St Kiaran's

February 2015

Chronicle

JUNE 2015

The Joy of the Lord is our Strength

Psalm 28:7
7 The LORD is my strength and my shield;
my heart trusts in him, and he helps me.
My heart leaps for joy,
and with my song I praise him.

Praise God for the body

Praise God for the Son
Praise God for the life
That binds our hearts in one
Joy is the food we share
Love is our home, brothers
Praise God for the body
Shalom, Shalom

Ann Ortlund

When large numbers of people share their joy in common, the

happiness of each is greater because each adds fuel to the other's
flame.

St Augustine of Hippo

Dear friends and family of St Kiarans

We have just celebrated Ascension Day. Of course, it is no longer a
public holiday. But does that really matter? We know that we live in a
world that is so diverse, racially, culturally and in terms of religious
affiliations.
While many decry the fact that South Africa has abandoned God by
removing Ascension Day from the public holiday list we should see it
as an opportunity to express our faith. Who knows, the day may come
when Easter and Christmas are no longer going to be official public
holidays!
Again, we should not weep and wail about this it is hardly something which may be construed as
persecution. Rather, we have an opportunity to declare our faith by taking the time to celebrate these
important faith-events. Many folk took a days leave to celebrate Ascension Day. What will you and I
do?
More importantly, will we take this sign in a country and society which is becoming increasingly
alienated from God, as a call to prayer?
About Ascension Day: We know that Jesus was not whisked away from his disciples to travel to a faraway place called heaven. He was however, taken up physically and sufficiently far away so that he
disappeared behind the covering of the clouds and then entered into the presence of the Father, once
out of their sight.
There are two things which I recently spoke about which help me hold on to the belief that a bodily,
material ascension of Jesus happened and was needful apart from the clearly stated reason: if I do
not go away, the Helper (Holy Spirit) will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And
when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment. (John
16:7-8):
1. The credibility of the author
Luke, who also wrote the Acts of the Apostles, was a physician. While not one of the first disciples, he
had set about trying to render a well-documented report on the events surrounding the life and work
of Jesus. In Luke 1:3-4 he stated I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning,
it seemed good also to me to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you
may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. Luke was intent on conveying a credible
message. Granted, one which had content hard to believe from a rational point of view - yet he wants
to be truthful and faithful in the telling of it. In addition, we have no record of his account being
refuted by any of the apostles who were still alive at the time of this gospel being circulated.
2. Jesus rule is not of the is world
A physical, bodily ascension serves as a clear statement that where Jesus was returning to is a place
that has no roots in this worlds systems. Jesus said as much to Pilate: My kingdom is not of this
worldmy kingdom is from another place. (John 18:36). No matter what we may find ourselves
facing in this world, we have the assurance that we are part of Gods kingdom reign which does not
depend on this worlds systems. In fact, Gods reign will stand in judgement of this worlds systems.
And so, in a world that is increasingly secular in its outlook, we should not be surprised or flustered
that God will be excluded from society. The Gospel of Jesus Christ is inherently offensive to society in
general. We are therefore challenged to be a living sign to our various communities as we seek to
authentically practice our faith in them. This we do by holding to Gods Word as our rule for faith and
life; a Word which is distinct from this worlds values and principles.
May God help us all to live out our faith in the power of the risen, ascended Christ!
Much love
Mike

St Kiaran's Presbyterian Church

Women's Fellowship
There are two meetings ahead which should be noted as they promise happy mornings together.
Members would welcome anyone who would like to join them.
On 4 June Barry Burt will present a Musical Morning
And on 22 July there will be a General Knowledge Quiz

"What is the joy of the Lord?"

Answer: The joy of the Lord is the gladness of heart that comes from knowing God, abiding in Christ,
and being filled with the Holy Spirit.
When Jesus was born, the angels announced good tidings of great joy (Luke 2:10). All who find
Jesus know, with the shepherds of the nativity, the joy He brings. Even before His birth, Jesus had
brought joy, as attested to in Marys song (Luke 1:47) and by Johns response to hearing Marys voice
as he leaped for joy in his mothers womb (Luke 1:44).
Jesus exemplified joy in His ministry. He was no glum ascetic; rather,
His enemies accused Him of being too joyful on occasion (Luke 7:34). Jesus
described Himself as bridegroom enjoying a wedding feast (Mark 2:1820);
He rejoiced in the Holy Spirit (Luke 10:21); He spoke of my joy (John
15:11) and promised to give His disciples a lifetime supply of it (John
16:24). Joy is reflected in many of Jesus parables, including the three
stories in Luke 15, which mention rejoicing in the presence of the angels
(Luke 15:10) and end with a joyful shepherd, a joyful woman, and a joyful
father.
Nehemiah told the repentant Israelites that the joy of the Lord would be their strength
(Nehemiah 8:10). The early church was characterized by gladness and the joy of the Lord (Act 2:46;
13:52), and joy in the Holy Spirit is a distinguishing mark of the kingdom of
God (Romans 14:17). Those who are part of the kingdom share in the
kingdoms delight.
Joy is part of the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22). In fact, it is our
Christian duty to rejoice in the Lord (Philippians 3:1; 4:4; 1 Thessalonians
5:16). In Christ, the believer is filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy (1
Peter 1:8).
Because of its supernatural origin, the joy of the Lordour gladness of
heartis present even through the trials of life. We know we are children of
God, and no one can snatch us away from Him (John 10:2829). We are heirs
to an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade, and no one can steal it
from us (1 Peter 1:4; Matthew 6:20). We see the Author and Finisher of our faith,
and, let the enemy rage ever so much, we know who wins in the end (Hebrews 12:2; Psalm 2).
Faith is the victory that overcomes the world, and the joy of the Lord is our strength. Adverse
circumstances, instead of hindering our faith, can actually enhance our joy. Paul and Silas knew
adversity as they sat with their feet in the stocks in a Philippian jail cell. Their legal rights had been
violated. They had been arrested without cause and beaten without a trial. At midnight, since they
couldnt sleep, they sang loudly - the praises of the Lord they were serving (Acts 16:25). A miracle
soon followed (verse 26).
The apostles in Jerusalem were arrested twice - and ordered not to preach in Jesus name.
The second time they faced the court, they were beaten. Unfazed, they returned home rejoicing
because they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name and
ready to preach some more (Acts 5:41). Of course, the apostles were only following
the example of our Lord, who had for the joy set before him . . . endured the cross,
scorning its shame (Hebrews 12:2).
The joy of the Lord may be inexplicable to the one who does not possess it.
But, for the believer in Christ, the joy of the Lord comes as naturally as grapes on a
vine. As we abide in Christ, the True Vine, we the branches are full of His strength
and vitality, and the fruit we produce, including joy, is His doing (John 15:5).

Morning Groups
Contact
Leader/s
Clive Tyler

Phone

Venue Area

Day

Time

021-782-2974
021-785-5432

Monthly on 2nd
& 4th Tuesdays
Tuesdays

10:00am

Wendy Hudson
Ada Verlaque

021-782-1790

Fridays

9:30 for
10.00am

Arie & Naomi

de Koning

021-782-4973

Mondays

10:00am

Jenny Strickland

021-782-7337

St Kiarans
Craig Room
12 Barque Cres.
Sun Valley
St Kiarans
Craig Room
Coral Surtees
12 Aloe Close
Fish Hoek
TBA

Thursdays

10.00am

10:00am

Afternoon/Evening Groups
Contact
Leader/s
Lucy Centlivres

Phone

Venue Area

Day

Time

021- 787-0298

Wednesday
1st & 3rd

3 4pm

Mary Suter

021-782-1421

Wednesdays

7:30pm

David van
Duyker

021-782-1498

Stephens home
L7 Peers Village
Genoa Road
Peers Hill
Various homes in Fish
Hoek
1, Rebmore Flats
Central Circle
Fish Hoek

Thursdays

7:00pm
for
7.30pm

Hubert Stoll

021-785-4065

Thursdays

7:30pm

12 Silverglades
Riverside Rd
Fish Hoek

You are encouraged to join a group please speak to any leader!

Meet the Raymonds

I, Neil, was born, the youngest of two boys in Volksrust in the then South Eastern Transvaal as
was my older brother. My father was transferred to Pietermaritzburg where I grew up. My Grandfather
on my mother's side was an elder in the Central Presbyterian Church and my Grandmother sang in the
choir. I was 8 years old when my father was then transferred to Cape Town and we settled in
Plumstead attending Wynberg Presbyterian Church, where my father became an elder.
As teenagers we went to Plumstead Methodist Church as it had a large and vibrant youth
following. In 1955 we relocated to Fish Hoek from where I
completed my schooling at Wynberg Boy's School.
In 1958 I started an apprenticeship at Simonstown Dockyard as
a fitter and turner. When qualified I left and worked at several
companies, one being Plessey where I studied and became a
work study engineer. During this time I met and married Gloria
in 1965 at the Plumstead Methodist Church.
Gloria was born in Wynberg, the youngest of 3 daughters and
grew up there. Her father was a farrier and her mother enjoyed
cooking, baking and sewing. She attended the All Saint's Church
in Plumstead where she was Christened and confirmed. She
attended Wynberg Girls' school and went to work in the bank in
Cape Town once she had completed her schooling. Once we
were married we lived in Plumstead for a number of years and
we were transferred to Johannesburg for two years. When we
lived in Johannesburg we attended the Northmead Methodist
Church.
We returned to Fish Hoek where most of our family lived. We
joined St Kiaran's Presbyterian Church in 1978 where our children attended the Sunday School. In
June 1984 I became an elder. Gloria worked for Doctors in Fish Hoek as a receptionist for many years.
She has many interests such as knitting, crochet, handcrafts and the theatre. My interests include
golf, motor rallying, reading, woodwork and being the handyman around our home.
We have two children, Gail our eldest, who has been teaching for many years and now teaches at a
private school. Steven studied Drama at U.C.T and worked for Artscape for a while and then travelled
to London where he lived and worked for two years. He married Julie and they have two children
Samuel and Katherine. They lived in Johannesburg and are now living in Glasgow where they work for
the BBC Scotland.
Gloria retired in 1997 and I retired from Swartklip where I worked in 1998 and from the eldership a
few years ago. Since retiring we have enjoyed some travelling.

Church Family News

With the Faulkner Family we welcome the arrival of Phoenix born
on 5 May 2015 to Neil and Candice Henderson. May she know
the Lord's blessings for all her days.

Two Golden Weddings were celebrated recently:

Neil and Gloria Raymond were married on 10 April 1965
and Hubert and Jill Stoll on 24 April 1965
May the Lord bless and keep you always.

News from Eugene and Tina Wessels

Our trip to S.A. has to date, been remarkably successful, especially with regard to the government departments
concerned and I have successfully managed to replace all of my stolen documentation (I.D., Passport and even a
new driver's licence). We thank all who were praying during this somewhat chaotic crisis period and we return
thanks to the Lord for His favour in expediting all of the documentation in record time.
Our vehicle has spent the last week in the "Metal Hospital" and is almost fully recovered. New fuel
injectors/brakes/tyres have been fitted. All that remains are 2 new batteries/starter-motor repairs and a new sideshaft on the rear wheel. We trust as always that the Lord will continue to provide.
Our "Sons in the Faith" back in Moambique continue the work that began in January this year. Widows and
orphans are being cared for - they (the Church) are now of their own accord even helping to build houses for those
who lost their homes during the earlier floods. The rice/beans project is still running and food is being brought to
the hungry. We started at the beginning of the year counting "How many?" bags of rice and since the various
churches have responded so incredibly well to the crisis we are now no longer talking in terms of how many bags..
but rather of how many TONS have successfully been distributed. People have even come to faith in Christ as a
result of this simple act of love. Seeing the hungry and giving them food opens the door to the Gospel and our
"Sons" are not missing a single opportunity.
The Lord seems to be opening a new door, with a new generation and we shall be meeting with a Brazilian pastor,
passing through Johannesburg, this week to discuss opportunities for Portuguese-speaking missionaries to come
over and join us in a mentorship/training program where we shall be able to begin leading this new generation in
ways of serving the Lord in Missions. Please pray that this meeting will go well and according to the will of His Holy
Spirit. The appointment was miraculously set up and once again we simply step out in faith, trusting that the
words of our mouths will bring forth blessing to His Name.
Please convey our thanks and love to all at St. K's who so faithfully have partnered with us in this mission over the
years. Also please apologize for our failure to visit in person. We had desperately hoped and planned to be with
you folk for a while, but the circumstances of stolen goods/vehicle repairs and shortage of finance did not permit
us to drive all the way down to C.T. However, we continue to hold out hope for the near-future. We're currently
staying with Sean & Carina Wells in Kempton Park and they too send love to all who remember them during
Sean's time at St. K's.
Love & Blessings

Eugene & Tina

------------------------------------------------------Mark Liprini is Off Again!

Lorraine has sent us the following news:
Its the only country that does not have a four sided flag, it has five major seasons: spring,
summer, monsoon, autumn and winter. Their living goddess retires at puberty, its the
worlds #1 producer of mustard seeds, it is said that the Yeti lives here, cows lead a
charmed life, nodding your head often means NO, and around 8800 people have just died
in two devastating earthquakes. - It is Nepal.
Two weeks ago Mark was approached by the MAF- I Disaster relief team and asked if he would
spend the month of June perched on a chair helping co-ordinate relief flights in Nepal. So Sunday the
31st May, he heads out to try momo in the land of Buddhas birth, and to help
co-ordinate the flights and the relief agencies who are trying to reach and help
people who have literally lost everything, including family members. MAF is
operating two helicopters, assisting many Aid agencies in their work, bringing
help and hope to devastated families and communities.
Thank you for your prayers, calls of encouragement and e-mails, the
foot op went well, and he has been pain free from almost day one. It has been
nothing like the previous one, where his only memory is of ongoing pain and
discomfort for weeks afterwards.
Momo in Tibetan cooking is a steamed dumpling filled with meat or vegetables.

Opinion Piece A Challenge for Today?

In Acts 4:32-37 we hear something quite remarkable about the first congregation something which
stands in sharp contrast to the profile and culture of our own modern society.
This is namely, that there was, despite great social and cultural differences, not a needy person
among them. All had enough to enjoy a good and carefree life.
Quite extraordinary! - although the reason for this was quite simple: the believers were of one heart
and soul and therefore prepared to sacrifice and share what they possessed. Thus we read in verse
34: There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were possessors of land or houses
sold them, and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and
distribution was made to each as any had need.
Simple and easy? Not at all! Unless of course one's life is inspired and motivated by some thing
bigger and more profound than your own physical and material interests, success and security.
In a way this simple group of believers were still living in the afterglow of Jesus' resurrection
- in the firm knowledge that He was alive and that His spirit of love and compassion, of sacrifice and
sharing was constantly filling and directing their lives.
This knowledge and belief unlocked fresh hope, new power and heaps of unforeseen grace in their
lives (Acts 4:33).
Which brings us to the question: Are we as a church, as a community of believers still acquainted
with and committed to this kind of life, this kind of joyous, carefree sacrifice and sharing? And do we
still believe that acts like these, however small and inconspicuous, can make a huge difference to the
face and mood of society?
Carel Anthonissen
of Centre for Christian Spirituality
Submitted by Val Ruger

Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrows;

it empties today of its strength.
Corrie Ten Boom

Ready to Join a Group?

In a magazine of the church on Malta which we have featured

previously we read the following story:
A lady told how she took her granddaughter to church for the
first time. As they knelt in the tall-sided pew, the little girl
whispered, Who are we hiding from?

Elsewhere in the magazine

there is encouragement to
consider joining one of the
small groups at St
Kiaran's.
Speak to a leader - you
would be able to see
whether a particular group
suits you and be free to
try another one after that
until you find one where
you would be happy.

It is harder to hide from ourselves or from one another in a smaller group, than in a crowd. There is
much to be gained from this closer fellowship, both for each individual and for the church as a whole,
because of the stronger bonds which are formed.

Footsteps of Jesus - Trivia Game

I have downloaded and constructed a board game which tests our
knowledge and understanding of Jesus ministry in ten locations in
Israel. The board is a map of Israel and the players move around
from town to town, answering questions about Jesus ministry.
Instructions are included. Playing could be a fun alternative to
regular Bible Study sessions or other small group meetings. It is
suitable for 2 6 players, although teams can be formed. If you
would like to borrow this, please contact me!
Eva van Belle
--------------------------------------------------------------------

A Sitting Duck
Let me refresh your memory of our ducks, about which I said never to write again.
Well, I have changed my mind and wish to tell you something that has rocked the
occupiers of 72 Central Circle and has breathed new life into them.
Firstly, we now have only three ducks as one of the Philistines was killed by person(s) unknown; he or
she still walks the streets with a guilty conscience. Therefore we have Rachel, Jacob -the sad sack-and
only one Philistine.
Some time ago Rachel disappeared for hours on end: a case of now you see her, now you don't.
I was worried but was helpless, eventually I thought may be she is sitting on eggs and I searched
everywhere to no avail. Eventually I looked in the wilderness of our garden and moved approximately

half a ton of dead branches and there she was: a beautiful white duck sitting like a queen on nine
eggs. She will not tell me how she managed to creep under all those branches so this will remain a
mystery. The two males now behave like all males should and stand sentinel near the nest waiting for
they know not what.
In the mornings Rachel takes approximately ten minutes leave of her eggs, lets off steam by making
loud noises, chattering like a banshee and running wild like a demon eating loads of bread, drinking
water from the bowl and swimming in the bath. The males just cannot keep up with her; I guess they
are rather scared and simply stay out of her way. After her wild behaviour she instantly changes her
identity, becomes a demure mother and sits again faithfully on her eggs.
On Wednesday 5
November I notice the first sign of new life, a yellow duckling peeping from under Rachel's wing and
when I try to touch it with my finger she lashes out at me. She spreads her wings to cover eggs as
well as little chicks waiting patiently for every egg to hatch. Jacob is curious, stretching his neck fully,
looking at a little chick not knowing what to make of this yellow creature with a black eye. The next
day nine ducklings appear from under the mother and scamper along the ground, picking at invisible
titbits. Why is it that ordinary things in life vividly remind me of sayings of Jesus? For instance this:
"O Jerusalem, Jerusalem how often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers
her chicks under her wings?"
Our garden has three terraces, the ducks occupy terrace 2 separated by a 1 metre high wall from the
ground lawn. Early in the morning we hear Rachel on the lawn calling and in no time we see ducklings
parachuting one by one down the wall. I chase the adults back up the concrete steps but the ducklings
are unable to manage them and while Rachel calls from above they climb on top of each other in a
heap desperately trying to reach her. I help them up and once they are together they move around
like a happy family. The little ones graze on the ground protected by Rachel with the males so bombed
out in amazement they even forget to eat.
Friday 8 November the door bell rings, I answer the door and a young lady with a little duckling in her
hand asks: "Is this yours?"
"Yes, thank you, where did you find it?"
"I found it last night on top of the hill so I took it home and kept it warm in my bed. Someone told me
you had ducks.
I wonder how it got on the road, anyhow its safe now, thank you again."
The ducklings have discovered the sunken bath and swim to their hearts content, but there is a snag.
They easily get in the bath but not out as the water level steadily drops at bath time. During the day I
regularly add water to raise its level. But, predictably disaster struck as one morning I find three dead
ducklings floating in the bath together with four live ones struggling to get out. I quickly take the live
ones out but two of them collapse on the ground unable to use their legs; after a short while however
they scuttle off to join their siblings. I immediately seal off the bath and try to rationalise the loss by
quoting platitudes like nature has to take its course knowing full well it was my fault! The next task is
to find nice biblical names for the surviving ducklings. I think one of them must be called Moses:
"because I drew him out of the water."
Tuesday 11 November. I noticed that the ducklings strayed further and further away from their mother
and to my dismay I chased a vicious black cat away and only counted four chicks.
Friday 14 November we had a very cold spell in the afternoon with a gale force wind and heavy rain.
The adults were digging holes in the lawn, enjoying themselves with Rachel giving no protection to the
four ducklings.
The little ones were cold, shivering and trampled on. Three of them perished while one I took quickly
home, dried with a hair dryer, put in a shoe box and gave it some oats leaving it overnight. The next
morning Lazarus-its name-- was cheeping gaily while Rachel quacked outside in response.
Unfortunately the resurrected Lazarus met a jealous Philistine that grabbed him by the neck and
ruthlessly throttled him. So nature surely ran its course with our ducklings!
Arie de Koning

St Kiaran's Presbyterian Church

Cnr. Central Circle and Recreation Road
P.O.Box 22146, Fish Hoek, 7974
Church Phone: 021 782 6118

Minister: Rev. Mike Muller

All are welcome at our

Regular Sunday Services
Sunday Worship Services at 9.30a.m. & 7p.m.
Holy Communion is served on the 1st Sunday of the month at both services

CHURCH PRAYER MEETINGS

Tuesdays: 11.45 a.m. in the Craig Room

Prayer is offered after services for healing or other needs, by members of our
Prayer Ministry
Prayers with our young people: as arranged .... or whenever you wish to
arrange times with fellow Christians.