Partnership Germany trip 2016

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REPORT ON TLHABANE CIRCUIT PARTNERSHIP VISIT TO HANNOVER 1. PURPOSE The purpose of this report is to provide feedback on the Circuit Partnership visit to Hannover North West, Germany from the 8th- 24th May 2016. A report prepared for presentation to the Circuit Council meeting. 2.BACKGROUND The visit to Hannover emanates the long standing 38 years. Partnership relations between Tlhabane Circuit and Hannover North West Circuit which happens through bi-annual exchange visits. The journey started with the following attached picture and the visit story shared in a newspaper article with the local papers (herald & platinum news).

The delegation left OR Tambo, Johannesburg on Sunday the 8th, via Istanbul for a connecting flight to Hannover, that landed at 12:00 midday the 9 th May 2016, to a warm welcome service led by Dean Schmidt and Pastor Oelif Koritz. The delegation was as follows: 1. The Dean of the Circuit: Pastor Neo Mogorosi 2. Circuit Partnership Chairperson: Mrs Sheila Matlhabadie 3. Tlaseng Parish Partnership chairperson: Mr Daniel Mosima 4. Kopano Parish Partnership Chairperson: Mr Silas Molete, 5. Antiogia Parish Partnership Chairperson: Mrs Lesego Khutsoane 6. Antiogia Parish &Circuit Young Adults League Chairperson: Mr Jonathan Motsosi

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3. 10th – 11thMAY The first two days were based on a site seeing and outreach programmes sessions, outlining of the program, followed by a tour to the following institutions: 1. Tour of Herrenhausen church, where the delegation was exposed to a demonstration of their 49yrs old organ and the experience of ringing of the bells. This was followed by the visit to the Herrenhausen garden with beautiful landscape and fountains. The evening was concluded by attending a confirmation class with Rev Koritz. 2. Dean Mckee centre for the homeless providing amazing selfless Diaconate programs (caters refugees from Europe,Afghanistan, Romania, Poland & North Africa for food, medical assistance and relevant referrals) 3. A visit to a great and organised diaconic project of clothing bank under Rev Brandes. Apostle church-Dean Schmidt`s home church visit (Evident fruit of partnership, Pastor Christine Schroeder, Dean Mogorosi`s protégé). The day concluded by a visit to Bodelschwing confirmation class. 4. A visit to the church ran kinder-garden, Archekindergarten

Welcome tea meeting

Orientation of the church organ

Queens garden

Kindergarden visitation

4. Partnership Dinner Meeting The delegation met for dinner at Bodelswing, the following were agreed upon: 

Hannover wanted clarity from the delegation on the proposal of moving from parish to parish partnership to circuit-circuit one based on the challenges at Hannover of the shrinking church

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membership from 490 000 to 190 000 currently. Consensus reached but parishes could still continue to communicate not to abruptly cut ties. 

Youth exchange program: 2-parishes from Hannover to extend invite to Tlhabane circuit youth, Hannover to find out the entire logistics and communicate accordingly.

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Documentation and accessibility of history of the partnership emphasised.

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Hannover enquired of the ongoing projects for support in needs and resources allow. The following were listed: o Rebuilding of a household at a burned home at Koster parish, o Bible campaign of giving school children the bibles in the fight against Satanism, o Donation towards a campaign on the Increase a Pastor campaign, that will offer student pastors bursaries,

At the end of the session Dean Schmitz wished the delegation farewell and a good time towards the conference as he could not make it due to some work commitments. He was presented with gifts from Tlhabane circuit by Mrs L Khutsoane.

5. 12th -15th MAY CONFERENCE AT STEPHANSTIFT: This conference was arranged by ELM Hermannsburg, facilitated by Revs Stefanie & Michael Fendler. On opening the importance of the conference, partnership and reformation were emphasized. Was indicated that the bishop and Minister-President (Premier) will grace the Pentecost service on Sunday. Conference was attended by the following 

South Eastern diocese: Ondini,Umngeni, Umfolozi, Umvoti circuits

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Western Diocese: Tlhabane circuit

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Eastern diocese: Igwa

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Ethiopia.

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German partners of the above circuits.

The first afternoon was spend on a guided tour around the Stephanstift – Evangelical Institute that hosted the event. Has a rich history with Transformation from “stout school” to Hannover basic and advanced training centre. Also various activities aimed at getting to know and introduce participants and their various partnerships. Each day began with morning and ended with an evening devotions at a chapel. Where our Dean also took part in the proceedings. 6. Thematic Discussions Partnership Germany trip 2016

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6.1 Keynote: The Reformation – an event which started a social transformation, by Rev M Thiel, the Director of ELM He focused and reflected on the following: 

Reformation – a personal matter,

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Reformation – a movement within the church

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Reformation – a question of power,

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Treatise on Christian liberty (1520) loss of liberty, Freedom of religion, education

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Impulses of the reformation into the society - education, social responsibility,

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Traces of reformation in the world

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Ecclea simper reformanda – “the church must always be reformed”

6.2 Flight and Migration: Tobias Schafer – ELM Advocacy The presentation was based on the challenge for church and society whilst providing facts and figures 

59,5 million people forcibly displaced across the globe, where 19,5m are refugees, 38,2m IDPs and 1,8m asylum seekers,

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Indication of where these people comes from (highest from: Syria, Aghghanistan & Somalia)

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Indicate where they go,

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Perspective of Ethiopia & RSA

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Status in Germany/EU

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Reasons why people leave their homes

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Possible what needs to be done?

6.3 Reformation and Transformation: Ms Eszter Kalitz A Romanian scholar who gave a well-researched perspective on Hungary and Romania. Demonstration of tolerance towards various doctrines: Catholism, Lutheran etc. 6.3.1 Brain gain & brain drain: Dr Cornelia Johnsdorf Demonstration of economic migration, looking for job opportunities. Illustrating also the complications of tax laws and compliance. 6.3.2 Peace and Conflict: Ms Anita This gave a relationship on how conflict and contribute to flight and migration. Partnership Germany trip 2016

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6.3.3 Gender: Mrs Kanjo – A Deacon student from Botswana Highlighted trauma issues that women encounter in the process: Rape, sexually transmitted diseases, human trafficking, etc 6.3.4 Socio-economic reasons for flight & migration: Demonstrate the socio-economic reasons and how Africa suffered where the North utilised resources from the South. 6.4 Identity & Inter-culturalism, Reconciliation and Flight & Migration Topics for discussion were sent to each delegation long in advance to prepare a presentation based on its context. Unfortunately there were more than one invites to ELCSA partners and in the abscence of information on the other partners could not coordinate on sharing of the topics, Tlhabane circuit however prepared for all the RSA topics. These were well crafted and researched presentation which rally put the circuit on the map, well done to the team. The presentations given by Mr Jonny Motsosi were crafted as follows: 

Reflecting on what the bible says on a specific theme,

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Provide statistical background,

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Provide situation in the country

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Provide situation in the church.

The conference from time to time would be divided into smaller groups to further discuss some of the issues and came for feedback sessions. There was one group which spontaneously sprang from the floor as follows: 6.5 Homosexuality and the Church The group had the opportunity to present on Homosexuality and the church. The approach was: What does the bible say about homosexuality. However, the Bible does not describe homosexuality as a “greater” sin than any other. All sin is offensive to God. Homosexuality is just one of the many things listed in 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that will keep a person from the kingdom of God. According to the Bible, God’s forgiveness is just as available to a homosexual as it is to an adulterer, idol worshipper, murderer, thief, etc. God also promises the strength for victory over sin, including homosexuality, to all those who will believe in Jesus Christ for their salvation (1 Corinthians 6:11; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Philippians 4:13). We serve the King that loves each one of us unconditionally, God loves all sinners, God hates sin. He remains the judge and our task is to pray for one another 7. Lessons from the Discussions Whilst there are many lessons drawn from the discussions, the following can be shared. Reformation: The reformation in its different developments always gave a strong impulse to the education of the whole of society. Education should be no longer only the privilege of the wealthy. Because of Partnership Germany trip 2016

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theological reasoning the task of the education became a Christian responsibility for the ruling powers and the state. The educational impulse is still regarded today to a large extent as keys for development, justice, sharing and sustainability. The reformation refers us to the origins of Christian communities. Their emphasis was on the relief of the poor. Diaconal work is one column of the protestant churches and wins a growing support in the worldwide Lutheran family (church). The church must always be reformed. Flight & migration: Flight & Migration is currently one of the key focal points of development in Hannover, the wider Europe, and other countries like South Africa and America. In Germany, an integrated, coordinated approach is in place to receive refugees from Afghanistan, Syria, Ethiopia, Russia, etc. We salute the Lutheran church for the active Partnership roles they play with the Government to ensure that Diaconate Centres are prioritizing refugees` needs. Residential sites are being developed specifically for refugees. Some of the existing structures are being converted to share units to accommodate refugees and their families. It was so interesting to learn how other issues like Socio-economic, gender can affect the migration pattern of the society.

8. Bible Study – Mathew 25,35 This is a scripture which says “i was a Stranger and you invited me in” this was the last activity of the Stephanstift activities hoping to drive home biblical impulses for current issues. 9. 15th May 2016 – Pentecost Sunday The whole conference members attended 2-church services as follows: 

Morning service at Market church/Marktkirche in Hannover. The service was conducted in a typical German tradition from start to finish. Dean NE Morogosi took part during holy communion. Afterwards members were taken on the tour of the church and learned of its rich history.

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Afternoon service at Stephanstift chapel. Choir of blind students….? Rendered musical items, Bishop Ralf Meister the sermon, offering done RSA tradition with singing of choruses, Dean NE Mogorosi took part in intersection prayers, congregation was blessed with the address by the Minister-President Stephen Weil of Lower-Saxony. He gave a moving talk relevant to the reformation theme and challenged all churches to reflect on how reformatory thinking can inspire us today to practice justice, peace and caring for the creation. Especially driven by the Holy spirit that poured us on that Sunday.

NB: Important observation was that Pentecost is taken very serious by the state to an extend that Monday becomes a holiday. Partnership Germany trip 2016

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Dean Mogorosi during intersection

Minister-President addressing the congregation

16-18th May Wittenberg – Luthercity visit 10. Reformation route A visit to the museums, Luther`s, Melanchton and Cranach houses, the Castle Church as well as the Luther Garden at the tree number 276 of ELCSA. We learned a lot about Luther and other reformists in relation to the traditions, customs and habits that ruled the church then as well as the era of reformation that presented the bible as the highest order. Martin Luther desperately searching for peace with God as the monastery did not give that to him. Partnership brought fruit of reformation in SA. Luther, Melanchton and Lukas Cranach worked to reform through leadership. Indeed a befitting experience and a life changer to walk the path of reformists and witness the burial sites of Luther and Melanchton inside the church. 11. Dialogue on Luther decade and Reformation Jubilee This was organized with various stakeholders from Protestant church and ELM on why we commemorate 500yrs. That it is a celebration of Christian liberation by faith alone through the Grace of the Lord. Discussions touched on Lutherans and Catholics joined celebrations. Further elaborated on major activities of 2017.

19th-24th May The last days were spent back in Hannover and more relaxed from busy schedules of the past few days. The following were visited: 

A visit to flats that hosts refugees after their registration, it is both sponsored by the government and the church has got a critical role it plays. EKD tour where the delegation met with the Bishop Klaus Burkhart responsible for Africa. Where delegates were explained on the role of the centre. Also brought to light was the 2-recently books written on the German protestant church in colonial Southern Africa from 1920. Followed by another visit to a diaconic clothing bank chamber and a district management for hosting and integration of refugees.

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EKD visit

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Outside the district management centre

A visit to Christchurch with Rev Sonnenburg, orientation of the members around the rich artistic history of the church, oh what a wonderful design and multiple use of the church given the decline of membership. A visit to the Disabled peoples workshop, this followed by a sight seeing around Hannover in a Historical bus. The day concluded with the bible study session with Rev Gundlack.

Christchurch artistic impression

Site seeing in a historical bus

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The Saturday started slow with hosts and later a singing practice session with Cantor Hagedorn, followed by the barbecue and network session.

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Sunday service was held at the Luther church, were delegates continue to implore African way of service during offering and cherry on top was when Dean NE Mogorosi baptized a child the African way. Mrs SH Matlhabadie was given the opportunity to thank the hospitality received during the stay. The delegation were presented with individual gifts and circuit posters, before blessings.

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The last day was the longest of them all as we departed in the evening but had to wake up in the early morning. The delegation was taken through to the other newly occupied flats of refugees, and had a presentation on how the city manages the refugees. This was followed by feedback session with Dean Schmidt and a farewell prayer service.

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Goodbye service

Dean at work

Recommendations 1. Parishes to do serious introspection on the fruits of Reformation as follows: Before Reformation traditions, customs and habits ruled the church church, priests, Saints, Virgin Mary are mediators God’s love has to be earned good works only theologians can read and teach the Bible hierarchy rule by priests politics and church are interlinked service in church is more worthy structured by rules for clergy , upper class and monastries traditional Latin liturgy Holy Communion Psalms were sung

Reformation The Bible is the highest authority

Post Reformation/Today

only Christ is mediator between God and humankind God’s love is offered as a gift justification by faith translation of the Bible in German: everyone should read fellowship of believers politics and church have to be separated any serious job can be a service for your neighbour and for God responsibility towards God schools for everyone to be established service in German language Preaching new Hymns were composed

2. Parishes and Leagues urged to improve on the publicity hype of the celebration within our church yards, 3. Based on the German model of dealing with handling of the refugees process, the church through its participation at SACC urge the government to improve handling of the refugees in a beter systematic way to also manage their integration to the society and avoid conflicts/xenophobic attacks.

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4. Urge the church as it continues to pray for the SACC theme: South Africa we pray for, kindly increase the scope to cover the factors that causes displacement of people around the world (wars, poverty, etc) 5. Parishes to demonstrate Matthew 25,35 and have a system of welcoming and integrating migrants/refugees in our parishes- charity begins at home, 6. To urge the church to speak on crucial societal issues like Homosexuality, 7. ELM emphasized importance of MOUs between partners: Tlhabane/Hannover MOU Issues: 

Continuous communication (personal, parish-parish & partnership)

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Sharing prayer items for continuously praying for each other,

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Revisit the current Diaconate activity given more co-ordinated German model on “Clothing bank” to liase with Young Adults on their KPA: collaboration and develop a model that will benefit the circuit.

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Partnership to influence reformation issues for sustenance and inclusivity of the church, this will include support on the following programmes – Bible project and Increase Pastor bursary fund.

8. Having experienced the Wittenberg feel of reformation, would be so beneficial for all Pastors to go via that route either through exchange programme, Refresher courses, part of curriculum at Theology School. Matter to be taken through by relevant structure: Ministerial Council. Gratitude Special gratitude to the selfless commitment and took us around during our stay over and above our hosts: 

Susanne and Roland Pech

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Franz Christian Jonas

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Dean Karl Schmidt

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Heike Krenzein

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Isa Brummer

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Family Schmidt

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Gonarnd

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Rev Oelif Koritz

By His Grace the delegation arrived well and safe. DANKE Partnership Germany trip 2016

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Partnership Germany trip 2016

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