SynergyA daily report on Synod 2015Diocese of Port Elizabeth No 3 Saturday 23 May 2015

Taking the light into the darknessAs we move into the last day of Synod we go out into the darkness of the world around and we take the wise words shared with us by Bishop Brian Marajh and hopefully all of us will take the Light of Jesus to wherever we live and work.

One of the highlights of this Synod was the lay representative for the Karoo Parish, Nombulelo Hermans, who has been Mayor of Umsobomvu Municipality since 2006. She is also the Deputy chair of the South African Local Government Association (SALGA).Nombulelo is a humble lady but can give the orders, and expects to be obeyed, when she does so! She is also a very compassionate

A light at SynodNombulelo Hermans flanked by the Revd Elliot Masoka priest-in-charge of Great Karoo Parish, Colesberg, and Lindiwe Maliti.

woman, which came through when discussing the Motion on the ‘Hearings for Healing’ with the proposer, Frankie Simpson. One of her great joys is to hear that a former pupil of her’s has done well in life, such as hearing that one has become a doctor - she was a Farm School teacher. Of her first time of attending Synod she says she has grown spiritually as she has had the

chance to interact and fellowship with other lay ministers and clergy. She has enjoyed the Bible Studies where people have shared their goals and says we need to work together because we have lots to give to each other and to society. We need to share the good things that are happening to counteract the bad stories published in the press.

Passed, at last!“Creating space for every expression and style of worship within our diverse family” Having begun debating the Motion on Thursday afternoon it was finally passed on Friday. This was after the proposer, Canon David Stansbury, pointed out that the Motion was not calling for a debate on the merits, or not, of various styles of dress and expression of worship but, for the reconstitution of the Diocesan Liturgical Committee.

MeasuresThe second reading of the Measures took place and the final reading and voting will take place on Saturday.

Sanctity of MarriageDebate on this Motion proposed by the Revd Sipambo Ludidi got under way but after a few members spoke to it a decision was taken to divide it into two separate Motions to be brought to Synod on Saturday. One on marriage and the other on condoms in schools.

Voting for the various committees etcDuring Synod today members voted for who will be our representatives to Provincial Synod and Provincial Standing Committee, who will be members of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (in case of the need for a new Bishop to be chosen), and who will serve on the various Boards/Committees, such as Trusts Board, Diocesan

Benevolent Fund, Finance Committee etc.The results will be announced during business on Saturday.Synergy notes that we still vote for four lay and clergy representatives to Provincial Synod although only three go! The representatives are sent in order of the number of votes they receive.

Synergy 2015 page 2

Minion Mind-boggles

editor: Frankie Simpson design and layout - frankie

• OK Minion, so it wasn’t you who turned Bishop Moreo into an Oreo biscuit yesterday! The ed owns up to a totally snow blond moment ...

she’s one who got licked!

• Minion d o e s n ’ t think the C h a n c e l l o r , A d v o c a t e Daryl Newton,

became half the man he was (size-wise, that is!) at the last Synod by doing it Minion way.We hear Banting is the answer!The editor prefers the Top Deck diet - white chocolate and dark chocolate means it’s a balanced food. .. mind you, it shows!

• Minion hears that Eskom is known as ‘the Prince of Darkness’ because he plunges Synod into darkness every day which causes changes in plans. Representatives with hearing problems are sometimes finding it hard to catch what is going on.

Only taking “one”!

“The Provost said we can each ‘only take one’ so I am only taking one!” The Rector of St Katharine’s in Uitenhage, Robin Behrens was caught in the act at tea yesterday. Minion thinks he looks just like a little boy who knows he’s in trouble.

Hearings for Healing - enabling peace and developmentThis Motion brought by Frankie Simpson and seconded by Archdeacon Zweli Tom was passed without debate. It calls for parishes to seek members who are or can be trained as facilitators and councillors when the initiative begins soon. Hearings, like those that took place at the TRC, will begin soon so that people can find peace as they ‘tell their story’ and are heard. Groups such as Lawyers for Human Rights have already indicated their willingness to come on board in cases where their legal aid is needed. “Development can only come when people have peace and they need to get rid of their hurts, anger and frustration to be able to have peace.”

The ‘hard at work’ backroom women Synod secretaries the Revd Claire Phelps and Jenny Watson sitting with Busi Gwentshu of the diocesan staff and behind them Miriam Stiemens, Adelé Erasmus and Debbie Vencencie.

Coffee!

Synod ‘Selfies’ sent in

Time to say “Good bye” as this Synod closes and the editor goes home for a well deserved rest. Minion will find himself ‘out of fashion’ by next Synod so no promises as to who will take his place.