TO ALL MINISTERS AND SESSION CLERKS
Keeping in Touch 5/ 2011
Dear Friends,
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour! It is quite unbelievable that we find ourselves in the last month of 2011. For some, this must have been a wonderful year of great achievements for which you offer thanks and praise to God. For others, it may be a year you wish to forget because of many unfortunate, regrettable and sad experiences as you recall the loss of loved ones, your job, etc. However, we must be reminded that we are called to give thanks in everything in spite of our struggles and sadness.
In this time of Advent we wait with anticipation and hope for the coming of the Christ-child who will bring light and life to Israel. This same lord Jesus who was born some two thousand years ago was, crucified, dead, buried, rose again, ascended into heaven and will return again, reminds us that love conquers all things. The Apostle Paul speaks about this in Romans chapter 8:37-39 where he assures us that there is absolutely nothing in this world that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Christmas reminds us that God loves us so much that he sent his son to dwell amongst us, not only to live with us but to die for us so that we may receive the gift of eternal life, if we believe. What great love is this? As we celebrate this season let us be quick to realize that it is God’s amazing love which compels us to love, forgive, seek reconciliation and peace. May this message fill our hearts and lives with joy, hope and peace!
Recently I visited the Presbytery of Zimbabwe and discussed with them, among other matters, the situation in Zimbabwe. They shared the following information with me:
The situation in Zimbabwe is currently stable. There are sufficient foods on the shelves but with about 90% unemployment and underemployment, many people are unable to purchase these foods. There is a view that the government of National unity is not working because the opposition parties are not given the freedom to move around in the country and to address meetings. For example, the Prime Minister was prevented on several occasions from addressing certain gatherings. The processes for the writing of a new constitution have been seriously delayed and now the President is threatening to go into a national general election in the country which is expected to favour him and his Party. Opposition parties are concerned that there would be no free and fair election and are therefore reluctant to participate in any such processes unless there are clearly agreeable preconditions. There is a great fear that there is going to be an eruption of violence as they move closer to an election. Our church has participated with the Zimbabwean Council of Churches in addressing issues in the country, and it is reported that the Council of Churches itself is divided on the issues. This obviously does not provide a unified and strengthened voice of the church in that context. Please keep Zimbabwe in your prayers.
As we look back into this past year we give thanks for some special events, ministries and celebrations:
The following congregations celebrated milestone anniversaries:
Berea Presbyterian Church (125 years), Auld Memorial (90), Kimberley (125), St Columba’s Parkview (90), Durbanville (50) Adelaide (150) and St Andrew’s Scottsburg (100). We give thanks to God for the faithful witness of these congregations over the years and pray that they would continue to proclaim the good news in Jesus Christ.
In March we had the Moderators, Clerks and Treasurers Consultation in which the Presbytery Empowerment Plan was put into place. We hope and pray that by this time next year we would have more flourishing Presbyteries and congregations.
We had a very successful Ministers’ and Spouses’ Conference in September. We are assured that those who attended were incredibly blessed, spiritually inspired and encouraged.
The Executive Commission met at the end of July and numerous decisions were taken at this meeting. I mentioned some of these in my September letter. You can access this information in full on the UPCSA website.
The UPCSA was instrumental in initiating and hosting a Reformed Celebration gathering of about 12 Reformed Churches in Southern Africa at the end of October. This proved to be an immensely successful event and we are hoping that these relationships will continue to be deepened and developed into a union of Reformed Churches in Southern Africa (Well, it’s a dream and prayer!)
In November the Justice and Social Responsibility Committee (SA) of the General Assembly conducted a Summit on Church and Poverty as per an Assembly decision. It was really interesting to see how the Church was asking very crucial and significant questions about how we include the voices of the poor in the decision-making structures and processes of the UPCSA. They also looked at ways in which the UPCSA could participate in the alleviation of poverty in both church and society.
We have had discussions with the different Groups of Men and Women in attempting to address the issues related to the Church Associations. The conversation with the men is progressing well and we hope to have a further joint meeting early in the New Year. The situation with the women has proved a little slow but a meeting will be taking place in January with the Aggrieved Group with the hope that it will bring us into another joint meeting soon thereafter. A final report has to be submitted to the 2012 General Assembly as per instruction of the July Executive Commission. Let’s give thanks for what is happening and pray that we will find acceptable solutions to the challenges we face in this area.
We give thanks to God for our ministers who passed away during 2011: The Revs Leslie Dawson, Francis Moletsane, Joel Dube, Arnold and Roy Mallinson, Moshe Rajuili and Kingsley Dale. May God’s peace and strength be given to their loved ones, especially during this time of the year.
We give thanks to God for all our ministers and their families, elders and congregations who continue to serve God faithfully sometimes in the midst of great challenges. May God continue to bless your ministries in 2012 and beyond.
May the love and peace of the Christ-child flood your hearts and lives with joy and thanksgiving this Christmas. In all your celebrations may you be constantly reminded that Jesus is the reason for this season. Enjoy time with your family and friends and be blessed!
Shalom!
Blessings,
Jerry Pillay
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