28 April

Dear Friends,

I love the stories that emerge from our congregation and want to share them more widely. So, instead of our weekly minister’s letter, you’ll find a reflection by Giles Francis from their time in South Africa. Going forward, we’ll feature biweekly contributions from members—art, photos, writing, poetry. Our creativity thrives in community. If you have something on your heart, please send it my way.

All the best, Marius

—-

Giles Francis:  A Visit to St. Mark’s

During our family holiday in South Africa last January, we were shown around a particular area of central Cape Town known as District Six. In the early 1980s, this multi-ethnic neighbourhood was bulldozed by order of the apartheid government, to make room for a new residential area exclusively for whites- and our tour guide, Chris, was one of those who saw his own family home demolished.

However, places of worship were protected by law provided they remained used, and in the midst of this destruction stood a tiny sandstone  Anglican church, St Mark’s. To intimidate its congregation, the police shot out the church’s stained glass windows- but this instead had the opposite effect, and many more people came from far and wide to worship every Sunday, and to resist. St Mark’s still thrives today, though its windows were never repaired!

It is highly unlikely that our church and its surrounding hof will ever suffer such violent intimidation - but we should always be galvanised to attend our church- and our doubts and fears should never prevent us.