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AFTER THE FLOODS – EQUIPPING YOUTH LEADERS IN CARE FOR CREATION The Anglican Diocese of Mzimvubu had their one-day training for Youth and Sunday School leaders on Friday the 9th of August at the Diocesan Centre in Kokstad.  The day started off with a reflection on the current state of affairs. We looked at the impact of climate change and reflected on the economic impact on young people.  Young people, as per Africa tradition will have to provide for their families and as less crops are grown in rural areas, young urban people will take the strain of sending more cash home. We also looked at the theology of Caring for Creation. God said that all He made is good, but now we see destruction.  We also looked at the recent floods experienced in the Archdeaconries of Mbizana and Mt Frere and how the people have been left to now rebuild their homes , those in agriculture lost their vegetables  and livestock . The workshop led by Bino Makalanyane and Yolanda Mcaula equipped the youth leaders to use the new youth manual – Care for Creation. Time was spent in building compassion on God’s Creation, as we believe without compassion the leaders won’t prioritize the manuals, during this time we looked at the spiritual connection and then moved on to how kids best learn. The leaders then became kids where we divided into groups and did different sessions using the manual. This day was full of action, laughter and joy. When all was done, one of the youth leaders said it’s amazing how the manual is structured and believes that it will help them have more impactful youth ministries at their Parish.

THE DIOCESE OF KHAHLAMBA CHOOSES YOUNG WOMAN TO HEAD UP ENVIRONMENTAL MINISTRY The Diocese of Khahlamba held its strategic meeting on Environmental Ministry Bishop Moses challenged the gathering with a strong biblical message to be stewards and caretakers of the Earth.  Inspired by the Eco bishops gathering he is determined that his Diocese will implement key actions on the Environment. Rev Rachel Mash gave a challenging overview of the impact of climate change on drought and floods rising food prices and instability – as well as the impact of plastic on the land, oceans and our health. A powerful structure was elected, with Sinazo Songca as the Environmental Coordinator.   As Rev Rachel said “ the older generation were called to be stewards of the Earth and we have failed Now young people are being raised up to be healers of the Earth” A core team was elected and reps will be chosen by each organisation.  Archdeaconry reps will also be selected. Watch this space!!!

Manual Training in the Diocese of George On the 27 July 2019 a Youth Leader and Sunday School Teachers workshop took place in the Diocese of George, which was led by Bino Makhalanyane and John-Paul Roberts (JP). The workshop was hosted by the parish of St Alban’s in Pacaltsdorp. The training was an eye opener for many who came to realise the impact of climate change on the world of today. The workshop started off with a devotion from Fr. James, where everyone was challenged to think about how we treat creation. This was then followed up by a video and a bible study around restoration. The youth leaders’ manual training was led by Bino. It was a time of interaction as they looked at areas where mankind have hurt earth in local communities. The group learned on how best they can make use of the new Care for Creation Youth manual, the five T’s (Tune-in, Touch, Talk, Think & Review, Take-action). The Sunday school teachers’ manual training was led by JP and was a time of social interaction in the forms of discussion. Covering the purpose of the manual and the structure for weekly lessons. It was a great time of sharing whereby teachers, shared their desires and struggles and how the manual will help. The weekend ended off on a high as the Sunday Eucharist at St. Alban’s was about Biodiversity to close off their Season of Creation. This was so fitting especially with the regards to the training that took place the day before. We would like to say a big thank you Fr. Edwin and the church wardens for allowing us to come and use the church, and a special thank you to Jermaine for helping the Green Anglican team. May God continue to flourish your community with many blessings as you continue to do the work that you do. JP Roberts We appreciate the support of CTEET and the Table Mountain fund for this programme

SUNDAY SCHOOL AND YOUTH LEADERS TRAINING IN MATLOSANE A vibrant group of Sunday School teachers and Youth leaders met for a workshop on Care for Creation in Matlosane. Sunday School teachers were taught by Rev Rachel Mash using the manual ‘Ryan the Rhino “ Manual in a fun interactive session. At some stages the teachers became children and a lot of laughter followed! The manual covers the story of Creation and looks at littering, saving water, climate change, tree planting and other environmental issues Youth leaders from across the Diocese were trained by Bino Makhalanyane and Kgowe Moleme on how to use the new “Care for Creation” Manual  which involves interactive sessions looking at the roots of environmental challenges and how we as the church can respond.

LEADERSHIP TRAINING IN LESOTHO The leaders of youth organizations were called together by the Diocesan Youth Chaplain  to be trained in Care for Creation Leaders from the Servers Guild, St Agnes, St Mary Magdalene, Anglican Youth , Youth Brigade and others gathered to learn skills to help them teach their youth to deal with issues such as little, land degradation and climate change. Rev Rachel Mash and Bino Makalanyane led the workshop using two manuals – the Ryan the Rhino Manual for Sunday School and younger children and the Care for Creation Manual for teenagers A lot of fun was had in the interactive workshop and we look forward to hearing how the young people will take the issues forward

Green Anglicans attend the Laudato Si Conference, Nairobi It is now four years since the release of the encyclical letter, Laudato Si’, On Care for Our Common Home, by Pope Francis on May 25, 2015. In the Encyclical, Pope Francis calls on all people to be united by the planet that they share to be involved in creating a new dialogue about the future of the planet.   On this occasion, UN Environment’s Faith for Earth Initiative – along with partners including CYNESA (The Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa), WWF Regional Office for Africa, and the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development is organizing a two-day conference on 15-16 July 2019 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi. The conference will have speakers who will provide a scientific perspective on the current state of the world and talk about the importance of youth engagement. It will address urgent needs and opportunities in Africa and showcase best practice across the continent and the role of youth leadership and innovation. It will be a forum for deeper reflection on Catholic and other faiths’ social teachings on care for the creation from an African perspective but enriched by global perspectives. This conference is about creating hope and provides a platform for faith organizations, youth and indigenous people to share their views and speak with one voice. Rev Massy Walas from Zimbabwe and Irene Sebastian Waweru are representing the Anglican Church at the conference of 400 young people.