22/03/2020
Dear family in Christ, family of St John Orlando
Greetings in the Name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Firstly, thank you all for warmly receiving and implementing the communication for us to suspend all church services and gatherings as per the Pastoral Letter from our Bishop Steve. This is not easy on any of us but simunye kuJesu ngoThando.
Secondly, below is an reiteration of the guidelines we are required to adhere to as the Diocese of Johannesburg.
1. All church services are suspended. This means, for our parish, the following:
- No 09h00 weekday services
- No Tuesday AMF&E Bible Study sessions
- No 10h00 AWF Wednesday services/Bible Study sessions
- No Jesus is Happening ministry fellowship/Bible study sessions
- No 10h00 MU Thursday services/prayer gatherings
- No Thursday AMF&E prayer meetings or spiritual talks
- No 07h00 Sunday services
- No 08h30 Sunday Morning Prayers
- No 09h00 Sunday services
- No group/zone/guild meetings
- No Altar Servers guild practise sessions
- No Parish Minister meetings or practise sessions
2. Communion to the Sick, Homebound and Hospitalised will be done on a need-to basis. This means, should any member need Communion or Last Rites, please contact your group/zone leader who will arrange through the Churchwardens for a visit by Father Neo. Only Father Neo is to conduct visits to the people and administer Communion (body of Christ only). The necessary safety precautions will be put in place.
3. Funerals, wedding and tombstone unveilings can take place following consultation with the priest and Churchwardens through your group/zone leader. The maximum number is 50. Police clearance is required and the onus lies with the family to arrange for this. For now, Easter time Baptisms are suspended until further notice.
4. Please pray or fellowship at home with only your families. The aim is to socially distance ourselves so as to minimise exposure and risk.
This means:
- No home-based services or church gatherings
- No home cells
- No group prayer meetings
5. All classes for Baptism and Confirmations are suspended until further notice.
6. Should you need counsel from Father Neo, please liaise telephonically with your group/zone leader who will then arrange with the Churchwardens accordingly.
7. The church building will be open for prayer by individuals (isolated) from 09h00 until 19h00 (Tuesdays until Sundays). Thanksgiving is welcome and will be appreciated during this time.
Let us be mindful of the Lenten journey centred around fasting, praying and giving. Let us remember our promise to serve Him to the end. Let us pray to our Redeemer to guide us ukuba na xa um'hlaba uphitizela a re kapese ka matla.
Contact details for Group/Zone leaders:
- No Name group: Xoli Mdlalose 073 740 2091
- Group 1000: Fakazile Mkhwanazi 011 935 1940
- Group 2000: Meisie Seima 011 935 3182
- Group 3000: Tiny Honey Phage 011 935 3320
- Group 5000: Nonhlanhla Nkosi 072 522 2922
- Group 6000: Liza Mtshali 071 255 3589
- Diepkloof Zone: Elizabeth Moerane 011 933 2758/ Virginia Mauwane 082 690 0893
Contact details for Churchwardens:
- Isaac Matsie 082 821 4991
- Miki Nkwane 084 597 4973
- Nonkululeko Dineka 060 865 7981
Banking details for those who would like to continue giving during this time are as follows:
Name of bank: Standard Bank of South Africa Limited
Name of account: Anglican Parish of St John
Type of Account: Current account
Account number: 000 477 443
Branch: Braamfontein
Branch code: 00 48 05
Father Neo is encouraging all members of the parish to unite in prayer each day at 09h00 and 18h00 from our different homes. Please light a candle as we collectively ask God to be with us during this time and spiritually partake in Holy Communion from wherever we may be.
Let us remember the words of St Paul in the Book of Romans during this time: ...neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Amen.
Remain blessed.
Yours in His service
Father Neo and the Churchwardends
St John, Orlando East
