FROM MONMOUTH DIOCESE TO THE HIGHVELD.
Last year, after travelling through the deaneries of our diocese during the month of October, the banner made by G J KilBride was dedicated by Bishop Dominic at the Diocesan Conference and was ready to travel to the Highveld. At the end of January, Iain and I travelled to South Africa taking the banner with us as a visible token of friendship with our link diocese.
We attended the Sunday Eucharist service at St Dunstan’s cathedral, Benoni. Just before the exchanging of the peace, I was invited to speak to the congregation and gave greetings from Monmouth. With the help of two lay ministers to hold the banner up for all to see, I was able to explain the nature of the gift and to talk about the symbols on it. The banner was taken down the central aisle for the congregation to see more clearly before being handed over to Dean David, the Highveld chairman of the link.
The presentation was received with much joy and clapping, and the banner was then placed on the altar of the Lady Chapel until a permanent home is decided. The hope is that linked parishes will be able to have the banner for display in their church at special services.
It is always a joy to link up with friends we made on previous visits; there is always so much to share, news and ideas to exchange, and generous hospitality to enjoy. There are new friends to meet as I go to parishes and projects and there is great rejoicing over the continuing growth of our link. Everyone was quick to ask us to take their thanks for the friendship and support that our diocese gives, and the request to continue to pray for them as they do for us.
It was wonderful to see the wool and material sent from our diocese put to good use as Daphne Shields, the cathedral parish social responsibility co-ordinator, showed us some of the garments made. These were taken to Etwatwa for distribution. We also took pencils, crayons and books to the Siya Phila crèche and to the parish of Embalenhli for use in the Sunday school.
Visiting the area of Dukatole was a deeply moving experience. Mother Marlene Rodder took us to see the shacks of the informal settlement which were affected by the fire, and we went into one of the homes. We also saw how some of the money raised by the sale of the Christmas cards had been used to build up and strengthen the shacks, and to buy safe ovens so that such a fire doesn’t happen again. The Bambanani crèche here is a fantastic testimony to the love of Christ in action, and to the dedication of the workers who make a great difference in the poorest situation.
I have shared with you some of the ways you can, and do, participate in the link, and I want to thank you for all your commitment which makes the link such a benefit to both dioceses. Should you require any further information about ways of participating, or you wish me to come and share with groups in your parish, I am always willing to do so, and can be contacted on 01633 420701, or email – irenedoull@btinternet.com
Irene Doull, World Mission Officer.
Risca Ladies get knitting
When Mrs Audrey Thomas (on left in photo) read in a diocesan newsletter about knitting jumpers for the Highveld, she decided to ask for a pattern. With gifts of wool, she encouraged her friends and other members of St Mary’s church, Risca, to get their knitting needles out of storage. As a result, seventy six very colourful jumpers and fifteen blankets were ready for collection. They were presented to Mrs Irene Doull when she came to talk to the Risca Ladies’ Discussion Group. Although the needles will still be clicking, we are also aware of the need for colouring books, pencils and crayons to be taken out on future visits to South Africa. Well done and thanks to Audrey for making us more aware than ever of the needs of others.
Barbara Griffiths