David's Notes

Greetings, 

The Seth Mokitimi Seminary was full of nervous anticipation this last week as we hosted the Coastal and Natal West District candidate screening. It is an arduous event of prayerful listening as two committees sit with each candidate who tells their encounter with God in Christ, their call to preach, their call to the ministry of word and sacrament or word in service and are tested on their level of theological understanding. Through it all one had the sense of the church throughout history listening to the voices of many who were willing to test their call with the listening hearts of the elders.  There were some tearful moments as we had to tell some that they had to journey further before we could affirm their call and there were others who got us so excited as we recognised the potential of their ministry.  All in all, the presence of God's Spirit was thick over our meeting.  

Grace and Love, 

Rev. David Barbour
033 3431708
barbour@absamail.co.za

iLove life

Greetings, 

From the feedback so far the "iLove life" programme had a great kick-start on Sunday. 

We had a wonderful turnout, some new water skills were learned, new relationships forged and we learned how "Noah" made decisions about living life in a different way to the attitudes around him. 

Would you continue in your prayers as we evaluated and re-group for the next one.  

I have a few photos but if somebody else would like to send through some others that would be great.  

Grace and Love,

Rev. David Barbour
033 3431708
barbour@absamail.co.za

From the Presiding Bishop

For immediate release

 

7 February 2014

 

 

 

The Church and Party Politics

 

The Methodist church of Southern Africa would like to dissociate itself from the comments made by Rev Dr Mehana, the 'ANC Chaplain General' at a meeting where 200 pastors where welcomed into the ANC yesterday in the Western Cape. He is quoted declaring the ANC  a 'movement of the people of God that is God led and God fearing…' He was not speaking on behalf of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa (MCSA).

 

"I have learnt with great shock and dismay from a report in the media, of a group of pastors that are said to be jumping from one political party to another… church leaders should examine their consciences on issues of party politics," said Bishop Ziphozihle Siwa, the Presiding Bishop of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa.

 

The constitution of the MCSA states clearly that: "It is our belief that the Lordship of Christ extends to all of life, including the political, social and economic areas of our existence… When and where the situation requires it, Methodist are obliged before God to affirm and strive for the ideals of human dignity, justice and equity." Section 1.18 miscellaneous conference resolutions)

 

The MCSA is clear in that:

 

1.       We encourage all our members to participate socio-politically and exercise their right of choice to determine their governing structures.

 

2.       However, the church cannot be seen to be partisan in practice or otherwise

 

3.       We embrace all and advocate tolerance.

 

 We urge church leaders to desist from promoting one party against the other as this compromises our ministry and witness. The church has an obligation to act as a mediator in the light of God's word and that independence should not be compromised especially not now with elections looming.

 

 

Rev. David Barbour
033 3431708
barbour@absamail.co.za

Quiet Day

"Heather Johnston will be leading a Quiet Day with the theme SPACES AND SHAPES at St  Mathews Church, Hayfields.  The day will start at 8.45 a.m. and end at approximately 3.30 p.m.  Please bring your own lunch; coffee and tea will be provided.  Please also bring with you scissors and glue.  Cost – donation."

 

Jim & Heather

Rev. David Barbour
033 3431708
barbour@absamail.co.za

David's Notes

Greetings, 

Let us endeavour to make the most of every opportunity we have to learn, pray and share God's love.  I heard somebody in our congregation use the words: "Why not me Lord?".  In our exploration of personal call and the discovery of God's unique way of loving through us, are those not the most important words to hear? In amongst all our protestations as to why it ought to be somebody else, why is it not me that God is calling?  A ship can only get somewhere once it is moving, we will only reach our destination if we are brave enough to venture out of the harbour.   

Grace, 

Rev. David Barbour
033 3431708
barbour@absamail.co.za