Three-day feast to welcome hip new church wing

A HIP young sister in the Anglican family makes her debut among charismatic churches in East London today.

The Bernard Mizeki Parish of the Anglican Diocese of Grahamstown in Scenery Park is staging a threeday launch for the Iviyo Lofakazi Bakakristu ministry.

The celebratory introduction to the new ministry’s programmes, which will be fed by a donated ox, aims to attract the youth and those who prefer a more charismatic church, as opposed to the traditional ceremonies performed by the Anglican church.

Interim chairperson Thobela Mgatyelwa stressed that the new programme is an addition, not a replacement of the traditional church service. “We have 22 dioceses in our province and until now there were only eight to have implemented the new wing in their church, so today we are the ninth.

“In Mthatha, where the programme is already running, the church there calls the programme Abavakalisi, and here we will be called Umbutho Wabavuseleli.”

Mgatyelwa said the launch, comprising ongoing praise and worship with an upbeat band and instrumentals, was not restricted to Anglicans. “We want to make church exciting so the youth can come and praise God in a manner that they can enjoy.”

Thamsanqa Ncapayi, part of the organising committee of the launch, was excited.

“This programme has been warmly received by our congregates and we expect to attract more people to our church.

“The new programme will be implemented every Sunday after the traditional church ceremony, which means we will be spending more time praising our mighty Lord.”

Lakululeka Isizwe Federation of Churches head Mandla Makinana donated the ox. Tickets are on sale at the gate at R150 for adults, R50 for students and R20 to Sunday Scholars.

“For visitors from afar, accommodation will be provided,” said Ncapayi. —