent irresponsibility saying: “Only when every tree is felled; Only when every fish is caught; Only when every river is poisoned; Only then will mankind understand he cannot eat money.” So what is sustainable development? The Biblical passage tells us that God provided the initial provision through the miracle of creation and that we, the world population, accept this gift. However, with this gift comes responsibility. Our very existence on this planet is dependant on our care for it. Not only must we nurture mother earth, we must teach future generations to do likewise. Such is the simplicity of sustainable development. Yet we are cynical about the lack of urgency displayed, hopeless in our myopic reasoning that the individual cannot make a difference. While the politicians fail to honour oft quoted environmental promises and business fuels rampant consumerism in the name of economic development. Some of us even question the cost of hosting ‘A World Summit’, but without such events the voices of those concerned would not be heard. The environmental scientist would not be able to challenge the politicians on pressing environmental concerns. And we, as individuals, would not learn how we, each and every one of us, can make a difference. It is a great tragedy that mankind’s neglect of God’s simple formula for sustaining our well-being has eventuated in a complex juggling act between sustaining the environment and/or sustaining the afore-mentioned monster of consumerism, regardless of the cost to the environment ourselves. As a representative of the CPSA, I had to remain in the Nedbank Arena to learn of the positive action the NGO’s, together with affected communities, were doing to reclaim their natural heritage and thereby their dignity. Particularly impressive were the students from disadvantaged communities who are being introduced to the beauties of our protected areas. Many programmes gave food for optimistic thought. back to top

Page 2 Your letters Provincial Synod I refer to the report of Provincial Synod as contained in the November issue of ‘Iindaba’ from which I read that the Archbishop of Cape Town in his Charge focused on three challenges - poverty, AIDS and the preservation of creation. It seems to me that the main (if not the only) item on the agenda for that meeting should have been the spreading of the Gospel among the people of this nation and the teaching of God’s Word. However, that does not seem to have been on the agenda at all. After all we are taught to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all things will be added unto us. Maybe, just maybe, we are taking God’s Word and promises for granted. If that is what we are doing, then we are making a very serious error. - E Jordan The Archbishop replies Dear E Jordan Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ, who calls us to give witness to the power of truth and grace. Thank you for your letter to Iindaba in which you suggested that we have not preached the centrality of Christ and his Gospel. While you are correct in saying that the media only focused on three elements and those elements are accurate as to the priorities the people of God face in this Province, we would hasten to mention that it was framed in the context of a Gospel proclamation from the 24th chapter according to St Luke. That the media chose not to lift up our Gospel proclamation is regrettable but not an oversight of the Archbishop. We are grateful for people of faith and, like all people, would always want to hold the gospel before us. However, we also have the challenges of building a nation, and Church in the midst of much hardship. Therefore, we deem it critical that we have both a gospel proclamation and the identification of critical issues facing that proclamation in community. Thank you again for your time and attention. With every good wish and blessing. Grace and peace, +Njongonkulu Cape Town Facts needed The parish of St Paul, now in Parsons Hill, already has a detailed and in places, amusing record of its history through the kind offices of Mr Peter Hart. However, this book only records its history up to 1985 (the era of the then Venerable Peter Bowen) and much has happened since then. We at St Paul’s are hoping to produce an updated version of our history in 2004, the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of (the previous) St Paul’s church by John Armstrong, the first Bishop of Grahamstown. For that publication, we are asking that anyone with any interesting anecdotes, articles, programme or service sheets, photographs, even memorabilia, lend these to St Paul’s, where they will be photographed or photocopied and returned - with our grateful thanks! The Council has also decided that it will have a gallery of portrait-type photographs of all past rectors of the parish. These would also be most gratefully borrowed if available. The Parish Office may be telephoned on 041 374 3124 from Tuesdays to Fridays, 09h45 to 14h30 for items to be collected and later returned safely to their owners. The history of our Diocese is important in order that we know what God has done, where He is leading and who He has called to serve Him in various capacities. Our faith often grows through our seeing - or reading about - God at work amongst His people. We do hope folk will respond positively to this appeal. To love fully Archdeacon Barry Sendall recently gave this short sermon on ‘Love’ and Iindaba felt it was a wonderfully appropriate message for Christmas. Matthew 22: 34-46 Jesus said, “Love with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” How precisely do you do that ? How can you love someone : With all your heart - all your feelings and emotions With all your mind - your thoughts and attitude and will With all your soul - to the depth of your being, to the very root of who you are. Is it possible to love someone like that? The problem is, Jesus doesn’t say, “Give it a go if you feel like it.” Jesus says this is a commandment - in fact He says it is the greatest commandment! We have to take this commandment very seriously indeed. The good news is this : Jesus hasn’t left us to wrestle through this on our own. • He has shown us how to do it by His own example. • He has given us supernatural assistance. So, one, our Lord as the perfect example. Do you remember that TV cooking programme : The Two Fat Ladies? * What made it so interesting? * Why did it encourage others to try the recipes? They showed how it was done. They didn’t just sit there, read out a list of ingredients and then proceed to read instructions on how to follow the recipe - they did it themselves - they got in there mixing and cooking and tasting, giving tips as they went. Jesus says to us, “If you want to know how to live a life of love - copy me” As we look at our Lord, what do we see? One of the major things is that, Jesus accepted people just as they were: Men; women; old; young; Jew; Samaritan; Greek; Roman; Sadducee; Pharisee; Zealot; Herodian; rich; poor; lepers; harlots; tax-collectors; fishermen; lawyers. Jesus treated every single person He met equally. The only time Jesus lost patience with anyone was when they abused their position as the people of God, and when they dishonoured God’s name. Jesus befriended *minorities, *the unattractive, *unpopular people, *and those segregated against, and He was severely reprimanded and criticised for it. We are challenged by this. We look at and reflect on our own attitudes and relationships - in Church and out. How do they compare to the example our Lord gives? If we are to take Jesus as our model, and indeed we must, it means we have to reach out to, *the unlovable, *the sick and despairing, *those hurting inside. And note : Jesus didn’t wait for people to come to Him! He went out to them! Of course they did come to Jesus - in their droves. Why? Because He spoke words of love, acceptance and hope. Each of us need to ask him or herself, do I speak words of love, acceptance and hope? Jesus went out to the people to meet them in their place of need. If they were in the gutter, He was in the gutter with them. If they were suffering, He was suffering. And that is why Jesus had such a major impact on everyone - even hardhearted and stubborn religious people of His day. • Two - How did Jesus have the capacity to do it? If Jesus is to be our role model, we need the answer to this question. The vital truth is, we have no natural or normal capacity to emulate Jesus in any meaningful way. Just as Jesus needed the power of God’s Holy Spirit in His life and ministry, so do we. Jesus says in Luke 12 verse 11 : “When you are brought before synagogues, rulers and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time.” Jesus also said before His ascension, Acts 1 verse 8 : “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and then you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Jesus was filled with, led and supernaturally empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. Our Lord’s disciples spoke, lived and ministered, supernaturally empowered by God’s Holy Spirit. We are no exception. Only through the empowerment of God’s Holy Spirit can we love with all our heart, soul and mind. And many have testified that it is as they have gone out to meet people in their need, it is at that point that they have received empowerment from God. You don’t need supernatural empowerment as you sit at home watching, ‘Days of Our Lives’, or mow the lawn. But as you go out to be obedient to the Lord in ministry, you need that power. That’s why you see a parish with active outgoing ministry knows the equipping power of God’s Holy Spirit. Dr Michael Griffiths, a past principal of London Bible College writes : The most meaning communions I have had with my Lord, have not been in the great cathedrals of the world, nor in parliaments, nor in the most influential gatherings of Christian leaders. No, they have been on my knees on the grimy concrete floor of a rotten prison cell, with my hand on the shoulder of a tough burly convict who sobs with joy as we meet Another who was in prison, executed and rose for us - His name is Jesus. It is in doing what Jesus did, and receiving the power of God’s Holy Spirit so to do, that we are able to love with all our heart and love with all our soul and love with all our mind. back to top

Page 3 The Bishop writes ... My dear People of God, 'The Word became a human being and, full of grace and truth, lived among us ...’ Jh 1:14 Our years pass very fast. Before we realise it we count days before celebrating yet another Christmas. Why do we spend so much over Christmas festive season? There could be many reasons given; but we may name a few. It is a holiday time when most people take a break from the tight schedule of their work; The families come together in fellowship; Friends update one another about where they are; Christians celebrate the birth of the Lord and Saviour of the world. As Christians, we celebrate humanity, as it were. God brought glory and hope to our fallen nature. He uplifted us by His very own presence in a human body. He saved us to ‘go and make disciples of all nations ...’ (Matt 28:19); and to transform hopeless situations by our actions as we seek to worship Him, witness to His love and render necessary service even to the least of our sisters and brothers. (Mtt 25:31-40). We celebrate Christmas at a time when humanity is depressed and stressed by poverty, disease and abuse. For some of these atrocities humans are responsible. God has given us the ability to change the plight of those oppressed and dehumanised into acceptable human standards and values. The prayers we say in the collects from Christmas Eve to the morning of Christmas Day challenge us to act on three things, viz: To receive Christ as our Redeemer. When we do so we build up confidence so that we may share our responsibility to make the world a better place to live in. If this takes place, we shall always carry to the fore of our thinking the fact that we are ultimately accountable to the Master when He finally comes to restore all things to Himself. To welcome Him as the world’s True Light. When we have perceiving minds and eyes to see, our vision of Christ is sharpened all the more. When we talk about the Saviour out of a compassionate heart, we bring joy to our lives. It is the actions we choose to do that determine our destiny. Entering the eternal joy of the Master is governed by the effort we put into our actions to release our potential in making the world a better place to live in. To allow Him to continually live in us. When Christ lives in us, we reflect His life and character in all our doings. By so doing we persuade all people to be friends of God (2 Cor 5:17ff). If all people were to be friends of God through our Lord Jesus Christ, life on earth would be peaceful and prosperous for all. All people would have enough food, decent homes, fulfilling jobs, clothes for all kinds of weather, accessible medicine, proper security and safety. A government which seeks to bring to realisation a life with all the things I have mentioned above, is commendable and deserves applause. But where there is greed for power and wealth, laxity and improper governance, Christians must be vocal and get involved alongside. Let us therefore, pray that God will continue to give us peace, love and prosperity for the betterment of life for all. Let us continue to strive for these things. Mazoe and I wish you a blessed Christmas with a joyous, restful festive season and a bright prosperous New Year, full of God’s blessings. Yours affectionately in the service of Christ. Bishop Bethlehem Nopece The View from Pulpit and Pew Congratulations to our two '200 pinters' - Winston Bright, self-supporting assistant at All Saints', Kabega Park, and Dennis Scarr, from Saint Mary's - who recently gave their 200th pint of blood. Dennis told Iindaba he began in the 1950's, had a break, and joined in the 1960's again. Well done! Last month Welile Kani, Archdeacon of Zwartkops River, was instituted rector of Christ-the-King in Gelvandale. He, Lindiwe and 'the girls' are happily settled in their new home and parish. And in the new year Zwelidumile Tom, Rector of St Augustine's in Walmer Gqebera, Tembeka and the family, will be moving to St Peter's, Zwide. Iindaba wishes both families every happiness in their new parishes and homes. The Diocesan Mothers' Union Christian Family Life has a new chaplain. After serving for some years, Fumanekile Kula has stepped down, and his place has been taken by Sipho Tokota, rector of St Timothy's and St Matthias's in Motherwell. Sipho, in turn, has vacated the position as the Bishop's representative on the House of Resurrection committee, where he has been replaced by Christopher Holmes, in whose Archdeaconry the Haven falls. Rowan Sendall, only son of Barry and Sandra, was recently seriously injured in a motor accident in Johannesburg. Barry, who is rector of the Collegiate Church of St Mary the Virgin, and Sandra went to see him in hospital. Please keep him in your prayers as he continues to get treatment. Congratulations to Ben Durham on reaching his 'majority'. Last month Ben, the Rector of St Paul's, Parsons Hill, reached retirement age. The Bishop has asked him to continue at St Paul's until after Christmas. Iindaba wishes him and Margaret a happy and 'busy' retirement. Jean Underwood, who retired as Matron at the House of Resurrection Haven last year, and who is living in Somerset East, recently lost her dear companion and protector, Copper her dog, a familiar presence with Jean in the past. Copper contracted biliary, a disease dogs get from ticks, and Jean was not able to get her to a vet in time. Congratulations to Zola Nanana and his bride Thobeka, who were recently married by †Bethlehem in the NGK in Humansdorp. The young couple will move into a new home early next year, as Zola has been appointed rector of St Augustine's in Walmer Gqebera. Also about to take their nuptials at Christ-the-King are parish worker Joshua Koening and Debbie Matsimella. Debbie is also the parish secretary. Seems as though they're keeping it in the family! Iindaba wishes these two couples every happiness in their lives together. The Herald has been graced in the past month with photographs of two Anglicans who have won 100 tickets each for the Toyota Tazz in the Herald Christmas Cheer Fund. They are Iona Beckley of St Francis Xavier and Jo Burbidge of All Saints', Kabega Park. As there are two cars to be won, and each says she needs a new car, here's hoping ... Julia Bradder, the Bishop’s secretary, is stepping down from this important position at the end of the year. However, Julia will not be packing her pen away - she will be moving closer to home, as she becomes secretary to Robbie Penrith, rector of St John the Baptist in Walmer - her home parish. Iindaba wishes her well in her new work. She will certainly be missed by many. Tag lines He who angers you, controls you! New complex blessed How wonderful it was to be a part of the Friday evening and Saturday morning celebrations on 25 and 26 October at St Saviour’s, reports Margaret Rumsey. Bishop Bethlehem travelled from Somerset East to be at St Saviour’s for the evening, and to bless each facet of the New Offices, Conference Room and Bookshop, while the 160-strong throng of parishioners, provided a spiritual backdrop in song, echoing throughout the complex. The hall was beautifully decorated with posters and photographs reflecting the various ministries, candles, flowers and a superb dinner menu, all of which set the scene for a most elegant evening. It was also at this function that Tony and Joan Bradford received the ‘Order of the Diocese’ from Bishop Bethlehem. The Bishop of Bloemfontein, Paddy Glover, and his wife Kirsty were there too, and Bishop Paddy enthralled us with his thoughts on “Be! ... Belong! ... Become!” They both graciously received gifts of towels as a sincere ‘thank you’ for travelling down from Bloemfontein to spend the weekend with the parish. Bishop Paddy also spoke at the Saturday morning Breakfast and at both services on Sunday - sharing, in his precise and positive manner, his thoughts on spiritual involvement and personal dedication. Bishop Paddy and Kirsty left with good wishes from the parish, and the words of the Irish Blessing: "May the road rise to meet you, May the wind be always at your back, May the sun shine warm upon you face ... the rains fall soft upon your field, And until we meet again ...May God hold you in the palm of His hand." Service rewarded At the same function at St Saviour’s, Walmer, Tony and Joan Bradford were awarded the ‘Order of the Diocese’ in recognition of their service in ministry at St Saviour’s. Tony has been involved in Lay Ministry and Joan with the floral decorations and the choir, amongst many others activities on their citations. Their certificates, exquisitely designed by the Revd John Dunn, were awarded to Tony and Joan by Bishop Bethlehem at a parish function on Friday, 25 October. The ‘Order of the Diocese’ is an award given for exceptional service in a parish for a period exceeding 25 years, and is held by only 50 persons at any one time - congratulations, Tony and Joan! OHC Brothers to remain at Hillandale “Umbuliso” the newsletter of the Diocese of Grahamstown reports that nearly four years after they first arrived in Grahamstown, the Anglican Benedictine monks have had it confirmed: they are here to stay. Brother Timothy Jolley, the Prior of uMariya uMama weThemba Monastery, reported that at its meeting in June in West Park, New York, the Chapter of the Order of the Holy Cross decided that the Grahamstown House should become a permanent foundation. Three Brothers arrived in 1998 from the USA and leased the property known as Hillandale for an initial five years from the Sisters of the Community of the Resurrection. With their Chapter’s approval, they can now begin negotiations on acquiring the property. Mother Carol, Superior of the CR Sisters, said that the Sisters are “delighted” that the Benedictine Brothers are staying. She described their presence as “a great blessing to Grahamstown and South Africa”. The monastery Guest House receives a steady stream of visitors. Some come in organised groups from a wide variety of churches, from Roman Catholic to Dutch Reformed. Others come alone or in pairs, for a time of quiet which is valued by people of all denominations, or none. Although initially funded from the USA, the Brothers in Grahamstown are keen to increase local support. Already the monastery receives 60% of its funds from South Africa in the form of Guest House income and donations from churches and individuals (mostly non-Anglicans!) New vocations The Community is growing. At present there are two novices testing their vocation, one from Gauteng, and the other from Liberia, and enquiries are being received from all over Africa and beyond. Ministries The monks also minister in fields like substance abuse, violence against women and children, and education. back to top

Page 4 25 years together St Agnes, Swartkops and St Nicholas, Redhouse, joined together to form the Parish of Zwartkops River Valley twenty-five years ago and they celebrated their journey together in style on Friday night 11 October. The evening began with a celebration Eucharist Service in St Nicholas which had been spruced up for the occasion. The wooden floors had been sanded and sealed and a new red carpet had been laid down the main aisle and into the sanctuary. Needless to say, the Bishop, Archdeacon Ruthell Johnson and a few others tried to lay claim to the red carpet having been laid out for them personally! From the church everyone proceeded to St Agnes hall which had been magnificently decorated by the women of the parish. The celebration dinner was a banquet with three courses of really delicious food. During the speeches the churchwarden, Frank Collier, paid tribute to their rector, Solomon Nkesiga, saying, “Solomon’s wisdom, passion and dedication to work is the reason for our success.” Archdeacon Christopher Holmes had everyone laughing when he produced a ‘missing’ Minute Book from 1977, the time he had been the first priest in the parish. The Bishop closed the evening giving thanks for the road already walked together and saying, “We now look forward to a future as it unfolds, especially in light of the great challenge the Coega project will bring. Fields of ministry will unfold and Christ’s people, with Christ at their centre, will be called upon to reap the harvest.” Farewell too The occasion was also a farewell to two families who have been associated with the parish since its inception, and in fact very long before that, when the churches were separate parishes. John and Jeanné Sellick will be moving to Durban at the beginning of the new year and Blackie and Dorothy Blacklaws have moved into a retirement home in Summerstrand. The parish paid tribute to their great contribution through many years. Unpleasant experience Two members of St Mark’s Church in Humansdorp had a very unpleasant experience when they came to Port Elizabeth to write an exam for their TEE (Theology Education by Extension) course, reports Fiona Estherhuysen. After my friend Jackie and I had written our New Testament exam at All Saints’ on 10 October, we made a brief stop at Greenacres to celebrate the end of study with coffee and proceeded to Cum Books. ‘God incidentally’ we both bought “Where is God when it Hurts?” by Philip Yancy. About half an hour later we returned to find my bakkie was missing. After the initial shock we were both quite angry. Our friends had supported us with prayer for a safe trip and a successful exam. How could this happen? In addition I had my Bible and a copy of the New Testament and Jackie had two Bibles - one of great sentimental value, as it was her Mom’s - in the bakkie. To date all I can say is that we did get home safely, and we did enjoy the exam, Praise God. I can only assume we were invading the devil’s territory and he objected. Hopefully someone, somewhere will use the Bibles and not just destroy them. A challenge St Hugh's Church have cast the gauntlet and challenged other parishes to better their record of marriages of long-standing. Faith Gere, their parish secretary, told Iindaba that they have 72 couples who have been married for over 40 years. She said, "The breakdown is as follows: 45 couples married 40 years and over 25 couples married 50 years and over 2 couples married over 60 years. This, I feel, is quite an achievement seeing that marriages don't last all that long these days. Divorce is all too easy." Well done people of St Hugh's. The editor hopes parishes will check their records and come up with similar exciting statistics. Celtic Retreat Sarah Edgecombe reports that the Celtic Christian Retreat held at Carmel was an inspiring and enriching week leaving one with a heightened awareness of the living, Triune God and a renewed vision of community. Held from Sunday evening 28 July to 2 August, the retreat was led by Bishop Eric and Joyce Pike, with Maureen Lang and Maureen McGrath leading the music side. There were 26 participants, mainly from Cape Town and Port Elizabeth. The history of Celtic Christianity, its beliefs, practices and teaching, the music and worship, the art forms and styles of decoration, and the lives of some of the great leaders - and its great relevance to our lives in South Africa today - were studied. With the great interest in things Celtic today, it is very important that the difference between Celtic Christianity and Celtic spirituality is distinguished. Celtic spirituality as a whole embraces everything Celtic, which is not necessarily Christian. It does not recognise the Biblical theology of God, creation, sin and redemption, whereas Celtic Christianity firmly embraces four core beliefs, those of scripture, prayer, spiritual warfare and missionary zeal. The lives of the early Christian Celts were steeped in the Bible and in prayer, and a vivid awareness of God’s presence, and protection, in their everyday lives, and also the call to care for the environment and the poor. The days were divided into teaching sessions, worship and meditation; music (Maureen Lang) or banner-making (Joyce Pike) workshops, ‘free-time’, and creative handwork sessions in the evenings. A stay at Carmel Christian Guest Farm is always a treat, with its lovely garden, scenic setting, warm Christian ethos and memorable hospitality. News from Quentin Foster Our missionary aboard the “Mercy ship Anastasis” writes: All is going well here. The ship has almost completed its PR phase (Public Relations) in Europe and is making preparations to head South - first to Tenerife, then on to the first of two outreach locations. The first is Sierra Leone where we’ll be for four-and-a-half months and the second is Togo where we’ll also spend four-and-a-half months. My time on board the Anastasis has really been an eye opener and a place that has really drawn near to God. I have seen His hand in and through the poor and needy that we touch with the two hands of the Gospel, the one hand being their physical needs and the other their spiritual needs. I will be sending out a long overdue newsletter soon. I still need to add the finishing touches to it so keep an eye on your e-mails. Haven News The annual issue of the House of Resurrection “Haven News” should be in the parishes by 1 December. Do read it carefully and pass it on to as many friends as possible. It would also be good if members of our diocesan family placed a copy in their doctor’s waiting room so that anyone finding themselves to be HIV+ can know there is help available at the Haven. Jesus Video for R35 Sjaakjen Kroeze, Office Administrator of the Jesus Film Project and Campus Crusade Media in South Africa, has written to say, “We are trusting the Lord to place 1 million copies of the Jesus Videos in the hands of South Africans. To personally become part of this goal, buy a video for only R35 (vat included, postage and delivery excluded). If you buy two or more Operation Sunrise Africa is willing to distribute the additional copy/copies (sponsored by you) to less fortunate people for you. The more videos sponsored, the more people will be reached with the Good News.” This offer is without a time limit and churches may take up a proposal which is R25 per video, for cash purchase of a minimum order 50 videos, or R30 per video for a minimum 100 order on account, maximum 60 days. In both cases shipment will be for the church’s expense. The selling price of R35 is printed on the box. Sjaakjen can be contacted at: Operation Sunrise Africa Media, Private Bag X74, Halfway House 1685. Tel: 011 690 2400 Fax: 011 690 2450 E-mail: JesusFilm@global.co.za   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: November 2002 September 2002 August 2002 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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