28 May 2020
STATEMENT ON THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE SYNOD RESPONSE TO THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE POSSIBLE OPENING OF CHURCHES FOR WORSHIP AND OUR CONNEXIONAL RESPONSE AS THE MCSA

Dear Members and Friends of the Cape of Good Hope Synod

I write to you in order to clarify the pastoral and practical response to the State President’s recent announcement that under the Level 3 Lockdown Regulations, religious gatherings will be allowed, provided they adhere to the strict protocols as prescribed by Government. This also takes into consideration the official statement of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa which was released yesterday evening, which reiterates our extreme caution in this matter, as we “recognise the moral burden and responsibility of leadership as all levels of our Church i.e. Society, Circuit, Synod and Connexion.”

The consultative Bishop’s meeting which met on Thursday, 27 May, in recognising the diverse nature of our contexts within our Connexional family, resolved that Synods and Circuit leadership, in prayerful discernment, will make the decision as to “if”, “when” and under what conditions, worship services may resume in our buildings. In addition, careful consideration needs to be given to the understanding of what it means to be regarded as Essential Services and the implications thereof for our clergy and greater
prophetic, compassionate and pastoral ministry at this time.

I have met with our Synod Management team in order to prayerfully consider our response as a Cape of Good Synod, especially given the fact that the Cape has been identified as a hotspot, with the spike of infection expected to rise far quicker than other Provinces. This, together with the many other
considerations that influence our loving, prophetic and pastoral response and this time, has led us to decide that the Cape of Good Hope Synod will not open our churches for services or gatherings from 1 June onwards, nor for the foreseeable future.

As a Management Team, we are committed to consult with an advisory team in order to thoroughly examine both the Government Regulations and the Guidelines, Norms and Standards of the SACC member Churches to Self-regulate to protect lives at worship, in order to engage with churches in terms of their capacity to conduct essential services, such as funerals, feeding schemes, etc. as well as any preparations that they will engage in, in order to prepare for a time when we may consider opening our churches for
worship in the months ahead. We believe that this must be taken in a responsible manner and we will resist any attempts to rush into ministry at this time. We will consult with and update Circuit Superintendents on this matter as we prayerfully and carefully move forward. We recommend that
Ministers and churches strengthen their alternative forms of worship such as virtual gatherings, teaching and preaching using the many means available to us, as well as continue the pastoral and practical care through creative ways that do not put people at any greater risk of spreading the virus.

I commend our Methodist people who have lovingly and sacrificially embraced a new reality of being the Body of Christ at this time. I, like many of you, long for many beautiful expressions of our life together as a Christian community, such as exuberant worship and dancing in God’s spirit, the loving embrace of sharing God’s peace and gathering at the Table of the Lord, fellowship and feasting together, but recognise that the time to do that is not now. As your spiritual leader and pastor, I implore you to accept this decision as our collective commitment to the adherence of our Methodist Rule of life of doing good, doing no harm, and staying in Love with God. I implore you to “pray without ceasing” as we seek the discerning wisdom of God’s Spirit, so that our action as Christ’s disciples may be guided by His grace. I continue to uphold you and our extended family in prayer.

Yours in Christ’s Service
Rev Yvette Moses
Synod Bishop

29^th May 2020

 Good morning friends

 As the number of days in Lockdown goes deeper into the 60’s we find ourselves having to deal with new realities and challenges almost on a daily basis. These are emotionally draining days and often leave us feeling all at sea. We are grateful that in Jesus Christ we have a sure foundation and that He is the same, yesterday, today and forevermore (Hebrews 13:8).

 Since Wednesday evening’s surprise announcement by the President I have been inundated with emails and calls asking what we are going to do about reopening the church. In consultation with the Presiding Bishop, our Local Bishop, the Circuit Ministers, and our own Society Stewards we almost unanimously agree that it is too premature to begin meeting in groups of 50 at this moment. There are a lot of our congregation members who are over 60, as well as a number of people (of all ages) who are at risk during this time.  So, without going into all the discussions we have been having, the simple outcome is this: We will continue with our online ministry for the month of June and will take a wait and see approach during the next 4 weeks. If things change, we will communicate any changes to you timeously.

 However, we also recognise that for some people, there is sense of loss and of missing being in a “church setting”, so we will open up our church building every Thursday between 11am – 1pm for a time of prayer and reflection for anyone who desires to be there. This time will be informal and will provide the space for you to prayerfully connect with Christ away from the stress of home-schooling, work and lockdown.  This time will be managed with all the appropriate protocols, social distancing and the wearing of face-masks etc.  This week coming, we will open the Church also on Tuesday (2 June) between 11am – 1pm as a once off.

 I was encouraged to see that ministers and pastors are now considered ‘essential services’, especially in the case of emergencies. So if you are struggling and need someone to speak to, we can make the arrangements to do so. Please do this through Thomas at the Office – note that although the telephone line is down (faulty), but the email is still working. We are sadly not allowed to visit hospitals and old-age homes as yet, but will continue to care for those in need as best as we can.

Thank you for your continued financial support during this time of Covid-19. Despite the decrease in financial resources, we have still been able to meet all our expenses and also help out with those who have great needs. I have been so delighted to see how many of you have served your ‘neighbours’ and those in desperate need of food and clothes. I truly believe that although we haven’t been meeting in a church building, we have certainly still BEEN THE CHURCH. Thank you so much for being willing to allow your faith to change the lives of the most vulnerable and neglected.

 Thank you for your on-going prayers for our family during this time. We have also felt the strain of the pandemic, with changes in Kim’s work situation, the boys home-schooling and all the usual ups and downs that come with being cooped up together in a home for 2 months. We ask for further prayers for Declan as he joins many of the Grade 12’s in resuming school on Monday. We know that this will add a “new normal” to an already upside down reality. We will wait to see when Nathan and Joshua can return to school – hopefully sometime soon.

 Lastly, I invite us all to take part in the National Day of Prayer on Sunday 31^st May 2020, which is also Pentecost Sunday. It is reassuring to know that we can come together to be of one mind and heart as we pray for our nation, our leaders and our communities. May the power of the Holy Spirit bring renewal, change and an outpouring of love into our lives.

 “When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.” – C.S Lewis

 “The Lord’s love never ends; his mercies never stop.

They are new every morning. Lord, your loyalty is great.” – Lamentations 3:22-23

God bless you friends

Delme, Kim and the boys

P.S. If you are not receiving the weekly Whatsapp messages please contact Thomas or myself and give us your cell-phone number. Thank you.

To all Members and Friends of the Cape of Good Hope Synod
I write to you in the confidence of our risen Christ who presence brings hope and peace amidst the uncertainty and challenges of the Global COVID -19 pandemic.

This would have been the week of our gathering as a Synod, so this letter serves to update you on many practical matters as we as a Synod have attempted to navigate our way in understanding and practicing our
ministry and mission at this time, as well as dealing with governance matters for our required meetings.

As governments, public health officials and communities respond to the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) globally, including the countries of our Connexion, the Bishops of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa had a tele-conference to discuss doing church during this period of crisis. 

A pamplet from the Western Cape Government containing general advice with regard to the  COVID-19 Coronavirus.

Here is a pamphlet released by the Western Cape Government with answers to some frequently asked questions concerning COVID-19
(CORONAVIRUS).