Gemeindebrief der Lutherischen Kirche. Congregational Newsletter

Impulse
Gemeindebrief der Lutherischen Kirche.
Congregational Newsletter of the Lutheran Church.
Hayfields.
Jahrgang/ Year 43
December 2014
The desert and the parched land will be glad; the wilderness will rejoice
and blossom like the crocus.
Isaiah 35:1
Die Wüste und Einöde wird frohlocken, und die Steppe wird jubeln
und wird blühen wie die Lilien.
Jesaja 35.1
Andacht
2
Die Wüste und Einöde wird frohlocken, und die Steppe wird jubeln und
wird blühen wie die Lilien. Jesaja 30,19
Jedes Jahr im Frühling sehnt sich die Erde nach Regen. Es
passiert, dass der erwartete Regen zeitig kommt und die Erde
blüht und grünt, aber es kommt auch vor, dass wir auf den
Regen warten müssen.
In diesem Jahr haben wir
schmerzlich warten müssen. Wo sonst die Erde schon im
September ihr Frühlingskleid trägt und die Wiesenblumen blühen und die öde
Winterlandschaft sich verwandelt, mussten wir in diesem Jahr bis mitte Oktober drauf warten. Deutlich spürten wir die Erwartungszeit, - wie die Bibel die
Adventszeit beschreibt. Wie lange dauert es noch bis es wirklich regnet und
wir neues Leben spüren? Wie lange Herr, müssen wir noch warten bis du
wieder kommst und allem Krieg, Gewalt und Leid einem Ende machst? Wie
lange noch bis alle Welt erkennen muss, dass du der Herr der Weltgeschichte
bist? Warum gleicht unser Land und die Welt so oft einer vertrockneten Landschaft die sich nach Regen sehnt?
Jesaja redet zu den Menschen in Judäa in solcher Lage. Von allen Seiten wurde
das Land bedroht, besonders von den Assyrischen Nachbarn im Norden. Judäa
war in Todesgefahr. Der nördliche Staat Israel, würde von den Assyriern erobert und vernichtet werden und die Einwohner waren verdrängt. Gott aber
hatte durch den Propheten Jesaja versprochen, dass er sein Volk nicht verlassen
würde. Es würde wieder aufblühen und eine neue Zukunft und Hoffnung haben. Bildlich und eindrucksvoll beschreibt er das und tausende Jahre später haben diese Worte ihre Kraft nicht verloren und trösten uns in hoffnungslosen
Zeiten. Unsere Adventslieder zeugen davon – das Licht das in der Finsternis
erscheint und die Welt erhellt, und auch wenn es in schweren Zeiten schwer zu
glauben ist, - die Wüste wird blühen wie die Lilien.
Genau so schwer ist es zu glauben, dass ein kleines Kind, geboren von einer
einfachen Frau in bescheidenen Verhältnissen, ja in einem Stall, unser Leben
verändern kann. Doch blühen die Wüsten und dieses Kind hat die Welt auf
den Kopf gestellt und bis heute das Leben millioner Menschen verändert.
Können wir es glauben, dass uns das in dieser Advents- und Weihnachtszeit
auch passieren könnte?
O Gott, ein’ Tau vom Himmel giess,
im Tau herab, o Heiland, fliess.
Ihr Wolken, brecht und regnet aus
den König über Jakobs Haus.
O Erd, schlag aus, schlag aus, o Erd,
dass Berg und Tal grün alles werd.
O Erd, herfür dies Blümlein bring,
O Heiland, aus der Erden spring.
(O Heiland reiss die Himmel auf) G. Tönsing
(Übersetzt Red.)
Devotion
3
The desert and the parched land will be glad;
the wilderness will rejoice and blossom like the crocus.
Isaiah 35 v 1
Every year in spring, nature yearns for and stretches
towards the rain. Sometimes the rain comes when we
expect it and brings abundant life, sometimes we all have
to wait for it. This year particularly, it was a painful wait. The rains came late.
The transformation from brown, parched land into abundant fields of green
grass and veld flowers, which normally comes in September only started happening in mid October. We felt acutely what it is like to live in expectation, in
“Advent mode”. How long until it really rains and we feel that life begins
again? How long, Lord, until you come back, and end the pain of daily life, the
wars, the violence? How long until everyone can see, you are the Lord of history? Why does our world and our country so often seem like a parched land
with no rain in sight?
Isaiah was speaking to the people of Judah in such a time. There were threats
from all sides, especially from the powerful northern neighbour Assyria. Judah
was in mortal danger. Indeed its northern neighbour, the State of Israel would
be defeated by Assyria, destroyed. Its people were displaced and resettled. But
Isaiah promises Judah that God will not forsake her. There will be new life,
new hope, a new way ahead. The images he uses are strong and have lost none
of their power thousands of years later. They speak to us when we need hope.
They have made their way into Advent hymns together with that other powerful
image, light shining in dark places. That the desert will burst into flower is not
something that is easy to believe in the middle of winter. It is just as hard to
believe that a little baby born to a simple woman in an obscure, inhospitable
place can make any difference to our lives. And yet deserts do blossom, and
this child turned the world upside down and transformed millions of lives until
today. Can we believe that this will happen to us, this Advent and Christmas
time?
O send a show'r from heav'n above
that over us may rain your love.
O clouds rain down your righteousness,
the King who comes to heal and bless.
(O
O Earth sprout forth, make all things
green,
until salvation all have seen,
a new green shoot from lifeless earth.
We will rejoice in this new birth.
Heiland reiss die Himmel auf) G Tönsing
Profil des Monats
4
DIETHELM (DIETZ) VOGT
Dem Redaktionskomitee ist ein grosser Fehler unterlaufen: Lauter "Neulinge"
wurden interviewt und irgendwie wurde Dietz Vogt übersehen! Das musste
dringend gutgemacht werden! Monika Wittenberg setzte sich hin und hörte die
unwahrscheinlich spannende und interessante Lebensgeschichte von Dietz an,
vier Stunden lang! Das ist unbedingt Material für ein dickes Buch! Für den
Gemeindebrief müssen wir leider kürzen, aber interessierte Leute müssten sich
mal selber die Geschichte anhören!- Radio Khwezi machte ausführliche Aufnahmen von Dietz' Geschichte und da könnte man sich das Tonband (CD) anhören. Sehr zu empfehlen!
Dietz wurde am 04.03.1939 in Wanne-Eickel, Nord-Rhein-Westfalen geboren.
Mit seinem jüngeren Bruder Udo zusammen feierte er 1953 in St. Franziskus
seine Firmung.
8 Jahre besuchte er die Volksschule in Wanne-Eickel, danach die Hibernia Waldorf-Schule wo er als Mechaniker (Mess-und Regeltechnik) die Fachschulreife
abschloss. Immer wieder erfuhr er später wie wertvoll diese Ausbildung für ihn
war.
Schon früh interessierte Dietz sich für das Fliegen. Machte die A-B und C
Prüfungen im Segelflug. Im Herbst 1957 absolvierte er seine Aufnahmeprüfung
zum fliegenden Personal der Luftwaffe. Ab 1958 war er 4 Jahre in der Luftwaffe der Deutschen Bundeswehr.
Er machte eine 15-monatige Ausbildung zum Radar-Techniker an verschiedenen amerikanischen, englischen und deutschen Frühwarn Radargeräten,
welche ihn auch als einen der Ersten deutschen Soldaten, nach dem Krieg, zur
Ausbildung nach England führte.
Nach dem fand sein Traum, Pilot zu werden, ein plötzliches Ende . Im ersten
Urlaub beim Segelflugverein machte er eine "Bumslandung"und verletzte sich
den Ellbogen. Das rettete ihm vielleicht das Leben, denn somit konnte er nicht
Düsenjäger Pilot werden. Die Starfighter (F104) waren bekannt als
"Witwenmacher", so viele stürzten ab. (282 Unfälle, 115Tote)
Von 1962 bis 1967 war er bei mehreren Firmen beschäftigt, wie IBM Deutschland, Heinrich Koppers International, Rank-Xerox, Neckermann und
Flugschule West-Air Borkenberge. In 1965 bekam er die Privat Piloten Lizenz
mit Kunstflug und Schlepp-Berechtigung und die Berechtigung zum Prüfen
und Instandhaltung von Fluggeräten. Noch viel mehr wäre zu sagen über seine
Ausbildung und Tätigkeiten in der Radar-Technik, Elektro-Technik und
Fliegerei.
Profil des Monats
5
Im November 1967 wanderte er aus nach Süd-Afrika. Er war beschäftigt bei
Firmen wie Atlas-Aircraft (Aircraft -Instrument Technician); Development Engineer bei Fibreglass South Africa; Factory Engineer bei Primer-Milling; Technical Director bei General-Air, Swaziland; Pilot Chief-Flight-Engineer für
TTA Mozambique und einige andere. Viele Male unternahm er mit einem
Team hochqualifizierter Piloten, Flüge nach Botswana, Tanzania und in andere
Gebiete zur Tsetse-Fliegen Bekämpfung. Das Team hatte ein sehr hohes
fliegerisches Können und gute Ko-ordination. Diese Flüge mussten nachts und
bei sehr niedriger Flughöhe und sehr gefärlichen Umständen unternommen
werden. Einmal musste zwischen Mwanza und Arusha (Mount Meru) eine Notlandung gemacht werden. Ausser dem Flugzeug (Totalschaden) kam niemand
zu Schaden. Ein Lehrer aus der Nähe der Unglücksstelle organisierte Wachen
und auch Nahrung und die beste Tasse Kaffee je. Die Nachricht wurde bald
weiter befördert, bis zu Dietz' Eltern, die zu Weihnachten zu Besuch kamen,
und Ansie und Familie in Swaziland.
1971 heiratete Dietz die hübsche und tüchtige Ansie (geb Kies). Als Geburtstagsgeschenk kam seine Tochter Anneliese zur Welt, am 04.03.1974. Sohn
Bernhard folgte am 05.07.1976. Beide Kinder sind verheiratet: Bernhard und
Sharan haben zwei Töchter und Anneliese und Jaco haben zwei Söhne. Die
Kinder wohnen in Centurion. Seit 1975 ist Dietz südafrikanischer Staatsbürger .
Viele sehr interessante Geschichten über wichtige und bekannte Leute, die
Dietz hin und her geflogen hat und kennen lernte, sind unter anderen Pres.
Samora Machel, King Goodwill Zwelithini, Kaiser Matanzima, Min. Pik
Botha, King Sobhuza, Valentin Volker und sogar Filmleute wie Elizabeth Taylor, Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris, Hardy Krueger, und Jack
Watson, auch grosse Namen in der Fliegerei wie General Adolf Galland, Oberst
Erich (Bubi) Hartmann, Gerhard Fieseler, Hanna Reitsch, Albert Falderbaum
und viel mehr kann er erzählen. Wie gesagt: er müsste ein Buch schreiben!
Nach fast vier Jahren in Mozambique, übernahm Dietz die Produktion des
“Mobi-Ship” in Greytown. Von 1986 bis 1997 war er Maintenance Engineer
bei Bata Shoes in Kranzkop. Danach, bis zu seiner Pensionierung in 2005,
“Maintenance Engineer” mit SA Tools & Dies in Pietermaritzburg
Seit 1997 wohnen Ansie und Dietz im Luthergarten mit dem kleinen Dackel
"Anka". Sie gehören zur lutherischen Gemeinde. Beide sind sehr aktive Mitglieder im Luthergarten: Dietz als sehr tüchtiger Techniker für alles Mögliche
und Ansie, vielgeliebt von den Luthergärtnern, backt und braut und hilft wo sie
kann. (Ihr "Profil.."hatten wir schon mal vor einigen Jahren beschrieben).
Wir freuen uns sehr, Dietz, auch wenn wir es verspätet melden, dass Ihr beide
unsere Gemeindeglieder seid und hoffen, dass Ihr Euch weiterhin bei uns
wohlfühlt!
Profile of the month
6
Diethelm (Dietz) Vogts
The Editorial Committee committed a major error. Many “new” members were
interviewed and somehow Dietz Vogt was omitted! This had to be corrected
urgently! Monika Wittenberg sat and listened to his unbelievably exciting and
interesting life story for four hours! It is certainly material for a thick book.
Unfortunately for the “Impulse” we had to shorten it, but any interested persons
can listen to the story themselves. Radio Khwezi made a detailed recording of
Dietz’ story and one can obtain and listen to the recording (CD). It is highly
recommended!
Dietz was born on 04 March 1939 in Wanne-Eickel, Nord-Rhein-Westfalen.
Together with his younger brother, Udo, he celebrated his confirmation in the
St Francis church in 1953.
For eight years he attended the Elementary School in Wanne-Eickel. He completed his schooling at the Hibernia Waldorf School, where he completed his
Technical College training as a Mechanic (Mess- und Regeltechnik). Later he
realised, repeatedly, how valuable this training had been for him.
Already early in his life Dietz was interested in flying and took the A-B and C
examinations in gliding. In the autumn of 1957 he completed his entrance examinations for the flying personnel of the Luftwaffe. He was in the Luftwaffe
of the West German Armed Forces for four years from 1958.
He did a 15 month long training course as Radar Technician on early warning
systems at various American, English and German institutions. This training
resulted in him being one of the first German soldiers who received training in
the UK after the Second World War.
His dream to become a pilot came to a sudden end. During his first vacation he
made a crash landing and injured his elbow at the gliding club. Possibly, this
may have saved his life, but prevented his becoming a jet fighter. These star
fighters (F104) were known as “widow makers”, as so many crashed (282 accidents and 115 deaths).
From 1962 until 1967 he was employed at several companies such as IBM
Deutschland,Heinrich Koppers International, Rank-Xerox, Neckermann and the
Flying School, West-Air, Borkenberge. In 1965 he obtained a private pilot’s
licence as stunt flyer with towing qualification and also the authority for the
testing and maintenance of flight instruments. Far more can be said about his
qualifications and activities in radar and electrical technology and flying.
Profile of the month continued.
7
In November 1967 he immigrated to South Africa. He was employed by diverse companies in various positions, namely Atlas-Aircraft (Aircraft - Instrument Technician); Development Engineer at Fibreglass South- Africa; Factory
Engineer at Primer-Milling; Technical Director at General-Air, Swaziland; Pilot
Chief-Flight-Engineer for TTA Mozambique and several others.
With a team of highly qualified pilots, he undertook flights to Botswana, Tanzania and other regions for the control of tsetse flies. The team had high flying
abilities and good co-ordination. These flights had to be done by night and at
low flying levels in very dangerous circumstances. On occasion an emergency
landing had to be executed between Mwanza and Arusha (Mount Meru). Except for the aeroplane (a total write-off), nobody was injured. A teacher in the
vicinity of the accident organised guards, sustenance and the best cup of coffee
ever! The news was soon sent to Dietz’ parents, who were coming for Christmas as well as Ansie and the family in Swaziland
In 1971 Dietz married the pretty and capable Ansie (nee Kies). His daughter
Anneliese was born as his birthday present on 4 March 1974! His son Bernhard was born on 5 July 1976. Both children are married – Anneliese and Jaco
have two sons and Bernhard and Sharan have two daughters. They all live in
Centurion. Since 1975 Dietz is a South African citizen.
During the course of his flying career he met many important and famous people, such as Samora Machel, King Goodwill Zwelithini, Kaiser Matanzima,
Minister Pik Botha, King Sobhuza, Mr Valentin Volker as well as Elizabeth
Taylor, Richard Burton, Roger Moore, Richard Harris, Hardy Krüger and Jack
Watson. He also met and flew well-known personalities in the flying world
like General Adolf Galland, Colonel Erich (Bubi) Hartmann, Gerhard Fieseller,
Hanna Reitsch, Albert Falderbaum and many more. He should indeed write a
book!
After nearly four years in Mozambique, he took over the production of the
“Mobi-Ship” in Greytown. From 1986 until 1997 he was Manintenance Engineer at Bata Shoes in Kranzkop. Afterwards, until going on pension in 2005,
he was Maintenance Engineer at SA Tools & Dies in Pietermaritzburg.
In 1997 he and Ansie moved to the Lutheran Gardens with their little dachshund “Anka”. They belong to the Lutheran congregation and are both very active members of the Lutheran Gardens. Dietz is the able technician for all
kinds of things and Ansie bakes and brews and helps where she can, being
much appreciated by all Lutheran Garden inhabitants. (Her profile was recorded a few years ago.)
We are very glad that you are both members of our congregation and hope that
you will both continue to feel welcome and content with us, even though we
are conveying this to you rather belatedly!
Bischof’s
Dezember 14 POST Januar 15
8
Kinder - sie sind in dieser Jahreszeit besonders wichtig. Nicht nur wegen der
Schulferien, auf die sie sich freuen. Für viele wächst die Aufregung auf den
ersten Schultag, die Angst vor dem Schulwechsel, die Unsicherheit vor dem
ersten Besuch des Kindergartens.
An Weihnachten verleihen Kinder dem Fest einen besonderen Charakter - ihre
Vorfreude, die strahlenden Augen, und das aufgeregte Hüpfen vor der
Bescherung. Ja, Kinder sind ein großer Schatz!
Dann ist da Christus, das Kind in der Krippe. So hat Gott sich zu uns auf den
Weg gemacht. Er hat sich als wehrloses Kind den Menschen anvertraut.
Jedes kleine Kind ist ebenso wehrlos an andere ausgeliefert.
Wie gehen wir als Erwachsene um mit den Kindern, die uns anvertraut sind?
Bringen wir sie zum Kind in der Krippe? Helfen wir ihnen, Christus als Herrn
kennen zu lernen? Sind wir ihnen ein Vorbild? Oder überlassen wir sie ihrem
eigenen Schicksal?
Vor kurzem hatte ich die Gelegenheit,
mit einer Miniatur Dampflok zu
fahren. Mein Enkelsohn wollte erst
gar nicht mit aufsteigen. Doch dann
nahm ich ihn in den Arm, und er fuhr
mit. Als ich ihn nach einer Runde
wieder absteigen lassen wollte, kam
nur ein Wort: Mehr! Hinter uns saßen
eine ganze Gruppe von Kindern auf
dem kleinen Wagon - und fuhren mit,
Runde nach Runde! Egal, wer die
Lokomotive betrieb - sie blieben
sitzen, fuhren mit.
Kinder, kleine Kinder, lassen sich leiten, vertrauen sich Erwachsenen an. Wenn
wir sie nicht leiten, werden sie anderen folgen. Wenn wir sie schlecht leiten,
werden sie uns dennoch folgen.
“Jesus rief die Kinder zu sich und sprach: Lasset die Kinder zu mir kommen
und wehret ihnen nicht, denn solchen gehört das Reich Gottes.” (Lk 18,16)
Wir als Erwachsene, Eltern, Großeltern, Paten dürfen und sollen unsere Kinder
in den Arm nehmen, sie zu Christus hinführen, ihnen helfen, als Christ zu
leben. Möge es uns geschenkt sein, dass sie dann auch sagen: “Mehr!”
Ich wünsche allen ein gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest und ein
gutes 2015.
Mit herzlichem Gruß
BISHOP’S
December 14 POST January 15
9
Children - During this time of the year children are very much the focus:
School Holidays start. In January for many it will be the first day of kindergarten, pre-school or school. And, of course, there is Christmas. Hardly anybody is
more exited about Christmas than young children. Their bright, shining eyes,
the faces showing their expectation, are a joy to watch.
Finally, there is the celebration of the birth of Christ - Child in a manger. God
chooses the way of a child for his own appearing on earth. He becomes vulnerable in the hands of human beings.
Indeed, every child is vulnerable, in the hands of other human beings.
What do we adults do with our children? Do we lead them to the Christ child,
and from there to the Lord and Saviour? Are we an example to them? Or do we
just leave them on their own. Too often we teach them reading, writing, values
- but in matters of faith many think they must find their own way.
Recently I had the opportunity to take my
grandchild on a miniature steam train ride. At
first he was hesitant, wanted to get off. But
when I held him, and we did the first round,
his response was: More! Behind us, on the
miniature “passenger coach”, a whole bunch
of children were enjoying the ride. Round after round they would continue - no matter
who the driver was.
“Jesus called the children to him and said,
“Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of
God belongs to such as these” Luke 18,16.
It is our task as parents, grandparents and guardians to hold our children and
introduce them to Christ, so that they can experience the joy of belonging to
this Lord.
At the same time we must realise that these little children will follow and learn
from adult role players - no matter who the driver is, no matter where we are
taking them.
For that reason we must take great care to lead them, not only to literacy and
numeracy, but on a way to life!
May we hear them saying “More”, when we tell them about Christ!
Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a good start for 2015
News from the Church
10
Personnel
Although all of these issues have been reported on previously, as new pastors
were elected, I would like to mention all the moves that are happening during
December/January.
Pastor Dirk Köstlin is relocating from Vryheid to Bethany, Pastor Manfred
Müller-Nedebock from Bethany to Hillcrest and Pastor Reiner Focke from Harburg to Trinity Zululand with Pastor Rolf Schmidt from Trinity Zululand to
Harburg and Pastor Rene Risch from St Peters Pretoria to Hermannsburg congregation and school pastor.
Pastor Burgert Brand relocates from Hermannsburg to Namibia as Pastor in
Windhoek and Bishop of the ELCIN GELC.
We wish all these families strength for the move. May God also guide and bless
the congregations in the time of change.
At this stage I would like to thank Pastor Brand for his many years of service in
ELCSA (NT). He came to us from Namibia to pastor the newly established
Midrand congregation, and pioneered the first phase of development. During
this time he also served as Dean of the Central Circuit, till his re-location to
Hermannsburg as School and Congregation pastor.
During this time his wife Ute was appointed as principal of the school.
Since 2009 Pastor Brand was also the deputy to the bishop and served in
Church Council again.
We thank the family for their many years of involvement and dedication. By
now the children have become independent, and the couple returns to Namibia
“alone”. May God bless the new phase as bishop, and continue to bless the cooperation between the Churches.
eQuip retreat “eQuip for discipleship” takes place from 2 to 7 January in Hermannsburg. More information is available at www.elcsant.org.za . May it be a
blessing to all participants.
Cape-NT discussions. At the time of writing this the task team was preparing
for its next meeting. Please keep this process in your prayers!
Students of Theology. We are in the fortunate position that a small group of
students will be doing their 5th year of training, leading to the first theological
examination. More information will be given after the course has started in
January.
An omission ! We apologise!
The cot blanket at the Spring Fest was won by Meinhard Uken.
From Council
11
Dear Congregation
As the Advent and Christmas season is nearing a great deal of planning for 2015 is already going ahead and a few changes are being
made.
Our Extended Council meetings will be changed to Focus Group
meetings. We will invite specific groups, such as the musicians, Bible
study groups etc, to enable them to communicate with council, to discuss problems, concerns or wishes. We are looking forward to this
new challenge and will invite all members of these groups and not
only the leaders.
Our secretary Margrit Roussos will be leaving us at the end of December. We thank her for all the work done—the bookkeeping, the
great deal of printing which was often very frustrating due to printer
problems! And so many other tasks which are too numerous to name.
We wish her well for her future.
The Visitation report is still in the draft stage and will be made available to our members as soon as it is finalized.
I thank Victor and Petra and my fellow councillors for this years
service and support. Your commitment to our congregation is a great
help. Thank you to all those members who are always so willing to
help!
We wish you all a blessed Advent and Christmas season.
12
Confirmation
Simon Röhrs was confirmed in Hermannsburg.
We wish him God’s Blessings
May the Lord bless you and take care of you;
May the Lord be kind and gracious to you;
May the Lord look on you with favour and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
Mark Ortmann
2014
Dux of St Charles College!
Mark achieved 100% in his
Cambridge AS Levels,
Mathematics, giving him the first
place finish in this subject—not
just in South Africa, but in the
world!
Congratulations Mark!
One Life
13
He was born in a stable, in an obscure village, the
child of a peasant woman. From there He travelled,
less than 200 miles
He never wrote a book. He never held an office.
He did none of the things one usually associates
with greatness. He became a nomadic preacher,
popular opinion turned against Him. He was betrayed by a close
friend and His other friends ran away.
He was unjustly condemned to death, crucified on a cross among
common thieves, on a hill overlooking the town dump, and when
dead, laid in a borrowed grave.
Twenty centuries have come and gone, empires have risen and fallen,
mighty armies have marched and powerful rulers have reigned.
Yet no one has affected humankind as much as He. He is the central
figure of the human race.
He is the Messiah, the Son of God – JESUS CHRIST.
********************
News snippets from our congregation:
A visit by 4 four delegates from our Partners in Germany - Ev.-Luth
Kirchenkreis Hamburg-West/Südholstein (previously Pinneberg) to
our congregation and Pietermaritzburg South took place from 12 to
19 November 2014. Various congregation members, hosts and members from Pmb South enjoyed a very blessed time of fellowship and
interaction with: Birgitt Wulff-Pfeifer, Uta Preußker-Timm, Gerhard
Timm and Johannes Bornholdt. (A more detailed report will be published in the next issue of Impulse.)
Members of our congrega-tion participated in this historical performance of the Messiah: In the Orchestra:
Elisabeth Quigley, Gertrud Tönsing,
Siegfried Hagedorn and Matthias
Scriba and in the choir: Yvonne,
Kirsten and Bianca Ahrens. It was an
extraordinary experience for participants
and audience alike!
Dresdner Christollen
14
Weihnachten und Dresdner Christollen -eine Komposition aus Festlichkeit und Tradition
Die Geschichte des Dresdner Christollens reicht bis in das Jahr 1400 zurück.
Damals wurde der Stollen als sinnbildliche Darstellung eines in weiβe Windeln
gewickelten Christkindes, Striezel genannt. Jenes traditionsreiche Gebäck gab
so dem Dresdner Striezelmarkt, der erstmals 1474 in der Stadtchronik erwähnt
wurde, seinen Namen. Nach kirchlichem Dogma durfte der Dresdner Christollen damals nur aus Mehl, Hefe und Wasser hergestellt werden. Weil der Stollen
aber ohne Butter und Milch ein fades Gebäck war, wandten sich Kurfürst Ernst
von Sachsen und sein Bruder Albrecht, mit der Bitte an den Papst, das „ButterVerbot“ aufzuheben. Der heilige Vater lieβ sich erweichen und sandte ein als
„Butterbrief“ in die Geschichte eingegangenes Schreiben, daβ bei Zahlung
einer Buβe „mit gutem Gewissen und Gottes Segen“ auch Milch und Butter für
den Stollen verwendet werden dürfen.
Seitdem verfeinerten die Meister das Dresdner Weihnachtsgebäck ständig.
Diesen Genuβ lieβ sich auch das Sächsische Königshaus nicht nehmen. Seit
1560 übergaben die Dresdner Bäcker ihrem Landesherrn zum heiligen Fest
einen Weihnachsstollen mit einem Gewicht von 36 Pfund. Die Kraft von acht
Meistern und acht Gesellen war nötig, um den Stollen zum Schloβ zu tragen.
Knapp 200 Jahre später übertraf Kurfürst August der Starke alles bisher
dagewesene. Er lieβ von der Bäckerzunft Dresdens, aus Anlaβ des Zeithainer
Lustlagers, einen Riesenstollen von 1,8 Tonnen für 24,000 Gäste backen. An
dieses Ereignis erinnnert das jährlich im Dezember in Dresden stattfindende
Stollenfest.
Der Dresdner Christollen hat seine heutige Qualität erst in unserem Jahrhundert
durch den steigenden Wohlstand und die damit mögliche Verarbeitung edler
und hochwertiger Rohstoffe erreicht. Bald wurde er in alle Welt versandt.
Fortan erfüllt das Gebäck so manchen Weihnachtswunsch und überbringt
einsigartige Grüβe aus Dresden und seiner Umgebung.
Auch wenn es ein Grundrezept für die Herstellung des Original Dresdner
Christollens gibt, hat doch jeder Bäcker- und Konditormeister sein vererbtes
Familiengeheimnis. Eines aber findet sich in jedem Handwerksbetrieb: Hohes
fachliches Können, erlesene Zutaten aus fernen Ländern und geheimnisvolle
Gewürze verschmelzen hier zu einem
meisterhaften Backwerk.
Wir wünschen Ihnen ein frohes Fest
und Guten Appetit!
“Dresdner Christstollen”
15
Christmas and “Dresdner Christstollen” – a creation engendered by festivity and tradition.
The history of the “Dresdner Christollen” goes back to the year 1400. At that
time the Stollen was a symbolic portrayal of the Christ child wrapped in white
swaddling clothes, and was called Striezel. This traditional confection was first
mentioned in 1474 in the town records and gave the Dresden Striezel Market
its name.
According to ecclesiastical dogma the Stollen had to be made of flour, yeast
and water only. As the Stollen was a rather bland confection without butter and
milk, Elector Ernst of Saxony and his brother Albrecht applied to the Pope with
a request that the “Butter Prohibition” be lifted. The Holy Father allowed himself to be swayed and sent a “Butter Letter”, that on the payment of a penalty,
butter and milk was allowed to be used in the baking of the Stollen “with a
good conscience and God’s blessing”.
Since then the Dresden master bakers have refined the Christmas confection
constantly. This speciality was also enjoyed by the royal house of Saxony.
Ever since 1560 the Dresden bakers have given their rulers a Christmas Stollen
weighing 36 pounds. It required the strength of eight master bakers and eight
apprentices to carry this stollen to the castle. Two hundred years later Elector
August the Strong surpassed everything previously achieved. He ordered the
Dresden Bakers’ Guild to bake a giant stollen of 1,8 tons for approximately
24,000 guests for a celebration at the Zeithainer Pleasure Grounds. Since then
this event has been commemorated by the “Stollenfest” which takes place annually in Dresden in December.
The present quality of the Dresdner Christstollen was made possible only in
this century due to growing prosperity and with the manufacture of refined and
first-rate ingredients. Soon it was exported all over the world. Since then the
confection has fulfilled many a Christmas wish and conveys unique regards
from Dresden and its surroundings.
Even though a basic recipe exists for the preparation of the genuine Dresdner
Christstollen, every master baker or confectioner has his own inherited family
secret. Only one unwritten law, based on custom and precedent, is present in
every artistic concern: professional knowledge, choice ingredients from foreign
countries and mysterious spices to be
blended into a perfect pastry.
We wish you a happy Christmas and enjoy
your Stollen!
GREEN PAGE
16
“ Namaqualand” on our Doorstep.
To everyone interested in discovering the new
paradise mentioned above, follow these instructions: Exit from the Lutheran Gardens
gate, turn right, and walk to Military Way. Turn
right again, and follow the footpath for some 50 metres before turning left
(west) into the veld ahead of you. Within minutes you will be in open grassland amidst thousands of yellow flowers (commonly called “sterretjies”). You
are now in a field of plants best known as the African Potato. Botanically the
plant goes by the name of “Hypoxis hemerocallidea”. Below ground is an
enormous bulb the size of a large pineapple. I have measured the growth density of the plants: there are 30 flowering plants per square metre!
The chemical history of the plant reads a bit like a fairy tale. In September
1979 Mr Lieb Liebenberg, an entrepreneur from Johannesburg, walked into
my laboratory at the University in Pietermaritzburg holding two large bulbs
sprouting hairy green leaves. “Asseblief Prof., vind uit wat steek in hierdie
plant ,want dit het my hond, besmet met kanker, weer gesond gemaak”. It was
quite a challenge to isolate and identify the “muthi” which this plant contained
in its bulbs. With my boermeisie assistent from Bloemfontein, Alida Hall (an
M.Sc. student) we set about the task with vigour. On the18th of December 1980
we had isolated about 30mg. of a crystalline compound. Using modern spectroscopic techniques we were able to identify a substance with a chemical structure not previously described. We named it rooperol, since at the time the plant
still went by the name “Hypoxis rooperi”.
Now comes a peculiar twist to the story. Unbeknown to us, Professor Marini
Bettolo, from the University in Rome, had, quite fortuitously collected “our”
plant near the airport runway in Maputo. His plane from Maputo to Rome had
been delayed and his keen eyes spotted this strange plant which he quietly
slipped into his briefcase! His group also set about examining the chemistry of
the plant and they published their findings a short few months before our publication appeared. Both of us came up with the identical structure. We were so
excited about this coincidence that Mr. Liebenberg and I took the next possible
flight to Rome. Needless to say we had a jolly time celebrating our findings.
17
GREEN PAGE
Now back to Pietermaritzburg: Lieb, always the entrepreneur, was quick to bring on to the local market a product
from the Hypoxis plant by the name of “Moducare” (which
can be purchased over the counter from any pharmacy).
Clincal trials carried out by a Cape pharmaceutical firm had
shown that sterols from Hypoxis activate the immune system
against possible infections. Subsequent tests on pure rooperol showed that the
substance was not toxic to humans, but acted as an effective ant-oxidant. This
is a word often bandied about without knowing what it really means. In simple
terms anti-oxidants “neutralise” substances produced by the human body called
‘’free radicals”. It is these free radicals that play an important role in preventing, or alleviating ageing (no more wrinkles !)
And finally: Some of you, particularly teenagers and students, will be familiar
with the popular breakfast cereal (on the shelves at Pick and
Pay) by the name of “Future Life”. Read the label carefully and
you will see it contains, amongst others, components from the
Hypoxis plant. So, take a bow “sterretjie”. You do more than
just being a pretty face in the green veld.
Siegfried Drewes
THANK YOU
Our grateful thanks to all who donated money towards the baking of biscuits
for the Advent Sale. This money helped to pay for the main ingredients used:
17Kg Butter/Margarine,
28.5Kg Sugar,
78Kg Flour,
120 eggs,
36Kg Syrup and Honey
2.5Kg Pecan Nuts
- not to mention Baking Powder, Spices, Cocoa, Icing sugar packaging
material etc. etc.
Das Impulse Redaktionskomitee wünscht euch
allen ein frohes und gesegnetes Weihnachtsfest
und Gottes Schutz und Geleit für das Jahr 2014
The Impulse Editorial Team wishes everyone a
blessed Christmas and God’s
guidance and protection in the year 2014
Curd Sievers, Marianne Hellberg,
Monika Wittenberg, Monika Deppe,
Judi Gertenbach.
18
Thank you & Hospital Visitation
Hospital Visiting Ministry for November 2014
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
26/10
27/10
28/10
29/10
30/10
31
1
M. Van Niekerk
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
E-A Uken
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
P. Summersgill
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
W. Schulze
23
24
25
26
27
28
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E&O
Engelbrecht
When Basil died we were showered with love and sympathy. We thank
everybody for all the kind acts of condolences.
Signe Allen
Liebe Familie Röhrs, liebe Gemeinde Mitglieder,
Hiermit möchten wir uns alle recht herzlich bedanken für die groβzügigen
Spenden die für Angelique beim Gottesdienst am 19. Oktober 2014
eingenommen wurden. Es ist für uns eine groβe Ehre, daβ so an das Schicksal
der kleinen Angelique gedacht wird.
Am 6. November 2014 wird sie im Red Cross Hospital, Kapstadt von
Spezialisten untersucht und da wird sich entscheiden was gemacht werden
kann.
Euch allen eine schöne Adventszeit, gesegnete Weihnachtzeit und alles Gute
fürs „Neue Jahr“.
Ganz herzlichst,
Eure Schröder Familie.
Zu meinem Geburtstag am 12.Oktober überreichte Waltraut mir
ein Geschenk von Trockenobst von der Gemeinde. Ich danke
recht herzlich dafür. Auch unserem Victor danke ich für die Andacht etwas später.Nach meiner Rückenoperation bekam ich soviel
Besuch, so viele Anrufe und Karten! Auch dafür danke ich euch
allen.Nun wünschen Erich und ich euch jedem eine gesegnete Advents- und Weihnachtszeit!
Eure Irmela Oltmann
Council & Portfolios
19
Wal Bornheimer - 033 3472471 / 082 9201722
[email protected] or
[email protected]
Chairman: Communication. Employees, Duty Rosters (Consolidation of lists), Flower/Tea/
Welcomers List, Statistical return, NPO report, Monthly and Annual Calendar, 80+ Birthdays,
Council Window,
Pastoral: Funerals/Memorial Services, Prayer Ministry, Hospital Visiting, Children’s Church
Key- and Service Helpers, Hayfields Churches Network
Ernst-August Uken 033 3968221
Deputy Chairman:
Relationships: Kenosis, Lutheran Gardens, Partnership, All Lutheran Committee, Lutheran
Theological Institute, Mission Committee,
Craig Merryweather 083 4436953
Treasurer:
Financial Matters: Finance, Asset Register and stock taking
Annette Pfeiffer 033 3441963 / 083 2323964
Secretary:
Support Services: Music Groups (Brass Band, Choir, Worship Team, Organ, Music under the
Cross),
Impulse, Multi Media
Frank Böcking 082 7995797
Life Groups: Men’s Guild, Youth Work – Young Adults & LYF, Seniors’, House Groups
Arthur St John-Ward 033 3862980 / 082 8775959
Property Cemetery, Wall of Memory, Maintenance (buildings, grounds, vehicles), General
Equipment, Security, Fire equipment, Vehicles & Transport
Wards & Care – All Councillors together with the Ward Leaders
Fund Raising Events – members of the Wards responsible to take charge
Funerals – Councillor in charge of the Ward to which the deceased belonged
- Ward is responsible for the refreshments.
Weddings -Councillor in charge of the Ward to which member belongs.
Support Fund: Chairman, Vice-chairman, Treasurer, Pastor
Ward Leaders:
Edgar & Karin Ortmann, - 033 3303741
Annette Pfeiffer -033-3441963
Frank Böcking -0827995797
Anita Harms - 073 3705554
Wal Bornheimer - 033-3472471
Arthur St John Ward - 033 3862980
Ernst-August Uken - 033 3968221
Robert & Ronell Wichmann - 031 7811714 and
Carl & Christine Seele - 033 2510602
Ward 9 Monika van Niekerk, - 033 3966883
Ward 1
Ward 2
Ward 3
Ward 4
Ward 5
Ward 6
Ward 7
Ward 8
Craig Merryweather - 083 4436953
20
Quick reference
Pastor Victor Röhrs 033 3961953 Cell: 083 2871264
Pastor Petra Röhrs 033 3961953 Cell: 083 3812012
E-mail: [email protected]
Life Line:
033 3944444
AIDS Helpline: 0800 012 322
Office Secretary: 033 3965169 (office hours only)
Contact Times: Mon. – Friday: 08:00 to 13:00
Postal Address: P.O. Box 100074, Scottsville 3209
Fax: 0865510014
E-mail: [email protected]
Physical Address: 2 Bester Road, Hayfields, Pietermaritzburg
Children’s Church: Heather Drews
Kids’ Club: Petra Röhrs
Youth: Petra Röhrs
Choir: Rona Hagedorn
Brass Band: Thomas Ammann
Worship Team: Linda Reibeling
Partnership: Erlo Drews
Men’s Breakfast:
Synod Representatives:
Todani Moyo
Valentin Volker
033 3962814
033 3961953
033 3961953
033 3964001
033 3963322
072 4212075
033 3962814
0825515705
033 3968259
Webpage of ELCSA(N-T) : www.elcsant.org.za
Bank Account:
Bank: First National Bank, Hayfields Branch
Branch Code: 22-14-25
Name: Evangelical Lutheran Congregation
Account Number:
5677 111 28 48
Local page of our congregation is linked to this webpage under the
Southern Circuit Congregations
Impulse Newsletter:
E-mail contributions: [email protected] or
[email protected]
or P.O. Box 100074, Scottsville, 3209
Closing Date for next issue 7 December 2014
(Registered as a Non-Profit Organisation: No.: 053-095-NPO)