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Message from the Bishop of Johannesburg
AD CLERUM – May 2007
Dear Friends
So many of you commented on my sermon at the Renewal of Vows service on Maundy Thursday and asked for a copy of my sermon text or, when I said that I did not have one, asked for the quotes I used in the sermon, I have used this meditation as a reflection on what I was trying to say in that sermon.
Our clergy conference in January which was led by Rosalind Brown wrestled with the question, ‘What is the role of the clergy in world today?’ It is not a new question; the need for a radical reappraisal and renewal of our theology of the church can be traced back a long way at lies at the heart of Vatican II. But even before that Thomas Merton was posing the question:
What is function of the priest in the world? To teach others? To advise them? To console them? To pray for them? These things enter into his life, but they can be done by anyone ….. These actions require no special priesthood, other than our baptismal participation in the priesthood of Christ, and they can be exercised even without this.’
At much the same time, Austin Farrer, in our own tradition, was asking the same question:
There is nothing to stop a layperson from being a more learned and a more penetrating theologian than the priest of the parish; nothing, certainly, to prevent a layperson from being a much more understanding helper of people in any sort of trouble and distress. What distinctive place (then) does the priest hold in the mighty purpose of God?’
While the question is a complex one and not one that allows for glib answers, I nevertheless suggested in my sermon that many of us might find St Bernard’s concept of the priest as being the ‘keeper of the mysteries’.
[ In doing so I made the comment that St Bernard was scathing about those who were simply content to be theological investigators whom he called ‘raiders on Majesty.’ One can only approach God, he said, with awe and wonder, ‘as one marvelling, not investigating.’ One of you phoned me afterwards to disagree with what St Bernard had said and to say that that is the reason the Eastern Church has always been so far behind the West in theology. I am not sure that I would agree with his comment which I think only highlights a fundamental difference of approach in the theology of east and west. Bernard is, I think, saying very much what St Augustine also said; that to pray is do theology, and to do theology is to pray. Theology distanced from, and often devoid of faith is no longer theology, but humanistic arrogance. ]
If we want to understand what Bernard was saying about clergy and religious as ‘keepers of the mysteries’, it is important to remember that the Greek word ‘mysterium’ and its western translation ‘sacramentum’ have very different meanings. Although it is changing, in the west the word ‘sacrament’ came to be understood in a very narrow and limited sense, describing a prescribed number of fixed channels through which grace is dispensed. This has effectively limited the ways in which God communicates with us and allows us control of the means of grace. The word ‘mystery’ is the west is largely used only to describe the incomprehensibility of God in a theoretical sense. In the eastern tradition, however, ‘mystery’ has retained a much broader and more dynamic meaning; it refers to the mysterious outworking of God’s purposes in all their fullness and vitality. The sacraments make present the ongoing mystery of God in every aspect of our lives and disclose the mystery of our life with God in Jesus Christ.
Thus, for Bernard, the role of the clergy and religious as ‘keepers of the mystery’ is not so much about participating in sacraments as a channel of grace, but of anticipating, participating and making visible the reality of what God is doing in our lives and in our world. Because Christ is always present in our church, liturgy makes visible, in a powerful way, Christ’s presence – in the priest, in the sacrament, in the word, in the prayers and songs. The ‘mystery’ of Ordination, then, lies not in terms of ‘power’ to dispense sacraments, but is, as George Guyver says, in itself a distinct ‘making-present’ the mystery of the incarnation. It is a making-visible of that which is not visible to the naked eye, but which is far more real and powerful than that which is merely visible to the eye. ‘Ordination,’ Guyver says, ‘places the ordained person in a sacramental and ministerial relationship with the whole people of God and it is in the animation of this relationship that the mystery of God is disclosed and explored.’
As ‘keepers of the mystery’ we disclose that mystery in the sacramental relationship we have with those entrusted to our care. The mystery of God at work in us, the sacredness of encounter in the relationships we build with others, the presence of Christ in the liturgy - all become liminal space which ‘makes-present’ the mystery of God in Christ in all our lives. In each encounter God’s kingdom reclaims us and renews us; in the mystery of God we are made new - signs of God’s transforming power at work in us and in our world.
And now, as in my sermon, I end with some words of Walter Brueggeman to a group of clergy:
‘If we will not let the gospel use us to create a new world, then all we can do is service the old.’
As ‘keepers of the mystery’ may you make God’s new world present and visible.
+ Brian
The Third Sitting of Synod
Registration will commence at 08h00 on Saturday, 5th May, followed by the Eucharist at 08h30 and re-convening of Synod at 09h35. There are only 3 items for discussion on the agenda: the Diocesan Centre; Annual Financial Statements as at 31 December 2006; and Report on the legal opinion in respect of wording for the inclusion of Schools in the Diocesan Rules.
Approval was given at our last Synod for the purchase and development of the St Joseph’s Home property as a Diocesan Centre. In terms of the Synod resolution, I am in the process of appointing a steering committee to oversee the project. If you know of people who would add significant value to the process, please let me know their names.
Directions to St Peter’s School: Sunninghill
From M1 North take the Roodepoort off-ramp (next off-ramp after Woodmead Drive) onto the concrete highway and continue west. Take the first off-ramp (Rivonia Road), turning right at the traffic lights and crossing under the concrete highway. Turn left at the second traffic lights into Witkoppen Road. School is on your left about 3 kms.
Church Unity Commission (CUC)
The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity 2007 will be observed from 17th to 27th May (ie: the ten day period from Ascension to Pentecost). The theme is “Breaking the Silence” (on problems such as abuse, rape and HIV/AIDS). Worship resources have been gathered from materials prepared for the WCC by an inter-denominational group in South Africa, and copies were distributed to parishes at the beginning of April. There is no copyright on the material, and those leading worship should feel free to copy, select, adapt or add to the resources in order to develop suitable liturgy. Please do observe the Week of Prayer in your parishes and, where possible, do so in conjunction with other church denominations in your areas.
Spiritual Formation
Spiritual Direction Workshop: +David Beetge has invited clergy and laity from our Diocese to attend a spiritual direction workshop to be lead by Nick Helm, Director of Spirituality in the Diocese of Sheffield and author of the book “Soul Spark”. The course will be run from the 21st to the 24th May 2007 probably at St Edmund’s, Kempton Park. +David is hoping that there will be no charge for those wishing to attend but there might be a minimal charge to cover lunches and teas. Anyone interested in attending should R.S.V.P. directly to +David’s secretary (Margaret) at bishsec@iafrica.com.
Clergy Quiet Day: Attendance at the Quiet Day at Bishop’s House on 24th April was again disappointing – the same faithful few. The programme of Quiet Days was changed for 2007 to allow Archdeaconries to hold a monthly quiet day – I hope that these are happening – and so that significantly more of you would attend the quarterly quiet days at Bishop’s House. The next Diocesan Quiet Day at Bishop’s House will be on 21sth August.
Sermon & Liturgy Resources: A growing number are using the liturgy & sermon outline material based on the Sunday lectionary readings which are on the web-site (www.cpsajoburg.org.za). I am encouraging you all to use them; you do not have to use them slavishly, but simply the act of reading through them and deciding what to use and how best to use it in your context is an aid to your own preparation for leading worship.
Reading Recommendations
Tom Wright has written a useful little book entitled ‘Simply Christian.’ Written to commend the Christian faith as much to the non-believer as to the believer, it tries to show how Christianity is relevant to some of the deepest issues of contemporary concern as well as to explore what it means to be a Christian in our modern world. It is a wonderful tool for apologetics, but there is also much in it that is illuminating and challenging. I commend it to you.
High Honours for Dale White:
Dale White was recently honoured by the State President for his contribution in the struggle. At an award ceremony in Pretoria on 24th April he was presented with the Grand Counsellor of the Order of the Baobab (Silver). At the same ceremony Emma Thandi Mashinini was awarded the Order of Lithuli (Bronze) for her organizing work in the trade unions. (It is heartwarming to note that of the 24 people who received awards, six were Anglicans and five of these were from the Johannesburg diocese!) At a celebratory after-party the tribute paid to Dale by his wife, Trish, amongst others, showed just how much can be achieved by the efforts of even a single person. Dale, we salute you.
At the same time as the State has been looking to honour Dale, so too the Diocese has been looking at making him an Honorary Canon in recognition of the work that he did at the Wilgespruit Fellowship Centre and with Ipelegeng. This recognition has been delayed because for some years this diocese no longer awarded honorary canonries. This has now been reconsidered, criteria have been set, and I am pleased to announce that Dale is the first person to be made an Honorary Canon under the new system.
The Diocesan Welfare Committee
The Diocesan Welfare Committee for Clergy has recently been restructured. Much appreciation and gratitude are extended to all those who have served so faithfully on the Committee for so many years. Thank you. The Committee would like to assure all concerned that the distribution of food hampers and cheques will continue. One of the Committee’s first projects will be to build a database of information relating to the beneficiaries and families for whom they care. It is believed that this database will help and encourage Rectors and Archdeacons to form closer ties with the beneficiaries and families living within their communities. The Committee has also asked that the Bishop’s Ad Clerum be distributed to retired clergy, as well as clergy widows and widowers. For further information please contact Gail Westwood on telephone 011 465 1744.
Darragh House Access
The Diocesan Office has received numerous complaints from clergy about the building’s increased Security measures. While we regret any inconvenience and frustration caused, please understand that Security is a matter of serious concern and the measures introduced by building management are in the best interests of all who either live, work or visit Darragh House.
Having said this, we would like to assure you that we are taking steps to make access to the building less difficult for our clergy! Saras is trying to arrange either temporary access cards for clergy and/or an intercom system to be installed, and we would appreciate your patience and support while she sorts this out. Rodney Taylor, Diocesan Secretary.
Moves, Appointments and Vacancies
Provincial News
- Oswald Swartz will be consecrated Bishop of Kimberly and Kuruman; Molopi Stephen Diseko will be consecrated as Bishop of Matlosane; and Nkosinate Ndwandwe will be consecrated Bishop Suffragan of Natal in the Cathedral of St Cyprian, Kimberly on 1 May. ‘Hold them in high esteem for the work that they do’ and remember them and their families as they begin this new ministry in the Lord.
- Please also remember both Episcopal Synod and the Provincial Trustees who meet in the week of 30 April to 4 May.
Diocesan News
- Doug Michael has been elected Archdeacon of Krugersdorp. Martin Louw has been elected Archdeacon of Sophiatown. Please pray for them and their families as they undertake this additional responsibility.
Dates for Diary
| MAY | ||
| Tues 1st | WORKERS’ DAY | |
| Tues 1st | Conflict Resolution Team: St Mark’s, Northriding | 18h30 |
| Wed 2nd | Welfare Committee (Contact Gail Westwood: 011 465 1774) | |
| Sat 5th | Synod 3rd Session: St Peter’s Preparatory School, Witkoppen Road, Sunninghill | 08h00-17h00 |
| Sat 5th | Anglicare: St George’s, Parktown | 09h00-11h30 |
| Mon 7th | TfOM: St George’s Parktown | 11h00-13h00 |
| Mon 7th | J.I.F. | |
| Tues 8th | Clergy Training Day: Topic: Emergency First Aid Training. Venue: Parkhurst | 09h00-12h30 |
| Wed 9th | Ministry Leadership Team: JP Centre, Bishop’s House Portfolio Leadership Team: JP Centre, Bishop’s House |
08h30–13h30 |
| Sat 12th | POST: (Topic - Boundaries) St Margaret of Scotland, Bedfordview | 08h30-16h00 |
| Sat 12th | HIV and AIDS Quarterly Meeting: St Paul’s, Jabavu | 10h00-16h00 |
| Sat 12th | AWF: Executive and Diocesan Council Meeting (St Augustine’s, Mzimhlope) | 09h30 |
| Sat 12th | St Agnes and St Mary’s: Leadership Training (To be confirmed) | |
| Sun 13th | AMF Spiritual Revival: St John’s | 09h00 |
| Mon 14th | Website Team: 4, 6th Street, Houghton | 16h30–18h00 |
| Thurs 17th | ASCENSION DAY | |
| Fri 18th – Sun 20th | Mother’s Union: Training (Contact – Mrs Makhosi Lenkoe 082 852 4688) | |
| Sat 19th | Parish Council Formation: Ipelegeng Centre, St Paul’s Jabavu. (Leadership role of the | 08h30-13h00 |
| Parish Council; ‘The church as Eucharistic community’; Intro to Diocesan structures) | ||
| Wed 23rd | Diocesan Finance Board: JP Centre, Bishop’s House | 16h30 |
| Sat 26th | Parish Council Formation: St Mark’s, Westonaria. (Leadership role of the Parish | 08h30-13h00 |
| Council; ‘The church as Eucharistic community’; Introduction to Diocesan structures) | ||
| Sat 26th | SfM Weekend: St Stephen’s, Sunninghill | 09h00-17h00 |
| Sun 27th | PENTECOST | |
| Sun 27th | SfM Weekend: St Stephen’s, Sunninghill | 08h30 |
| Sun 27th | AMF Renewal of Vows: St Andrew’s, Kensington | 13h00 |
| Sun 27th | B Mzeki Renewal of Vows: St Alban’s, Selby | 14h00 |
| JUNE | ||
| Tues 5th | Clergy Training Day: Topic: The Environment (Tim Gray). Venue: Parkview | 09h00-12h30 |
| Fri 8th | B Mizeki Executive Committee: Manche Masemola | 18h00 |
| Sat 9th | POST: (Topic – Conflict Management) St Margaret of Scotland, Bedfordview | 08h30-16h00 |
| Sat 9th | STILIM Training: Archdeaconry: St Thomas’, Linden | 08h30-13h00 |
| Sat 9th | Anglicare: St George’s, Parktown | 09h00-11h30 |
| Sat 9th | MU Executive |
|
| Mon 11th | Website Team: 4, 6th Street, Houghton | 16h30–18h00 |
| Tues 12th | STILIM Directors’ Meeting: St Thomas’, Linden |
|
| Tues 12th | Search Team: (Contact Gerard Sharp 011 333 2537) |
|
| Wed 13th | Portfolio Leadership Team: JP Centre, Bishop’s House Ministry Leadership Team: JP Centre, Bishop’s House | 08h30–13h30 |
| Sat 16th | YOUTH DAY |
|
| 17th - 19th | B Mzeki Pilgrimage: Zimbabwe |
|
| Fri 22nd | Government Schools Close Independent Schools ½ Term |
|
| Sat 23rd | AMF Visionary Servant Leadership/Diocesan Council: St Hilda’s |
|
| Sat 23rd | SfM Weekend: Holy Cross, Orlando West | 09h00-17h00 |
| Sat 23rd | DSRT: Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin | 10h00-12h00 |
| 23rd - 24th | B Mizeki Anniversary: St Michael & All Angels, Alexandra | 14h00 |
| Sun 24th | SfM Weekend: Holy Cross, Orlando West | 09h00 |
| Wed 27th | Trustees’ Meeting: JP Centre, Bishop’s House, Westcliffe | 16h30 |
| Sat 30th | M.U. Affiliation |
|
Family News
Provincial
- Bishop James Kauluma, retired Bishop of Namibia, died on Monday, 16th April after being seriously ill for three weeks. Please remember his family in your prayers.
- Bishop Andre Soares of Angola has been seriously ill in hospital since the 15th April. It is thought that his condition may have been caused by a motor accident he was involved in during March 2007. Please continue to hold +Andre and his family up in prayer during this difficult time.
Diocesan
- + Peter Lee and Peter Wyngaard are both recovering well after their respective surgeries. Susan Germond appears to have turned a corner and is much improved. Tim Gray is also recovering well after his fall. We praise God for answered prayers.
| May Birthdays and Anniversaries: | |||
| 5th | Molebe & Motlalepula Mosima (W/A) | 5th | Gerard Sharp |
| 6th | Makhosi Lenkoe | 8th | Sue Ray |
| 8th | Andrew Phillips | 12th | Motlale Namo |
| 12th | Gerald Hick | 13th | Maureen Rowland-Aitken |
| 17th | Corney Mphaki | 18th | Zodwa Khumalo |
| 19th | Vicky Moroa | 20th | Gwyn Slade |
| 22nd | Margaret Steward | 23rd | Pearl Mokgohlane |
| 24th | Charles May | 25th | Mlanjeni & Nokwezi Dodo (W/A) |
| 25th | Nosipho Matubatuba | 27th | Yvonne Payne |
| 27th | Dolly Lethoko | 28th | Ntombi Molefe |
| 28th | John & Amy Herbert (W/A) | 28th | Tsěpo Matubatuba |
| 30th | Rhoda Dove | 30th | Yasmille Smythe |
| 30th | Doug & Lynette Wessels | ||
| June Birthdays and Anniversaries: | |||
| 1st | Thato Molipa | 1st | John & Susan Alexander (W/A) |
| 1st | Sam & Nthabiseng Moswatlhe (W/A) | 2nd | Owen Franklin |
| 3rd | Diana Thorburn | 3rd | Ian Macintosh |
| 4th | Mabatho Rakale | 4th | Andrew & Yvonne Payne (W/A) |
| 5th | +Peter Lee | 7th | Gabriel Tholo |
| 7th | Jerry & Beryl Bailey (W/A) | 8th | Diana Keartland |
| 9th | Fred Robb | 9th | Diana Gay |
| 11th | Lee-Ann Minakium | 11th | Maud Khumalo |
| 14th | Keith Brown | 15th | Maria Mhlongo |
| 16th | Val Lodge | 16th | Basil Templeton |
| 18th | Jack Williamson | 22nd | Abe Mokgohlane |
| 22nd | Evelyn Abrahams | 23rd | Neo Motlabane |
| 23rd | Neo & Beatrice Motlabane (W/A) | 25th | Geoff Lowick |
| 26th | Tim & Jos Mncube (W/A) | 27th | Motlalepula Mosima |
| 28th | Patricia Ngqumeya | 28th | Dorcas Ndwandwe |
| 29th | Neville Basson | 30th | David Ntsoelengoe |
| 30th | Mervyn Aereboe | ||
NB: Although we make every effort to keep our Birthday and Anniversary lists updated, errors and Omissions do have a habit of occurring! Please notify Zodwa or Beverley if you spot any mistakes. |
General Notices
- The Sunday Morning Radio Broadcast Service: Will be relayed on Sunday, 20th May 2007 from the parish of St Andrew’s, Pimville. The Rector is The Revd Mlungisi Ntsele.
- Post-Ordination Skills Training: The programme for 2007 is as follows – 12th May: Boundaries. (Maureen Rowland-Aitkens); 9th June: Conflict Management. (Pastoral Care Team); 11th Aug: Spiritual Direction. (Sue Germond); 1st Sept: Finances. (Pieter Schild) [Those attending must please bring their parish council's financials with them as part of the workshop.] 13th Oct: Rules & Canons, etc. (Patricia Lane) [Please bring R10 cash to pay for an exercise book which will be provided by Patricia.]; 10th Nov: Changing parishes and Ethics. (Patricia Lane) Bring and share year-end party at 13h00 (after the Eucharist). Venue: St Margaret's, 9 Harper Road, Bedfordview. Time: 08h30 for 09h00 until 16h00. Refreshments: Bring & Share lunch/Tea & Coffee provided. For more information contact Revd Patricia Lane. 011 455 4449.
- Diocesan Young People’s Portfolio: It has been decided that the month of May will be dedicated to Social Responsibility Outreach. Clergy are asked to become involved in this worthy project by offering encouragement and support to the young people in their parish.
- HIV and Aids Portfolio: This is a reminder to all HIV and AIDS Parish Co-ordinators that the 2nd quarterly meeting is on the 12th May 2007 at 10h00 at St Paul Jabavu, Soweto. The topic will be a report back on the Provincial Conference for Co-ordinators where a number of new developments (Structure of the Provincial Office, New Funding, Training etc) were discussed.
The International Candle-lighting memorial for HIV and AIDS this year is on the third Sunday of May, ie 20th May 2007. The theme is "Leading the Way to a World without AIDS". See website http://www.cabsa.co.za. All Parishes are encouraged to observe this Day and include something about HIV and AIDS in their Service. CABSA indicated that the service guidelines will be on their website by the beginning of May.
- Pension Fund: Clergy are reminded of the following:
- Please make sure that the personal details printed on your Liberty Life benefit statements are correct;
- Your Will (or Testament) must be signed and dated by the testator and two witnesses;
- In the case of death, the surviving spouse must submit all documents directly to the Diocesan Office, and not to Liberty Life.
- Insurance: Clergy are asked to report all accidents to the Diocesan Office as soon as possible. Full details of the third party must be clearly stated on all claims.
- A Gala Organ Concert by Roger Fisher will be held at St Mary’s Cathedral on Tuesday, 8th May at 19h30. Roger Fisher has been the organist of Chester Cathedral (UK) for thirty years. He returns to South Africa to play a concert of music ranging from Bach and Maurice Greene to Elgar, including a brand new arrangement for organ of his Severn Suite. Tickets cost R70.00. This includes transport to and from the Cathedral from the JCE campus of Wits University. For further information contact Sidney Place. Tel: 011 784 7292. E-mail: Sidney.place@worldonline.co.za.