2016 moravian theological centre...2016 moravian theological centre mtc news issue date the chapel...

MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL CENTRE MTC NEWS August 2016 Issue No. 1 2016

Moravian Theological

Centre MTC News

Issue Date

THE CHAPEL OF THE MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL CENTRE IN THIS ISSUE: MID-YEAR REVIEW

My dear fellow Moravians

Greetings in the powerful name of our Lord and Chief Elder Jesus Christ!

With the start of August, the season of festivities have started on our Moravian Calendar; and we are

anticipating gratifying and blessed occasions for the 13 August and Children’s Festival celebrations.

A lot of water has run over the mill since the opening ceremony in February 2016. We have

welcomed new students into our program, we have started with an intensive lay-program, the up-

skilling of the Parish Workers is reaching completion this year, the CT-City Council has done

beautiful renovation and upgrading in our area of Heideveld, as well as in front of the Theological

Centre, we have erected a new palisade fence and installed a new alarm system, the chapel and class

rooms as well as the electronic equipment have been upgraded which are all conducive for the

training, learning and ministerial formation of our students.

Our teaching staff is performing well and together with the library and archives, as well as the

administration we form an effective task force.

All things stand of course in the service of our Lord and it is He whom we praise and glorify!

From the Director’s Desk

MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL CENTRE MTC NEWS | Issue NO. 1 2

We share this news because we belong to you and we wish to thank you for your prayers and

support.

May God bless you in the month of festivities in that we acknowledge Him for the blessings through

the years, especially the strength and perseverance through warm and sincere Christian fellowship.

Indeed, Zinzendorf once said: I know of no Christianity without fellowship. May we be sanctified

and enriched anew!

Where charity and love prevail

There God is ever found

Brought here together by Christ’s love

By love we thus are bound *

God bless you and keep you!

* (Hymn 785:1 – American Moravian Book of Worship, 1995)

OUR 2016 MID-YEAR

REVIEW

The Moravian Theological Centre (MTC) started 2016 with the appointment of a new Director. Prof Karel Th. August took over leadership of the MTC from Mrs. Angelene Swart in January. Prof. Karel Th. August had previously established and led the then Moravian Theological Seminary through its founding years. Now a Moravian Theological Centre hosting numerous programs, a private archive of the Moravian Church in South Africa, and various community development projects; he returned in January 2016 to lead the MTC forward once more. The MTC is an institution now poised to make a significant contribution to the theological growth of students, leaders of congregations, and members of various communities through its corridors. The newly appointed Director returns to the MTC to once more take forward the cornerstone text imprinted in granite stone on the wall of

the entrance hall at its founding ceremony in 1979: ‘He granted some to be shepherds and teach for the equipment of the saints for the business of the ministry for the upholding of the body of Christ” (Eph. 4:12).

The Centre underwent further change with the voluntary early retirement of Mrs. Justine Jansen who served the MTC as secretary for just over 30 years. The Moravian Church in South Africa (MCSA) saw the need to create a new position – that of Administrative Officer. Dr. Crystal Jannecke was appointed in January 2016. She is responsible for all student administration, event management, and the overall overseer of the Centre under the leadership of the Director, Prof. Karel Th. August.

A further addition to the staff complement of the Centre was made with the appointment of an Archivist-in-Training. Rev. Judy Hansen joined the Senior Archivist, Rev. Gideon Cloete in administering the private archival collections of the MCSA. Rev. Judy Hansen shares her duties to the MCSA as the appointed minister with executive power of

the Elsies River Moravian Church.

The MTC Librarian, Mrs. Barbra Michaels continues servicing students, lecturers and visitors as does the Building Supervisor, Mrs. Juanita Minaar.

A fresh intake of five full-time students occurred at the MTC in 2016.

The fresher students are: Ms. Nicole Adonis, member of the Mamre Moravian Church in the Cape Town North District; Ms. Erin October-Daniels, member of the Bridgetown Moravian Church in the Cape Town South District; Mr. Ntandazo Skonje, member of the Umlazi Moravian Church in the Matatiele-Natal District; Mr. Ann Sixolile Sitshetshe, member of the Upper Sidakeni Moravian congregation, Outstation of Rolweni Moravian Church in the Matatiele-Natal District; and Mr. Axolile Nteto, member of the Gugulethu Anglican Church, in the Diocese of Cape Town.

This cohort of new students to the MTC joined the existing group of students. Now in their third year of study, the four MTC senior students of 2016 are: Mrs. Sybil Adams, member of the Wittewater Moravian Mission Station in the West Coast District; Mrs. Chandre Davids, member of the Mamre Moravian Church in the Cape Town North District; Mr. Aphiwe Mpheka, member of the Matatiele Moravian Church in the Matatiele-Natal District; and Mr. Sonwabise Sikhonje, member of the Bethesda Moravian Church in the Border District.

The Centre was filled with the vibrancy of seven church workers in February and May


this year. The MTC programme for the Upskilling of Parish Workers comprise of four modules. Registered students for this programme completed their second and third module in February and May this year. This group of students include: Ms. S. Faro, Ms. C. Goliath, Ms. S. Goliath, Ms. S. Hendricks, Ms. F. Jantjies, Ms. V. Presence and Ms. M. Davids.

The walls of the Centre swelled monthly from February with incoming congregants from all over the Western Cape attending the Lay-Workers’ Course. Students enter the gates of the MTC once a month attending full-day classes. Facilitators of the Lay-workers’ programme include Ms. Angelene Swart, Mr. John Swart, Rev. Nicholas Edson, and Rev. Roger Ruiters.

Lecturers at the MTC teach accredited courses offered by the Centre. They also facilitate courses offered through the South African Theological Seminary (SATS) which registered students do to obtain their Bachelor Degree in Theology. The MTC lecturers are: Ms. Angeline Swart, Rev. Derrick Mayor, Rev. Keith Vermeulen, Rev. Erasmus, as well as the director of the MTC – Prof. Karel Th. August. Their combined years of ecumenical work, theological training, and international experience make an enormous impact on the lives and training of students at the MTC.

The Advisory Board of the MTC meets quarterly. The change within the staff complement at the MTC from the January 2016 had an impact on the composition of the Advisory Board. Led by Bishop Augustus P. Joemath as chairperson; the Advisory Board comprise of Prof. Karel Th. August, Rev. Simpiwe Dinge, Rev. Nicholas Edson, Rev. Roger Ruiters, Rev. Gideon Cloete, and Ms. Angelene Swart.

The ever increasing number of part-time students are spread across South Africa. Students study through the MTC to obtain their Bachelor degree in Theology and thereafter enter the ministerial field of the world-wide Moravian Church.

Parish worker up-skilling students and full-time in-residence students.

Parish worker up-skilling students with Bishop A.P. Joemath (center).


Opening Service 07 February 2016

The MTC opening service took place on Sunday 7 February 2016. The MTC Chapel was filled with returning students, the new in-residence students, part-time students, upskills students together with many supporting family members, lecturers, ministers, members of the MTC Advisory Board, representatives of the Provincial Board, as well as staff members.

The President of the MCSA, Rev. Brian Abrahams gave the opening address, which formed part of the MTC annual opening liturgy.

Prof. K. Th. August introduced all students and staff members.

A wonderful fellowship with cake and tea concluded the afternoon’s ceremony.

Prof. K. Th. August thanked the outgoing MTC secretary, Mrs. J. Jansen for her contribution to the Seminary for the past 30 years.

The MTC 2016 Advisory Board

The Advisory Board comprise of the following members:

Bishop A.P. Joemath (chairperson)

Sr A. Swart Rev. R. Ruiters Prof. K. Th. August

(Director) Dr. C. Jannecke

(secretary) Rev. N. Edson Rev. G. Cloete (Archivist)

MTC 2016 GRADUATION AND CLOSING SERVICE

Sunday November 27th 2016

THE MORAVIAN THEOLOGICAL CENTRE

c/o Duinefontein & Ascension Road

Heideveld

Tel.: 021 637 9053

Email: seminary @telkomsa.net

www.moravianseminary.co.za


The MCSA Book Depo

The Book Depo of the Moravian Church in South Africa is now housed at the Moravian Theological Centre (MTC). The Centre administers the order and distribution of all books.

To place an order please contact the Administrative Officer, Dr. Crystal Jannecke, of the MTC.

Your order of books should be emailed to:

[email protected]

The issue and distribution of ordered books will only be made once full payment has been received.

Books in Stock

Price: R65.00

Price: R65.00

Price: R65.00

Price: R65.00

Price: R200.00

Price: R200.00

R200.00

Price: R200.00

Price: R200.00

Price: 200.00


Ordinations and Student Ministers

Ordinations

We give thanks for the ordination of Rev. S. Tom, Rev. S. Mapheka, and Rev. P. Mlobeli into full-time ministry during February 2016.

Student Ministers Student ministers completing their second year of practical’s are Br A. Boonzaaier and Br N.C. Tyokolwana. They are currently preparing for their second oral examination as set by the Provincial Board. The second oral exam is scheduled to take place in August 2016.

We wish them well in their preparation.

Student ministers completing their first year practical include:

Sr. Moselene Davids Sr. Phumeza Mgijima Sr. Freda Van der Heyden


FIRST YEAR STUDENTS OF 2016

Above are current MTC third year students from the congregations of Mamre, Bridgetown, Maluti,

and Bethesda.

Students in the MTC’s Parish Workers’ Upskilling Course with Bishop A.P. Joemath and the Administrative Officer, Dr. C. Jannecke

BISHOP A.P. JOEMATH (CENTRE ABOVE) IS THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE MTC ADVISORY BOARD

Part-time study

We afford registered students an opportunity to study part-time. Moravian courses are offered through the MTC. Courses through the South African Theological Seminary (SATS) can also be done when students are registered at the MTC.

How to Study Part-time

Contact the Moravian Theological Centre to arrange an interview with the Director, Prof. K. Th. August.

On his recommendation, complete a registration form.

Pay your annual registration and administration fees.

Provide the MTC with certified copies of your Identity Document, Matric Certificate, and Academic Transcripts of any prior learning.

Register for Moravian Courses and SATS courses. REMEMBER to pay your course fees upfront per semester.

Full-time Study

The MTC offers enrolled students an opportunity to obtain an internationally recognized Bachelor’s in Theology Degree (B. Th). Incoming students are given an opportunity to obtain a Higher

Certificate in Christian Life first and thereafter proceed with completing the B. Th. degree.

The application must include the following:

a. Application form b. Letter of application c. CV of applicant d. Letter of recommendation from

Minister of congregation e. Identity Document f. Academic Transcript g. Schooling certificates h. Letter of Motivation

Submit application before or by closing date as advertised.

Once applications have closed the MTC Advisory Board reviews all candidates.

Short listed candidates are interviewed.

A recommendation is made to the Provincial Board.

The Provincial Board makes the final selection and acceptance of candidates for full-time study at the MTC in preparation for ministry in the Moravian Church.

Enrolled full-time students enter a 4 year programme of study in-residence at the MTC. Students graduate thereafter having obtained their B.Th. degree. Hereafter, each graduate is placed in a congregation as student minister for a two (2) year internship.

A mentor is assigned to each student minister. This period of practical study and experience culminates in a second oral examination set by the Provincial Board. If successful, student ministers are thereafter ordained as Ministers of the Moravian Church in South Africa. Becoming part of a world-wide church unity.

Up-skilling Course

Selected Parish Workers complete a one-year certificate course which consists of four (4) modules. Each module runs for an intensive training period of two weeks.

Studying at the MTC


The MTC Christian Education Committee comprise of Sr Angeline Swart, Rev. Roger Ruiters, and Rev. Nicholas Edson.

Lay-worker Course

The Lay-worker Course has been running since February 2016 with students entering the MTC once per month for classes. Students attending this course come from all over the Western Cape.

Workshops

The committee facilitates Christian Education workshops on request from

With the first and second semester now behind them, our students immediately enter their third semester from 1st August 2016.

Their workload remains intense with piled-up deadlines of courses needing astute time-management and perseverance.

It is in the daily morning devotions at the MTC that students encourage each other through their escalating anxieties around pending deadlines for exams, tests, assignments, and essays.

Thus far we have seen how our students daily strive to do their best and improve their best. Using the talents and gifts that they have been blessed with to glorify God.

congregations. The most recent workshop was held in Pella and facilitated by Rev. Roger Ruiters and Br. John Swart.

Next Event

28th - 30th October 2016

Christian Education Needs Assessment Workshop at the Port Elizabeth YMCA.

District Participants: Algoa-Tsitsikamma, Gauteng, Matatiele-Natal, Mthatha, Border, and Mount Fletcher.

Student Life at the MTC

Our Christian Education Desk


Rev. Chris Gordan, Rev. Gretchen Erasmus and Rev. Khayakazi Lupindo have been attending a course offered at Stellenbosch University. Rev. Susan Apolles attended a course offered by Tygerberg Hospital. She also attended the recent Winter School offered by the Theology Faculty at Stellenbosch University.

APPLY:

Once Ministers obtain study-leave from the MCSA Head Office, formal application needs to be made to the Moravian Theological Centre for financial support of the identified course for study.

The application should include the following:

1. Letter of motivation 2. Course outline 3. Budget 4. Approval of leave 5. MTC application form for

Continuous Clergy Education

Applications have quarterly deadlines and are reviewed by the Advisory Board throughout the year.

The application MUST reach the MTC one-week before the Advisory Board meets in order for the application to be considered. Late applications will be passed over to the following sitting of the Advisory Board.

The following application deadlines apply for 2016:

17 August 2016 14 September 2016

Once the Advisory Board approves the application, the applying candidate will be notified and funds will be released accordingly.

STAFF AT THE MORAVIAN

THEOLOGICAL CENTRE

Prof Karel Th. August: Director

Dr. Crystal Jannecke: Administrative Officer

Mrs. Barbara Michaels: Librarian

Mrs. Juanita Minaar: Building Supervisor

Continuous Clergy Education


Opening times of the Archive:

MONDAY: 9:00 – 13:00

WEDNESDAY: 9:00 – 13:00

The archive is in a process of digitization and all the diaries will be digitalized. The funds for this project we have so royally obtained from the Moravian Church Foundation. In this way we can preserve these historical treasures for prosperity. A researcher who has successfully completed his doctorate in 2015 laud the Moravian Archives for its historical treasures. You are most welcome to use the archives for research whether it is genealogical or for academic purposes you will find a huge source here. You can make contact with the archivist through the administrator of the Theological Centre at (021) 6379053.

Moravian Theological

Centre Corner of Duinefontuin and

Ascension Road

Heideveld, 7760.

Tel.: (27) 021 637 9053

Fax: (27) 021 637 9054

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.moravianseminary.co.za

Opening times of the MTC library:

MONDAY - THURSDAY: 9:00 – 13:00

FRIDAY: 9:00 – 12:30

From the MCSA Archive

mailto:[email protected]

2016 moravian theological centre...2016 moravian theological centre mtc news issue date the chapel...

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