Our Diocesan Companion Link with Natal Journeying together with God in mission
Belonging to the worldwide Anglican Communion:
strengthening the bonds between us faithful to our heritage, seeking a common future learning together in a global world
Where is Natal? The Diocese of Natal is much larger in size, being the southern half of the Province of Kwa-Zulu Natal. To the west is the wonderful Drakensberg mountain range. To the east are the beautiful golden beaches, with Durban, gifted with a huge natural harbour, a busy port for international trade. Then on the borders are extensive game parks and rural communities. Pietermaritzburg is the inland capital.
Why link with Natal? The Southwell-Natal Companion Link began in 2002 after Bishop Rubin and Bishop George and representatives had visited each other s dioceses. Since then we have each formed Link Groups to develop the potential and opportunities… to learn from each other, about our faith, lives, worship, mission, challenges.
to share our skills and resources, to arrange visits by individuals and groups to host visitors in our homes to pray for each other regularly.
The Link is a journeying together into mutual friendship, understanding and care. The Link exists for the benefit of all, not just a few. So any parishes or individuals can share in it. For an initial inquiry make contact with the Companion Link Officer or the Canon Missioner’s Office.
Becoming companions in Christ: reaching out in friendship visiting and sharing our stories encouraging one other discovering our unity and diversity
Being in communion through Christ: praying for each other faithfully worshipping in the Spirit in very different contexts enriching each other's experience of God
Believing in the compassion of Christ: seeking justice and care for the poorest sharing our resources and skills working together in strategic mission bridging cultures and difference
Please pray for our Link
Give thanks for… the faith we share in Jesus Christ; the good news of God's love for all peoples; those who have been faithful in prayer and mission.
Remember… all who face the challenges caused by of HIV/Aids; clergy, lay ministers and congregations in very diverse contexts; the presence of the poor in both of our Dioceses, and the need for justice.
Pray for discernment … to recognise what God is doing among us; how we can encourage, challenge and help each other; to choose the way of Christ in all things.
Natal Link prayer God of heaven and earth, One day peoples from North and South, From East and West will worship and feast together in your kingdom. Draw together with bonds of love the Dioceses of Natal and Southwell. Inspire our friendship, Deepen our fellowship, And help us to challenge each other afresh To witness to your saving love for all the world, Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen
God bless Africa; guide her leaders; guard her people; give her peace.
Contact details
The Revd Canon Graham Pigott for information, speaker's, gifts, tel: 0115 923 3492 email: graham@gjpigott.fsnet.co.uk or Jenny Hodson (Canon Misioner’s Office) for monthly prayer news either by e-mail or post, tel: 01636 817241 email:jenny@southwell.anglican.org
Video
A visit to our link diocese in Natal - November 2007
This news clip appeared on the BBC TVs East Midlands Today in December 2007 and can be viewed below.
