United Congregational Church of Southern Africa

South Africa SynodBulletin

November 2009 E-mail: Roslyn.baatjies@nmmu.ac.za

For to us a child is born,to us a son is given, andthe government will be

on his shoulders. And hewill be called WonderfulCounsellor, Mighty God,Everlasting Father, and

Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9: 6

Christmas brings hope for a better futureThe time of goodwill, good wishes, exchanging ofall types of gifts; the time of unity, understandingand sharing of external and internal peace amongall is nigh. The Good News about the birth of thePrince of peace will be received by the entirehumanity with the promise of prosperity, salvationand God’s love for all.

The spirit of Xmas brings hope for a better future inthe midst of the existing economic crisis,unemployment, upheavals, escalating crime andcorruption. God’s intention through Christ was toidentify Him with the suffering, the sinners, the poorand the marginalised in order to redeem them. Hence Christ was born of a woman, underthe Law to redeem and adopt humanity as sons.

May the good Lord help you to enjoy the benefits of Xmas which come to us through theincarnation! Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

(Rev Armstrong Makhanya – SA Synod Chairperson)

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The year is drawing to a close andwe are all – I suppose – lookingforward to kick back, let our hair

down and recharge our batteries before the long awaited 2010 puts in anappearance.

The New Year will undoubtedly bring new challenges; challenges that will demanda clear stance and deliberate action from the Church. The World Cup Soccerspectacular will have us glued to our televisions. The beautiful game which willbring thousand of soccer lovers to our country, also poses a threat to our safety andsecurity. The Church needs to be vigilant in raising awareness of for instance theincidence of human trafficking.

I trust that in 2010 you will contribute articles to the Current Affairs section of theBulletin. I’m looking forward to stories that will not only educate and inform us, butalso stories that will challenge us as Christians to roll up our sleeves and be theChurch outside of the comfortable four walls of the buildings where we praise andworship God. The year 2009 might have been an extremely challenging and difficultone. If it was, let little Johnny teach you a simple lesson:

A Sunday School teacher decided to have her young class memorize one ofthe most quoted passages in the Bible... Psalm 23. She gave the youngsters amonth to learn the verse. Little Johnny was excited about the task, but he justcouldn't remember the Psalm. After much practice, he could barely get pastthe first line. On the day that the kids were scheduled to recite Psalm 23 infront of the congregation, Johnny was so nervous. When it was his turn, hestepped up to the microphone and said proudly, "The Lord is myshepherd...and that's all I need to know!"

As you look back on the year that was and you still do not know why thingshappened and turned out like it did, just chill and know that the Lord was, is andalways will be your Shepherd.God’s blessings always.Roz

Commissioned for OrdinationOur 2nd Year Interns, Julian Dampies andNkosinathi Khanyile, was commissioned forordination recently. As a Synod we congratulatethem on their achievement.

The ordination of Mr Dampies is scheduled forSaturday, 12 December 2009, at 14h00 inMiddelburg and the ordination of Mr Khanyile will take place on Saturday, 5December 2009, at 2pm at Queensburgh in Durban. Pieter Van Niekerk, TshepisoMoreosele and Tuelo Thobega successfully completed their 1st year of Internshipand can now proceed to the 2nd year.

PHOTO: Newly commissioned interns Nkosinathi Khanyile (left) and JulianDampies (right) with SA Synod TMC Director Rev Itumeleng Pudule.

FROM THE DESK OF THE EDITOR

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TRIBUTE TO BRIAN MULLINBy Rev SM Arends

It came as a shock to the entire UCCSA family when we wereinformed of the passing on of Brian Mullin. There is no doubt inanyone’s mind that there was jubilation in heaven when Brian’sarrival at the pearly gate was announced.

During a luncheon at Brian and Jane’s home in Plettenberg Bay,after a worship service in the Anglican Church, Daphne and Idiscovered that Brian was a former member of the Anglican Church

in the U.K. When he arrived in South Africa, he decided that he was not going to hide hislight under a bushel but to share it with those who were eager to spread the good tidings inSouthern Africa.

Through his faith in Christ, his commitment and dedication to service in the Church, his lovefor those who were suffering, Brian was saying to us that at some stage in his life, he, likeMary, the mother of Jesus had said to God, “I am the Lord’s servant. May it be to me as youhave said!” In other words, “Your will be done.”

Brian shared his wisdom with the Bryanston United Church where he served as deacon,church secretary and Sunday school teacher, the United Congregational Church of SouthernAfrica as treasurer and Principal Officer of the Pension Fund; and the Anglican Church inPlettenberg Bay.

One of the outstanding decisions the UCCSA made was to appoint Brian Principal Officer ofthe Pension Fund for clergy and Church workers. The Pension Fund improved tremendouslyunder his leadership. His concern for the widows of those ministers whose churches did notcontribute adequately to the fund led him to seek donations from churches to distribute in theform of bonuses to the widows.

The members of the UCCSA, and especially the members of the Pension Fund, thePensioners and the widows of deceased ministers, want to assure Jane and the family thattheir loss is our loss as well. May Almighty God sustain you especially during moments whenthe loneliness engulfs you.

Jane has also made her contribution in the churches where she worshipped with Brian. Weremember her serving in the Office of Bryanston Church and assisting Brian with theadministration of the Pension Fund. God bless you!

Direct all pension queries to the Synod Office.Speak to Kyle or Pieter or email to

admin@sasynod.org.za

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Decades of service to God recognisedAt the recent Synodical Committee Meeting Dr AubreyDouglas was placed on the South Africa Synod Roll ofHonour on recommendation of the Outeniqua Region.Dr. Douglas did not only play an important role incontributing to the life of the United Congregational Churchon regional, Synodical and denominational level in thepast, present and God willing he will still be able tocontribute in the future. He also played an important role ingiving outstanding and excellent service into the life of thecommunity, not only in Pacaltsdorp and George, but alsothroughout the community life of the Southern Cape especially in the OuteniquaRegion.

As principal of Delville Park Primary School, he developed the school to highChristian moral standards. Many of his Christian values he implanted in to thecommunity in which he lives and serves together with the late Messrs (afterwardsRevs.) Baadjies and Le Roux, Dr Douglas formed the first Youth Council of theOuteniqua Region. He served as the Region’s Convenor for Mission and Evangelismand such as, together with the Rev. D. Martin and (then) Mr. Roderick Hufkie and Mr.J. Theron arranged Regional workshops for the training of deacons. He served asMinute Secretary at Regional level for 20 years (currently still minute secretary).When the Regional Secretary, the late Rev.FTD Kulsen took ill, he served as actingsecretary of the Outeniqua Region.

Dr Douglas served as Chairperson of the Outeniqua Region for four two – yearterms. As Chairperson of the Region started the practice of attending the Sundayservices of constituent churches celebrating anniversaries. He is presently thelongest-serving member of the Regional Council, having started attending SouthWestern District Association (as the Outeniqua Region was then known) meetingsduring the latter half of the 1950’s

He currently serves as a member of the Synodical Committee and is the chairpersonof the South Africa Synod Investments Committee. He also represented theOuteniqua Region at the Johannesburg meeting where the Congregational Churchesin South Africa resolved to form the SA Synod.

Dr. Douglas served as a member of the Planning Committee for the 1977, 1986 and2007 UCCSA Assemblies hosted by the Outeniqua Region and served as a memberof the committee responsible for arranging the UCCSA Executive Meeting atPacaltsdorp. He was one of the Outeniqua representatives at the UCCSA Executivebefore the churches in RSA formed the SA Synod.

He served with the Revs Alberts and Loff, as well as the late Rev. Percy Mack andthe late Mr. Harry van Schalkwyk on the committee tasked with establishing criteriafor the UCCSA Roll of Honour, served as one of the minute Secretaries at the 1995,1997, 1999, 2001, 2005 and 2007 UCCSA Assemblies and served on the UCCSACommittee for the LMS Bi-centenary celebration in 1999.

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Current AffairsHuman trafficking. We hear and read about this termoften, but what does it mean? When we hear thesetwo words, alarm bells should be clanging.With the Soccer World Cup a few months away andmatches scheduled for all the big centres in South Africaand human trafficking being one of the crimes that thePolice are seriously warning against, Roslyn Baatjiestakes a look at what human trafficking is and thedangers it holds for especially young girls and women.

The International Organisation for Migration providesthe following definition of human trafficking on their website:“Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. It is rooted in poverty, lack ofopportunities, gender discrimination, social and political violence, and demand forservices. Oftentimes, victims are lured away from their homes with promises of goodjobs. Instead, they are forced into dangerous, illegal or abusive work.”Molo Songololo, a non-governmental organisation that has done in-depth researchinto the scourge of human trafficking inSouthern Africa, breaks down this definitioninto different easily detectible elements, andas follows:Trafficking involves the recruitment,transportation, harbouring, transfer andreceipt of persons by means of a

threat other forms of coercion abduction fraud deception abuse of power abuse of position of vulnerability the giving and receiving of payments

or benefits achieving the consent of a person who has control over another person For the purpose of exploitation, forced labour, servitude, slavery or the

removal of organs and illegal adoptions.

Human trafficking is happening all around is; also in Nelson Mandela Bay and othercentres of the country. An outing to St George’s Strand near Motherwell on 30December 2007 turned into a nightmare for the family of Janice Kakora. Shedisappeared from the beach and has not been seen since.

However, a Port Elizabeth’spolice officer’s persistencein searching for her hascracked open a nationalhuman- trafficking syndicate with deep roots in Central, Port Elizabeth. The

Somehow, not only forChristmas, but all the longyear through,the joy that you give toothers, is the joy that comesback to you.And the more you spend inblessing, the poor and lonelyand sad,The more of your heart'spossessing, returns to youglad.- John Greenleaf Whittier

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breakthrough came after a police constable’s search for Janice – or Vissie as she isalso known - led him to Bloemfontein.

Although she is still missing, Marcel van der Watt’s determined investigation has ledto the exposure of the national syndicate, based in Bloemfontein, which has strongties to Port Elizabeth. He has not given up hope of finding Janice or further clampingdown on human trafficking.

Van der Watt led Bloemfontein police to what is believed to be the headquarters ofthe syndicate, which was exposed after an operation involving over 160 policeofficers. The syndicate is believed to be behind the abduction and trafficking ofyoung girls throughout South Africa, which involves abducting them, raping themrepeatedly for extended periods of time and getting them addicted to drugs, to makethem compliant and to work as prostitutes.

In a raid on a Bloemfontein Hotel, Police found three abducted girls in a desperatestate. Two of the girls, who were 18 and 19 years old, were abducted in PortElizabeth, while the third, aged 14, is from Barkly West. From what police havegathered from the three girls, in some cases the victims were taken by force. Thegirls are apparently dragged to the suspects’ car, shove cocaine up their noses anddrown out the screams by covering their mouths.

After this, they are raped continuously for up to two weeks. By doing this they breakthe girls and condition them for prostitution. In Port Elizabeth, this allegedly happensin various properties in the central business district in the city. They are then taken toBloemfontein and from there they are ‘’distributed’’ to centres where there are ashortage of ‘’fresh faces’’.

Recruitment is the beginning of the process of human trafficking. Therefore it is ofutmost importance that young people, especially when leaving school, remember to:BE SMART - BE AWARE - BE ALERT - BE QUESTIONING

“My sheep were scattered over the whole earth,and no one searched or looked for them. So thisis what the Creator Lord says: I myself willsearch for my sheep and look after them. As ashepherd looks after his scattered flock when heis with them, so will I look after my sheep. I willrescue them from all the places where they werescattered on a day of clouds and darkness. I willbring them out from the nations and gather themfrom the countries, and I will bring them into theirown land.” (Ezekiel 34:6, 11-16)

Trafficked people are very much like sheep ―scattered over the whole earth. InJohn‘s gospel, Jesus tells us, ―I am the good shepherd…and I lay down my life formy sheep (John 10:14). To join the fight against human trafficking is to join Jesus inhis search for these lost and scattered ones. The promise of the gospels is that thework we do to rescue and bring to safety the vulnerable and powerless is work wenever do alone. Always, we are joined by a God who has gone before us, who opensour eyes, and leads us to His scattered children. ―I have no hands but yours, Jesustells us. In other words, I cannot rescue them without you. We turn our backs on this

"I am not alone at all, Ithought. I was never aloneat all. And that, of course, isthe message of Christmas.We are never alone. Notwhen the night is darkest,the wind coldest, the wordseemingly most indifferent.For this is still the time Godchooses."- Taylor Caldwell

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imperative at our own peril; to accept this summons to search for the lost sheep is toaccept Jesus‘ promise of life.

What is the Church going to do? Are we going to sit back and foolishly think that mychild and the children of my siblings, neighbours and faith community will never fallvictim to traffickers? Janice Kakora could have been my daughter. She could havebeen your sister.

Does your region and/local church have a programme in place for people tostart talking about it? Are you congregants aware that human trafficking is asreal as it is unreal to them?Sources:

1. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) – www.iom.org.za2. Children Should Be Seen NOT Hurt

http://www.pinkladies.org.za/bb3/viewtopic.php?f=59&t=6123. Human trafficking and the 2010 Soccer World Cup - www.ngopulse.org

Algoa – Livingstone HospitalProject

The women of the Algoa Region did the denominationproud when the Livingstone Hospital project was one of five winners in the groupcategory of the Excellence in Health Awards function held at the Birchwood Hotel inBoksburg recently.

The Livingstone Hospital Project – Caring for the country patients after hours –officially kicked off on Tuesday, 10 April 2007 at the Elizabeth Stuurman Home forthe Aged in Schauderville in Port Elizabeth and was spearheaded by the Women’sCommittee leadership at the time i.e. Mrs Cathy Bott and Mrs Madelene Aiken.

The need of out-of-town-patients of the Livingstone Hospital for shelter after hospitalhours has prompted the Women of the Region to investigate ways to accommodatethem. A delegation approached Dr Frederick Rank, Clinical Governance Manager,who welcomed the initiative and pledged the hospital’s support.

A venue – the old Maternity Block was allocated for the project. There was anundertaking by the former MPL Christian Martin and MP Cedric Frolick to clean theplace. The positive reaction from the churches in the region resulted in donations.Rev Bott made 18 beds. Within a month the Women had everything at their disposalto cater for the needs of about 40 people.

Unfortunately the venue at the hospital was no longer available, but then theGoverning Body of the Stuurman Homes made 9 rooms available for the project.

‘’I know why the caged bird sings, ah me,When his wing is bruised and his bosom sore,When he beats his bars and he would be free;

It is not a carol of joy or glee,But a prayer that he sends from his heart’s deep core. ‘’

- Maya Angelou

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Each room is equipped to house two patients. There are two bathrooms and toiletfacilities. There is a workstation for administration purposes and to prepare breakfastbefore the patients leave. Since 17 April 2007 accommodation was provided topeople from all races. All the Congregational Churches are responsible for renderingservices. Churches do duty on a monthly basis.

UCCSA Day2009

Algoa Region

Saturday morning, 3 October 2009, broke - I suppose like the first morning. And boy,were we excited!! We took our annual Congregational Day celebration to where thework of this church all began: Van der Kempskloof in Bethelsdorp under the theme‘’A cup of blessings’’

The celebrations started in 2005 when the Region had a formal service in Uitenhage.The following year exactly the same format was used. However in 2007, thecelebrations took the form of a social event in Despatch. In 2008, the formal serviceagain held; this time in a packed Roselane Congregational Church in Uitenhage.

To the people in the Algoa Region Congregational Day is a celebration of our historyand by celebrating our heritage with a social event every second year we aim toprovide opportunities to transcend “church compartmentalism” and remove thetraditional barriers of age, race, gender, language and class through socialinteraction.

The day brought a broad variety of entertainment in an attempt to target children,youth and adults of all age groups. These included the following: Church Brigadesmarched to the venue where the UCCSA president and minister of the HankeyCongregational Church Rev Hendrick Pillay conducted the opening. A heritagespeech was then delivered by Rev Jacob Alberts after which about 80 childrenentertained the crowd with a spiritual dance led by the region’s Children’s ministryconvener Lisle Douglas.

Coca-Cola’s Co-lab truck was a big attraction as was the cultural item by the childrenof the Elliott and Edwards Memorial churches. The Roselane church won thepotjiekos competition with Mary Geldenhuys and Elliott Memorial coming a closesecond and third.

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UCCSA Day2009

Kei Region

The Kei celebrated Congregational day in the WarMemorial Hall in King William's Town with the UCCSA General Secretary Rev. DrPrince Dibeela as their guest preacher. Rev Dibeela was accompanied by his wife,Rev. Cheryl Dibeela and their son.

The service was attended by about 700 congregants from nearly all the churches inthe Region. A group, led by the bands of the 1st and 2nd East London Companies ofthe Boys' Brigade (Dunn Asher UCC), marched to the venue.

This and thatYouth Development Programme candidates

commissionedNew intake ready for 2010

The2009YDP

‘’graduates’’ at the commissioning service at the Roselane CongregationalChurch are from left Bonginkosi Basi (KZN), Sean Tobie (Algoa), Leon Martin

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(Karoo), Annele Keyi (Kei), Feherty Visagie (Gordonia), Chaundre Singrew(Outeniqua), Thomas Olivier (Gordonia) and Brendt de Wet (Peninsula).

The 2009 Youth Development Programme drew to a close on Saturday, 7 November2009 when the candidates were commissioned at a service at the RoselaneCongregational Church in Uitenhage. Unfortunately two of the candidates EsmeniaCuamba of Mozambique and Katlego Maruapula from Botswana. However,Katlego’s mom and brother attended the service.

The service was conducted by Rev JennySamdaan of the Methodist Church in EastLondon. Several representatives of thecandidates’ home churches and regions alsoattended this special occasion as well as theSA Synod Secretary, Mr Aubrey Classen, theSA Synod Mission Council Convener andsecretary, Rev Alistair Arends and MsBaphiwe Nxumalo, and the Synod’s YouthConvener, Ms Charlene Cupido. The followingmembers of the Uniting Christian Students’

Association from the Western Cape also attended the occasion: Mr David Nefdt,Deputy Executive Head of UCSA, Rev Bennie Martin, Western Cape Coordinator, MrMarius Jones and Ms Dannelene Ramsden.

The ‘’graduates’’ are being congratulated by members of the clergy andregional representatives.

The group shared their experiences and it was evident that they have grownspiritually. I remember Leon Martin as a withdrawn young man. Having to organisethe accommodation for the group for the first focus week in the Algoa Region, I

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placed him with a lovely couple of the Mary Geldenhuys Church, Tony and FeliciaMopp. I wondered whether he will speak two words to them. Imagine my amazementwhen he spoke with depth and conviction at the service.

We are looking forward to hear what they will be doing in their respective regionsnext year.

It is with great joy that we announce that the following candidates were selected toparticipate in the Synod’s Youth Development Programme:

i) Ms. Megan A Skei ..............................Algoa Regionii) Ms. Edwean A Johnson ....................Algoa Regioniii) Mr. Elridge Mitchell............................Central Regioniv) Ms. Motsilisi M Morobe .....................Free State Regionv) Ms. Wendy Jordaan ...........................Karoo Regionvi) Ms. May-Lee Wagenaar .....................Karoo Regionvii) Mr. Timothy J Fourie .........................Kei Regionviii) Mr. Lindelani A Myende ....................KZN Regionix) Ms. Moratiemang J Thupe ................North West Regionx) Ms. Stephe J Manuel .........................Outeniqua Regionxi) Ms. Charmoney Campbell.................Peninsula Regionxii) Ms Onalethata Seropola....................Botswana Synodxiii) Mr. Greyling Koopman ......................Namibia Synodxiv) Mr Albino Cuamba ...........................Mozambique Synodxv) Mr. Thandanani Sibanda ...................Zimbabwe Synod

The Youth Development Programme will commence on the 3rd January 2010 inJeffrey’s Bay and ends with a Commissioning Service on the 6th November 2009 inthe Western Cape. They are to arrive in Jeffrey’s Bay in the afternoon ofSaturday, 2nd January 2010. The orientation programme starts on Monday, 4th

January 2010.

At the SA Synod meeting in Upington during July 2008 it was agreed that the YouthDevelopment Programme will be initiated and supported by a three throngrelationship between the local church (parents), region/synod (synod outside theborders of South Africa) and the SA Synod. The Region/Synod had to select andsupport the application of the candidate and forwarded it to the SA Synod.

The South Africa Synod takes responsibility for the design and funding of theaccommodation and tuition of the programme. The SA Synod appointed the UnitingChristian Student’s Association as a Service Provider to administer the YouthDevelopment Programme. The cost of this amounts to R26 800.00 per candidate.

This excludes the travel of the candidate to and from his/her home and theprogramme which is the responsibility of the home region/synod, local church orfamily.

The Region/Synod needs to: Appoint a mentor to guide and support the candidate during the training and

assist with the arrangements of the candidate to do his/her Internship at his/herhome church. As soon as the mentors are appointed a briefing session will bearrange with them.

Explore the possibility of appointing the candidate as a Youth Worker during2011. This appointment may be Full-time or as a Volunteer.

The Region and Local Church will:

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Arrange a Commissioning Service for the candidate before he/she leaves forthe programme.

Arrange accommodation for the team (10 people) when they visit the region. Arrange for the candidate to work in the local church / region during the

Internship month in August 2010.

The Region/Synod/Local Church/Parents will: Cover the cost of two return bus tickets from his/her home to Port Elizabeth

during the course of 2010. Please note the candidate will travel to Port Elizabeth in January 2010 and

home for the Internship programme on the 11th July 2010. The candidate will travel back to Cape Town for further training by the 29th

August 2010. Fund the pocket money of the candidate at a cost of R200.00 per month

for 10 months. The pocket money must be paid in advance on a monthlybasis in the SA Synod account. The Synod will transfer the money to the

programme administrators to pay to thecandidate.

(Any additional travel during the training willbe covered by the Synod.)

As long as we know in our hearts whatChristmas ought to be, Christmas is."~ Eric Sevareid (1912-1992), American

newscaster.

Fleurhof celebrates 30 years ofGod’s grace…The 30th Anniversary Service of Worship &

Thanksgiving of the Fleurhof Congregational Church served as their expression ofgratitude and praise for God’s faithful favour and abundant grace! This occasion wasgraced by the President of the UCCSA, Rev H Pillay and wife, Maria. Rev Pillay wasthe guest preacher on Sunday, 08 November 2009.

The fall of 1979 has seen a few members starting a fellowship of prayer and worshipon Sunday mornings in their homes. They met weekly and the Lord added to thenumber. At the UCCSA Assembly in 1983 the Fleurhof Congregational church wasreceived as a constituent local church of the UCCSA.Over the years, Revd’s J Thorn, Noah, N Uden, JJ Kirkman, Margaret Constable,Craig Morrison, Simon Zazaza, Kelvin Harris, S Tsintsing, the late Steve Simpkins, HSteyn and Colin Constable served the pastorate in self-supporting and actingcapacities faithfully. A new church building was opened and dedicated on Sunday,03 March 1993 for God’s people to worship in.

As the years grew, the church had avision to fill the pastorate with a full-timeminister. The process started with thebuilding of the church manse andconference facility and then the requestfor full-time presence of a ministerialintern. Rev Bertram Swartz was called

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and ordained in February 2005 as the first full- time minister of the Fleurhof Church.The few members representing 8 – 10 families grew to well over 170 members and55 families, with special reference to a family orientated style of ministry andmission. The FCC family is actively involved in the life of the region and broadercommunity, and have a dedicated outreach ministry to the Meadowlands, Sowetoarea for about 150 children. As a family, the Fleurhof Congregational Churchcommits them anew to be a faithful witness and to extend the Kingdom to all withtheir resources, life’s, minds and hearts!(FCC Communications team)

Uniondale UCC celebrates 10-year existence of churchbuilding

The Uniondale Congregational Church recently celebrated 10 years since the currentchurch building has been dedicated to God for His service. The Group Areas Actforced the members of Uniondale to vacate the church building that was erected inthe town area in 1843.

Church services then had to be conducted in thechurch hall that was built in 1980 in the so-calledcoloured area. The sod-turning for the new churchbuilding took place in 1990 and the dedication thereofwas held in 1999. The congregation lauds its ministerRev Billy Saaiman and his wife Christine for theirguidance and leadership.

Preacher’s course schedules for 2010The Preacher’s Course is becoming the mainstay of the Leadership Academy. Thisis inevitable because of the centrality of Preaching in the life of the church. Howeverfamiliar Preaching might be, it must not be taken for granted and nobody shouldascend the pulpit without due preparation for this key role in the creation of a justand loving world.

Course OutlineThis is a year-long course over six modules, 3 workshops and 2 written assignmentsand a Preaching Practical examination. It is as exciting as it is informative and bytaking it you will be part of a growing community of women and men in theforthcoming UCCSA Roll of Preachers.Interested members are therefore invited to participate in the Preacher’s Course forthe year 2010 as offered in the ten centres listed below.

GraduationGraduation for the successful candidates is scheduled for 20th November 2010 inKuruman, Northern Cape, South Africa.

Fees:Option 1: Full cash payment of R750.00Option 2: Payment by instalments up to a total fee of R800.00, as follows:Pay a non-refundable deposit fee of R50.00 by 30th January 2010,And 3 instalments of R250.00 each due on: 28 February, 30 April and 30 June 2010.

Please deposit your fees into the UCCSA Bank Account.

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Name of Account: United Congregational Church of Southern AfricaName of Bank: Standard BankAccount Number: 201 095 807,Branch: Melville, Branch Code: 006105.

Send e-mail to Majaha@uccsa.co.za / Admin@uccsa.co.za or call 011-837 9997for application forms for members who are interested in applying for thecourse.

2010 Workshops ScheduleCentre Workshop 1 Workshop 2 Workshop 3

Kuruman Moffat 25 – 28 February 20 – 23 May 18 – 22 August

Port Elizabeth 25 – 28 February 20 – 23 May 18 – 22 AugustKZN, Durban 11 – 13 March 10 – 13 June 25 – 29 August

Peninsula, Bellville 11 – 13 March 10 – 13 June 25 – 29 August

Johannesburg 18-21 March 17-20 June 8-12 September

King Williamstown 18-21 March 17-20 June 8-12 SeptemberBloemfontein 18-21 March 17-20 June 8-12 September

The graduation ceremony of the Preacher’s Course candidates took place onSaturday, 21 November 2009 in Kuruman. Here are the candidates taking partin the procession preceding the service. UCCSA Mission Council Convener,Rev Joey Naika, delivered the charge.

So remember while December brings the only Christmas day,

In the year let there be Christmas, In the things you do and say.

- Anonymous

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As a matter of health…- Strokes – how to recognise itOn 25 October 2008 my mother Bettie was called to higher service; 5 days before her 64th

birthday. Relatively young in my book. She suffered two strokes in a matter of 3 months. Thesecond stroke on 25 September was quite severe and basically she had to be cared for like ababy.

Here are a few tips to help you recognise whether somebody is having a stroke and aidyou in perhaps saving a life or preventing the person suffering severe brain damage.Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack ofawareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when peoplenearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke. Now doctors say a bystander can recognizea stroke by asking three simple questions:

S *Ask the individual to SMILE.

T *Ask the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLESENTENCE (Coherently)

(I.e. it is sunny out today)R *Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call

emergency number immediately and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your TongueNOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out his tongue.. If thetongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, that is also an indication of a stroke.

Source: (http://www.selfmed.org.za/detail.asp?articleID=91)

Life has to be lived forwards but it can only be understood backwards."- Søren Kierkegaard

Thank God that Rev Alistair Arends has beendeclared cancer-free recently. Alleluia!

Rev Prof Bench Mkonto is still recovering from astroke (Algoa)

Mrs Ursula Adonis – wife of Rev Navan Adonis –her father passed away (Algoa)

Mrs Lorraine Goosen – wife of Rev Alwyn Goosen – her sister passed away(Algoa)

Mrs Marijke Kirby – wife of Rev Mike Kirby – her mother passed away(Algoa)

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Former UCCSA Pension Fund principal, Mr. Brian Mullin passed away –pray for his family

The father of Rev Julian Masimila (Kei region) passed away in Cape Town

The grandson of former SA Synod treasurer Rev Chris Barnard – Elijah – isslowly recovering from an operation in New Zealand

Rev Steve Simpkins, one of our retired ministers, passed away in KZN. Prayfor his wife and family

"If this is to be a Happy New Year, a year of usefulness, a year inwhich we shall live to make this earth better, it is because God willdirect our pathway. How important then, to feel our dependenceupon Him!"- Matthew Simpson

Church chuckleFROM CHURCH BULLETINS - These sentences have actually appeared in churchbulletins or in typewritten announcements for church services.

The Fasting & Prayer Conference includes meals.

The sermon this morning: "Jesus Walks on the Water." The sermon tonight"Searching for Jesus."

Our youth basketball team is back in action Wednesday at 8 PM in the recreationhall. Come out and watch us kill Christ the King.

Ladies, don't forget the rummage sale. It's a chance to get rid of those things notworth keeping around the house. Don't forget your husbands.

The peace making meeting scheduled for today has been cancelled due to a conflict.

Remember in prayer the many that are sick of our community.

Miss Charlene Mason sang "I will not pass this way again," giving obvious pleasureto the congregation.

Next Thursday there will be tryouts for the choir. They need all the help they can get.

The Rector will preach his farewell message after which the choir will sing "BreakForth Into Joy."

Irving Benson and Jessie Carter were married on October 24 in the church. So endsa friendship that began in their school days.

At the evening service tonight, the sermon topic will be "What Is Hell?" Come earlyand listen to our choir practice.

SA Synod Bulletin Page 17

Scouts are saving aluminium cans, bottles and other items to be recycled. Proceedswill be used to cripple children.

Please place your donation in the envelope along with the deceasedperson you want remembered.

The church will host an evening of fine dining, super entertainment and gracioushostility.

This evening at 7 PM there will be a hymn singing in the park across from theChurch. Bring a blanket and come prepared to sin.

The pastor would appreciate it if the ladies of the congregation would lend him theirelectric girdles for the pancake breakfast next Sunday.Low Self Esteem Support Group will meet Thursday at 7 PM. Please use the backdoor.The eighth-graders will be presenting Shakespeare's Hamlet in the Churchbasement Friday at 7 PM. The congregation is invited to attend this tragedy.

SA Synod Bulletin Page 18

November 2009Synodical CommitteeMeeting – AchterbergConference Centre

SA Synod Bulletin Page 19

On the eve of the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference, Diakonia Council of Churchesis hosting the launch of:

“Climate Change: A Challenge to the Churches inSouth Africa”

(A publication of the South African Council of Churches.)

on 8 December 2009

Please contact the SACC for a copy of the book.

When we are too busy to hear God, we start doingthings that are ‘good ideas’ and not ‘God’s ideas’ –

and then we start getting ourselves into serioustrouble!

SA Synod Bulletin Page 20

New Years Wishes

1. May you get a clean bill of health from your dentist, your cardiologist,your gastro-endocrinologist, your urologist, your proctologist, yourpodiatrist, your psychiatrist, your gynaecologist, your plumber and theSARS.

2. May your hair, your teeth, your face-lift, your abs and your stocks not fall;and may your blood pressure, your cholesterol, your white blood countand your bond interest not rise.

3. May you find a way to travel from anywhere to anywhere in the rush hourin less than an hour, and when you get there may you find a parkingspace.

4. May December 31, find you seated around the dinner table (or in themidnight church service in our case), together with your beloved familyand cherished friends, ushering in the new year ahead. You will find thefood better, the environment quieter, the cost much cheaper, and thepleasure much more fulfilling than anything else you might ordinarily dothat night.

5. May you wake up on January 1st, finding that the world has not come toan end, the lights work, the water faucets flow, and the sky has not fallen.

6. May you ponder how this ultramodern civilization of ours managed to getitself traumatized by a possible slip of a blip on a chip made out of sand.

7. May you be awe struck by God's sense of humour as you wrestle with thepossibility that a professional wrestler had a chance to become Presidentof South Africa.

8. May what you see in the mirror delight you, and what others see in youdelight them.

9. May someone love you enough to forgive your faults, be blind to yourblemishes, and tell the world about your virtues.

10. May the telemarketers wait to make their sales calls until you finishdinner, and may your cheque book and your budget balance and maythey include generous amounts for charity.

11. May you remember to say "I love you" at least once a day to your spouse,your child, your parents, your friends; but not to your secretary, yournurse, your masseuse, your hairdresser or your tennis instructor.

12. May we live as God intended, in a world at peace and the awareness ofHis love in every sunset, every flower's unfolding petals, every baby'ssmile, every lover's kiss, and every wonderful, astonishing, miraculousbeat of our heart.

SA Synod Bulletin Page 21

Rev Damon Abrahams will celebrate 50 years of Ordained Ministryon 31 January 2010.

“In Christ there is a future!”

SA SYNOD OFFICE

56 Crous DriveHELDERKRUIN1734

P.O. Box 6191WESTGATE1734

Tel: (011) 764-1096Fax: (011) 764-1113

Website:www.sasynod.org.za

Email:reception@sasynod.org.za

1. Synod office opens - 6 January 2010

2. Interns Workshop – 12 till 15 January 2010

3. Week of Prayer – 1 till 7 February 2010

4. Commitment Sunday – 7 February 2010

5. SA Broederband Conference – 11 till 14February 2010.

6. Due date for submission of Applications forthe ministry – 1 March 2010.

7. Synod Leadership meeting – 4 March 2010.

8. Synod Investments Committee meeting – 5March 2010.

9. Synod Mission Council meeting – 12 till 14March 2010.

10. UCCSA Executive Committee meeting – 23 till26 March 2010 – Teemane Region.

11. Palm Sunday – 28 March 2010

12. Holy Week – start on 29 March 2010.