Family-focused Service: Sunday 8 February 2015, 18:30

Dear Friends

Dawn and I have had a lovely break over the last two weeks filled with family and much physical activity: we've done a Sea-Kayaking Beginner's Course, signed up for an introductory course to practical Philosophy, climbed Table Mountain, walked up Lion's Head, visited the Wine Route, discovered the Truth Coffee Shop and Jason's; and I've done a substantial amount of cycling in preparation for The Cape Town Cycle Tour. So if I'm looking a little tired...

This Sunday, 8 March 2015 at 18:30, sees our first "Family-focused Service" of the year (not the 15th as advised in the last Pewleaflet). Just a reminder that the purpose of this service is to offer an opportunity for families with teenagers and young adults at home to come together in worship on a monthly basis. The format is not substancially different from our normal evening service, but we are attempting to be a little more inclusive of our young people, and  of course offer pizza afterwards! Excitingly, the St Cyprian's Boarders have made a commitment to attend our Sunday Evening Services for the first term this year, and they will be with us for their second visit this Sunday.

Our experience last year was that the second Sunday of the month was not always ideal, clashing a couple of times with holidays and exams. The idea this year is to offer it at least twice a term, on a second Sunday where possible, but to be flexible around exams in particular.

Again, feedback is important. We are aware we cannot be all things to all people, but would like to adjust where we can to meet more specific needs. Please feel free to chat to myself, William Tough, Raymond Quinlan or Alison Gwynne-Evans if there are things you'd like to see changed or done differently; and if we have the resources available we will be happy to try and meet your request.

Blessings
Mark

Portfolios, Leave & Work

Dear Friends

Council Portfolios

At our recent Church Council meeting in March we have agreed on a Portfolio system that reflects our core responsibilities as a Christian community. Each portfolio-holder will be responsible for the strategic direction of activities relevant to their portfolio in relation to our mission and vision at St Andrew's. The purpose of such a system is hopefully to create space for greater participation in our mission and ministry by all who call St Andrew's home. Please feel free to chat to the various portfolio-holders, to share your ideas and hopes, and to offer your assistance in getting new ideas off the ground!

The portfolios are as follows: Worship (Mark Long); Care & Fellowship (Edgar Ruiters & Lauriq Bakomito); Education & Discipleship (William Tough); Service (David Sykes & Debbie Coombe); Witness (Richard Buttress); Resources (Simon Gilbert, Roger Prideaux & Noël Peagam); Communication (Jill Joslin); and Administration (Mark Long & Ivor Jardine).

Leave

Dawn and I will be away for the week after Easter. We are looking for accommodation, preferably not too far from Cape Town, from 21 April through to 26 April. If you know of any reasonably priced opportunities within those dates, we'd love to hear from you! Bev Shaw will be taking leave from 29 April to 17 May, and Dawn and Penny Middlekoop will step into the breech and keep the Office running.

Dawn

Dawn is looking for work from the beginning of May. Preferably, she would like to find something part-time or something that will offer her some flexibility time-wise. Her background is in Financial Management in the Motor Industry (Dealerships), and she has also done consulting in this field including training and implementation around computer-based systems. She has a Diploma in Business Administration, and is particularly skilled in relational organisation in the workplace. Dawn is presently doing an Executive Coaching course through UCT's Get Smart program. Alongside this, and her need for flexibility, Dawn is also participating in the practical phase of a Spiritual Director's qualification through the Jesuit Institute in Johannesburg. Our network in Cape Town is still very limited, and we would value any insight or connection to opportunities or people you may have access to.

Blessings
Mark