Anglican Youth Southern Africa

WE HAVE MOVED

2010-08-11T17:59:00.002+02:00

Yes - we have moved to :

www.aysa.org.za

Please visit us there.

Blessings

What would you say?

2009-07-07T10:08:00.001+02:00

With a focus on the Ministry to the Youth - the Emerging Generation in our Church :
If you had the opportunity (and only this ONE opportunity) to stand before all our Bishops of the Province, including the Archbishop and the Lay representatives of all the Dioceses, and you were asked to say just one thing to them or make just one statement/suggestion - what would it be?
Be brave. Be courageous. Be daring. Be honest!

Following in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela

2009-07-07T09:55:00.004+02:00

The Nelson Mandela Foundation has called on world citizens to spend 67 minutes doing something significant in our communities, on Madiba's birthday on the 18th July 2009.

Our own Archbishop has the following to say in his July 2009 edition of Laos to the people :

“There is a similar spirit behind the Nelson Mandela Foundation’s call for a global Mandela day on his birthday, 18 July. They want everyone to spend 67 minutes ‘doing something that would make a difference in their communities’, and so recognise the 67 years Mandela spent fighting apartheid. I should like us all to take up this challenge, and not only act individually, but also with others, and especially in ways that bridge or break down the old divisions. For the genius of Nelson Mandela is that he inspires us not only to be the best that we can be, but also to bring out the best in one another, for the healing of the soul of our nation. For my part, conscious of the need for the healing of our very land, I shall plant an olive tree in the grove I have created in my garden to off-set the carbon footprint generated by the travel that my responsibilities entail. And of course, I shall take time for prayer: to thank God for the gift to us and to the world that Nelson Mandela has been, to seek his blessings of peace and contentment on Madiba in his retirement, and to ask that we may all take to heart the lessons we have learnt from this remarkable man and so, by God's grace, dare to dedicate our lives to the betterment of our planet and of all who live on it. I encourage you to spend these 67 minutes doing good to all, especially to those of the household of faith.”

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba
To the People of God – To the Laos
July 2009

So - what will YOU be doing on Saturday 18th July?

Please post your comments and contributions . . . . . . .

Awesome, just awesome !

2009-06-22T22:45:00.003+02:00

The Provincial Youth Council and Chaplains hosted their 2009 Consultation in Johannesburg last week. What a great success with everybody making a tremendous contribution to the discussions and outcomes. And what a wide range of topics that were discussed !

We will be posting elements of our discussions and decisions from time to time. So, please visit frequently for updates and pictures.

For now : here are the delegates for 2009 :

What is the maximum age considered for youth?

2009-06-22T22:39:00.003+02:00

Each Parish or Diocese have at some stage considered or even implemented an age limit for youth. Please complete our survey in the left hand column and tell us what you think the cut off age should be for youth. Thank you.

PYC and YOUTH CHAPLAINS CONSULTATION - 2009

2009-02-07T13:33:00.001+02:00

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT : The next Provincial Youth Council (PYC) and Chaplains Consultation will take place from 17th to 21st June 2009 at St Benedicts Retreat Centre in Rosettenville. The Diocessan Chaplains will meet from 16h00 on the 17th June to 11h00 on the 19th June. Thereafter they will join the PYC Consultation starting at 13h00 on the 19th June through to 13h00 on 21st June.

The Consultation will include a combination of business meetings, information sharing opportunities, skills training and team building.

Who is invited? Three persons are invited from each Diocese and must include the Diocesan Co-ordinator, Youth Chaplain and one other.

Accommodation, meals, airport/bus terminus shuttling and all other materials will be supplied. Representatives must just find their way to Johannesburg to a convenient pick-up point.

All Dioceses must contact the Provincial Youth Co-ordinator (anglicanyouthsa@gmail.com or 083-4614949) before 31st March 2009 with the names and contact details of their 3 representatives. Diocesan Offices are requested to help in this regard.

HEARTLINE LAUNCHES : ‘HOPEVILLE’ - VALUES IN ACTION

2009-02-07T13:29:00.002+02:00

On March the 3rd, 2009, the new HEARTLINES series – ‘HOPEVILLE’ – will be screened on SABC at 19h30 for six weeks. During this time, we’re encouraging all South Africans (and all Anglicans) to use this opportunity to ‘DO’ what we believe in, and not just to talk about it. Because, values not lived out, are in fact not really values at all.

Although the six week focus is specifically on youth, any form of action that allows us to live out values such as compassion, service, courage, or responsibility is encouraged. And not just for the six weeks – we’re praying that Christians will take the lead in living Godly values on an ongoing basis.

More information and free workbooks can be obtained from HEARTLINES at 011-7712540, info@heartlines.org.za or by visiting their web site at www.heartlines.org.za.

PYC endorses this excellent programme and hopes that ALL Anglican families will participate in some way.

HOW KNOWLEDGABLE ARE YOU AS AN ANGLICAN?

2009-02-07T13:26:00.000+02:00

Where would you find the Chancel, Porch, Nave, Sedilia and Credence Table?

Who wears a Zucchetto, Biretta, Chasuble, Maniple, Amice, Cope, Rochet and Stole?

Where would you see a Burse, Corporal, Ciborium, Paten, Purificator, Missal and Lavabo Bowl?

OK, your 30 minutes are up.

You can read about this and EVERYTHING else you need to know about understanding Anglicanism in a wonderful handbook written by Canon, The Revd Father R Roy Snyman entitled “Travelling along the Anglican way”. The history and formation of the Anglican Church is also outlined and meanings are given for all our symbols and practices.

Simplistically explained and well illustrated, this is a MUST handbook for all Anglicans and I would strongly recommend it for young people as well (especially those in Confirmation and Bible/Catechism Classes).

Copies (at R60.00 each) can be obtained from the Secretary of the Publications Committee on 011-8365825, fax: 011-8365782 or email publish@anglicanchurchsa.org.za.

For your thoughts

2009-02-07T13:24:00.000+02:00

It was James Baldwin who wrote : "Children have never been good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them."

This is a challenging thought. Why is this the case? What obligation does this place on the parents? What can they do differently that will cause children to listen?

Comments from both parents and children are welcome.

Blessings

Are there new or better ways of ministering to the Youth?

2008-11-24T17:20:00.003+02:00

Currently, there are various (traditional) ways of providing ministry to the young people in our church viz. Friday Night Youth Club/Fellowship, Servers Guild, Happenings, Sunday School, Lads/Girls Brigade, Choir, Youth Alpha, participating in worship services, etc.

Whilst these organisations are providing good opportunities for young people to participate in the church, do they holistically provide sufficient spiritual development for a young person to "mature" as a Christian and to become actively involved in the Church and beyond as a life long vocation (and that does not only mean in full time ordained ministry)?

OR, must we provide additional or different activities/events/environments for greater maturity in Christ to take place? If so, what would you suggest? We are looking for ways to develop young people so that they will remain involved in the life of the church.

What would you suggest?

What are you doing on National Aids Day - 1st December?

2008-11-23T18:52:00.005+02:00

Stand up and be counted. We challenge all young people to do something constructive on December 1st about the scourge of HIV/AIDS that has plagued us for so long. Here are some ideas:
* Wear the red ribbon as a sign of your identification and support for those infected and affected by the virus.
* Take a 15 minute break from work (or play) on the 1st December at 12:00 noon to pray for those infected and affected and mention them by name if you know them.
* Take time to reach out to someone infected with the disease. Share and pray with them and encourage them with the love of Jesus.
* Form or join an AIDS support team and offer your services to care for those affected by the disease.
* Form discussion groups on what we can do to PREVENT any further infections from taking place. This scourge must be stopped and we must do what is necessary to bring it to a halt. Start promoting sex only within marriage (the Biblical way) or practice abstinence.
* Visit web sites like www.anglicanaids.org.za, www.anglicanaids.net, www.beatit.co.za, etc. and find out more about the disease and how you can get involved in an existing ministry or organisation.
* Examine your own lifestyle and where necessary, bring your own life under the total submission of the Lordship of Christ - so that He can use you fully to His glory.

Whatever it takes, DO SOMETHING !

We are partnering with J-Life for youth ministry training

2008-11-23T18:16:00.005+02:00

J-Life (Jesus Life) Ministries launched in January 2001 and it's primary focus has been training and coaching emerging leaders to implement the disciple-making model as taught through the Life of Jesus and His ministry. In order for this to be done effectively, potential leaders are journeyed with for as long as possible to transfer the character and priorities of Christ over to them. these leaders are trained/coached intensively and then released to multiply this training by coaching others in local church contexts.

The mission and vision of J-Life for the future:
We exist to train leaders to "mobilise disciple-making movements" across the world through the local Church.

We have appointed J-Life as one of our training service providers to help us to equip as many Youth leaders as possible around the Province.

Please contact us on anglicanyouthsa@gmail.com for full details or call J-Life direct on Office - 084-2400204 or Bronwyn on 082-8570275 or Warren on 083-4622156.

Special announcement : J-Life is hosting a Camp (near Johannesburg) in December which will include activities like paintball, go-carting, rip-line or fufi slide (over 150m), obstacle courses, and much more. See poster below.

Anglican Youth on Facebook

2008-10-30T17:19:00.003+02:00

Yeh, we're on FACEBOOK ! Facebook helps you to connect with others and offers you the opportunity to share news, stories, photos, etc.
We have established a Facebook Group for Anglican Youth in Southern Africa and invite young people and adults to join.
Please forward this information to your entire email address book - we want as many Anglican young people to connect to our blog and Facebook Group.
Remember, you must be registered on Facebook in order to participate. It is a simple procedure and should take no longer than a few minutes. Go to www.facebook.com and Sign Up. Then search for Anglican Youth Southern Africa - and there you are!
Enjoy !

Drugs will steal your future and everything that goes with it !

2008-10-30T16:49:00.004+02:00

A recent 3rdDegree programme on eTV literally made me throw up. Debra Patta herself could not contain her disgust and disbelief in the results of her investigation into the drug scene in South Africa. A recent report indicated:

1 in 3 boys and 1 in 5 girls have an alcohol or drug problem, and,
collectively, they spend over 7 billion Rand (not Zim Dollars) on alcohol and drugs each year! Here is that number again:

R7 000 000 000.00 - OR - 7 Billion Rands !!!!!

Now, just think about what we could have done with money like that:

Build 140000 RDP houses costing R50000.00 each,
Pay the annual school fees of R1500.00 for 4,6 million learners,
Pay the full university fees for three years for ALL matriculants in any one year (about 500000 of them every year)
Pay for 700 million (700 000 000) plates of food at R10.00 per plate and effectively provide one meal a day for a full year for 1,9 million (starving) children!

Yet, we allow the money to literally GO UP IN SMOKE leaving tens of thousands of young people's lives in ruins.

Say, NO to drugs and alcohol, and fulfill the purpose that God has placed and invested in your life. Don't let an unnecessary adventure result in your future being stolen from you.

You are more precious than you think . . . . .

The Provincial Youth Ministry Commissioned

2008-10-30T16:35:00.004+02:00

Archbishop Thabo Makgoba officially commissioned the Provincial Youth Ministry during a ceremony at the Growing the Church Launch in Johannesburg. Our Bishops fully endorse the ministry to young people and acknowledge the importance of this ministry throughout the Province.
Please continue to pray for the Liaison Bishop for Youth - +Bishop Fungi Mbhele, the Youth Chaplain - Rev Jack Kudumela, the chairperson for PYC - Ms Nonhlanhla Shezi, the Provincial Youth Co-ordinator - Tony Lawrence and the entire Provincial Youth Council.

Youth Celebration

2008-08-30T09:16:00.002+02:00

What role will the youth play?

2008-08-30T08:23:00.003+02:00

The ministry of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa is about to change - forever - for the better. With the Growing the Church Launch, just a few days away, we are embarking on a process of re-aligning the ministry of the Church to encapsulate a greater focus on GROWTH.

Our vision is to be: a vibrant God-Centred Church which is clearly growing spiritually, numerically and holistically

Fundimental to this noble vision is the inclusion and integration of the children, youth and young adults. My challenge to you, is the following : What role will the young people play in "Growing the Church"?
Why not post as many ideas as possible by clicking on the "Comments" button, below.

Youth at Lambeth says it all

2008-08-23T09:38:00.003+02:00

Opportunity was given for a cross-section of young students, who had served as volunteers at the Lambeth Conference, to address the bishops and ask and answer questions.

Asked how the bishops could help the students, a young man replied:

'You can guide us so we don't make the same mistakes you have made.. We want to be part of the Church and there is nothing you can do to chase us out!'

This is the crux of mentoring - the handing down of experience and wisdom from one generation to another.

But I am more impressed with the student's determination to be part of the Church - a common expression I have heard across our Province of Southern Africa.

Would you agree with this student?

Praise God for a Blessed Conference - 2008

2008-07-17T17:09:00.006+02:00

We praise our Lord God for a very successful Provincial Youth Conference - considered to be an unprecidented event in our Province. Over 50 participants from 21 of our 26 Diocese around the Province, attended - the broadest representation ever in the life of PYC.

The Conference focussed heavily on the ministry to the Young People and how we should equip ourselves to be able to meet this clear objective. God's vision emerged for us which will help us to focus our energies.

In a nutshell, here are some of the highlights :

1. There was a strong need for vision that will drive the ministry. Some of the vision components are listed below.

2. One of the highest priorities is for effective Youth Ministry Leadership training and development. Training programmes are already in development and the Diocesan Youth Co-ordinators and Workers and Chaplains will be the first to be trained.

3. There is a need to fully integrate the young people and Youth Ministry into ALL aspects of Church life instead of seeing them as just an add-on optional organisation. The youth is not just another organisation, they are The Church.

4. There is a need to provide a Conversation/Communication platform that will allow ANYBODY (and especially the young people), to participate in stimulating conversation interaction and learning. A more dynamic web site is being planned which will include features like this blog, Facebook, resource libraries, Youth Magazines, picture walls, information sharing bulletin boards, etc. Alongside this we will be developing an SMS and Cell Phone Ministry (what a way to reach the young people - they ALL have cell phones!!).

5. And then there was a melting pot of other initiatives : Full involvement in the Growing the Church initiative, the possibility of 2009 being declared The Year of the Young (to coincide with 2009 being the Year of the Child), the 2009 Youth Convention, Re-Commissioning the Youth Ministry in September, and lots more. Please return to this blog often as we roll out more aspects of this ministry.

Thank you for your prayer support. The Lord has certainly been very gracious to us as we experienced His blessings and guidance throughout the weekend.

Please continue to pray for all the Youth Leaders around the province and especially for the newly elected Council who has been tasked to lead the Youth to new levels of ministry effecacy.

Warm blessings to all.

Tony Lawrence
Provincial Youth Co-ordinator

PS - why not add your prayers and encouragements by clicking on "Comments" below. Thanks :)

New Provincial Youth Executive Council

2008-07-17T16:46:00.004+02:00

Front (l to R) : Vukile Mkhize - Deputy Chairperson (Highveld); Fr Jack Kudumela - Chaplain (St Mark's); Nonhlahla Shezi - Chairperson (Natal); Nasson Paruque - Member (Lebombo);
Grant Damoes - Secretary (Cape Town)
Back (l to R) : Sandra Hendricks - Member (Mpumalanga); Bishop Fungi Mbhele - Liaison Bishop; Sello Mahlonoko - Treasurer (Christ the King); Fr Sipho Zulu - outgoing Chaplain, and
Tony Lawrence - Provincial Youth Co-ordinator.

Please pray for the new Provincial Youth Executive Council as they embark on serving the various Dioceses around the Province.

Why not click on "Comments" below and add your personal prayer encouragement for the Council. Thank you.

Youth Ministry Re-commissioning at GtC

2008-07-17T16:26:00.003+02:00

As a recognition of the importance of the Ministry to Young People, it was agreed to re-Commission the Youth Ministry and to encourage them to greater depth of commitment and ministry delivery. The Youth ministry consists of it's mentor, Provincial Youth Council, and Youth oriented ministries such as ASF, AYF, Sunday School, all the Guilds, Hope Africa, Siyafundisa, and all other organisations that deliver a ministry of sorts to the young people of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa.
This event will happen at the Provincial launch of Growing the Church on Friday 19 September 2008 in Johannesburg. The entire Synod of Bishops will be in attendance as well as Provincial Standing Committee.
All young people are encouraged to participate in activities and events initiated locally in their respective Dioceses via their GtC Implementation Teams.
For information about this event and any other aspect of Growing the Church, could you please contact the Growing the Church office at : Phone : (021) 712 0408 or email office@growingthe church.co.za.

Diocese of the Free State hosts : Leadership of Youth 2008

2008-07-17T16:12:00.002+02:00

The Youth Department of the Diocese of the Free State is hosting a Leadership of Youth 2008 Conference from 1 to 3 August 2008.

BRING BACK THE ARK

‘A call to Youth Leaders for total surrender and re-commitment’ 2 SAMUEL 6 ‘...so David brought back the ark...’

African Enterprise together with the Church hope to host a weekend of workshops, discussions, interaction and plenary sessions with speakers and facilitators that we trust from longstanding relationships over the years, to start this process or strengthen this process of empowering youth leaders/ Pastors for the better Africa we all want to live in.
For full details, contact Lindi Mdhluli on (051) 447 3684 or 073 780 8955 or email lindiwe@dsc.co.za.

Upward Sport is a Children’s Sports Ministry

2008-07-17T16:05:00.003+02:00

Upward Sport focuses on boys and girls between the age of 5 and 13 using Soccer and Cricket. Their goal is to train and equip the local church to use sport as a tool for evangelism. They are hosting Vision Lunches in Cape Town and Johannesburg where they will be sharing a bit more about who Upward is and what they do.
You are welcome to contact Mike Gilmour on (021) 705 7784 or 073-914 1215 or email mgilmour@upward.org.za.

Anglican Youth Choir Mozambique

2008-05-22T17:55:00.001+02:00

This is the Youth Choir of the Cathedral of the Diocese of Niassa in northern Mozambique. The Cathedral is in a village/town called Matebula near the shores of Lake Malawi about 120 kilometres from Lishinga. Enjoy !

Gathering of the Saints

2008-05-22T12:56:00.002+02:00

Diocesan Youth Co-ordinators, Workers and Chaplains will be gathering in Johannesburg from 27th to 29th June 2008. Please pray for this event. We will be dealing with :

1. God's vision for the Ministry to Young People across the Province and how we can unite the youth behind a common cause.
2. Finding ways we can be equipped and skilled to effectively deliver this ministry to God's glory.
3. Finding better ways of communication and conversation so that we can build deeper relationships and be able to support one another in Youth Ministry.

We invite you to comment and to add your own views. If there is anything you would like us to consider, please hit the "comment" button and key in your thoughts.

Thank you and God bless.

From Generation to Generation

2008-04-27T18:35:00.003+02:00

Are we as adults doing enough to ensure that the next generation (of young people) are adequately prepared especially in the area of spirituality? Are we passing on our faith (from generation to generation - see Deut 6) ensuring a strong moral, ethical and Biblical foundation is laid?

What could we do better? What could we do more of? What should we start doing?

A church without a strong Youth component is a dying church

2008-03-22T20:57:00.002+02:00

It is said that a church without a vibrant Youth component is a dying church. No prizes for those who agree. However, if we do not recognise the urgent need to develop and nurture the next generation of worshippers, we could be faced with a very empty church in the not-to-distant future (and some say that we already have parishes with very small numbers attending on a Sunday!).
Therefore, are our existing Church leadership equipped enough to build a younger congregation? Can an ordinary parish exist without a Youth Pastor? How important is it to have a full time Youth worker in every parish to help build the next generation of worshippers?
What should our priorities be in this regard?

WHO ARE THE YOUTH IN THE CHURCH?

2008-03-14T16:20:00.000+02:00

If you could describe or define Youth as it pertains to Youth Ministry - who are we talking about? Are there clear criteria which defines the Youth? Do you have suggestions?
I have been amazed at the various opinions and perceptions of who the youth are and what they represent. One of the interesting observations is that some think that because you are not married, you would still qualify as "youth" (regardless of your age) and would be entitled to attend "normal" youth meetings and ministries.
Is age (or age groups) a defining criteria for describing youth or "categories" of youth? Are there any other criteria?
What do you say?