Provincial Newsletter of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship United in Prayer, Service & Love From the President’s Desk “Women Destined for God’s Purpose”

“Blessed be the God and Father of our and families are destroyed through fires in the Anglican Women of Australia, I man- Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us the informal settlements ending in loss of aged to attend their Biennial Conference with spiritual blessings in heavenly places life, floods that cause displacement of many held in Orange County, New South Wales, in Christ, just as he chose us in him before people leaving them without homes nor Australia on 13-17 April 2015, and was ac- the foundation of the world, that we should food; or any other calamity affecting people companied by the Vice President, Ms Lu- be holy and without blame before him in at this time. To all my sisters in the AWF, cille Henniker. During the conference we love, having predestined us to adoption as this is an appeal to those of us who are discovered a few similarities between the sons and daughters by Jesus Christ to him- fortunate and have something to spare, to two organizations. self, according to the good pleasure of his please share and make a difference to those Their Mission Statement is to: will”(Ephesians 1:3-5). It is midyear and at your reach. During the month of July, re- • promote service and worship the winter season is upon us. We know the member Mandela Day and in his memory, • provide a point of contact challenges that some people less fortunate take some time to undertake good deeds • organize retreats, conferences and than us go through during the chilly nights around the community and other places rallies of this bitterly cold period of the year. It is needing assistance. As indicated in my last • operates to meet the needs of each also during this time when many homes communication regarding invitation from diocese . continues to page 2

First published in 1968 August 2015 Volume 12 - No. 2 Page 2 Provincial Newsletter of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship

President’s Desk from page 1 who had been the only applicant, and was • Equality – pledging to be accepting of Their Aims and Objectives: funded to study at the College of Trans- all God’s people and refrain from any • work toward the extension of God’s figuration. We have also received anap- form of discrimination. kingdom through workshops, study, plication from Ms Margareth Jane Paulse • Accountability – undertaking to accept service, fellowship and dedicated giv from the who wishes responsibility when actions lead to re ing to complete her Diploma in Theology. Her sults which impacts negatively on oth • promote cooperation and understand application and credentials are under dis- ers. ing anongst groups that may exist in cussion. Our members are strongly encouraged to any one parish, and to make provision utilize these resolutions in terms of inter- for those included in such groups. The following are some of the priests/ action with the Mothers’ Union and other students assisted by this fund to complete groups within your parishes. Members are This was an unforgettable experience. We their Theological studies: further requested that in the forthcoming had a lovely time with everyone and made 1. Revd Keabetswe Tsikwe from the PEXCO and Presidents’ Meeting to put a lot of friends, and exchanged ideas; they Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman more effort when writing their reports and appealed to us to continue with this link 2. Revd Linea Hilfa from the to ensure that they reflect activities under- and exchange information about our dif- Diocese of Namibia taken along the four focus points of the ferent programmes and projects. I will 3. Doris Tsike from the Provincial Council Resolutions. Members forever be thankful to the AWF for afford- Diocese of Mthatha of the above Portfolio have further come ing me the opportunity to interact with our 4. Revd Natali Simons from the up with a Diary for 2015 featuring special sisters across the globe. We had our first Diocese of Cape Town holidays for women both locally and inter- Provincial Executive Meeting at the Syrene 5. Revd Sybil Solomons from the nationally, and AWF members are encour- Boutique Hotel, Rivonia, in the Diocese of Diocese of Cape Town aged to take note of these special days, if Johannesburg from 21-24 May 2015. We 6. Revd Matsietso Duma from the possible to take part during their various also welcomed Bishop celebrations. The Diary appeared on the as our new Liaison Bishop and Chaplain, 7. Revd Lindiwe Kunene from the back page of the Lenten Issue of Contact. and thanked him for accepting to be our Over the years the Provincial Structures of Shepherd, also by taking time in his busy (currently studying) the AWF have had the desire to establish a schedule to be with us at our first PEXCO Provincial Office which would be centrally Meeting. We are convinced that working We wish to extend our sincere gratitude based for easy access within the following together would bring a sense of balance to all the Dioceses which have continued Dioceses: Highveld, Christ the King, Johan- and yield good deeds. And as we had not to contribute toward the bursary fund nesburg and Pretoria. This move would met for a lengthy period since our election throughout these years, and we’re also enable to centralize administration and op- nine months ago, this led to many unan- grateful to Cluster Coordinators who have eration. Towards the end of 2014 we were swered questions about whether we would ensured that all contributions are made in offered office space at St Edmund Parish be able to meet all the challenges set before time. The 2014 Provincial Council Meeting Kempton Park in the Diocese of the High- us. It is quite natural to be plagued with resolved to leave the contribution at R60.00 veld, in the meantime awaiting a response such questions at one stage or another. per Branch per annum. from the Diocese of Pretoria as the discus- However since embarking on this journey sions were at an advanced stage. It is now as the new leadership of the AWF, these During October 2015 we will be holding my duty to officially announce that the questions have instead strengthened our our second Biennial meeting of the PEXCO AWF Provincial Office has been relocated resolve to forge ahead, and have spurred and Diocesan Presidents in the Diocese of to the recently renovated and revamped us on to reach our maximum potential in Kimberley and Kuruman. The venue is the Diocesan Offices at 802 Pretorius Street, Ar- ensuring that we put the AWF on another Airport Hotel. This is a continuation of all cadia, Diocese of Pretoria, and occupation level. Despite not meeting regularly, we the decisions taken at the first joint meeting is effective from 01 July 2015. have kept in touch through regular com- and to ensure that some have already been munication and correspondence. implemented in our different dioceses, also Provincial Standing Committee (PSC) will to ensure that set goals are realized in tak- take place on 17-19 September 2015 at Ko- We wish to thank our sisters in the Diocese ing the AWF forward to the next level. The panong Hotel and Conference Centre. of Johannesburg for their warm welcome, “Action, Outreach and Social Issues” Port- and for making our stay very comfortable. folio introduced new Provincial Resolu- “Whatever things are true, whatever things We noticed how hard the executive of your tions drawn for 2014-16 to complement our are noble, whatever things are just, what- Diocese worked ensuring that the aims and new theme: “Women Destined for God’s ever things are pure, whatever things are objectives of the AWF are realized. Like Purpose”. lovely, whatever things are of good report, our Patron Saints, you were the Marthas of if there is any virtue, and if there is anything the day, with particular emphasis on your The Resolutions have been based on the praiseworthy; meditate on these things. The President who was busy with all the prepa- four focus points namely: things you learned and received, heard and rations that had to be made; and of course • Nation Building – as responsible citi saw in me, these do, and the God of peace we all found time to be Marys and sat at the zens and Christian women to lead by will be with you” (Philippians 4:8-9). Lord’s feet, listening to his teachings. example. • Human Dignity – is the basis of human Yours in Prayer, Service and Love The Doris Gregorowski Bursary Fund for rights. Each person has values and is Nana Khoza 2014/2015 was awarded to Rev Kunene worth great respect. Provincial President August 2015 “Women destined for God’s Purpose” Page 3

Message from the Liaison Bishop The Rt Revd Daniel Malesela Kgomosotho

Dear Friends and Sisters peace loving citizens of this be- in Christ loved land and there are many of I would like to share with you those, I have to say well done for a few thoughts on the subject of condemning the violent and rep- true neighbourliness. This is in rehensible behaviour exhibited light of the unfortunate and re- by some amongst our people. The grettable violent incidents which challenge remains though for us occurred in in the to be like neighbours to those who past few months. Some have are victims to the robbers. Jesus chosen to refer to such as either challenges us to show mercy on xenophobia or Afrophobia. Irre- those who have fallen victim to spective of your personal descrip- the enemy on the Jericho road of tion of what happened, the fact is life. In the time of Jesus, the road that the whole scenario is indica- from Jerusalem to Jericho was tive of the absence of the spirit of notorious for its danger and diffi- true neighbourliness and ubuntu culty. It was known as the “way on our part. How do we account of Blood” because of the blood for the fact that victims of xeno- which was often shed there by phobia happen to be from South robbers. Things have not changed us to please God. Our greatest merely for themselves but must Africa’s neighbouring countries much in our time. There are nu- statesman ever, the late Nelson live for their neighbours. Fran- and that some of those happen to merous challenges facing people Mandela, in his autobiography, cis Correira writes in a Facebook be fellow Christians and possibly that some are ready to give up on Long Walk to Freedom has this to post-dated 1 April 2015 that: members of the Anglican Church life completely. These range from say about love: “No one is born Our capacity to empathise, to feel in Southern Africa? For argu- unemployment, homelessness, hating another person because of with another, even an unknown ment sake they could be from else- violence meted again women and the colour of his skin, or his back- other is part of what makes us where in the world. The reality children, abuse of drugs, etc, etc. ground, or religion. People must distinctly human. It is from our is that they are all God’s children learn to hate, and if they can ability to be affected by the pain and they deserve to be treated in To say that God’s people can- learn to hate, they can be taught and grief of another that many of a humane way. “Now which of not be used effectively to address to love, for love comes more natu- the most heroic and poignant acts these three do you think seemed challenges facing the world in our rally to the human heart than its of humanity stem. to be a neighbour to him who fell time is incorrect. This will be tan- opposite.” among the robbers?” He said, tamount to saying that God has Correira concludes: Our God is “He who showed mercy on him”. failed in God’s mission of trans- Dear friends, we must bear the not distant. God is not immune Then Jesus said to him. “Go forming the world. As members example of the Good Samaritan to our pain. God does not look and do likewise.” (Luke 10:37) of the AWF I suggest we are ide- consciously in mind at all times. from a heavenly side-line. Rather The question in my mind has to ally situated to partner with God We are called to be humane, to God is here with us now. God is do with the erosion in people’s and God’s Church in carrying practice Ubuntu and to be com- with the child who lays suffering. minds of South Africa’s struggle out this agenda. We are called to passionate to all people irrespec- God is present in the war zones, for justice, freedom and equality. love, to serve and to be in fellow- tive of who they are. We have to in the violence and the anger, suf- What happened to Archbishop ship with one another and I dare show mercy even to the unlovable fering with the broken hearted. Emeritus Desmond’s vision of add with the rest of God’s people. and to those we consider our en- God is with us in our pain. God this country being a rainbow We have been mandated as Jesus’ emies. According to Calvin in his offers hope when all seems hope- people of God? After being sub- disciples to share the love of Je- Institutes of a Christian man, less. God invites us to live in the jected to violence and oppression sus with the world. Didn’t He man was created for the sake reality of redemption; we are not over decades, South Africans are say to the church: A new com- of man. The equivalent of this alone. God invites us to live in supposed to shun and reject this mandment I give unto you, love statement in Zulu is that umun- the reality of the resurrection; in phenomenon wherever it is to be one another as I have loved you. tu ungumtu ngabantu. A person the promise of the fullness of life. found. Regrettably this picture of If there is this love among you, is a person because of others. No a country at peace with itself and so will all men know that you person is an island. We belong Grace and peace, with the rest of the world faded in are my disciples (John 13:34). together. I am because you are. A 2008. This was when the picture Women destined for God’s pur- person in African culture belongs Rt Revd Dr Dan Kgomosotho of Mozambican Ernesto Nha- pose are always guided by the in society and this excludes the Bishop of Mpumalanga muave engulfed in flames woke principle of love in whatever they notion of individualism. Accord- the world up to South Africa’s are doing. Without love and faith ing to Calvin, people are not born xenophobia. In fairness to all I dare say it will be impossible for Page 4 Provincial Newsletter of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship Diocese of Highveld celebrates 25 years of existence

Certificates of recognition were awarded to Past Di- ocesan Presidents who have played a pivotal role in establishing our Dio- cese and who contributed to the growth of the AWF. They also received gifts.

AWF members from various parishes were awarded with certificates of recognition. Branches, excelled in supporting Diocesan projects and responded timeously to from various parishes sterling job in organizing Diocesan needs, were within the Diocese, parad- an event of such a nature. awarded trophies and ed with their banners and There was joy, singing and certificates of recognition. placards “BRING BACK dancing. We were blessed with the OUR GIRLS” in support presence of our Bishop of abducted Nigerian It was indeed a memo- and parish Priests. girls. Special prayers for rable day for all of us in the release of these girls the Diocese. We bless the Before the celebration were offered. Lord for this day. started, all AWF members together with the priests Our Events-team did a - Pam

Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist in the peaceful province of Limpopo Enhancing fellowship in the AWF

The AWF is a rich organisation, with an easy be? We need to find niches to carry out the Selepe, Christ the King members visited Mrs to follow constitution, guided by the eight aims purpose God created us for. We worship God Lephondo, and St Matthews visited Mrs Mary and members who are living organisms, not in the smallest activity we do. Romans 12:6-8 Motlanthe. These are precious moments that just rate payers. Fellowship is at the centre of encourages us to engage in the different pur- elderly people cherish which bring fellowship the organisation in the Diocese. We strive to poses according to the grace given. Whatever to their homes. fellowship in love; first love for God and also we do for any person, we do it as a form of wor- love for our fellow human beings. This is the ship to God, and He who is the enabler will en- greatest commandment, and God says if we sure we do it right and to the right measure. love Him, we will follow his commandments. One of the questions which the President In a quest to revive the AWF in the Diocese, posed to the members during AGM 2015 the leadership has embarked on a project to was: What are we doing with our members visit branches individually. During the visits who are elderly and not able to join our ac- there is sharing at branch level on the Aims of tivities anymore? These elderly women loved the AWF; challenges which the branch might and still love the AWF, and definitely miss experience and deliberations on ways to ensure the fellowship. Giving up a day or part of a the members are revived and projects started. day to spend with these “golden oldies”, really makes a difference in their lives and they cher- We are called to go out, we cannot be Chris- ish these moments. Several branches visited tians in an isolated place, praying and caring their senior members since the AGM such as: for ourselves only. Where will our good deeds St Augustine, the President visited Mrs Jane August 2015 “Women destined for God’s Purpose” Page 5

Left to Right: AWF St Bernard the Martyr and AWF Christ the King visiting Mrs Lephondo, an elderly member and stalwart of the AWF.

Highlights of Quiet Day 2015 at St Bernard the Martyr

The Chaplain taught on exemplary lives of women from the Bible, how they feared God, how they spread the good news and even welcomed other believers in their homes.

Women such as Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, Mary the mother of Je- sus, the Samaritan woman, Priscilla, Phoe- be and Aquilla, and many others were mentioned. He also referred to women in the history of our church such as Manche Masemola, Agnes Mokgethoa, Monica, The Chaplain further laid the path on how mother of St Augustine of Hippo, Teresa to achieve God’s purpose: of Avilla, Cathrine of Siena. These women gave themselves up for the service of God • Introspection: preparing the heart, be despite hardships on their paths. ing open to suggestions from God in your heart, allowing God to use you Women in community development and and hear the voice of God, forgetting leadership should remain true to Chris- what people may say. tian principles, remain true to Christ and speak out. • Have quality time with God: come apart daily and be in quietness, purify your soul in penitence, and try to en sure that your other senses do not disturb you.

• Have the inner drive/desire to change.

• Maintain spiritual/prayer partner(s).

• Be generous to listen to God in which Some of the MU and St Mary Magdelene ever way He talks to you. members who participated in the AWF • Be patient and humble. Quiet Day.

• Guard against being irritable, critical We strive to remain united in Prayer, Ser- of others and avoid derailment when vice and Love. We are one in the Diocese. in meditation or prayer, and do today what has to be done without - Kgabo Ledwaba The Chaplain of the AWF in the Diocese of St postponing. Mark the Evangelist, the Revd MN Mothiba, addressing AWF members He concluded with a message Paul gave during the Quiet Day. the Corinthians in 2 Cor.13:11-14 Page 6 Provincial Newsletter of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship Newly elected Executive members pledge to put God first

AWF members from various parishes donated items to the hosting parish. “Giving” is one of the important principles that the guild embraces. The items included toilet paper, soap, candles, wine, wa- fers, etc. As we say: “No one has ever become poor from giving”.

- Thobeka

AWF members in the Diocese of Khahl- amba march against Xenophobia and partake in a reviving retreat On 1 May 2015 the Anglican Women’s Fellowship in the Diocese of Khahlamba, took to the streets of Ezibeleni township in Queen- stown to show their support to the campaign against xenophobia, President: Mimi Petros pledges to lead the AWF chanting the slogan “We are Africa”. We distributed leaflets con- taining information which sought to educate the community on 8 March 2015 was a very significant day in the calendar on the An- the ills of discrimination with special focus to xenophobic tenden- glican Womens’ Fellowship in the diocese of Khahlamba. The day cies. The women, determined to make a mark, had one supreme saw 90 members of the AWF from different Parishes witnessing message: “We are all equal before the face of the Lord”. The march the induction of the Diocesan Executive Committee. was focussed on a strong belief that the church plays a very impor- tant role in carrying messages that seek to build social cohesion. Marking the importance of the day, Sombawo, Bishop Mazwi blessed the occasion with a solemn service. The executive, led by the President Mimi Petros, Vice President Bukeka Shenxane, Alter- nate Vice President Ntosh Ndaba, Secretary Thoko Damane and Treasurer Thami Daweti, committed themselves to lead the guild in the Diocese with diligence, and with God as their guide in ex- ecuting their duties.

All members agreed that it takes the whole membership to ensure that the Executive dispenses of their tasks meticulously. A member remarked that it is our responsibility to give them all the support they need.

Confirming acceptance of the task, the newly inducted President expressed appreciation and delight for the vote of confidence be- stowed in the Executive, indicating that with all the opportuni- ties and challenges that come with their willingness to serve, she acknowledges and believes that the journey will not always be Diocesan President Ms Mimi Petros was leading the march. She smooth, if the Executive has to walk it alone. The support and com- addressed the participants and said: “As women under the banner mitment of each member is vital. of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship, we cannot be quiet when there are incidents that destabilize our communities; - we will never endorse any form of violence. Let us thus stand together in the fight against xenopho- bia and any form of violence – we say: NO!”

The highlight of the day was an invigorating and serene Retreat that was led by our Chaplain Revd Makasi, who ensure she takes us through the day with biblical lessons that were geared towards growing the guild spiritually and ended with a prayer session which embraced the theme “The power of forgiveness”. This sol- emn moment afforded all members time to reflect, examine, laying ourselves bear in front of the Lord, asking him to take over and guide our daily actions. Yes Lord, we are willing to walk in your footsteps. Grant us therefore strength and wisdom to be your ser- vants. Amen! August 2015 “Women destined for God’s Purpose” Page 7 The AWF in the shines bright in her corner

The AWF in the Diocese of Mb- the young people and she also hashe started out with 9 par- asked that priests should edu- ishes at the beginning of 2015. cate these children on Christi- Since we started with “Op- anity before going for initiation. eration Double Up”, we have Not only was this Thanksgiv- gained 6 new parishes. We are ing an educational and blessed still working towards our aim event, but also a fundraiser with this project, which is to be which was a huge success. 18 parishes strong by the end of 2015. Our membership has We attended a Unit Committee grown to 140. We give God all workshop, organized by the MU the praise and glory. in the diocese of Mbhashe. We learnt how they have arranged On 26 April we visited Dutywa their Unit Committees to be in Mahliwane - St. Paul’s, to intro- line with their Aims and Objec- duce AWF (still part of “Opera- tives and we intend aligning it tion Double Up”) and also to to our Aims and Objectives as welcome the youngest organist, well. We were also taught about Konwaba Sfuba into the fold. commitment, which is lacking All the pianists were blessed on in most of our members. As we this occasion. This is still in line are on “Operation Double Up”, with the aim to keep children we have to liaise with parish off the streets. priests for dates to visit their On 20 May the Diocesan Exec- parishes to introduce AWF, but utive accompanied Rev Voyiya this is quite a slow process. and members of St. Chad to vis- it a very sick member in , We are very proud to announce where Eucharist was served. that our Guidelines Handbook This served to highlight one of has been successfully trans- our aims which is to visit the lated into isiXhosa by Mr. GBS sick. When the need arises, we Xundu, one of the writers in our also do it on diocesan level. diocese. We shall now submit it to the Provincial AWF to take Thanksgiving was a well-at- it from there and do the nec- tended, episcopal event and essary. We would like to chal- was held on diocesan level at lenge other dioceses to do like- St. Cyprian’s parish in Eng- wise, by translating the book cobo. Bishop S. Williams took into their home language. his sermon from John 3:1-17. “Not only are we born in flesh, Our Mary and Martha Day but also spiritually. Service will take place in But- terworth and we are planning The Psalmmzz Gospel Group to invite the poorest of the poor comprises mainly of AWF from neighboring schools and members and founded by the to give them jerseys. We are AWF president, entertained us. also inviting some of our mem- At the same event Mrs Nosise- bers’ children who are in dis- ko Gcanga, an MU representa- tress and give them something tive gave a speech on a very to show that we care. We shall sensitive topic on ULWALUKO in future take care of the chal- – Our children are dying there lenges of our members in the and some learn to use drugs form of prayer and visits on Di- and liquor whilst at initiation ocesan level as we believe: schools. She urged women to “CHARITY BEGINS AT become more proactive with HOME”. their involvement in the lives of - Pamela Mdaka Page 8

Executive Members “You raised me up to more Contact Information: than I could be”

Provincial President - Nana Khoza There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven: 38 Block H, Mhangela Street, Ecclesiastes 3:1 Soshanguve, 0152 Cell: 082 447 9353 My journey on the Provincial Executive Committee started in 2004 after the Pro- Email: president@anglican vincial Council Meeting at Carmel in the . womensfellowship.co.za It was a traumatic and tragic time in the life of the AWF. I was asked by Lillian AWF Provincial Office Daniels to take over the stock for the remainder of her term. Two years became 802 Pretorius Street eleven years. It was an honour to serve God through the AWF. It was not always Arcadia easy; there were times when I was totally overwhelmed, especially at Provincial vvvvvv Council Meetings. The hard work, late nights, early mornings, but it was worth Secretary - Pinky Madiehe it. God has called and equipped me. 1112 Letlametlo Crescent, Block Dd The highlights totally overshadow the lows. The visits to the Dioceses, the love Soshanguve, 0152 shared and relationships built, were amazing. Cell: 082 744 2366 Email: secretary@anglican I thank all my sisters in Christ with whom I have worked over the years. You womensfellowship.co.za inspired and empowered me. Thank you for believing in me. vvvvvv God bless Treasurer - Frances Dickson Ruby Whitehead 22 United street, Westering Port Elizabeth, 6025 Cell: 082 843 2490 Email: treasurer@anglicanwomens fellowship.co.za vvvvvv

Stock Controller - Ruby Whitehead 8 Barbet Street, Cotswold Port Elizabeth, 6045 Cell: 083 339 3116 or 041 364-1359 vvvvvv

Stories & information for publication can be submitted to: The Editor – Jacoba Kleinsmith PO Box 38107, Pinelands, 7430 Cell: 083 9627 049 Email: [email protected]

“Life is an exciting business, and it is most exciting when it is lived for others.” - Helen Keller -

Website: www.anglicanwomensfellowship.co.za