IINDABA May 2004  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 Diocese of Port Elizabeth website	Source: Frankie Simpson (Mrs) Editor "Iindaba", Diocese of Port Elizabeth, P O Box 34992 Newton Park, 6055, South Africa e-mail: frankies@iafrica.com Tel/fax: +27 41 360-6808 (home/office)
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 Pentecost 2004 All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. Acts 2:4   Touring our Mother church Seventy-four people turned up for the tour of the Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin led by Africana librarian, Margaret Harradene, on 13 March. Margaret managed to give historical facts in such a way that one listened and enjoyed, and one wished one had time to hear the ‘other stories’ that come out of the basic history of St Mary’s. For those in the group of tourists who were not Anglicans, Margaret gave a short background of the Anglican church, beginning with the breakaway from Rome under King Henry VIII. She then touched on the history of Port Elizabeth and went on to the very interesting history of St Mary’s, with the two fires, the church’s association with Prince Alfred's Guard, the all male choir, and many other items of interest. The tour ended outside the church after which people could either go for tea and scones or wander at leisure through the church and the cloisters. A random survey of people on the tour produced answers such as, "I was a member of Prince Alfred's Guard many years ago so this is nostalgia", "I came because it has been declared a cathedral" and "I've never been into St Mary's before so came to have a look." Comments on the tour were, "Very informative" or "Very interesting." The editor felt this was a well spent couple of hours and recommends that parish groups request tours to enable them to get to know the cathedral and the beginnings of this diocese.   Home for the homeless Veronica Haremse writes about the PRO10, a home for the homeless, project being run by Holy Trinity Church in Central. One Sunday evening during the sundowner service I noticed a ‘visitor’ whom I recognised. After the service I felt a compulsion to go and ask how he was. He related a long, sad story and, in an attempt to ease my conscience, I organised a few cans of food from the missions cupboard. He went his way onto the streets. That night I could not find rest. I realised how quickly a bad turn in someone’s life can turn a healthy, self-respecting person into a homeless, penniless ‘street person’. Once there, how does an unbathed, unshaven, shabbily dressed person, without a fixed address, find decent employment? Unless some constructive help is given, the downward spiral will continue, at a more rapid rate. As I tossed and turned that night, the Lord laid a plan on my heart. It seemed ridiculous at first and even more so when I started sharing the plan with others. The parks in central have many homeless men and there are numerous vacant buildings. The question was, ‘How to assist in accommodating the jobless men in these vacant houses, thereby starting a slow reversal of the downward spiral. The plan unravelled After sharing the plan with the parish, a committee was formed to run what became known as PRO10 for Programme of 10 people, or 10 groups of people supporting 10 people in need. We found a house to lease and two parishioners have moved in as permanent residents, providing stability in the home. We appealed for furniture, equipment, financial help, prayer and ministry, meals, housekeeping, gardening, medical help and occupational therapy. Cell groups have been asked to adopt candidates for the programme to give them the social outreach needed. All the parishioners have been encouraged to become involved and the vision is for PRO10 to become PRO100 or even PRO500! We have been praying the prayer of Jabez and I believe God has answered that in a wonderful way. With His hand leading and protecting us, we move on with confidence. Hallelujah.   A gift from Leeds The House of Resurrection Haven received a cheque for £500 from the Elemete Rotary Club of Leeds, UK. The cheque was presented by Jim Bennett, who visited the Haven on 7 April. He said the contact with the Haven had come through someone from USPG (The United Society for the Propagation of the Gospel). As Jim was visiting SA, he asked for more details and the Elemete Rotary club members asked him to bring the cheque. Jim was accompanied by John and Joan Misplon of Rotary PE South branch and the assistant priest at St Cuthbert's, Eric Kleb.   Anglican / NGK combined ministry When the NGK Dominee moved to Joubertina a few months ago Dudley Greenshields, rector of All Saints’ United Church in Somerset East, was asked if he would hold combined Anglican/NGK services in Pearston. This has resulted in Dudley's doing an English Service in St Andrew’s one Sunday a month and an Afrikaans service in the NGK on another. In Somerset East the women of both denominations work together on various projects and when Iindaba visited the town, the editor joined about twenty of the women on the Saturday morning making 850 crosses for Palm Sunday. These were for the services at All Saints’, St Andrew’s and the various NGK churches in the area. Sadly, the very heavy rains on Palm Sunday meant that many of the farmers were cut off and unable to make it to church. back to top

Page 2 The Passion of the Christ Just as there were many who were appalled at Him - His appearance was so disfigured beyond that of any man and His form marred beyond any human likeness - Isaiah 52:14 Although the film has been in our theatres for over a month, already Iindaba feels that, for those who have not yet had the courage to experience the film, these thoughts from people they know may just help. • Bill Gibson connected with St Mary’s, a regular filmgoer, comments on the cinematographic impact: This has to be the most harrowing film ever seen. Excellent casting and most convincing. • Eric Kleb, retired priest, comments on the theological impact: This film took us out of the syrupy, sentimental concept of the Passion of Christ to the grim reality of His crucifixion and suffering, which won our salvation. • Roy Snyman, although retired, is presently ministering at St Mary Magdalene and writes a comment on ‘truth’ and ‘authenticity’: This film did not make the devotional impact that the Passion Play at Oberammergau in Bavaria gives, but it certainly rescued us viewers from the ‘pretty’ portrayal of our Lord’s Passion as portrayed in art and jewellery. The scene of our Lord’s flagellation on the orders of Pilate were horrific but true to all probability of what we imagine must have happened. The ‘Via Dolorosa’ scenes seemed a bit over the top and too laboured, but when one sees the emotional volatility of the crowds in the present day Holy Land experiences, perhaps they rang true. The professionalism of the Roman soldiers in bringing about a truly scientific execution method (with their extra beatings) did not ring true. Those of us who have meditated on the Stations of the Cross were confused by the chaos seen, but that was probably true. What a pity that Mel Gibson made the other two malefactors carry only their ‘crossbar’ (more probable) but for effect made Jesus carry the whole cross. This error made for doubt. Also, the scientific fact of ‘death-by-suffocation’ - the truth of this execution form, did not stand out in a modern film as it should have; and the piercing of the hands was through the wrist bones not through the palms of the hand. Error in detail like this makes for less authenticity, for me. The reflections back to events in our Lord’s life, and especially the connection between the Last Supper events and what was happening on the cross was splendid. • Eleen On Hing writes from a woman’s view: I believe the Lord has raised up Mel Gibson for such a time as this to cause the Body of Christ to return to an understanding of the cross. Hollywood has been used by the enemy to influence millions of people world-wide to serve and worship him at the altar of ungodly pleasure. With the release of this film, I believe people will be changed and challenged as they watch The Passion of The Christ. There was such a thick presence and anointing of God on the film. As I sat in that theatre, my heart was stirred and challenged. This film has impacted my life, and I was deeply moved. This film contains the greatest message the world could ever hear and as I wept while watching, I asked Jesus to forgive me for my part in what happened 2000 years ago. I believe we need to pray for an outpouring of God’s Spirit in the movie theatres. Pray that many lives will be touched and liberated and that we will share our faith boldly with a world that is dying.   Mothering Sunday Two parishes to responded to the Iindaba request for news of their Mothering Sunday celebrations. Thank you Pam Brown of St Mark’s in Humansdorp for sending this photo and caption. Each of the women in the congregation was thrilled to receive a blessed posy from the rector, Ronnie Allwright. The posies were given in celebration of Mothers and the care we all receive from them. It brought back wonderful childhood memories for many. Thank you Joan Bright of All Saints', Kabega for this report - Blessings beyond descriptionIt’s more blessèd to give, ‘and’ yet blessèd to also receive. On Sat 20 March we, as Junior and Teen church teachers, plus two teens, got together to make the corsages for Mothering Sunday. What fun we had. Praise God for the warmth and joy they brought to the Moms, Grans and those who received and wanted to treasure the memories of their mothers. One elderly gentleman said, “I took two. I’m going to put them on my mother’s and my mother-in-law’s graves. We also give thanks for our mother church down the ages and for those who have held fast to the faith and gone before us.   Views stretched the soul The views in all directions from on top of Lovemore Heights stretch the soul and lift the spirit, reports Sigrid Kenyon of St Margaret’s, after a quiet day spent at Humble Ways. Seventeen members of the parish enjoyed their first quiet day in this tranquil setting where the beauties of nature, birds, butterflies, fynbos and trees heal the heart and rest the troubled mind. Our rector, Leon Foster, led us through the basics, breaking the day into three sessions with the theme of ‘Prayer’. Our praise was unaccompanied so we ‘made a joyful noise unto the Lord.’ During the silent time between talks, we walked the trails or sat on the benches as we read or meditated. We also visited the cabin where we had our tea and lunch. There we had to keep the windows closed or the monkeys would have been in to join us! Leon’s talks covered Petitionary Prayer and Intercession; Praying in Faith; and the Mechanics of Prayer in Daily Life - the routine of time and place and the tools which help encourage and enrich prayer. It was good to be reminded of Brother Lawrence’s habit of practical prayer, talking to God about our concerns while busy with our daily chores. Prayer can be as rich in its variety as the sea and sky which were there for us to enjoy from the chapel windows. After an early Evensong we made our way down the hill and back to join the real world, feeling content, rested and refreshed.   Evensong at St Margaret's Evensong is one of the most beautiful of the traditional Anglican Services, writes Sigrid Kenyon of St Margaret’s, Summerstrand. Evensong is celebrated at St Margaret’s on the third Sunday of every month at 18h30. The parish welcomes all visitors wishing to join them at the service and invites them to tea and a time of chat in the hall afterwards. The Magnificat and Nunc Dimittus are fine examples of the poetry of much of the prayer and praise in our Prayer Book services. We are building on this by including other items in the service. At Epiphany we had reading such as “The Journey of the Magi” by T S Elliot; in March members of Christ the King Parish joined us; in April the Technikon choir visited and sang a number of beautiful Latin and Xhosa songs and Andrew Watt, the rector of St Nicholas, Charlo, preached. Any groups who do readings, devotional dance or musical items and who would like to be included in the service are invited to contact the parish secretary on 041 583 1429 (afternoons only). We look forward to sharing Evensong with many other members of the diocese.   OM Ships International's successful bid for new ship Last month Iindaba printed an article from OM Ships announcing the name of their next ship, although it had not yet been bought. OM Ships International has purchased the Norrona I from Smyril Line at a cost of 3.6 million Euros. The ship will be renamed LOGOS HOPE, and is expected to begin active service during 2005. Humanly speaking, it seemed impossible for OM Ships International, a non-profit Christian service and aid organisation, to purchase Norrona I. The owners were already negotiating with another buyer. Bernd Guelker from Germany, OM Ships International’s Managing Director, said: “Despite this setback, we still believed this was the right ship. Then Friday, 26 March, the other buyer defaulted on a deadline to sign the contract, and the ship was back on the market - now with two other potential purchasers bidding for it. “In order to stay in the running, we had to place our bid urgently. We informed Norrona I’s owners, Smyril Line, that we needed to honour our prior commitment to holding a day of prayer on Monday, 29 March, before signing any agreement.” Guelker explained: “Hundreds of thousands of Christians, in more than 85 nations, have also been praying for the purchase of OM’s new ship. On Monday, 29 March, at 17:15, after prayer at our head office in Germany, a memorandum of agreement was signed for the purchase of Norrona I for 3.6 million Euros. The Norrona I will become the LOGOS HOPE!” The Norrona I is presently in Copenhagen, Denmark. For the past 20 years, the 12,000 ton ferry has sailed between the Faroe Islands and Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and the Shetland Islands. The Faroese, many with a strong Christian faith, have expressed their support, and their delight that ‘their ship’ will now be bringing knowledge, help and hope to the people of the world.   Information about Modderpoort needed Pieter Botha has put out this appeal for help. I am sure that through the years many of you spent some time at St Augustine's, Modderpoort on retreats, conferences, etc. Some of you may actually have been students there. We are busy preparing info material and a book on Modderpoort. What I would like to know is if there are any of you who still have photographs, etc. from the time of the “old” Modderpoort? We would really like to use them, and are willing to pay postage to get them to us, and return them to you again. Contact Pieter on : 082-958-0061   Wanted Black cassocks for two lay ministers at St Paul’s, Cookhouse sizes 42 - 44 Contact: Dudley Greenshields 042 243 2395 back to top

Page 3 The Bishop writes ... My Dear People of God, The Governing authorities Alleluia, Christ is risen; He is risen indeed, Alleluia! This letter will reach you long after the election results. The prediction as I write is that the ANC government will be put in place by voters with a mandate to govern. Some of our folk are already fed up because of the promises which in their own lives have never been fulfilled. People are still hungry, without jobs or proper housing; crime still continues to be a menace to many peace loving people. Many of those who abuse the weak still get away without any justice done. A lot of dissatisfaction and a feeling of being let down has caused some to deliberately not visit the polling stations on 14 April. This is the negative. There is the positive. Needs of people in much wider areas of South Africa are being addressed. Many people have homes and access to electricity and water. In rural areas access to medicine has been addressed. More access roads are being built. Laxity, theft, greed and abuse continue to cripple the process of delivery. More is still to be done. For St Paul the governing authorities are God ordained. The Greek Tasso~ depicts an order drawn up by Almighty. The powers that be "stand ordained by God." For the Apostle the believer's relationship to the state is that of Christian obedience. This has ever been recognised as the mind of God and is obligatory to the church. In Rom 13: 1-7 three things seem to come through in expressing the grounds of relationship between the believer and the state - based on obedience. 1. The governing authority is divinely instituted. Though the Roman authorities were neither Christian nor Jewish, the apostle found them beneficial, just and helpful. If God is the ruler of the nations, then He is responsible for setting up all authority. Behind all earthly authority lies God's dominion over all creation. Subsequently to this view it is an obligation on every Christian to obey the powers that be, for as long as that obedience does not conflict with God's law and authority of Christ as revealed in the scriptures (Acts 4:19; 5: 29 ). Resisting governing authority is in fact disobeying God. 2. The governing authorities have a duty to God, consciously or unconsciously , to promote good (Greek agathon) and resist or eliminate evil (Greek kakon). Twice the apostle sees governing authority as God's servant (Greek Theou diakonos) to assist in promoting the very righteousness of God , which theme cuts across the epistle. If citizens, including Christians, do well, there is no need to fear the governing authorities. 3. The governing authorities have the approval of Christian conscience. It is the Christian moral constitution which obliges approval of the moral workings of the state in its constitution. For as long as these work for the good of all citizens and the betterment of life for all as ordained by God, they will be acceptable to the church's teaching. As Christians therefore it is our duty: • To pray for the state. It is provided in the APB that we pray for those in authority and in prayer even mention the head of state by name. • To support every good the state initiates. The Moral Generation Movement has to be directed by the Church in the first place. We can give our full support to this endeavour. • To remain the conscience of the government by continually giving constructive criticism - to applaud every good deed and to shun all that is amiss. Once more a lot still has to be accomplished. Let us render unwavering support to those in authority for every good achievement, and pray for an increase of UBUNTU among our people. May the joy of the risen Christ continue to fill your hearts all the year through. Yours in the love of Christ, Bishop Bethlehem Nopece   The view from pulpit and pew Iindaba expresses its condolences to Alice Jantjies on the death, on Good Friday, of her brother James Douglas. Iindaba also expresses its condolences to Margie Satchwell on the death of her husband, Murray. Murray, a well respected surgeon, lost his power of speech many years ago after suffering a stroke. His funeral took place at Holy Trinity, Central, last month. Iindaba also records with sadness the death of Sister Beauty Gaika, a Trainer and Counsellor at the House of Resurrection Haven. Sister Beauty helped former Matron, Jean Underwood, put the Wellness Management programme together. We express our condolences to her family. Provincial President of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship, Lillian Daniels, recently underwent eye surgery. However this did not prevent her from attending the AGM of the Fellowship the day after the surgery – and in spite of her wearing an eye patch, she managed to keep focussed on the business of the day! Iindaba apologises to Dayna Thomas who found she’d changed her name when the photograph of her doing Israeli dancing on Shrove Tuesday appeared in the last Iindaba. However there are some nasty little gremlins lurking in the Iindaba computer who take great delight in getting up to mischief! Members of the Diocese can be forgiven if they think that Roy Snyman has hit the jackpot when they see that he is driving a Mercedes Benz. However just the opposite has happened – his dear little Ford Escort was stolen when he was attending a Rotary lunch at the Edward Hotel on Maundy Thursday, and the Mercedes is on loan. He joins a small band of Diocesan members who have had cars stolen recently – Susan Holmes and Mary Jourdan. Jenny Watson, Alternate Churchwarden of Saint Hugh’s in Newton Park, was robbed of her purse when doing secretarial work at the Church whilst Faith Geere recovers from surgery. Jenny said the man pretended to be chauffeur of one of the members of the parish. He is a tall well-spoken man with greying hair. The man has conned others as well, and is a smooth operator. Please be on the lookout. Jenny is the daughter of the late David Blunt, who was a self-supporting priest at Saint Hugh’s. Welile Kani, Rector of Christ-the-King, has had a rough time – first when he suffered from pneumonia and then damaged one of his knees, and has to wear a brace for a few weeks. Iindaba wishes him a speedy recovery. At the time of going to the press, Iindaba has heard of the death of the father of Elliott Banzana, Rector of Holy Spirit, KwaZakhele. Iindaba expresses condolences to Elliott and his family. May his father, and others mentioned above, rest in God’s eternal peace. Stop press: As Iindaba went to press the news came through of the death of Beryl Hugo (see photo page 1). Beryl was a hard working, faithful member of All Saints’, Kabega Park, for many years, and then of St John’s, Walmer, when she moved into their parish area. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her, including the staff and pupils of Clarendon Primary where she taught for 24 years. Our condolences to her family.   Tag line There is nothing in a catterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.   Using her God-given talent God gives all His children gifts to use to His glory and Esmé Senekal of All Saints’ United in Somerset East is using her God-given gift to beautify the worship in the church. When the members were asked if anyone would be willing to make banners for the different seasons of the church calendar, Esmé was the only one who responded. New to the parish ,she was keen to become involved and her magnificent banners now hang in the church during the various seasons. She was busy creating the Easter banner when Iindaba visited her home which is full of many of her own creations. However, she does not spend all her time on her art but she also has a wonderful vegetable and herb garden. She spends some of her time making herbal remedies which she sells to supplement her income. Jewish background When Esmé was asked about her background she said, “My parents are Jews, although not orthodox, but from an early age my mother would take me into churches and tell me I needed to know other religions as well as my own. Somehow, whenever I went into a Christian church, I envied them their worship. In fact, I was almost ‘jealous’ of my Christian friends I used to go into a church on my way home from school and just sit there and absorb everything. When I turned 12 and I was meant to have my bat mitzvah, I actually became a Christian. I had begun reading the New Testament and believed that Jesus is the Messiah. Later I was baptised in the Christian Community Church in Cape Town.” Esmé moved to Pearston in 1984 and ran a home for mentally handicapped people. Later she moved to Somerset East and, encouraged by Jean Underwood, she joined All Saints’ where she says she has grown spiritually in leaps and bounds. back to top

Page 4 AIDS care around the parishes - up-date Help for the carers These hard working home based carers are supported in their endeavours by the Ladies Guild of Santareme Chapel, St Francis Bay, (part St Mark’s parish, Humansdorp), who had also completed the HIV/AIDS Wellness Management course run by Master Trainer, Eileen Bambrough, of the AWF. The presentation took place on Saturday 28 February and the carers were very excited at receiving the packs to help them in their work and outreach to people living with AIDS. The guild is appealing for clothes, baby wear, blankets, towels and anything that can be used for terminally ill patients. All their supplies were used up after a fire in the Tokyo Sexwale township recently. Contact persons for supplies are: Pam Brown 042 294 0291or Evelyn Nel 042 294 0456   Kwazakele churches launch AIDS programme Working alongside one another, the churches of St Cyprian’s and Holy Spirit launched the JINGLE Community Based Organisation at two separate functions recently, reports Linda Ncaca. Two separate functions were held to publicise the project in both areas and in doing so, sell the idea to the community structures. They had similar programmes with Thembeka Topu explaining that JINGLE stands for Jesus Inherit Nurture Gift Love Encouragement. Two members who are living with HIV gave testimonies and lit candles in memory of those who have died of AIDS. Motivational speaker, Linda Ncaca, spoke at St Cyprian’s on ‘The role of the church community is to heal with the spirit of ubuntu’ and at Holy Spirit on ‘Change in church transformation’. The rector of Holy Spirit, Elliott Banzana, and Templeton Jam-Jam of St Cyprian’s have embraced the programme. Community leaders were also encouraged to support the church in its effort to reach out to the people of the area and to support the work being done by the churches.   Isiseko Sokomeleza from the top It would seem that, after all, the saga of the Isiseko Sokomeleza funding had not been properly resolved but will, hopefully, be sorted out after a Provincial workshop-retreat held recently. Canon Sipampbo Ludidi, the Diocesan AIDS Commit-tee Chairman, attended the Provincial gathering held in Kokstad from 14-19 March. With him was Philile Lobese of Barnabas Trust and self-supporting priest, Jean Underwood, who is a member of the Provincial team. What came out of the discussions was the fact that the funders want each diocese to have an AIDS Co-ordinator who will have 30% of the monthly grant to roll out for wellness management. Of the rest, only 30% is to go on projects. Our diocese is using all the money for projects at present. There were participants from all the dioceses of the CPSA and they listened to one another’s successes and struggles in getting the AIDS programmes going in their diocese. Angola had only received two grant payments in all the months they’ve been going and they have no money as they continue to lick their war wounds. Niassa is also very poor from the years of war and is only just coming on board. The gathering managed to accomplish a lot, despite inadequate accommodation with very basic facilities, and water, pumped from the river below, being only available for a few hours a day.   Light a candle One of the recommendations coming from the Provincial AIDS workshop was that every parish in the Province light a candle at the beginning of every service as an encouragement for people living with AIDS.   Awf doing wonderful work Listening to the President’s report and reading the branch reports from members of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship at their AGM, one realised that many wonderful things are being done by the women in the parishes of this diocese. The meeting, held at St Mary Magdalene on 20 March was chaired by Bishop Bethlehem. Most of the branches were represented, with many observers there as well. The guest of honour was Mazoe Nopece, and also present was the AWF chaplain, Jean Underwood. The reports were not read out but salient points were brought to the attention of other members particularly each branch's involvement in Wellness Management training for carers of people living with HIV/AIDS. To enhance their reports, displays of work and visual aids adorned the walls and stage. These and the branch reports had been prejudged by Mazoe and prizes awarded. She said it had been a very difficult task to choose winners. St Mary Magdalene branch walked off with both the trophies for their report and for their AIDS banner. The President, Myrtle Koen, encouraged all the members to get involved with plans for the International Year of the Child. The diocese has plans for events during the year but organisations and parishes have been encouraged to do something as well. The afternoon closed with a talk on “Communication” given by the Iindaba editor.   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: Current issue April 2004 March 2004 February 2004 September 2003 August 2003 July 2003 May 2003 January 2003 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