Sunday 31 May 2020

Pentecost Sunday: 31 May 2020

This morning is a VERY SPECIAL service as it is the "last service" of Reverent Barry Wittstock, before he retires tomorrow, after 40 years of service to the Anglican Church. To read more about his service and ministry, see this post. Feel free to leave a message in the comments below or a video message here.


 

National Day of Prayer

    
St Patricks Chapel · National Day of Prayer (St Patrick on the Hill)

On this special National Day of Prayer, in the context of the Covid-19 epidemic, we have been asked to pray for particular issues. When I say “Lord in your mercy”,  you can respond “hear our prayers”. 


We bring to you, Holy Creator God, our fears and longings, asking in the name of Jesus, that You would fill us, that You would respond to this crisis in our land and in the world. And that your glory would be known. 

Thank you for your love and your presence with us and so we come as people uncertain and fearful with so much that we do not know or understand. As a whole range of things is unfolding around, us we ask that You will bring comfort and assurance of Your presence and peace in our hearts and homes.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

 We pray for an end to the scourge of the virus, that through your power, a vaccine will be developed soon and made freely available to all. 

We pray for all the scientists involved in the vaccine trials. We pray for the National governments, the World Health Organisation and for the people who are part of those trials Lord in your mercy hear our prayer.

We remember especially all those who are infected. We ask You to comfort them and bring healing and hope. We pray for their families and communities who are fearing the worst. We ask that your comfort and presence will be with all who grief people who grieve, especially those who haven't had the opportunity to be involved in any process of grieving and burials.  We pray for church leaders, that they would be sensitive in their reaching out to those who grieve and in the funeral services. Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer.

As the community in South Africa moves into level 3, we are also aware of the increased risks and raised fears of a rapid increase in new infections. We remember today all those going back to work and to school, as the schools open again tomorrow. We pray for all those who work in the screening, testing and advising of those who are ill and all who care for them. We pray especially for the safety of all frontline workers in the health sector, in shops and caring for us with basic services.  Lord in your mercy, hear our prayer. 

We pray for all whose livelihoods have been destroyed during the lockdown. We ask for hope of new beginnings and a generous sharing of resources, so that all may have dignity and health. We pray for all those involved in stimulating the economy, that they would be able to make wise and inspired decisions that would lead to growth and jobs and an easing of the hardships that so many people are experiencing.  Lord in your mercy,  hear our prayer. 

We pray for the leaders of all faiths and especially the South African Council of Churches.  We pray for the leadership of the church and we pray for the role of local churches in reaching out and caring for those in need. 

We ask all these things in the name of Jesus Christ, who came and redeemed us, who introduced us to the Holy Spirit and for the Holy Spirit who fills us and empowers us and makes new beginnings: “Behold I make all things new”.  
And so we commit this country, our time of prayer and the needs of the people that we've prayed for, to you Holy God. We hand them into your hands. 

Amen

Notice: There will be National Day of Prayer Service on SABC 2 at 16:00 31st May. 

Saturday 30 May 2020

May 2020 Newsletter

Virtual Services to continue during Lockdown Level 3, from June 2020 Council has decided to continue with virtual services during lockdown 3 in June when the Lockdown regulations allow services to happen. Our broadcast ministry team organised by Maggie Verster has excelled in extending the virtual congregation through the professional and sincere services every Sunday at 10am. If you haven't listened yet I urge you to go to: www.stpatrickonthehill.co.za

It also means that the congregation will continue to be kept safe and warm during the cold winter period, especially as many are in the vulnerable age. However, we look forward to the resumption of services in the chapel as soon as it is safe to do so.

We are Grateful to: 
To those who have kept us healthy, especially Dr Johann Delport;
To those who have kindly helped others, especially those in need;
To those who have kept businesses operating for the needs of the community.

Please Pray For: 
 Neil Cooper who has been ill for some time at home nursed by his daughter, Julie, and family;
Oliver and Rudi who have been in hospital and are now at home, having re-opened their restaurant; Rev Barry Wittstock who suffered a heart attack three months ago and is still recovering and has been looked after by his wife, Lynden.

The wedding of Barry and Lynden at the Grahamstown Cathedral on 24 June 1978;
Barry’s ordination at Holy Trinity Church, King William’s Town on 1st June 1980, with his mother


Retirement Virtual Service by Rev Barry Wittstock on Sunday 31 May 2020 at 10am
Please join the Wittstock family in Barry's retirement service from StMark's, Cambridge. On behalf of St Patricks Chapel, I thank and pay tribute to the Rev Barry Wittstock for a lifetime of ministry to eight parishes in the Eastern Cape. Barry was ordained 40 years ago in King Williamstown. His first parish was where he returned for his final years of service, St Mark's.

We thank God for both Barry and Lynden, his wife, who has supported him lovingly. The congregation of St Patrick's is very appreciative of both Barry and Lynden for their ministry at St Patrick's during two periods. The first was when he was rector at Fort Beaufort and latterly when he has taken monthly services and weddings here by travelling all the way from East London.

We thank you, Barry and Lynden, for your dedicated service to St Patrick's. We are aware that as a previous Chairman of the Board of Hobbiton, you have made a considerable difference to the welfare of Hogsback. We wish you a happy and healthy retirement in your home at the foot of Gaika's Kop.

Please go and leave a message for them here: stpatrickonthehill.blogspot.com/2020/05/40-years-of-service-and-dedication.html (Just click on the + , fill in your name and record your message)

Blessings

Trevor Webster Chapel Warden

40 Years of service and dedication!!

Retirement Virtual Service by Rev Barry Wittstock on Sunday 31 May 2020 at 10am
Please join the Wittstock family in Barry's retirement service from St Mark's, Cambridge. On behalf of St Patricks Chapel, I thank and pay tribute to the Rev Barry Wittstock for a lifetime of ministry to eight parishes in the Eastern Cape. Barry was ordained 40 years ago in King Williamstown. His first parish was where he returned for his final years of service, St Mark's.

We thank God for both Barry and Lynden, his wife, who has supported him lovingly. The congregation of St Patrick's is very appreciative of both Barry and Lynden for their ministry at St Patrick's during two periods. The first was when he was rector at Fort Beaufort and latterly when he has taken monthly services and weddings here by travelling all the way from East London.

We thank you, Barry and Lynden, for your dedicated service to St Patrick's. We are aware that as a previous Chairman of the Board of Hobbiton, you have made a considerable difference to the welfare of Hogsback. We wish you a happy and healthy retirement in your home at the foot of Gaika's Kop.

Please go and leave a message for them below (Just click on the + , fill in your name and record your video message) or you can whatsapp the video to Maggie at 0835566962

Sunday 24 May 2020

Sunday 24 May 2020 Service: Take my life and let it be

This mornings service is lead by Liz, with the help of Mark Balito and the Keese Family. The theme for this morning is "Take my life and let it be.....


Sunday 17 May 2020

Sunday Service 17 May 2020

This morning we will look at God's Unique love for us. Thank you Norma and team for this mornings message

Sunday 10 May 2020

Sunday 10 May- Fear not as you are my beloved

This Sunday Liz will be leading our service along with Trevor and Ann. God want us to not live in fear. He wants us to know He loves us. Have a blessed Mothers day