WEEKLY NEWS ST COLUMBA'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - St. Columba's Presbyterian Church
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
ST COLUMBA'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH WEEKLY NEWS
LETTER FROM REV JACO BESTER Dear friends, Having arrived back at work on Monday, after just over two months of sabbatical, I found myself wandering around the o ces (all empty and quiet) for about 20mins – trying to regain my bearings. Thinking to myself: “I hope I remember how to do my job.” It’s been an eventful first week back, not least of all because of the significance that this year holds (being our centenary) and the uncertainty that still surrounds so much of what we do (with continued restrictions because of the pandemic we face).
But we’ll have more than enough time to talk about what is to come… for now, I’d like to take the opportunity to reflect briefly on the last few weeks of my sabbatical. It was in all respects a tremendous time of rejuvenation and personal growth for me – having the freedom to read more widely and leisurely than usual, to hold conversations that could flirt more easily with trivial issues, to wake up and have breakfast with my children (and lunch, and dinner), to hack away at golf balls more regularly – these were all gifts of the time away for which I will always remain grateful. We did, however, have a rather frightening last few weeks of my sabbatical. As some of you would know already, Luke was admitted to hospital on the 23rd of December with an infection that had a team of doctors puzzled for a few days. It turned out to be a particularly rare form of osteomyelitis. He was immediately placed on a heavy dose of antibiotics and, after numerous x-rays, sonars and an MRI, he was taken in for surgery (which lasted just shy of two hours).
The surgery went well and his treatment has proven to work, with IV antibiotics to continue until the 1st of February. The irony of having emphasized the privilege of being able to spend my first Christmas ever with my family, only to spend it in hospital, is not lost on me. But Luke was a real trooper through it all (much braver than his dad), and the older kids were very patient and understanding (which was quite moving to watch).
Jax and I would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who cared for and supported us during this di cult time. We didn’t communicate it widely, simply because we were overwhelmed by it all, but those who did find out were incredibly generous and gracious. It’s a joy to be back at work and we look forward, despite the present uncertainty, to a year of faithful service in answer to the call of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, our Lord. With Love, The Bester Zoo
Sunday Service 10.01.21
Archive of Services over
Christmas
3rd January 2021
27th December 2020
Christmas Day Christmas Eve
family of the week IRENE MARGARET DULEY
ABOUT IRENE
Irene was born in Devizes,
Wiltshire, UK on 9th January
1928.
From the age of 7 she lived
in South Harrow,
Middlesex with her
parents, sister and brother,
living through World War II
just outside London.
In 1947 Irene sailed on the
Winchester Castle,
immigrating to South Africa
with her family and ‘soon to
be’ fiancè ….
…. and married him, John
Robert Albert Duley, in
South Africa in 1948.
During the earlier years of
marriage and family, both
Irene and John joined JODS
(Johannesburg Operatic & IRENE HAS 19
Dramatic Society), both GRANDCHILDREN
being talented singers.
AND 15 GREAT-
They had 5 children GRANDCHILDREN
between 1950 and 1960…. (3 MORE ON THE WAY)
and another boy 10 years
later!Irene’s life has focused mainly on her large and very close-knit family. Yet her experiences as a teenager during World War II in London have remained with her in vivid memory. Particularly now, as at age 93 she has had to get used to wearing a mask again due to the Covid 19 pandemic! It brought back memories of the gas masks that were mandatory during WWII in London.
Family photo taken in 2008 From right to left: John, Irene, Lesley, Lauren, Deirdre, Stephen, David and Jerome
Excerpt from Irene Duley’s memoirs written for her children and grandchildren: “I remember my parents discussing the possibility of another world war (they had been through the first world war). I was rather apprehensive, not really knowing what this would mean. I was 11 years old when the second world war broke out in 1939. Everyone, adults and children alike, were issued with gas masks which we were to carry everytime we went out, to school and back and anywhere else. We had square containers to carry them with us, and shoulder straps. If we forgot the gas mask, a policeman would send us back home to get it. At school we had to practice wearing them, for about half an hour in the classroom. It was not pleasant to breathe with them on, but necessary in case the Germans decided to use gas as a weapon …..” “ ….. We had air raid shelters at home. All houses had them. We had what they called an “Anderson Shelter” which had a curved corregated iron roof. Most people dug them into their gardens, but they got flooded often, so my Father built ours in the dining room, as nobody would survive a direct hit, but it could withhold debris etc. We three children …. slept in the shelter, because it was downstairs, and our Mother and Father on mattresses just outside the shelter. Any debris that may come down on our house, we may possibly have been protected ….. ”
In 2008
Irene and
JOHN & IRENE husband, J her
ohn celebr
60 years o ated
f marriage
were bless and
ed to have
of their c all 6
hildren pr
with many esent
grandchild
present to ren
o. It made
local news the
paperSadly John passed away a month later. He had a strong connection with St. Columba’s in that he worked as Stewardship Director at the central office for the Presbytarian Church of South Africa and ran the very first Stewardship campaign with Alan Maker at St Columba’s. It is the same campaign which still runs to this day where congregants give a monthly pledge towards the running of the church and outreach. South Africa’s lockdown has been tough on everyone but especially the elderly worldwide who have not been able to spend time with their families. Irene’s children who live in Johannesburg – 4 of the 6 – visited her regularly during this time at the Retirement Village security gates, masks in place, as they were not allowed to enter the village. Fun and expressions of love, always a part of this family, were still able to be displayed during these times. Importantly Irene was able to be reassured that all her family were well in seeing them in the flesh.
That reassurance, fun and love extended to those not in Johannesburg via weekly Zoom quizzes with all 6 children, their spouses and sometimes a grandchild or two. Irene’s caregiver, Promise Maphosa, has been with her round the clock during the lockdown and beyond. She has the family’s eternal gratitude and is a most wonderful human being. Irene became a member of St Columba’s in 2007 and attended when she could and hopes to again in the future.
Fireside with resume Feb r u a r y 2021!
If you would like to be added to the Children's Church WhatsApp groups - please click on the relevant links below. SPROUTS (TODDLERS) EXPLORERS (PRE - TWEENS) JUNIOR CHURCH (TWEENS/TEENS)
Condolences
Our sincere condolences to the
Van Dongen family on the death of
Jenny and to Elvira Boje on the death
of her husband Oswald (Ossie) and
her sister VeraA MEMBER OF OUR CONGREGATION IS LOOKING FOR A
SECOND HAND BATH SWIVEL CHAIR THAT IS STILL IN
GOOD CONDITION. WILL BE WONDERFUL IF WILLING TO
DONATE BUT ALSO OPEN TO NEGOTIATE A PRICE.
A COMODE WILL LIKELY ALSO BE NEEDED DOWN THE
LINE BUT THE SWIVEL CHAIR IS MORE URGENT.
IF YOU CAN HELP, PLEASE CONTACT:
LORNA WRIDGWAY 0724422357LECTIONARY READINGS
Monday, January 18, 2021 - 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1
click here
Tuesday, January 19, 2021 - Acts 5:1-11
click here
Wednesday, January 20, 2021 - Luke 18:15-17
click here
Thursday, January 21, 2021 - Revelation 18:11-20
click here
Friday, January 22, 2021 - 2 Peter 3:1-7
click here
Saturday, January 23, 2021 - Psalm 62:5-12
click hereDear Friends Due to a lightening strike, we have had a very unstable office line and apologize if you were not able to get through to the Team when you called. We have been working on replacing the switchboard and can confirm that this will be done next week. Kind regards The St Columba's Team
Dear Friends
I have received so many requests for a copy of the Call to Prayer that
we sent out last year and have pleasure in including it in this issue of
the weekly. Kind regards, Pauline.
Most gracious Lord Jesus Christ;
In your gentle touch and welcoming embrace of those who
were ill and infirm, you made known to us the healing love
of the Father.
As you travelled through towns and villages “curing every
disease and illness”, you brought near the very healing
presence of God into the midst of suffering.
Do it again Lord!
Come to our aid now, in the midst of the global spread of the
coronavirus, that we may experience your healing love.
Heal those who are sick with the virus. Grant them strength
and health through quality medical care.
Heal us from our fear, which prevents us from working
together and helping one another.
Heal us from our pride, which makes us claim
invulnerability to a disease that knows no borders.In your gentle touch and welcoming embrace of those who were ill and infirm, you made known to us the healing love Be with the families of those who are sick or have died. As they worry and grieve, defend them from illness and despair. Grant them your peace. Be with the doctors, nurses, researchers and all medical professionals who seek to heal and help those affected and who put themselves at risk in the process. Grant them protection. Be with the leaders of all nations. Grant them the foresight to act with charity and true concern for the well-being of the people they are meant to serve. Grant them wisdom. Jesus Christ, stay with us as we endure and mourn, persist and prepare. In place of our anxiety, give us your peace. Amen
TOWNHOUSE
to let in NORTHWOLD
Spacious one-bedroom
unit.
Single level dwelling
with private garden in
attractive, secure
complex with
swimming pool.
Living space includes
lounge/dining-room,
kitchen and bathroom
Outside space includes
lock-up garage, carport
and courtyard.
Close to Northgate and
other convenient
shopping centres.
Easy access to N1
highway.
Within 10 – 15km
radius of Fourways,
Sandton, Randburg,
Honeydew, Lanseria
Unfurnished or semi-
furnished options.
Non-smoker only For more information contact
Fenella on 083 288 727817th January 2021
Nola Brown, Ross Miller
Abigail (Missies) Weber
Alexander (Pixie) Weber
Garreth Young
18th January 2021
Marun Le Roux
19th January 2021
Alex Conradie, David Gardner
Angus Prentice, Mikayla Stanek
Joyce Stephens
20th January 2021
Matthew Anquetil, Claudine Voight
21st January 2021
Robyn Cameron, Hilton Dawson
James (Jim) Mcintosh
22nd January 2021
Tiffany Banda, Howard Green
23rd January 2021
Jill SinclairCALENDARS
Should you wish to buy a
FOR SALE calendar please contact
Margaret Gaul
gaul@myconnection.co.za
sold in aid of charityKeep in touch with the Team
Rev Alistair Anquetil Rev Jaco Bester
alistair@stcolumbas.org.za jaco@stcolumbas.org.za
Jacqui Bester Andy White
jacqui@stcolumbas.org.za admin@stcolumbas.org.za
Ann Klemptner Pauline Shelver
ann@stcolumbas.org.za pauline@stcolumbas.org.zaWE PRAY FOR MEMBERS’ RELATIVES & FRIENDS WHO ARE UNWELL
R E ME MB E R O U R ME MB E R S AT H OME
W H O NE E D O U R PR AY E R S
Tony Black, Marie Morris, Carol Honeywill,
Carmen Atteridge, Jo Burger, Baby Palesa,
Lanya Stanek, Wendy Pote, Lizzie Staughton-
Clark, David Hume, Gill Marshall,
Mary Livonius, Margaret Gaul, Peter Auld,
Marie Harding, Terry Squires, Rosemary (Rose)
Grace, Justine Nel, Patricia Hampshire,
Jean Wood, Rae Mac Leod, Joanna MacKay,
Nancy Kelly, Oswald (Ossie) Boje, Irene Duley,
Hugh & Esme Arnott, Mary McKenna Inga
Sellick, Anne Geldenhuys, Sue Robertson, Jim
Mcintosh, Annette Samson, Jack Forbes,
Lorna Greenwood, Maureen Dott, Iris Fair,
Bronwen Hampshire, Kit Bradford,
Doug Shaddock, Penny Shaddock,
Doug Du Bourg, Vic Mc Culloch,
Doug Anderson, Margie Varney,
Coral Stewart, Charles Bester,
Judy Jackson, Peter Visser
Richard & Lynne Kernick,
Adri Mauff, Wynand Nel and
Ann Klemptner.PAT BURKETT – friends of Jill Nimmo DOUG & JANET DRYSDALE AND THEIR FAMILY, COLIN BARLOW, PIERS GOODALL AND ROB & JILL CLARKE - friends of John Hare HILARY, JOHN AND ANGELICA MORFORD, MARY JAGER AND JAMES REBELLO - friends of Alison Prentice VIVIENNE, PATRICK & ASHLEY O’BRIEN, ANSA BASSON & FRED BARLOW - family & friends of Nancy Kelly SHONA ATTERIDGE - sister-in-law of Peter and Linda Atteridge JUSTINE, NOA AND EMELIA REARDON, DAVID, MARY & MIKE SHELLETO, DOUGLAS & MADELAINE BURNS – family & friends of Rosella Robertson MIRANDA & GRAHAME WILKINSON – daughter and son-in-law Marian Hill SALLY DANSEY – family of Wendy Gardiner ANDRE VAN DER WALT - friend of Etienne Jaques GERALD BOUCHER & GAIL ROBERTS – family and friend of Andy & Lyn White JACQUI WILSON - daughter-in-law of Margie Wilson KERYN NORMAN – granddaughter of Joan Brown Elaine Middleton - friend of Tony and Ann Klemptner
TANDI MEIKLE – family of Maureen Dott HUGH JAMES & CLAIRE PERKIN – family of Gill Forbes ANN BROOKS AND SCOTTY NAUGHTIN - mum and brother of AJ and Brenda Brooks PHYLLIS BAKER - mum of Carol Ronaldson MALENIE BRUWER – friend of Dale Hastings TIM CRANKSHAW – son-in-law of Gill Fairlamb STAYSEY REYMOND AND CORRIE — friend and mum of Elna and Ernie Blom RENEE AND HANS FIKKERT, JEAN AND JOHN ALLISON, JOYCE LOCKHART AND VERA OOSTHUIZEN– friends of Tricia Llewellyn ANNIE & CHRIS’S DAUGHTER, SASKIA - friends of Doug & Zoe Howie KELSI AND DYLAN PEEL – children of Juanita Peel WONDERA OLIVIER – friend of Juliet Hofmeyr LAN, DEBBIE AND BABY LILAH – relatives of Tania Hofmeyr
SHANE BACON –friend of Jenny Mansfield AYANDA SISHI – daughter of Kristine Sishi ELAINE LOUVERDIS – mum of Lee-Ann Louverdis ALISON SCHEURER – daughter of Charles and Mavis Dewar GERRY BALICH, & ULLA – friends of Tilly Wood ESME AND HAZEL NAUDE, PAT CASSIM AND MARTIN BOTHA - friends of Geoff & Marianne Van Heerden LINDA, WESLEY STOLARCZYK & YVONNE GEHLIG – family & friends of Barbara McCoy ANNELI BATES AND SHARON MURDOCK – sister and friend of Bruce and Hermina Patton GAYNOR AND BRUCE HASTIE - friends of St Columba's ALYSON LACY, SIMON ALLEN, ROY & DENISE KEMP, COLIN DE JAGER AND BIDDY LACY – relatives & friends of Patrick & Genevieve Lacy ANTHONY TEN BRINK – nephew of Wilma Ten Brink MARGIE MAKER - beloved wife of Alan Maker CINDY SPENCER - relation of Barry & Liz Sanders KIRSTEN BIHL, GEOFFREY BIHL, LAURIAN GOODWIN - children of Fred & Clarissa Bihl
LIZ DE KLERK - mum of Dale De Klerk PETER HAMILTON AND BRIAN RODE - family of Graham and Linda Hamilton and son of Brenda Rode. SANDRA STENEKER & CONNOR BEAMISH, ROD AND ROSE FINLAY AND MARGE BRUCE –family and friends of Yvonne Gann KEN WYMAN, JACQUI ROBERT CAMPBELL, LITTLE ANDRE AMBROSE & FAMILY, GRETA’S SON AND GRANDSON - family & friends of Jack & Gael Forbes GRANT BENNETTS, CATHY ROCHER AND ETHNE GEOGHAGAN - friend of the Deans JESS MILLER, TEAGAN & MICHELLE CROSSMAN – daughter & friends of Janet and Rory Miller ASHLEY STEPHENS - granddaughter of Joy Stephens PAT RANDELL – family of Robyn Milton MARCEL KAPP – friend of Jane Ballot GEORGIA SHELVER & MARGARET SHEPHERD– mum of Clive and Pauline Shelver GREGORY SHAVE – friend of Laurence Gaul DANNY ADAMS – family of Rona Lobban CHRISTIANA DIONISIO – friend of Wendy Challis CLAIR GAUL - niece of Vic and Margaret Gaul
As the proper stewardship of your money is very important to us, we will assume that any amount we receive from you will be accounted for firstly as part of your pledge and therea er, or if you haven’t pledged, as a donation or plate offering. If your contribution is towards a special project, please indicate so in the reference block on the instruction to the bank or zapper. Bank Details: Standard Bank, Rosebank Branch 004305, Account: 001948776 Name: St. Columba's Presbyterian Church CALLED TO AN EVER MORE FAITHFUL SERVICE OF THE GOSPEL, AT ST COLUMBA’S WE SEEK TO DRAW PEOPLE INTO A MORE MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS CHRIST
You can also read
