MASISUKUME SAKHE

Bishop Rubin in 2005 came up with the Nehemiah vision and launched the vision at the clergy synod in January 2006. This vision is used to give a focus to arise and build. “We as the Bishops give you permission to Arise & Build with your resources, your traditions and what is available to you” – this is the freedom given by our bishops to the parishes. 

The Arise and Build vision provides us with an opportunity to reflect on what we are doing and to try new ways of doing things which can help us more effectively carry out our mission as a church. 

The parish Arise and Build Group will meet during the period that the Arise & Build diocesan vision runs. From time to time it may make recommendations to the Parish Council which, after discussion, can be implemented. It will not replace any other groups or meetings. It is our hope that this group will help formulate some fresh stimulating ideas to help move us forward into a time of growth as we minister to the people of Pinetown. The Gospel message has not changed but it is time we found a new way of presenting it to the people.

The following are a few questions helping us in our thinking:

 ·        What de we believe God is calling us to be / do here and now?

·        How do we become a church of integrity?

·        What spirituality (including prayer and worship) would we like to develop to sustain our mission?

·        What theological resources, ‘personnel’ and church plant facilities do we have to fulfil our mission?

·        What have 150 years of ministry and mission in this place taught us?

·        What are the mission challenges within our congregation, within our community and the world at large? What are the ‘signs of the times’?

·        What does it mean to be ‘Anglican’? What resources does our tradition give us?

·        What models of church growth are helpful for us? 

On Saturday 11 October 2008, an Arise & Build Workshop was held at St John's for participating parishes in the region.

Some 44 delegates from the parishes of the Pinetown region plus six from the neighbouring Pietermaritzburg (Umsundusi) region gathered at St John’s to share the day.  Bishop Nkosinathi Ndwandwe, the bishop with responsibility for the South Episcopal Region of the Diocese of Natal, shared the first half of the day. He started by presenting an overview of “mission”, based on the Masisukume Sakhe / Arise & Build scripture taken from the book of Nehemiah 2:18.  Below is a summary of his presentation: 

·         The Church is the only institution that does not exist for itself but for others.

·         The Missio Dei: Our God is the sending God.

·         We must begin with God: God invites us to participate in God’s mission.

·         The Mission of the Church: Heed to the call or invitation to be baptized.

·         What does it mean to grow the Church: Church health and Church growth go together?  Are we au fait with the Parish Charter manual?

·         Are you a growing Church or is this just a Transfer membership and or a Recycled growth?

·         How does Arise and Build fit in?  Arise and Build or growing the Church is about reminding all of us of our call to be witness to the Lordship of the Christ.

After exploring the bible study presented by the bishop based on Luke 4: 14-21 (Jesus’ introduction to his ministry), the following questions were discussed in groups:

·          What is Jesus’ mission?

·          If Christ’s mission is to preach, serve and witness to God’s justice, what do you think is God’s call to the church today?

·          How do our ministry and mission encompass all the elements which Jesus includes in Luke 4: 18-19?

Much discussion ensued, and at the end, there was a strong feeling that we needed to meet expectations for a response that would look at issues and concerns across the region.  Any mission or church growth programme must fit local situations and contexts.  Recognizing the requirement to minister to the “whole person”, it is suggested that the following response and actions are considered:

Ø       That a parish in the region is requested to compile a data base to provide information regarding contacts that are able to provide assistance in a broad area of needs (counselors, agencies etc). This data base would then be made available throughout the region. Those ministering for instance, to people who are in a ‘substance abuse’ situation have a real need regarding the correct and best suited referral for help. To assist some one as to the required procedure to follow when applying for some form of Government assistance.

Ø       Increase an awareness of the need to share our resources. This could be a real way to help the poorest of the poor and those less fortunate. One real example is the need to provide food for those collecting ARV medicines at the local clinics. When doing our own personal shopping we could purchase an extra item to help feed a neighbour in need. This would need co-ordination at the parish level. Some of this is already happening but the need is far greater and is a very real issue at this present time.

Ø       In 2009 a ‘Training’ event is held for the whole region. The training offered would be to help empower people for their ministry and witness. Some clear planning as well as marketing and publicity would be required for this event. The idea is to help equip the laity with basic skills and ideas, with input from people who have ‘walked the talk’.

Sent by the Lord am I; my hands are ready now
to make the earth a place in which the kingdom comes.
The angels cannot change a world of hurt and pain
into a world of love, of justice and peace.
The task is mine to do, to set it really free.
Oh, help me to obey, help me to do your will.

The Arise and Build Group meetings are open for any interested people of the parish to attend.

                        May we dare to plant new meaning
                          into seeking, searching hearts.

                        When we honour thoughtful questions,
                          truth and freedom we impart.

                        Grant us courage, grant us wisdom,
                          grant us strength to find a way

                          to reframe the church’s story,
                          birth new life each blessed day. 

(Verse from a hymn by Rev Peggy McDonagh 2004)