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

PEXCO members on the steps of St John’s Cathedral in Mthatha

Greetings in the wonderful me, my God, till I declare your her Executive, as they prepare Continue to love others as God name of our Saviour. power to the next generation, for this occasion. loves you. Always strive to be your mighty acts to all who are I sincerely wish to thank the forgiving and compassionate to I am writing my message on to come”. hard working Provincial Execu- the needs of others. the eve of “World Elder Abuse tive members for their love and Awareness Day”. Growing old The Provincial Executive had dedication to their roles in en- Being a member of the body is hard. The elderly generation a very fruitful meeting in the suring that we have goal orient- of Christ is not always easy. It is often taken for granted. Diocese of Mthatha in April. ed meetings and programmes. needs PATIENCE, FORBEAR- The bulk of our time was used ANCE, SELF-CONTROL, We really need to embrace our to prepare for our 26th Pro- To Bishop Dan, our Liaison TOLERANCE and a REAL DE- senior members. They are the vincial Council Meeting to be Bishop, thank you for your SIRE to work together for the ones who, for many years, held hosted by the Diocese of Gra- guidance and support. “Alone good of everyone. the organisation in high es- hamstown, at the Blue Lagoon we can do so little, together we teem. Thank you ladies, for still Hotel & Conference Centre in can do so much.” --Helen Keller Pray for one another and live showing the way with your de- East London, from 24 – 28 Octo- our Motto: “UNITED IN termination and commitment. ber of this year. Please pray for Thank you to all the members PRAYER, SERVICE AND the Provincial Executive Com- for the wonderful work you are LOVE”. Psalm 71:18: “Even when I am mittee as well as the Diocesan doing for God’s people in your old and grey, do not forsake President, Thobeka Jack and respective dioceses. - Lucille Henniker

First published in 1968 August 2018 Volume 15 - No. 01

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Message from the Liaison Bishop of the AWF – The Right Reverend Daniel Kgomosotho Dear Friends in Christ praises, just like David did in Psalm 126: When the Lord restored the fortunes of Alleluia! Christ is risen Zion; we were like those who dreamed. 2 Our mouths were filled with laughter, He is risen indeed. Alleluia our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The Lord Jesus said unto her, Woman, why do you has done great things for them.” The weep? Whom do you seek? She, suppos- Lord has done great things for us, and ing him to be the gardener, said unto we are filled with joy. him, Sir, if you have borne him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will I would like to conclude by quoting from take him away. John 20:15 King James an article entitled: Woman, Why Do You 2000 Bible. Weep? By Melody - published on the in- ternet April 20th 2014 and updated Janu- The question posed by Jesus to Mary ary 14th 2016. one Easter morning is still relevant to our modern day and is one “I weep because gross darkness covers which all citizens of our beloved coun- the whole earth. I weep because daugh- try ought to be responding to: Why do ters bear the burden of the sins of their you cry? There is so much that has gone fathers. I weep because women are often wrong in the social, political and eco- harmed at the hands of unrighteous men nomic sphere of South Africa that one similar incidents taking place in many and everyone suffers for it. I weep for would not be wrong to imagine that areas of Mzanzi. On the other hand there women. the gains made since 1994 have all but is a growing number of pupils learning turned into a nightmare. The golden pe- under the trees or relieving themselves in And yet, it is no accident that a woman riod characteristic of the Mandela era has pit toilets. was first witness to the resurrected Lord. been replaced on the whole by years of Like everything else he did, it was his corruption and lack of ethical leadership The Fees Must Fall movement is gaining choice. His first declaration of freedom, on part of the captains of government. momentum in its activities to an extent new life, and hope for a fallen world was that the disruption of the teaching and made to a woman. And with his ques- Those in the know about economical learning process is guaranteed in SA dur- tion, he answered the eternal why, when matters refer to a period of growth in the ing 2018. and how to end all our suffering. economy going back many years. How- ever and sadly so, there has been over In all of this the citizens of SA are stand- Sometimes I feel so overwhelmed, so the past decade or so, a remarkable loss ing outside of the tomb weeping. How- tired and hopeless, so utterly alone in of jobs in the country leading to some ap- ever, despite all of what is happening in grief, like Mary, it takes a while before I palling levels of poverty and resultant so- our country at this time, one is constantly recognize that voice . . . cial ills. We have noticed a rise in crime reminded that you and I are the Easter rates on the domestic front, business people, a resurrection people and a peo- Dear woman, why do you weep? Whom robberies, car hijackings and cash heists ple of hope. The message for the country do you seek? on an unprecedented level. The state of is to the effect that not all is lost and that lawlessness in the country is such that God is in control. Just as we were called He is risen indeed. one is led to a point of hopelessness and to repentance on our Lenten journey, the crying for our beloved country. We can- challenge is to hear anew the words of the Grace and Peace not at this time afford not to be in solidar- Lord: If my people, which are called by ity with our brothers and sisters on the my name, shall humble themselves, and THE RT REVD DAN KGOMOSOTHO Cape Flats who continuously exposed to pray, and seek my face, and turn from DD(hc) BISHOP OF MPUMALANGA the violence perpetrated by marauding their wicked ways; then will I hear from gangs of criminal elements in that part heaven, and will forgive their sin, and of the country. The declining moral stan- will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 dards in our institutions of learning are God will undoubtedly heal our land and a cause for concern. The video of a head- send showers of blessing in abundance master engaged in sexual acts with a stu- to the drought stricken areas of SA. And dent in Reiger Park is but one of many when that day arrives we shall sing

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Another woman has done it in the Diocese asset for the AWF. She is also a great pillar which God has allocated for her. As the of St Mark the Evangelist. Linda Makga- for the AWF in the Holy Spirit branch. AWF, we shall continue supporting her matho, who is a serving AWF Diocesan and her families, the home and church, in Vice President, was ordained a Deacon in The members of the AWF and the Diocesan ensuring she succeeds for God at all times. February 2018. Executive came to support Linda at her ordination, including the AWF Chaplain, Our thanksgiving and prayers go the Most She has been a Lay Minister in the Parish Rev. Nehemia Mothiba, and his wife, Rev. High God for His love and care over Linda of Mapela for quite some time, and after Thembeka. We thank God for sustaining and her family and the AWF family in the completing her training, was approved at Linda, despite challenges along the way to Diocese. the vocations conference to be ordained as this achievement. Deacon in the Diocese. - Kgabo Ledwaba It is not the end of the road for her, but the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist On 3 February 2018, she was ordained to beginning of another ministry in the field the Diaconate in the Diocese of St Mark the Evangelist and licenced as a Deacon in the Parish of Mapela in the South West Arch- deaconry.

Linda Makgamatho is in her second term as Vice President of the Anglican Women’s Fellowship in the Diocese. Although she was a lay minister at Holy Spirit chapelry, she served diligently within the AWF, both as Vice President and leader of the Spiritu- ality Unit Committee.

We were always aware of Linda’s spiritual leadership at meetings and conferences, she even prepared bible studies. She is such an

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SERVICE OF RENEWAL OF AWF in which way the meeting was officially During the service, the Provincial Presi- MEMBERS IN THE opened. dent, Ms Lucille Henniker, pinned Ms DIOCESE OF MTHATHA Pumla Titus with a Past Provincial Presi- The service was conducted by the Rt Revd It was an extraordinary joy, full of excite- dent’s badge. The Provincial Vice Presi- Dr Nkosinathi Ndwandwe at St Mary’s ment for AWF Mthatha, as it was their first dent, Ms Monica Thaele, thanked the Dio- Mqanduli, on 25 February 2018. We were experience to see the Provincial Executive cese of Mthatha for all the efforts made in blessed by the presence of the first lady of Committee, let alone to have direct con- hosting the PEXCO. She even mentioned the Diocese, Rev. Zanele Ndwandwe, the tact with them. During that weekend there we should ensure that we keep our Chap- Chaplain of the Diocese, Canon Makhetha, was also a fundraising event in the form of lain, as he is the true Shepherd of God. the clergy of Mqanduli Archdeaconry and a “High Tea”, which was, as per the year some of the clergy members in the Diocese. plan, scheduled for Saturday 21April 2018. Nokulunga Dumeko, Diocesan President, The Diocesan Bishop stressed that the The occasion was graced by the pres- together with the Diocesan Chaplain, Can- AWF is a guild which is recognised in the ence of the PEXCO, Bishop Nkosinathi on Makhetha, the Diocesan Executive Com- Province for a long time, with the Motto: Ndwandwe and Bishop Daniel Kgomo- mittee and all AWF members felt honoured “UNITED IN PRAYER, SERVICE AND sotho. Bishop Daniel was the motivational by the presence of the PEXCO. LOVE”. He said we need to be cleansed speaker for the evening. The whole gallery from our hearts to work for the Lord. As in attendance at the event was elevated, ADMISSION OF NEW MEMBERS IN members of the AWF, we felt very much electrified and motivated by the words of THE AWF: motivated and honoured by his wonderful wisdom shared by Tata Kgomosotho. At upper Mjika Archdeaconry under Arch- words. The Mthatha Diocesan AWF is expressing deacon Nyathi and his wife Ntombifikile HOST TO THE words of gratitude to the Provincial Team Nyathi. On 20 May 2018 Mthatha Diocese PROVINCIAL EXECUTIVE for making their event an extra ordinary was having a service of admitting new The AWF in the Diocese of Mthatha had the one. Words cannot express the warm feel- members. About six members from Upper privilege of hosting the Provincial Execu- ing they had. Mjika Parish joined the AWF. The Chap- tive Committee Meeting with effect from lain, Canon Makhetha was preaching on 19 – 22 April 2018. The Provincial Execu- On the Sunday, PEXCO and members of this day, from Ezekiel. He said God is re- tive Committee comprised of ten delegates, the Diocese of Mthatha attended the Eucha- vealing His power of restoration, also im- inclusive of Bishop Daniel Kgomosotho, Li- rist Service at the Cathedral of St. John plying that with God there is nothing irre- aison Bishop. The “Welcome Service” was Evangelist. The service was blessed by the versible. He also said we are all blessed by conducted by the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. presence of the Bishop of the Diocese, the the Holy spirit with different gifts; a gift of Rev. Dr. Nkosinathi Ndwandwe, with the acting Dean, the Chaplain of the Diocese praying, a gift of preaching and a gift serv- presence of some of the clergy in the Dio- and members of the clergy in the Diocese. ing God and so on. “Be bright in the Corner cese. After the service in the Chapel of St Wonderful words of wisdom were deliv- where you are”. Bedes, the Provincial President, Ms Lucille ered by the acting Dean, Ven. N. Xintolo, Henniker, read the Notice of the Meeting, on “Shepherding of the flock”. - Gqosha N.A. : Diocesan Secretary

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The AWF in the Diocese of important, or it can extinguish Christ the King held their Con- our hopes and pursuits. ference at Don Bosco Centre in Other speakers were: Clive Walkervile, from 3 to 5 Novem- Harper on “Economic Issues”, ber 2017. Noxolo Sono on “Debt Coun- selling” and Mrs Harper on The Conference was graced by “Women in finance”. the presence of the Provincial Cluster Coordinator, Mrs Pam What was outstanding with this Mntonintshi. conference was a team building exercise. Teams from various During the Eucharist service parishes prepared dinner for our Chaplain, Mother Sharon, all of us. They were evaluated encouraged us to care for the by caters on meal planning, less fortunate. She reminded Mntonintshi entitled her talk: of excellence comes from doing cooking and serving food.It us that “Hunger never takes In Persuit of Excellence. She our best with what we have to was awesome! Learning results holidays”. Dr. Thabane Pooy- said: We are called to abound God’s glory and with a view wereplanning, cooperation and ane, gave us useful information or excel in Christian character, to growing and improving, unity. on women’s health, explain- especially in the various ways, NOT PUTTING DOWN ONE ing urology issues. We were we can express love for one ANOTHER. Our attitude can - Mandisa Mdlulwa encouraged by Father Frazer another and be selfless in our either fire our hopes and the CTK DIOCESAN from the Bible Society to read work for the Lord. The pursuit pursuit of the things that are PRESIDENT the Bible in 100 days. Ms. Pam celebrates 30th anniversary

Dean, AWF past Chaplains, Chaplains of other Guilds and other invited members of the Clergy and their Spouses.

The Provincial President of the AWF Ms Lucille Henniker, the Vice President Mrs Monica Thaele, the Vice Presidentof the Diocese of Free State Mrs Zanele Lentloenyane and the President of Matlos- ane Mrs Ritha Menyatso were also in attendance. Delegations from these Dioceses also graced our celebration with their presence. Also present were President of Mother’s Union, Brotherhood of St Andrews, representatives from other Guilds and other Churches, OVCs supported by AWF in Parishes, CEO St James Hospital and AWF members from across the country. The celebrations were cul- minated with a presentation of tokens of appreciation to people nominated by each Parish, our Past Chaplains and special people nominated by the Diocesan Committee. Our Provincial President and Provincial Vice President also gave tokens of appreciation to the Past Presidents of the Guild, and most fortunately all seven of The Diocese of Lesotho celebrated its 30th Anniversary on the 10th them are still alive and serving since the inception of AWF in the to 11th March 2018 at Manthabiseng Convention Centre, Maseru Diocese in 1988. Lesotho. The Guild was enacted in the Diocese in February 1988 under the guidance of the then Dean, Rev Israel Qwelane. The History of the Guild was read by one of the Past Presidents and it celebration started with Holy Mass which was celebrated by the highlighted the achievements of the guild since its inception. To Bishop of Lesotho, His Lordship Bishop Mallane Adam Taaso. His name a few; support to OVCs in each Parish, support to Clergy congratulatory message to the Guild was very profound and high- and Church programs, adoption of a Pedriatic Ward of St James lighted the achievements he has noted as prayer and service of the Hospital, caring for girl children by supplying them with sanitary Guild in the Diocese. He also advised the members to be on guard towels, provision of school uniforms to OVCs, care for the environ- against pride and arrogance which might blindfold them and dis- ment and many others. tract them from serving the Lord as they have been humbly doing. We were graced by the presence of so many of the Diocesan Cler- On Sunday the celebration ended with Holy Mass at the Cathedral gy, from the Archdeacons from all the Regions of the country, the of St Mary and James.

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Dorcas was a woman who dedicated her- the Lord. Besides them doing all the physi- park situated next to St Mary’s Church in self to the needs of many. This is exactly cal and hands-on work, our ladies are also Woodstock, also turned out to be the per- how the AWF ladies in the Diocese of Cape very talented. On this day, known as Dor- fect venue. Our ladies were entertained Town can be described. Giving of them- cas Today within the AWF community, the with eats & treats, song & dance which all selves and helping the needy at Children’s ladies get to showcase their talents with merrily participated in. Homes, convalescent Homes, hospitals, their various arts & crafts, baking, sew- or wherever the need arises. Even though ing, beading, cooking, etc. This year we What a wonderful day experienced by all the majority of our members are of senior decided to do things differently by hosting who attended! age, nothing is too difficult for them, be- the event outdoors. Besides the stunning cause whatever they do is for the Love of weather that God has blessed us with, the Diocese of Cape Town says ‘thank you’

The Anglican Women’s Fellowship in the Diocese of Cape Town passed on during the year was observed. celebrated their Thanksgiving Service on 25 November 2017, at St George’s Cathedral, Cape Town. We were honoured to have our Provincial President, Ms Lucille Henniker, as well as Past Provincial and Diocesan Presidents pres- What an auspicious day for us, as members of the AWF joined in ent at this service. worship to give thanks to God for another year of grace. We also joined millions of South Africans to mark the start of the “16 Days Romans 8: 29-30: “29 For those God foreknew he also predestined of Activism campaign” which runs from 25 November, highlight- to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the first- ing the plight of violence against women and children. born among many brothers and sisters.30 And those he predes- tined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justi- The occasion started with our members partaking in a placard fied, he also glorified.” - Photos: Good Hope archives demonstration outside on the steps of the Cathedral. Strong mes- sages were on display, such as “Hands off our children”, “Break the silence”, No to “Women Abuse” Let us all say:“Stop the Vio- lence”.

Our Chaplain, The Reverend Canon Cheryl Bird, was the celebrant and preacher. She based her sermon on Luke 20:27-40 and remind- ed us that we are the temples of God, Women Destined for God’s purpose in our communities. We need to have a listening ear for our neighbours and have fellowship with one another. We should be vigilant throughout in the fight for “Violence against Women and Children”.

Throughout the year, members had to put money in a jar when- ever they felt being blessed in some way. The money was blessed as a thanks offering. Pamela Paulsen, our Diocesan President, pre- sented a bouquet of flowers to the oldest member present at the service. A candlelight ceremony, in memory of members who have

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The Diocese of Highveld has a legacy project called: FELLOW- SHIP. It is done annually, with fifteen parishes participating. Each parish is allocated a date (Sunday) to host the event. The aim of the FELLOWSHIP is : SHARING - share each other’s troubles and problems. By doing this, you obey the law of Christ. (Gal 6:2) SERVE - mercy projects. SUFFERING - we empathise with those who are in pain. ASSISTING - we contribute money towards the identified proj- ect of the host parish.

We insist that the donation be used within six months and a re- port be sent to the Diocesan Outreach Unit, accompanying by photos / references. Some of the parishes who have benefitted from the project, have done the following; • St. Andrew’s Parish have purchased a gas stove, paved a portion of the Parish yard and is in the process of renovating the toilets. • St. Peter’s chain – Katlehong have completed the paving of Ms Pumla Titus (right), was pinned with a Past Provincial the church premises, tiled the whole yard, renovated the President’s badge by Ms Lucille Henniker (left) the current Mission House and purchased alter linen. Provincial President. • Holy Name Tembisa has installed the alter rail, purchased pews, installed a vestry sink for Lay Ministers, erected a fence, purchased Sunday school furniture, a lap top and a projector and is in the process of renovating the toilets. • St. Phillip’s, Thokoza – purchased the Parish bell and extended the tower. • Manche, Masemola, erected the palisade and fenced the whole yard. • Christ the Redeemer, Daveyton assisted with building of the Parish hall and bought steel tables • St. Luke, Duduza- In the process of renovating the roof and a stone alter table • Christ The King – Renovated the servers guild’s change room, purchased new furniture for the Rector’s office and renovated the kitchen cupboards. • All Souls purchased air conditioners, and a P.A System, paved the whole yard twice ,bought chairs for the parish and is in the process of purchasing a new church bell.

We start the proceedings by worshipping with the hosting par- ish in the morning. - Our contributions are collected during the service and handed over to the parish. After lunch, we start with our FELLOWSHIP.

The hosting parish will have her own Programme Director and Provincial President, Ms Lucille Henniker and Cluster their Treasurer will be responsible for receiving their donations. Coordinator, Ms Pam Mdaka outside the Council Meeting We also have lists of those who are sick and in need of prayer. A venue in East London, with members from the healing prayer is then said by a lay minister or a priest of the par- . ish.At the end of the programme, the total amount contributed is announced and the gifts are blessed. The session ends with the Grace and departure. - Gwen Bam: Diocesan President

Contact August 2018.indd 7 2018/07/16 10:43:38 AM Page 8 The woman: the rock Executive Members Contact Information: I am a woman. Nature of all things, Chosen and ordained, To be an expression of God’s love, vvvvvv I am a woman.

Provincial President - I have tender heart Lucille Henniker But am as hard as a rock, 36 Mothwa Haven, Tobruk Road When the going gets tough, Plumstead, 7800, Cape Town I am like the rock of ages, Western Cape Not the weaker species, Cell: 081 076 7980 Like they always say, Email: [email protected] I am a woman. I protect that, which I love, vvvvvv Like a hen sitting over her chicks, I can fight for what I believe in, And stand my ground my ground to what I know, Provincial Secretary - I am a woman. Jacoba Kleinsmith PO Box 38107, Pinelands, 7430 I am a woman of substance, Cell: 083 9627 049 Filled with courage and boldness, Email: [email protected] I have a warm heart but very thick skin, to stand my ground during evil days, I, .I, I am a woman. vvvvvv I am a virtuous woman I gird myself with strength, I open my mouth with wisdom, Provincial Treasurer / On my lips there is law of kindness, Stock Controller - I clothe myself with honor and respect Frances Dickson 22 United street, Westering My delight is to serve God, Port Elizabeth, 6025 With all who I am, touch all those around me, Cell: 082 843 2490 My warmth and smile is medicine to my house hold, Email: [email protected] My discipline and rebuke guide many to the right path, Yes I am a woman. vvvvvv AUTHOR: Thembinkosi Augustine Dlamini.

Have courage in all that you do, “Women of God”. Diocesan President - AWF Swaziland

AWF Office St Edmunds Anglican Church, 31 Margaret Avenue, Kempton Park

vvvvvv

Website: www.anglicanwomensfellowship.co.za

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