Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa Verenigende Gereformeerde Kerk in Suider Afrika
Northern Synod / Noordelike Sinode 33, Silverton, 0127
(082) 965 7269 [email protected] / [email protected] Fax: (086) 530
6006; Tel: 012 820 1015/6/7
July/August 2017
Fifth Issue of 2017 - Newsletter Series
Dear friends, brothers and sisters,
Greetings!!!Allow me to share with
you from the heart thought relating to
Trinity - The Greatness of Three in
One "Then God said, 'Let us make
mankind in our image, in our
likeness, so that they may rule over
the fish in the sea and the birds in the
sky, over the livestock and all the
wild animals, and over all the
creatures that move along the
ground.'" - Genesis 1:26
The Trinity is an often misunderstood
word. It is a theological term to
describe God as three persons in one.
The actual word, Trinity, is never
mentioned in the Bible, but the
concept is definitely found in the Old
and the New Testaments.
In the very first chapter of the Bible,
God says, “Let Us make man in Our
image.” Who do you think “Us” and
“Our” is? There is no indication of
God being married, so it’s not His
wife. And Angels don’t “create,”
they are a creation of God. There is
only one logical answer. It’s God the
Father, God the Son, and God the
Holy Spirit. Look in Matthew 28:19-
20, where Jesus gave His disciples
the Great Commission stating they
were to teach and baptize in the
names of the Godhead, "Go ye
therefore, and teach all nations,
baptizing them in the name of the
Father, and of the Son, and of the
Holy Ghost: Teaching them to
observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with
you always, even unto the end of the
world."
When Jesus, the Son, was baptized,
God’s Word tells us that God, the
Father, spoke from Heaven and said,
“This is my son. I’m proud of Him.”
(My paraphrase.) Then, God (the
Holy Spirit) descended upon Him in
the form of a dove. All three were
there; all three are one God. It’s a
mystery our finite human minds have
a hard time grasping. But the Trinity,
God as three in one, fills us with
wonder at the unexplainable
greatness of God.
Prayerfully yours, Tp
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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News from the Church Officers
The Moderamen informs
congregations and congratulates the
Moderator, Dr Rev Raletsatsi Moraka
on his reappointment as the DVC
(Deputy Vice Chancellor) for Student
Affairs at the Tshwane University of
Technology. He is wished well in the
task ahead of taking peoples
university forward.
Notable dates
Date Event
21 July 2017 Executive Committee
mtg
22 -23 July
2017
Ministers and spouses
empowerment retreat at
Royal Elephant Hotel,
15-16
September
2017
Synodical Commission
2017
11 – 14
October 2017
General Synodical
Commission to be held
at Kathu, Phororo
regional synod.
ANNUAL CONVENTION 2017
On the 7th
May 2017 we had
Northern Synod URCSA Convention
at Saulspoort Presbytery, Moruleng
Stadium.
Congregations are humbly reminded
of the R10’000.00 contributions per
year for five year cycle fundraising
drive to rebuild our Church office.
Congregations are at liberty to make
monthly stop order payments of
R1000.00 into the Synod fundraising
account for a period of five years.
This is with the hope of easing
financial pressure of paying lump
sum at once.
All members of the Believers
Community as legal entities are also
welcomed to donate their financial
contributions or in kind. Any
monetary contributions can be
deposited into the following account:
Account name: URCSA Northern
Synod
Account No: 9296427518
Account Type: Depositor Plus
Savings
Reference: Name of
congregation/Depositor
Bank Name: ABSA
DIBUKENG BOOKSHOP
It is with regret that Dibukeng
Bookshop has to announce the
closure of Dibukeng Brits. Since
2009 this branch has not been able to
stand on its own and had to be
supported by the Pretoria branches.
As you are aware we moved to a
smaller, more affordable premises,
but even saving 50% on the monthly
rent could not save this shop from
becoming yet another Christian
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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Bookshop to close down. On the
recommendation of the auditors and
after consultation with the relevant
church office commission, we have
no other option but to close the
branch. The economy of area is not
favourable and since books are
considered to be luxury items people
simply cannot support us any longer.
The profit on Bibles and all church
goods is limited and one cannot keep
a store running on continuous losses.
Dibukeng Hooftak has a postal
service to all areas and you are
welcome to phone, fax or email your
orders to us at (012) 326 8737/8 or
(012) 323 0841, fax to (012) 323
5825 or [email protected]
Be assured that our other three
branches will continue to serve
URCSA and the body of Christ as
best as possible.
Kind regards
Suzanne van Rensburg
General Manager Dibukeng
MINISTERIAL FORMATION
TEAM (CMPW)
Dear Elders, Kindly receive the
information of the Ministerial
Formation Task Team of the
Northern and Southern Synods;
NEWS FROM NTS
Contact sessions
The final contact session for NTS
students will take place from 24-27
August 2017. It will be held in
Johannesburg for the first time, at the
17 Shaft conference centre in Crown
Mines.
On Sunday 27 August there will be
a licensing ceremony in the
morning service of the Botshabelo
congregation in Diepkloof, Soweto.
This is also the first time that an NTS
licensing ceremony will be held in a
congregation of the Southern Synod.
Since the two regional Synods are
equal partners in the ministerial
formation programme of NTS, the
MFTT decided that licensing
ceremonies should alternate between
the Synods, where possible.
New applicants for ministry studies
in 2018
Applications for admission to the
2018 ministerial formation
programme of the URCSA close on
31 August 2017.
Members of the church who believe
that God is calling them to the
ordained ministry are encouraged to
apply to the MFTT (Ministerial
Formation Task Team) on the
prescribed application form, which
can be requested from the NTS office
in Sunnyside
([email protected] or 012
343 4114). It is possible to study on a
part-time or full-time basis. More
information on the study programme
can also be obtained from the NTS
office.
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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NTS principal post
The NTS advertised the post of a
principal but did not make an
appointment. It has therefore decided
to re-advertise the post (see below).
The deadline for applications is
Friday 28 July 2017.
Invitation to Apply
Principal of URCSA Northern
Theological Seminary
General
The Management Committee of the
URCSA Northern Theological
Seminary invites applications from
URCSA ministers for the post of
NTS principal.
Duties
Managing the ministerial formation
programme of the Southern and
Northern Synods of the URCSA,
with the following dimensions:
Arranging contact sessions,
developing in-house courses,
training mentors, and recruiting
new students;
Raising funds for the ministerial
formation programme, in
collaboration with the MFTT and
the SMFAs of the two Synods;
Liaising closely with all NTS
students (full-time and part-time)
and with the URCSA ministers
serving as their mentors;
Building strong partnerships with
URCSA congregations where
students do practical work;
Administering the reports and
documentation of all NTS
students, in collaboration with
the NTS administrator;
Reporting monthly to the
Seminary Management
Committee.
Scope of work
This post requires the incumbent
to be present at the NTS
seminary in Pretoria on weekdays
from 8 am to 4 pm and on
weekends, when required;
The appointment will be for an
initial term of 3 years, with a 6
months’ probation period;
The initial term can be extended
by the NTS management,
depending on the performance of
the appointee and available
finances.
Requirements (“must have”)
An ordained URCSA minister in
good standing, with at least five
years ministry experience in (a)
congregation(s);
A creative theological thinker
who is intellectually active and
who can give content to the NTS
motto: “African Reformed
praxis”;
Knowledge of the URCSA’s
governance structures and its
ministerial formation
programme;
A team player with intercultural
competence, who can help to
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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develop a clear vision for NTS
and build solid partnerships with
stakeholders;
A mature spirituality and wise
leadership skills;
A strong work ethic, with proven
managerial and ICT skills;
Good communication and report
writing skills.
Recommendations (“good to have”
– added advantage)
Personal experience of NTS;
A proven track record in
theological research and
education;
Experience in financial
management or project
management;
Experience of ministry with
young people and students.
Salary
A package of R240,000 pa
(inclusive).
Closing date for applications
Friday 28 July 2017
Content of application
An applicant should submit the
following:
An up to date curriculum vitae
Certified copies of academic
qualifications
A testimonial by the church
council of the URCSA
congregation in which he/she
is serving, to confirm his/her
good standing
The names and contact details
of three references
Enquiries
For the full job description and other
details required in the application,
please contact Ms. MP Morobi
([email protected]), 012
343 4114 or 079 838 2657
Note
The NTS reserves the right not to
make an appointment.
An applicant who has not heard
from NTS within 30 days of the
closing date should know that
her/his application was
unsuccessful.
Choirs 2017
Mr Segone - secretary of the
Synodical choir committee, reminds
and shares this data:
1. Be informed that Sub region 3
will be hosting the Synod music
competitions of the Northern
synod which will be held on
26/08/2017, From the Northern
Synod Music Commission
Secretary General, AM Segone.
CORE MINISTRY FOR
SERVICE AND WITNESS
(CMSW)
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR
HIV/AIDS PROJECTS
The Core Ministry for Service and
Witness of the General Synod,
hereby invites Presbyteries,
Congregations or any other Ministry
or Organization within URCSA, who
has an active HIV/Aids project and is
in need of funding, to apply to the
Ministry for assistance. In the past
we have been blessed with funding
from the United Protestant Church in
Belgium for HIV/Aids projects
within URCSA, and as ministry has
recently entered into a new
agreement with their Commission
Kerk en Wêreld to continue with
such funding. Part of the agreement
reached is that:
The money must be distributed
equitably to at least 10 partners
within URCSA and must
include all regions, on
provision that there is an
HIV/Aids project.
That the aim of such projects
must be to support
emotionally, spiritually and
materially, communities or
individual persons suffering
from HIV/Aids, through
visitation, care giving, pastoral
counselling or any other
means.
Interested parties can apply by
submitting a short essay or overview
of their project by the end of July
(e.g. what the project is about; the
means of current funding; etc.), to the
Scribe of the CMSW, Rev. MP
Manasse at e-mail:
OFFICE OF BELIEVERS
MATTERS / OFFICIAL
NOTICES
CONGREGATIONS/
PRESBYTERIES
The Church Office wishes all
Congregations and Presbyteries well
in their planned prayer meetings and
planned projects in this year’s church
calendar year.
In terms of Stipulation 39.1.2, the
following Presbyteries announce its
annual meeting dates:
No Presbytery Scheduled meeting Dates
1 Bethesda 30 June – 02 July 2017 @ Soekmekaar Congregation
2. Garankuwa 13 -16 July 2017 @ URCSA Akasia
3. Bethesda 30 June -2 July 2017 @ Soekmekaar
4. Hammanskraal 06-09 July 2017.
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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POSTS ADVERTISEMENTS:
1. Nil noted
*****
MINISTERS:
CALLS RECEIVED:
1. The Presbytery of Barberton
notifies the Synod that Nelspruit
congregation has called Rev. Sello
Johannes Motsiri-Kharoli who
was at Bloemhof congregation
and has accepted the call.
2. The Presbytery of Garankuwa
notifies the Synod that Rev KLA
Kgafela of URCSA-Emmanuel
congregation received and
accepted a call to serve
Polokwane congregation.
3. The Presbytery of Bethesda
notifies the Synod that
Soekmekaar congregation has
called Rev ST Motsoare and
awaits his response.
Prayers are requested to guide our
brothers and sisters to grow in their
ministry.
CALLS ACCEPTED
1. Rev. Sello Johannes Motsiri-
Kharoli from Bloemhof
congregation accepted a call to
serve Nelspruit congregation. His
induction will be on 05 August
2017.
2. Rev KLA Kgafela accepted a call
to serve Polokwane congregation
and was inducted on 10 June
2017.
DEMISSION LETTERS
1. The Presbytery of Hammanskraal
notifies the Synod that Rev
Sehoole of Makapanstad is to
receive her Demission Letter on
the 01 July 2017 and will
present her last sermon at
Tladistad on the 02 July 2017
PRESBYTERY MEMBERSHIP
NOTIFICATION (Stip 23.5.8)
3. Rev MP Matsepe – 03 June 2017
is declared a member of
Mamelodi Presbytery
4. Rev KLA Kgafela – 10 June 2017
is declared a member of
Polokwane Presbytery
5. Rev MR Magobya – 24 June
2017 is declared a member of
Letaba Presbytery
6.
IN MEMORIAM
The following beloved members
passed on:
1. The late Emeritus Ds Dr
Hendrik Jacobus Mőller,
affectionately known as Oom
Hennie – retired CEA URCSA
Northern Synod
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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Our thoughts are with Danie Mőller
and his family with the passing on
their father, Dr Hennie Möller. He
passed on Thursday night, 15 June
2017 after sudden health
deterioration.
He was born on 4 October 1935 and
has profound trampling tracks in the
Ministry. He trained as a missionary
at Wellington Training College. He
was legitimized as a minister in 1958.
Ordained at Beaconsfield in 1959,
where he later served the following
congregations: 1964 Dobsonville,
1971 Mamelodi, 1981 Sekr vir
Rentmeesterskap, Orienteering en
Leierskap He was Moderator of the
NGKA Northern Transvaal (now
URCSA Northern Synod) – 1976 and
1980 and before his retirement he
was the Chief Executive
Administrator (1985 - 2001) and
responsible for Stewardship-training
in the Synod.
He spent the last 15 years at
Helderberg congregation, Western
Cape and was involved with
missionary projects in Mozambique.
Fortunately, we know now, whether
we live or whether we die, we belong
to the Lord. The Lord has Oom
Hennie's tent fold and let him rest in
the place He had prepared for him.
To die is also part of God's grace and
care and he too was ready to go. RIP
Oom Hennie.
2. Elder Dingizulu Poulos Mnisi
of Dullstroom congregation
(05/08/1947 – 07/06/2017)
passed on after short illness.
He was a leader elder working
closely with Prof C Landman
at Dullstroom.
3. MmaMoruti V Mnisi of
Melodi Ya Tshwane
Passed on and was laid to rest on 09
June 2017
May the Souls of the departed Rest
in Peace inclusive to the
unannounced and noted members
of our believers’ community.
5 Dates To Note And Diarize:
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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1. Dates of note for the cutoff date of
contributions submissions to be
added in the Newsletter series in
the 2017 year.
No
Month Series
Closing Date
for
Contributions
1 Sept/October 23/08/2017
2 Nov/December 26/10/2017
2. CMM Prayer weekend
The 4th
Annual CMM Northern
synod Prayer Weekend will be
held from 08 – 10 September
2017 at Nelson Mandela Hall,
Hammanskraal. Mamelodi Sub-
Region is the host. Theme: 1
Samuel 3: 9-10: “Speak Lord, I
am listening”
3. CWM General Synod Congress
The Christian Women Ministries
Ready for its General Synod
Congress
Approximately 500 CWM members
across the seven Regions of the
Uniting Reformed Church in
Southern Africa (URCSA) will be
gathering for their 5th General Synod
Congress scheduled to take place on
13 – 16 July 2017, at the Birchwood
Hotel in Boksburg. The Congress’s
theme is, “by grace we shall witness
to the nation” (Act 1:8). The CWM
General Synod Executive Committee
has been hard at work to ensure that
the congress becomes a success and a
worthwhile experience for all the
delegates alike. The committee also
held its annual and last meeting prior
to the Congress, in February 2017 in
Gauteng. As the host region, the
Southern Synod is waiting in
anticipation to welcome the congress
in its beautiful but chilly home
ground – the City of Ekurhuleni in
Gauteng Province.
In outlining, the congress objectives,
the CWM General Synod President
Mme Dr Matlhodi Teu, stated that, in
order to fulfill the purpose of the
2017 General Synod CWM
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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Congress, the following objectives
have been identified by which the
delegates from all the seven regions
may be empowered to share the good
news within their families,
congregations and presbyteries;
among their fellow believers, and in
ever expanding circles in the world of
Christianity. The congress aims to:
Promote and implement a
lifestyle of prayer, praise and
worship that will impact our
church and community;
Build networks among women
in the URCSA CWM that
encourage bonds of friendship,
mutual support, and creative
exchange of ideas and
information;
Bring women's unique
perspectives on issues facing
the Church to decision making
bodies’; and
Provide opportunity for
spiritual growth, enrichment,
education, and creative
ministries’ activities to enable
women to develop a sense of
personal responsibility,
commitment and persistence to
the whole mission of CWM and
that of the Church of Jesus
Christ.
The official opening ceremony
focusing on the congress constitution
and rules, and the opening address by
President Teu will take place
between 14h00 and 18h00 on the 13th
July 2017. One of the key highlights
of the day, preceding the opening
ceremony, will be the donation of
1000 and more sanitary towels to
selected schools, through the
Gauteng Education Department
District situated around the
Birchwood hotel. This demonstrates
a caring gesture by the women in the
service of Christ and His church –
CWM members.
The next day, will focus on
congress’s business sessions in terms
of various reports presented by the
CWM General Synod President,
Secretary, Treasurer and the seven
regions. The day will be concluded
with a gala dinner to be attended by
the delegates and invited guests.
Delegates will be hard at work on
day three, through plenary and most
importantly commissions in
deliberating on key issues as
informed by the 2016 – 2024
URCSA strategic plan and other
related matters. Since this is an
elective congress, elections will be
held on this day in the evening. The
congress will be concluded with a
sermon and the induction of the
newly elected CWM General Synod
Executive Committee on Sunday the
16th July 2017.
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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Through the General Synod
Executive Committee, a
comprehensive congress advocacy
and communication strategy has been
developed. The strategy aims to:
Share the URCSA CWM
General Synod Congress key
messages and proceedings
through its three phases – Pre,
During and Post Congress.
Ensure that the CWM activities
are better known in and outside
the URCSA family.
Share information about the
CWM programs and projects.
Have positive effect on the
potential and prospective CWM
members.
Celebrate CWM’s
achievements and impact in the
URCSA family.
Let us continue to pray without
ceasing for the success of the
Congress.
Follow us on our Congress
Facebook Page:
URCSA CWM General Synod
Congress.
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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4. WORKSHOP 2017
SMJM
Ministers
&
Church
Council
members
Date: 1st – 2
nd September 2017
Venue: Mamelodi Dienssentrum
Cost: R500.00 per delegate Time: 17h00 on 1
st September 2017
Description:
This workshop is
aimed at church
council members
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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FROM THE CEA’s TRAIL…HA KENTSE KE TSAMAYA LE
DIPHUTHEHO……… SECRETARIAT TEAM
Remember that God is firmly in control and encourages us to bring our needs and the
needs of others to him. 03 June 2017
Rev MP Matsepe ordination and induction as Mamelodi
East congregation minister
Mamelodi East Sunday school choir rendering welcome
song for Rev MP Matsepe
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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24 June 2017
Rev Maruma of Botanang, Rev MR Magobya of Meetse A
Bophelo and Rev M Malatji of Namakgale are the Northern
Synod newly inducted female ministers
Rev M Malatji and Rev MRI Motloutsi welcome Rev MR
Magobya who joins the ministry of women ministers at Letaba
Presbytery.
Chief Executive Administrator/Saakgelastigde: Mr. Tebogo Phatudi
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01 July 2017 Bethesda Presbytery Commission invited the CEA to be a guest
at the Presbytery sitting from 30 June – 02 July 2017. The CEA
gave a talk on Stewardship and Financial Management in
accordance with Synodical Forms and URCSA Northern Synod
Church Order and Supplementary Stipulations for 2015.
The CEA is humbled by the enthusiasm shown by the Bethesda
Presbytery as the host for 2018. All Community of Believers
members are requested to market and publicize the event at all
levels and areas where they are at all times.
Bethesda Presbytery 2017 in session 1 July
2017
Bethesda Presbytery
Commission 2017/2018
2018 Convention Organizing Committee appointed at the Presbytery session meeting.
Regards Eld Tebogo Phatudi and Team @ Mamelodi
Dienssentrum – 01 July 2017
May the Almighty Lord bless you.
Yours in His service,