From November 20, 2015 to January 20, 2016 I have the privilege of completing part of my General Theological Seminary field-work through participating in ministry for two months at The Church of the Resurrection in the township of Bonteheuwel (yeah, it’s taken me awhile to pronounce that one!) which is located in an area called Cape Flats in the city of Cape Town, South Africa. The church is part of the Anglican Church in Southern Africa which is comprised of several countries. South Africa itself has three dioceses, and The Church of the Resurrection belongs to the Diocese of Cape Town. Tommie and I were happy to learn that the current Archbishop of Cape Town, Archbishop Thabo, received an honorary doctorate from General Theological Seminary in 2009! We saw his degree hanging on the wall when we were invited to visit Bishopscourt, the Archbishop’s residence in Cape Town.
On any given Sunday, the parish attendance at Church of the Resurrection can be between 500 to 600; on feast days such as Christmas and Easter there can be 800, or more. Father Terrence and Deacon Shaun put me to work at once— I was assigned to preach at a Sunday and at a Wednesday Eucharist. In addition to serving at the altar and preaching, so far I’ve assisted with hospital visits, home visits, house blessings, prayer meetings and funerals. Needless to say, there is no shortage of work, and this is perfect training ground for a priest-to-be. The clergy team is constantly on-the-go with much help from a strong lay-leadership ministry team, and I’m learning a lot about the life of a priest in an extremely busy and large urban parish. The people are warm, welcoming, dedicated, tenacious, kindhearted, hardworking, and so forgiving when I am forgetful of names. All the older women I call “Auntie.”
But it is their faith which amazes and inspires me the most—their devotion to God and love of Jesus and commitment to the spiritual life of the parish is marvelous to behold and experience. It is such a vibrant and active parish, full of the love of the Lord and the working of the Holy Spirit. I’ve been a witness to their laughter, tears, dancing, and everything in between. The other night I attended a prayer meeting which always occurs a few days before a funeral. Lay-leaders of the congregation will come to the home of the bereaved family, and friends and other family members will gather to sing hymns, pray, comfort and encourage each other to strengthen the family as the funeral preparations are being made in the days ahead. The closeness of this community is so apparent in how they take care of one another, loving one another in difficult and painful times. It is a community of believers who know they are held and loved by God.
I had never before preached to such a large congregation, but in this community—my new church family— I didn’t feel nervous during it all. (Well…maybe just a little!) Just as they are held and loved by God, I also sensed that they in turn held and loved me as I stood at that pulpit. I remember climbing the three steps to the microphone thinking, “Okay, Deborah—deep breath.” But when I looked out over all of the faces, I knew there was nothing to fear. Afterwards they responded to me and to the message with great enthusiasm. And that had been my prayer all along—that whatever message God wanted them to hear would settle in their hearts.
There is a saying here in Cape Town—“to be on your bicycle.” When you are are about to leave and go somewhere you say, “Okay, I’m going to be on my bicycle, now.” Even if you are driving away in your car. Or taking the bus. Or walking. It just means that you are about to leave for your next destination. I love that phrase because I feel as though I am “on my bicycle” in regard to my preparation for the priesthood; here in Cape Town I am on my way, learning and moving forward, step-by-step to the next place, being prepared for the next adventure in the journey. Yes, I know I will have some flat tires along the way, but by God’s grace, all shall be well.
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