WEEKLY NEWS - ST COLUMBA'S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH - St Columba's Presbyterian Church
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Remembrance Sunday 8th November 2020 Please note that there will be one service this Sunday at 9.00am and we are limited to 220 people. Please click on the link below to confirm your attendance. Click here We are looking forward to seeing you again.
Letter from Graham Hamilton Treasurer, Head of the Board and Chairman of Nicarela Greetings to you all and Firstly, you will remember, the wishes for safety and health Ministers offered a suspension over the next few months. of their housing allowances in May, June and July, due to the As Treasurer and Head of the expected financial stress from Board and Chairman of the Covid, and to ensure, if at all Nicarela I have been asked to possible, that we were able to bring you a message and an continue to pay all the other update of various events and staff in full. occurrences, in these Covid times.
This was done and the latter was achieved. We did ask staff who could not work full time to use up some if their leave on the days they did not work, and this was agreed to, but everyone was paid in full for the whole period. Our financial income held up remarkably well and we have reinstated the Ministers’ housing allowances recently, as we return to some normalcy. We thank them and their families sincerely for their sacrifice. To demonstrate our income holding up: The pledge averaged just under R200,000 a month from May 2019 to Feb 2020, and has averaged R220,000 for the 7 months of Covid. The plate, or offering, averaged R30,000 for the same period and now R29,000 for the Covid period. Unfortunately, Weddings and funerals, Hall hire and Children’s Church dried up completely, but we have received R108,000 in donations this past 7 months. In summary, we are running a tight ship. The Covid has not affected us dramatically, for which many, many thanks to everyone, but we still trade at a large deficit.
The Church A little more on the Churches income and costs. You have heard from me before that in 2018, 2019 and 2020 the Trust was called upon to cover the deficit the Church generated, and this was done, by way of grants and loans. Due to many circumstances we need to budget a deficit again for 2020/21 and indeed for a few more years until our revenues increase once more. We budgeted a deficit of R1.6M this year and we are on budget, after 3 months. So, while I say the church’s income has held up very well through the Covid, we are not anyway near out of the woods. The Trust Thanks to those who established the Trust in 1979. Thanks to those who have bequeathed to it over the years. Thanks to good Fund Managers and competent Trustees over the years, and thanks to a pretty rampant JSE over 25 of the past 30 years. In the Trust we have curtailed some outreach donations to maintain its ability to assist the Church, and the work we do. We have also calculated, with the assistance of the Fund Managers, that with curtailed Outreach expenditure, and a fairly prudent JSE performance, the Trust still has a medium-term healthy life. I have also been asked to give you news on other events.
This is not my area, but I have Christmas Luncheon been asked by the Ministers to update you. The Christmas Luncheon Committee and Chairman, Ettienne, have decided that it’s not practical or possible to have the Luncheon in 2020. It is probably illegal in terms of the regulations. A good number of them are working through some options and something will definitely be done to bring cheer, and food, to many. There will still be a need for a good amount of money to fund this, so please keep that in mind. Nicarela Charity has been unable to hold the Annual Potjiekos Competition and will not be having the famous Christmas Market. Nicarela has also had to curtail financial support of a number of its long-standing Outreach homes and shelters from January 2021. A number are still being supported after that date. We sincerely hope to hold a Potjie in June 2021 and raise funds again. On the Market: With the clash with Black Friday last year, and the extreme heat on the Saturday, our attendance was not good, although the money raised on the Sunday was tremendous.
There are also a LOT more Christmas Markets around this town than there were in 2007, when we started. The committee have brainstormed all of this and we will be changing the Christmas Market to Market in the Parks next year and will probably hold it in September. The goal is to create something elegant and give our guests a very enjoyable and friendly experience. There will still be Stallholders, the Champagne and Oyster Bar and Beer Tent and Kidzone, so have no fear. These 2 dates fit in very well with the Centenary Celebrations 2021, which we plan to be very much a part of. In Summary Less fundraising activities this year, and, sadly, less donations made to needy beneficiaries. The Church remains strong, with the Trust behind it. Income has been remarkable buoyant during the Covid and I ask you to do whatever you can to keep it there. Our Ministers and Staff have done a spectacular job and will continue to do all the good works that our wonderful Church has done for so many years. Thank you so much for your time and attention. If you have any questions the office has my number and email. Kind regards, G.
LECTIONARY READINGS Monday, November 9, 2020 1 Corinthians 14:20-25 click here Tuesday, November 10, 2020 1 Thessalonians 3:6-13 click here Wednesday, November 4, 2020 Matthew 15:1-9 click here Thursday, November 12, 2020 Revelation 16:1-7 click here Friday, November 13, 2020 Revelation 16:8-21 click here Saturday, November 14, 2020 Psalm 123 click here
Letter from Rev Dr James Elias Dear members and friends It was the shocking and totally unexpected news that my wife, Gwen, had six months to live on account of terminal brain cancer that drew us to Johannesburg overnight to live with our daughter and family here (the other two daughters being well established in the States by then). Again , it was the shocking news of the outbreak of the Corona virus in the retirement centre where I was resident that sent me off to two long-standing and generous friends in the Hillcrest area of KZN where I stayed unexpectedly for over three months. During that time I discovered once again the special culture and life of Natal (I won't attempt now to explain that or the attraction of the Sharks !) as well as a reasonable and well-run retirement centre in the Hillcrest area amidst the "rolling hills", I have made the decision to spend these last years there.
In the meantime I have also reflected on the seven years spent here (refer Genesis 41: 15-32 and Josephs interpretation of Pharaohs dream - feast or famine - which is it to be ?!) and have seen one clear truth. That somehow I had the privlege of introducing to the Call Committee two of the very best students for the ministry that I have ever had the privilege of mentoring in KZN - among many. I have personally been delighted with their emerging ministries as they have received the constant encouragement and support of so many in and around the congregation. I also for this reason leave for the moment my membership with this congregation, unusual as that may be. Being also a sign of my own personal debt to so much I have enjoyed and received through its ongoing life and ministry. To those with whom I have enjoyed fellowship and friendship during this time (especially those to whom at this time I have not been able to speak to personally ) my thanks and gratitude for your presence, help and support. I leave with many good memories of a congregation in which I have been most comfortable (in the best sense of that word!) and which in many ways I will sorely miss. In the meantime I would like to leave with you an encouragement the Apostle gave to one of the early congregations ( which I hope is also directed to me in these coming days) : 'therefore my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labour is not in vain in the Lord" (I Cor.15.58). As ever James Revd Dr James R.Elias, ret.
Keep 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.za
Family of e W k MAPUNDI, EUNICE, MARUMBU, CHIKONDI MIA AND FISKANI BANDA
Our family Originally from Malawi. We Mapundi is a migrated to South Africa in January Professor of applied 2005. It was then a family of three, mathematics at the Mapundi, Eunice and Fiskani Ella. University of We lived in Pietermaritzburg Pretoria and Eunice until August 2008. We then moved is a Professor of to Johannesburg as a family of four, pure Mathematics with an addition of Chikondi Mia. at the University of We were then blessed with our last the Witwatersrand. child, Marumbu Koleska, here in Johanesburg, making it a family of five.
Fiskani (meaning Fulfill), our first born daughter, graduated this year from Wits with a Bachelors degree in Biomedical Engineering and is currently studying towards her Electrical Engineering degree at Wits. She attended Sunday school and then later, the youth group at St Columba’s from 2009. She was confirmed in the Church at St Columba’s in 2014 by Rev Stephen van Schalkwyk. Our second born daughter Chikondi Mia (meaning My Love) is a teenager and is currently in Grade 8 at Parktown High School for Girls. She is an artists at heart! She has attended Sunday school at St columba’s from the age of 3.
Our last born son, Marumbu Koleska (meaning Praises and hold on) is in Grade 5 at Deutsche Internationale Schule Johannesburg. Our mini chef in the house, a baker at heart! He has attended Sunday school at St Columba’s since he was 2 years old. The names of our three children summarises the following statement: `We have fulfilled our love, praises to God and let us hold on to each other.’
Our connection to St Columba's Our connection with St I told her that I was looking Columba’s Presbyterian for a congregation to join as Church started in January we were new in 2009. When we moved to Johannesburg. She, literally Johannesburg in 2008, we hugged me, welcomed me were staying in Parktown and held my two kids by and found a church in hand, walked us into the Parktown North which we first row of church and sat attended for three with us. From that months. Somehow, we never moment, I felt welcomed at felt a connection there and St Columba’s and it has started looking for become our family. My another Presbyterian Church only regret is that, I can not on Google. Dr Google gave remember the name of the us St Columba’s Presbyterian lady who welcomed us Church, Parkview. and always made sure we were comfortable in church On the first day of attending, I until one day she remember coming to St disappeared from church Columba’s with my two kids and I never saw her again. and not knowing what to do. As I stood outside, contemplating what to do, an elderly lady asked me what I was looking for.
When my son was born in 2010, one of the church elders, visited us with a gift from St Columba’s. We felt honoured and part of the family of St Columba’s. This was the gift from St Columba’s in 2010. Marumbu was baptised in his sleep by Late Rev Dr Chunky Young in 2010.
In July 2019, Rev Alistair Anquetil accepted our invitation and attended my Inaugural lecture at Wits University. We were humbled as a family by this gesture. We did not manage to take a photo together at the function but found this picture of Rev Alastair Anquetil in the audience at the lecture. Over the years, we have participated and enjoyed many activities as a family at St Columba’s. These include the Christmas Market, Carols in the Park, Potjiekos Competition, just to mention a few.
Our situation during lockdown Our situation during lockdown has been a time of closeness as a family. Apart from working and learning from home, a lot of hidden talent surfaced during the hard lockdown. Mapundi, spent a lot of time in his beloved rose garden and showing his hidden culinary skills in the kitchen. We never missed fast food. Here are some of the roses that have sprouted in the garden this year. Eunice spent time knitting a Jersey which was 3 years overdue and maintaining a vegetable garden which supply the family organic vegetables most of the year. The kids just enjoyed baking and showing their skills in art. In the absence of our elder daughter, we learnt the hard way of connecting online and had to settle with attending church services online.
Any insights during is period Seeing how devastating the pandemic has been to many families, we have learnt not to take anything for granted and become more grateful to God for all of our smallest blessings and for giving us another day to live. Everything that God allows to come our way is always with a purpose. He uses even the deepest pain to mold us into better beings. We have learnt to trust God through it all according to his promise in Isaiah 43:1-2.
OUR VERY OWN JACQUI BESTER HAS WRITTEN THIS BEAUTIFUL BOOK My Forever Mommy is an endearing book about a little boy and his adoption story, a message that helps parents and caregivers walk the road of adoption and self-love with their children. CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR COPY ON KINDLE
Congratulations on your new book Alan! THE END IS IN THE BEGINNING Cost: R220.00 Banking Details: If you would like to buy a copy you Standard Bank can do so via EFT using the Ref: Rosebank Alan's book + surname Branch 004305 Account: 001948776 You can collect your copy any Name: St. Columba's Sunday after church or any Presbyterian Church Wednesday between 9am and 1pm.
“Seeing the End in the Beginning” is my attempt to express as simply as I can the basic thinking that has been the foundation on which, with varying success and failure, I built my ministry and life. We are involved in a number of stories. We have the story of our own lives with all the positives and negatives and we add to that each day. We are part of the story of the reality around us in the lives of people with whom we are associated and especially of the good and bad of the various authorities that impinge on our lives. There is also a greater reality, the story of which this book tries to tell. It is the story of the inspired writer told in Chapter 2 and the following that we know variously as the Adam and Eve story or that of the Garden of Eden. As far as anyone can see into the mind of God, that inspired author believed he was telling about God’s intention for Creation – harmony between God and people, people with one another, people with nature, nature with God. The author knew well enough that harmony had been broken. One of the major Bible themes is how a patient, gracious, and loving God tries to bring humanity back into the Garden. If we commit ourselves to that story, it constitutes how we tell our own. Ken Trueman, to whom the book is dedicated, was the first to read the manuscript. His comment was the story spoke to him of love and hope. John de Gruchy, an eminent South African theologian, inspired me to publish the book. Having read the manuscript, he told me every lay preacher, new minister, and interested layperson ought to read it. No doubt there will be those who disagree with some of its contents but the purpose is to create a lively debate and to inspire people to work towards God’s intention through lives of love and hope. Alan Maker
11 December 2020 to 3 January 2021 Wednesday to Friday @ 19h00 Saturday @ 15h00 and 19h00 Sunday 15h00 Normal Price R250.00 FOR GROUPS OF 10 OR MORE SENIOR CITIZENS PAY ONLY R150.00 PHONE GERALDINE ON (011) 511-1988 Geraldine@montetheatre.co.za I am sure you are all longing to come back to the theatre. We are looking forward to welcoming you back and are all working very hard to put the correct protocols in place to keep our patrons as safe as possible. On entering Montecasino, you will have your temperature taken and will be asked to sanitise your hands. Anyone displaying Covid-19 symptoms will not be allowed access to Montecasino. Our foyer and toilet areas will be Covid-19 compliant. Sanitisers will be available in the foyer and toilets. A limited bar and coffee bar service will be available in accordance with Covid-19 guidelines. Our seating capacity will be reduced by 50% and social distancing will be compulsory. All seats will be cleaned and sanitised between performances. Masks are to be worn at all time in the theatre. We will follow a firm “no mask – no entry” policy. As a Group organiser, we request you to have the names and contact details of all your people. All tickets sold will be subject to a thorough track and trace process to ensure your safety. All our staff, performers and crew will be thoroughly screened on entrance to the theatre to ensure your safety. Where possible shows will have no interval. Hope to see you all soon! Geraldine
8th November Michiel (Mike) Smuts, Jannie Swartz 9th November David Graham, Mary Kruger Tshisaphyngo (Florence) Mannzhi Desmond McLeod, Tracy Porter Andrew Schonborn 10th November Dawn Bowman, Marius Homewood 11th November Margaux Klein, Lynette Lambert 12th November Kenneth (Ken) Logan, Dominic Richardson Jenny Williamson 13th November Joan Brown, Moira (Joy) Chapman Lizmary Moller Catherine Warburton 14th November Dylan Ingram Janet Viedge With love, your friends at St Columba's
WE PRAY FOR THOSE IN HOSPITAL Ann Klemptner (Ann is doing very well and has moved to a step down facility)
WE 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, Kristine Sishi, Mary Livonius, Margaret Gaul, Peter Auld, Marie Harding, Terry Squires, Rosemary (Rose) Grace, Justine Nel, Margaret Mackay, Jenny van Dongen, Patricia Hampshire, Jean Wood, Rae Mac Leod, Joanna MacKay, Nancy Kelly, Oswald (Ossie) Boje, Irene Duley, Hugh and 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, Adri Mauff, Doug Du Bourg, Vic Mc Culloch, Doug Anderson, Margie Varney, Coral Stewart, Charles Bester, Judy Jackson, Richard Kernick, Wynand Nel
WAY N E M O R R I S O N , A N D PAT B U R K E T T – f r i e n d s o f Jill Nimmo A N TO N L A M P R E C H T, HA N L I E T H E R O N - f r i e n d s o f R i e b e e k & L i a a n v d S p u y. D O U G & JA N E T D RY S DA L E A N D T H E I R FA M I LY, C O L I N B A R LO W, P I E R S G O O DA L L A N D R O B & J I L L C L A R K E - friends of John Hare H I L A RY, J O H N A N D A N G E L I C A M O R FO R D, MA RY JAG E R A N D JA M E S R E B E L LO - f r i e n d s o f A l i s o n P r e nt i c e V I V I E N N E , PAT R I C K & A S H L E Y O ’ B R I E N , A N S A B A S S O N & F R E D B A R LO W - f a m i l y & f r i e n d s o f N a n c y Ke l l y S H O NA AT T E R I D G E - s i s te r - i n - l aw o f P e te r a n d L i n d a At te r i d g e VA L E R I E S T E WA RT – d au g hte r - i n - l aw o f L e s l ey S te w a r t J U S T I N E , N OA A N D E M E L IA R E A R D O N , DAV I D, MA RY & M I K E S H E L L E TO, D O U G L A S & MA D E L A I N E B U R N S – family & friends of Rosella Robertson M I R A N DA & G R A HA M E W I L K I N S O N – d au g hte r a n d s o n - i n - l aw M a r i a n H i l l S A L LY DA N S E Y – f a m i l y o f We n d y G a r d i n e r A N D R E VA N D E R WA LT - f r i e n d o f E t i e n n e J a q u e s G E R A L D B O U C H E R & G A I L R O B E RT S – f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d o f A n d y & Ly n W h i te JAC Q U I W I L S O N - d au g hte r - i n - l aw o f M a r g i e W i l s o n K E RY N N O R MA N – g r a n d d au g hte r o f J o a n B r ow n DY L A N S A K S – g r a n d s o n o f J o h n & Va l v a n D y k Y V O N N E JAQ U E S – f r i e n d o f Kev i n K r a a k HAY D E N & B R IA N D O W DA L L , G A I L C A M P B E L L , C HA N T E L R O B E RT S O N N O S W O RT H Y A N D FA M I LY - f r i e n d s o f D ev o r a A n q u e t i l
A N D R E VA N D E R WA LT - f r i e n d o f E t i e n n e Jaques TA N D I M E I K L E – f a m i l y o f M a u r e e n D o t t H U G H JA M E S & C L A I R E P E R K I N – family of Gill Forbes A N N B R O O K S A N D S C O T T Y NA U G H T I N - mum and brother of AJ and Brenda Brooks PHYLLIS BAKER - mum of Carol Ronaldson MA L E N I E B R U W E R – f r i e n d o f D a l e H a s t i n g s 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 LO CKHART AND VERA O OSTHUIZEN– 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 – relat ives of Tania Hofmeyr
S HA N E B AC O N – f r i e n d o f J e n ny M a n s f i e l d AYA N DA S I S H I – d a u g h t e r o f K r i s t i n e S i s h i E L A I N E L O U V E R D I S – mu m o f L e e - A n n Louverdis A L I S O N S C H E U R E R – d a u g h t e r o f C h a rl e s a n d M av i s D e w a r G E R RY B A L I C H , & U L L A – f r i e n d s o f Ti l l y Wood E S M E A N D HA Z E L NAU D E , PAT C A S S I M A N D MA RT I N B O T HA - f r i e n d s o f G e o f f & M a r i a n n e Va n H e e r d e n V I N A N D MA RY B A X T E R – f a m i l y o f J e a n G ay d o n L I N DA , W E S L E Y S T O L A R C Z Y K & Y V O N N E GEHLIG – family & friends of Barbara McCoy A N N E L I B AT E S A N D S HA R O N M U R D O C K – sister and friend of Bruce and Hermina Patton G AY N O R A N D B R U C E HA S T I E - f r i e n d s o f S t C o l u m b a's A LY S O N L AC Y, S I M O N A L L E N , R OY & D E N I S E K E M P, C O L I N D E JAG E R A N D B I D DY L AC Y – relatives & friends of Patrick & Genevieve Lacy ANTHONY TEN BRINK – nephew of Wilma Te n B r i n k MA R G I E MA K E R - b e l o v e d w i f e o f A l a n M a ke r C I N DY S P E N C E R - r e l a t i o n o f B a r r y & L i z Sanders B E L I N DA B O Z Z O L I , K I R S T E N B I H L , G E O F F R E Y B I H L , L AU R IA N G O O D W I N – s i s t e r a n d children of Fred & Clarissa Bihl
L I Z D E K L E R K - mu m o f D a l e D e K l e rk P E T E R HA M I LT O N A N D B R IA N R O D E - f a m i l y o f G r a h a m a n d Linda Hamilton and son of Brenda Rode. SANDRA STENEKER & CONNOR BEAMISH, ROD AND ROSE F I N L AY A N D MA R G E B R U C E – f a m i l y a n d f r i e n d s o f Y v o n n e G a n n K E N W Y MA N , JAC Q U I R O B E RT C A M P B E L L , L I T T L E A N D R E A M B R O S E & FA M I LY, G R E TA’ S S O N A N D G R A N D S O N - f a m i l y & f r i e n d s o f J a c k & G a e l Fo r b e s G R A N T B E N N E T T S , C AT H Y R O C H E R A N D E T H N E G E O G HAG A N - friend of the Deans J E S S M I L L E R , T E AG A N & M I C H E L L E C R O S S MA N – d a u g h t e r & friends of Janet and Rory Miller ASHLEY STEPHENS - granddaughter of Joy Stephens PAT R A N D E L L – f a m i l y o f R o b y n M i l t o n DAW N W Y B R O W – n i e c e o f L o r n a W y b r o w MA R C E L K A P P – f r i e n d o f J a n e B a l l o t G E O R G IA S H E LV E R & MAG G I G O L D I N G – mu m a n d f r i e n d o f C l i v e and Pauline Shelver G R E G O RY S HAV E – f r i e n d o f L a u r e n c e G a u l DA N N Y A DA M S – f a m i l y o f R o n a L o b b a n C H R I S T IA NA D I O N I S I O – f r i e n d o f W e n d y C h a l l i s C L A I R G AU L - n i e c e o f V i c a n d M a r g a r e t G a u l
N E E D I N G H E L P ? W E A R E AWA R E T H AT D U R I N G T H E S E T R Y I N G T I M E S S O M E O F YO U M AY B E S T R U G G L I N G T O P U T SUFFICIENT FOOD O N T H E TA B L E F O R YO U R FA M I LY. I F YO U F I N D YO U R S E L F I N T H I S P O S I T I O N , P L E A S E C O N TA C T U S AT ADMIN@STCOLUMBAS.ORG.ZA. YO U R E M A I L W I L L B E T R E AT E D A S S T R I C T LY CONFIDENTIAL.
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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
God bless Africa, guard her children, guide her leaders and give her peace. Amen
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