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From the 28th till 30th of March 2025 the Diocese of Kimberley and Kuruman held its first Green Anglican Eco-Champions workshop, at the Cathedral Church of St Cyprian the Martyr in Kimberly, marking a major advancement in environmental awareness. In keeping with the Anglican Church of Southern Africa’s Fifth Mark of Mission: “To strive to safeguard the integrity of creation and sustain and renew the life of the earth,” this groundbreaking event brought together parishioners, clergy, and lay leaders to strengthen their commitment to environmental stewardship. The purpose of the workshop was to equip the participants with theological insights and practical tools to address and advocate for pressing environmental issues. The workshop explored what is Green Anglican in the province, eco-theology, highlighting biblical commands to care for creation and the interconnectedness between environmental deterioration and social challenges. The workshop concluded with participants being tasked with leading environmental initiatives in their respective communities, organisations and parishes. The diocesan Green Anglican Coordinator Ven. Rev Hove viewed the workshop as a step forward to a more sustainable and  equitable future not only in the church but in our communities. By Refilwe Ferrelson  

From 20 to 22 March 2025, God’s Way of Farming hosted a three-day training program at Nyavani focused on the intersection of spirituality, management, and technology in sustainable farming. Led by passionate trainers and embraced by the local MU members from the Vhembe Archdeaconry in the Diocese of St Marks the Evangelist, church members, and the wider Nyavani community, the training emphasized the biblical principles of stewardship through. Day 1: Spiritual Foundations for Sustainable Farming The session opened with 17 MU women in attendance. Karla, the trainer, introduced the concept of “Farming God’s Way,” grounding the practice in scripture—Acts 20:30 and Luke 6:38. She structured her message around four key principles: The day ended with a practical demonstration comparing conventional farming to “Farming God’s Way,” focusing on setting high, Godly standards in all agricultural efforts. Day 2: Restoration and Responsible Practice Attendance grew on Day 2, with 16 MU women, 5 Anglican men, and 12 local community members. From 08h00 to 16h00, participants engaged in teachings on restoration and preparation techniques. Key Lessons: Staggered Planting (Rotational Farming):Participants learned about planting in a Fruit-Leaf-Root (FLR) cycle (e.g., beans, spinach, beetroot/spring onion). It was noted that maize should always be planted next to beans, as beans naturally enrich the soil with nitrogen—demonstrating God’s perfect design. A “Garden of Remembrance” was planted during the practical session using this method. Making Compost (2 Corinthians 9:8):High-standard compost is made using specific layers: Compost must be turned in after 10 days, then every 3 days. Temperature should be maintained between 50–60°C. Day 3: Good Life Through Godly Farming On the final day, the focus shifted to planting with spiritual awareness, management, and appropriate technology. Scripture readings included Genesis 1:29, Ecclesiastes 3:11, Isaiah 51:3, John 3:16, and Galatians 5:22–23, among others. Highlights: Conclusion The training was well-received, with high participation and engagement from the MU and the Nyavani community. The sessions effectively merged biblical teachings with practical agricultural knowledge, reinforcing the call to steward the earth faithfully and joyfully. Participants left empowered—not just with skills, but with a renewed vision of farming as worship, restoration, and a pathway to sustainable livelihoods. By: Mme Sefularo Ramohale MU Eco-Champ Mrs Ramohale Training in session

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”. – 1 Corinthians 10:31 The way we prepare our food impacts the environment, and by making small changes, we can reduce waste, save energy, and honor God’s gift of the Earth. Eco-Friendly Cooking Tips Use Energy-Efficient Appliances – Choose energy-saving stoves, ovens, and microwaves. Cooking with pressure cookers and slow cookers uses less energy than traditional methods. Cook in Batches – Preparing meals in larger quantities saves time, energy, and reduces waste. Reheating uses less energy than cooking from scratch every time. Eat More Plant-Based Meals – Reducing meat consumption lowers greenhouse gas emissions, conserves water, and reduces deforestation. Choose Local and Seasonal Foods – Supporting local farmers reduces transportation emissions and ensures fresher, healthier food. Reduce Food Waste – Plan meals, store food properly, and use leftovers creatively to minimize waste. Remember, Jesus taught us to be grateful and not wasteful (John 6:12). Use Sustainable Cooking Methods – Opt for steaming, boiling, or stir-frying over deep frying, which requires more energy and oil. Switch to Eco-Friendly Fuel – If possible, use renewable energy sources, such as solar cookers or electric induction stoves, which are more energy-efficient than gas or wood. Compost Food Scraps – Instead of throwing away peels and leftovers, compost them to create natural fertilizer. By cooking in a way that respects God’s creation, we help protect the environment, improve our health, and set an example of responsible stewardship. Let’s glorify God through our daily actions, even in the kitchen! 🍃🍽️🔥

It was a weekend filled with jubilation as members of the Mothers’ Union across the Anglican Church of Southern Africa celebrated their Annual Lady Day a day, also known as the Feast of the Annunciation, is a significant day for the Mothers’ Union (MU) since 1897, celebrated annually on March 25th, as a day of prayer, intercession, and thanksgiving day which took place on the weekend of 30 March 2025. The Diocese of Johannesburg marked the occasion by planting a tree after the church service at the Cathedral of St. Mary and St. Joseph in central Johannesburg as a symbol of hope. The event was graced by Mothers’ Union Provincial President Mme Meisie Lerutla, Diocesan President Siphokazi Maqhina, Diocesan Bishop, the Right Revd Dr. Steve Moreo, Diocesan Mothers’ Union Chaplain, and Mme Pama, the Worldwide Vice President of the Girls’ and Boys’ Friendly Society, together with diocesan representatives. In the Diocese of Grahamstown, the Alice Archdeaconry celebrated Lady Day with tree planting and water education, led by a Mothers’ Union eco-champion. She demonstrated how mothers could use drip irrigation with plastic bottles to conserve water, a precious resource in the region. In the Diocese of Mpumalanga, the Coalfields Archdeaconry Mothers’ Union celebrated Lady Day in style, with the presence of the MU Chaplain and the Diocesan President. Members planted a tree at the Parish of St. Mary’s KwaGuqa. On the same day, the Lowveld Archdeaconry also marked the occasion by observing National Water Week, hosting an awareness campaign on water conservation. The Diocese of Saldanha Bay also celebrated Lady Day by planting three Olive trees at St Timothy Fractreton Kensington Cape Town.        

The Cape Town Diocesan Family Day took place on Transfiguration Sunday, 2nd March 2025 at St George’s Grammar School. Presided by Bishop Joshua Louw and Preacher, Archbishop Thabo Makgoba. A special collection was taken for the Eluvukweni Church Building project. Congregants gathered from across the Diocese to enjoy the outdoor service and to enjoy the great outdoors. Rev Rachel Mash reminded the people of the beaut of Cape Town as were worshipped to the backdrop of Table Mountain. After the service people picniced and braaied as the young people enjoyed some games (soccer, volleyball, and ) and a kids creativity corner, which was organized by the Diocesan YPM committee with the support of the Anglican Youth Fellowship.