Possible ways forward.....

So what are the possible ways forward for our Lichfield Matlosane Link? In no particular order and awaiting further discussion with Bishop Steve I’d like to suggest a few:

• The visit by Lichfield Cathedral Choir would I think be possible and welcome, from both a musical and liturgical point of view. Perhaps we could organise a tour round the Diocese – centred on the Cathedral in Klerksdorp but including other venues such as St Andrew’s in Boikhutso Township, Lichtenburg in the North and Atamelang in the South. The Cathedral has by common agreement and by the evidence of trophies from the Diocesan and inter Diocesan choir competitions the best choir. I was impressed by their Ash Wednesday contributions. We’d need to work out accommodation and a programme. Perhaps families could host. There are also Guest Houses. The programme, as well as a tour (tour tee shirt needed), could include a visit, perhaps even overnight, to a Game park and visits to some of the cultural centres.
• Important to plan for a return visit by the Matlosane Cathedral Choir – or at least a selection of members as it is an enormous choir. I would think 24 would be maximum number – maybe 16. To include for them too a tour, visits to schools, engagement with transforming community initiatives, perhaps with help of community musician Peter Churchill to compose and perform an African / Western musical fusion, …..
• The Bishop’s Lent Appeal contribution to the Siyafundisa HIV / AIDS project has I think been made. People I have spoken to have all said what a good and strategic initiative Siyafundisa is.
• The Bishop’s wife Brenda was instrumental some 3 years ago in setting up a coordinated Sunday School programme for the Diocese. She is very excited at the possibility of LD (Lichfied Diocese) identifying a small team of experienced ‘Sunday School’ workers who could come and offer say two 3 day training workshops for SS teachers in the Diocese as well as reviewing and ensuring ways of providing appropriate material. The small group could come for say 2 weeks.
• Archdeacon Guma in the South with his extensive experience in the Dept of Education is looking to identify at least one school for a school to school link (it seems all schools now have internet access). He is keen for LD to assist with Kindergarten / Reception stage education as schools are now having to take children a year earlier. Special experience with the teaching of English at this stage would be welcomed. In addition to this there is scope with sharing in an initiatives promoting education with those with disabilities.
• Archdeacon Ngidi is keen to have catechists to assist in parishes. Perhaps they could be regarded more as missioners who could be trained to work as the exiting Lay Ministers do. Maybe good training material already exists. Some Theological Education by Extension Material (TEE) is available an some indeed in the local language of Sitsuana. Maybe LD could assist in identifying and providing suitable material and resourcing this training.
• The sponsorship of an ordinand by LD in his final year at the well rated Grahamstown Theological College is much appreciated. The cost of this has increased to over £4,000 per year. Continuing support to enable a further ordinand to be supported seems a good use of resources.
• What of possible skills share and work share visits? I have outlined a few openings above. If we an offer appropriate Skills sharing and training then we avoid promoting dependence and adding to any sense of a hand-out culture. Time and again, alongside some voices simply pleading for manna from heaven, I hear people quoting the proverb which tells us to teach people to fish rather than giving them a fish.
• Parish to Parish Links? Communication is likely to be difficult especially in the more rural areas, but these could surely be developed.

• Planned visit by members of Lichfield Cathedral Youth Fellowship in October 2011.