A reminder that we will be holding our Vestry meeting this Sunday at St Patrick on the Hill, straight after the service. All invited. If you want to nominate someone for the Council, please contact Trevor. Here follows the Warden's report for 2021.
Lockdown:
From March 2020 until February 2021
St Patrick’s has had virtual services broadcast by Maggie Verster with the
ministry team of Dr Norma Fivaz, Ann Webster, Barry and Lyndon Wittstockand Rev Liz Thomas. The broadcast
services were professionally done and attracted a greater congregation far and
wide. Unfortunately, Liz can’t be with us for vestry, as she is on sick leave.
Council:
The last actual Vestry was held in 2019
at which the following were elected: Trevor Webster (Warden), Quinton Dick
(Alternate Warden, Treasurer and Gardens), Rev Liz Thomas (Priest), Dr Norma Fivaz
(Lay Minister and Pianist), Ann Webster (Lay Minister, Sacristan and Pianist),
Carol Nieth (Weddings), Maggie Verster (Blogpage, communication), Helen Fox and
Ansie Klaassen (pastoral care, flowers). At the virtual Vestry of 2020 Jan
Delport was elected. All The members have continued loyally, showing commitment
in spite of the services being only virtual. In any democratic organization it
is vital to have regular elections, which will happen at Vestry this year on
Sunday 14 March 2021.
Worship and Services:
We are very privileged
to have Rev Dr Liz Thomas as resident priest and two committed lay ministers:
Dr Norma van Niekerk and Ann Webster. We are a small congregation of different
denominations and we all participate in the different services. The flower
arrangements are beautifully done, organised by Ansie Klaassen. Our chapel continues
to be a much-visited gem in Hogsback. The Prayer Trail has become a major
source of comfort for those needing to pray or meditate. Many visitors regard
the chapel and Prayer Trail as a priority in their visits to Hogsback, especially
as the chapel is open throughout the day. The Monday Bible Study group is a
powerful worship group.
Community and Care: We donate on a regular
basis to Hobbiton and Jikani. Ansie visits those in need and our lay ministers
use the discretionary fund to help those in need. The blogpage and WhatsApp
groups run by Maggie are very effective in reaching a further congregation not
living in Hogsback. Maggie has been brilliant in reaching people through
technology during lockdown.
The community identifies with the chapel by using it for memorial
services, baptisms and weddings and the Wall of Remembrance, although these
have not been active during lockdown.
Finance:
We are fortunate in having Quinton
Dick as treasurer. We donate much of our income from tithing to worthy causes
locally, in addition to paying our Diocesan assessment. We have maintained and
improved our assets, especially our garden. Whatever has been done has been
done to the glory of God. In spite of not receiving collections because there
have not been services, we have been able to maintain our commitments. Our
financial statements are presented for comment, if necessary, and acceptance by
the congregation.
Weddings:
There have not been weddings during
lockdown.
Buildings and Gardens:
The gardens are looking particularly beautiful
thanks to the supervision of Quinton and others. We were able to cover the
thatch with netting wire to protect it from baboon foraging. All this is appreciated
by visitors who are constant visitors.
HUCF:
The Hogsback United Church Fellowship property
and assets are looked after by the Council and are not owned by St Patrick’s. The
property is up for sale.
Challenges:
Although the congregation of St
Patrick’s is a shining example of service, we realize that there are challenges.
We are grateful that we can do as much as we do as each of us has a limited time-span
in this village. We appreciate the opportunity and joy to be able to be part of
this beautiful, iconic chapel, celebrated daily by visitors from all over the
world.
Thank you
Trevor Webster
Chapel Warden
14 March 2021
