2016 moravian theological centre · moravian theological centre mtc news | issue no. 2 7 workshop...

MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL CENTRE MTC NEWS December 2016 Issue No. 2 2016

Moravian Theological

Centre MTC News

Issue Date

THE MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL CENTRE, HEIDEVELD IN THIS ISSUE: YEAR-END REVIEW

My dear fellow Moravians

Greetings in the powerful name of our Lord and Advent King!

With this last Sunday in November we have entered as Christian Church, the season of Advent

and the Christmas season of 2016.

According to our Customs and Practices the season of Advent is a very interesting period that

consists of four Sundays:

On the first Sunday in Advent, the Church celebrates the coming of the Lord to this earth,

an act of genuine humility –remembering that he was born in a stable, wrapped in

swaddling clothes.

On the second Sunday in Advent, the church celebrates the “parousia” (the coming again in

glory) of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

On the third Sunday in Advent, the Church celebrates John the Baptist as fingerpost to

Christ.

On the fourth Sunday in Advent, the Church celebrates the epiphany of God’s son in the

flesh (his incarnation).

From the Director’s Desk

MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL CENTRE MTC NEWS | Issue NO. 2 2

We have concluded our academic year with the closing

service on the 26th November, in which we gave thanks to

the Lord for all his blessings throughout the year. We have

been blessed in that we could celebrate the participation

and successful completion of 16 candidates of the lay-

workers course; and the graduation of 7 Parish-workers and

one brother, together with two ministers who have

successfully completed and fulfilled all the requirements of

the certificate in Moravian Ministry.

We at the MTC have been richly blessed in all respects.

Our teaching staff has performed well, and together with

the administrator, the librarian, the support staff and the

Archival staff we could serve our church diligently.

During the year, we had to say goodbye to Rev. Derrick

Meyer as well as Rev. Keith Vermeulen at the end of the

academic year – both brothers have served the Lord well in

his vineyard at the MTC.

Our results on the whole, but for some external subjects,

have shown that the year was crowned by our dear Lord

with great success. We acknowledge our students for their

diligence and dedication. We could deliver by God’s grace

seven parish-workers up-skilled and one brother for the

ordained ministry for which we glorify the Lord of the

Harvest!

We thank our staff for their diligence and pray that they will

have a blessed Christmas season with family and friends.

Enjoy the well-deserved rest during the holiday.

God bless you and keep you!


OUR 2016 YEAR-END

REVIEW

Our first and third year students have on the whole successfully completed their respective years of study. Despite having been confronted with issues of safety and security due to break-ins and theft at the MTC during the course of 2016, our students supported by staff concluded their academic year satisfactorily. Their timeous submission of assignments was seriously threatened by telecommunication cable theft in the area. However, the prompt initiative taken by the Centre’s Director ensured that the MTC could continue its day to day activities using complementary streams of digital communication.

During September 2016, the MTC hosted Prof C. Levin from Munich University as guest lecturer. C. Levin, an Old Testament specialist and Moravian, presented a paper on ‘Poverty in the Old Testament’. Students and ministers of the Moravian Church in South Africa (MCSA) participated, contributing to a vibrant discussion.

The 7th Provincial Synod of the Moravian Church in South Africa, ‘You are God’s Chosen People’, was held at the Willows Conference Centre in Port Elizabeth from 1st – 7th October 2016. MTC Senior students were formally invited to be present at Synod as ‘Messengers’. They had an incredible institutional and cultural experience.

A Focus Period for our Student Ministers, Moselene Davids (Wupperthal), Phumeza Ngijima (Salem/New Brighton), and Freda Van der Heyden (Immanuel) was held during the first week of November 2016. Their time of reflection and tuition was productively spent at the MTC.

The MCSA Archives at the MTC successfully completed the first digitization phase of historical documents. We thank the Moravian Church Foundation for making this possible.

Donations of books were received from Prof K. Th. August, Bishop A.P. Joemath, the

Nielsen family, and the Liesl Hill family. We thank them for the books received. A further donation was made by Christian Books on behalf of Crossway Publishers - 48 Global resource Bibles were donated to the MTC. We in turn blessed our students, graduates, and lay-worker course certificate recipients. Each received a book donation at the recent 2016 Graduation ceremony.

Our MTC Parish-Worker Upskilling Programme was brought to an elegant end in November 2016 with outstanding academic performances by our students. The top three achievers in this programme are: Sandra (Santi) Petersen passed with distinction, followed by Sophia (Sharlene) Hendricks, and Fredeline Jantjies. All seven enrolled students obtained their Certificate in Moravian Ministry at the MTC Graduation ceremony on 26th November 2016.

Our part-time student, Dr J. Slamat, successfully completed his studies and passed with distinction. He was awarded a Certificate in Moravian Ministry together with Rev. N. Tyokolwana. Rev. A. Boonzaaier graduated in abstentia.

The MTC graduation ceremony took place on Saturday 26th November 2016. Students were awarded their Certificates in Moravian Ministry. The key-note address ‘Contemporary Challenges in the Ministry’ was given by Dr Henry Mbaya (Stellenbosch University, Theological Faculty).

The Lay-Worker Course of 2016 was successfully completed with students obtaining Certificates of Attendance at the 2016 graduation ceremony.

New applications for part-time study at the MTC have been received and approved by

the Advisory Board for part-time study in 2017.

Amidst all the challenges, in reflection we give thanks to our Lord and Saviour for a splendid year.

MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL CENTRE MTC NEWS December 2016 Issue No. 2 2016

Graduation 2016 & Closing Liturgy 26 November 2016

The Director of the MTC, Prof. K. Th. August led and opened the graduation procession. Dr H. Mbaya gave the opening address as guest lecturer with the newly elected Vice-president of the MCSA, Rev. M. Abrahams, addressing graduates, students and invited guests.

The ceremony was truly blessed.

Students who successfully completed the Lay-Worker Course obtained their certificate of Attendance. The year-long course comprised of Bible Studies, Christian Education, Church Doctrine, Moravian Church Studies, Pastoral Care, Sermon Preparations, Management Skills, and Church and Society. The following students obtained their Certificates of Attendance: Esmé Andrews, Anthony Botha, Gabriel Cupido, Judy Ellers, Cecelia M. Engel, Sherine Franz, Cyril Galant, Gaynore Hendricks, Margaret Hendricks, Roslyn Hughes, Jacobus Jantjies, Henry J. Sauls, Demecia Steneveld, Charles Summers, Sharon Temmers, and Jurie Wynand.

The following students successfully completed the Parish Worker Upskilling Course and obtained their Certificate in Moravian Ministry: Mary J. Davids, Charlene E. Goliath, Sharon D. Goliath, Sophia (Sharlene) M. Hendricks, Fredeline C. Jantjies, Sandra (Santi) E. Petersen.

Dr Jerome Slamat, a part-time student received his Certificate in Moravian Ministry as did Rev. Ntsikelelo C. Tyokolwana. Rev Algernon Boonzaaier received his certificate in abstentia.

Thank you Crossway Publishers! Our graduates, lay-worker students and full-time students could each received a copy of the Global Study Bible from Crossway Publishers which Christian Books donated to the MTC.

We Thank you!

A wonderful fellowship with light snacks, cake, drinks and tea concluded the afternoon’s ceremony. The catering and event’s company, Décor Girl, provided excellent service.

OPENING SERVICE 2017

Sunday February 5thth 2017

THE MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL CENTRE

c/o Duinefontein & Ascension Road

Heideveld

Tel.: 021 637 9053

Email: seminary @telkomsa.net

www.moravianseminary.co.za


Lay-Worker’s Course 2016

The 2016 MTC Christian Education Committee comprised of Sr Angeline Swart, Rev. Roger Ruiters, and Rev. Nicholas Edson.

Monthly Classes at the MTC

Port Elizabeth Christian Education Workshop 28th - 30th October 2016

A Christian Education Needs Assessment Workshop was held in Port Elizabeth at the YMCA.

Participating District included Algoa-Tsitsikamma, Gauteng, Matatiele-Natal, Umthatha, Border, and Mount Fletcher.

Our Christian Education Desk


Provincial Synod 2016

MTC Report to Synod 2016

1. Introduction

It is with inexpressible gratitude to our Lord and God that we submitted our report to Synod 2016 for the period Jan 2013 till July 2016.

We have been challenged and guided by our motto during the inter-synodal period. “Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously (2 Cor. 9:6).”

We have aspired to stay true and strived faithfully to adhere to our motto, and we hope that synod would appreciate and value the resultant harvest as reflected in our statistics.

2. Organization

The Advisory Board

The general management of the Centre is entrusted to the Advisory Board, which met regularly once per quarter under the chairpersonship of Bishop A.P. Joemath. Dr Crystal Jannecke, the Administrative Officer of the MTC, acts as secretary of the Advisory Board.

3. Students

A collection of 15 students passed their first

oral examination while 12 out of this group

passed their second oral examination and

were ordained. 3 students are still placed in

practice-ministry for two years.

4. Focus period

Focus periods were held with student ministers. Each of the two focus periods were followed-up with an oral examination before the church board.

5. Up-skilling of Parish-workers

The srs. S. Hendricks, S. Petersen, S. Goliath, V. Persence (Complete in August 2016) with M. Davids, C. Goliath, F. Jantjies (to complete in November 2016).

6. Ministers’ Spouse Workshops

Financed by the MTC these workshops took placed regularly in the Western and Eastern Cape under the bishop’s wife as the organizer. A workshop was also conducted in the Umthatha zone. Sr. B. Erasmus conducted a spouses’ workshop in Port Elizabeth (districts 5&6)

7. CE Workshops/ Lay-worker Courses

Classes were held regularly once per month. Lectures included amongst others the following: Sermon Preparation, Church and Society, and Management Skills.

8. Guest Lectures

A Lecture and discussion on John Hus was held in the Steenberg congregation during 2015 by the director, Prof. K. Th. August.

9. Affiliation to SATS (South African

Theological Seminary)

We are still affiliated to SATS with whom we have a very satisfying relationship based on the arrangement that we have full accreditation for 360 modules of which 50% are offered by us. This enables us to offer the main Moravian required modules, viz. Doctrine, Ethics, Old and New Testament and specific Moravian subjects on our own; but which meet the academic requirements of SATS.

A visit by the SATS principal dr. R. Van Rensburg took place on 31 July 2015.

10. Seminary bursary fund

The Provincial Board has decided in 2016 to transform the Siewe School Special Collections into a bursary fund for the seminary as the school is no longer a church enterprise. Funds are necessary for the day to day expenses of students and their health and personal needs. It is, however, very sad that only a few congregations sent their collection on to the seminary for which we are very grateful. The congregations, by means of this special collection, take responsibility for their seminary which forms an integral part of the MCSA.

11. Inclusive and Affirming Ministries

Workshops about gender and sexuality for

inclusive communities were held.

Rev Erasmus held a workshop on

bereavement counselling.

The Unity Theological Committee 19 June – 6

July 2015 in Herrnhut, Germany was

attended by Prof. K. Th. August.

Communitas & Ekklesia (University of

Stellenbosch) Workshops were attended by

brs. Ruiters and Edson, as well as the final

year students Moselene Davids and Phumeza

Mgijima (17-19 March 2015).

Revv C. Gordon, G. Erasmus and K. Lupindo also attended courses at Stellenbosch University during 2016.

A hospital chaplaincy course was also attended by Rev. S. Apollis.

Addressing Synod is the Administrative officer of the Unity Board: Dr Jurgen Bøytler (Denmark)

Synod 2016 Presidium: The Willows Port Elizabeth

Figure 1Synod 2016 in session


12. Buildings

The Centre’s security was upgraded in 2016

following numerous break-ins.

Overall the facilities of the Centre were in great need of upgrading. The chapel needed renovation after the burglaries. A new alarm

system was fitted to the premises. The partition in the class rooms had to be revamped. The floors were in need of new tiles and carpets. To ensure the safety of the staff and the building a new electrified fence was put up with a sliding gate.

We have allowed the Heideveld ward of Maranata congregation to worship in the seminary chapel which is an integral part of the Centre. A monthly usage fee of a R100 is contributed.

13. Hostels

A new hostel was put up in the Bridgetown Manse with the four male students housed there, whilst the women are housed in the Heideveld house. We are grateful to the Bridgetown Church council and minister, as well as to the property manager who facilitated the accommodation. However, the PB has agreed that it is of vital importance that the hostels be incorporated into the MTC and be built on top of the class rooms of the Centre as soon as funds can be obtained. The time line for the completed building project is 2017 since the usage of the Bridgetown manse as MTC hostel can only be a temporary arrangement.

14. Challenges and Opportunities

Opportunities

There is a lively interest among members to study part-time at the Seminary. This however requires classes at night and over week-ends. It is however a costly event which requires students to pay their fees punctually every month to make the lecturers affordable.

Challenges

The facilities at the Centre are very

limited. We need boarding facilities

as we cannot depend on the

Bridgetown manse for

understandable reasons. The PB

has approved the application of the

Advisory Board that the MCSA

build the boarding facilities on top

of the class rooms as was originally

planned, together with a chaplin’s

flat.

Regular annual monetary

contributions from local

congregations be made and

transferred to the MTC.

the MCSA contributions be more

regular forthcoming.

Funding received from the

Moravian Church Foundation and

the EMS small project funding are

of great help and actually carry the

work at the Centre.

15. Conclusion

The theological formation and lay-worker training are integral to the church’s function and calling, which are also a pillar of our autonomy as South African province.

Therefore, as we receive this report at synod let us recommit to our calling and task as church and focus on our contemporary context and ‘global’ challenges without neglecting our rich ecumenical and confessional history in theological training and formation.

Synod 2016

Synod 2016

Figure


Continuous Clergy Education

APPLY:

Once Ministers obtain study-leave from the MCSA Head Office, formal application needs to be made to the Moravian Theological Centre for financial support of the identified course for study.

The application should include the following:

1. Letter of motivation 2. Course outline 3. Budget 4. Approval of leave from the MCSA 5. MTC application form for

Continuous Clergy Education

Applications have quarterly deadlines and are reviewed by the Advisory Board throughout the year.

The application MUST reach the MTC one-week before the Advisory Board meets in order for the application to be considered. Late applications will be passed over to the following meeting of the Advisory Board.

The following application deadline apply for 2017:

15 March 2017

Send your MTC application to: [email protected]

Once the Advisory Board approves the application, the applying candidate will be notified and funds will be released accordingly.

STAFF AT THE MORAVIAN

THEOLOGICAL CENTRE

Prof Karel Th. August: Director

Dr. Crystal Jannecke: Administrative Officer

Mrs. Barbara Michaels: Librarian

Mrs. Juanita Minaar: Building Supervisor


Opening times of the Archives:

MONDAY: 9:00 – 13:00

WEDNESDAY: 9:00 – 13:00

Contact: +27 (21) 637 9053

The archives have completed the first phases of its digitization of diaries. A researcher, Dr Boon, successfully completed his doctorate on the person and work of the first Bishop of the Moravian Church in South Africa, namely Hans Peter Hallbeck. His documentary research was mainly drawn from the resources in our Heideveld Archives. Our retired minister, Rev. G. Cloete, still acts as Archivist. He was assisted during 2016 by Rev. Judith Hansen has received a call, which resulted in the termination of her work at the MTC Archives. You are most welcome to use the archives for research whether it is genealogical and/or academic purposes. You will find a huge source here.

Moravian Theological

Centre Corner of Duinefontuin and

Ascension Road

Heideveld, 7760.

Tel.: (27) 021 637 9053

Fax: (27) 021 637 9054

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.moravianseminary.co.za

Opening times of the MTC library:

MONDAY - THURSDAY: 9:00 – 13:00

FRIDAY: 9:00 – 12:30

From the MCSA Archives

mailto:[email protected]

2016 moravian theological centre · moravian theological centre mtc news | issue no. 2 7 workshop...

Documents