Anglican Youth Day Conference

Reportback by Sinenhlanhla Shabangu:

The conference, held at Sparrow School in Sophiatown on June 16th, was made up of a Eucharist service, in which Bishop Brian Germond delivered a sermon, and the 2nd part was when all the young people representing the various Parishes of the Anglican Church in Johannesburg were divided into groups so as to list and discuss the characteristics they would want the next Bishop to possess.



Kuhle, Tsholo, Martin, Sine, Shandu, Ronewa and Sabelo at the conference in their new Young Disciples T-shirts!

 It was quite an eventful gathering, with vibrant praise and worship. It was the first time any of the disciples had been to a conference of its kind, so it was quite heartwarming to see other young people from different walks of life praise with such passion and conviction.

Kuhle, Martin, Tsholo, Shudu, Shandu, Ronewa and Sabelo in the car park afterwards

 Having a funny Bishop was definitely one of the most common qualities we all shared amongst the different groups, other qualities that were quite common were: Spiritual, caring, compassionate, approachable, wise and understanding. The general consensus was that the next Bishop be able to be bridge the gap that has proven to be evident between the young people and the older parishioners. 

Kuhle, Sine and Tsholo

There was also a goody bag with chocolates and assorted goodies that was provided just before the end of the conference.

It was memorable occasion and one we would love to attend again next year.

Celebrations!

What a day! Not only was Trinity Sunday celebrated this week with bright red raiment, there were multiple reasons to share in the joy and achievements of our church and members of its family. Firstly, it was the 106th anniversary of St Peter's Church in Auckland Park, deserving, we thought of a last visit by Bishop Brian Germond before his retirement.

 Then, as a complete surprise, the Ven Dr Vicentia Kgabe had asked, and arranged with Bishop Brian for the Bishop's Medal to be awarded to our own Vic Gaul, truly a well deserved acknowledgement of years of selfless, dedicated and tireless service to St Peter's, the Anglican Church and the local community. A very popular choice... for the first time in many of our memories, Vic was rendered speechless. 

 After a strong and inspiring sermon from Bishop Brian, the shared communion and the service over, the clergy processed out, asking the congregation to remain behind. The organ stopped...then the strains of the Soweto String Quartet blasted forth, upping the tempo as Vinnie, some of her fellow students and her mentoring Professor came smiling and dancing up the aisle. The third celebration had begun - of Vinnie's recent graduation with a PhD in Practical Theology from Pretoria University.

Her exuberance and joy was totally infectious!

We heard eloquent tributes from a class mate, Rev Dr Robert Munthali (top left) and Dr. Prof Maake Masango (top right). It was inspiring and awe-inspiring, to hear our pastor being described as brilliant, outstanding, elegant, intelligent - well, we knew all that, but in the context of PhD's and thesis...put a whole new light on her - and who knew she was the author of a book? Dr Masango also delivered important messages on being South African, and particularly men, in South Africa. Our churchwardens Jacqui and Nkokone and Vinnie responded and thanked our guests.

Then it was time for feasting and socialising. A magnificent celebration cake supplied by the Lalumbe family took centre stage, carefully arranged (above) by Lufuno and Posani's son Ronewa and daughter Madzanga, and little nephew Thuso. Delicious leek-and-potato and butternut soup, and Breyani prepared by excellent parish cooks, Cardiff&Carol, Cecelia and Volentia to further warm the innards after a wonderful heart-warming morning 

Last but not least, it was also Stephen's birthday - on top of all these festivities, he had a surprise party waiting for him at home!

Getting ready...

We're going to get the St Peter's blog up and running again - first dust off the cobwebs and polish up the brass and woodwork...as an enthusiastic team did at the church on Saturday in preparation for a very special Sunday. More about that coming soon...

Shrove Tuesday

Tuesday the 8th March is the day before Ash Wednesday and the start of Lent, and a chance to empty your cupboards of all those tempting indulgences before the time of abstinence and contemplation begins. Pancakes contain fat, butter and eggs which were traditionally forbidden during Lent and St Peter's is going to indulge in a feast of them on this evening, so bring your syrup, chocolate sauce, cream to make them the best pancakes in town! Hot dogs, boerewors rolls and soft drinks will also be on sale if pancakes don't fill all the gaps, everybody is welcome from 6 o'clock.

On Ash Wednesday, there will be two services at 09h30 and 18h30, please bring your palm crosses from last Palm Sunday to make ashes.

Scenes from Arts & Crafts Day

Our Arts & Crafts Day on Saturday was full of sunshine (with just a touch of thunder and rain for excitement) and plenty of smiles and laughter, eating and drinking, music and dancing, selling and buying - everything in fact to make it a memorable and successful event. We're looking forward to hearing the final total of takings for the day, and hope it gave our coffers a big shot in the arm!
The tea garden and essential boerewors braai around which much conversation and debate seemed to be taking place.

Artist Marvellous and his sales assistant

Charmel in a pretty pickle

Someone is happy to see Christmas on the way...

So much to see, which way to go..?

Alice, often to be found outside Fresh Earth in Emmarentia, with embroidered T-shirts, knitting, beadwork and her mom's beautifully made mielie dolls

Kgethi and her girls with delicious biscuits

The tea garden had a steady stream of visitors

Shopping, shopping, shopping

with a few quiet moments... come on the crowds!

Jacqui and Lorna's Diva's Boutique and book stall did a roaring trade

Caught in the act! Carol soothing her dry throat after doing a very professional announcing job on the microphone

The kids had a chance to fish for prizes, donated by Trudie's nice boss at Lumoss Mouldings

Jacaranda flowers decorated the creative craft tables

Cecelia and her family's beautiful jewelry stall There's that DJ again!

And the conversations continued....

I hope to have more photos to post over the next day or two!

Arts & Crafts Day

The Arts & Crafts Day is almost upon us once again and lots of St Peter's people are hard at work with preparations. Please, could EVERYBODY who sees this, clear out cupboards, get rid of clutter and bring us your old books, wearable clothes, white elephant items, anything that can be sold. Baked and bottled products, prizes for children, big or small.... any help or donations gratefully received - phone Trudie above, or me Cathy at 082 399 5540 and please spread the word for

Saturday the 6th of November

and come and join us, we need your support!!!

Youth Service

September being youth month in the Anglican Church, St Peter's held a Career Sunday on the 12th, a Movie Night on the 17th, and a Youth Service yesterday on the 19th. It was a lively morning indeed, with energy and enthusiasm from the students and teenagers, and a stirring and engaging sermon from Nkosinathi Radebe - a gifted speaker who recognises where some young people's interests are centred, and with humour warned against the culture of nightclub weekends, 'Puza Thursday' and of coming to church expecting "not a reverend, but a DJ"!

Our rector though, almost made it as a DJ, encouraging the song, dance and drums before order was restored for the communion to begin. I think we all left the service feeling a little younger after that!

My apologies for not updating this blog regularly lately, I have been away and very busy with other projects, as everybody is - it was and is intended to be a community space so anyone who has news, photos or interest reports to contribute here, please let me know (Cathy). Thanks!