8 O'clock april 2016

The Eight O’Clock

News April 2016

But Jesus...

On Easter Saturday, I was one of the helpers at the church water table for the Two Oceans Marathon. We handed out water and energy drinks and encouraged the runners as they passed us at the 49 km mark for the Ultra Marathon and at two thirds into the Half Marathon.

We shouted words of encouragement, clapped and I even gave a few massages to cramping hamstrings.

What an array of different people all striving to reach their goal of completing the race either in a winning time or before the cut off time. All shapes and sizes, so many levels of fitness, local entrants and those from far afield. All wore a number on their chests with their name below it. As I handed out refreshments I shouted out the names (I was quite hoarse the next day), ‘Go Sarah, looking good’; ‘Come on Tim, you can do it’; ‘Sipho, it’s only downhill now!’, ‘Fatima, you’re nearly there, only 7 kms to go’. It was noticeable what a difference calling out the names made—shuffling muscle-cramped people smiled and started to run again, they called out, ‘thank you’ and smiled at the encouragement. Hearing their names called out appeared to make a difference—someone they didn’t even know was encouraging them.

It made me think of this great race of life that would be rendered so meaningless if God was not on our side. ‘Don’t be afraid’ (God said) ‘for I have ransomed you; I have called you by name; you are Mine.’ [Isaiah 43.1.]

We may feel isolated at times, that life is a struggle, that world events are overwhelming us—but nothing can separate us from God’s loving presence because He has called us by name and we are His. In Jesus Today by Sarah Young, she describes Jesus as reaching down into the circumstances of our lives and speaking into the intricacies of our hearts and minds.

Just as the marathon runners were not just numbers, God always speaks to us by name. In Isaiah 49:16, we read, ‘See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands’. This means that God cannot forget us as that written on His hands is ever before Him in His sight.

World events are unsettling and we may allow these stressors to cloud our thoughts. However, we are April 2016 Eight O’Clock News

8 am Service, Christ Church, Kenilworth

encouraged again (in Jesus Today) to tell ourselves the truth, ‘Yes, this world is full of trouble, but Jesus is with me and He is in control’. This BUT JESUS FACTOR makes all the difference in our lives.

Change the subject from problems to His Presence many times daily by whispering, ‘But Jesus…’

So in the midst of chaos, when He calls us by name, are we ready to answer His call whether it be an answer to prayer leading us in a particular direction or a call to Move Forward Together and heed a call to mission in our daily lives in the places where we live, work, shop or visit?

In a few words from None but Jesus by Hillsong, we are reminded that His restoring love for us compels us to answer His call and to do His will: In the quiet, in the stillness I know that You are God In the secret of Your presence I know there I am restored When You call I won't refuse Each new day, again I'll choose There is no one else for me None but Jesus.

- Cheryl Anderson [A photograph of Cheryl appears on page 6]

One day I’ll grow into my ears and I’ll be just like my Mom

2

An Illustrious Forbear Amongst her other notable 19th Century ancestors, Christine Milligan of our congregation is a great, great, grand-daughter of the Reverend Philip Eduard Faure, one of the significant figures in the life and development in that century of the Dutch Reformed Church in the Cape Colony.

The youngest brother of the better known Ds Abraham Faure, minister of the Groote Kerk in Cape Town, the Reverend Philip Faure became the founding pastor of the Dutch Reformed congregation on Carr Hill, Wynberg. This was about the same time as the first English school in Wynberg was starting— in 1841. An exceptionally gifted man, Philip Faure was also extremely energetic. He established two theological seminaries, set up mission schools and established his own Wynberg church, gaining a very large congregation. In addition to this, he became the champion for over 40 years of the small Englishmedium boys’ school in the suburb. Faure watched

over its affairs, assisting in ensuring its continuation when this seemed threatened and acting as Chairman of its First Board of Managers.

Philip Eduard Faure, after whom the area known as Philippi is named, served church and school in Wynberg, and much else beyond its borders. He died on 7th December 1882, 48 years to the day after his induction. His name is central to the 19th Century history of Wynberg Boys' High and Junior Schools, which celebrate their 175th anniversary this year.

On 16 March this year Christine attended the launch of the new history* of the school, 'Brothers in an endless chain' 1841 - 2016, where she heard of her forbear's great achievements. It is hoped that in the near future, some part of the school, whether building, room or amenity will be named for Philip Eduard Faure.

- Neil Veitch (*author—more next month)

Footnote from Christine: The family story is that this venerable gentleman used to have a bag to keep his beard clean when he went to town on an ox wagon!

[Photograph of Christine on page 3}

A Good Reason to join the 8 am Choir ?

Seniors’ Tea and Movie: Genevieve With Kay Kendall and Kenneth More 18th April at 2 pm in the church RSVP by 13th April (list at Welcome desk)

Phrases Steeped in History * In George Washington's days, there were no cameras. One's image was either sculpted or painted.

Some paintings of George Washington showed him standing behind a desk with one arm behind his back while others showed both legs and both arms.

Prices charged by painters were not based on how many people were to be painted, but by how many limbs were to be painted. Arms and legs are 'limbs,' therefore painting them would cost the buyer more.

Hence the expression, 'Okay, but it'll cost you an arm and a leg.' (Artists know hands and arms are more difficult to paint.)

* As incredible as it sounds, men and women took baths only twice a year (May and October). Women kept their hair covered, while men shaved their heads (because of lice and bugs) and wore wigs.

Wealthy men could afford good wigs made from wool. They couldn't wash the wigs, so to clean them they would carve out a loaf of bread, put the wig in the shell, and bake it for 30 minutes. The heat would make the wig big and fluffy, hence the term 'big wig'.

Today we often use the term 'here comes the Big Wig' because someone appears to be or is powerful and wealthy.

* Ladies wore corsets, which would lace up in the April 2016 Eight O’Clock News

front. A proper and dignified woman, as in 'straight laced' wore a tightly tied lace.

- Sent in by Denise Wibberley

3

From Battle to Blessing Set in its historical and political context, this is the gripping account of one man’s journey from a life of gangsterism, crime and years spent behind bars to his discovery of a new identity, rooted in faith.

The great thing about this book, however, is that it deals with John’s whole life story— not just the ‘Glory Story.’ Through John’s story, Janet confirms what we believe and know about many people behind bars, namely: * There is a link between background and behaviour. * There is a link between brokenness and evil. * There is a link between being hurt and hurting (often innocent) others. * Most people behind bars come from dysfunctional families. * The impact of socio-economic challenges on communities and people.

The book highlights for us the challenges of growing up on the Cape Flats in a dysfunctional family.

Furthermore, it gives an insight into harsh life in prisons in South Africa, dominated by the Number.

Finally, this book describes the huge challenges faced by ex-inmates trying to reintegrate into society and reconcile with their families. It shows that community involvement and support is of utmost importance when someone is released.

- Rev Jenny Clayton, Executive Director, Hope Prison Ministry

Janet also tells the story of the ‘forgotten victims’, John’s wife, Glenda, and family. What unfolds is a remarkable love story which documents Glenda’s journey from feelings of betrayal, shame and abandonment to reconciliation and wholeness.

A word from the author...

John (Palm) and I are very excited that it's finally happening and look forward to seeing you there.

For planning and catering purposes, if you are able to attend the launch, it would be much appreciated if you April 2016 Eight O’Clock News

could let us know a.s.a.p. @ Janet Mills janet@clarkes.co.za or at Tel: 021 794 3588 or 083 677 3586.

The above photograph appears in the book and was taken at the 21st birthday of John and Glenda Palm's daughter, Kaylynn. My husband Paul and I went with Christine Milligan (L) and the late Gabrielle Nye (R).

Christine and Gabrielle prayed for our ministry and were very supportive of John both emotionally and financially.

Gabrielle largely financed Kaylynn's Diploma in Journalism at CPUT. Kaylynn is the only one of her generation in her family who has received tertiary education.

- Janet Mills

4

Rob’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Party...

What a transformation of CCK on the balmy evening of

Rob (the Man) Taylor & Charlotte Brown

Rob’s Birthday Bash! On arrival there were groups sitting outside waiting for the party to begin. The church was cleared except for tables and chairs set at the back, the band was readying itself ‘on the stage’ and small, very rosy-faced little people were having immense fun racing in and out of the church being chased by older ones, one of whom actually ran up the church wall!

A demonstrator did her best to instruct participants as

Peter Barrett & Alison Bourne

to the correct Rock and Roll steps but some didn’t have partners. Others were a bit rusty and found they had more than the required left foot, never mind the right, so decided to wait until they felt that they could let themselves go and just dance!!

Much energy was expended and the lemon-laced cold water on the tables was most welcome. A delicious biryani was served after which everyone was able to get to know Rob and Sue better through the entertaining and humorous dialogue between their two sons, Paul and Mick, and glimpse into their family life.

Rob commented that he didn’t know how some could resist the call of the music and is hoping for Rock and Roll rather than such music as Pack up your troubles in your old kit bag if he should ever spend time in an old age home. Hear! Hear!

- Sue Lambrecht

Confessions at Calvary,

reached the crowd that the tomb was empty.

In the finale Jesus appears behind them in a brilliant This is a locally written musical, performed by the white robe. He commissions them Emmanuel Players during Holy Week and it was to go and preach the gospel and amazing. make disciples of all nations—and This hugely talented group, aged 17 to 87, started off with a praise song. Then we were in front of Pilate with He would be with them always. the prisoner, Jesus, brought in. After the judgement, It was altogether a very impressive Jesus was led away, and Barabbas was suddenly performance with an inescapable subdued. message. A reminder of Jesus’ life The crowd were still muttering, ‘trouble maker’ when here on earth and what He was Lazarus began to tell his story in word and song. This prepared to do for us was followed by others who told in song what they had - Jenni McMaster experienced of the love, forgiveness and healing power of Jesus.

Then Jesus appeared on His way to Calvary. The crucifixion was. graphically portrayed. The crowd became grief stricken. The centurion spoke and sang of his conviction that here was the Son of God. Jesus was taken away to Joseph’s tomb. Soon news

Unless there is a Good Friday in your life there can be no Easter Sunday

April 2016 Eight O’Clock News

- Fulton J Sheen

5

How To Find Wally’s Cave [In a recent issue we printed this photograph.

John Rogers queried the location of the cave. It is on Lion’s Head. If you wish to find it, click on http://www.lifeofmike.co.za/wheres-wally-how-tofind-wallys-cave-lions-head/. The following article is the result of that query.]

‘Wally Struthers was born on the 1st June 1909 in Hackney,

England. After immigrating to South Africa and settling in Cape Town he joined the 1st Observatory Scout Troop in June 1925. It's hard to believe, but at that time there were five Scout Troops in Observatory. Wally was a keen Scout and earned many Interest Badges like Cyclist, Cooks, Swimmer and some whose names that today might sound odd like Public Healthyman and Ambulance. He also progressed 'through the ranks' becoming a Patrol Leader and went on to earn the highest advancement badge by becoming a King Scout in 1928. These skills were put to good use when he was included in the team that participated in the 1927 &1928 Gordon's Shield competitions.

The next step’… [If you wish to read the rest of the article , log on to the internet—connection given below]

‘...Wally was a hard working participant in Table Mountain (TM) hut work meets, and Circular folds at the clubhouse. As he aged, his set his mountain climbing sights lower, but continued actively, so going from regular trips up TM, to regular trips up Lion’s Head, to regular trips around Kirstenbosch. Part of his legacy to mountaineering is that he built up water pools and sheltered caves on the mountain in various places, which are named after him, as is one of the paths on Lion’s Head. Wally featured in Newspaper articles showing how good exercise is for you. We all think fondly of good old Wally.’

- Compiled by the Scout Heritage Team & Mike Scott of the MCSA 2013

Article found on http://www.scouting.org.za/capewest/heritage/ Legendary%20Leaders/Wally_Struthers.pdf

8 am Breakfast (L) Joy

Smith, Georgina Suttle with Beulah & Hecliffe Arendse

(R) Janet Mackay, Alison Bourne, Thobeka Mda, Joan Evans, Marechelle Emandien and Tenille Emandien

April 2016 Eight O’Clock News

6

Ca Wood 22/11/1933 — 15/3/2016

Christabel Charlotte Wood (‘Ca’)

died peacefully on 15th March, 2016 after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.

My friend, Ca, was the youngest of four girls and was very attached to her three older sisters. She was always committed to her family and friends and loved her ten grandchildren and her four sons and their wives very dearly.

I first met Ca at Micklefield school when we were about 5 years old; but it was during our UCT days that we really became good friends.

I was privileged to join Ca at SCA functions, houseparties at Betty's Bay and going to what was then South West Africa with her and her parents in a very old De Soto and visiting Etosha Pan Game Reserve.

I also enjoyed two lovely holidays in the Drakensberg with Ca, her sisters and other friends.

The friendships made in our University days are treasured and have lasted, largely due to Ca faithfully keeping in touch and arranging gettogethers when friends visited Cape Town.

Ca loved the mountains and we climbed regularly with a group on Monday mornings. One day, when I was at work, she took Anton, my handicapped son up the mountain and during a tea break, she told me that Anton announced, ’I need an outing’. She replied, ‘You are having one right now!’

Ca was a good storyteller and in her latter years, she particularly enjoyed looking at photograph albums.

She was also a good listener and one thing I particularly valued was that she did not always comment. It was what she did not say that I appreciated!

Ca was probably the most gracious person I know.

Always hospitable, full of faith, always welcoming and wanting to help. Once when she asked me how

Anton had been and I told her about a particularly stressful time, she said, ‘I wish I could help you.’

That was when she was extremely ill and I appreciated that even then she could think like that.

Together with Stewart she cared for many people and they had several friends to stay after operations and several teenage son of friends stayed at Syfret Road long term.

One day, a woman whom they knew from their Pinelands days and was intellectually disabled telephoned Ca and Stewart and said, ‘Hello, this is so and so, we haven't seen you for a long time and by the way, we are free on Sunday.’ So Stewart fetched them and Anton and I enjoyed a lovely lunch with them and everyone was so happy.

Ca was a founder member of the TLC (To Love and Care) Group at Christ Church who took meals or flowers to families who were bereaved or ill.

Stewart was involved in the Prayer for Healing group from the start round about the time that Ca was diagnosed and she supported him; but she was always conscious of those who did not experience physical healing. I comforted myself when she did not get healed that the Lord gave her sustaining grace to bear her infirmity.

I end with a quote from Minnie Louise Haskins which Ca wrote out in a Christmas card to me: I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, ‘Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown’ and he replied, ‘Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God. That shall be better than light and safer than a known way.’

So I went forth and finding the hand of God trod gladly into the night.

Ca did just that—faithfully and honestly and we were so blessed by her example, friendship and love.

Go well dear Christabel.

– Christine Milligan

The Breakfast Team

April 2016 Eight O’Clock News

Pam Maytham, Cheryl Anderson, Barbara Fish, Phil Rogers, Alison Weston, Wendy Willcox, Sandra Pryce and Kate Peacock-Steyn

7

(R) Lyn Theunissen and Debbie Cheney

8 am Breakfast in March (Above) Belle and Johnny Divaris being served by members of the Breakfast Team

(Above) Jenny Marquard, Barbara Fish, Peter & Jen Taylor and Anthea Webb.

(Below) (Not at the breakfast) A Carrot taking a bath !

(Above) Rob Taylor, Rose Clack, Dareth Wood, Pat Holmes and Lilla West

April 2016 Eight O’Clock News

Rodney & Barbara Stocks (R) with friends David and Alice Stratton visiting from St Mary's Kingston, Deverill Wiltshire

8

Joseph and his Amazing White Bakkie Joseph Mpakanyane, flanked by David and Yve Leslie, with his brand-new bakkie, courtesy of the saints at CCK shortly before leaving for Lesotho.

Joseph wanted wheels—God has given him wings!!

Also Spotted at CCK Garth & Trish Richards (R) with daughter, Tarryn Gildenhuys and Kobus Auckamp

The Gift of Be-ing For my Lenten study I used Joyce

Rupp’s book: The Cup of our Life, much used and somewhat wellworn—like it’s owner! (There is a copy in the Resource Centre) One of the day’s readings was about the Gift of Be-ing and I quote: ‘We in the Western world have been conditioned to think that it is only by our doing that we make a difference.

We have to have something to show for our good intentions. While action is a vital part of Christian love, it has little effect unless there is a quality of being with it.

Sometimes the being part of our care is what the other really needs.

We may feel better if we do something like make a meal, or buy a gift, but maybe what they really long for is someone to simply sit and listen to their concerns.

When Jesus was in His excruciating moment in the Garden of Gethsemane He needed His disciples to be with Him while He prayed. He longed for the comfort of their presence and was pained by their inability to provide this for Him. Jesus didn’t need Peter to slice off an ear of His enemy. He just needed Peter and the others to be there with Him as He faced His enemies (Lk 22:39-46).

A question that we often need to ask ourselves is: Can I trust April 2016 Eight O’Clock News

myself, that I am enough, that I do not always have to be doing something in order to share my compassion?’ (end of quote.)

Yes, we do need to ask ourselves this question, and sometimes we shy away from doing so because we feel we need to be active for God, but a time may come when we no longer can be doing, what then? Will we feel useless, empty, a failure?

However, if we have built in sufficient being times these other feelings will fall away and we can spend time being with Jesus— listening and enjoying Him. Joshua Heschel wrote: ‘Just to be is a blessing, just to live is holy.’

As we begin the journey to Pentecost may each one of us feel a sense of expectancy that we might be touched anew by the Holy Spirit that changes our lives in unexpected and exciting ways.

God of power May the boldness of Your Spirit transform us, May the gentleness of Your Spirit lead us, May the gifts of Your Spirit Be our goal and our strength Now and always. (from a New Zealand prayer book)

- Wendy Gunn

Editorial Team Tel. e-mail Ev Els

021 696 0336 emichael@iafrica.com

Cheryl Anderson

083 272 1530 canderson@beckman.com