HAPPENING

Next weekend
2011

See here for details

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Diocesan response to the Tornado Disaster in Duduza:

Dear Friends,
I went yesterday with Archbishop Thabo and Delene Mark, CEO of Hope Africa, Archdeacon Sharron Dinnie, Fr Theophilus Mayikana and Churchwardens and parishioners of St Luke’s Duduza to visit the tornado disaster area.  It was a deeply moving experience as we prayed and listened to the stories of those who have lost everything.  There was numbness, shock, grief as the stories were told, and as we sought to be the presence of Christ in the situation.
We met families from our own church who have been badly affected by this disaster.  I believe that it is right that we should not only pray for those who have been affected in such a tragic way but assist them where we can.  The Diocese has a Disaster Relief Fund into which the Archbishop has placed R25 000 from the Province and I urge those who are able to contribute to this fund to help those so badly in need.  The bank account details are:
            Diocese of the Highveld Trust Board
            Account :  0209 00279
            Branch Code: 012 042
            Please use the reference: 500-041 “disaster”
The South African Red Cross is being used to receive gifts of clothing, blankets, non perishable food and household items for those in need.  Should you wish to donate through the Diocese, please bring your donations to the Diocesan Office from Mondays to Thursdays.
The responsibility for the distribution of funds and goods will be in the hands of Archdeacon Sharron Dinnie and the Parish of Duduza.
Please pray for the people of Duduza in this tragic time.
                        +David

Cursillo Team in Bunbury

With their bus broken down on their way from the airport the sixteen South Africans bound for Bunbury Diocese gathered on the side of the road for an impromptu praise and worship session, singing hymns until they could get underway again. This creative and energetic spirit borne of faith marked all their activities during their visit and contributed to a highly successful men’s and women’s Cursillo weekend where the South Africans combined with parishioners from Bunbury Diocese. This paved the way for the first South African Cursillo to be held in the Diocese of the Highveld next year . Participant Themba Mkhize said the experience had helped the group realize they were not facing life’s spiritual journey alone. “ It was a great reminder that we have our brothers and sisters in Christ to travel along the road with us”, he said. Revd John Rodda said he had great hopes for Cursillo being successfully run in South Africa. “ It is very supported and very strong in Bunbury Diocese and we are determined to push for its adoption back home. There will need to be some adjustments of course, including language . Initially it will be in English, translations will have to come later depending which area it is in.“The talks were very open and people were able to share deeply. Ït was wonderful to be able to do this without shame, it was healing and affirming. “ Kaamini Reddy said the welcoming love and support from Bunbury Diocese had been overwhelming. “ I didn’t feel like I missed home, it was like I had come home to another family in love,” she said. Bishop of the Highveld, Bishop David Bannerman took part in Cursillo alongside the laity and said that a quote from Augustine best communicated this experience. “Among you I am a Christian for you I am a Bishop.” He said the experience was liberating and it was wonderful that the Highveld had brought Happening to Bunbury Diocese and that now in turn Bunbury Diocese was bringing Cursillo to the Highveld. “For me the highlight of the visit was the whole process of being in community where the grace of God was experienced and loved. Men were able to be loved and supported and enabled to tell their story. It created a sacred space for those stories to be told and to be heard. It also g a v e s u p p o r t f o r participants to find themselves in this rapidly changing world.” Sarah MacPherson