News of the Southern African Region
List of Articles
- • A letter to the Region from the Lenker related to the Erzoberlenker - November 2020
- • A letter to the Region from the Lenker - March 2020
- • A letter to the Region from the Lenker - February 2020
- • A Namibian Farming community developing biodynamic principles - Krumhuk - advertorial
- • Southern African Synod in Cape Town - July 2019
- • News from the KZN Congregation - October 2018
- • Regional Council meeting in Windhoek - 27th to 29th July 2018 by Sharon Cox
- • Confirmations around the Region - April 2018
- • New Sending for Rev. Peter Holman - April 2018
- • Guest Priest in Johannesburg and Cape Town - December 2017
- • The Sacrament of Ordination to a Priest - September 2017
- • North meets South - Youth from Vienna undertake a project in the Eastern Cape - July 2017
- • REGIONAL COUNCIL and Priest Synod in Windhoek June 2016
- • Letter from the Lenker informing of changes planned for 2016
- • Remembering Dr. Helene de Villiers
- • Review of THE GRAIL STONE IN AFRICA by Helene de Villiers
- • Letter from the Lenker preparing the congregations for changes in the form of the sacraments
- • Wellspring Uncapped - Welcome Light from the Future - 50th Anniversary Conference
- • Regional Synod in Windhoek - October 2014
- • Regional Synod in Cape Town - March 2014
- • Regional Council Meeting - August 2013
- • Student Conference, Hogsback - April 2013
- • Hermanus October 2012 by Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
- • Priest's Synod in Johannesburg in May 2012
- • Confirmees 2012
- • Regional Council meeting in Windhoek - 27th to 29th July 2018 by Sharon Cox
Letter to the Region from Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
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Letter to the Region from Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
Letter to the Region from Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
29th January 2020
Dear Members and Friends,
The beginning of the new year has brought our Southern African Region some new perspectives for our communities which I would like to share with you.
In Johannesburg we have been very gifted by receiving different priests coming for 3 months at a time in support of the congregational work. Rev. Steffen Barth came from July until October and Rev. Frimut Husemann from November into February. Going forward Rev. Michael Kientzler will be supporting from Palmsunday until May 10th to enable the confirmations in the congregations. Mid-year Rev. Paul Corman will hopefully be able to cover for me while I take time off to attend to my back injury from mid-July until mid-September. All this has also been made possible by the international Foundation contributing the flights for our visitors. Incredibly generous!
Two very uplifting news: Rev. Steffen Barth and his wife, who is an experienced eurythmist and curative eurythmist, with their two children, have agreed to return to Johannesburg—if we can get the visas needed by mid-year. We are in the process of doing what we can to get this underway. Please all hold this in your prayers and warm heart-space.
Another person to hold in this very same inner space is Mr. Andreas van Breda, who lives in Cape Town with his family, and who has expressed his intention to actively pursue the path of priesthood. Most of his training will be done here in our Region in collaboration with the Africa Seminary and the priests.
The external challenges for our communities will be around finding ways of financially supporting these families in our current conditions. I hope everyone will put their thinking caps on and put antennas out for inspiration.
Yet it is also those who have died that have, one could say, ‘made themselves known’ very substantially in this past year through their foresight of leaving a legacy to The Christian Community. We have a policy in our Region that if a legacy is left to a congregation, 25% should go in support of the whole Christian Community regionally or internationally.
In the past year, a gift came to the Region from the legacy of John Penfold of Cape Town and in this year we can expect a gift from Hans and Petra van Dijk of Johannesburg.
A most surprising gift comes from a legacy received by the Chicago congregation, who decided to share some of it with our Region after having read about our dire straights in the 2019 St. John’s edition of the Information for the Regions. What a heart-warming embrace of Christian community world-wide!
Also from overseas, the Africa Seminary has been blessed by a donation from the Wiesbaden community, initiated by Rev. Reglind Kühlcke, who has now retired.
Our Africa Seminary began its third year in January with a core of 11 participants from previous years and a total of 18. Word of mouth is our best marketing tool, please keep using it. It is always worthwhile even coming for just one module.
Dates to know: 22-27 March regular Regional Priest Synod is in Johannesburg; retreat Regional Priest Synod 5-10 July in KZN; Regional Council meeting 10-12 July in KZN.
The topic to consolidate and bring action toward in all congregations and discuss at the Regional Council:
How do we as a Region and locally in our congregations want to honour the centenary year of The Founding of The Christian Community, Movement for Religious Renewal? How do we live ‘religious renewal’?
With warmest greetings,
Reingard Knausenberger
Dear Members and Friends,
The beginning of the new year has brought our Southern African Region some new perspectives for our communities which I would like to share with you.
In Johannesburg we have been very gifted by receiving different priests coming for 3 months at a time in support of the congregational work. Rev. Steffen Barth came from July until October and Rev. Frimut Husemann from November into February. Going forward Rev. Michael Kientzler will be supporting from Palmsunday until May 10th to enable the confirmations in the congregations. Mid-year Rev. Paul Corman will hopefully be able to cover for me while I take time off to attend to my back injury from mid-July until mid-September. All this has also been made possible by the international Foundation contributing the flights for our visitors. Incredibly generous!
Two very uplifting news: Rev. Steffen Barth and his wife, who is an experienced eurythmist and curative eurythmist, with their two children, have agreed to return to Johannesburg—if we can get the visas needed by mid-year. We are in the process of doing what we can to get this underway. Please all hold this in your prayers and warm heart-space.
Another person to hold in this very same inner space is Mr. Andreas van Breda, who lives in Cape Town with his family, and who has expressed his intention to actively pursue the path of priesthood. Most of his training will be done here in our Region in collaboration with the Africa Seminary and the priests.
The external challenges for our communities will be around finding ways of financially supporting these families in our current conditions. I hope everyone will put their thinking caps on and put antennas out for inspiration.
Yet it is also those who have died that have, one could say, ‘made themselves known’ very substantially in this past year through their foresight of leaving a legacy to The Christian Community. We have a policy in our Region that if a legacy is left to a congregation, 25% should go in support of the whole Christian Community regionally or internationally.
In the past year, a gift came to the Region from the legacy of John Penfold of Cape Town and in this year we can expect a gift from Hans and Petra van Dijk of Johannesburg.
A most surprising gift comes from a legacy received by the Chicago congregation, who decided to share some of it with our Region after having read about our dire straights in the 2019 St. John’s edition of the Information for the Regions. What a heart-warming embrace of Christian community world-wide!
Also from overseas, the Africa Seminary has been blessed by a donation from the Wiesbaden community, initiated by Rev. Reglind Kühlcke, who has now retired.
Our Africa Seminary began its third year in January with a core of 11 participants from previous years and a total of 18. Word of mouth is our best marketing tool, please keep using it. It is always worthwhile even coming for just one module.
Dates to know: 22-27 March regular Regional Priest Synod is in Johannesburg; retreat Regional Priest Synod 5-10 July in KZN; Regional Council meeting 10-12 July in KZN.
The topic to consolidate and bring action toward in all congregations and discuss at the Regional Council:
How do we as a Region and locally in our congregations want to honour the centenary year of The Founding of The Christian Community, Movement for Religious Renewal? How do we live ‘religious renewal’?
With warmest greetings,
Reingard Knausenberger
A Namibian Farming community developing biodynamic principles - Krumhuk
Find us at www.krumhuk.de
The Southern African Synod in Cape Town - July 2019
Lt to rt: Rev. Reingard Knausenberger, Rev. Vicke von Behr,
Rev. Michaël Merle, Rev. Kine Voigts, Rev. Richard Goodall
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News from the KZN Congregation - October 2018
In Hillcrest, KZN, the community has started with renovations of the flat adjacent to the chapel spaces. It is being converted into a 2-bedroom cottage and upgraded. At the same time the community will be gaining a much-needed room for children, meetings and a library.
Regional Council meeting in Windhoek from 27th to 29th July 2018
The Regional Council with 5 of the Windhoek congregants who joined for a general discussion time
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by Sharon Cox
It was a warm winter sun that greeted us, and a warm-hearted community which welcomed us as we gathered in Windhoek at the end of July. Members of the Council had travelled from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, coming together on the Friday evening in Saturn House, on The Christian Community property. The three priests, Kine, Richard and Michaël, were all present, but Reingard was disappointingly unable to attend this year due to a back injury. She was greatly missed, and her well-being remained uppermost in the minds of those present.
The weekend was opened on the Friday evening when members of the Windhoek community were encouraged to participate in the proceedings. After some words of welcome and a meal, we were invited to gather in pairs of two, our partner preferably being someone we did not know very well. We introduced ourselves to the other, and afterwards introduced our partner to the larger group. This was followed by summaries from a representative from each community recounting the activities and general news of their region this past year. The evening closed with the privilege of witnessing the eclipse of the moon in a clear sky.
After the Act of Consecration of Man in frikaans on Saturday morning we were able to browse the Green Market on the property before enjoying the breakfast and refreshments on offer. The business end of the weekend started at 10h00 with the Annual General
Meeting, this lasting for about an hour and a half. All office bearers were re-elected: Glenda Tuckell, Chairperson; Hazel Fornali, Treasurer; Anne-Marié Winkelman, Secretary; and Reingard Knausenberger as the Lenker.
Business discussions continued on a less formal basis after lunch, and time had been set aside in the afternoon to plan for the future. Members of the wider community were again invited to attend this session. Kine spoke of the occasion of the hundredth anniversary celebration of The Christian Community worldwide, which will take place in the year 2022, putting forward the question, “What is the unique contribution that the Christian Community has to make to cultural life; what do we, as the Movement for Religious Renewal, stand for that is new?” Michaël led a workshop where we were required to gather into small groups to individually answer three questions: What is it about the Christian Community that is important to us? What makes the Christian Community different for us? And, what is, to us, the most important characteristic of the Christian Community? Richard closed the session after each group had recounted their conclusions to the whole, highlighting unique features of the Act of Consecration of Man. We have four years to prepare ourselves, our communities and our region for this event.
Entertainment was offered on Saturday evening in the form of a farewell concert by the Namibia Symphony Orchestra for the violinist Enrico Palascino at the Dutch Reformed Church, and this proved to be an enjoyable and unforeseen pleasure. Front row seats had been reserved for us, and this allowed ‘almost-touchability’ to the orchestra as an extra bonus.
The Council rounded off at midday on Sunday after the Act of Consecration of Man.
Warmest appreciation goes to everyone in the Windhoek community who contributed to the success of this event. To those, including from around the region, who planned the proceedings, to the drivers who gave us lifts, to the hosts who provided accommodation, and to all the cooks who prepared and delivered another delicious spread each mealtime. We thank you all.
It was a warm winter sun that greeted us, and a warm-hearted community which welcomed us as we gathered in Windhoek at the end of July. Members of the Council had travelled from Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban, coming together on the Friday evening in Saturn House, on The Christian Community property. The three priests, Kine, Richard and Michaël, were all present, but Reingard was disappointingly unable to attend this year due to a back injury. She was greatly missed, and her well-being remained uppermost in the minds of those present.
The weekend was opened on the Friday evening when members of the Windhoek community were encouraged to participate in the proceedings. After some words of welcome and a meal, we were invited to gather in pairs of two, our partner preferably being someone we did not know very well. We introduced ourselves to the other, and afterwards introduced our partner to the larger group. This was followed by summaries from a representative from each community recounting the activities and general news of their region this past year. The evening closed with the privilege of witnessing the eclipse of the moon in a clear sky.
After the Act of Consecration of Man in frikaans on Saturday morning we were able to browse the Green Market on the property before enjoying the breakfast and refreshments on offer. The business end of the weekend started at 10h00 with the Annual General
Meeting, this lasting for about an hour and a half. All office bearers were re-elected: Glenda Tuckell, Chairperson; Hazel Fornali, Treasurer; Anne-Marié Winkelman, Secretary; and Reingard Knausenberger as the Lenker.
Business discussions continued on a less formal basis after lunch, and time had been set aside in the afternoon to plan for the future. Members of the wider community were again invited to attend this session. Kine spoke of the occasion of the hundredth anniversary celebration of The Christian Community worldwide, which will take place in the year 2022, putting forward the question, “What is the unique contribution that the Christian Community has to make to cultural life; what do we, as the Movement for Religious Renewal, stand for that is new?” Michaël led a workshop where we were required to gather into small groups to individually answer three questions: What is it about the Christian Community that is important to us? What makes the Christian Community different for us? And, what is, to us, the most important characteristic of the Christian Community? Richard closed the session after each group had recounted their conclusions to the whole, highlighting unique features of the Act of Consecration of Man. We have four years to prepare ourselves, our communities and our region for this event.
Entertainment was offered on Saturday evening in the form of a farewell concert by the Namibia Symphony Orchestra for the violinist Enrico Palascino at the Dutch Reformed Church, and this proved to be an enjoyable and unforeseen pleasure. Front row seats had been reserved for us, and this allowed ‘almost-touchability’ to the orchestra as an extra bonus.
The Council rounded off at midday on Sunday after the Act of Consecration of Man.
Warmest appreciation goes to everyone in the Windhoek community who contributed to the success of this event. To those, including from around the region, who planned the proceedings, to the drivers who gave us lifts, to the hosts who provided accommodation, and to all the cooks who prepared and delivered another delicious spread each mealtime. We thank you all.
Contemplation for a Centenary
by Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
At the recent annual Regional Council meeting minds were also turned toward how a Christian Community centenary could be approached in a spiritually meaningful way. Maybe this thought of C.S. Lewis can inspire us to take another look at the potential our Founding in 1922 endowed us with. To take a deeper look at what our unique contribution is into the stream of Christianity would surely be a worthy undertaking. Anthroposophy has opened up new possibilities to think for ourselves things we have traditionally been taught to ‘just believe’.
The Christian Community is a ‘Movement for Religious Renewal’ and celebrates ‘renewed' Sacraments.
What exactly does that mean, what is renewed and how, with what potential impact? Could topics that are at the forefront of our daily modern lives and influence our quality of life in many different levels, light up in new ways through ‘renewed' undogmatic religious thinking’?
Surely it is an investigation worth embarking on to see what, together, in community, we can ‘hatch’ of our potential? We have four years to incubate this project.
The Christian Community is a ‘Movement for Religious Renewal’ and celebrates ‘renewed' Sacraments.
What exactly does that mean, what is renewed and how, with what potential impact? Could topics that are at the forefront of our daily modern lives and influence our quality of life in many different levels, light up in new ways through ‘renewed' undogmatic religious thinking’?
Surely it is an investigation worth embarking on to see what, together, in community, we can ‘hatch’ of our potential? We have four years to incubate this project.
Confirmations around the Region
The Sacrament of Confirmation
by Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
The biographical ages of a human being have an inner connection to the Christian festivals. The Festivals themselves are the expression of specific events and deeds in the life of Jesus Christ. These can be actualised among us even today. The archetype of our humanity took on form and individuality in Jesus Christ and can therefore give us a guiding image for our individual biography.
The Child in the crib at Christmas, beginning its life as every human being between angel and animal, ‘over-shone’ by a heavenly glow, speaks to every birth. The child then embarks on its way to 'be, grow and become’ under the guidance of dear people in its life, who are mediators of the higher moral values, to follow like a shining star. As the child comes into its fourteenth year, the experience of leaving childhood behind, of a kind of loss of paradise, can find a resonance within Passion-tide. Now the own actual journey on earth begins with questions, searching, doubt, loneliness, sadness, deep longing for independence and knowledge, for acceptance and understanding and with the goal to experience and grasp oneself as the unique ‘I’.
“Confirmare” is a Latin word and means: to secure, to strengthen, to acknowledge, to make firm; to encourage spiritually, to secure firmly in faithfulness.
The Sacrament for the transition from childhood to youth indicates already by its name ‘Confirmation’, that its focus is to strengthen, make firm, acknowledge, enliven and renew something which is already in the child and wants to be nourished to live and grow, so that the child finds the power to become what it has set itself as a life goal from before birth.
It is of utmost importance for the youth to experience the positive support and encouragement of the Community at this moment. It is with and through the Community present that the Christ-Blessing is able to be gifted to the confirmands. Your presence at this very special sacrament is highly appreciated.
The biographical ages of a human being have an inner connection to the Christian festivals. The Festivals themselves are the expression of specific events and deeds in the life of Jesus Christ. These can be actualised among us even today. The archetype of our humanity took on form and individuality in Jesus Christ and can therefore give us a guiding image for our individual biography.
The Child in the crib at Christmas, beginning its life as every human being between angel and animal, ‘over-shone’ by a heavenly glow, speaks to every birth. The child then embarks on its way to 'be, grow and become’ under the guidance of dear people in its life, who are mediators of the higher moral values, to follow like a shining star. As the child comes into its fourteenth year, the experience of leaving childhood behind, of a kind of loss of paradise, can find a resonance within Passion-tide. Now the own actual journey on earth begins with questions, searching, doubt, loneliness, sadness, deep longing for independence and knowledge, for acceptance and understanding and with the goal to experience and grasp oneself as the unique ‘I’.
“Confirmare” is a Latin word and means: to secure, to strengthen, to acknowledge, to make firm; to encourage spiritually, to secure firmly in faithfulness.
The Sacrament for the transition from childhood to youth indicates already by its name ‘Confirmation’, that its focus is to strengthen, make firm, acknowledge, enliven and renew something which is already in the child and wants to be nourished to live and grow, so that the child finds the power to become what it has set itself as a life goal from before birth.
It is of utmost importance for the youth to experience the positive support and encouragement of the Community at this moment. It is with and through the Community present that the Christ-Blessing is able to be gifted to the confirmands. Your presence at this very special sacrament is highly appreciated.
Johannesburg - 2nd April 2018
The confirmands and Rev, Reingard Knausenberger (Lenker): from lt to rt Tayla Cox, Virginia-Rose Raulo, Aleksandra Spencer, Tamsin Schrimpton, Kiera Amerseder, Nicola Glaffig
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Hillcrest, KZN - 5th April 2018
From lt to rt: Rev. Peter Holman, Olivia (Lilli) Christensen, Gary Dunsdon and Rev. Reingard Knausenberger (Lenker)
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Cape Town - 15th April 2018
From lt to rt: Rev. Richard Goodall, the confirmands: Gabriel Karp, Lotus Venter, Sebastian Johnson, Maya Hermanus, Sofia Blöchliger, Lotta Grimmelikhuizen, Olivia Fuller, Hannah Laubscher, Anais Zander and Bjorn Grimmelikhuizen, and Rev. Reingard Knausenberger (Lenker)
Windhoek - 29th April 2018
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New Sending for Rev. Peter Holman
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Guest Priest in Johannesburg and Cape Town
On 3rd November 2017 Rev. Paul Corman will arrive in Johannesburg to give support during the month of November and beginning December. Once the summer Children’s Camps begin, when schools close, Paul will go to Cape Town to support Richard Goodall while Michaël Merle will be in Johannesburg together with Reingard. His short autobiography gives an impression of his background and the community he has been working in for many years.
Paul (Pablo) Corman was born 1946 in Dallas, Texas, but left at the earliest opportunity to study at Antioch College, a work-study university. He had co-op jobs in an orphanage, a record store in Washington, DC, a time in the Colombian jungle as a tour guide and a secretary for the US consular agent in Leticia. He did a year at Hebrew University in Jerusalem which coincided with the 6 Day War in 1968. He then studied at NYU School of the Arts for a master’s degree in Dance Theatre and worked in various modern dance companies and on Broadway, off, off-off, even off-off-off Broadway for 12 years as an actor and dancer before going to the Seminary in Stuttgart, 1982. After ordination 1986 he was a priest in the Pforzheim congregation and since 1989, in The Christian Community in Lima, Peru. He has helped found or encourage other Communities in Cali, Colombia and Santiago de Chile, in Spain and the Philippines. He has also enjoyed substituting in English speaking communities in the US, Australia, New Zealand and England. Now for the first time he will fulfill a long-time wish to visit South Africa and learn from the Communities there, getting to know its members and friends, new customs and traditions. He lives with his husband, Alfredo Baez and their 4 dogs and 5 cats, but since Fredy has a veterinary business in Lima the house is often host to other four-footed friends in need of a temporary home. For Epiphany Fredy will join Paul (Pablo) and both look forward to seeing as much of South Africa as they can in the last 10 days of his stay. Since last April, Paul (Pablo) is “retired” from official duties in Lima, but when there, helps out, of course, in the Lima community.
Paul (Pablo) Corman was born 1946 in Dallas, Texas, but left at the earliest opportunity to study at Antioch College, a work-study university. He had co-op jobs in an orphanage, a record store in Washington, DC, a time in the Colombian jungle as a tour guide and a secretary for the US consular agent in Leticia. He did a year at Hebrew University in Jerusalem which coincided with the 6 Day War in 1968. He then studied at NYU School of the Arts for a master’s degree in Dance Theatre and worked in various modern dance companies and on Broadway, off, off-off, even off-off-off Broadway for 12 years as an actor and dancer before going to the Seminary in Stuttgart, 1982. After ordination 1986 he was a priest in the Pforzheim congregation and since 1989, in The Christian Community in Lima, Peru. He has helped found or encourage other Communities in Cali, Colombia and Santiago de Chile, in Spain and the Philippines. He has also enjoyed substituting in English speaking communities in the US, Australia, New Zealand and England. Now for the first time he will fulfill a long-time wish to visit South Africa and learn from the Communities there, getting to know its members and friends, new customs and traditions. He lives with his husband, Alfredo Baez and their 4 dogs and 5 cats, but since Fredy has a veterinary business in Lima the house is often host to other four-footed friends in need of a temporary home. For Epiphany Fredy will join Paul (Pablo) and both look forward to seeing as much of South Africa as they can in the last 10 days of his stay. Since last April, Paul (Pablo) is “retired” from official duties in Lima, but when there, helps out, of course, in the Lima community.
The Sacrament of Ordination to a Priest
The weekend of 22nd September to 25th September saw the first Ordination in South Africa happening in Johannesburg.
(Picture: Nietta Sombart)
"Christ is the Morning Star, who,
when the night of this world is past,
gives to his saints the promise
of the light of life,
and opens everlasting day."
(Meditation on Apocalypse 2:28 by Venerable Bede)
The theme for the weekend was
Angel, Priest and Congregation at the Altar of the Christ
when the night of this world is past,
gives to his saints the promise
of the light of life,
and opens everlasting day."
(Meditation on Apocalypse 2:28 by Venerable Bede)
The theme for the weekend was
Angel, Priest and Congregation at the Altar of the Christ
The Sacrament of Ordination to a Priest
by Rev. Reingard Knausenberger (written in preparation of the event)
On Sunday, 24th September, our community will be hosting this first celebration of the Priest Ordination in South Africa. The weekend from the evening of Friday, 22nd September to midday on Monday, 25th September will be a very festive one, where we will be seeing guests coming from the whole Southern African Region and Europe. It will be a rare opportunity to experience this sacrament, which is intricately interwoven with the Act of Consecration of Man. Reverend Vicke von Behr, our Erzoberlenker, will come to celebrate this sacrament.
Every ordination is in itself a kind of birth, both in the life of the one who is ordained and in that of the whole Community. The Christian Community's building stones are the hearts of those men and women who have found faith in the Deed on Golgotha as it works into life on earth and in Christ as a cosmic reality. Each time that another one makes the weighty decision to give his life to work as priest, Christian Community comes on to earth a little further. This is true in a general sense, but in a particular sense, too, it is a festival of hope and promise as it touches the heart of our human purpose.
To come to stand at the altar as an ordinand, a journey of intense preparation goes before. The story of Michaël Merle’s life is that of a preparation begun long before he himself could be aware of it already as a boy. He did not know why as a young man he had to go to a theological seminary and then after some years, finding his seeking not fulfilled, turn to other work. In the last twelve years the seed which was planted then, began to germinate with the encounter of the Act of Consecration of Man. May it grow like the grain of mustard seed into a goodly tree. This ordination leads us to Michaelmas and puts the symbol of hope over the whole work of our Christian Community and can strengthen our conscious resolve to serve Christ, individually and together.
On Sunday, 24th September, our community will be hosting this first celebration of the Priest Ordination in South Africa. The weekend from the evening of Friday, 22nd September to midday on Monday, 25th September will be a very festive one, where we will be seeing guests coming from the whole Southern African Region and Europe. It will be a rare opportunity to experience this sacrament, which is intricately interwoven with the Act of Consecration of Man. Reverend Vicke von Behr, our Erzoberlenker, will come to celebrate this sacrament.
Every ordination is in itself a kind of birth, both in the life of the one who is ordained and in that of the whole Community. The Christian Community's building stones are the hearts of those men and women who have found faith in the Deed on Golgotha as it works into life on earth and in Christ as a cosmic reality. Each time that another one makes the weighty decision to give his life to work as priest, Christian Community comes on to earth a little further. This is true in a general sense, but in a particular sense, too, it is a festival of hope and promise as it touches the heart of our human purpose.
To come to stand at the altar as an ordinand, a journey of intense preparation goes before. The story of Michaël Merle’s life is that of a preparation begun long before he himself could be aware of it already as a boy. He did not know why as a young man he had to go to a theological seminary and then after some years, finding his seeking not fulfilled, turn to other work. In the last twelve years the seed which was planted then, began to germinate with the encounter of the Act of Consecration of Man. May it grow like the grain of mustard seed into a goodly tree. This ordination leads us to Michaelmas and puts the symbol of hope over the whole work of our Christian Community and can strengthen our conscious resolve to serve Christ, individually and together.
Photos of the weekend
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Note: these photos are in high resolution, so do not open using mobile data on a mobile device.
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North meets South
by Louisa Feiter
There is hammering and scraping, the sound of a spade hitting the dry ground, the soft swish of paint against the wall, the muffle of voices and laughter every now and then. This is not just another day at Noluthando Day Care Centre, but a week that stands out for all of us – for the Christian Community youth group, for Richard, the caretaker, for the teachers, Nozuko and Phumza, and for Samara Foundation.
Samara, who has been working with Noluthando for some time already, had invited the visiting youth group from Vienna to stay at the kindergarten for a week to renovate the old farmhouse and get to know the surrounding community. This included the local Chief – Chieftainess Tyali – who welcomed us when we all arrived at Noluthando.
Samara, who has been working with Noluthando for some time already, had invited the visiting youth group from Vienna to stay at the kindergarten for a week to renovate the old farmhouse and get to know the surrounding community. This included the local Chief – Chieftainess Tyali – who welcomed us when we all arrived at Noluthando.
It was a busy and exciting week with the youth group tackling anything from digging trenches for the toilet plumbing, knocking out window spaces, replacing window panes, scraping down walls and fixing cracks to the repainting of rooms and repairing and redecorating of swings and a playground space. Those with deft hands also crocheted woollen balls for the kindergarten children to play with and before long curious bystanders were learning to crochet too.
There was also a community day with the children and families of the kindergarten where Nozuko and Phumza, with help from other local women, undertook to cook a traditional meal for everyone – quite a feat which had them up at 7am in the morning, getting the dough ready for the roosterkoeke and soaking the samp for the traditional samp and beans mixture.
There was also a community day with the children and families of the kindergarten where Nozuko and Phumza, with help from other local women, undertook to cook a traditional meal for everyone – quite a feat which had them up at 7am in the morning, getting the dough ready for the roosterkoeke and soaking the samp for the traditional samp and beans mixture.
It became quite the festive occasion with a local dancing troupe providing entertainment and an impromptu exchange of singing as the Austrian youth group and a choir Phumza and Nozuko were part of, shared traditional songs.
In between there were games with the newly crocheted balls and much playing on the fixed and newly painted swings. And once again the crocheting became a big hit as the community grandmothers all wanted to learn how to make the crocheted balls.
The Haus of Musik in Vienna had also donated and sent some harmonicas and Jew’s harps with the youth group for the children which were handed over on the community day. Before long a cacophony of sound could be heard as everyone wanted to try out the instruments.
In between there were games with the newly crocheted balls and much playing on the fixed and newly painted swings. And once again the crocheting became a big hit as the community grandmothers all wanted to learn how to make the crocheted balls.
The Haus of Musik in Vienna had also donated and sent some harmonicas and Jew’s harps with the youth group for the children which were handed over on the community day. Before long a cacophony of sound could be heard as everyone wanted to try out the instruments.
Noluthando is one of six kindergartens that is supported in the Eastern Cape through funding from the Umckaloabo Foundation in Germany, whose focus is to enable children and youth in Southern Africa. Samara Foundation is one of their partners in South Africa and is working with the kindergartens to create safe and nurturing spaces for the children to thrive and grow.
Part of this work includes bringing new energy and points of connection to the kindergartens and surrounding community – something that certainly happened during this meeting of North and South. The youth group and their hard work at Noluthando not only made a mark on the kindergarten building but left behind many special memories and impressions in the hearts of us all at Samara, at Noluthando and in the community – and we hope they felt the same.
Part of this work includes bringing new energy and points of connection to the kindergartens and surrounding community – something that certainly happened during this meeting of North and South. The youth group and their hard work at Noluthando not only made a mark on the kindergarten building but left behind many special memories and impressions in the hearts of us all at Samara, at Noluthando and in the community – and we hope they felt the same.
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For more information on Samara Foundation and its work in the Eastern Cape, contact Louisa Feiter on louisa.feiter@gmail.com.
REGIONAL COUNCIL and Priest Synod in Windhoek
by Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
The Regional Council met in Windhoek this year, using the long weekend of the 16th June to justify the long trip and gain more time to work through our agenda. There was also time for a stroll around the Green Market on Saturday morning on the church premises, have a look at the centre of town and spend the afternoon on the farm Krumhuk. After a session of work we headed out into the bush for a walk in the golden setting sun among the springbok, ending with a simple supper around the campfire. We held the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Regional Council PBO. The treasurers of all our centres had enough time to listen to each other’s approach to the finances and find a way to coordinate the reporting, which will make it easier to compare figures. This was the first year that the Region has consolidated all the regional finances in new bank accounts and no congregation any longer holds any regional monies in their accounts. Leigh Sax, from the Cape, has held the threads together for the past 16 years from the first meetings when it was called ‘Finance Focus’ to now, where we are a legal body able to manage regional affairs well beyond finances. He has handed the baton of chairperson over to Glenda Tuckell from KZN.
Each evening and on Sunday morning, community members of Windhoek joined us to work on the theme: “Building Sustainable Community”. Inspired by the way the different sacraments describe and require community, we first worked from the background of the baptism, then “Building Social Community” inspired by the confirmation, the consultation and Act of Consecration, and finally “Sharing Life in Community” was inspired by the sacrament of marriage. We closed these lively evenings on Sunday morning after the service in the plenum with “Building Christian Community”.
One of the main purposes of the Council is to lend an ear to what is happening in the different communities: what are the concerns, the joys, the projects. It is good to have other ears and eyes and minds present to witness and think. The Council members are representatives of the community that sends them and each community should appoint a person to be such a representative for them.
Two topics from the many discussions can be shared: firstly the disappointment that Rev. Marcel Frank will not be coming to South Africa. The visa process has been underway for more than 9 months and after three attempts his papers have still not been accepted at the South African embassy. We will have to work at another route to get priests into the country, possibly by first getting a blanket waiver approved by Home Affairs for The Christian Community church. His coming would have freed up Reingard to support Cape Town and Windhoek a little more. A new discussion needs to occur to nonetheless facilitate this. An idea is to investigate whether Kine Voigts can go to Cape Town for 3 months and we find a priest who can step into the Windhoek community for that period.
Next year it is our turn to host the Regional Council and synod in Johannesburg from 27th February – 3rd March. The local community is always invited to participate in the evening sessions and Sunday mornings.
The Regional Council met in Windhoek this year, using the long weekend of the 16th June to justify the long trip and gain more time to work through our agenda. There was also time for a stroll around the Green Market on Saturday morning on the church premises, have a look at the centre of town and spend the afternoon on the farm Krumhuk. After a session of work we headed out into the bush for a walk in the golden setting sun among the springbok, ending with a simple supper around the campfire. We held the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Regional Council PBO. The treasurers of all our centres had enough time to listen to each other’s approach to the finances and find a way to coordinate the reporting, which will make it easier to compare figures. This was the first year that the Region has consolidated all the regional finances in new bank accounts and no congregation any longer holds any regional monies in their accounts. Leigh Sax, from the Cape, has held the threads together for the past 16 years from the first meetings when it was called ‘Finance Focus’ to now, where we are a legal body able to manage regional affairs well beyond finances. He has handed the baton of chairperson over to Glenda Tuckell from KZN.
Each evening and on Sunday morning, community members of Windhoek joined us to work on the theme: “Building Sustainable Community”. Inspired by the way the different sacraments describe and require community, we first worked from the background of the baptism, then “Building Social Community” inspired by the confirmation, the consultation and Act of Consecration, and finally “Sharing Life in Community” was inspired by the sacrament of marriage. We closed these lively evenings on Sunday morning after the service in the plenum with “Building Christian Community”.
One of the main purposes of the Council is to lend an ear to what is happening in the different communities: what are the concerns, the joys, the projects. It is good to have other ears and eyes and minds present to witness and think. The Council members are representatives of the community that sends them and each community should appoint a person to be such a representative for them.
Two topics from the many discussions can be shared: firstly the disappointment that Rev. Marcel Frank will not be coming to South Africa. The visa process has been underway for more than 9 months and after three attempts his papers have still not been accepted at the South African embassy. We will have to work at another route to get priests into the country, possibly by first getting a blanket waiver approved by Home Affairs for The Christian Community church. His coming would have freed up Reingard to support Cape Town and Windhoek a little more. A new discussion needs to occur to nonetheless facilitate this. An idea is to investigate whether Kine Voigts can go to Cape Town for 3 months and we find a priest who can step into the Windhoek community for that period.
Next year it is our turn to host the Regional Council and synod in Johannesburg from 27th February – 3rd March. The local community is always invited to participate in the evening sessions and Sunday mornings.
From left to right Glenda Tuckell, Peter Holman and Richard Goodall relaxing at Krumhuk Farm outside Windhoek.
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Letter from the Lenker, Rev. Reingard Knausenberger, informing of changes in 2016
by Marilize King, Cape Town
Helene was well-known for her artistry with words. She had an insatiable interest in their origins, proper meanings and the endless vistas they unfold and the opportunities they afford to people to express themselves in all moods and under all circumstances. Words for her were living beings, and had to be treated with respect and awareness to ensure that they go forth into the world for the purpose for which they were intended: to uplift, to build, to bring great joy, to express love, to share grief. She played with words as children play with their favourite toys, receiving much joy in the process.
For her, words danced like sunbeams on water, always moving, reaching out to people and into the ethers. With words we can reach others, words are the foundation of our culture, of who we are. They help us to establish ourselves in the world, even to survive. They connect us to Spirit: we worship and pray, sing and applaud. We whisper comfort to others.
She had a particular interest in John 1, studying about the Logos until the end of her life. One can say that she went to the beginning to discover the true Word of different backgrounds and cultures and made contact to them through the word, which was not only a technical tool but also the medium of sharing feelings and the common denominator of understanding between people. Through other peoples' poetry and stories she raised awareness of inter-connectedness. As Professor Mouton said at her memorial service in Stellenbosch: Helene's life task was to bring the spiritual and earthy together and she chose to do it through the word.
Helene was well-known for her artistry with words. She had an insatiable interest in their origins, proper meanings and the endless vistas they unfold and the opportunities they afford to people to express themselves in all moods and under all circumstances. Words for her were living beings, and had to be treated with respect and awareness to ensure that they go forth into the world for the purpose for which they were intended: to uplift, to build, to bring great joy, to express love, to share grief. She played with words as children play with their favourite toys, receiving much joy in the process.
For her, words danced like sunbeams on water, always moving, reaching out to people and into the ethers. With words we can reach others, words are the foundation of our culture, of who we are. They help us to establish ourselves in the world, even to survive. They connect us to Spirit: we worship and pray, sing and applaud. We whisper comfort to others.
She had a particular interest in John 1, studying about the Logos until the end of her life. One can say that she went to the beginning to discover the true Word of different backgrounds and cultures and made contact to them through the word, which was not only a technical tool but also the medium of sharing feelings and the common denominator of understanding between people. Through other peoples' poetry and stories she raised awareness of inter-connectedness. As Professor Mouton said at her memorial service in Stellenbosch: Helene's life task was to bring the spiritual and earthy together and she chose to do it through the word.
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Helene spoke fluent isiXhosa, Afrikaans, English, German and French. She studied anthropology and English and translated between these languages, particularly into Afrikaans to make anthroposophical content, mantras and esoteric texts accessible. She was an active part of The Christian Community, Anthroposophical Society and Waldorf Movements wherever she lived. She resided in Johannesburg during the 1980's and '90's.
by Jane Abrahams
The Grail Stone in Africa and the Search for Prester John by Helene de Villiers, is subtitled 'South Africa's past and future seen in a different light.' It is beautifully conceived and put together, and very well illustrated. Through it all, like a golden thread, runs a strong plea for the spiritual redemption of this dark continent of ours, so rich in potential, so riven by fear and violence. Helene de Villiers takes as her central theme the premise that the Grail found its final home in Africa, its last Keeper being the first of the long line of Ethiopian kings known as Prester John who was thought to be descended from the Three Wise Men of the East.
The book describes the legendary roots of the story; the Grail Stone arriving at last in the land of Saba (Abyssinia/Ethiopia), the extraordinary flowering of Coptic Christianity under Lalibela, who was baptized by the Angel Gabriel in the River Jordan, and who returned home to build the underground churches which are still used for worship in present-day Ethiopia. The author then looks at the known historical facts. The quest to find Prester John began with the vision of Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal, who in the 15th Century initiated various expeditions down the coast of Africa, culminating in that of Bartholomeu Dias, the first European to set foot in South Africa, at Mossel Bay in 1488. At key points around the southern coast of Africa, Dias and da Gama who followed him, erected padraoes, stone columns bearing a cross, thus symbolising that Christianity had touched this savage land. 'Like a chain of prayer they surrounded this region long before the Dutch and English arrived.'
Were these expeditions successful? Did they find Prester John? The answer is yes and no. They found a king, certainly, although he was not the all-powerful ruler of legend. But they did find a form of Christianity there which was rigorous and devout. It is as though in this north-east corner of the continent a flame of spiritual knowledge and faith was lighted and kept burning through the centuries, although many waves of history rolled over it and threatened to put it out.
The second part of the book includes a collection of African fireside tales, many illustrating the themes of resurrection and metamorphosis. An overall atmosphere of fear and retribution imbues these tales, but redemption also shines through. As a tremendously satisfying climax, the author shows how many of the themes which have figured in the past history and mythology of Africa are surfacing again in the work of modern South African writers.
Helene de Villiers has written a many-layered book which brings together the separate tributaries of myth, history, poetry and folklore into a strong narrative river which carries one along in the growing hope that Africa may one day ask the right question and attain lasting brotherhood.
It is available from the bookshop at the Rudolf Steiner Centre, Bryanston, or directly from the publishers: The Attic Press
The Grail Stone in Africa and the Search for Prester John by Helene de Villiers, is subtitled 'South Africa's past and future seen in a different light.' It is beautifully conceived and put together, and very well illustrated. Through it all, like a golden thread, runs a strong plea for the spiritual redemption of this dark continent of ours, so rich in potential, so riven by fear and violence. Helene de Villiers takes as her central theme the premise that the Grail found its final home in Africa, its last Keeper being the first of the long line of Ethiopian kings known as Prester John who was thought to be descended from the Three Wise Men of the East.
The book describes the legendary roots of the story; the Grail Stone arriving at last in the land of Saba (Abyssinia/Ethiopia), the extraordinary flowering of Coptic Christianity under Lalibela, who was baptized by the Angel Gabriel in the River Jordan, and who returned home to build the underground churches which are still used for worship in present-day Ethiopia. The author then looks at the known historical facts. The quest to find Prester John began with the vision of Prince Henry the Navigator of Portugal, who in the 15th Century initiated various expeditions down the coast of Africa, culminating in that of Bartholomeu Dias, the first European to set foot in South Africa, at Mossel Bay in 1488. At key points around the southern coast of Africa, Dias and da Gama who followed him, erected padraoes, stone columns bearing a cross, thus symbolising that Christianity had touched this savage land. 'Like a chain of prayer they surrounded this region long before the Dutch and English arrived.'
Were these expeditions successful? Did they find Prester John? The answer is yes and no. They found a king, certainly, although he was not the all-powerful ruler of legend. But they did find a form of Christianity there which was rigorous and devout. It is as though in this north-east corner of the continent a flame of spiritual knowledge and faith was lighted and kept burning through the centuries, although many waves of history rolled over it and threatened to put it out.
The second part of the book includes a collection of African fireside tales, many illustrating the themes of resurrection and metamorphosis. An overall atmosphere of fear and retribution imbues these tales, but redemption also shines through. As a tremendously satisfying climax, the author shows how many of the themes which have figured in the past history and mythology of Africa are surfacing again in the work of modern South African writers.
Helene de Villiers has written a many-layered book which brings together the separate tributaries of myth, history, poetry and folklore into a strong narrative river which carries one along in the growing hope that Africa may one day ask the right question and attain lasting brotherhood.
It is available from the bookshop at the Rudolf Steiner Centre, Bryanston, or directly from the publishers: The Attic Press
Regional Synod in Windhoek - October 2014
Rt to lt: Rev. Reingard Knausenberger, Rev. Kine Voigts, Rev. Richard Goodall, Rev. Peter Holman, Rev. Malcolm Allsop
Priests of the Region Southern Africa taking a break during the Synod October 2014 held in Windhoek.
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Regional Synod in Cape Town - March 2014
Lt to Rt: Rev. Reingard Knausenberger, Rev. Richard Goodall, Rev. Peter Holman, Rev. Kine Voigts, Rev. Vicke von Behr & Rev. Malcolm Allsop
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Regional Council Meeting - August 2013
The annual meeting of The Christian Community Regional Council, Southern African Region took place in the Johannesburg congregation from Friday evening, 23th to lunch on Sunday, 25th August 2013. Trustees and members of the various congregations were also invited to attend the meeting.
See also articles on the Johannesburg Congregation news pages entitled Growing Together by Raimer von Haase and Experiencing the Regional Council meeting by John-Peter Gernaat.
See also articles on the Johannesburg Congregation news pages entitled Growing Together by Raimer von Haase and Experiencing the Regional Council meeting by John-Peter Gernaat.
Student Conference, Hogsback, April 2013
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Hermanus October 2012
by Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
The Regional Council met in Hermanus this October for the first time. Camphill Village generously opened their beautiful hall for our meetings, catering for us with delicious meals. Even though there is no permanent priest for this area, we experienced three services in the hall, where the altar is set up every time when Rev. Richard Goodall visits, about every two months. On Friday evening we were introduced to the history of Camphill and its founding in the Valley of Hemel en Aarde. Sunday we participated with the Village community in an Act of Consecration of Man.
This time the Council met a day longer, giving space to ponder some questions and topics more deliberately, e.g. “What does money have to do with us? The unique quality of ‘Gifting/Donation’ money; The imagination of John in the Book of Revelation to John, Ch. 1 and its inner dynamic relevance”. It is heartening to experience that as the Council achieves a continuity in meeting, so does the consciousness for each other and the community they represent. Since the last meeting major steps have been taken in Cape Town (phase 2 of Timour Hall cottages is nearly complete), in KZN (Kangelani Way is upbeat to convert the old horse stables into a chapel space after the Shongweni property has passed into new hands), in Joburg (a complete upgrade of the church garden and West Manse), and Windhoek manages to keep a stable course despite some unexpected, sometimes dramatic, events which stretched both priest and members. There is no doubt any more: we are a Region, thinking and feeling together, helping each other, creating a flow from community to community.
This time the Council met a day longer, giving space to ponder some questions and topics more deliberately, e.g. “What does money have to do with us? The unique quality of ‘Gifting/Donation’ money; The imagination of John in the Book of Revelation to John, Ch. 1 and its inner dynamic relevance”. It is heartening to experience that as the Council achieves a continuity in meeting, so does the consciousness for each other and the community they represent. Since the last meeting major steps have been taken in Cape Town (phase 2 of Timour Hall cottages is nearly complete), in KZN (Kangelani Way is upbeat to convert the old horse stables into a chapel space after the Shongweni property has passed into new hands), in Joburg (a complete upgrade of the church garden and West Manse), and Windhoek manages to keep a stable course despite some unexpected, sometimes dramatic, events which stretched both priest and members. There is no doubt any more: we are a Region, thinking and feeling together, helping each other, creating a flow from community to community.
Preceding the Council was a short retreat of the priests with our colleague Rev. Mechtild Oltmann from Berlin. We focused on the Book of Revelation and were very grateful for the rare opportunity of extended conversation with colleagues. We were also very fortunate to be hosted by Barbara Sanne on her horse stud Oldlands, right next to Camphill Village.
Before priests and the Council members arrived, Rev. Oltmann met with 14-18 members living around Hermanus, offering perspectives on the Book of Revelation during several sessions over Saturday and Sunday.
All in all a worthwhile and inspiring time touching base in an area where members and friends of the Christian Community uphold the Christ-flame in often lonely conditions.
Before priests and the Council members arrived, Rev. Oltmann met with 14-18 members living around Hermanus, offering perspectives on the Book of Revelation during several sessions over Saturday and Sunday.
All in all a worthwhile and inspiring time touching base in an area where members and friends of the Christian Community uphold the Christ-flame in often lonely conditions.
Watching whales on the Whale Coast at Hermanus
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Priest's Synod in Johannesburg in May 2012 Rev. Hugh Thornton, Rev. Kine Voigts, Rev. Peter Holman, Rev. Reingard Knausenberger and Rev. Richard Goodall in the Community Garden in Johannesburg
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Confirmees 2012
On Palm-Sunday, you planted seeds and throughout Holy Week you watched how they started sending up green shoots. By Easter they are already high enough to be seen well above the container rim. Why do you think they could grow so quickly? - Because they were planted in good soil and had light, air and water.
You might remember the parables about the kingdom of heaven in the gospel of Matthew 13: 'A sower went out to sow his seed...' and that it matters a lot where the seed lands if there is to be a good result. We hear that the seed is the Word of God. We all have experiences of how powerful a word can be, depending on where and how it lands in us. We know how it feels to be criticised and hurt by anger and how difficult it is to pull that thorn of hurt out of the heart. But we also know the opposite, how a kind and caring word can warm us through and fill us with joy and strength from the inside out.
Then we can think of the very beginning of the Bible, the book of Genesis, where we hear how God created the world in six great cosmic world-days through the power of The Word. It was God's own initiative to speak His substance out like a seed. The whole of creation, this world around us, is the seed He has sown.You and I and we all are a seed God planted into this world. And He says: 'it is good' – planted in good soil. On the seventh day He pauses, eager to see what will become of the seed He has sown.
A lot of things happened in the world since then, the whole of history until now is about growing that original seed. Getting the conditions right so that something can find its place and grow is the first challenge. After a while, though, when it is established and growing, another question arises: what is its purpose, where is this headed, what will become of it? At that point in history, when this question was existential, a very special human being was born with a unique mission. Jesus gave Christ, the son of God, the opportunity to enter into His creation and show us what God's power can do when a human being brings it alive within his heart. The meaning of creation became real when Christ died. Now we can understand better the first verses of the gospel of John: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God'. The power of Creation, the power of His Word that can become anything, was with God. Long ago, God spoke it out, ... have you ever tried to take a word back you spoke? Was it possible? You will find that it can never be made 'unspoken' again, even if you try to correct and change its impact.
So the question for us is: where is God's Word now? Christ, the spoken-out Word of God, died! Where, how, does it become alive again?
You see, this question leads us to an altar. Everything we experience at an altar in celebrating a sacrament is about The Word. Sacraments are there because The Word was with God and is now with us! The deed of Jesus Christ on Golgotha fulfilled the original purpose of creation and has produced a new seed, sown deeper into our being, right into our heart, into our flesh and blood. Christ, The Word, is now in us. What was with God is now in you like a seed, a magnificent creative potential, a spiritual 'power point'. It is a possibility waiting to come alive in your heart. That is why it matters where this experience of receiving a sacrament lands: on the path where it will be trodden underfoot among all the many experiences we have in the course of life, on the rock where it is of momentary interest and then forgotten, among thorns where it isn't given any exposure to light and air, or in good soil where it can take root?
The ritual of a sacrament gives us the opportunity to lift our creative power into the light of the Spirit and let it be energised by the breath of a greater purpose. We are responsible for the conditions they land in. Each one of us is responsible what becomes of them. That is our freedom. With the sacrament of confirmation the Word of God has been given to you: a mighty creative power. No one says it is easy to nurture this and let it live and grow in a positive way, but when you keep at it, like a gardener does, you will find it leads to the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences in life. Later when you look back on things you have done and who you have become in the course of this effort, you will be able to say: it might have been difficult at times, but it was GOOD. And the Good will endure. Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
In our Southern African Region twenty-four young people received the blessing of the Sacrament of Confirmation: eight in Johannesburg, four in Cape Town, five in Hillcrest, KZN, seven in Windhoek. They join the world-wide community of young people confirmed this year during Easter in the Spirit of the Christian Community.
You might remember the parables about the kingdom of heaven in the gospel of Matthew 13: 'A sower went out to sow his seed...' and that it matters a lot where the seed lands if there is to be a good result. We hear that the seed is the Word of God. We all have experiences of how powerful a word can be, depending on where and how it lands in us. We know how it feels to be criticised and hurt by anger and how difficult it is to pull that thorn of hurt out of the heart. But we also know the opposite, how a kind and caring word can warm us through and fill us with joy and strength from the inside out.
Then we can think of the very beginning of the Bible, the book of Genesis, where we hear how God created the world in six great cosmic world-days through the power of The Word. It was God's own initiative to speak His substance out like a seed. The whole of creation, this world around us, is the seed He has sown.You and I and we all are a seed God planted into this world. And He says: 'it is good' – planted in good soil. On the seventh day He pauses, eager to see what will become of the seed He has sown.
A lot of things happened in the world since then, the whole of history until now is about growing that original seed. Getting the conditions right so that something can find its place and grow is the first challenge. After a while, though, when it is established and growing, another question arises: what is its purpose, where is this headed, what will become of it? At that point in history, when this question was existential, a very special human being was born with a unique mission. Jesus gave Christ, the son of God, the opportunity to enter into His creation and show us what God's power can do when a human being brings it alive within his heart. The meaning of creation became real when Christ died. Now we can understand better the first verses of the gospel of John: 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God'. The power of Creation, the power of His Word that can become anything, was with God. Long ago, God spoke it out, ... have you ever tried to take a word back you spoke? Was it possible? You will find that it can never be made 'unspoken' again, even if you try to correct and change its impact.
So the question for us is: where is God's Word now? Christ, the spoken-out Word of God, died! Where, how, does it become alive again?
You see, this question leads us to an altar. Everything we experience at an altar in celebrating a sacrament is about The Word. Sacraments are there because The Word was with God and is now with us! The deed of Jesus Christ on Golgotha fulfilled the original purpose of creation and has produced a new seed, sown deeper into our being, right into our heart, into our flesh and blood. Christ, The Word, is now in us. What was with God is now in you like a seed, a magnificent creative potential, a spiritual 'power point'. It is a possibility waiting to come alive in your heart. That is why it matters where this experience of receiving a sacrament lands: on the path where it will be trodden underfoot among all the many experiences we have in the course of life, on the rock where it is of momentary interest and then forgotten, among thorns where it isn't given any exposure to light and air, or in good soil where it can take root?
The ritual of a sacrament gives us the opportunity to lift our creative power into the light of the Spirit and let it be energised by the breath of a greater purpose. We are responsible for the conditions they land in. Each one of us is responsible what becomes of them. That is our freedom. With the sacrament of confirmation the Word of God has been given to you: a mighty creative power. No one says it is easy to nurture this and let it live and grow in a positive way, but when you keep at it, like a gardener does, you will find it leads to the most fulfilling and meaningful experiences in life. Later when you look back on things you have done and who you have become in the course of this effort, you will be able to say: it might have been difficult at times, but it was GOOD. And the Good will endure. Rev. Reingard Knausenberger
In our Southern African Region twenty-four young people received the blessing of the Sacrament of Confirmation: eight in Johannesburg, four in Cape Town, five in Hillcrest, KZN, seven in Windhoek. They join the world-wide community of young people confirmed this year during Easter in the Spirit of the Christian Community.
